Web Bytes: Phelps, Flacks and Chickens

Here is another installment of Web Bytes, where I attempt to bring you informative, entertaining, and relevant news items that relate to issues discussed in class this week (both COM 130 & COM 327). So, here's what's up for discussion this time:

Recently, my student bloggers analyzed that word Rift hates called, "convergence". Particularly, in the case of television. Text-messaging may not be the only problem for teachers in the future, but MTV's The Hills could be. What I'm getting at is the future of mobile television. Check out this link and let me know what you think. Is this something you see yourself using or demanding?

Also, we talked about Subway's Jared this week, but he may be taking a back seat to Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps, as discussed in this AdAge article. What does Michael Phelps' celebrity status mean for Subway?

In COM 130 this week, we discussed the public relations industry and the term, "flacks". Just to prove it's regularly used, check out who won these coveted "flack/flak awards".

Many political operatives were honored in the above link, but let's talk Obama now. Specifically, his use of new media to communicate a message. His campaign has pundits talking about whether or not he'll be a Web 2.0 president, just like he was in his run for office. If so, he would be the first president to utilize social media. What do you think? How would this benefit/hurt him?

Like Subway, it's no surprise to anyone that companies hope to capitalize by using celebrities to sell products. The latest to get buzz? Gucci and Rihanna...not a lot going on in this ad, but in reference to "image advertising", what's the message here?

And finally, for no reason at all...because a few of my students said this was funny.

Media Talk Web Bytes...or, What?

I'm going to start a new weekly post for you, but I'm having a brain fart as to what I should call it. You've probably realized I like to name things around here. For now, I've picked "Media Talk Web Bytes", but I'm not really sold on this. Previously, I chose "Link Round-Up", but felt that sounded too much like corn seed. I need your help. What should I call this? The goal is to provide you with clips, articles and buzz from the web that pertains to our course material, as well as content that might, just might, make you laugh.

Here's the first installment...

In case you missed the "roast" between presidential candidates Obama and McCain, here's a one-minute wrap-up from Current with the funniest quotes, proving these two might be better served just making us laugh once in a while than pointing fingers.

The dancing moose is my favorite part. Just when you thought SNL couldn't do any more or less for Sarah Palin...there's this...the Palin rap.

So, Gen Y wants to wear jeans to the workplace. Cool. Gen Y wants to work when they are most productive, not 9-5. I can dig it. How else can you revolutionize the workplace and why does this guy have beef people hating on Gen Y? This is you, people. Do you agree with his "utter crap" comment?

From chimps, to Android rappers to Apple ads. Think you know so-called viral videos? I found this great website that shows you the top 20, and how they are trending. I thought for sure I'd see the one my friend e-mailed me recently about a lady named Scarlett, but it wasn't there (skip to 2:45 for the laughs). Warning: this website will cause you to waste minutes of your life that you will never get back. Ever. Thanks, ninja cat.

Oh, and finally...your professor here joined Facebook. Yep. Call me an addict, but don't friend me up just yet...I need to figure out a policy for dealing with current students so I don't get in trouble.

Which "byte" was your favorite? Ideas for a less-corny name?