You Can Run, But You Can't Hide

(This is a response to an article in the New York Times titled "Tracking File Found in iPhones ." The author was Nick Bilton. You can find the article here.)

Tracking devices are often associated with nervous parents seeking the locations of their teenagers behind the wheel or dangerous suspects in crime investigations. One normally would not associate a tracking device with their iPhone or iPad. 

A report came from a technology conference in San Francisco. Two computer programmers presented their research that the iPhone and 3G versions of the iPad began logging users' locations around a year ago. This occurred when Apple updated its mobile operating system.

Updates are constantly available for the iPhone and iPad, but one update caused a new hidden file to periodically store location data. This data was retrieved from Wi-Fi networks and cellphone towers. To some privacy advocates, this location technology crossed the line. 

Executive director of the Electronic Privacy Information Center Marc Rotenberg said, "The secretive collection of location data crosses the privacy line. Apple should know better than to track iPhone users in this way." 

This type of location tracking is used by law enforcement agents, but they must contact the cellphone provider directly. Most officers need a search warrant before doing so. Now, the tracking information is synced to the computer when the user plugs the iPad or iPhone in. The data is more vulnerable to access by hackers. This information could also be accessible to strangers if the iPhone or iPad is lost or stolen. 

Many questions are left unanswered. Apple has not provided any response as to why this information is being tracked at all or whether or not they are gaining access to this information. Many wonder if this is fair treatment by Apple to their customers.

A lawyer specializing in privacy and copyright Christina Gagnier said, "Collecting this data is not illegal, but it does matter or not this is explicitly spelled out in Apple's terms of use. Apple constantly changes their privacy policy, and it's questionable whether most users are aware this is happening." 

Whether or not this is legal, this information did give Apple bad publicity. A vice president of Forrester Research who specializes in security and risk Chenxi Wang said, "It doesn't matter how Apple explains its way out of this, just the fact that consumers know that their phone is being tracked is a very big deal."

I own an iPhone and was not aware of this tracking information until I read this article. It is very startling to me that this has been going on for over a year now. It makes me wonder why Apple set up this hidden file in the first place. Also, I want to know whether or not Apple is accessing this information and for what purpose. It scares me to know that if my phone was to be stolen, the criminal would know where I had been for however long I had owned my phone. Especially with all the danger in the world today, I do not want my location information to be available to anyone. Also, this is upsetting because I had no knowledge that this was occurring.

The article itself was very heavily supported with numerous quotes from various fields. It provided a firm argument for the issue at hand. I would say that the article is biased. It is clearly against the idea of the tracking locations without the knowledge of the consumers. Apple has hurt itself because of this new information outbreak. I am glad someone caught it before it went on too long. 

Can I Even Add President Obama as a Facebook Friend???

(This is a response to an article in the New York Times titled "Obama and Facebook in Warm Embrace." The author was Miguel Helft. You can find the article here.)

Social media has taken over the journalism world. Many people see it as the next step to careers in journalism. Quickly, companies and businesses are hiring younger generations to help them get ahead in the cyber race. Twitter, Facebook and many more networks help businesses get connected with a younger, computer savvy audience. Not only are companies and businesses doing this, but the President of the United States as well. It seems that Obama and Facebook founder Mark Zuckerburg are pals.

via Google

On Wednesday, April 20th 2011, President Obama attended a townhall meeting at Facebook Headquarters to discuss some hot topics. He took questions from the audience and also logged on Facebook to chat with 'friends' from all over the country. During these discussions, Mr. Obama bashed Republican Congressman Paul Ryan for his budget proposal of spending and tax cuts. Mr. Obama also discussed the economy, health care, education and immigration reform.

Throughout the entire event, Mr. Obama and Mark Zuckerberg appeared to be buddies. At one point Zuckerberg said to Mr. Obama, "“I think the Race to the Top stuff that you guys have done is one of the most under-appreciated and most important things that your administration has done."

The hot topics of the night were the importance of math and science education and the need to make it possible for highly skilled immigrants to stay in the United States. Mr. Obama asked, "If we’ve got smart people who want to come here and start businesses and are Ph.D.’s in math and science and computer science, why don’t we want them to stay?” He stressed the importance of those immigrants starting their businesses in the United States rather than in their home countries.

The seemingly close relationship between Washington and Facebook is bringing fear to some privacy advocates. They think it will allow the social networking company to escape government scrutiny. But Facebook has become irresistable to politicans. They can reach out to younger audiences that do not watch political debates but will get on Facebook.

