In today's world, there are many independent streams of media that are filtered through various channels; this provides society with an alternative from mainstream media.
The Georgia Straight is a free local newspaper/magazine in Vancouver; printed once a week and features society and lifestyle, entertainment as well as local music, concerts etc. The Straight throws more light on social and political issues, opinion, and tactfully expresses these concerns through witty cartoons. The Straight provides an alternative stream with different perspectives and public opinion compared to mainstream mass media. Alternative media helps diversify and spread content that is otherwise filtered in dominating newspapers.
The music and entertainment section is very comprehensive. Compared to other newspapers, the Straight gives you all the details on local happenings relating to concerts and performances, clubs and artist reviews. The online site www.straight.com allows the public to access the music blog section in which music videos are reviewed with an embedded corresponding youtube video; upcoming artists - who's hot and who's not are also featured. This magazine focuses more on local music and events to promote and support smaller artists and bands. The discourses in music can be extensively debated upon, which the Straight enables the public to challenge by submitting their opinions and concerns.
The urban and youthful approach to the Straight has allowed the mass public to freely express their thoughts and opinions on a variety of topics, making it popular and vibrant.
Reference: http://www.straight.com/
Roshini Sakhrani
Sports and Music coverage-- Where it matters most!
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Sports Pickle- A lighter side of Sports
It takes hard work and a lot of dedication to become a professional athlete at the highest level, and those who do make it are praised all over the media. The media critics, praises, points out the flaws and occasionally insults a professional athlete. I came across a website a little while back that takes another approach to sports and its superstars, that it mocks them in a very clever way. The website I’m talking about is www.sportspickle.com, it’s a website that talks about the big sports teams and clowns at them in a very different approach. The writers for this website understand the game but at the same time are very comical on what they are writing about. What this website is trying to point out is the over analyzing that happens in sports, and to an extent they are right. An example of this on TV after every hockey game that has been played in this year’s playoffs there is a panel that sits and discusses the game and breaks down every single detail in slow motion and tries to explain to its viewers what had had just happened. What the website challenges is the knowledge of the fan watching the sport and the over explaining done by its reporters. Its readers have to understand the sport inner terminology to get their hoaxes otherwise it would seem like a whole bunch of nonsense to the reader. The website also takes shots at the masterminds of the games; I’m talking about the clip board holder the coaches. I read an article a while back on the website in which it to aim at one of the greatest sports coach’s of all time, Phil Jackson. It was joking about his famous triangle offence,(for those of you who may not know the triangle offence is an offence run by three players , hence the name triangle.) well it wasn’t working anymore in the games so one of the writers suggested that Jackson had come out with a new offensive tactic called the octagon offence. The joke here was that the octagon offense would require 8 people to run when the maximum amount of players allowed on the court is 5 per team. Although the website does make fun of sports, their intentions are of good nature and by no means insulting, its articles take a lighter approach to the competitive aspects of sports.
Overall www.sportspickle.com has done wonderfully with its work, and if you enjoy sports as much as me, I would recommend that you check it out! What the website represents is a lighter aspect to the world of sports, its funny and witty making it a fun read. It successful at the topics it targets and if you enjoy sports as much as I do than I recommend that you check it out.
KEEPtheHEAT
Hey guys, John here with my first blog post. What's in store for you guys? Music!...Music, music, music. My blog posts will keep you posted on the greatest masterpieces and will enlighten you to stuff you probably wouldn't otherwise discover.
----But enough rambling, time to get this blog a-rollin'.
Today's lesson: alternative media (No "Rolling Stone Magazine" or big record labels here). So what exactly is this going to be about? Well, obviously KeepTheHeat. Wait...you never heard of them? Sh--y'all got some explaining to do....
I know many of you are like me.You like to watch random videos when you're bored. Well, it was to my delight when a wildlife photographer in Prince Rupert told me to look up "Rupert Owls" that I stumbled upon this--the most relevant video, apparently.
Who says white kids can't rap? All you need is a plastic owl and you're good to go. Or anything for that matter--your favourite Creed album, your favourite movie ("Fever Pitch"), and even reference to your favourite song of all time (ABBA's smash hit, "Dancing Queen"); anything is good material for a rap song, as long as it rhymes. Or so seems to be the priority of some rappers, anyways (Soulja Boy).
But, the best thing is--it's actually a song. Even though it's meant to be a parody on how the pop and "hip hop" industries have made a turn recently, it manages to do whilst sounding exactly the same as every other generic mainstream hip hop song. It sounds like it could even be played on the radio alongside some Soulja Boy and Rebecca Black. What makes it really great is that he pushes the envelope with bizarre lyrics and a random crazy music video, but he still manages to keep his serious attitude throughout, despite how outrageous the whole song is. Just like every mainstream artist in the world, he throws in a random auto-tune section, which completes the structure of a mainstream song, making it the perfect mainstream marvel that it is.
