September 2015 archive
TomorrowLand is one of the world’s biggest electronic music festivals taking place in Boom, Belgium. The event takes place annually on the last weekend of July and runs for three days. The festival first took place in 2005 with 10,000 attendees and has quickly gained popularity–attracting 180,000 attendees in 2013 and still growing. It was voted best music event globally at the International Dance Music Awards three years in a row. With 16 stages, the festival boasts a lineup with over 400 DJs. TomorrowLand is an event unlike any other and brings ravers from all over the world together to share their love of electronic music.
The atmosphere of TomorrowLand is designed to make attendees feel like they are in a fairy tale. All of the stage designs are whimsical, psychedelic and almost c
hildish, sort of resembling Wonderland in Disney’s Alice in Wonderland. Everywhere you look
you are surrounded by decorations and entertainment. A massive ferris wheel stands behind the main stage allowing riders to get a breathtaking view of the festival. Performers are also hired to walk around the festival grounds dressed like elves and fairies to interact with the attendees. There are numerous lakes and gardens throughout the festival, adding to the overall beauty and experience of this magical place.
The campground at TomorrowLand is called DreamVille and it houses 35,000 festivalgoers for the duration of the festival. With multiple shops– including a te
a house, bakery, community center, and pre-party tent–these campgrounds are unlike any other. The festival even has a daily newspaper called TomorrowLand Today that features pictures from the day before and all the information you will need for the day ahead of you.
The lineup for TommorowLand is very diverse. Every year the festival boasts the biggest names in electronic dance music. Almost every top DJ in the world performs at this festival. One of the things that makes this festival so unique, however, is the amount of lesser-known but extremely talented DJs. With stages around every corner, it would be impossible to have headlining DJs performing at all of them, all day, over the course of three days. That is why they bring in smaller-name DJs to keep the party going all day long. In 2014, a full-blown orchestra named The Symphony of Unity performed on one of the stages, creating a new and unique blend of classical instruments and electronic music.
One idea for Paper 2 compares the headlines of a recent event that took place in my hometown—Newark, Delaware—this week. Some University of Delaware students had a peaceful “Black Lives Matter” protest on Monday, September 21. On Tuesday afternoon, a student noticed strings tied around a tree resembling a noose and saw it as a hate crime done in response to the Black Lives Matter protest. The university acknowledged this issue and released an alert but then later retracted it after finding evidence that the string was part of a paper lantern decoration from Alumni Weekend that was not taken down properly. Nj.com posted an article on the incident with the headline “Nooses found after ‘Black Lives Matter’ rally in Delaware, reports say.” Newark Post Online also released an article on the same story with the headline “UD: Alleged nooses were remnants of lantern display.” I find the differences in these two headlines slanted in two different directions. The New Jersey article refers to the strings as nooses, which makes for a more interesting and controversial story while the Newark Post (which is the town in which the University is located) focuses more on the fact that the strings were not nooses. The Newark Post wants their town to have a good reputation so they focus on the positive viewpoint, ignoring the fact that maybe this actually was a hate crime. The Newark Post gives all the facts and evidence on how these were not nooses, while the New Jersey article makes no mention of the paper lanterns.
Another idea for Paper 2 compares two headlines on a recent tax break on marijuana sales in Colorado. When legislatures found that tax revenue from marijuana surpassed their expectations for 2014, they voted to get rid of the marijuana tax for one day as a celebration. The taxes were reinstated the next day as usual. BBC posted an article on the subject headlined, “Colorado declares tax holiday for marijuana sales.” The New York Times posted an article on the same day with the headline, “Day Without Marijuana Tax Draws Mixed Reactions in Colorado.” I found the differences in these two headlines interesting. The BBC headline makes the tax break sound like a joyful occasion, comparing it to a holiday and making it sound like marijuana is commonly accepted. It also does not mention how long the tax break lasted. The New York Times post points out that not everyone is supporting of marijuana use and the article provides insight on other peoples opinions of the tax break. The headline also makes it clear to the reader that it was only a one-day tax break.
http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2015/09/nooses_found_after_black_lives_matter_rally_in_del.html http://www.newarkpostonline.com/news/article_f15ffced-8dce-5ca8-a1ca-4ef9fce2f3de.html http://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-34272291 http://www.nytimes.com/2015/09/17/us/day-without-marijuana-tax-draws-mixed-reactions-in-colorado.html?_r=0
Kandi is a name used among ravers for bracelets made of bright, plastic beads that usually have a word or phrase spelled out on them. While the beads can be bought at stores like AC Moore and Michael’s, the bracelets themselves are not something you can buy. This is because each bracelet is handmade by an individual and usually traded or gifted to someone else at a rave.
