Reiki
Leigh Kinyon
HUMN 341 Popular Culture
Assignment 5-1
Professor Denise Schottenstein
October 29, 2008
Reiki
Reiki is an alternative form of healing that originated in Japan. Reiki is thought to promote the body’s natural healing process by using its life force energy. Practitioners of Reiki find and use this life force energy in order to facilitate the healing process.
Many people use Reiki as a method of stress reduction, relaxation, and symptom relief and as a way of improving their general physical and mental health. Reiki is also used to help aid in alleviating side effects from chemo therapy and other conventional medical practices. I have personally used Reiki as a way to reduce stress and to promote an overall feeling of happiness and peace.
When someone decides to go to a Reiki practitioner for treatment they can expect to either sit or lay comfortably so their body can be accessed by the practitioner. Once the treatment gets started the Reiki practitioner places their hands, palms down at 12 to 15 points on the body. The hands are held in place for 2 to 5 minutes or until the practitioner can sense the flow of energy. They know that the flow of energy is taking place when the feelings of heat or tingling in the hands are no longer present. In most cases a person would get up to 4 treatments with each treatment lasing between 30 and 90 minutes.
To be able to provide Reiki treatments to others there is no special credential that must be obtained, but it is strongly suggested that a practitioner seek training from an experienced teacher or Reiki master. There are typically 3 levels of Reiki and each is centered on a special aspect. Each of the 3 levels includes an attunement. After receiving an attunement it is believed that Reiki energy can be activated. A level 1 Reiki student learns how to perform all of the aspects on themselves and others. The level 2 Reiki student learns how to provide Reiki from a distance. The level 3 which is the highest level the student becomes a Reiki master and they can teach others the craft.
I would strongly suggest that everyone try Reiki. I have experienced the benefits of it several times and found it to be a very calming and relaxing experience.
References
Reiki. Natural Standard Database Website. Accessed at http://www.naturalstandard.com on October 29, 2008.
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Friday, October 24, 2008
Assignment 1-3 Article analysis
An Ironic Fad: the Commodification and Consumption of Tattoos
Leigh Kinyon
HUMN 341 Popular Culture
Assignment 1-3
Professor Denise Schottenstein
October 23, 2008
An Ironic Fad: The Commodification and Consumption of Tattoos
In reading and analyzing this article, it appears as though this article is intended for tattoo aficionados and anyone else who would be interested the art of tattooing. The article could also appeal to individuals who have an interest in art or the study of popular culture. The article focuses on how tattoos are being popularized by the media and how that popularization has led to an entirely new demographic being tattooed according to Kosut (2006).
In seems that tattoos have gained an enormous amount of attention due to the fact, so many television personalities are tattooed. Tattoos are showing up everywhere in the entertainment industry which would include TV, reality shows, movies and sports. Kosut (2006), goes on to say that movie characters such as XXX, is covered with tattoos and he is seen as the hero of the movie and portrayed as cool and rugged.
Celebrities in general seem to be very willing to get tattoos and publically display them. Since tattoos have become so engrained into the celebrity culture several books have been written to document who has been tattooed and where on the body that tattoo is located. Professional athletes are also becoming heavily tattooed, with an estimated 50 percent of the National Basketball Association having a tattoo according to Kosut (2006).
Kosut figured that because so many celebrities have been tattooed it has lead to people who have a fascination with celebrity trends to follow suit and also get tattooed. With the vast amount of public figures that have openly displayed their tattoos it appears that tattoos are now being viewed differently and are being understood on a whole new level. There have also been some people that feel since tattoos are so popular and they are being seen on everyone that they may start to seem not hip or cool and they will start to lose their popularity.
The article also discusses the music industry’s obsession with tattoos and talks about how many performers are sporting tattoos. Kosut (2006), states that due to the overwhelming number of performers that are tattooed it is hard to find a genre of music that is not represented by a tattooed artist. It is also theorized that if we see our favorite star with a tattoo we feel the need to also get tattooed. A 25 year old aspiring rock star stated, that all of the stars he looked up to were tattooed, so since he wanted to be like them, he too wanted to be tattooed.
