The "Little" Things in Life

This adorable picture was taken at Camp Mystic, the summer camp I have attended since the age of 7. You are only allowed to be a camper until the summer before your senior year. So last summer, I took on the task of being a counselor for 19 9-10 year old girls for 1 month- the girls with the biggest smiles in the front of the picture were my campers. I had two co-counselor's in my cabin, Wiggle Inn, and during the day I was one of many lifeguards for the entire camp. Throughout the term, I was faced with several situations I was not prepared for, but overall, it was the most rewarding experience in my life thus far. Tucking 19 little girls in every night and having them jump on your bed every morning may not sounds like too much fun to some people, and I had my doubts in the beginning. I wondered if I had what it takes to "parent" 19 soon-to-be 5th graders; if they would like me; if I would be fun or cool. As silly as it sounds, I was actually terrified of these little girls. But for everything I gave those little girls, they paid me back in full! I walked away from that month feeling like I had grown so much as a person and as a woman. While they tested my patience, annoyed me, asked me questions I was NOT prepared to answer, and blatantly disobeyed me, they helped me discover myself. I barely got paid and honestly I didn't care. Having this experience the summer before I embarked on the biggest journey of my life, leaving for college, was perfect timing! I will always cherish that month when 19 little girls helped me find the person I am today!

Pure Perfection

This commercial was done by JWT London for Smirnoff Vodka. The obvious message of the campaign is that Smirnoff is the purest vodka on the market. As is the way they present it. What a great idea! Most alcohol campaigns involve a provocative 30-second slot with mood setting background music and finishes with a "be responsible" reminder. This is fresh! I admit, I did have to watch it 2 times to catch everything because I wasn't expecting the commercial to be so innovative. Its catchy without being too complex. The art direction is admirable. Helicopters, plains, scuba divers and statues come flying out of the ocean, beginning with a beer can that is tossed back at a sailor who tries to toss it into the water. The end of the commercial focuses in on the crystal-clear water, a visual metaphor for Smirnoff's tagline. JWT is definately a trend setter in the advertising world!

Fool Me Once, Shame on You- Fool Me Twice, Shame on Me

I think anyone who has lived with a roommate, or two, can appreciate this. Besides being HILARIOUS!! its a great idea. Very creative!! Too bad both of my roommates have already seen the video.

Look Out Rush Limbaugh!

This is a TV ad for VoteVets.org responding to Rush Limbaugh's remarks on soldiers speaking out against the war. I am not even going to attempt to take a side, but this is the definition of extreme advertising. I get a little uncomfortable when I watch this ad and I almost feel a little guilty. Maybe its because the war veteran is so bold in his attack on Limbaugh...Maybe its the way he talks about his traumatic brain injury as pictures flash on the screen...Maybe its because I feel guilty for supporting the war? I'm not sure. Nevertheless, the ad got a reaction out of me. Several to be exact. I don't know what category this advertisement falls under, but it's definately in-your-face!

What the Buck?

A funny, sarcastic summary of the lastest celebrity dirt...or at least the good stuff!

Free Speech: Dress Code Violation?

In Waxahachie, TX a Texas High School sophomore named Pete Palmer was sent home for violating the school district's dress code. His violation: wearing a John Edwards for president 2008 t-shirt. The school stands behind their decision by arguing that no t-shirt's are allowed unless they pertain to a school organization, club, or sport or are from a college or university. Under these laws, Palmer was in violation. However, the school board may be dealing with more than the media because Palmer's parents are considering filing a lawsuit against the district, and I can't blame them. Where is the line drawn between violating a student's rights and mainting order in the school environment? American's have earned the right to free speech and while I understand some things should be monitored and restricted at school, I think this crosses the line. Palmer in no way disturbed any of his classmates, drew attention to himself, or acted inappropriately. He wore a presidential campaign t-shirt! I went to a public high school and I am very aware of the dress code policies and I hated most of them as a student, but I did understand where the concern was. But this is ridiculous! At some point, school's are going to be like prisons where everyone wears a solid color jumpsuit so that no one is offended or ridiculed for having opinions or concern for what is going on in our world. Everyone in America is protected under the First Amendment and that is the argument Palmer's father is making in support of his son. It will be interesting to see how the school board maintains their reputation with all of the scrutiny and controversy that is resulting from the media's involvement.

Ignorance is Unacceptable!

This print ad was directed by Hisham Kharma for Alma Magazine. The tag line: "Wow! Ninjas are Awesome! Ignorance is Unacceptable!" What a great example of a symbolic signifier. The swastika is such a powerful symbol that doesn't need any translation. It carries a culturally determined meaning and in this case, is linked to something completely different from itself- a magazine. I love the tag line too because it adds a little humor to such a somber and disturbing symbol without being anti-semetic. When you first look at the ad, you're not really sure what company would consciously choose a swastika to promote their product, but for Alma Magazine it works. They're trying to appeal to prospective buyers and readers of the magazine and after seeing this, I want to check it out.