Kandi bracelets were first made and worn by drug dealers in the early 1990s. Drug dealers would go to raves hiding drugs like ecstasy and LSD on them and wear an arm-full of these bright bracelets so that other ravers could identify them and buy some of their product. The idea was—because at raves your hands are usually in the air—the dealers bright bracelets could be seen by everyone behind them and people would know they can buy drugs from him.
Today, kandi bracelets are worn by a large amount of ravers and the relationshi
with being drug-related has faded. These bracelets are now seen as a way for ravers to connect and symbolize unity among the rave community. Many kandi bra
celets have the name of DJs a person has seen or festivals a person has been to. Others have positive sayings on them like “peace” and “be happy”. Trading or gifting your kandi to someone is a way of spreading your message and connecting with ravers all over the country.
There is a handshake that is performed when trading kandi with someone. The handshake symbolizes peace, love, unity, and respect (or, PLUR) through hand gestures. It goes as follows: the two people make peace signs and touch them (peace), each person forms their hand into half a heart and then are joined (love), then the two touch their hands in a gesture resembling a stop signal (unity), then they intertwine their fingers the way you would as if you’re praying (respect), and finally, without releasing their grip, the other hand is used to move the bracelet from your wrist to theirs, and vice versa. Sometimes the two exchange a hug afterwards.
Some people are not a fan of the whole kandi craze and think that it demoralizes the reputation of electronic dance music. These people still consider there to be a link between wearing kandi bracelets and drug use. This is because many people who are not true fans of electronic dance music go to raves as an excuse to take drugs. Unfortunately, these people also make kandi bracelets with words like “drop acid” and “pop molly” on them, because that’s what the music is all about to them. Some venues have even banned kandi bracelets from their shows. If wearing them, security will confiscate and throw them away. Artist and producer Diplo placed a ban on kandi bracelets for all of the shows on his Mad Decent Block Party tour after numerous deaths from fans due to drug overdose occurred. This upsets many people because kandi bracelets are a collection of memories that people gather at shows and represent all different people they have met in the process. Throwing away people’s kandi at shows is like throwing away someone’s memories and handmade work. Banning kandi at shows denies attendees the chance to add to their collection and meet like-minded people.
Kandi is no longer just bracelets, ravers are getting crafty and making cuffs, headbands, masks and even belts. It seems that–in a time when kandi is facing more opposition—people are constantly finding new things to make with these little beads. Each piece of kandi is unique and has a story behind it. They represent PLUR and are a way of meeting new people and spreading a message. Kandi bracelets are a form of self expression that should not be banned from shows.
An advertising campaign that I deem to be rhetorically compelling is the “What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas” billboards and commercials. Las Vegas has always been a city known for gambling in extravagant casinos, but the Las Vegas tourism department wanted to broaden their attractions and show people they have a lot more to offer than just gambling. They first started using the now famous slogan in 2003 in commercials and billboards and it quickly proved to be a success.
People associate Las Vegas with freedom and possibilities. We are given the freedom to do things we would never normally do at home with the expectation that no one who wasn’t there will find out. This is not necessarily true, of course, but the advertisements give us that impression. The ads appeal to our wild-side, encouraging us to come to Las Vegas to let loose and party in a place far away from all our troubles. Las Vegas’s location in the middle of a desert in Nevada goes along with the desire to get away and be in a place where no one will judge or think lesser of you. It can be seen as an area disconnected from society’s norms and customs, or an area off the grid (even though it is not at all).
Some billboards eventually just read the phrase “what happens in Vegas…” leaving it an open-ended statement. This enables readers to complete the phrase in their head and create a mental image of their own Vegas trip. Creating a mental image of how fun and crazy going to Las Vegas with all your friends would be makes the viewer want to go and, hopefully, plan a trip. The open-endedness of the phrase also asserts that it goes without saying–what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas. The way it is phrased makes it sound like it is common knowledge and widely accepted.
In one Visit Las Vegas commercial, multiple clips of a woman introducing herself to different men are shown. Every time she introduced herself to a new man, she used a different name. At the end of the commercial, the phrase, “What happens here, stays here” appeared. This commercial gives the viewer the impression that you can be anyone you want in Las Vegas. It also goes along with the phrase, “what happens here stays here” because–by giving a false name–the woman is revealing nothing about her true identity and, therefore, can do whatever she wants without having to worry about her actions in Las Vegas being traced back to her. This commercial also uses ethos to draw in visitors. It pictures a group of young attractive women in different party atmospheres meeting other men. These depictions were made to appeal to 21 through 35-year-old singles who like to have a good time and are maybe looking to meet someone of the opposite gender. No gambling was shown in this commercial—presumably due to the fact that Las Vegas Tourism Department wanted to show some of the city’s other attractions (in this case, the nightlife).