So what's the point of the song? Just to be funny. But it also pokes fun at sensational rap talents such as not Notorious B.I.G., not Tupac, and not Kanye West (Well, okay...maybe the last one, but whatever). It seems nowadays anybody can just grab a camera and make even a slightest effort at making a song, and they will gain popularity from it (Fun fact--many modern pop "stars" have made their debut on YouTube, including Canada's very own Justin Bieber). In fact, it's become so easy that we (all us music-lovers, be it mainstream or not) are all being flooded with extremely generic beats and stunningly shallow lyrics.
Now onto KeeptheHeat specifically. Who is he? Or they? Well, pretty much just a guy named Alex who parodies mainstream music for the most part. He does do some original masterpieces, like the song aforementioned, but even those parody mainstream music in general. Unfortunately, he sold his channel out to a group of people who make videos on his channel now, so his channel's a lot weaker now; the parodies aren't as good, the other people aren't funny, which is unfortunate since his channel has gained tonnes of popularity since this sellout. His old videos are overshadowed. "I Love Rupert"for example was the best video on the entire channel, yet managed to be one of the less popular. I guess you can say that people don't make 'em like that anymore, it's such a shame.
Anyways, I'm gonna cut this off now, gotta down some Tylenol for an uncontrollable cough. Have a nice day, and be sure to enjoy this video as well or I will devour your soul.
tl;dr Keeptheheat is a pretty cool guy eh parodies moosicians and doesn't afraid of anything
-----
----But enough rambling, time to get this blog a-rollin'.
Today's lesson: alternative media (No "Rolling Stone Magazine" or big record labels here). So what exactly is this going to be about? Well, obviously KeepTheHeat. Wait...you never heard of them? Sh--y'all got some explaining to do....
I know many of you are like me.You like to watch random videos when you're bored. Well, it was to my delight when a wildlife photographer in Prince Rupert told me to look up "Rupert Owls" that I stumbled upon this--the most relevant video, apparently.
Who says white kids can't rap? All you need is a plastic owl and you're good to go. Or anything for that matter--your favourite Creed album, your favourite movie ("Fever Pitch"), and even reference to your favourite song of all time (ABBA's smash hit, "Dancing Queen"); anything is good material for a rap song, as long as it rhymes. Or so seems to be the priority of some rappers, anyways (Soulja Boy).
But, the best thing is--it's actually a song. Even though it's meant to be a parody on how the pop and "hip hop" industries have made a turn recently, it manages to do whilst sounding exactly the same as every other generic mainstream hip hop song. It sounds like it could even be played on the radio alongside some Soulja Boy and Rebecca Black. What makes it really great is that he pushes the envelope with bizarre lyrics and a random crazy music video, but he still manages to keep his serious attitude throughout, despite how outrageous the whole song is. Just like every mainstream artist in the world, he throws in a random auto-tune section, which completes the structure of a mainstream song, making it the perfect mainstream marvel that it is.
-----
So what's the point of the song? Just to be funny. But it also pokes fun at sensational rap talents such as not Notorious B.I.G., not Tupac, and not Kanye West (Well, okay...maybe the last one, but whatever). It seems nowadays anybody can just grab a camera and make even a slightest effort at making a song, and they will gain popularity from it (Fun fact--many modern pop "stars" have made their debut on YouTube, including Canada's very own Justin Bieber). In fact, it's become so easy that we (all us music-lovers, be it mainstream or not) are all being flooded with extremely generic beats and stunningly shallow lyrics.
Now onto KeeptheHeat specifically. Who is he? Or they? Well, pretty much just a guy named Alex who parodies mainstream music for the most part. He does do some original masterpieces, like the song aforementioned, but even those parody mainstream music in general. Unfortunately, he sold his channel out to a group of people who make videos on his channel now, so his channel's a lot weaker now; the parodies aren't as good, the other people aren't funny, which is unfortunate since his channel has gained tonnes of popularity since this sellout. His old videos are overshadowed. "I Love Rupert"for example was the best video on the entire channel, yet managed to be one of the less popular. I guess you can say that people don't make 'em like that anymore, it's such a shame.
-----
Anyways, I'm gonna cut this off now, gotta down some Tylenol for an uncontrollable cough. Have a nice day, and be sure to enjoy this video as well or I will devour your soul.
tl;dr Keeptheheat is a pretty cool guy eh parodies moosicians and doesn't afraid of anything
John R.
Monday, May 30, 2011
CJSF FM: Simon Fraser University's radio station.
CJSF FM is not the typical radio station on the FM dial. The first obvious difference is that is not a commercial-station. The content is not at all like what you would find on rock 101.1 or 96.9 jack or even the CBC radion stations. The news stories featured are not ones that one would typically find on radio or television. Major stories like a war may be mentioned but they are just as likely to have a show about a new local business or smaller community events such as small concerts or art exhibitions.
