Your Journalist, Ashley Michelle Williams

Realize: Your Journey Can Only Be Determined By You

Posted by Ashley M. Williams on February 7, 2010

Sometimes you may want to look to the sky to help you remember the power you have to make a difference in the world.
(Picture Taken by Ashley M. Williams)

One thing that has been on my mind lately is this aspect of individuals having the ability to determine their journeys. Certainly, this can only go so far, but I truly believe that the choices that we make will inevitably determine our futures.

It is only through faith, determination, and adaptability can anyone truly succeed.

I say these three things because without faith you cannot have the strength to believe that anything is possible…without determination you will not have the drive to fulfill your goals…and most importantly, without adaptability you will never be able to find a way to determine your goals or to even embrace that sometimes in life maybe everything does happen for a reason.

Throughout my career as a broadcast journalist, I hope to motivate the world…to encourage people to be the change that they wish to see…and to help other remember that at the end of the day you must believe in yourself.

Realize that if you cannot believe in yourself and your dreams, then you could be preventing another person from believing in you and what you are capable of doing within the world…

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Lie down…At A Restaurant?

Posted by Ashley M. Williams on February 7, 2010

Welcome to Laydown, where you can literally eat as you lie down...
(Picture taken by Ashley M. Williams)

On one episode of Sex & the City Carrie and her friends went to this restaurant in New York City where beds are used in place of tables. The restaurant was called: Bed.


Well, what I want to tell you is that there is the same type of restaurant here in Madrid.
The restaurant is called Laydown. Certainly, it was a nice place to spend time with friends, but before I walked in I didn’t actually think that I would be lying down as I was eating my food. My friends who recommended this restaurant of course forgot to fill me in on that little detail.

I had a great experience at this restaurant! At first I was kind of taken aback with the beds. Yet, after eating and getting tired, laying in the beds was not so bad.
(Picture taken by a friend)

I could not believe this place. I mean I have never been to a restaurant like this. The food was really good as well. Kind of pricey, but for a one time experience it was worth it.

I have to admit that it was nice to be sitting in a bed after eating, because I definitely was tired.

I had noddles with shrimp and vegetables. It was very tasty and rich!
(Picture taken by Ashley M. Williams)

Another great thing about the restaurant was just how lively and exciting it was. In fact, one thing that made it so nice was the entertainment at the restaurant. There was a woman who was singing …none other than English music.

I recommend checking this place out whenever you visit Madrid. I am sure that you will also feel like it was a one of a kind experience that you may or may not want to repeat. For me, one time is good enough. :)

A singer sang English music to us while we were eating. It was a lot of fun.
(Picture taken by Ashley M. Williams)

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Be Careful! Pedestrians Do NOT Have The Right-Of-Way in Madrid

Posted by Ashley M. Williams on February 7, 2010

Be careful while you are walking in Madrid. To drivers, redestrians don't have the right-of-way. Kind of scary, huh?
(Picture taken by Ashley M. Williams).

I just wanted to write a short blog post about this. I thought this was kind of funny.

Well, before I came to Madrid, Spain was told that pedestrians do not come first in Spain, so I had to be even more careful before I walked across the street. When I got here, I definitely realized how true this was. My advice to you when you come to Madrid is to be careful when crossing streets– even if you have the greenlight– because in the perspective of many drivers: pedestrians do not have the right-of-way.

Greenlights may not be that important in Madrid to everyone, so just be careful before you take your foot off the sidewalk.
(Picture taken by Ashley M. Williams)


I have never see more instances of people almost getting hit by cars, taxis, and even buses in my life. Luckily, I have never actually seen someone get hit.


WANT TO KNOW MORE FACTS OF LIFE ABOUT MADRID?

I suggest you read this article: Practicalities and Idiosyncrasies of Life in Madrid. It is very interesting.

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Flamenco Dancing!! It Makes You Truly Absorb the Culture of Spain

Posted by Ashley M. Williams on February 7, 2010

I had a wonderful time going to Casa Platas to see flamenco dancing. It was spectacular!
(Picture taken by Ashley M. Williams)


Last week, I had the opportunity to visit Casa Platas in Madrid! It is a restaurant and it also has a flamenco dancing show. Everything about the show was interesting and it helped me to really connect with the culture and history of Spain.