My friend attended the Facebook 'townhall meeting' and said it was strange. It seemed almost wrong that the President of the United States was addressing the public via cyperspace. It becomes impersonal and almost as if talking to a pal on Facebook chat. The idea of social networks and the Government working closely together also scares me. I do not understand the reason why the ties need to be so close. I understand the importance of campaigning through social media networks. That is how Mr. Obama gained such a wide, young following. The danger is when it becomes too much of a friendship that the social media networks do not undergo the same kind of scrutiny that other companies too. I do not want them to be overlooked or have special treatment.

The article itself was well-done and hit all the highlights of the meeting. It included quotes from both Mr. Obama and Zuckerberg. Those quotes showed both sides of the parties being represented and showed how truly 'close' those two men are. They were chummy and praising each other for their accomplishments. Even after reading this article, I am not sure I will ever be alright with my President chatting with me on Facebook.

Put Your Pen Away

(This is a response to an article in the New York Times titled "Would You Sign My Kindle?" The author was Stephanie Rosenbloom. You can find the article here.)


E-readers have become increasingly popular in the past few years. Devices such as the Nook and Kindle allow readers to experience their books electronically. Although still not as common as actual books, readers are catching on. After purchasing an e-reader, eBooks can be bought and instantly downloaded.  According to Forrester Research, sales of eBooks in the United States are expected to triple to nearly $3 billion by 2015. 

via Google

Book signings have been popular at bookstores all around the country. Authors go on tour to promote their books and meet their fans. Signing autographs gives the readers bragging rights and a little bit of the author to take home with them. The book becomes more personal, but authors cannot sign e-readers.


Author of "Hyperformance" and senior consultant for United States Special Operations Command Headquarters T.J. Waters said, "How come the tech world can put a man on the moon and I can’t sign an eBook?”


Spurred by the growing demand of electronic autographing, Waters and softwares companies began to create the technology needed. Waters and Robert Barrett, an information technology executive, plan to debut Autography. This technology allows for the reader to take a picture with the author by using the author's iPad camera or digital camera. By using Bluetooth, the image from the digital camera is sent to the eBook. The picture immediately shows up, and the author uses a stylus to scrawl a digital greeting on the photograph. After tapping a button, the picture is sent to the reader's e-mail, which can then be downloaded onto their eBook. 


These pictures can be instantly downloaded onto Facebook and Twitter for bragging rights. Autography has been tested at multiple book signings and worked quite well. The chief marketing officer for Open Road Integrated Media Rachel Chou said, "Within the year consumers should expect to see a variety of advances in digital signing, including eBooks that are sold with blank pages for that purpose." Sony's Reader already has their own solution which is a stylus that can sign a certain page on its screen. 


I have never been to a book signing, but I can see the appeal of "showing off" that you met someone famous. The digital autographs will make putting the image on social media sites extremely easy and fast. That gives instant bragging rights to the individual, which is why people usually put up photographs like that anyways. I do believe there will continue to be a rise in eBook and e-reader sales as the technology increases. The article made me think about what the future of books will look like, and whether or not everything will eventually be digital. I am not ready to see the death of paperback books. 


The article itself was scattered with quotes from various sources in different fields. An actual author was included which made the point more valid. By including details of companies that have already created the technology necessary, it stressed the reality of the future of virtual autographs. I might have to go out and buy an e-reader in the future. 

Check Your Facebook.

(This is a response to an article in the New York Times titled "Police Lesson: Social Network Tools Have Two Edges." The author was Erica Goode. You can find the article here.)

Social media networks are great tools for keeping in touch with friends and sharing experiences. Facebook, MySpace, Twitter and more are used all around the world. People use them for leisure and for work. Businesses have now begun adopting them to promote coupons and their items or services. Before being hired, bosses will often check the future employee's social media site to look at their pictures and comments. Although these sites are great tools for fun, they can also bring harm. 


Police forces have learned this lesson the hard way. Although social media networks can be valuable assets for law enforcement agencies, the networks can also get them into trouble. Officer Trey Economidy of the Albuerque police listed his occupation on Facebook as "human waste disposal." This reference shocked his department and took away from the value of human life. He was immediately placed on desk duty. Economidy said, "It was extremely inappropriate and a lapse of judgement on my part."

Image via Google

A careless posting can put an officer in danger. Criminals can find the officers' pages and decipher where they will be and when. Also, defense lawyers can look through social networking sites for evidence that could impeach a police officer's testimony. Once something is on the Internet, it is in cyberspace forever. 


