"Difference and Sameness"

The best thing I read this past week was a photograph series by a Beijing-based photographer, Gao Rongguo. He spent some times photographing various identical twins over the age of 50 by capturing the "difference and sameness" as the writer, Priscilla Frank, perfectly described. As mentioned within the article, Rongguo's inspiration for his works was a quote by St. Augustine's "Confessions" that states, "People born at the same time, differ in the temperament and fate." Thinking about quote I found it to be bittersweet, butI think Rongguo beautifully portrayed that in his series. Although, twins may hold the same physical makeup the process of aging eventually takes its own path, which is makes life unforeseen and beautiful in it's own way.



*Source*

Feminists for the Win

The best thing I read over break was an interesting viewpoint coming from a couple that defined their relationship to be "feminist." The writer, Amanda Chatel, briefly explains her relationship with her fiancé, Olivier, in a list of eight reasons why once you find a feminist man, you'll never going back! While reading this list, accompanied by various gifs including one of the most famous girl powered woman to date, Beyonce and humorous quotes, such as coming from the movie Mean Girls, I couldn't help but want to relate to it.

I believe reason 2. He doesn't subscribe to gender stereotypes in our relationship, had me rethink about how much it gave light to how honest these "gender roles" still play a big part of this society. Although, it may not be the 1950's, these "roles" are still present and as a young woman in today's world I don't have to be married to recognize that. While reading this article, it highlighted many important aspects of a healthy relationship and what possibly could be lacking in yours. For one, having serious discussions is vital to keeping a relationship alive and honest, without such good opinionated talks with your partner versus bad, can lead to a happier life or open simply Pandora's box.

Make sure to check out the rest of the list! <--(CLICK!)

Last but not least, I'll end this post with a reminder of who runs this world... (;

Buffalo's Top "Tweeter"

Expert of all things Sabres, Craig Kanalley, a Buffalo native and graduate of John Fisher College is today's Social Media Manager for the Buffalo’s hometown hockey team visited University at Buffalo's English 399 class to discuss and share his experience of his field of work. His main focus in graduate school was social media and not once did he believe he would land his dream job. From the Hudson plane crash to Barack Obama’s inauguration back in 2009, as a the “baby” of social media, back then Twitter began to make a name for itself in the world of journalism with its quick 140 character messages.  Quickly climbing the social media platform from building his own blog, Breaking Tweets, Kanalley, brought together tweets that informed the public with the latest news.

​Like most bloggers, Kanalley, started his blog for his own entertainment to practice his writing. At first, he posted three times a day and once he grew more popularity he soon was posting more frequently, from seven to eight posts per day. Soon enough friends of Kanalley began to help him once his blog’s traffic grew within in the journalism community. In June of 2009, during the Iran election protests, Breaking Tweets, traffic skyrocketed when his sources from Iran provided him direct information that various news platforms could not receive due to its ban within the country. As one of the first as Kanalley stated, “media outlets” to break direct the news from Iran certainly  helped his personal blog gain immense recognition from bigger news media.

​Eventually, his everyday fun soon enough became a job offer with The Huffington Post, as a traffic and trends editor for three years. Today, Kanalley works as the Buffalo Sabres Social Media Manager, applying first as a joke, Kanalley states that working for Buffalo's home hockey team is a dream and that he never thought he would have been offered such a position.  “You always have to be ready for change,” stated Kanalley, when presented with a new job at The Huffington Post, having to start at the bottom was tough. When asked what were somethings he wished he could change about current journalism practices he quickly shook his head seeming eager to answer.  The blurring between the news explained by Kanalley was an aspect of today’s news that bothers him.  As a “traditional journalism believer,”  he has been able to realize as stated,  "the blurring between public relations, marketing and journalism."  He further explained how there is a bigger push in today's media for entertainment, such as celebrities constantly promoting themselves. This mixing of entertainment and actual currents events have become a competition to gain recognition on news platforms. Having this media mix is not allowing the news to make a division in the world of journalism and entertainment , which in turn are allowing these unimportant reports to become news stories.

Although, the fear of his social media job may disappear, Kanalley is always looking forward to what can possibly be next for him. For now, he continues to be the Sabres biggest fan tweeting updates for his Buffalo's community and for all hockey team lovers.  

(Image Source: Twitter)

'Made in Bangladesh' causes a stir

 This past week American Apparel released their latest ad of a former-Muslim model, Maks, with the words, "Made in Bangladesh," written across her chest. Maks, is a current merchandiser for this company since 2010 and according to American Apparel representatives stated that Maks fully "unreservedly embraced," the photo shoot. However, critics have quickly put down the ad and has caused quite a big controversy within the public, as they have claimed it for its "distasteful" use of her body. Personally, this ad is over the top and it is the wrong way to sell clothing. Seriously, jeans? What jeans are they even trying to sell in this photo?! Although, Maks grew up in America for most of her life, the words written across her chest represent women that are Muslim and from Bangladesh in a underlining way. It is a shame that a company that deliberately makes claims to being sweatshop free and based in Los Angelos has to receive attention for their line of clothing through very provocative shoots. As someone who is familiar with how they campaign, I don't believe it was necessary to mention that she left the Muslim culture when they released a statement about the ad. American Apparel does have a head turning way of campaigning, but it's what makes people open their wallets.

Other head turning news from AA:

American Apparel's 62-Year-Old Lingerie Model

"Beauty does not have an expiration date."

Best Thing I Read This Week Article

U.S.A., U.S.A., U.S.A.!

From scenic canoe rides in Minnesota to jazz filled nights inside a "movie-theater-turned-concert-hall," the good ole United States has a lot more to offer than the dollar menu at McDonald's. The best thing I read this week was this online article titled, "This Is The ONE Thing You Must Do In Each U.S. State," by the Huffington Post, a thrilling exciting article for any travel enthusiast!

(Canoe the Boundary Waters- Minnesota)

(Balloon Glow-New Mexico)

One event that caught my eye was the Balloon Glow that is known throughout the world that takes place here in New Mexico. This air balloon even is the largest in the world that has the sky filled with hundreds of balloons throughout the day! It is a weekend event that takes place in October, that costs around $300 for a ride that will be a  lifelong memory. 

(Drive State Route 1 - California) 

This online article grabbed my attention from the start with all the photographs of places, food and events that each state has to offer. I find it interesting how as Americans we are always looking for places outside our own country to travel to when our own home has so much to offer! Looking at this article makes me want to travel more throughout the U.S. and I definitely will be adding a few of these places on my bucket list!

Huffington Post