Independent study.

I've been thinking about this coming semester and what I'm to do with my schedule. So far I'm enrolled to take Portfolio 2 and Theories. I obviously need another course, but I've been struggling with what to take and why. Until...

Today I talked with a good friend, Krystha, who just graduated from the program and who has a killer internship with an agency in NYC. We spoke about independent studies (she did one) and options for me - and she helped me come up with the idea of doing a study on the promotions and advertising that go into musicians - what works? What doesn't? What's a waste? And I think I'm gonna run with it. I've asked a favorite professor to be my guidance through this possibly eye-opening experience, so I hope she agrees! Do I want to mainly focus on MySpace music garbage, festival promotions, advertising at concerts, etc? Any ideas???

Plus, what a deal to be interning with C3 Presents - I could get some excellent interviews with management, musicians, etc. about what they deem worthy of advertising. My study would be in the format of a blog or video blog through YouTube shorts - something more creative than a paper. (But let's be honest - I LOVE writing papers more than any human, thanks G-ma!)

So, that's what I'm thinking...I have a LOT of details to nail down, but so far I really like where this could end up. I could even do some ACL references and research. Love? I think so!

Robot Love.

An interesting article about the future of product promotion in movies...

Here the author talks about how the movie Wall-E subtly places Apple products throughout the movie (a brief iPod sighting, the sound of an Apple computer booting up when Wall-E is charged.) Rather than shoving products in the faces of movie goers, is this the way of the future?

Side note - Wall-E is darling and thought-provoking. If you haven't seen it yet, go.

Farm!

I got to spend time at Jeff's family farm in Illinois for the 4th of July holiday - check out the photo fun!!!

Boone Pickens.

Congrats to oilman T. Boone Pickens for a successful launch of his new wind energy plan to reduce the U.S.'s dependency on oil. What an amazing and humble man to realize that we need a new alternative to oil - his baby.

Here's a USA Today article about the Plan.

Here's the Web site for the Plan.

And here's my standing ovation for Pickens. Thank you for thrusting this issue upon our nation and our soon-to-be president.

Question.

If I didn't question my journey in life on a daily basis I'd start wondering if I were becoming static and unaware of my surroundings molding me without my consent.