Last Blog?! Is the semester already over?!
I can NOT believe that this semester is here and gone already. It seems like just yesterday I was a freshman in college... Now I have one semester left and then its graduation time for me! This semester has easily been my favorite semester in college, in terms of classes. This semester reinforced the fact that I love my major, and can't wait for the day when I get to enjoy marketing each time. I spent 3 years of college unsure of a major, going from Psychology to Exercise Science, and finally to Business Marketing. I have really enjoyed finally getting to take the Marketing classes (instead of the general business classes and other core classes), and am excited to continue on to the Promotion and Advertising part of marketing! I think that the first two marketing classes required really have given me a wide-range of knowledge towards marketing. I feel like I have learned more this semester than any before!
With my last blog, I am sad - But will definitely be continuing to blog. Everyone in my family has a blog website, where they share pictures and stories about their lives from 1,000s of miles away. I am excited to continue on writing and enjoying sharing my thoughts and ideas through social networking websites and blogs.
Cheers! :)
Saturday, April 28, 2012
Trickle Down Theory
After speaking about the trickle down theory in class the other day, it got me wondering why on earth I have spent so much money on designer products. I have around 20 pairs of designer jeans, and 10 designer purses.
I don't have that kind of money! Why would a college student spend such money on an item?!
I think of all the things I could use $300.00 on, and am almost ashamed at myself for wasting that much money in the past. Listening to the trickle down theory being explained in class, I began to wonder what pushed me to buy these high-end items.
Main reason, I wanted to stay up with the "fashion" of the time period. I think many girls (and some boys) let their friends influence the amount of money they spend, which isn't always good when people do not come from the same money situation. Some people around the country are able to spend that amount of money daily, while others have to save up for a year.
One random thing I found interesting had to do with the cultural difference in designer wants/needs. When a student was explaining that in China, everyone has designer products... No matter what. I thought that was interesting, because many people in our culture do not partake in spending such money.
Maybe there is a huge difference in price across the world (which I am not sure of because I have never visited), but these last individual wikis taught me to start saving my money instead of following trends.
I don't have that kind of money! Why would a college student spend such money on an item?!
I think of all the things I could use $300.00 on, and am almost ashamed at myself for wasting that much money in the past. Listening to the trickle down theory being explained in class, I began to wonder what pushed me to buy these high-end items.
Main reason, I wanted to stay up with the "fashion" of the time period. I think many girls (and some boys) let their friends influence the amount of money they spend, which isn't always good when people do not come from the same money situation. Some people around the country are able to spend that amount of money daily, while others have to save up for a year.
One random thing I found interesting had to do with the cultural difference in designer wants/needs. When a student was explaining that in China, everyone has designer products... No matter what. I thought that was interesting, because many people in our culture do not partake in spending such money.
Maybe there is a huge difference in price across the world (which I am not sure of because I have never visited), but these last individual wikis taught me to start saving my money instead of following trends.
Non-Human Family Members
After hearing the individual wiki about Non-Human Family Members, I began to think about how excited I am for getting a puppy when I graduate. In the past, I had a family cat, named "Kitty"...HOW ORIGINAL (I know...) Anyways, I just can't wait until I can get myself a pup! There are quite a few things I don't think that college students take into account when they get a pet, so I thought of a few and thought I would share with others who are thinking about getting an animal, before they are actually ready. This advice is coming from someone who accidently got a dog 2 years ago (with an ex-boyfriend), when I wasn't ready... And now I miss him daily because he isn't mine anymore! I am just happy he is with people who have time to spend with him, than a student who spends her days at school...
TIME - You must have many many hours day-to-day to spend with a dog. Espcially when they are puppies, you must be ready to take care of another living being. This takes a lot of time from your day, when you are constantly going on walks and playing so they don't get fat in the house.
MONEY - Pet food costs money. Bottom line. If you have to work (for money) and go to school, you may not have a lot of TIME, so it's just not good.
While both of these things are something one can overcome, they are difficult at first. Finding a schedule that works for you will be the most important factor in getting a pet! :)
TIME - You must have many many hours day-to-day to spend with a dog. Espcially when they are puppies, you must be ready to take care of another living being. This takes a lot of time from your day, when you are constantly going on walks and playing so they don't get fat in the house.
MONEY - Pet food costs money. Bottom line. If you have to work (for money) and go to school, you may not have a lot of TIME, so it's just not good.