Tattoos are also being used in the world of advertising to sell products and services. It is noted in the article by Kosut (2006) that tattoos are being utilized to sell products and they themselves are also products that can be consumed. Many advertisements that are targeting a younger consumer are also using tattooed individuals to help sell the products because advertisers feel they appear to be cool and hip. In addition to a younger target audience, advertisers are using tattooed individuals to market to a more mature consumer who can afford to purchase more expensive luxury items. With the proliferation of tattooed bodies appearing everywhere we look, it seems as though the tattoo is gaining a valid reputation as being a product for consumers of all socio economic levels.
As a consumable item it appeared as though the tattoo would be a passing fad but the popularity did not wear off as predicted. Since tattoos are not like clothing worn temporarily on the body, and they are a permanent adornment is, was stated that tattoos are an ironic fad. An ironic fad is defined as a “popular cultural trend that, due to its permanent nature cannot be as easily discarded as a pair of jeans” according to Kosut (2006). Tattoos are also seen as being unlike any other type of fashion since they cannot be discarded. Given that tattoos may come and go in their popularity, many people who are tattooed find that due to their permanent nature they are more significant and bear more meaning.
The process of tattooing was also examined in the article and it looks like tattooing has evolved into a highly complex procedure. Due to the differences in size and placement being tattooed can be very time consuming. Kosut (2006) also looked at the fact that in most cases, the person who will be receiving the tattoo also invests time into deciding on the design and placement of the tattoo. After the decisions have been made and the tattoo is completed there is also the after care of the tattoo that the consumer must spend time and money on such as cleaning, applying anti bacterial ointment, and bandaging. Because tattooing is such an involved process it doesn’t even come close to other mundane purchases consumers make. The article gets into how the person being tattooed not only is a consumer; they are also a producer and a canvass for the product.
With tattooing becoming gaining popularity, it has been elevated to an art form that appeals to a whole new class of people. Tattoos are no longer seen as signs of rebellion from society since there has been such a shift in thinking. Tattoos are now viewed as being acceptable and respected.
I thought this article was well written and followed a logical order. The article was presented in such a way that it was easy to follow and understand and did not use a lot of jargon. I feel that the author was trying to get everyone to understand that tattoos are no longer just a passing fad; they are here to stay, so to speak. She was also saying that tattoos are a consumable item and that due to the fact there has been a change in how tattoos and tattooees are viewed it has made them more appealing to a broader segment of society.
References
An Ironic Fad: The Commodification and Consumption of Tattoos
The Journal of Popular Culture, Volume 39, Issue 6 (December 2006)
p.1035-1048
Leigh Kinyon
HUMN 341 Popular Culture
Assignment 1-3
Professor Denise Schottenstein
October 23, 2008
An Ironic Fad: The Commodification and Consumption of Tattoos
In reading and analyzing this article, it appears as though this article is intended for tattoo aficionados and anyone else who would be interested the art of tattooing. The article could also appeal to individuals who have an interest in art or the study of popular culture. The article focuses on how tattoos are being popularized by the media and how that popularization has led to an entirely new demographic being tattooed according to Kosut (2006).
In seems that tattoos have gained an enormous amount of attention due to the fact, so many television personalities are tattooed. Tattoos are showing up everywhere in the entertainment industry which would include TV, reality shows, movies and sports. Kosut (2006), goes on to say that movie characters such as XXX, is covered with tattoos and he is seen as the hero of the movie and portrayed as cool and rugged.
Celebrities in general seem to be very willing to get tattoos and publically display them. Since tattoos have become so engrained into the celebrity culture several books have been written to document who has been tattooed and where on the body that tattoo is located. Professional athletes are also becoming heavily tattooed, with an estimated 50 percent of the National Basketball Association having a tattoo according to Kosut (2006).
Kosut figured that because so many celebrities have been tattooed it has lead to people who have a fascination with celebrity trends to follow suit and also get tattooed. With the vast amount of public figures that have openly displayed their tattoos it appears that tattoos are now being viewed differently and are being understood on a whole new level. There have also been some people that feel since tattoos are so popular and they are being seen on everyone that they may start to seem not hip or cool and they will start to lose their popularity.
The article also discusses the music industry’s obsession with tattoos and talks about how many performers are sporting tattoos. Kosut (2006), states that due to the overwhelming number of performers that are tattooed it is hard to find a genre of music that is not represented by a tattooed artist. It is also theorized that if we see our favorite star with a tattoo we feel the need to also get tattooed. A 25 year old aspiring rock star stated, that all of the stars he looked up to were tattooed, so since he wanted to be like them, he too wanted to be tattooed.
