Weekly Written Analysis 5

Rachael Ray is an American personality, chef, and author. The population either loves or hates her quirkiness and down to earth style. Rachael has her own talk show, three food network programs (30-Minute Meals, $40 a Day, Rachael Ray’s Tasty Travels), launched a magazine (Everyday with Rachael Ray) in 2006, and wrote several cookbooks based on the 30 Minute Meals concept. Born into cooking, Rachael grew up working at restaurants in upstate New York, all of which were family owned. She was surrounded by different styles of cooking, and worked in the food service industry modeling every capacity possible (Rachael, 2009).

Rachael’s professional career started at Macy’s Marketplace in New York at the candy counter, then she was promoted to manager of the fresh foods department. After Macy’s, a gourmet market (Agata & Valatina) opened, where Rachael became the store manager and buyer. Even though life in the city was exciting, returning home to the Adirondacks lifestyle made more sense. As a way to increase sales during the holidays, Rachael started a series of cooking classes, called 30-Minute Meals. The local news reported on the classes, due to becoming so popular. The Albany evening news created a segment for Rachael’s cooking classes, which later lead to the Food network show, 30-Minute Meals (Moore, 2009).

30-Minute Meals promotes fast, easy to prepare meals, allowing more time to spend with family at the dinner table. The thought of whipping up a gourmet meal every night sounds good, but in reality most families don’t have the time. Between work, picking up the kids, football practice, piano lessons, chores around the house, and the activities of everyday life, finding the time to eat is a miracle in itself. Rachael is known for her own language on the big screen, coining phrases such as, “EVOO” (Extra Virgin Olive Oil), “yum-o”, G.B. (garbage bowl), “Oh my gravy!” and “stoup”, a cross between a soup/stew (Moore, 2009).

Rachael Ray is involved with a vast amount of product endorsements. In November 2006, she became a spokesman for Nabisco crackers, appearing on boxes and shooting commercials for their products. WestPoint Homes launched a bed and bath line designed by Ray, and recently created the “Moppine” a two-in-one dish towel/oven mitt. July 2008, pet dog food was introduced for her Rachael Rescue, a charity founded by Ray to help at-risk animals. The nonprofit “Yum-O organization”, launched in 2006, aims to help children and families develop a healthy relationship with food. The organization helps with childhood hunger in the U.S., and raises money for food education and scholarships (Rachael, 2009).

Recurrent appearances on the Oprah Winfrey Show were used to fuel the success of the Rachael Ray Talk Show. She signed a deal with Oprah and King World productions launching the daytime show, which educates people on daily issues, popular culture and ends the last fifteen minutes with a cooking segment. The talk show was a huge hit, earning her between fifteen and twenty million dollars a year. In Oprah-like fashion, her own magazine was created, sharing cooking tips, shopping advice, and recipes. According to Forbes magazine, Rachael was named 79th on a list of the most powerful celebrities in the world. In 2007 and 2009, The Rachael Ray Show won two Daytime Emmy Awards, for best talk show host and show (Rachael, 2009).

If people only wanted to know a recipe, they would buy a cookbook. People love Rachael Ray because of her engaging personality. Her recipes fit the American lifestyle, cheap and easy, and most importantly, Rachael Ray is someone audiences can relate to. I have been a Rachael Ray fan since 2003, and meeting her is on my bucket list of things to do. My kitchen contains a large amount of Rachael Ray cookware and gadgets. Rachael Ray has educated me on numerous topics throughout her achievements. I admire Rachael for making a difference in so many lives each year. I will remain an avid fan for life.

References

Moore, B. (2009). Rachael Ray. About.com. Retrieved October 28, 2009, from
http://gourmetfood.about.com/od/chefbiographie1/p/rachaelraybio.htm.

Rachael Ray. (2009). Wikipedia. Retrieved October 28, 2009, from
http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Rachael_Ray&oldid=322012960.