While both of these things are something one can overcome, they are difficult at first. Finding a schedule that works for you will be the most important factor in getting a pet! :)
Final Group Projects
This semester has been ful of projects and papers, which is completely different than what I am used to! I really enjoy working on projects, and at times I can't decide whether I enjoy group or individual more. Because I have 3 final group projects I am working on right now, I've gone over some of the brainstorming activities regarding groups from my "Managing Quality and Productivity" class (MGMT 433), and I wanted to share some PROS and CONS of both group and individual projects.
When there is not a time constraint
For long-term commitments
When different skills can be combined to produce the best end result possible
When a diverse wide range of knowledge is required to solve a problem
When collaborative efforts are needed
When creative thinking for long-term projects is paramount
When different viewpoints are needed
When diverse views and knowledge are needed to accomplish the task
For melding of the minds
When different perspectives are needed
When there is a large amount of work
When there is a large amount of information that needs to be gathered
When brainstorming ideas
When empowering individuals is necessary to accomplish work
For multiple tasks
For presentations
When the specialization of the project does not require collaboration
For short time commitments
When goals are small and achievable
When there is a time factor
When there is a time constraint
For repetitive tasks
For number crunching
For papers
When you need an individual to prove themselves
When individual assessment of capabilities is necessary
When you don’t need diversity
When you know people are lazy, free-riders
Each of these ideas came from other students in my class and myself, and I thought they were interesting to share in regards to our final group wiki projects.
I just finished and turned in my final for MKTG 342, where we interviewed 150 students about Big Sky Resort, with the objective "What can Big Sky do to improve student skier visits?"
Another group project I am working on is for MGMT 433. We are figuring out a business plan as to what campus would need to do to control people from cutting across the grass pathways.
And lastly, the group wikis for Consumer Behavior.
I am really enjoying the group project process in the College of Business, because not only does it give us students experience in groups, but also a chance to make new friends.
When there is not a time constraint
For long-term commitments
When different skills can be combined to produce the best end result possible
When a diverse wide range of knowledge is required to solve a problem
When collaborative efforts are needed
When creative thinking for long-term projects is paramount
When different viewpoints are needed
When diverse views and knowledge are needed to accomplish the task
For melding of the minds
When different perspectives are needed
When there is a large amount of work
When there is a large amount of information that needs to be gathered
When brainstorming ideas
When empowering individuals is necessary to accomplish work
For multiple tasks
For presentations
When Are Individual Assignments
Better?
When
it is a short assignment that is so simple that working in a team actually
complicates/lengthens the assignmentWhen the specialization of the project does not require collaboration
For short time commitments
When goals are small and achievable
When there is a time factor
When there is a time constraint
For repetitive tasks
For number crunching
For papers
When you need an individual to prove themselves
When individual assessment of capabilities is necessary
When you don’t need diversity
When you know people are lazy, free-riders
Each of these ideas came from other students in my class and myself, and I thought they were interesting to share in regards to our final group wiki projects.
I just finished and turned in my final for MKTG 342, where we interviewed 150 students about Big Sky Resort, with the objective "What can Big Sky do to improve student skier visits?"
Another group project I am working on is for MGMT 433. We are figuring out a business plan as to what campus would need to do to control people from cutting across the grass pathways.
And lastly, the group wikis for Consumer Behavior.
I am really enjoying the group project process in the College of Business, because not only does it give us students experience in groups, but also a chance to make new friends.
Sunday, April 22, 2012
Recent Commercials
Since the beginning of this semester, I've become extremely aware of commercials and how advertisers try to appeal to their consumers. Most commercials (and I mean a MAJORITY of commercials) are lame, dull, not funny, and hard for people to understand. Lately, I've found a couple that I enjoy.
I think this commercial is appealing to any consumer. I like the song Target used in this commercial. I feel that with such a catchy tune, viewers can't help but watch the entire commercial. Although you may not know what product or store is being advertised at first, I feel that through the colors and song it is easy to see at the end. By captivating the viewer each time, consumers are able to watch through the entire commercial without losing interest.
Although this commercial is a bit "too much" by the end of it... I think the idea behind it is well thought out. This is a cleverly put together commercial, with a funny intention behind it. Adding an air guitar is a bit much at the end, but I do enjoy the rest of the commercial. Although I do not drink soda, this commercial gave me insight to a clever and appealing way of adding humor to an advertisement.
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
Another T.V. find...
Along the lines of my last post, where I found an interesting and inspiring film from E! Network on T.V. Well, watching television isn't all that bad, with finding this video I might have found my next series of books to read.