In another Visit Las Vegas commercial, a couple walks up to the hotel’s front desk and asks to check-in. The employee behind the counter says, “one moment, please” and walks away. The man’s girlfriend (or wife) leaves to go to the bathroom and, in the meantime, another man comes up to the counter and stands next to him. A different employee behind the counter enters the scene and asks the two men, “Are you gentlemen ready to check-in?” The two men exchange a look that appears as if they are considering the question, and then the phrase, “What happens here, stays here” appears. This commercial sends various messages. It indicates that Las Vegas is a destination not only for singles, but also couples. It also symbolizes that Las Vegas is accepting of all types of people, regardless of sexual orientation. The look on the two men’s faces also suggests that anything can happen in Las Vegas and people are more open to trying new (sometimes unconventional) things there. The commercial gives the impression that if you are looking to try something new, or just go wherever the night takes you, this is the place to do it.
The “what happens in Vegas…” slogan caught on so well that full-length Hollywood movies have been based of it. The movie What Happens In Vegas starring Ashton Kutcher and Cameron Diaz follows the story of two incompatible people who got married in Vegas one night and one ended up winning the jackpot on a slot machine, causing them to stay together. The movie encompasses all that can happen in a typical night in Vegas: partying, making poor choices, marrying a stranger, winning money in a casino, and dealing with the repercussions the next morning. The Hangover trilogy also relates to the “what happens in Vegas…” slogan. The movies follow the adventures of four men who have a crazy night in Las Vegas and wake up the next morning with no memory of what happened and a missing friend. Through the course of the movie they find out bits and pieces of what happened the night before. At the end of their trip, they all agree not to tell anyone what happened while they were in Las Vegas. These movies were extremely successful and support the crazy nightlife image that the Las Vegas Tourism Department is after.
Las Vegas is regarded as the party-capital of the United States. People go there with the expectation of having a good time and letting loose. People do things in Las Vegas that they would probably never do anywhere else (like get married to someone they’ve known for a few hours). They let go of their morals, forget their troubles, and live for the night. It is generally accepted that visitors do unacceptable things in this city. Instead of tying to cover this up, the Las Vegas Tourism Department embraces it. The slogan, “What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas” sums up all of what the city stands for in a short, fun, and easy to remember saying.
Sources:
http://theweek.com/articles/459434/brief-history-what-happens-vegas-stays-vegas
Group Member: Eddy Zheng, Kimber Dawson, Kevin Taylor
To further accentuate the already mind-gripping plot, the stage equipped with fitting set-ups. Open canvas cover the stage in trapezoidal proportions. Sharply trimmed walls are risen in the shroud of crisp lighting design. Fitting background lighting and character-cued aspirations. “I.D.,” an early-to-judge amateur show is professionally executed as a result of a foundational script.
The stage assists the plot with its opening set. Which includes professional lighting, interesting designed walls, and great set changes that follow the script.
A seasoned actor for Penn State Cecil Blutcher performs the character Black Michael a hip guy operating in consciousness of his knowledge.
Cecil Blutcher, in his fourth Penn State display, plays Black Michael. This character is a self-described “hip guy” operating with an awareness of his knowledge.
“I think the style of the piece really caters to the Millennial Generation, since we are the next group of leaders who are going to step up and hopefully lead us into a better tomorrow… if you can capture the hearts and minds of the youth, you can incite meaningful change that will also have longevity,” Blutcher said.
The style of this play attracts the millennials. We are the generation leading society to a bright future. Capturing the hearts and minds of the youth incites change.
Actress Malena Ramirez plays Miguelina while painting an individual portrait of outward zaniness. A prime example of raw and impassioned power that live theater transmits, Ramirez voiced her lines in Spanish while a comical dance with actor Aaron Densley ensued. One person attending the Sept. 8 preview show laughed in response to the exclamations made by Ramirez in Miguelina’s first language, while other theatre-goers in the audience sat silent.
An advertising method that I deem to be rhetorically compelling is the “What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas” slogan. Las Vegas has always been known as the place to go if you want to gamble, but the Las Vegas tourism department wanted to be known for its many other appeals as well. They started using this slogan in commercials and other advertisements and it quickly caught on. This slogan appeals to basically everyone aged 21 and older because everyone wants to get away for a while and have fun without having to worry about the consequences or their reputation. It is a simple and easy to remember phrase that has a lot of appeal and is rhetorically compelling. 
