Snopes

Beginning to look at the Snopes website, I found that many articles are on recent political events. These include the Dakota access pipeline and the political fallout resulting from the recent election. It is of concern to have such polarizing topics on the homepage of the website. Utilizing these topics can result in the most traffic producing stories with their controversy, because the controversy brings in many curious internet browsers. These are topics such as election rigging, celebrity scandals, and popular product defects. The problem with having all of these topics is that, some statements can give a political leaning to some stories that otherwise would not be on the website. However, these leanings can also be made by a lack of information about a topic as well and result in there being a bias in stories when then are written.

Looking into further parts of the website brings up its wide coverage different topics as well, such as cartoons, giant squids and cooking with aluminum foil. It is also possible to submit rumors, which get researched further by the writers for Snopes. The site rates its articles based on their truthfulness as well.  This can also be a source of bias as some stories like global warming and gun control that are written are on borderline topics, which lean one way or the other depending on what and how much information you have. Overall, Snopes has a lot of information on its site, but it should be used with caution and double checked with other sources.

Music Major

Choosing to be a music major is a commitment like no other. It took me all the way until the end of my junior year for me to figure out I wanted to do it. However, the hard part is deciding on whether to pursue an education or a performance track. A music education degree is essentially two degrees in one, but for what seems like the same amount of credit hours. You are still required to have a primary instrument that you focus on and have to play adequately as well, because the music school has to decide to retain you each semester based on a jury. On the other hand, a performance major just has to get the music degree and has a lot of time set aside for just practicing. They also have to perform in more recitals and ensembles than an education major and also must pass a barrier performance at the end of their sophomore year.

I eventually could not choose between either track. I love playing too much to give it up most of it later in life, but I still wanted the education degree. I use the performance side of my two degrees to have a reason to push myself in my practice. I also chose Kennesaw State University because I wanted to follow my teacher in order to get the best lessons I can, because she is one of the best teachers around.  I still will have to go to graduate school like many other music majors in order to actually get a job in my field. It is best to study with well known teachers,that have the teaching styles you like, in order to build a resume.

 

Everyday Research

Music Research

On an everyday basis, I am always listening to reference recordings for the pieces I am playing. I spend many hours finding different recordings, so I can extend my perspectives on the piece I am listening to. Most of the time I use Spotify and Youtube for my recordings because they usually have professional artists and groups featured. This is to make sure I am getting the most out of the recording and I am not listening to mistakes. Also, the origin of the recording is very important, because different regions play pieces in varying styles.

Travel Research

Another area in my life I tend to do research is when I travel places, so I can create a timeline in order to be as efficient as possible. Google maps tends to be my choice of website, because of all of its useful features such as, checking traffic for the specific times of day and having a large amount of points of interest in its database. 

General Research

For general research throughout the day I use Google's card feature to find information. Google is usually great about immediately having reliable information about anything you search for with its algorithms. This makes it incredibly easy to find things like store hours, definitions, what movie that actor is from, etc. Also, these features are built right into the search engine, so you can dig deeper into the websites Google pulls up, and can help when the information is not readily available or might differ because of what day it is or any other reason. 

Marketing in the Pharmaceutical Industry

You most likely have heard the words "Claritin Clear" sometime on television before. Bayer spends millions of dollars each year to market their allergy medication. They use the fact that living with allergies can be a terrible experience, so they almost always attempt to appeal to their audience's pathos by giving them a cure.
Zyrtec and Allegra are also allergy medications that are advertised heavily in our media. The companies always try to make their product seem superior to their competitors. Usually this is through comparisons of how quickly the medicine takes effect. Also, the phrase non-drowsy always comes up as a selling point, because the target audience is always looking for an easier way to get through the day when they are suffering from allergies.







Bayer also uses their target audience to their advantage. Most of the people who are buying allergy medication are trying to get through their day and be productive, so Bayer portrays hard working individuals using their medicine to help them get through their days. They also use a very annoying and catchy song to appeal to their audience. Most people with allergies have their mental health affected by them and using a cheery song helps lighten the mood such as in their television commercials. Also, another ethical appeal is made through their claim of clinical testing in order to create more faith that their product is safe and effective.