I just finished reading "The Hunger Games" trilogy, and am slightly depressed about it. I have a hard time parting with books (esp. those that come in a series), and am curious to find out new popular books coming out. While I would love input onto books to read (especially with summer coming up) *HINT HINT* I may have found my match. On E! News the other night, the book "Fifty Shades of Grey" was mentioned... sounded interesting enough and cheesy - just how I like them - So I started reading some reviews and what not.
Amazon gives great book overviews and reviews, where readers really get involved.
"When literature student Anastasia Steele goes to interview young entrepreneur Christian Grey, she encounters a man who is beautiful, brilliant, and intimidating. The unworldly, innocent Ana is startled to realize she wants this man and, despite his enigmatic reserve, finds she is desperate to get close to him. Unable to resist Ana’s quiet beauty, wit, and independent spirit, Grey admits he wants her, too—but on his own terms. Shocked yet thrilled by Grey’s singular erotic tastes, Ana hesitates. For all the trappings of success—his multinational businesses, his vast wealth, his loving family—Grey is a man tormented by demons and consumed by the need to control. When the couple embarks on a daring, passionately physical affair, Ana discovers Christian Grey’s secrets and explores her own dark desires.Erotic, amusing, and deeply moving, the Fifty Shades Trilogy is a tale that will obsess you, possess you, and stay with you forever."
Amazon: Fifty Shades of Grey
Kind of sounds like a girly book, much like the other series and trilogy's out there. Might have to give this book a try...
I just finished reading "The Hunger Games" trilogy, and am slightly depressed about it. I have a hard time parting with books (esp. those that come in a series), and am curious to find out new popular books coming out. While I would love input onto books to read (especially with summer coming up) *HINT HINT* I may have found my match. On E! News the other night, the book "Fifty Shades of Grey" was mentioned... sounded interesting enough and cheesy - just how I like them - So I started reading some reviews and what not.
Amazon gives great book overviews and reviews, where readers really get involved.
"When literature student Anastasia Steele goes to interview young entrepreneur Christian Grey, she encounters a man who is beautiful, brilliant, and intimidating. The unworldly, innocent Ana is startled to realize she wants this man and, despite his enigmatic reserve, finds she is desperate to get close to him. Unable to resist Ana’s quiet beauty, wit, and independent spirit, Grey admits he wants her, too—but on his own terms. Shocked yet thrilled by Grey’s singular erotic tastes, Ana hesitates. For all the trappings of success—his multinational businesses, his vast wealth, his loving family—Grey is a man tormented by demons and consumed by the need to control. When the couple embarks on a daring, passionately physical affair, Ana discovers Christian Grey’s secrets and explores her own dark desires.Erotic, amusing, and deeply moving, the Fifty Shades Trilogy is a tale that will obsess you, possess you, and stay with you forever."
Amazon: Fifty Shades of Grey
Kind of sounds like a girly book, much like the other series and trilogy's out there. Might have to give this book a try...
Monday, April 16, 2012
E! News
I don't watch a whole lot of T.V. (mainly because I do not have a lot of time). My favorite kind of T.V. to watch is of course, Reality. I watch a lot of shows on E!, along with random shows like The Voice, or other shows on Bravo. Anyways, with E!, I watch their version of the news. I found a couple really cool things through watching and thought I would share.
This video, Caine's Arcade, is a video about a little boy who made an arcade out of cardboard at his fathers auto-parts shop. Cardboard? Yes, cardboard... Anyways watching this short film brought me to tears! It is very inspiring and uplifting to see a group of people help out a little boy with accomplishing his dreams. Here is the video! Caine's Arcade
This video, Caine's Arcade, is a video about a little boy who made an arcade out of cardboard at his fathers auto-parts shop. Cardboard? Yes, cardboard... Anyways watching this short film brought me to tears! It is very inspiring and uplifting to see a group of people help out a little boy with accomplishing his dreams. Here is the video! Caine's Arcade
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
University Police Department
Recently on the Montana State University campus, there have been 2 reportings of rape here close by the school. These reports concern me, as a woman and as a student that walks to my vehicle alone, no matter the hour of day. With the photo emailed to students across campus, I wonder why he has not been caught. This subject is frightening to any girl, and I would like to see this stop. 2 reports in 1 month is far too many if you ask me.
After searching the campus police site from "www.montana.edu", I realized that there are options for those of you (including myself) who feel unsafe after these reports of rape. Montana State University police offers a 24 hour escort available for anyone who may be walking alone.