Police departments across the country are hurrying to implement regulations on what officers can and cannot do online. The president of the International Association of Chiefs of Police Mark A. Marshall said, "This is something that all the police chiefs around the country, if you’re not dealing with it, you better deal with it." Many new regulations include prohibitions against posting any statements that could discredit or reflect badly on a department, illustrating reckless behavior, ideas that disparage people based on race, religion or sexual orientation and posting crime scene photos. 


A spokesman for the State Police First Sgt. David Bursten said, “Don’t do or say anything that you wouldn’t be proud to have your mother see or hear.”


I have always been told to be careful of what I put on Facebook because anyone can see it. My future bosses will most likely check it or search me on Google, and I do not want any incriminating pictures or quotes. I had never thought of social networking sites damaging police reputation. The article made me think about the potential danger of officers in the field. Crime scene investigation information could easily be leaked on these social networking sites. Although it is hard to put laws on what people say outside of the work field, it is important to put regulations on police officers. These regulations would be not only for their safety, but also the safety of the victims. Information is so easily passed along in this age of technology. 


The article itself was full of quotes from various resources which made it more credible. Loaded with examples of mess-ups in the police force, it reinforced the idea that a solution must be made to fix this problem. The police force must step up and make some changes before someone gets hurt. 

Where's the Backspace?

(This is a response to an article in the New York Times titled "Click, Clack, Ding! Sigh..." The author was Jessica Bruder. You can find the article here.)


Technology dominates the 21st century. The Internet, iPods, iTouches, iPads, laptops and more are found all over cities and homes. From college campuses to public libraries, people can find high-tech devices with Internet and more. What is the next step to laptops and computers? The typewriter has been resurrected from its grave and has taken on a whole new persona. 

[Google]

A growing movement of consumers, especially young ones, buying typewriters has emerged. The younger generations have converted to using a typewriter for various reasons. 28 year-old typewriter owner Louis Smith said, "It’s about permanence, not being able to hit delete, you have to have some conviction in your thoughts. And that’s my whole philosophy of typewriters.”


Events have been held in honor of typewriters and their owners. "Type-ins" take place in bars and bookstores to display a post-digital style. The group type out letters to send via snail mail and hold competitions to see who can type the fastest. Type-ins have been seen in cities from coast to coast and even overseas. 


Owner of Brady & Kowalski Writing Machines Brandi Kowalski said, "You type so much quicker than you can think on a computer. On a typewriter, you have to think."


Why are people attracted to typewriters for the second time around? Old typewriters are built like battleships. They can suffer damage and get banged up. Repairs can be made to typewriters, but laptops and smartphones loose much of their value after they leave the store. Typewriters are also very simple. They can only perform one task: putting words on paper. Checking e-mail and browsing Facebook are not options on a typewriter. It makes the task of writing a paper easier to do, and one can focus more on the project. The older generations understand why younger people are so attracted to typewriters. 


The Pulitzer-winning biographer of Robert Moses Robert A. Caro said, “I’m actually not surprised. One reason I type is it simply makes me feel closer to my words. It’s like being a cabinetmaker. It’s like laying down the planks. This is the way it’s supposed to feel.”


The article peaked my curiosity concerning typewriters. I had never thought about the idea of owning one. By using quotes from a spectrum of people in the typewriter world, the article becomes more credible. After reading the thoughts of the typewriter users, I am anxious to try one out. As an aspiring journalist, I understand the idea of wanting to feel close to my words. There is no delete button a typewriter. It makes typing more focused, and the writer becomes more connected with the story being told. 


Whether or not people go out and buy typewriters is up to them, but I certainly would enjoy owning one. I love the idea of old becoming new. Our generation should step up and embrace our history. 

Simple Swiping

(This is a response to an article in the New York Times titled "As Phones Become Mobile Wallets, Businesses Want a Share." The authors were Tara Siegal Bernard and Claire Cain Miller. You can find the article here.)


Credit and debit cards fill wallets. Known to be easily accessible and less bulky than a wad of cash, these small plastic cards have taken over the world. Visa, Mastercard, Chase, American Express and many other companies rule the buying power. Swiping a credit card takes seconds to process while pulling out the correct amount of cash can slow things down. Credit cards have proven to be vital to consumers, but a new type of buying method may be taking over. Cell phones could be the new credit card.

