Back in 2008 I believe, I was taking a sociology course at the University of Central Florida when I first learned that slavery still exists today. I was shocked, then overwhelmed with disgust and anger, and immediately felt it was my duty to do something about it. I decided it was my responsibility to inform others about what was happening. I created a online forum on myspace and invited all my friends and family and made it public so that others may join. I rented the Lifetime movie, Human Trafficking and watched with friends. I joined the Polaris Project to stay informed as to was the government is doing and I relayed that information online as well. I did everything I thought I could do and I learned that I did educate quite a few people and that continued to spread. For a young college student, I did okay. Although, I always feel I could have done more and I always feel that I still can do more.
There are many different forms of enslavement but the one that infuriated me the most was that of sex trafficking. Britney Spears' song "I'm a slave for you", was a big hit and made the term "sex slave" seem sexy and playful. I do not believe that Britney condones sex slavery nor do I blame her song for enticing the sex trafficking industry to boom. I mention her because she was and may possibly still be an influential person in our society. Being a celebrity comes with all kinds of advantages, one of which is the ability to have followers. I condone Demi Moore and husband Ashton Kutcher for starting up the "Real Men Dont Buy Girls" campaign. Spreading the word is one thing, but relaying an influential message under such celebrity influences is powerful. I only hope that people continue to listen and spread the word and make a difference. I have high hopes for the cause now that this "power couple" has taken on the project. I wish them well and plan to see how I can get invloved in this because the fight against Human Trafficking and the exploitation of women and children matters to me. If one takes the moment to learn about it, I can guarantee you that it will matter to you. This is something that affects everybody personally.
Ashton and Demi went on Piers Morgan's show on CNN to discuss how they are using social media to spread the word. Ashton states it is important to go through social networking channels because the majority of human trafficking that goes on begins online, "so why not take it to the source?" I have included two links below. One titled, Andrea prefers a Real Man, which is a commercial for the campaign where one may be a part of personally. I still find it very neat to see technology create such a bridge and unite people. You will see a message with my full name and next to Eva Longoria; she then personally says "Andrea prefers a real man, do you?" with a picture of my facebook default. Its one way to put your face and your message out there with so many others in a unique way. There are many other commercials to choose from with many other celebrities to chose from. The second link you will see below is of a clip of Ashton and Demi discussing their campaign with Piers Morgan.
Andrea prefers a Real Man
http://cnn.com/video/?/video/world/2011/04/14/piers.kutcher.moore.trafficking.cnn
Bottom line, one can easily see how influential the entertainment world and powerful social media is today. So much so that it is a great marketing tool that should not be overlooked.
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Limitless
Last week I saw the movie Limitless. This film was directed by Neil Burger and stars Bradley Cooper, Robert De Niro, and Abbie Cornish. In the film, a writer discovers a top secret drug that enables him use all of his brain and seems to give him super human abilities. We all use just a small protion of our brain; imagine if we could use all of it. Well, that's the idea and a very good idea may I add. What made this movie a hit is the very well written story line, the amazing visual effects, and fine acting. This film ran with the plot and left no details unraveled. I can honestly say it satisfied the audience's appetite for a good story.
There are many scenes or explanations throughout the movie that would make sense if we were to use all of our brain. I dont want to give away all the details but the film did make me think about our society and our culture and how we preceive others. Is it true that only the most intelligent are the survivors and the most powerful? It does make sense that the more we know, the more we can acheive and conquor. This is no secret but what the film suggests will make you think and understand what it is I am trying to say and what I am really questioning. Like I said before, I do not want to give anything away.
I believe a good story or show is one that makes you think about the world we live in and how we relate to others as well as being able to transport the audience and fully envolve them. That is what I believe this movie did and why it did so well with both critics and audience. The idea alone was brilliant and they way in which it was told was very well done.
There are many scenes or explanations throughout the movie that would make sense if we were to use all of our brain. I dont want to give away all the details but the film did make me think about our society and our culture and how we preceive others. Is it true that only the most intelligent are the survivors and the most powerful? It does make sense that the more we know, the more we can acheive and conquor. This is no secret but what the film suggests will make you think and understand what it is I am trying to say and what I am really questioning. Like I said before, I do not want to give anything away.
