Thursday, October 22, 2009

Blogging about blogging!



site.despair.com


I've officially been a "blogger" now for 43 days. Is it a milestone worth celebrating?

Well, I'm not going to lie, it still makes me shudder a little bit. But the last 43 days have been a unique experience, and I have decided to share it with you (completely of my own volition - it has nothing to do with the assignment I may or may not have to do in PR class today so Citytv has something to shoot).

Initial Impressions

When I first learned that part of our CreComm curriculum would include the creation and fostering of our own blog, I was less than impressed. I have always held a negative opinion about blogging.

I am not someone who likes to share my personal opinions with anyone who will listen. I prefer to do that among friends and family as part of a conversation, rather than a rant. I feel that that way I will learn more and my opinions can continue to develop. To me, blogging feels more like propaganda. Though there is a 'comments' section, it is often a one-sided conversation.

Another particular problem I have with blogging is the lack of credibility associated with it. Anyone can say anything they want, and often are never held accountable for it. And if they are, it is through a computer screen. To have a blog, you don't even have to have an identity (anonymous bloggers). No one is required to take responsibility for anything they say, no matter how hurtful or untrue it is.

43 Days Later

To be honest, my opinion has not changed much.

I have certainly learned more about blogging. Before I entered CreComm, I don't know if I'd ever read a blog - I certainly never followed one. Now, however, I follow the blogs of my classmates, and I've learned more about the format and different focuses and styles of blogs.

However, I still just see it as a bunch of opinions. Not to say there is anything too wrong with that. While some are more interesting than others, I still do not find myself logging on to blogger everyday and searching for the latest posts, eager to see what everyone is thinking. I would much rather have a conversation with my classmates than read their blog.

In All Fairness

Not all blogs are full of rants and opinions, and not all bloggers are people screaming to have their voices heard, hidden behind the safety of a computer screen.

Some bloggers do not try to take themselves too seriously, and view blogging more as a personal creative outlet.

It is not my chosen way to express myself, but freedom of opinion and freedom of expression is important in a democracy, and blogging is another outlet for both of those things.

To Wrap It Up

If it were not a requirement, I still would not have a blog.

Do I think the world would be a little better off without blogging? Maybe.

However, I do realize that, with the way communications professions are changing, it is almost a required skill of some kind. It is another medium through which to reach people, for better or worse. And now, many journalists are required to blog for their outlet's website.

So I will keep giving it my best shot and trying to improve my blogging style (because it really is a unique style.)

I just still somewhat hang my head in shame every time I hit "post".

Thursday, October 15, 2009

BUYER BEWARE!


gogreen.motivators.com



Hello all!

Water bottles are a hot topic of conversation these days. Some people are switching to reusable water bottles to help save the planet; others are switching on principle that water should not be commodified, as it is a basic human right. The University of Winnipeg recently implemented a ban on the sale of disposable water bottles on campus.

However, when making the switch to a reusable water bottle, how do you know what kind you should buy?

My advertising team set out to find out more information about disposable and reusable water bottles in order to inform you, the public, about which bottle will serve you the best for the best price.

We studied four kinds of bottles: disposable, reusable plastic (polycarbonate) bottles, stainless steel and aluminum. We compared them based on their health and safety concerns, environmental impact, and price.

Our methodology consisted of both primary and secondary research. Our primary research included a survey to test college students' knowledge on water bottles, a discussion with Lisa Meisner at World of Water regarding water bottle safety and sales, and a phone call to Winnipeg's recycling information line regarding the recycling of bottles. Our secondary research consisted mainly of Internet research about health and environmental concerns, as well as a comparison of prices.




So here are some of the highlights of our findings:


Environmental Impacts


Somewhat obviously, disposable plastic water bottles are the least environmentally friendly way to go. But let's look at some of the facts.

According to back2tap.com,
- Only 23% of disposable water bottles are recycled in the US
- It takes up to 700 years for disposable water bottles to decompose in landfills
- It takes three bottles of water to manufacture one plastic bottle
- The amount of oil used in the production of plastic bottles per year is enough to fuel 1,000,000 cars for a year

A combination of production, shipping and lack of recycling, even though disposable water bottles are the easiest plastic to recycle (#1), add up to a huge toll on the environment.

Reusable water bottles are a much better alternative.

Stainless steel and aluminum are both 100% recyclable. Another benefit to these materials is that they can be created from 100% recycled content. If we recycle enough stainless steel and aluminum to never have to produce them from scratch again, they will be an extremely environmentally friendly alternative.

Reusable plastic water bottles are a little bit trickier. While they are often 100% recyclable, they are made out of #7 plastic, which is the most difficult kind of plastic to recycle. Some smaller recycling depots do not accept #7 plastics. Winnipeg's recycling program does, however.

Therefore, environmentally speaking, I would recommend any of the three reusable alternatives. They are much more sustainable products than disposable water bottles.



Health and Safety Issues

Disposable water bottles are only supposed to be used once. When they are reused, there are some safety issues to be concerned about. Extended use and washing can cause the plastic to break down and leech a cancer-causing chemical called diethylhydroxylamine into the water.

Most of the health concerns regarding reusable water bottles surround the chemical bisphenol A (or BPA, as it's more commonly known). The chemical was banned in baby bottles in Canada in 2008 because not much was known about its affect on humans.

According to a cbc.ca report, in mice, exposure to low doses of BPA increases the growth of breast and ovarian cancer cells in females and prostate cancer cells in males. BPA mimics estrogen, and is therefore of concern to pregnant women, infants and fetuses.

However, Health Canada recently released a report saying that the average adult would have to consume 1,000 litres of water from a plastic reusable bottle for the BPA to be of significant harm.

