Reality Shows Rule the Roost?

I watch reality televison for entertainment. I also watch it for the regional differences. I will make an extened post (including/editing my Jersey Shore post) that discusses my thoughts on reality shows.

From my FaceBook:

"Blog idea--> for people who saw Jersey shows "Make Italians look bad" and the Baskeball Wives "Make Black women look bad" and Shahs "Makes Persians look bad" ...are they forcing the idea of the other upon themselves and allowing a tv show define an individual?"

THINK OUTSIDE OF THE TELEVISON BOX! There is no way that Reza, Snooki, Nene, or ANYONE on ANY reality show can represent you--YOU represent YOURSELF!!


they are allowing a handful of people represent the entire group, they are idiots. Race/ethnicity/culture/heritage is unique in that we have no choice of what we are born into. With that being said, I can't let every black woman that I see on tv represent who I am. It's just silly and shows the shallow depth of their intelligence.

Work. In. Progress. [currently unorganized]

*From the Shahs of Sunset Facebook page:-)

Thanks for reading!!

Geo Jessica B

Full Credit Map!

I have finally submitted a map that has received FULL CREDIT!

Neat lines (border), source information, title, North arrow, legend (without titling it "legend), scale bar, zoomed in.... I did it!

Thanks for Reading :)

Geo Jessica B

Just an environmental thought...

I can't wait to complete this paper for environmental sci. It is about coal, politics, and the social/environmental/economic costs. I understand the temptation to utilize the fuel resources here on our soil but polluting the Earth will hurt us. We can get really sick really fast, not to mention completely deplete the resources. Then what? Gov. Mittens claims these will last us the next 200yrs; I don't believe it but I am definitely looking into it. Alas, what happens when these resources deplete? The push for renewable resources is not just to "save trees" , it is also to ensure that future generations will live in a world where their environment doesn't attack them (extreme natural disasters), they have clean air/water, and they can still run their cars. Solutions? My suggestion is continuing the President's funding of green and alternative energy that won't smog up our skies (ex. Los Angeles and Mexico City) or melt our icebergs (which contain FRESH water). Facts over Fiction! WE AS HUMANS ARE A PART OF NATURE! Not separated from it. We depend on the biological processes of the Earth to ensure our continuance. So next time you think it's funny for trying to "stop the rise of the oceans", think about how you'd like to have lung cancer.

http://4mechanical.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/renewable-energy.gif

The Final {ELECTION} Season: Jersey Shore & Presidential Debate Part I

In case you could not tell by the title, this post is about the premiere of the final season of Jersey Shore (and my thoughts on the show in general) and the first presidential debate.

(I have been a huge fan of JS since it's inception and have had a huge issue with the criticisms; it is a good show when you look at it critically--I'll prove it.)

The cast at the Shore Store.

The season premiere of Jersey Shore was, in many ways, a classic "coming of age" story. The entire cast has matured*. My roommate made a fair suggestion, which has been mentioned by others, that perhaps sober Sitch and Schnooks preggers (and now a mother), and a celibate Vin (according to episode one; I'll have to see it to believe it), will be less interesting. Not to mention, Deena has a new boyfriend and Jwoww is still in a committed relationship with Roger (and now engaged). (This leaves Pauly D the only housemate in the same condition as season one.) And maybe they're right. We're used to watching the cast mates get drunk at Karma, Bamboo, Jenks, and the Beachcomber. The thing is, we will still see the funny intoxication that we are used too-- in the season premiere, Ronnie already blacked out. Alas, if this is your first season of Jersey Shore, skim through seasons 1-5 before you start with 6.

So that is the premiere episode. Now for my overall analysis.

They make ITALIANS look bad. They make Jersey look bad. Guido is derogatory. They're not all Italian. They're not all from Jersey. They're dumb. They sleep around. They have STDs. And my favorite, "...get drunk and take your top off on the Jersey shore like Snooki" said by some random woman on TV.