I believe a good story or show is one that makes you think about the world we live in and how we relate to others as well as being able to transport the audience and fully envolve them. That is what I believe this movie did and why it did so well with both critics and audience. The idea alone was brilliant and they way in which it was told was very well done.
A Night of Laughs
Sometime last week I was on my facebook and on my notification feed I noticed one of my "friends", Orlando Improv Comedy Club, ask if anyone has ever been hyptnotized. I simply responded "no, but I am curious". I then got a message from the Improv thanking me for participating and offered me eight free tickets to the show to see commedian and hyptnotis, J Medicine Hat. I could not pass up eight free tickets to see a show with friends. With money being tight these days, its limited the social life of many.
So there we were last Saturday night, there were six of us who made the drive to Pointe Orlando to see the show. I believe most of us have seen a comedy show and maybe a few of us have seen a hyptnotis, but are we able to believe? The reason I ask this is because although we may have seen someone get hyptnotized with our own eyes, and although we may know its a science that has been used in medicine and other theraputic treatments, and we are laughing hysterically at show, we still question if what we are seeing is real.
J Medicine Hat, was a funny guy. Like all comedians, he stated a lot of truths and a lot of stereotypes that we all know are true and we find that to be comical. Reality never fails to be entertaining, nor does fantasy, nor does mystery. This show had a bit of all three and with the help of food and drinks, this show was indeed a success. What I found to be the best part of the show is the people who left questioning it all; these people were the audience and even those who participated in the hypnosis. I believe that if a show makes one think, its done its job in fully entertaining like a good film or a good book.
So there we were last Saturday night, there were six of us who made the drive to Pointe Orlando to see the show. I believe most of us have seen a comedy show and maybe a few of us have seen a hyptnotis, but are we able to believe? The reason I ask this is because although we may have seen someone get hyptnotized with our own eyes, and although we may know its a science that has been used in medicine and other theraputic treatments, and we are laughing hysterically at show, we still question if what we are seeing is real.
J Medicine Hat, was a funny guy. Like all comedians, he stated a lot of truths and a lot of stereotypes that we all know are true and we find that to be comical. Reality never fails to be entertaining, nor does fantasy, nor does mystery. This show had a bit of all three and with the help of food and drinks, this show was indeed a success. What I found to be the best part of the show is the people who left questioning it all; these people were the audience and even those who participated in the hypnosis. I believe that if a show makes one think, its done its job in fully entertaining like a good film or a good book.
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Entertaining Stocks
Below is a link to a video clip discussed in my Entertainment Finance class that I choose to share with you.
http://video.foxbusiness.com/v/3894859/cashing-in-on-music-rights/
I have heard of this before...and it rang a bell once again when Robert Kiyosaki author of Rich Dad Poor Dad mentions that he invests in music and this was an example he used for assets. I do find it interesting, new and exciting! I think the reason it excites me so much is how much we have evolved as a society that now we look to the world of entertainment as an investment opportunity! So much has changed over the years and it only motivates me more to be financially savvy and while still being able to enjoy the "fruit of my looms"; as entertainment professionals, if we invest in our own industry our asset would indeed be our income and vice versa. Finance is no longer boring.
We do have to think about how much music artists have given up to make money due to the efficiency of technology. I for one am not so tech savvy, that I do still go out and buy the cd's or just youtube a tune. I also don't think its smart to spend between $1-3 on a song on i-tunes when I can get the rest of the artist's songs on their cd for $13; maybe I'm lets put it politely...dollar efficient. I have found myself going to record stores and have invested in vinyls-they are collectables and when one does their research, a very good investment in the long run. However, we all have to make a living for ourselves and if this is a profitable way for artist to do make that extra penny-great! It is a savvy business move right now and I do find ourselves in a time of change and innovation where even boring stocks and bonds can be exciting because we invest in our entertainers and their success becomes our success.