Weekly Written Analysis 4

Bath & Body Works has become a 21st century apothecary integrating health, beauty and well-being. Containing a very diverse range of lotions, makeup, and a variety of gift sets, there seems to be something for everyone in store locations. Bath & Body Works, LLC is an American retail store under the Limited Brands umbrella, which has a history of owning Victoria’s Secret, The Limited, Express, White Barn Candle Co., and Lane Bryant. It was founded in 1990 in New Albany, Ohio and has always prided itself on the innovation, quality and performance of its products. Since its premiere, Bath & Body Works has expanded across the country to over 1,600 stores. The company launched a seasonal catalog, website, and its first television commercial advertisement in 2006. In 2008, the company announced that it was opening six locations in Canada with The Body Shop being its main competition. The top competitors in the United States are Avon, Mary Kay, Estee Lauder and The Body Shop (Bath & Body Works, 2009).

Bath & Body Works has reinvented the personal care industry with the introduction of fragrant flavorful indulgences, which include shower gels, lotions, candles, accessories and just recently hair care products. The main focus is on creating and offering the best products, and an emphasis on innovation from nature. The company is destined to become the ultimate personal care destination. Customers are becoming very attracted to the growing product line, especially during holidays, birthdays, and other special events. Customers can enjoy in-store sampling to test out various products before making any purchases or easily shop on the company’s website, www.bathhandbodyworks.com. The Bath & Body Works product line is quite huge with anti-bacterial hand soaps to oil warmers, aromatherapy bubble baths and soaks, shampoo to face peels, and cosmetic bags to a whitening oral rinse. This company sells almost anything when it comes to personal care needs. A line for men is also available, offering shaving creams and oil products (Bath & Body Works, 2006).

One of the largest brands sold in Bath & Body stores are products developed by The White Barn Candle Co. It is a haven for the senses, providing unique, sophisticated ideas and solutions to consumers on how to add fragrance and ambiance to their homes. The comprehensive collection of home fragrance and décor items allows consumers to create a sense of beauty for themselves, their friends, and families. Inspirational and innovative, with a European sensibility, The White Barn Candle Co. is poised to become the premier brand and the top-of-mind destination for high quality candles, home fragrance and accessories. Bath & Body works is also devoted to giving back to its communities. In the past, during holiday seasons the business teamed up with the Make-A-Wish Foundation by advertising The Perfect Christmas Collection Jingle Bell holiday candle. Giving customers could choose from spice, winter and tree fragrances. One dollar from each candle sold was benefited to the foundation (Bath & Body Works, 2006).

Combining the introduction of spa products that are easily used at home with the incorporation of simple rituals into daily life, Bath & Body Works is committed to helping consumers improve their emotional and physical being. Women turn to this company to help wash away the daily stresses of life. Bath & Body makes shopping simple, supplying customers with a vast amount of choices to purchase friends or relatives the perfect gift. I find that as one walks toward the store, the amazing aroma is difficult to resist and draws people in to shop. As a consumer, I do purchase Bath & Body products most generally during the extremely hectic Christmas season. During this holiday season, enjoy the fragrance of vanilla bean noel, frosted orange spice, twisted peppermint, and winter candy apple. Happy Shopping!

References

Bath & Body Works New York. (2006). Retrieved October 19,2009 from

http://articles.directorym.com/Bath_Body_Works_New-York_NY-r854440.

Bath & Body Works. (2009). Wikipedia. Retrieved October 19, 2009, from

http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Bath_%26_Body_Works&oldid=312391558.

Journal Article Analysis Assignment 1-3

If It Ain’t Rubbin;, It Ain’t Racin’: NASCAR, American Values, and Fandom

In American society, sports portray a massive importance in popular culture. Anyone interested in understanding why, recognizes the growing popularity of NASCAR. As I analyzed this journal article, the commentary was rapidly identified for a general audience. In reading the piece, spectators learn why the sport is growing and will continue to grow a reputation with diverse fans across the United States. NASCAR is suggested to be the fastest growing professional sports league in America, with a total fan base of seventy-five million people and growing. It’s the number two sport on television behind the NFL, and averages more than five million households tuning in per race.

Historically, the stereotype that fans are only southern, good old boys is quickly dispelled when attending any race. Parked in the infield of racetracks, license plates from all over the U.S. are present, and fans have become urbanites, well educated, middle-class professionals. Evidence of how loyal fans are, can be discovered driving down the highway. Vehicles display the number of favorite drivers on bumper stickers and others show the car number of their least-favorite driver with a big, thick line through it. According to the article, “Stock car racing fans are probably stereotyped more often than any human beings on earth. They are often dismissed as beer-drinking, Winston-smoking, cheeseburger eating, Republican-voting good old boys by people who have never been within a mile of a NASCAR race” (Hugenberg & Hugenberg, 2008, p. 636).