The show lasted for two hours, and had three dancers. Whenever the flamenco dancers took a break, the flamenco instrumentalists and singers would begin entertain the audience.

It was amazing how much expression, energy, and flexibility the dancers had. I love how they connect with the music and really embrce into their movements. It was nothing like anything I have ever experienced.

After the flamenco show, my friends and I went to talk in the restuarant part of the building. It was definitely a lively atmosphere.
(Picture taken by Ashley M. Williams).


The restaurant of Casa Platas was just as crowded as the room in which the flamenco dancing was held. I have to admit I really liked the restaurant as its pictures and atmosphere made me feel even more connected to Madrid.

This exciting show definitely helped me build memories with my friends.
(Picture taken by a friend).


And of course, the food was great! I tried the Salmón Ahumado and it was absolutely delicious!

Well, I hope that whenever you are in Spain you also have the opportunity to visit come to Casa Platas to see a flamenco performance, or that you can go to a flamenco dancing show in Madrid.

WANT TO SEE A FLAMENCO DANCE?
Watch this video I recorded to see the flamenco dancing at Casa Patas for yourself. I hope you enjoy it.

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This is Ridiculous… Can We Have Some Better Role Models NOW, Please?

Posted by Ashley M. Williams on February 7, 2010

Heidi Montag is the epitome of America needing to change who it allows to gain a high level of fame. She is not a good role model in my opinion, and I have just getting so sick of hearing about her. (Picture from People Magazine)


I normally try not take time on my blog to write about celebrities, because I believe that there are so many other issues and positive situationas happening in the world that should be noted.

However, while trying to keep up on news while being in Spain, I came across this terrible story about how Heidi Montag has gotten plastic surgery again. In fact, 10 surgeries this time. This is crazy!! Why are people allowing this girl to get this much attention?

She could be influencing girls to get plastic surgery. Her mindset is just completely off. I don’t even think she knows what she is saying half the time.

For instance, she says she is religious, but isn’t part of being religious accepting the way God created you and believe that He made you in His image? I am not trying to be critical, but I think this is a logical question to ask.

A CHANGE…NOW!
I am just so sick of seeing this so-called role models influence my generation and younger generations. Heidi Montag demonstrates how journalists and me need to make sure that the public knows not to allow this girl and other like her to gain attention and negatively impact others.

I truly wish the best for her, and I hope she gets help. She really needs it. I just think that she has lost her mind. It’s sad what fame can do to people. It is also sad that our society allows people who are just simply “famous for being famous” to gain such a high level of fame. What ever happened to loving yourself for who you are, and working hard to become successful? I mean seriously, what happened to these virtues?

NEWS STORY FROM NIGHTLINE ABOUT THE SITUATION
I really enjoyed seeing this interview that JuJu Chang of ABC News had with Heidi Montag.

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Definitely Not Something You’d See In the United States

Posted by Ashley M. Williams on February 7, 2010

In my opinion, the construction sites are way too close to people in Spain. I'm scared someone might get injured.

(Picture taken by Ashley M. Williams.)

While walking to visit some stores and the mall in near Serrano Street, a great shopping area in Madrid, I experienced an alarming situation.

You know how in the United States and even states, like Texas, are mandating more rules to keep people as far away from construction as possible?

Well, I have some news for you: that is not the case in Madrid.

This is how close I could get to take this picture. Well, actually I could have probably gotten closer if I wanted to, but I didn't want to put myself in danger.

Don't you think something should change about this situation? And the reason for the gray color of the picture: ash.
(Picture taken by Ashley M. Williams
)

Seeing this huge machine lift some dirt out of the air, I literally walked right through a construction site. I kept thinking to myself: is this normal? Is this suppose to be happening? I was so fearful as I kept hearing these machines make all of the noises.

Yet, want to know the funny part? The construction people actually had the nerve to smile at me like nothing was going on. Of course, I’m looking at him like are you serious? I tried to smile, but I couldn’t help thinking: I hope I don’t get killed walking over here.