I am eager to give this a try and learn as much as I can about it. I have included a stock ticker in my blog with some stock in the entertainment industry and others for you to compare. I advice to keep learning and stay current because this is an industry that is always evolving and I am happy to be a part of it. This ever chaining world seems to have much interest in this industry and it shows.
http://video.foxbusiness.com/v/3894859/cashing-in-on-music-rights/
I have heard of this before...and it rang a bell once again when Robert Kiyosaki author of Rich Dad Poor Dad mentions that he invests in music and this was an example he used for assets. I do find it interesting, new and exciting! I think the reason it excites me so much is how much we have evolved as a society that now we look to the world of entertainment as an investment opportunity! So much has changed over the years and it only motivates me more to be financially savvy and while still being able to enjoy the "fruit of my looms"; as entertainment professionals, if we invest in our own industry our asset would indeed be our income and vice versa. Finance is no longer boring.
We do have to think about how much music artists have given up to make money due to the efficiency of technology. I for one am not so tech savvy, that I do still go out and buy the cd's or just youtube a tune. I also don't think its smart to spend between $1-3 on a song on i-tunes when I can get the rest of the artist's songs on their cd for $13; maybe I'm lets put it politely...dollar efficient. I have found myself going to record stores and have invested in vinyls-they are collectables and when one does their research, a very good investment in the long run. However, we all have to make a living for ourselves and if this is a profitable way for artist to do make that extra penny-great! It is a savvy business move right now and I do find ourselves in a time of change and innovation where even boring stocks and bonds can be exciting because we invest in our entertainers and their success becomes our success.
I am eager to give this a try and learn as much as I can about it. I have included a stock ticker in my blog with some stock in the entertainment industry and others for you to compare. I advice to keep learning and stay current because this is an industry that is always evolving and I am happy to be a part of it. This ever chaining world seems to have much interest in this industry and it shows.
Reviewing "Rich Dad Poor Dad"
I'm sure everyone has heard of the famous finance book, Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki, about how to be smart with your money and become rich in the process. A few days ago I received this book in the mail as a reading requirement for my Entertainment Business class. Before I opened the book, I decided to say something about me reading the book on Facebook. Of course, my friends had to give their two cents. Some would say that the book was an inspiration, others would say they re-read it often, others mentioned how they had purchased CASH FLOW the $250 board game, but then you would hear how its all common sense and stuff they already knew. Since I have never been savvy with finance and was never a fan of numbers, I decided to get myself motivated and just plunge right in.
My personal experience with the book is probably the one the Robert had with his experience with his mentors-his "dads". He was a child when he decided he wanted to know how to make money and learn about business and finance. I for one ran from it...until now. As Kiyosaki suggests that it is easier to teach a child rather than an adult who has to be re-taught, I found myself to be a grown up child, a clean slate, able to be molded easily. I believe this book is intended for everyone, but the notion is to learn at a young age, to create good habits early. Since I know nothing of finance, I realized I did not have to re-learn like most adults.
One thing I would say is that this book would be best for novices like myself. Even greater for those that want to start their new business and simply don't know where or how to begin. Its pretty much a motivational book that may inspire those with doubt and fear that things are possible to achieve. Robert Kiyosaki is a great salesman. He said it himself. In order to succeed, one should master sales, marketing, public relations, etc. He strongly believes in education and the importance of learning to deliver the business. One thing is to be a great chef, but how does one sell his/her dish? One must set oneself apart from others and learn to sell oneself. He teaches how he creates his assets and how he other entrepreneurs do what they do best, make money! He is the best example as how to sell common sense; he has built a fortune on stating the obvious but it is how he goes about it that makes the difference. The book definitely didn't tell me anything different, but it did give me a new prospective.
My personal experience with the book is probably the one the Robert had with his experience with his mentors-his "dads". He was a child when he decided he wanted to know how to make money and learn about business and finance. I for one ran from it...until now. As Kiyosaki suggests that it is easier to teach a child rather than an adult who has to be re-taught, I found myself to be a grown up child, a clean slate, able to be molded easily. I believe this book is intended for everyone, but the notion is to learn at a young age, to create good habits early. Since I know nothing of finance, I realized I did not have to re-learn like most adults.