Females represent over 40% of the NASCAR fan base, counteracting the stereotype that racing is made up of mainly male followers. Through marketing, NASCAR seeks to attract female fans by their use of drivers as “sex symbols” or “objects-of-desire”. Another difficult issue that separates NASCAR from almost all other sports in the U.S. is a white fan base. People of color are underrepresented in the population of fans at the track, and NASCAR is addressing the problem to attract more diversified supporters.

NASCAR fans are dissimilar from fans of other professional sports in numerous ways. Fans are boundary spanners, not knowing any geographic boundaries and will follow a driver even if he changes the make of a racecar, changes teams, or moves from one driving circuit to another. In other sports, after players leave the fans’ favorite team, they are “the enemy” and will typically be booed and heckled upon their return. NASCAR wants the sport fans to remain fans and have capitalized on Americans’ attraction with technologies. Historically aligning themselves with some very traditional American values: patriotism, hard work, religion, the triumph of good over evil, and competition, to name a few. The emphasis on these values has not changed; in fact, one might argue that NASCAR’s arrangement with American patriotism has grown since the tragic events of 9/11.

However, we dispute another American value recently being emphasized to its fans, cooperation or teamwork. NASCAR is successful because it reflects an important American value: competing by doing an honest job of cooperating. Americans understand and appreciate teamwork as part of their daily personal/professional lives, adding magnitude to this value only makes NASCAR more appealing. Drivers cannot win alone on the track, they require the spirit of cooperation to be competitive, which is a defining difference compared to other professional sports.

NASCAR is essentially an all-American sport, from the cars to the drivers to fans in the stands. Fans today reflect a cross section of America from rural and suburban communities, male and female gender, and young to old. What do they have in common? All of them love the thunderous sound of fast cars driven side-by-side by regular guys from normal families.

References

Hugenberg, L., & Hugenberg, B. (2008). If It Ain't Rubbin', It Ain't Racin':

NASCAR, American Values, and Fandom. Journal of Popular Culture,

41(4), 635-657. doi:10.1111/j.1540-5931.2008.00540.x

Weekly Written Analysis 3

A love affair exists between Americans and a good cup of coffee. Over half of the population drinks the beverage each day, with a coffee shop on almost every corner in all major U.S. cities. We like the taste, energizing effect, and social custom. A cup of coffee can facilitate a friendly meeting, studying, a casual date, or a late night conversation. The current explosion of gourmet coffee shops serving lattes, espressos, and cappuccinos, has evolved from the largest coffeehouse company in the world, Starbucks.

The company name is derived from Starbuck, Captain Ahab’s first mate in the novel “Moby-Dick”, and a turn-of-the-century mining camp (Starbo) on Mount Rainier. In 1971, three partners with the idea of selling coffee beans and equipment opened the original Starbucks at Pike Place Market in Seattle, Washington. Howard Schultz, CEO of the company, joined Starbucks in 1982. He formulated the brilliant idea of selling coffee and espresso drinks along with beans, after a visit in Italy. The three partners sold the chain to Schultz in 1987; the company began to expand rapidly and today the U.S. contains round 11,000 stores and the remaining 4,000 globally (Starbucks, 2009).

The company experiences controversy with the characterization that Starbucks only sells high priced specialty drinks, which provoked the business to brainstorm on an plan to recast itself as an affordable brand. In spring of 2009, a new line of value meals emerged, called “breakfast pairings”. The meals include coffee and either an egg sandwich, cup of oatmeal, or coffee cake. Each meal costs consumers $3.95, which will be a savings of $1.20. Starbucks also offers different types of discounts for regular and infrequent customers (Miller, 2009). Recently announced in the news, Starbucks launched its new breakthrough Starbucks VIA Ready Brew coffee on September 29, 2009. Starbucks VIA is 100% natural roasted Arabic coffee in an instant form that is rich, just like a fresh-brewed cup. Available in Italian Roast and Colombia, the suggested retail price for the U.S. is 2.95 for a three pack and 9.95 for a 12 pack, making a great cup of Starbucks coffee affordable for less than $1 dollar each. Progressive Grocer magazine in the U.S., voted Starbucks VIA as the “Best New Consumer Product” (Starbucks Newsroom, 2009).