[Google]

Instead of swiping the credit card, the cell phone would simply have to be waved. The technology is out there to make this happen, but big companies are battling for who gets dibs on the most cash. The companies include mobile phone carriers, credit card issuers, banks, retailers and technology companies. The solution of where the money will go and how it will be divided must be decided upon before more steps can be taken. 


Chief executive of mFoundry, which makes mobile payment software for merchants and banks, Drew Sievers said, "“It all comes down to who gets paid and who makes money, you have banks competing with carriers competing with Apple and Google, and it’s pretty much a goat rodeo until someone sorts it out.”


Now that the technology for 'mobile wallets' has finally come about, the pieces are falling into place. Although it is still unclear how the players will get paid, meetings are being held with the biggest companies in order to come to an agreement. Currently, several companies are coming together in order to sort out the kinks. Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile and Discover are creating their own mobile wallet that should be out in early 2012. 


Although the idea behind mobile wallets is intriguing, a lot of issues must be worked out. 
Executive creative director at the design firm Frog Design Jan Chipchase said, "“Is it possible to make a system that’s too easy to use, where you reduce so much friction from the transaction process that people aren’t necessarily aware of what they’re spending on something?”


After taking the Dave Ramsey course in high school, I learned that spending cash is neurologically registered as pain. People have a much harder time parting with their visible cash than charging the purchase to a piece of plastic. Many Americans are in enough debt as it is. Also, the problem with dividing the money between the companies will be a meticulous process. Retailers must also acquire the machines necessary to use the mobile wallets. Ultimately, the consumers will decide whether or not the mobile wallet is a hit or a flop. Until then, credit cards will be swiped. 

Caffeine Crazy

(This is a response to an article in the New York Times titled "‘Heat Damages Colombian Coffee, Raising Prices." The author was Elisabeth Rosenthal. You can find the article here.)


The addiction to coffee is evident among Americans. In the fast-paced society Americans live in, grabbing some caffeine to ward off drowsiness is common. Places like Starbucks, O Henry's and Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf  are popping up all over cities, and attract both young and old with frothy concoctions. The downfall to such coffee drinks is that they are not cheap. Recently, prices have been rising due to climate issues in Colombia. 

[Google]

Colombia is known for the Arabica coffee produced. Hearty flavor combined with smooth texture makes for one of the world's most known and most expensive coffees. Coffee yields have been suffering greatly due to rising temperatures and unpredictable rains. Coffee pests thrive in warmer climates and have been destroying the crop. 


Not only is this problem hurting Colombian coffee farmers, but also American coffee lovers. Prices in coffee shops have risen to an all time high.There is talk of the world hitting "peak coffee". Similar to the shortage of oil, the world is experiencing a type of coffee shortage. 


Rosenthal wrote, "The Specialty Coffee Association of America warned this year, “It is not too far-fetched to begin questioning the very existence of specialty coffee.”


Global warming plays a huge part in the extinction of Arabica coffee beans. A specialist in Agroclimatology at Cenicafé Néstor Riaño said, "Half a degree can make a big difference for coffee — it is adapted to a very specific zone." Cenicafé is the national coffee research center. 

[Google]

Action is now being taken to inform the farmers on how to rid their farms of the pests who destroy the coffee beans. There is also a newer, hardier strain of Arabica that has been developed as a hybrid. Farmers are taking these steps in order to safe their livelihoods.


Coffee drinkers around the world do not need to panic yet. According to this article, the proper steps are being taken to insure that coffee beans will be continue to be available. Colombian farmers are gaining knowledge about how to take care of their crops during weird weather patterns. I will continue to get my drink at Starbucks and keep a steady eye on the prices. Only time will tell whether or not if Arabica beans will become extinct. One can only hope that Colombians figure out a solution to keep Americans on caffeine highs. 

"Twilight" Zone

(This is a response to an article in the New York Times titled "‘Vampire Face-Lifts’: Smooth at First Bite." The author was Catherine Saint Louis. You can find the article here.)


The lust for looking youthful dominates American culture. Television shows fill the airwaves of prime time television. Shows such as Real Housewives and Nip/Tuck show the product of altered bodies and faces. Botox and collagen fillers are among numerous products that dramatically change outward appearances. Being young is looked at as glamourous, and people are taking great lengths to stay youthful. 


With the recent release of the Twilight series, customers have a new love for vampires. Vampires are eternal and said to have forever-young skin. A new cosmetic treatment has been released to fill in wrinkles. This treatment is called the "vampire filler" or "vampire face lift." It has been promoted on "The Rachael Ray Show" and "The Doctors."