The Mac vs PC advertising campaign is also very rhetorically compelling. It uses a middle-aged man dressed professionally to represent PCs and a younger man dressed casually to represent Mac computers. The differences between the two men symbolize the differences in the two computers; PCs are slow and considered old and outdated while Macs are new, up to date and easy to use. The dialogue used in the advertisements almost suggests that people who use PCs are dumber than Mac users because Justin Long (the man representing Macs) is constantly critiquing John Hodgman (the man representing PCs) on his computer skills.
Electronic dance music festivals have been criticized a lot in the news recently for their safety. EDM events have always carried the negative stereotype of being events for ravers to take drugs and party all night long with lazers and multi-colored lights moving to the fast-paced music. Unfortunately, these stereotypes carry some truth. Throughout the genre’s history there have been numerous reports of people dying or needing medical attention for drug overdose, dehydration, overheating, or seizures at shows.
The drugs commonly found at EDM festivals include MDMA (Molly and Ecstasy), cocaine, LSD (acid), and marijuana. Molly, a purer version of MDMA, is quickly gaining popularity among ravers. The dangerous drug gives its users a prolonged feeling of euphoria, physical energy, and heightened feelings of love and intimacy. It is so dangerous because it increases heart rate and blood pressure, raises your body temperature causing dehydration, can make you clench your teeth and nauseas. Molly and ecstasy are typically sold in the form of a pill or white powder making it very easy to be cut or combined with other drugs like bath salts or methamphetamine, so people really don’t know what they are taking unless they buy a drug testing kit.
For many years EDM festivals typically went under the radar except in the rare event of a death. Today, EDM festivals are constantly in the news for deaths and hundreds of arrests. In 2013 there were two deaths from drug overdose at Electric Zoo in New York, causing the third day of the festival to be cancelled. Electric Daisy Carnival in Las Vegas has a rough past too, two men died at the festival in 2012, another two in 2014 and at this years festival there were 75 arrests and a man died from an ecstasy overdose. In 2013 at Ultra Music Festival in Miami a man died from an overdose and then again in 2014. In 2015 there were 76 arrests at Ultra. At Nocturnal Wonderland in California there was one death in 2013 from a drug overdose and this years festival resulted in nearly 200 arrests. In 2014 at Mad Decent Block Party in Maryland two people died from drug overdose, one only 17-years-old. In almost all of these drug involved deaths, the drug taken was molly or ecstasy.
All of these deaths and arrests have led some to campaign for a ban on EDM festivals. Due to two deaths at Los Angeles’s HARD Summer Music Festival, Los Angeles County Supervisor Hilda Solis introduced a motion to ban large music festivals on county property. The LA County Board of Supervisors voted to “explore a possible temporary ban on major music festivals on county property” (O’Donnell, foxlanews). After a security guard was trampled to critical condition at Ultra in 2014, the mayor of Miami called for an end of the music festival. He proposed a resolution to the city commission to end any future plans of Ultra returning to Miami. Beach Glow is an EDM concert held annually in Wildwood, New Jersey but after complaints about drunk and high attendees and foul mouthed artists, the Wildwood Commission told Beach Glow they could not return and the concert is now located in Atlantic City.
What are your thoughts on EDM festivals? Should they be banned completely? I personally have never had a problem at any festival I have attended and would hate to see them come to an end.
Sources:
http://archive.desertdispatch.com/2001-2003/99952662051061.html http://www.youredm.com/2015/08/04/la-county-plans-to-move-to-ban-major-music-festivals/https://teens.drugabuse.gov/drug-facts/mdma-ecstasy-or-molly http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/6206713/one-dead-20-hospitalized-after-mad-decent-block-party-2014-diplo-in-maryland http://beachglow.org/press/edm-concert-moves-wildwood-ac http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/6029350/miami-mayor-city-officials-look-to-end-ultra-music-festival http://www.brooklynvegan.com/archives/2015/09/nocturnal_day_3.html
I am a big fan of electronic dance music, or EDM as it is more commonly referred to. EDM is made mostly on computers and various music mixing/composing equipment. It is played by a DJ who mixes and controls the music live for an audience. This passion blog would focus on electronic dance music in all its aspects. I would say that EDM is a newer genre of music that is quickly gaining popularity. Most people probably do not fully understand what EDM is and the amazing, unique and interesting culture that surrounds it. My blog would try to change that. I would blog about all things EDM; including electronic music festivals, rave culture, and the lifestyles of famous DJs.
I am just now beginning the process of rushing a fraternity. I could focus my passion blog on my journey through rushing and fraternity life in general. I could talk about why I chose to rush, the steps of rushing, how to get a bid and the steps to becoming a brother. Some more topics could include the philanthropic events fraternities are involved in, the social life, and the history of the house. This blog would basically follow my personal journey through fraternity life and everything that is involved with it.
