420 every day

Colorado and Washington became the first states in the union to legalize marijuana for recreational use. In both states residents over the age of 21 will be allowed to possess up to one ounce of the herb, marijuana accessories. In Colorado people can have up to six marijuana plants, though no more than three can be mature, have flowering plants, at a time.

What are your thoughts on this controversial topic?

Late October Fun

Many traditions and celebrations take place on or around Halloween (October 31). Even if you do NOT participate in any of them, which one do you find most interesting? Please say why it is of interest to you.

Soc Fest 2012

Greetings! Namaste! Chao! Saludos! Merhaba! Howdy!

What did you find most interesting about Soc Fest? Was it the display or story of a classmate, or was it information you discovered about yourself and your culture as you worked on the project?

Monkeys or Munchies?

Greetings!  Dr. Jane Goodall gave a compelling speech at Georgia State University (10-8-12). According to Goodall one of the current issues facing wildlife in Africa is the hunting of animals to be sold for “bush meat.”

1.       In that many scientific studies have identified a close relationship, in biology and behavior, between primates and humans, can it be considered cannibalism to eat chimpanzees?

2.       Page 39 of our textbook mentions a practice in the Nantou region of China where people eat the brain of a monkey while the animal is still alive. If you were traveling in this part of the world would you participate in the monkey feast?

Please respond to both of the questions above.

2012 Presidential Campaign

The Presidential Debates begin Wednesday October 3. Conflicting reports are spinning in the media. Some say this election will be the closet contest since Bush and Gore in 2000. Others suggest this is the least energized election in over thirty years.

What’s your opinion? Do you think it will be close call on election night or do you think it’s been a total bore since the Iowa caucuses?

Feel free to support your candidate, but NO name calling or mean spirited comments toward the other guy.

Debate Schedule

http://www.2012presidentialelectionnews.com/2012-debate-schedule/2012-presidential-debate-schedule/

 

Healthy Children Challenge

According to a recent NPR article, 1 in 3 children in the US are overweight or obese. October 1, 2012 is Child Health Day. Its purpose is to raise awareness and commitment to teaching children the benefits of good health. An additional component involves teaching parents how they can assist their children with good nutrition, year round fitness and exercise.

Given the magnitude of this problem, what suggestions do you have to promote healthy lifestyles in young people 5-18 years old? Give suggestions that do NOT include the public school system.

NPR article link below:

http://www.npr.org/2012/09/23/161584477/at-school-overweight-children-carry-a-heavy-burden

The Price of Cruel and Unusual Punishment

Please read this complex story of a man, in prison with a LIFE sentence, who has successfully sued the state of Massachusetts to pay for his sex change operationn.

Give your reasoning as to why or why not the taxpayers of MA should pay for his gender reassignment? 

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2204516/Robert-Kosilek-Transsexual-wife-killer-granted-tax-payer-funded-sex-change-reimbursed-years-legal-fees.html

Remembering September 11

Today flags will be flown at half mast, people will wear patriotic colors, some will take a moment of silence and a host of other things as we remember September 11, 2001.

I realize many students in the course were in elementary school on that dreadful day. Without negative commentary on Islam/Muslims or President Bush please write what you remember from 9-11 OR what you will do today to in memory of those who lost their lives and/or those who worked tirelessly to save lives in the aftermath.

Romance, Rings and Rifles

In a marketing ploy to appeal to both genders D. Geller & Son Jewelers are giving away a couples massage with the purchase wedding bands this week.

 

Later in the month they plan to give away hunting rifles with purchases greater than $2499. The latter made national news.

 

Both marketing strategies are loaded with concepts from our textbook such as: socialization, social class, gender, family and marriage and more.

 

What do you think of this sort of incentive advertising?

 

Please say more they are trying to appeal to their customers. The company is trying to appeal to you! In your response talk about how that works or how it doesn't for you personally.

 

http://www.dgeller.com

Centenarian Pros AND cons

Besse Cooper of Monroe, GA celebrated her 116^th birthday last weekend. Our textbook, along with sources across other disciplines, verify that people are living longer. Japan has the largest amount of citizens who are over 100.  What are two (2) positive AND two (2) negative consequences of living more than one hundred years?