Nevertheless, if BPA is of concern to you, plastic reusable bottles are not your best option. Nalgene, however, has recently released a line of BPA-free bottles.

Stainless steel water bottles are BPA free, and have no negative health effects if they are kept clean.

Aluminum water bottles have recently been under scrutiny for the use of BPA in their liners. However, many brands, including SIGG, have released BPA-free liners.

To sum it up, if BPA is of concern to you, go with stainless steel or aluminum - just check to see that the liner is BPA free.




Price Comparison


Disposable plastic bottles are not an economical choice. A 24-pack of 500 ml Aquafina bottles can be purchased for $9.99. Based on this price, if you consume one bottle a day for about two-and-a-half months, you would have already spent as much money as it costs to buy a reusable SIGG bottle.

Reusable plastic bottles, such as Nalgene bottles are a cheap reusable alternative. Nalgene-outdoor.com sells 16 ounce bottles for up to $9.50 and 32 ounce bottles for up to $11.50.

The stainless steel brand Kleen Kanteen are more expensive, with an 18 ounce bottle selling for $16.45, a 27 ounce bottle for $17.95, and a massive 40 ounce bottle for $25.95.

Similarly, the aluminum brand SIGG is a more expensive option as well. 20 ounce bottles are priced at $21.99 and the 33 ounce bottles are $24.99.

With SIGG bottles in particular, the consumer is paying for a brand. SIGG is quickly becoming an accessory, not just a water bottle, so keep in mind that you are paying for that.



In Conclusion

1. BPA seems to have a bad reputation. There are only trace amounts present in some water bottles, and we have determined that it should not be of particular concern when choosing a reusable water bottle.

2. Environmentally speaking, in most regions, aluminum, stainless steel and plastic reusable bottles are all recyclable. They are all much more environmentally friendly alternatives to disposable bottles.

3. There are a variety of reusable bottles, all in different price ranges. While more expensive ones, such as SIGG and Klean Kanteen, are often overpriced simply because of good branding and advertising, a better quality bottle may last longer, if one does not intend on replacing it every year or two.


My team would therefore recommend that consumers do not worry about health issues or environmental concerns when choosing a reusable bottle, but rather choose a bottle based on what they are willing to pay and how important quality and branding are to them.

Royal Ruckus

Governor General Michaelle Jean and the Queen.
Picture:PA from mirror.co.uk



There has been a lot of fuss made this week about Governor General Michaelle Jean's referral of herself as Canada's head of state.

Monarchists and constitutional experts criticized Jean's use of the term, as she is actually the representative of the Crown in Canada, and therefore, only the representative of the head of state in Canada.

The Prime Minister's Office even went so far as giving a condescending reminder to the Governor General. Rideau Hall then went on the defensive, acknowledging the Queen's position, but arguing that, since Jean is the representative of the Crown in Canada and carries out the duties of the head of state in Canada, she is "de facto head of state".

First of all, I think that a correction from the Prime Minister's Office was a little much. I don't think Jean intended to a) slight the Queen by applying the title to herself; or b) use the title as some sort of political leverage over Harper. I think that Jean honestly believes that is a fair title for her position in Canada.

This past Tuesday, a representative from Buckingham Palace somewhat commented on the issue. The representative said that the palace was not getting involved in the debate, and he "presumed" that the Queen was, by official title, head of state in Canada. The whole statement was very wishy-washy. The palace wants to stay as far removed from the issue.

But of course the Queen wants to stay out of the fracas!

What good would it do the Queen to become involved? She knows Jean was not trying to expand or abuse her authority in her position as the Queen's representative. Had the palace commented or corrected Jean, the Queen would have come across as a stodgy Royal reasserting her symbolic authority over all Canadians.


Furthermore, the debate has already brought out anti-monarchist sentiments among some Canadians who disagree with the Queen's position as head of state. Were she to be involved in the argument, more sentiments would surely be raised, creating negative publicity for the Crown.

The Queen did the right thing in remaining silent on the issue. Besides, she has more important things to worry about than tiny technicalities.

Thursday, October 8, 2009

Michael Buble anyone?

If you're looking for some new music for the weekend, can I recommend some Michael Buble? The Canadian artist's new CD "Crazy Love" comes out on Friday, October 9th. I will be first in line to pick it up! Here is his first single from the CD, "Haven't Met You Yet".

Wednesday, October 7, 2009

Good bye CKX :(




On Thursday, October 1st, it was announced that CKX TV in Brandon would be shut down, its last broadcast to be aired the next day.

Earlier this year, CTV put the station up for sale for $1.00 because it could not afford to keep producing programs like CKX news in a market as small as Westman. Two potential buyers promised to back the station before pulling out, and CKX staff members had been uncertain about the future of the station for many months.

The loss of CKX is a big loss for Brandon and southwestern Manitoba. It was a major news source for these smaller communities, who do not receive much coverage on Winnipeg stations.

It is especially unfortunate for sports fans this year, as Brandon is playing host to the Memorial Cup, the Canadian Hockey League's biggest tournament of the year, and the Brandon Wheat Kings are guaranteed a spot in the four-team tournament. Fans will no longer get to watch Wheat Kings' highlights and player interviews as the team plays one of its most important seasons ever.

Many smaller communities across the country are losing their local media sources, as they are often not self-sustainable, and in an insecure economic climate, no investors will take a chance on them.

This is particularly unfortunate for CreComm students. Smaller media outlets are where rookie journalists get their start. It gives them great experience in larger roles than they would see in bigger media outlets.

I would have loved to intern for CKX, and perhaps have begun my career in Brandon. Unfortunately, that will no longer be possible.