One thing I would say is that this book would be best for novices like myself. Even greater for those that want to start their new business and simply don't know where or how to begin. Its pretty much a motivational book that may inspire those with doubt and fear that things are possible to achieve. Robert Kiyosaki is a great salesman. He said it himself. In order to succeed, one should master sales, marketing, public relations, etc. He strongly believes in education and the importance of learning to deliver the business. One thing is to be a great chef, but how does one sell his/her dish? One must set oneself apart from others and learn to sell oneself. He teaches how he creates his assets and how he other entrepreneurs do what they do best, make money! He is the best example as how to sell common sense; he has built a fortune on stating the obvious but it is how he goes about it that makes the difference. The book definitely didn't tell me anything different, but it did give me a new prospective.
Friday, February 25, 2011
Nice to Network
From early on we have been told that networking is key in establishing professional connections for our professional success. As part of having an account with linkedin.com, I have also made sure to network by joining groups where I can share ideas, news, and information with other professionals in my industry. Of the many groups I have joined, I wish to discuss one, "Orlando Entertainment & Event Professionals". Here, professionals will blog about their profession and their experiences, display job openings, training/conventions/meetings that may interest those in the group, and even provides an opportunity for members to interact and "connect" with other professionals.
The social group is set up like a thread. I may decide to post information about my company or random thoughts about the industry or the latest news that may affect those in my industry. Its very interesting to see how these professionals come together from all parts of the country and are able to relay information about the industry, their company, and themselves. Linkedin.com did something right when they created the opportunity for these professionals to form groups in this social media network. Its no wonder that linkedin.com has grown in popularity and is ranked as 4th in popularity after no other than Facebook, myspace, and twitter.
If you do not have a linkedin account and wish to grow professionally, I stress that create one and start networking with professionals that share the same passions and interests that you have.
The social group is set up like a thread. I may decide to post information about my company or random thoughts about the industry or the latest news that may affect those in my industry. Its very interesting to see how these professionals come together from all parts of the country and are able to relay information about the industry, their company, and themselves. Linkedin.com did something right when they created the opportunity for these professionals to form groups in this social media network. Its no wonder that linkedin.com has grown in popularity and is ranked as 4th in popularity after no other than Facebook, myspace, and twitter.
If you do not have a linkedin account and wish to grow professionally, I stress that create one and start networking with professionals that share the same passions and interests that you have.
Maybe Monty Makes Sense
http://www.scottmonty.com/
Who is Scott Monty? Well, it turns out that Scott Monty is the head of social media for Ford Motor Company. He blogs about his views on social media and marketing, advertising, and PR on the web. I find his blog entertaining as well as informative...more than anything I enjoy the way he expresses his views and thinks outside of the box.
I want to focus on his latest blog "Must See Twitter" posted on February 23, 2011. He quotes; "What's that, you say? You work on Thursday nights? Sorry, but that's when our show airs". This is what he suggests people sounded like several years ago when families would gather around together to listen to their favorite show on the radio or watch on television. The experience of watching entertainment has changed completely due to advancements in technology and social media outlets. For one, if one is not able to view a program, one may be able to record it on the dvr. The most fascinating trend is the way we communicate. Monty, suggests that we twitter or Facebook our opinions and experiences on a specific show, fill, or product...we are able to not just communicate with our family at home but with hundreds and thousands of network connections globally. The experiences we have are constantly being shared through social media outlets every day, hour, minute, and second of the day. We are the best advertisers of the market today and will continue to be of the future.
Who is Scott Monty? Well, it turns out that Scott Monty is the head of social media for Ford Motor Company. He blogs about his views on social media and marketing, advertising, and PR on the web. I find his blog entertaining as well as informative...more than anything I enjoy the way he expresses his views and thinks outside of the box.
I want to focus on his latest blog "Must See Twitter" posted on February 23, 2011. He quotes; "What's that, you say? You work on Thursday nights? Sorry, but that's when our show airs". This is what he suggests people sounded like several years ago when families would gather around together to listen to their favorite show on the radio or watch on television. The experience of watching entertainment has changed completely due to advancements in technology and social media outlets. For one, if one is not able to view a program, one may be able to record it on the dvr. The most fascinating trend is the way we communicate. Monty, suggests that we twitter or Facebook our opinions and experiences on a specific show, fill, or product...we are able to not just communicate with our family at home but with hundreds and thousands of network connections globally. The experiences we have are constantly being shared through social media outlets every day, hour, minute, and second of the day. We are the best advertisers of the market today and will continue to be of the future.
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