Short answers:

To allow yourself be represented by someone other than yourself is dumber that getting drunk on TV. Oh and bee-tee-dubs-- if we're going to praise the Godfather and the Sopranos as works of cinematic and television art, I wouldn't criticize JS. The housemates aren't famous for killing people, forcing innocent citizens to pay for protection, evading taxes, or pay off corrupt politicians and cops. Heck, the few times they broke the law, they got arrested (Ronnie, Snooki, and Deena). If anything, that better shows how quick cops will arrest your ass for acting up.

New Jersey is a great state. However, all the negative stereotypes about New Jersey existed FAR before the show was even thought of! Seriously.

Perhaps. From what I have seen a lot of people on TV have used it to make fun of other people. With that being said, if they are willing to call themselves guidos and guidettes, let them.

No, they are not all Italian. And the ones that are not or are partial have never lied about it. Snooki has said more than once that she is from Chile and was adopted by an Italian-American family. Ronnie has said he is half Puerto Rican, and was even speaking a little Spanish during the season in Miami. Perhaps it was the people feeding into the stereotypes of Italians and Italian Americans that made the assumption that they overdid the Italian thing.

No, they are not all from Jersey. But guess what?! The shore  is the beach. Beaches=VACATION. JERSEY SHORE IS A VACATION SHOW. Many people that live in and around New Jersey go to the shore for vacation.It's about being from the shore. If anything, it represents (some of) the regionalism of the Northeast. It's about being on vacay and enjoying the summer. Sidenote-- another one of my favorite reality show, The Real Housewives of New Jersey, helps prove this. Some of the wives on the show own vacation homes on the shore and enjoy going their for the summer. Maybe I have looked at this differently because I have a huge interest in people and place, but if you're going to attack it, you have to fully understand what it is about.

Getting over $10,000 per episode, plus endorsements, appearances and startup businesses is far from stupid. We all have said silly things and we have all made asses of ourselves.

They do sleep around. None of them are married (yet) and the ones that are engaged have calmed it down. It's a part of being young. If you don't like it, don't sleep with them.

Not sure of the status of their sexual organs but it's not my issue :)

Lastly, the woman that said this is an unreliable resource. This was said closer to the beginning of the series, but I have never forgotten that. It made me mad. Why you ask? Because Snooki never "took her top off" [and exposed her breasts, I am assuming what she meant]. She clearly never  watched the show. I know it is silly and insignificant, but it looked dumb because it never happened.

+Another reason why I watched JS, other than for a good laugh, was for the regioal differences. That is why I like a lot of NY/NJ-Italian American-Exploitation shows. All of the JS cast is from the Northeast-- specifically NJ, NY, and Rhode Island. I learned how many people up North go to the shore for the summer. Not just Seaside Heights, but Ocean Township, Toms River, etc. I also learned that Italian-Americans enjoy a large Sunday dinner, where they can relax and talk over good food (chicken cutlets, lasagna, sauce, etc). Family is important. + (Added at 10:34am on 10/06/2012)

The moral of the story is, they are regular people. I am not suggesting that we bow at their feet in apology, but to attack them for doing crazy shit is a waste of time. They're not politicians. They don't preach to teens about responsible drinking. They're people having fun.

P.S.---they always work! (T-shirt shop, Gelato- shop, and Pizzaria!)

Extreme turn to American politics.

This will be shorter. Yes, I wrote several paragraphs about Jersey Shore. Truth is, I understand it better than politics. When they lie, we have it on camera to prove otherwise.

This post is not about my political views; this is strictly a review of the debate.

It was BORING!!!! As I stated on my Facebook and Twitter. They said the same things over and over. President Obama was not energetic at all and it bothered me that he didn't look Governor Romney in the eye. Governor Romney, it seemed like, came up with some completely new stances that I never heard him promote.

Okay, so that's all I have to say...it was boring! And both of them kept over speaking (2 minutes is not long enough, but follow the damn rules!). If you're going to speak beyond your limit, say something profound, not the same crap that we already knew!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The debate to watch WILL be the Vice Presidential debate. VPOTUS Biden has not lost his zest and Rep. Ryan is young (yes, throwing the age card in) and has stamina. I predict lots of jabs and ripping to shreds on both sides. I expect it to be very similar to part 1 of the RHONJ season four reunion.

