Be Still by the Fray

Who created this message?

• The American  alternative rock/piano rock band, The Fray created this song. This song belongs to their latest album ‘Scars and Stories’ which was released this year.

 What creative techniques are used to attract my attention?

• The Fray as a band is very unique since they use the piano in most of their songs. This song is no different but what really got my attention were the lyrics and Isaac’s vocals. His soft but strong voice melded well with the subtle piano. When I listened to the song, I felt the harmony hold me for a while in a sense. It was like wrapping me in its sound.

 How do I feel about the message/issue? Why?

• The message in this song subtly talks about God. I believe this song is said in God’s perspective as if he were talking to us personally. The message is basically, whenever you feel lost and alone, without strength and in pain, you have someone who will always be with you. For me, I thought of the person narrating to be God. I felt that I could totally believe in his word in which I do and faithfully follow him. The song to me was solemn but comforting like a hug from someone you’d least expect it from. I think it’s because of how Isaac sings it and how the music goes with his words.

 How might different people understand this message differently from me?

• People that have listened to this song have shared their insights with me. They could relate it with the perspective of a lost loved one. I think they would understand the message differently would be just who, in their lives, would be saying this. It could be their lost loved one or a friend of theirs.

 What lifestyles, values, and points of view are represented in (or omitted from) this message?

• I think religion and relationships are in the message. With religion, such as Christianity or any faiths involved with a god or deity, you would believe that it would be your God communicating to you through this song. Relationships are mentioned here because people could also interpret it as a lost loved one or someone significant in their lives instead of God.

Why is this message being sent?

• I think this message would be aimed to everyone. Though the song is aimed to everyone, this song would have the most impact, on those who have lost a loved one or are feeling lost as well. It is to give comfort to those who can find none, to give compassion to those who feel alone, and to those who cannot find reason to get up and move on. 

First World Problems

• Who created this message?
  - Nigahiga on youtube. He is also known as Ryan Higa.  
• What creative techniques are used to attract my attention?
  -The usage of the camera angles and the props.

• How do I feel about the message/issue? Why?-
  It isn't a 'real' problem, it's more of an irritating issue. I think the issue itself is also annoying but the way the creator made this video to address it was hilarious.
• How might different people understand this message differently from me? -Some people might take the video too seriously, when they can actually relate to it, and find it offensive. Their pride might be hurt and might put negative comments about it.
• What lifestyles, values, and points of view are represented in (or omitted from) this message?
  -The lifestyle being portrayed is that of the 'First World'. An example of a First World would be North America. So, that lifestyle can also be said to be a spoiled or just greatly blessed lifestyle.
• Why is this message being sent?
  -Today, people either consciously or unconsciously post about their 'First World Problems'. This video was created to let them know that it's irritating and no one would really wish to hear about them. :)

Of Lemons and Cowards

http://varsitarian.net/editorial_opinion/editorial/20120930/rh_bill_ateneo_and_la_salle_of_lemons_and_cowards

here is the link of the article that was posted in the Varsitarian, which is from UST. It's slogan being 'The Official Student Publication of The University of Santo Tomas.'

• Who created this message?-Most likely a student coming from UST.
• What creative techniques are used to attract my attention?-I honestly didn't find anything creative, but rather offensive on my part.
• How do I feel about the message/issue? Why?-I felt very offended since it was degrading my university.The main intention for the article was lost after bringing up the other universities.
• How might different people understand this message differently from me? -Some people would probably view this as the truth or as something that cannot be wrong, especially maybe those from UST. Of course, you'd want to believe your university 
• What lifestyles, values, and points of view are represented in (or omitted from) this message?
  -I think the lifestyle of UST was heavily represented and praised in this article. I also think that there is lots of bias in this article.
• Why is this message being sent?
  -Their initial reason was about the RH bill and the other universities view on it but instead, it was just to bring down the other universities and give praise to their own.

1st entry: 50 ways to Say Goodbye

Summary: This is a music video by Train called "50 ways to say Goodbye" I think the title is pretty self-explanatory. :) The message in the video is basically thinking up excuses why you're supposed significant other is no longer with you. Or when someone asks you about them and you don't reveal that you are not longer with them, you would make up an excuse.

• Who created this message?
• - The music band Train made this message
• What creative techniques are used to attract my attention?
• -They used actors, the lyrics, and funny scenes in the music video.
• How do I feel about the message/issue? Why?
• -It made me laugh and I thought that I could relate to the message in a way. The lyrics sounds so ridiculous but then the real meaning to it is that this person is having a hard time getting over their old love.
• How might different people understand this message differently from me?
• They might believe that it's not nice because the lyrics might be taken seriously instead of just enjoying it.
• What lifestyles, values, and points of view are represented in (or omitted from) this message?
• I guess a normal sort of suburban lifestyle is showed here because the setting is in a grocery store. The point of view would be in the perspective of the person who was broken up with. The values would be probably love and lessons of moving on.
• Why is this message being sent?
• It's kind of sending their emotions to the person who made them feel this way. Usually music is also to let other people know that they're not the only ones to feel this way :)