Tattoos are also being used in the world of advertising to sell products and services. It is noted in the article by Kosut (2006) that tattoos are being utilized to sell products and they themselves are also products that can be consumed. Many advertisements that are targeting a younger consumer are also using tattooed individuals to help sell the products because advertisers feel they appear to be cool and hip. In addition to a younger target audience, advertisers are using tattooed individuals to market to a more mature consumer who can afford to purchase more expensive luxury items. With the proliferation of tattooed bodies appearing everywhere we look, it seems as though the tattoo is gaining a valid reputation as being a product for consumers of all socio economic levels.
As a consumable item it appeared as though the tattoo would be a passing fad but the popularity did not wear off as predicted. Since tattoos are not like clothing worn temporarily on the body, and they are a permanent adornment is, was stated that tattoos are an ironic fad. An ironic fad is defined as a “popular cultural trend that, due to its permanent nature cannot be as easily discarded as a pair of jeans” according to Kosut (2006). Tattoos are also seen as being unlike any other type of fashion since they cannot be discarded. Given that tattoos may come and go in their popularity, many people who are tattooed find that due to their permanent nature they are more significant and bear more meaning.
The process of tattooing was also examined in the article and it looks like tattooing has evolved into a highly complex procedure. Due to the differences in size and placement being tattooed can be very time consuming. Kosut (2006) also looked at the fact that in most cases, the person who will be receiving the tattoo also invests time into deciding on the design and placement of the tattoo. After the decisions have been made and the tattoo is completed there is also the after care of the tattoo that the consumer must spend time and money on such as cleaning, applying anti bacterial ointment, and bandaging. Because tattooing is such an involved process it doesn’t even come close to other mundane purchases consumers make. The article gets into how the person being tattooed not only is a consumer; they are also a producer and a canvass for the product.
With tattooing becoming gaining popularity, it has been elevated to an art form that appeals to a whole new class of people. Tattoos are no longer seen as signs of rebellion from society since there has been such a shift in thinking. Tattoos are now viewed as being acceptable and respected.
I thought this article was well written and followed a logical order. The article was presented in such a way that it was easy to follow and understand and did not use a lot of jargon. I feel that the author was trying to get everyone to understand that tattoos are no longer just a passing fad; they are here to stay, so to speak. She was also saying that tattoos are a consumable item and that due to the fact there has been a change in how tattoos and tattooees are viewed it has made them more appealing to a broader segment of society.
References
An Ironic Fad: The Commodification and Consumption of Tattoos
The Journal of Popular Culture, Volume 39, Issue 6 (December 2006)
p.1035-1048
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Assignment 4-1 Curves
In 1992 Gary and Diane Heavin launched the first Curves in Harlington, Texas. Curves is the first women only fitness center that is centered on a 30 minute 3 times per week philosophy. The workout that is offered through Curves allows for warm up, strength, cardio, cool down and stretching to be performed through the use of hydraulic resistance machines and recovery centers.
Once someone decides Curves is right for them they go in and meet with a circuit coach who assesses them by asking questions, weighing, measuring, taking their blood pressure, and doing a fitness level analysis. After these things are done the circuit coach works one on one with the client to demonstrate how the machines are used and how to get the best workout possible. From there the process continues as the client uses each machine and sets a baseline to be used to assess each workout.
Once the client starts to work out on a regular basis they are given a Curves Smart key tag that allows them to monitor each work out. The Curves Smart system is programmed with the clients information regarding endurance and range of motion to keep them constantly challenged so their fitness level continues to improve. Curves Smart also provides information after each workout so the client can see the amount of calories they have burned, the muscle groups worked, and how information on previous workouts.
Curves not only focus on the physical work out, they also can provide a nutrition program, vitamin and mineral supplements, and other fitness products. I have been a member of Curves and have found it to be a comfortable, supportive atmosphere to work on reaching my health and fitness goals and would recommend it to any women who would like to improve their health and fitness levels.
www.curves.com
Once someone decides Curves is right for them they go in and meet with a circuit coach who assesses them by asking questions, weighing, measuring, taking their blood pressure, and doing a fitness level analysis. After these things are done the circuit coach works one on one with the client to demonstrate how the machines are used and how to get the best workout possible. From there the process continues as the client uses each machine and sets a baseline to be used to assess each workout.