The White House! I wonder who is going to move in....or move out....or stay in ....or stay out?! We'll find out soon.

P.S. The BEST part of the National election is always the comedic interpretation--they attack all sides. On that note, I would seriously vote for Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert if they were on the same ticket, in a new and crazy third party.

Thanks for reading :-)

GeoJessicaB

This time for AFRICA!!!

I am going to AFRICA!

Next year. To Tanzania. Courtesy of Growth International Volunteer Enterprises (GIVE).

I'll be there for 2 weeks, building, and teaching and other things! (Not sure the details of the excursion but I'll let you know ASAP.)

So excited to be productively travelling!





Thanks for reading!

Geo Jessica B

A lesson in Promotion/PR/Advertising 101.

So,  for my career development course, I had to add entries in my career portfolio. For my artifacts section, I decided to use my blog. And this is what I said about it:

 

         "This is my blog, entitled 'Spatially Yours'. My blog was started as a place to showcase my writing and communication skills. I try to blog once a week. I plan on showing this to graduate schools and possible internship offers and employers. The blog is partially about my personal life but also relates to geography and environmental questions and issues, as well as my point-of-view with experiences. I try not to enforce heavy parameters so that I can allow myself to write about anything."

 

 

This is an example of good advertising: use the right words and add some fluff. This is not to downplay my blog, but to be honest, it is not to where I want to be. However, I had to make it sound spicier. Whether you're interviewing for a position, in the courtroom making your case, or asking someone out on a date, you have to make yourself, or whatever you're representing, sound the best that it can. Therefore, you emphasize and sometimes inflate your strengths, no matter how small it may seem. Not only that, if you are able to paint the perfect picture of yourself/representation, you are more than capable for the position. It means you can make a Lemon Drop martini out of lemons! Alas, take time to really think about your strengths, no matter if you performed them but once, remind yourself and put it on the platter.

 

With that being said, the image of the day is a video : 'What Makes You Beatiful' by my new obsession: One Direction. I am a proud Directioner. This may appear corny, but the message relates to self-promotion, and confidence in your word and self. Enjoy, and listen to the message!

 

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QJO3ROT-A4E

 

Just in case you live under a geologic formation and you have never heard of One Direction, here is a picture:

 

From left to right: Niall, Liam, Harry, Zayn and Louis.

 

 

P.S. They are the reason I am looking into living somewhere in the British Isles.

 

 

 

Thanks for reading!

 

Geo Jessica B

So about that meeting with the Doctor...

He's going to a GISc conference this week and won't be in the office; I'll get back to it next week. With that being said, I will take a hint that I must look into a Masters in GIS or at the very least a Masters level certificate. My professor is cancelling class to go to this GISc conference--it must be important. Alas, I am currently working on my 2nd GIS lab. It's hard -_-. I am aware that being a 22 year old that has grown up in the "Information Age" means that I am supposed know computers better than I know how to handle myself in face-to-face social situations, but I don't! I have the basics down but I barely know how to navigate an Excel spreadsheet. It's a fail. Anyways, I am enjoying learning how to use ArcGIS. I can put my (limited) knowledge of the software on my resume...I'll look smart(er)! I am now going to get back to my  work and get ready for my 4:00pm Beginners Yoga class. P.S. I am hoping to be in Atlanta next weekend for the Counter Point festival (http://CounterpointFestival.com) and possibly the Brazilian Day Atlanta Festival. We'll see. Alas, if I go to any, I will let you know. I'll be signing autographs! Just kidding, I do not have readers or an audience yet. Lol. Alas, Namaste.

 

 

 

http://www.superskinnyme.com/yoga-poses-for-beginners.html

 

 

Thanks for reading!

 

 

Geo Jessica  B

It's been a while...since I could...

To start off, an old song that I like that can relate to my last posting... Enjoy :-)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K2NGe9mLAEc

...Well...since this is a new blog and I have done a great disservice by not blogging I have the odd advantage of having no followers and therefore I can use this as a practice round. Alas, if someone out there is reading this, thanks :-) and please look at the video(s) and continue reading.

So, this blog still has no official direction; another odd advantage. We'll see where this goes then.