[Google]

It is not a surgery. The procedure is done in the office and takes about thirty minutes. Blood is drawn from the patient's arm. It is then spun in a centrifuge, and the platelets are separated. They are injected into the patient's face in hopes of new collagen production. This process is called Selphyl, and has been used by around 300 doctors. 


A patient of a Selphyl "vampire-lift" Joan Sarlo said, "We all want to look better, but the less unnatural the better. What could be better than your own blood?" 

[Google]

The F.D.A. has not approved Selphyl to be marketed for facial rejuvenation yet. There is also a lack of research. The product came out in 2009. The procedure costs $900 to $1,500. Most people are not willing to shell out the big bucks for a product doctors are unsure of. 


The president of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons Dr. Phil Haeck said, "There are no scientific studies, only personal attestations. This is another gimmick that people are using to make themselves stand out on the Internet in a real dog-eat-dog part of medicine."


The patients are the ones to decide whether or not to take the risk. Until the F.D.A. approves this product, the danger of Selphyl is very real. Although there have been no recorded failures, the issue of a freak accident could occur. The plastic surgeons are out to make money. This is now one of the most expensive procedures on the market due to the lack of fillers. It is 'natural' because it uses the patient's own blood. Dying to be young or not, I would not become a vampire. 

"Kiddie Couture"

(This is a response to an article in the New York Times titled "School-Age Designers Take Fashion Seriously." The author was Eric Wilson. You can find the article here.)


Fashion shows fill the airwaves of prime-time television. "Project Runway", "Sex and the City", "Next Top Model" and "Rachel Zoe Project" inspire many viewers around the world. Among those viewers, children and teens are becoming inspired as well. Inspired by celebrities and reality television stars, the children are becoming more interested with the fashion world. Internet is easily accessible, and fashion is not hard to figure out. 


Take for example, Cecilia Cassini, an 11-year old fashionista. Her claim to fame is the "world's youngest fashion designer." Her trademark is a large bow she wears, and she has even appeared on the Today show. 

[Google]

Cecilia said, "Look at how many famous teens there are now. Fashion is a hot thing to be into when you're young."


She is right. Consumers look to the younger designers as a type of prodigy. The younger they are, the more interesting they become. It helps that the fashion culture is obsessed with youth. The frocks look more adorable on the younger children. 

[Google]

There are several concerns with young fashion designers. First, fashion is no longer about the historical nature and the craft. It becomes about the flash, and whether or not the outfit makes a statement. Another issue is the idea of exposing the children to public scrutiny. Children are easily manipulated. They are eager to make their mark and may be bribed to gain status. 


Editor in chief of Style.com Dirk Standen said, "“I’m not sure it’s up to us to say whether this is healthy or unhealthy."


The parents are the ones to decide whether or not their children can dive into the intense world of fashion. Fashion is known as cut-throat. I think that it is important to have a job you love. If a child loves creating fashion, then he/she should pursue it. Whether 12 or 21, the fashion world is ready for fresh faces. 

Where's the Wireless?

(This is a response to an article in the New York Times titled "Digital Age is Slow to Arrive in Rural America." The author was Kim Severson. You can find the article here.)


The introduction of the Internet started a new era in the world. Many people are embracing the digital age. College campuses are an example of how technology has changed the way people function. Students do their homework on laptops, and connect wirelessly anywhere on campus. 


What many people do not know is that there is a whole other section of America. There are people that do not own a computer or use an internet connection.  Severson said "...Two billion people now use the Internet regularly — the line delineating two Americas has become more broadly drawn. There are those who have reliable, fast access to the Internet, and those, like about half of the 27,867 people here in Clarke County, who do not."

[via Google]

Severson visited Coffeeville, Ala., and rewinded ten years. The rural town is behind on technology. Most citizens do not have broadband internet, and only a few have dial-up. Cellular phone coverage is almost non-exist, and can only be reached in small areas of the county. Broadband service is not only useful but vital. Most companies now have online websites for their customers to pay bills, shop and do taxes. Weather services blast out severe storm warnings via text message and Twitter. Without broadband, these citizens are lacking the daily necessities that make life easier. 


Social media is another reason small town citizens would enjoy broadband service. It is difficult to reach someone if there is no cellular phone service and they do not have a Facebook. Most communicating is now done through Facebook, Twitter and blogs. It is hard to e-mail someone to set up an appointment or to apply for a job. Keeping in touch with someone from out of town is nearly impossible. 