Once the client starts to work out on a regular basis they are given a Curves Smart key tag that allows them to monitor each work out. The Curves Smart system is programmed with the clients information regarding endurance and range of motion to keep them constantly challenged so their fitness level continues to improve. Curves Smart also provides information after each workout so the client can see the amount of calories they have burned, the muscle groups worked, and how information on previous workouts.
Curves not only focus on the physical work out, they also can provide a nutrition program, vitamin and mineral supplements, and other fitness products. I have been a member of Curves and have found it to be a comfortable, supportive atmosphere to work on reaching my health and fitness goals and would recommend it to any women who would like to improve their health and fitness levels.
www.curves.com
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Assignment 3-1 Complementary and alternative medicine
CAM
One topic I have found very interesting in popular culture today is complementary and alternative medicine. Normally when we get sick or hurt we visit the doctor and receive a conventional treatment but now there are other options emerging. Complementary and alternative medicines are becoming more and more prevalent.
Alternative medicine is considered to be practices that aren’t used in conventional medicine. It is constantly evolving changing as it is determined treatments may or may not work or new things come along. Complementary medicine is considered to be practices that are used in conjunction with conventional treatments. When these two are combined they are normally referred to as integrative medicine.
Practitioners of alternative and complementary medicine operate under a few basic principles. These principles can be used along with conventional treatment or they can be used alone. Some of the general ideas behind complementary and alternative medicine are: prevention, the body can heal on its own, learning and healing wok together, and holistic care.
Complementary and alternative medicine does involve several different therapies. These therapies are categorized by the National Institutes of Health. Some of these categories of therapies would include: healing systems, mind-body connections, dietary supplements and herbal remedies, manipulation and touch, and energy therapy.
Many doctors are starting to consider these as viable options for medical treatment. Many doctors that don’t consider alternative and complementary medicine usually don’t due to the fact they were not made of aware of it when they started practicing medicine. I think a lot of doctors will have to become informed in this area of medicine due to the demand from patients.
One topic I have found very interesting in popular culture today is complementary and alternative medicine. Normally when we get sick or hurt we visit the doctor and receive a conventional treatment but now there are other options emerging. Complementary and alternative medicines are becoming more and more prevalent.
Alternative medicine is considered to be practices that aren’t used in conventional medicine. It is constantly evolving changing as it is determined treatments may or may not work or new things come along. Complementary medicine is considered to be practices that are used in conjunction with conventional treatments. When these two are combined they are normally referred to as integrative medicine.
Practitioners of alternative and complementary medicine operate under a few basic principles. These principles can be used along with conventional treatment or they can be used alone. Some of the general ideas behind complementary and alternative medicine are: prevention, the body can heal on its own, learning and healing wok together, and holistic care.
Complementary and alternative medicine does involve several different therapies. These therapies are categorized by the National Institutes of Health. Some of these categories of therapies would include: healing systems, mind-body connections, dietary supplements and herbal remedies, manipulation and touch, and energy therapy.
Many doctors are starting to consider these as viable options for medical treatment. Many doctors that don’t consider alternative and complementary medicine usually don’t due to the fact they were not made of aware of it when they started practicing medicine. I think a lot of doctors will have to become informed in this area of medicine due to the demand from patients.
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Assignment 2-1
Saving the planet
Taking steps to save our planet from destruction is one the most widely publicized issues today. This topic is of such great importance there are magazines, television channels, radio shows, websites, blogs, and books devoted entirely to raising awareness to the severity of the problem. Green living is touted as one solution to saving our planet and is rapidly becoming a way of life for many members of society.
One component of green living is reducing our use of resources such as energy. In order to conserve energy there are numerous steps that can be taken such as turning off lights, unplugging appliances, using a programmable thermostat to control the temperature, using ceiling fans instead of air conditioning, taking shorter showers, and changing to energy efficient light bulbs and appliances. By utilizing these changes we can not only reduce energy consumption but also slow down the progression of global warming and save money. These changes can also be easily implemented and don’t normally require a large upfront cost.