In July 2008, I was first introduced to Starbucks coffee at Snowshoe Ski Resort, in West Virginia. Since then, I have been enjoying the taste of their mocha lattes, plus specialty flavors during the holidays. Unfortunately, the location of my current residence is forty-five minutes away from the closest store, justifying my need to splurge during shopping trips. I embrace the love for coffee and in the future will remain a loyal customer of Starbucks!

Miller, Claire. (2009). Starbucks addresses the price issue, and breakfast. The New
York Times. Retrieved October 12, 2009, from http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/03/business/03sbux.html?_r=1&pagewanted=print.

Starbucks. (2009, October 12). Wikipedia. Retrieved October 12, 2009, from http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Starbucks&oldid=319411017.

Starbucks Newsroom. (2009). Starbucks VIA ready brew arrives….coffee experience. Retrieved October 12, 2009, from
http://news.starbucks.com/article_print.cfm?article_id=271.

Weekly Written Analysis 2

In today’s society, people will endure much discomfort just to be counted among the “trendy” and “fashionable” consumer. Originally worn by Australian sheepherders to keep their feet warm, Ugg boots have become quite popular in the United States. The original Ugg boot is not a brand name, but an age-old generic term for this style of Australian made sheepskin boot. In Aussie slang, the Ugg name is short for “ugly”. In terms of comfort, however, the Ugg boot with a snug, cozy, form-fitting feel that’s more like a sock than a shoe, is rugged enough for outdoor wear. The fleece lining has the astonishing property of providing year-round comfort. In cold weather, the plush fleece provides an insulating layer of warmth by trapping your body heat. A tropical climate also attracts these boots; they have been popular with swimmers and surfers since the 1970s and are regularly worn by surfers in California. People will find the versatile boots to be in style on beaches from San Diego to Santa Cruz and in ski resorts from Tahoe to Vail (Sharp, 2005).

Various opinions exist regarding the look of Ugg boots, statements as “unfashionable” or “uncool” are rolling off tongues across America. Now, one might ask, “why?” or “how?” does a boot that defies all fashion logic stay popular? The answer lies in two simple reasons. First, some people want to stand out from the crowd, differing from the norm. Modeling the Ugg boot definitely makes a noticeable appearance in a crowd. Second, and more importantly, the boots are comfortable to wear verses the standard leather used to make the common boot. Ugg boots now come in a variety of styles, sizes and colors and can generally be incorporated in any kind of apparel (Cedar, 2007)

When the boot arrived in America, the name was given a massive boost by Oprah Winfrey in 2000, who spent a vast amount buying pairs for her 350 staff members and included them on her Oprah’s Favorite Thing show (Graff, 2007). Needless to say, the majority of stylish customers wanted to buy a pair of Ugg Boots thereafter. If one decides to purchase a pair of Ugg Boots, make sure you are buying the real thing, staying away from cheap imitations. Several look-alike products are imported made of cow suede, containing a much lower price tag. Personally, I do not own a pair of the sheep skinned boots, finding the price to be more than I am willing to pay. However, I do embrace the idea of receiving a pair as a gift.

Cedar, D. (2007). Comfort over trendy-the Ugg Boots. Retrieved October 6, 2009, from http://www.centuyinshoes.com/ugg-boots

Sharp, G. (2005). The History of Ugg Boots. Retrieved October 6, 2009, from http://ezinearticles.com/?The-History-of-Ugg-Boots&id=15708&opt=print.

Graff, V. (2007). The ugly truth: They’re hot, smelly and bad for your feet so why are Ugg boots so popular? Retrieved October 6, 2009 from http://www.dailymail.co.uk./femail/article-497170.