Now this is a sports and music blog so we should chat about that, and CJSF FM has time allotted in its schedule for these topics. Again though, not the typical or mainstream sports teams and musicians are featured. The music played and the musicians featured are nearly always someone that very few people know about. This isn't the station to find pop music, top 40, rock, or hip hop. You will often hear contemporary art music that SFU music students have composed themselves, as well as some classical and underground jazz selections and other world music.
There is time dedicated to sport and athletics but again its not the big names that you will hear about. (The obvious exception right now would be the Vancouver Canucks who are being featured by every newspaper and media source out there, including traffic radio.) Simon Fraser University has a very successful athletics program and the updates on these team's performance as well as interviews with student athletes are broadcast.
CJSF is a good example of alternative media. The content is drastically different than other radio stations in that there isn't a single topic or theme that the station is based on the way that 100.5 the peak, News 1130 and ALL-Traffic 730 are. The content more closely resembles CBC radion however, CJSF goes further than the CBC does when it comes to finding local, smaller, and/or less mainstream stories to fill its air time with.
Now this is a sports and music blog so we should chat about that, and CJSF FM has time allotted in its schedule for these topics. Again though, not the typical or mainstream sports teams and musicians are featured. The music played and the musicians featured are nearly always someone that very few people know about. This isn't the station to find pop music, top 40, rock, or hip hop. You will often hear contemporary art music that SFU music students have composed themselves, as well as some classical and underground jazz selections and other world music.
There is time dedicated to sport and athletics but again its not the big names that you will hear about. (The obvious exception right now would be the Vancouver Canucks who are being featured by every newspaper and media source out there, including traffic radio.) Simon Fraser University has a very successful athletics program and the updates on these team's performance as well as interviews with student athletes are broadcast.
CJSF is a good example of alternative media. The content is drastically different than other radio stations in that there isn't a single topic or theme that the station is based on the way that 100.5 the peak, News 1130 and ALL-Traffic 730 are. The content more closely resembles CBC radion however, CJSF goes further than the CBC does when it comes to finding local, smaller, and/or less mainstream stories to fill its air time with.
Friday, May 27, 2011
Take The Piss
The majority of information that the public receives on sports is through mass media, such as sports broadcasters like Sportsnet or through the sports section of the newspaper. My alternative media source “Take The Piss,” allows the fans and public to interact with one another; they are able to post their views and opinions on this website. When getting sports information through a mass media, you only hear the opinions and viewpoints of the editor of that particular TV station or newspaper. This website allows local and international fans to comment on each others posts, share their own thoughts by writing their own blogs and explore forums. Since this website is open to everyone and anything can be posted on it, it challenges fans and people to stick up for their team. Since negative comments can be made this challenges fans to defend their team and give their opinions on what they believe in the most. I believe http://www.takethepiss.com/ is successful because after exploring the website I realized how people can influence and change other’s opinions.
Written by: Parmvir Mandar
Written by: Parmvir Mandar
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Canuckism in the Lower Mainland
Everybody in the Lower Mainland has felt the effects of the playoffs. Global News coined the term ``Canuckism`` yesterday before the big game. ``Canuckists`` are hungry for a win. They are beer drinking, fun-loving, supporting fans. Mainstream media like Global News shows fans wearing jerseys and cheering before the game. This pre-game media source is very different from the alternative media available during the game. @Vancitybuzz on Twitter is an alternative media source because it really personafies the true character of Canucks fans while giving real time updates of the game. Canucks fans can view those updates and feel closer to the game. @Vancitybuzz is a Canuck fan. The tweets are discourses that challenge anyone who is not a fan. There are inside jokes, like last nights tweet ``Now Cherry will talk about Lalongo and Bieska haha.`` The incorrect pronounciation of two Canuck team members names by Don Cherry allow Canucks fans to laugh. @Vancitybuzz also posted a video of the Canucks in 1994 scoring the 2nd OT goal to win the Western Finals. This statement says that the Canucks have been vindicated. They have a second chance and they will win the cup. This alternative media is good at making Canuck fans pleased. @Vancitybuzz as an alternative media is different from mainstream media because it is able to take an 'in your face' approach when commenting on all things Canucks. Mainstream media cannot have the attitude that alternative media has. If you are a Nashville Predators fan I suggest not following @Vancitybuzz on Twitter because the tweets will challenge your non-canuckist view of the world!
Here is the link tweeted by @Vancitybuzz last night that has video of the goal in 94 http://bit.ly/lhi30x
Written by: Heather Leong
Here is the link tweeted by @Vancitybuzz last night that has video of the goal in 94 http://bit.ly/lhi30x
Written by: Heather Leong
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
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set up and working soon to be blogging amazing things about communications relating to sports and music!
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