Another aspect of green living is locally grown, organic produce and food. By growing and consuming organically grown foods, we are not subjecting the earth or ourselves to harmful chemicals. Due to the fact that there are no chemicals or pesticides used, organic farming causes no contamination or pollution to the water or soil which in turn, causes fewer harmful effects on the health and well being of humans. Livestock and poultry that are organically raised, are not injected with antibiotics or growth hormones, which make them a much healthier choice. By taking advantage of locally grown food it ensures fresher, better tasting choices. Supporting local farmers also bolsters the local economy.
I have been taking steps in my own home, to adopt a greener lifestyle. While I don’t drive an electric car or produce my own power, I have become more conscious of how my choices impact the earth. By utilizing the many resources available, I plan to continue my quest to make an effort to save the planet.
Assignment 2-2 Icon analysis
Icon analysis
The three icons I have chosen are Michael Jackson, His Holiness the Dalai Lama, and Stephen King. I would define an icon as an object or person that we view as significant and valuable in our society and I feel that these three embody that definition. All three have been a fixture in our popular culture for many years and are easy identified by most people. Throughout all of the stages of my life, each one of these three icons has been significant to me.
When I was a middle school student, Michael Jackson had reached the height of his career. His album, Thriller had just been released and he had gained enormous popularity. Not only did he release one of the most popular, best selling records, of the time, he also introduced us to the phenomenon of the moon walk. Wearing his signature one glove he sang and danced his way into being one of the most famed pop singers in the world. Even after his music career had started to decline, he remained in the headlines with his plastic surgery debacles, legal problems, and family issues. Michael Jackson will always make me think of sequined jackets, Thriller, the moon walk and he will represent the 80’s to me and many others of my generation.
The three icons I have chosen are Michael Jackson, His Holiness the Dalai Lama, and Stephen King. I would define an icon as an object or person that we view as significant and valuable in our society and I feel that these three embody that definition. All three have been a fixture in our popular culture for many years and are easy identified by most people. Throughout all of the stages of my life, each one of these three icons has been significant to me.
When I was a middle school student, Michael Jackson had reached the height of his career. His album, Thriller had just been released and he had gained enormous popularity. Not only did he release one of the most popular, best selling records, of the time, he also introduced us to the phenomenon of the moon walk. Wearing his signature one glove he sang and danced his way into being one of the most famed pop singers in the world. Even after his music career had started to decline, he remained in the headlines with his plastic surgery debacles, legal problems, and family issues. Michael Jackson will always make me think of sequined jackets, Thriller, the moon walk and he will represent the 80’s to me and many others of my generation.
Of the three icons I have chosen the Dalai Lama has the greatest significance in my life, due to the fact I am a follower of the Buddhist religion. While the Dalai Lama is not a god, but an actual flesh and blood human being, he is held as a sacred religious leader. The Dalai Lama has not only made an impression on Buddhists but he is also seen as a figure of peace and harmony by the entire world having been award the Noble Peace Prize in 1989. He travels the world spreading his message of peace and tolerance which has secured him a place as one of the most influential figures in history. 
I will never forget the year I received my first Stephen King novel for Christmas. I was so excited I stopped opening my presents and read the book in its entirety without putting it down. After reading Christine, I was instantly a fan. Stephen King is known worldwide as the master of the horror story or more often than not as the king of horror. King is the author of dozens bestselling novels and has had many of his works made into major motion pictures. Having exemplified the horror story he will go down in literary history as one of the greatest storytellers and writers the world has ever seen.
I will never forget the year I received my first Stephen King novel for Christmas. I was so excited I stopped opening my presents and read the book in its entirety without putting it down. After reading Christine, I was instantly a fan. Stephen King is known worldwide as the master of the horror story or more often than not as the king of horror. King is the author of dozens bestselling novels and has had many of his works made into major motion pictures. Having exemplified the horror story he will go down in literary history as one of the greatest storytellers and writers the world has ever seen.
Saturday, October 4, 2008
Assignment 1-4
Education via the internet
Ten years ago I received my associate degree in human resource management and I had to attend class everyday and drive roughly 100 miles to do it. Online courses had not yet made their debut, so I was forced to do it the old fashioned way and actually go to school. According to Brown & Corkill (2003), 30 percent of public post secondary institutions offered online classes. That number continues to increase due to the popularity of the online learning environment and the opportunities it provides.