Assignment 2-2 Icon Analysis

Three icons that will be analyzed in this article include, U.S. Gymnastics, Oprah Winfrey, and The Food Network. Gymnastics is a sport involving performance of exercises requiring physical strength, flexibility, agility, coordination, balance and grace. Gymnastics evolved from movements used by the ancient Greeks, which included skills for mounting and dismounting a horse, and from circus performance skills. Gymnastics is an inspiring sport to young females from ages three and up (“Gymnastics”, 2009). Oprah Winfrey, is known as an American media personality, television producer, literary critic and magazine publisher, but best recognized for her self-titled, talk show. She is one of the most influential women in the world, and reinvented her show with a focus on literature, self-improvement, and spirituality. Though criticized for unleashing confession culture and promoting controversial self-help fads, she is generally admired for overcoming adversity to become a benefactor to others (“Oprah Winfrey”, 2009). The Food network is a television specialty channel that airs programs about food and cooking internationally. The Food Network started in 1993. Chefs among the network are, Rachael Ray (30 Mintue Meals & $40 a Day), Bobby Flay (Grill It! with Bobby Flay, Iron Chef America), Mario Batali (Iron Chef America), Paula Deen (Paula’s Best Dishes, Paula’s Party), and Guy Fieri (Guy’s Big Bite, Diners, Drive-In & Dives ).

The icons discussed are all topics, which have enlightened, educated, and brought joy to my life. Each individual topic has influenced and expanded the character I represent today. In determining what subject matter to examine, the words passion, inspiration, and interests surfaced in thought. In performing the art of cooking, I receive vast amounts of gratification. On a daily basis, my level of awareness is increased from Oprah and gymnastics will forever be a childhood aspiration.

Gymnastics is a sport my eyes were drawn too at a very young age. One of the most enjoyable childhood memories I have, was putting on a Mary Lou Retton leotard my mom bought me, and pretending to be a real gymnast. Perhaps, as I screen this sport in my current life today, my mind subconsciously takes me back to a time of simplicity. Cooking evolved from having a close relationship with my mother and grandmother. Everyday I was motivated to experiment with food, creating new recipes and may have initiated from having a diverse palate. The Food Network is a place to escape and relax after a long, exhausting day. Oprah Winfrey encourages the world to believe, making the realization of dreams possible to achieve. Listening to her voice in my living room for two decades has given me powerful knowledge to make a difference in life. An issue openly discussed in the last five years is the need for educating women and children in other countries. On the show, authors and politicians address the importance of education in helping to decrease terrorism. One of my goals after finishing my Bachelor’s degree at Franklin is to make a continuing effort in educating women in the Other World. Personally, making a difference in another’s life with less fortunate resources is a fulfillment words cannot illustrate.

Oprah Winfrey. (2009, October 6). Retrieved October 7, 2009, from http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Oprah_Winfrey&oldid=318175491

Gymnastics. (2009, October 6). Retrieved October 7, 2009, from http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Gymnastics&oldid=318266805

Weekly Written Analysis 1-4

Chelsea Handler, a newly introduced comedian to the television, represents a wide range of opinions based on her atrocious statements about pop culture in the entertainment business? For audience members not familiar with this sassy, rude comedian, she dishes out amusing, sarcastically toned commentary of the latest celebrity based gossip. The show, which can be viewed on E! Entertainment Television is progressively rising in ratings since making its debut in 2007. Chelsea Lately attracts mainly a younger and more predominantly female audience with around 600,000 spectators a night (Goodwin, 2009).

The late night show doesn’t interview the most upstanding celebrity guests, provoking even more humorous dialogue for the comedian to use. As one gears up to watch the half-hour witty program, expect a refreshing blunt conversation regarding C or D list celebs, such as Paris Hilton, The Kardashian Family, and Kanye West. Like Letterman and Leno, the laughing begins with a brief comic monologue, settling into a panel of leading comedians for the first half of the show, an occasional skit, candid interviews, and ending in a segment interview with a guest able to swallow Chelsea’s insulting style. Fans find the comedians’ sidekick and personal assistant, a tiny Mexican named Chuy Bravo, to be perhaps the weirdest feature of the show. Handler constantly pokes fun at her little nugget, which she calls him on the show (Goodwin, 2009).

While some viewers perceive the tart mouth blonde as funny, smart and talented, others wish the comedian would just disappear from the television. Wrong or right, comments are often made that Chelsea Lately provides comedy as unoriginal as anything can be. As a fan of the show, I feel Chelsea Handler brings a rich, fresh attitude leaving a diverse audience wanting more.

Goodwin, C. (2009, May 17). The acid-tongued blonde who is taking on America’s chat kings. Retrieved October 3, 2009 from http://guardian.co.uk/media/2009/may/17/chelsea-handler- lately-e-us-television/print.