1st Blog Fall 2012- I Only Sweat Socially

My position as a sociologist is the vast majority of humans are social beings. As part of that we regularly strive for belonging. The following quote comes from a New York Daily News article: "People are starved for connection in the world…” I tend to agree, but I never would have imagined the method mentioned in the article. It’s about Karaoke Yoga. I used to think of yoga as a solitary contemplative activity. Then nearly ten years ago I learned about a fitness program called Yoga Booty Ballet (This is for real. It was the top selling fitness program.), four years ago I was introduced to hot yoga, and now sing while you stretch. The latter seems a bit like a modern “twist” on Sweatin’ to the Oldies with Richard Simmons J

People involved in Karaoke Yoga suggest that the program is not so much about hard work as it is about hanging out and having fun in a group. Given there are tons of places to participate in karaoke, do you think people involved in fitness programs like Karaoke Yoga are more interested in cardio or community? State your reasoning for your answer. You may be one of the “community” people, feel free to share your story.

Read the full article here: http://articles.nydailynews.com/2012-06-29/news/32475682_1_suspension-yoga-yogis-yoga-singing

Who Stole My Cheese?!

Here are the results of a recent poll of business executives in the United States. They were asked to name the worst offenses in the workplace that lead to termination. 35% - drinking on the job
38% - cursing and other lewd behavior                                                                                                        

28% - making too many personal calls

The same question was asked of NONE executives within the companies. They overwhelming responded (98%) that stealing from the office refrigerator is the worst offense.

What do you think is the worst offense in the workplace?

The Road to Success

Radio and television talk shows, newspapers, E-zines and blogs are all a twitter due to recent comments from the president. As we have just covered the chapter on politics it seems appropriate that we weigh in on the conversation.

PLEASE NOTE, THIS IS NOT A FORUM ABOUT THE ELECTION OR AN OPPORTUNITY TO ATTACK THE PRESIDENT OR ADVOCATE FOR HIS OPPOSITION.

The point of this blog discussion is to hear your point of view. Some suggest the underlined statement below gets at the basic ideology of American principals and the capitalist system. It nearly sums up the differences between the two major political parties in this country. Thus, we can comment on the statement without talking about the president.

Do you think on the continuum of small businesses to large corporations, as well as individuals from college students to entrepreneurs that this statement is true or not?  As always state your reasons.

Here is a transcript. Below is a Youtube link to the speech

There are a lot of wealthy, successful Americans who agree with me — because they want to give something back. They know they didn’t — look, if you’ve been successful, you didn’t get there on your own. You didn’t get there on your own. I’m always struck by people who think, well, it must be because I was just so smart. There are a lot of smart people out there. It must be because I worked harder than everybody else. Let me tell you something — there are a whole bunch of hardworking people out there.

If you were successful, somebody along the line gave you some help. There was a great teacher somewhere in your life. Somebody helped to create this unbelievable American system that we have that allowed you to thrive. Somebody invested in roads and bridges. If you’ve got a business — you didn’t build that. Somebody else made that happen. The Internet didn’t get invented on its own. Government research created the Internet so that all the companies could make money off the Internet.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=192oEC5TX_Q

Mark of a Great Novel

Do total sales suggest a book is a literary classic, which will transcend time and be the subject of English and Humanities courses in the future?  If so, will students of the future study Harry Potter, Twilight and 5o Shades of Grey as master works of writing?

Name at least one book written in the last 100 years that you think will be literary stalwart in higher education in the same way as works from Dante, Shakespeare and Homer? Make sure to give your reasoning.

The Power of Suggestion

Marketing and advertising are very powerful agents of socialization. A recent study compiled this list of leading media outlets for advertising: television, magazines, Internet, newspapers, radio, billboards and social networking sites.

Which one (1) do you think is the most influential form of advertising? Please state the reasoning behind your selection.   

Can we all get along?

Last week, Rodney King died. His passing has many speculating on social, political, and racial growth and change over the past 20 years as a nation in general, and Los Angeles in particular.

I encourage you to be as candid as possible and to argue Rodney King's famous quote, "Why can't we all get along?"

Money Matters

If the U.S. created a $25 dollar bill, which prominent American (living or deceased) do you think should be represented on it?