Because the median household incomes are usually much less than of those who work in large cities, the internet and cellular phone services are out of price range for small town citizens. This dilemma does not apply solely to Coffeeville, but to a lot of rural towns in America. According to Severson, "In rural America, only 60 percent of households use broadband Internet service, according to a report released Thursday by the Department of Commerce. That is 10 percent less than urban households."


Community leaders have been taking measures to speed up their towns' technology process. They have applied for stimulus money, but the process is long and hard. Until big companies see the potential to invest in small towns, the times will not change. Once companies see an increase in the demand for broadband and cellular service, they will hopefully reach out and invest. Until then, rural areas such as Coffeeville, Ala. will be stuck in the past, and waiting for a dial-up connection.


I consider it not only necessary but vital to have an internet connection. As mentioned above, life is made easier by doing things via the computer. Where someone lives should not determine their amount of computer opportunities. As technology continues to change, those citizens will be stuck even further in the past. Companies should step up and make a presence in theres rural areas for the enrichment of those citizens.

Can You Hear Me Now?

(This is a response to an article in Vogue Magazine's Sept. 2010 issue titled "Roaming Charges." The author was Robert Sullivan.)


Shopping first originated with various stores in the mall. Soon after people began buying computers, the stores made on-line websites with their frocks to be sold via the internet. Now, the time has come for a new phenomenon. Shopping has now turned mobile, and people are searching the stores via their smart phones. 


Cell-phone technology is changing the way retailers are ringing up sales. Shoppers everywhere no longer have to venture into their favorite stores to pick out the newest items. They simply have to grab their cell phone and punch in a credit card number. The convenience is undeniable. 


CEO of Precent-Mobile David Harper said, "The future is not the Web but mobile devices." 


Smart phones such as iPhones, Androids and Symbians have released "apps." These apps serve as a type of boutique set up in a virtual mall. They mix entertainment with retail. Some stores have not yet been made into apps, but have a mobile site which is a pared-down Web site. They allow shopping to be effortless, especially on such a small screen. 


Sullivan concludes that he tested mobile shopping out for himself and was pleased with the results. I have never bought anything from my phone, but have browsed apps for my favorite stores. I must say that it is more difficult than online shopping due to the smaller screen and no keyboard. The perk is that no matter where you are, you can shop. Sales and discounts are included in mobile shopping. Technology is constantly changing and mobile shopping will only improve. One day I will be able to say that I ordered my new pair of jeans off my iPhone. 

[via Google]

Trash Television.

(This is a response to an article in Elle Magazine's Feb. 2011 issue titled "Bored to Death". The author was Whitney Vargas.)

Fashionistas around the world are uniting against the lack of luster on today's hit television programs. Popular shows such as 30 Rock, The Office, Grey's Anatomy and Modern Family all contain characters who lack a sense of style. The uniform is simple. Jeans and a crew neck shirt are all the characters need to survive. The producers say that it is due to the hard economic times we are living in. Stepping out in Jimmy Choos or Dior sunglasses are just unrealistic for most Americans. They are better able to relate to those characters who are portrayed like them. Life is just too boring in black and white.

The ever present question remains. What about us? What about those that love to drool over new frocks hot off the runway. We like to look, but not touch. It is not about actually buying the items but at least seeing them showcased is what makes watching television fun. Think back to a time far away when a show called Sex and the City ruled the air time. Carrie Bradshaw was the absolute fashion diva and everyone ate it up.

Shows are finally stepping up to the plate to fulfill those who are just wishing for a fashion breakout. Gossip Girl and Mad Men are now dressing their characters in the latest and greatest. Our fashion time has come. The wait is over.

Costume designer Janie Bryant said, "For a younger generation, it's about seeing something new. What have they grown up with, bless their hearts? Sweatpants and ripped jeans." She nailed it. Thanks to our generation, ripped jeans and grunge have taken over our lives and the media. The world is finally realizing that the fashion forward need a little love too. I am ready for a change and will eagerly be anticipating the next episodes of the glamorous Gossip Girl and Mad Men. Full of runway fashion and haute couture, these shows have given us television viewers some hope.

Welcome.

It works!

My newest blog has been created and is ready to go.

Welcome to a place where my musings about the media come alive.

Together, we will take an in-depth look into the world of the current.

What is happening today?

I want to discuss my favorite topic in the news--

fashion.

This is what my focus will be on.

Fashion in the media with a dash of other items thrown in.

Exciting to see how the social media can direct the steps of the public.

Thanks for visiting.

-Mckenzie