The convenience and advantage of online classes makes them appealing to want to be students who have full time jobs, children, and other obligations. Online classes offer flexibility in location, since as long as you have a computer and internet access you can learn from anywhere. Students can also learn at times that are convenient to them whether it’s 6:00p.m.or midnight. By utilizing the online atmosphere students also have the ability to communicate with a more diverse population, since some of their classmates may be located in different countries and have different backgrounds.
Unfortunately, for all of the convenience and advantage afforded to students through online classes, there are some disadvantages also. There may be people, states, Sparnon, (2004) who do not possess the computer skills or technology knowledge necessary to be successful in this type of learning environment. It is my opinion, that if a student is not a strong visual learner, they will also certainly have difficulty adapting to this type of learning. Many students may experience some difficulty in the online environment, because it lacks the personal interaction that a classroom can offer.
Despite the disadvantages of online learning, students demand an alternative to the traditional classroom, to meet the ever increasing demands on their time and resources. Without this as an option, many students including myself, would be unable to continue their education and may lose out on opportunities both personally and professionally, due to the inconvenience of having to attend a conventional educational program. Online classes have opened doors for students wishing to return to school that would have remained closed otherwise.
References
Brown, W. & Corkill, P. (2007). Postsecondary online education. Educational Digest, 73,
Ten years ago I received my associate degree in human resource management and I had to attend class everyday and drive roughly 100 miles to do it. Online courses had not yet made their debut, so I was forced to do it the old fashioned way and actually go to school. According to Brown & Corkill (2003), 30 percent of public post secondary institutions offered online classes. That number continues to increase due to the popularity of the online learning environment and the opportunities it provides.
The convenience and advantage of online classes makes them appealing to want to be students who have full time jobs, children, and other obligations. Online classes offer flexibility in location, since as long as you have a computer and internet access you can learn from anywhere. Students can also learn at times that are convenient to them whether it’s 6:00p.m.or midnight. By utilizing the online atmosphere students also have the ability to communicate with a more diverse population, since some of their classmates may be located in different countries and have different backgrounds.
Unfortunately, for all of the convenience and advantage afforded to students through online classes, there are some disadvantages also. There may be people, states, Sparnon, (2004) who do not possess the computer skills or technology knowledge necessary to be successful in this type of learning environment. It is my opinion, that if a student is not a strong visual learner, they will also certainly have difficulty adapting to this type of learning. Many students may experience some difficulty in the online environment, because it lacks the personal interaction that a classroom can offer.
Despite the disadvantages of online learning, students demand an alternative to the traditional classroom, to meet the ever increasing demands on their time and resources. Without this as an option, many students including myself, would be unable to continue their education and may lose out on opportunities both personally and professionally, due to the inconvenience of having to attend a conventional educational program. Online classes have opened doors for students wishing to return to school that would have remained closed otherwise.
References
Brown, W. & Corkill, P. (2007). Postsecondary online education. Educational Digest, 73,
39- 41. Retrieved October 3, 2008 from Academic Search Complete database.
Sparnon, D. (2004). Online at midnight. Knowledge Quest, 33(1), 38-39.
Retrieved October 4, 2008 from Academic Search Complete database.
Assignment 1-2 Popular culture blog
I think of popular culture as being whatever is the in thing at the time. For example when I was in elementary school the in things were bell bottom pants, Captain Kangaroo, and Weebles. When I was in middle school the hip,cool things were roller skating, parachute pants,Michael Jackson and popped collars . In high school the popular culture trends were big hair, Metallica, and break dancing.
Understanding popular culture is important in the business environment because popular culture influences many aspects of business such as how and where you advertise, what kind of merchandise is sold, and employee relations. In my current occupation I work with youth between the ages of 14-21 so it is very important for me to know and understand what is popular in their culture so I can relate to them better and understand some of the issues that may result from that popular culture. Popular culture will impact my future career because I am planning to go into human resource management so it will be important for me to understand what medium to use to reach and communicate with current and future employees.
The popular culture artifact I have chosen is the laptop computer. I chose the laptop because everyone seems to have one and they have become a staple in our every day lives. Laptops are prevalent in work places, schools and homes because they allow us to be able to access information quickly and they are portable so we don't have to be in a fixed location to use them.
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