Food for Everyone

The Georgia Museum of Agriculture in Tifton has a small section on food, where barbeque figures prominently. One panel suggests that barbecue is one of the foods that brings people together across gender, age, race, class and other social barriers.  This point has merit.

What food items or categories (NOT restaurants) can you think of that truly transcend the boundaries of our social divisions?

Let’s take religion out of the equation, as Judaism and Islam place prohibitions on pork. Hindus don’t consume beef, and they, along with many Buddhist, are often vegetarians.  There are too many religious restrictions to note, so for this situation, we are only considering gender, age, race and class.

Road Rage

The Monday/Wednesday “face-to-face” class brought this story to my attention.  

While completely naked, Rudy Eugene of Miami attacked a homeless man and began eating his face.  According to the details noted in the NPR story (see link below) Eugene behaved like an animal. There are ties in this story to cannibalism (chapter 2- taboo), feral children (chapter 3) and more.

This story is odd at best. Some are calling Rudy Eugene the Miami Zombie. Follow up accounts suggest his fit of rage was brought on by the use of bath salts. I don’t have a specific question. This is a free for all. What do you think about this story?

Warning the link below is fairly graphic in details.

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=153900517

Pizza Por Favor

A pizza franchise in Dallas, TX plans to give (free of charge) a large peperoni pizza to anyone who places an order in Spanish. “It can be broken Spanish. It can be first-time Spanish. But it has to be Spanish.” The community has vigorously responded to this campaign. Some say the idea is offensive, racist, discriminatory and biased whereas some say it's good advertising.

What’s your opinion?

You can read more on the story using the link below.

http://www.usatoday.com/money/industries/food/story/2012-05-22/free-pizza-order-in-spanish/55143404/1

1st Blog for 2012 Summer Soc 1101

Please read the short article below and state, in your opinion, how the courts should proceed with this man’s case. Make sure to give your reasoning.

You can read the story by following this link.

http://news.yahoo.com/blogs/sideshow/man-fathered-30-kids-needs-break-child-support-140439765.html

What's Next for NASA

Today the Space Shuttle Discovery will make its way to Washington where it will go on permanent display at the Smithsonian. Later in the year Endeavor and Atlantis will go to museum locations as well.

What, if any, direction do you think the U.S. Space Program should go in the next 5 to 10 years?

Scrambled Eggs

Spring holidays rank among the most important and the most enjoyable. Regardless of religious affiliation egg hunting has become a major cultural endeavor in the United States. The city of Macon, GA had to cancel their annual egg hunt due to “violent parents” and children being “trampled on” during the event.

How did this this fun tradition move from holiday to horror?

Feel free to speculate.

More on the story:
http://www.gainesvilletimes.com/section/99/article/65809/

Gender Limitations

Greetings! We recently completed our chapter on Gender. In the news of late a student at Alpharetta High School was removed from the student council for proposing the consideration of gay couples as prom king and queen.
Story

In Canada, a contestant was banned from the Miss Universe contest, as she was born a man.
Story

Do positions like prom king and queen and Miss Universe demand the participants be gender specific in our society?

Free For All

Greetings! I read this story and knew it had to go on our discussion board.

Please comment on any portion of this story that caught your attention.

An Acworth woman is charged with contributing to the delinquency of a minor, for allegedly driving her underage daughter to a pre-arranged fight with another girl.

Cobb County Police say the girls had set up the fight by texting each other, and on the evening of March 12; forty-one-year-old Natalie Fequiere allegedly took two carloads of relatives and friends to an address on Odessa West Inlet.

She reportedly fled when she found out someone had called the cops, but was arrested several days later. A relative has been charged with attacking the rival girl.

source:
http://www.wsbradio.com/news/news/local/cobb-mom-accused-driving-daughter-fight/nLX7F/

Welcome to Walmart!

Sam Walton believed customers appreciate a friendly greeting, thus he established the position of Greeter for his mega retail chain, Wlamart. Three decades later the iconic Walmart Greeter will no longer welcome Walmart customers with a shopping cart and a smile. Moe’s Southwest Grill, encourages multiple employees to shout, “Welcome to Moe’s!” This practice can be a little over the top. Nonetheless, it’s intended as a unique welcome to their establishment.

Please state why or why not you think a personal greeting at retail stores and restaurants is a good practice.

