The NBA Playoffs

The NBA playoffs have started Saturday the 19th of April. As a sports fan I love to watch a good game between two teams that are very competitive. This year predictions have the Boston Celtics facing the Los Angels Lakers in the NBA finals. This would be an outstanding final, as far as competition and competitiveness. I love the Boston Celtics, not so much the Lakers, but to sit and watch this type of game would be very exciting. The NBA playoffs have gained a lot of publicity because of the first round match ups, the game that is most controversial is the Phoenix Suns versus the San Antonio Spurs. I watched the first game yesterday, and it was a very good game, Spurs one in double overtime. This game is hyped up because last years meetings ended with blood and angry teams. The rematch is living up to the hype it is drawing.
I love to sit and watch any type of sports. The NBA has offered a talent level that is untouchable in any other basketball league. The teams are drafting younger players each year, some just out of high school, and others just 18 or 19 years old. The playoffs offer up the best teams in each league, and eliminate a team after a series loss to the other team. This is a great way to see how good your team really is. You are required to win four games to advance to the next round of the playoffs. There is three rounds to the playoffs before the finals. The finals are usually the two best teams out of each league.
The NBA playoffs are a very big part of popular culture for many reasons. I think that the biggest reason that supports popular culture is that most young kids look up to these athletes and strive to be like them. Basketball is very popular among any sports fan. With the amount of money spent on players and ads to feature a player or his shoes draws in millions of people. The idea that one day you could be that famous athlete draws an array of people. Popular culture promotes money and fame. This is what makes the NBA so popular among viewers worldwide.
If you would like to post your prediction for the NBA finals I would love to see it posted on my blog. I predict Boston versus Phoenix with Boston winning in six games. What do you predict?

References:
David Arey, (17 April 2008), “Perfect Ending”, http://www.brijit.com/subject/33638/2008-nba-playoffs

Today we are looking for contemporary icons. I have selected the following three icons as an example of contemporary icons that everyone can admire and respect. The icons are the Statue of Liberty, the National Anthem, and the Pledge of Allegiance. The first icon I selected was the statue of Liberty. I believe everyone that lives in the United States or claims to be American can appreciate this as a true icon. The statue of liberty is a symbol of independence and democracy. The Statue of Liberty has been standing since October 1886, and still today represents more than just independence, it represents sacrifices of American soldiers to provide this freedom we have today. The Statue of Liberty is located on Ellis Island, and both will remain a national monument until they are torn down or they fall down. Just to be able to see her standing holding her torch gives you an awesome feeling inside. Knowing that so many people have died trying to provide a wonderful land to grow and be free in.

The next icon I chose was the National Anthem. To me this is a symbol of excellence and dedication. Francis Scott Key wrote this as he watched the American Flag wave in the twilight over Fort McHenry. We sing the national anthem at the beginning of every major sporting event and at every military ceremony. The national anthem is a very memorable song that can represent many things. Being in the military, the national anthem makes me proud to be an American and defend this great nation.

Finally I chose the Pledge of Allegiance as a symbol of an contemporary icon. Growing up in school, you said the pledge of allegiance every morning before class started. Today they are trying to ban the pledge because of the words in it. To me and many others the Pledge of Allegiance is a symbol of honor and loyalty to our country. By banning this in schools only tells us that you no longer have to be loyal or have honor for what you believe in . The Pledge of Allegiance should always be something looked at as a short oath to protect and serve this great nation. The Pledge of Allegiance was written in 1892 by Francis Bellamy, and even though it is over 100 years old, it still has a strong and powerful meaning.

Overall my three choices of contemporary icons, the Statue of Liberty, the National anthem, and the Pledge of Allegiance all represent a great tradition of freedom and liberty. Even though all three are very old I still feel they are contemporary icons because the will always be a lasting part of our country.

References:
National anthem. (2008, April 10). In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved 22:47, April 10, 2008, from http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=National_anthem&oldid=204730456
Pledge of Allegiance. (2008, April 7). In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved 22:58, April 10, 2008, from http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Pledge_of_Allegiance&oldid=203895777
Statue of Liberty, updated December 31, 2007: http://www.nps.gov/stli/

Weekly Analyze of the Playstation3 as an object of Popular Culture

Popular culture has taken off throughout the world. Today I will analyze the Playstation3. The playstation3 is a great game system that has caught the eyes of millions. From the improvements made from the original PLAYSTATION to the new playstation3 is remarkable. The Playstation3 offers great video graphics and outstanding game features. The playstation3 is a good example of popular culture, I say this because today’s society is hooked on electronics and outstanding game quality. Many years ago the thought of playing movies and games in a video game system was obsolete. Today, the makers of the PLAYSTATION3 offers an Unique Multi core design, true parallel processing, and also high definition games. The game system also allows you the option to play Blu-Ray movies, online gaming, and remote play.
The playstation3 has generated outstanding success in sales of the system and the games. The supply and demand for these game systems are very large. At a price of $399.00 it is an expensive electronic device, but a great chose to make someone happy. This system is designed to function like a portable computer. The technology is outstanding and so advanced you can do almost anything on these systems. Popular culture has influenced the cost of this system, due to the competition of the other gaming systems. Overall this is a great way to display an example of popular culture.

References:
Michael Petracca, Madeleine Sorapure, (2007), Common Culture, Reading and Writing About American Popular Culture.
http://www.us.playstation.com/PS3/About,© 2008 Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. All Rights Reserved

Popular Culture

Popular Culture Artifact
What is popular culture, and what does it mean to you? Popular culture is the vast amount of information available about the ever growing economy. Objects you may see on TV or hear about through the radio or newspaper. To me popular culture is way to look at the world and decide what you want or need. Why is an understanding of popular culture relevant to you in a business environment and in your present and future career? Having a broad knowledge and understanding of today’s popular culture will give you as a business owner an accurate report of what the people want or need. Given this information you have a better chance to have a successful business. Studying applied management, I must be able to locate and find what is wanted by the economy. What would you consider to be an example of a pop culture artifact? And why would you choose it? I feel that being a Soldier in the United States Army is a great artifact. As you watch the news, you are fed information about the soldiers in Iraq, and what it means to sacrifice being away from your family. Many people want to be soldiers but are afraid of the war. The symbol of an American soldier is an everlasting impression.
The artifact I chose was that of the American soldier. I feel that this is a great symbol of popular culture. The American soldier is what millions of young men and woman aspire to be, but are afraid to make the commitment. Being a soldier requires many sacrifices and requires time away from your family. With over 4000 soldiers that have died during the Iraqi war makes the sacrifice even greater. I have been an American soldier for seven years now. The feeling of respect and dignity is a feeling that will be everlasting in my heart. My family is always their for me and ready to make any sacrifice needed for me to have a successful military career. They may not always know why they have to make the sacrifice but they support me 100%. That feeling is something that can never be replaced or forgotten. Finally to view my blog and all its content you may access it at http://bartonsvirtual.blogspot.com/. All comments and critiques are greatly welcome and looked forward to.

References

Michael Petracca, Madeleine Sorapure, (2007), Common Culture, Reading and Writing About American Popular Culture.