Stating,
"In the interest of the safety of MSU’s students, faculty, staff, and visitors, the Police Department has escorts available on campus 24 hours a day. Contact the University Police Department at 994-2121. Our Safety Escort program is available to anyone on campus.Simply call the Police Department and request an escort from any point originating on campus to any other point on campus or a contiguous location to the campus. Don’t hesitate to ask us for assistance. We’re here for you."
Because this is my fourth year at Montana State University and I was unaware of this in the previous years, I feel like it is important for others to be aware (including parents and incoming freshman) to understand that there are options like this available.
After many years of being on the top 100 safest cities in America, Bozeman has fallen in recent years below the top 100 mark. (Money Magazine, 2010) Luckily, Bozeman is still the number one safest city in Montana, nearing close to Helena and Billings. I was able to find a lot of interesting Montana city information at this website.
Growing up in Billings, I found it interesting to see that Billings topped the charts in other categories such as "smart rank" and "overall ranking" ... Maybe people will stop dogging on Billings if they knew it was a top city in climate and economy among other things!
After searching the campus police site from "www.montana.edu", I realized that there are options for those of you (including myself) who feel unsafe after these reports of rape. Montana State University police offers a 24 hour escort available for anyone who may be walking alone.
Stating,
"In the interest of the safety of MSU’s students, faculty, staff, and visitors, the Police Department has escorts available on campus 24 hours a day. Contact the University Police Department at 994-2121. Our Safety Escort program is available to anyone on campus.Simply call the Police Department and request an escort from any point originating on campus to any other point on campus or a contiguous location to the campus. Don’t hesitate to ask us for assistance. We’re here for you."
Because this is my fourth year at Montana State University and I was unaware of this in the previous years, I feel like it is important for others to be aware (including parents and incoming freshman) to understand that there are options like this available.
After many years of being on the top 100 safest cities in America, Bozeman has fallen in recent years below the top 100 mark. (Money Magazine, 2010) Luckily, Bozeman is still the number one safest city in Montana, nearing close to Helena and Billings. I was able to find a lot of interesting Montana city information at this website.
Growing up in Billings, I found it interesting to see that Billings topped the charts in other categories such as "smart rank" and "overall ranking" ... Maybe people will stop dogging on Billings if they knew it was a top city in climate and economy among other things!
Monday, April 2, 2012
Books turned into movies...
A couple of weeks ago, my new favorite Trilogy "The Hunger Games" came out with their first movie. I went and saw the movie right away, and can't wait to go back again! This topic made me curious as to what other books have been turned into movies, and how many have been popular. Besides Harry Potter and Twilight, teenage and young adult readers haven't been as excited for a movie until this movie came out a couple weeks ago. There are SO many books turned into movies that people do not even realize!
The obvious sequels, Harry Potter and Twilight...
There are so many others,
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, The Lorax, The Lovely Bones, The Help, The Time Travelers Wife, Water for Elephants, Charlottes Web, The Notebook, and SO many more...
Behind Harry Potter (Deathly Hallows part 2) and The Dark Knight, The Hunger Games comes in with an opening day of $152,535,747 dollars.... This coming from a girl who didn't want to make it "BIG" in movies.
On Chelsea Lately, Jennifer Lawrence surprised me with her quirky/funny/sarcastic personality, making me TEN TIMES more excited for this movie. If I were to give any suggestion to those going to see The Hunger Games, read the book first. The movie was great, do not get me wrong! BUT you will understand the plot more with the books background.
Jennifer Lawrence on Chelsea Lately.....
http://youtu.be/H5Pr29nu-54
The obvious sequels, Harry Potter and Twilight...
There are so many others,
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, The Lorax, The Lovely Bones, The Help, The Time Travelers Wife, Water for Elephants, Charlottes Web, The Notebook, and SO many more...
Behind Harry Potter (Deathly Hallows part 2) and The Dark Knight, The Hunger Games comes in with an opening day of $152,535,747 dollars.... This coming from a girl who didn't want to make it "BIG" in movies.
On Chelsea Lately, Jennifer Lawrence surprised me with her quirky/funny/sarcastic personality, making me TEN TIMES more excited for this movie. If I were to give any suggestion to those going to see The Hunger Games, read the book first. The movie was great, do not get me wrong! BUT you will understand the plot more with the books background.
Jennifer Lawrence on Chelsea Lately.....
http://youtu.be/H5Pr29nu-54
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