Soc Fest Review

Greetings! Namaste! Chao! Saludos! Merhaba! Howdy!

What did you find most interesting about Soc Fest?

Was it the display or story of a classmate, or was it information you discovered about yourself and your culture as you worked on the project?

The Cost of Living

In light of economic hardships of late here are some cost cutting suggestions from an insurance magazine.

Can you make simple changes like these? If not, what are the deal breakers for you and why?

Pick a President

Presidents' Day is an interesting American occasion. Not all people receive a paid holiday. Retailers use the weekend prior as an opportunity to promote sales and discounts. Advertisements or school information about the day show images of George Washington and Abraham Lincoln, although the state holiday was originally designated to celebrate our country's first president. Aside from shopping, there are few cultural traditions related to the day.

If you used Presidents' Day to honor your favorite president, who would it be and why?

Pick a President

Presidents' Day is an interesting American occasion. Not all people receive a paid holiday. Retailers use the weekend prior as an opportunity to promote sales and discounts. Advertisements or school information about the day show images of George Washington and Abraham Lincoln, although the state holiday was originally designated to celebrate our country's first president. Aside from shopping, there are few cultural traditions related to the day.

If you used Presidents' Day to honor your favorite president, who would it be and why?

Technology Vs. Reality

Initially, Facebook was created for college students to get in touch with each other. It has moved off the college campus to help all strands of people stay in touch. In fact, Facebook has worked so well that it might be hurting attendance at real-world class reunions.

High school reunion planners claim there's no substitute for face-to-face connection. Technology comes and goes, they point out, but reality stays.
Historically, part of the draw of attending high school reunions was to see classmates and learn how they been doing over the years. Nowadays much of that is supplied by Facebook connections.

Are you interested in attending your next high school reunion?

What do face-to-face reunion planners need to do to remain relevant?

Super Sunday

People in this country love sport for sure. Basketball, Hockey and Baseball all have multiple games in the championship series, but even the final and deciding game never carries the same media and cultural falderal as the Super Bowl?

You need not be a football fan to know, and even feel, the impact of the final game of the NFL season. Aside from the single championship game, in your opinion, what sets the Super Bowl apart from other sport finals in terms of popularity, marketing, gatherings, and so forth?

Death as a Deterrent

Tuesday January 31, 2012 at 7:00PM death row inmate, Nicholas Cody, is scheduled to receive a lethal injection in Jackson, GA. Scholars, civil activists, judicial and law enforcement professionals have long debated the morality, constitutionality and level of justice involved in the death penalty.

Our book provides an example that is a very different method of punishing violent offenders (page 149). In the U.S. religion, politics and personal choice all weigh heavy on individuals as they consider capital punishment. Please be mindful of others and be respectful of potential opposing views in your comments.

What is the best way to punish violent criminals?

This link is related to Nicholas Cody.
http://www.dcor.state.ga.us/NewsRoom/PressReleases/120127.html

Free and Public Education

The United States provides a free and public education from kindergarten through the 12th grade. In order to establish the highest caliber workforce, should college and technical studies be offered free as well?

The link below is about an online course at Stanford that was open and free.

http://www.npr.org/blogs/alltechconsidered/2012/01/23/145645472/stanford-takes-online-schooling-to-the-next-academic-level

Shame or Salvation?

A mother desperate to help her son learn the consequences of his bad choices and behavior turned to shame as a tactic. Dynesha Lax, of Fort Wayne, IN, made her 14-year-old son stand on sidewalk with a sign, which read "I lie, I steal, I sell drugs, I don't follow the law," for 2 hours last Tuesday.

1. Do you feel this type of punishment may actually help change this child’s behavior?
2. If you have children or if in the future you were to have children, would you consider this type of consequence with your child? Please tell why or why not.

There is more information available about this story at the link below.
http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/headlines/2012/01/indiana-mom-forces-son-to-wear-i-lie-i-steal-sign/

1st Blog Spring 2012--Shifts in social acceptable behavior

My grandmother absolutely would not allow the telephone to be answered during meal time. Her position was you are at dinner with family or friends and it was rude and inconsiderate to their time and company to be on the phone with others.

In current times, meal tables in homes and restaurants are likely to have multiple phones at the ready, and to be used liberally. What accounts for this cultural change?