Where do I belong?

So, I started to think about what online communities I should join and why? You see, I am not in an elementary classroom any more. My current life has me working as a graduate assistant co-directing the Rutgers Center for Literacy Development and teaching two courses at the GSE on the side. When thinking about online communities, I wavered between the two "hats" I am currently wearing. Administrative vs Teacher? Where do I belong? I chose the administrative route since a) it will help me with my project and b) I am hoping it can help build my knowledge base for my dissertation work.

I joined the International Reading Association(IRA) and the Ohio Literacy Network Communities.  IRA is an organization that fully supports the mission of the Rutgers Center for Literacy Development and houses all of the relevant information we use for the center. Let me explain... the Literacy Center is a multi-faceted professional development initiative from the Graduate School of Education.  Created in 2006, its sole mission is to create a network of lifelong learners whose shares our vision of improving academic achievement through increased literacy knowledge for both teachers and students.  Our goal, at the center, is to create change agents that can turnkey expert knowledge to their colleagues as they encourage communities of learners within their schools.  Our intent is to foster teacher inquiry through the center and have it spill out into the schools, through the literacy center members.  Connecting with IRA members can only enhance and expand the opportunities that I can use to help support the center.

The Ohio Literacy Network Community looks like a similar initiative to the Rutgers Literacy Center.  Networking with this group can work like IRA in helping to build and support our current resources.
Also, working with a center like ours can help overcome some of the challenges that we face a directors and the planning processes.

With my project, I hope to be able to enhance the services and opportunities provided by the center. Connecting with expert knowledge from IRA and those in Ohio that serve a similar purpose, these are two communities that I see as beneficial for my work with this class... and beyond.

Eminem Vs Diddy (if that is what he is referring to himself as these days)

The ultimate coolness. drinking with Diddy, Puff Daddy, Sean Combs..... What does this commercial want you to walk away with? Drink Ciroc- be a part of an elite crowd,  fancy clothes, upscale parties, the high life... This 30 second stint wants you to be a part of a fantasy world when drinking their vodka (for the everyday person). Or... it can connect to the wealthy elite who spends their typical evenings in tuxedos and evening gowns, sharing fine food and fancy vodka in a fancy setting.

Reading that this commercial was shot in one of Sinatra's former homes while his music plays in the background also depicts a feeling from that time period. Again, the ultimate "cool" of Diddy coupled with the ultimate "cool" of Sinatra creates a feeling drinking vodka and feeling "cool."  Diddy, comparing himself to Sinatra and the crowd he hung out with in his day. Interesting, the untied bow tie on Diddy and the camera focusing in more on the women than the men. Drink Ciroc.. get more women? Perhaps that is an underlying intent. Important to note is the age range that this commercial is aimed for.... not your typical college student looking for a cheap bottle of liquor to party with. Ciroq, as depicted in this commercial, is aimed at the 30-40's with money, able to travel in elite social circles or those who wish to feel like they can. Also, the use of the music can include an older crowd, Sinatra fans...

When designing this video, it is apparent the directors were going for that upscale feel. Fancy home, clothes, jewelry- lots and black and white- stark contrasts in color.  Straight lines, modern architecture gives a fancy feeling.