I was thinking about possible directions for this particular posting. I was originally going to do the whole "first-day-of-higher-level-classes-thing-where-they-ask-the-class-what-is.." question. My version: What is geography?

But that would be pointless. So I move on. I'll start the discussion of:
 "Should an undergraduate geography student pursue a higher degree (Masters' Master's certificate, and possibly Doctorate) in Geography or Geographic Information Systems or Sciences?"

Of course it depends on the path upon which that student hopes to travel; however, does pursuing a degree in GIS or Sc ensure a shorter gap between graduation and employment? Which also, hopefully, ensures steady and stable earnings?

Some posts ago, I listed graduate schools that I would be applying to to earn a Masters' degree in Geography. And then I went to Intro to GIS class on the first day and my professor, with a PhD, said in so many words that the geography world is going towards GIS and that is where the jobs are. I have known this for years but does the degree have to say "GIS"? Can
 it say "Geography" and you also add on your resume "GIS Certificate"? I plan on discussing this with the aforementioned professor.

Alas, please share your thoughts about this and I will share the results of my discussion!

And now two more YouTube videos!

A funny and interesting collage of accents! WARNING: There is cursing and harsh language. So. Don't be uptight about it :-)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dABo_DCIdpM&list=FL59w7Dp-Yra81dJ6EjCUZxQ&index=3&feature=plpp_video

Next, RELAXATION & MEDITATION! This week I have started the practice of meditation as well as yoga. I am perfectly aware that I am tens of thousands of years late on both of these but I am thankful that in September 2012 I have finally indulged in my curiosities. In addition to meditTing with incense and crystals ($1.50 each from a vendor at First Fridays here in Tallahassee), I play relaxing music. Enjoy and relax:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D58pigO5Dig&list=FL59w7Dp-Yra81dJ6EjCUZxQ&index=6&feature=plpp_video

Sidenote: A BIG thank you to the peoples of Asia! Meditation, yoga, peacful religions, healthy lifestyles and great food....we can learn a lot from your cultures and ways of life!  


Oh and a picture:

Me, Top of the Rock, Rockefeller Center when I went to  NYC this summer...I have a post for that. Coming. Eventually. I posed by a compass :-)

Thanks as always for reading!

Best,

Geo Jessica B.

Sorry...Don't hate me!

 Photo courtesy of http://www.Wikipedia.org.

I have not posted in weeks. But the blog and adding a new post as been sitting on my head for weeks. I will have great geo-tastic blogs up in regular posting soon! 

Again, I apologize for' please forgive :-)

Thanks for Reading!

Geo Jessica B

Planning for Parks

1. I need to beautify the title post.




Prior to last week, I had never been to Girvin Road Park, Zeta Phi Beta Park, or The Jacksonville Baldwin Rail Trail. Before Last week, I had never even heard of the last two.

________________________________________________________________________

Updated on 05/10/2012

I have made my first big mistake with my career as a blogger which as committing to post a blog on a certain date and being extremely tardy. The main reason for the tardiness and procrastination is due to the fact that I had a major writers block and I am not sure how to translate the notes. What I will do is I will summarize the notes and once the photos are developed I will go through them and I expect them to help me connect the dotes and come up with a common thread or two. Check Next post.

Map of the rail trail from MetroJacksonville.com

Thanks for Reading!! And I apologize for the delay.

Geo Jessica B

Side-Step Time: Master's Mania!!

Hello!

"Trust Me, I have a Master's Degree"*

I plan on obtaining a Master's degree for several reasons, the first and second being that I feel that I need to time to stall. I've looked into programs before but I this afternoon I did a quick look into ~18 schools to see what degrees they offered. I have compiled a list of seven schools. This is by no means final, but take a look and tell me what you think!


In no particular order:


Rutgers


Princeton


Univ of Penn


Penn State


Univ of Washington


UNC


and...


university of miami


...with that being said, I have 11 classes left until I earn my Bachelor's of Arts in 
GEOGRAPHY (and environmental studies minor!) from THE FLORIDA STATE UNIVERSITY!




*Pic found on Google search: Master's degree


Thanks for reading!!!!


Geo Jessica B

Parks em Progresso!

On Mayday, went to Zeta Phi Beta park and the Jacksonville-Baldwin Rail Trail to round out my first official blog post.

My goal in visiting these three parks (Girvin Road Park, Zeta Phi Beta Park, and The Jacksonville-Baldwin Rail Trail) was to understand their purpose and function within their community or who they attracted. I tried to spend enough time to attempt to interpret what the place was trying to convey.

The post right before this gives some of my experience at GRP.

For the Zeta Phi Beta park, I was unsure of what to expect. I had never heard of it and I found it only after I stumbled across it on an online search. The name of the park stood out to me because it is named for the sorority, Zeta Phi Beta. I found this park interesting for several reasons. The most important thing that stood out to me was how calm and tranquil I felt being there.

The Jacksonville-Baldwin Rail Trail was definitely the most unique, and I did not even know that such a park existed in Jacksonville--I only learned about what a rail-trail was a couple of weeks ago in my Ecotourism class (GEO4930 @ FSU, GREAT class!!) and one of my classmates did a project on the rail trail between Tallahassee and St.Marks. This also peaked my interest in a trend in urban planning that utilizes spaces and edifices abandoned in the the wake of post-industrialism. I first learned about such efforts when I saw a special on TV about the High Line in New York City, which is an urban green space that uses the old railways that once allowed trains to ride through the city. Back on the JBR, I enjoyed it (although it was hot), but I definitely wished that my bike tire was fixed, because it is great for cyclists.

Pic from the Rail Trail. It is a picture of the ground. There were all these sticks stratified on the ground...I don't know why but it caught my attention. While this is not an exciting picture, I am fulfilling the promise to always have a picture. And, if my phone allows me, I'll upload a video of me a turtle!!

I will have my post(s) about the parks up on Monday (05/07/2012). I'll admit, I may be a little rushed because I'll be heading to Gainesville this weekend because my bestie is graduating from UF!! :)

Thanks for reading!!!!

Geo Jessica B

What is ahead: Ideas for possible layout and agenda; peak at first project post.

I, GeoJessicaB, will attempt to blog 3 to 4 entries per month, or roughly once per week. A topic may be revisited multiple times per month, if not the entire month. Or, if I'm really hustling, a completely new topic every week. For the next week, and possibly the one after, I will focus on parks.

Peak into next week:

Girvin Road Park.

http://www.printablesigns.net/preview/Posted_No_Trespassing



GRP is a small suburban park located in the area of Jacksonville that I have grown up in. Of the hundreds of times that I have passed the park, I never went in. We never went in. It had a bad reputation. And it was dangerous, according to me. Alas, I wanted to look into this particular park and feel it out for what it is. What could be a nice park, if the trash were picked up and the city beautified the landscape, is bland and unsettling. I kept looking over my shoulder, and it is a nice area of town. But this is just my view; it is still used by the residents of the area. I had not been by in a while, especially since I moved to Tallahassee in January. Maybe the park has changed?

P.S. An explanation of the picture with the accompanying post.


Thanks for reading!!!!

Geo Jessica B

First Post: Get to know me from all Quadrangles!

I shall start by introducing myself:

My name is Jessica. I am a senior at the Florida State University (Go Noles!) majoring in Geography with a minor in Environmental Studies. I am a student of the Earth and have always been interested in people and place, and more recently the physical environment. P.S. I am on the prowl for internships!

Confession time:

As of this second, as I type this introduction, I have no solid goal to achieve in this blog. However, I do know that I want to improve my writing and communication skills, as well as learn as much as possible about my areas of study. So, in that sense, I do have a goal which is to blog about various topics related to geography, the environment, nature, global issues, culture, etc. And I am no photographer, but I will add a pretty picture every post.

I have no idea what my specific "writing style" is, but if there is one thing that I have learned during my first semester at Florida State, it is to think deeper and think critically. I hope to devour every blog post with deep and critical thinking and broach underlying subjects, issues, and topics.

Enjoy the posts! And thanks so much for reading!

Tweet me @GeoJessicaB!

(That's me!--> )