People just walk in and out of these construction sites. Sometimes they will even be drilling something in the ground and all of the ash and smoke can come up right on you.
(Picture taken by Ashley M. Williams)


Ok, so maybe I am being a little critical, but what about the safety of people? I can’t believe the government in Spain actually allows this to happen. I am just so scared for the well-being of individuals.

The construction workers act like people are noting moving around them as they drill stuff in the ground and ash comes up in the air or as they move huge amounts of dirt over people as they are walking in and out of stores.

There are little pathways, like these, that they have created so that people can walk in and out of the construction.

(Picture taken by Ashley M. Williams)


Obviously, this situation has probably been happening for some time, but I just wonder if there have been any accidents that have happened. That is probably something I should research and do a news story on in the future.

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Las diferentes viajes a Toledo & el Escorial

Posted by Ashley M. Williams on January 30, 2010

The view of Toledo from up high looks like a perfect picture. It is just so beautiful...(Picture Taken By Ashley Williams).

TOLEDO

I was absolutely memorized when I went to visit Toledo, Spain. It was so beautiful. The evidence of the cultures that were there that made the history of the city truly touched me.

We also had the opportunity to visit the cathedrals and synagogues within Toledo as well. Visiting these places and finding out about all the historical references even made me cry.

I loved every minute of Toledo! (Picture Taken By Tourist.)


WATCH A VIDEO I RECORDED OF TOLEDO, SPAIN


EL ESCORIAL

One weekend, we also went to el Escorial, Spain to visit el Real Monasterio de el Escorial. It was amazing!! All of the paintings there were just so vivid and fantastic. Yet, I think the most interesting part was seeing all of the tombs of the kings of Spain and other officials. Very intriguing!

Traveling with friends in Spain is just so blissful! You can definitely build memories with each other. (Picture taken by a friend).


Whenever you are in Spain, I recommend going to both of these places. They are both only an hour from Madrid and you can pay 3,0 euros for a bus ride there. Therefore, it is not bad at all. It was definitely well worth the trip.

This has been a very life-changing experience thus far...(Picture taken by friend).



SOUNDSLIDE OF PICTURES FROM TOLEDO

Click here to see more pictures that I took of Toledo: Una viaje al Toledo.

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Mi visita al parque retiro

Posted by Ashley M. Williams on January 30, 2010

This is just one small part of el parque retiro!! (Picture taken by Ashley Williams).

Going to el parque retiro was definitely one of my favorite days so far in Madrid. I went a couple of weeks ago with my friend, Marian. We had a wonderful time.

The park is just so pretty that it looks unreal. It is also very easy to get to by taking the metro. I hope one day you will have the opportunity to visit it. I have made a soundslide for you to view more pictures of my experience there.

This was truly breath-taking (Pictures Taken By Ashley Williams).


SOUNDSLIDE OF EL PARQUE RETIRO

Click here to view more pictures: el parque retiro.

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Spain So Far: Enduring Culture Shock Amidst Trying to Have A Great Experience

Posted by Ashley M. Williams on January 30, 2010

Welcome to my journey in Madrid, Spain! (Photo Taken By Ashley Williams).

OK, so here it is. I have been kind of dreading, yet holding back on talking about my experience in Spain thus far.

It is not that I am having a horrible time. In fact, I am having a great time in Madrid, but I am definitely, definitely dealing with culture shock on all levels. I know this is good though, because I love learning about new cutltures, people, and identities. However, I think that there is definitely a difference between learning about different cultures and actually having to immerse into a different culture.

My friend and I in the middle of Madrid! What a beautiful day that was! (Picture taken by my friend, Marian Padilla).

I tend to be a very optimistic person, and for once I find myselt just dreading even having to do the most simplistic things in Spain. I guess this is also due to communication. I did not come to Spain fluent in Spanish and it is sometimes difficult to just simply communicate, because I am finding the Spanish you learn in the classroom is somewhat different from they speak in Spanish-speaking countries.

However, the good part is that I am actually learning more Spanish than I ever have and I feel that by the end of this study abroad eperience I will be practically fluent in Spanish.

I just want to point a few things that have really struck me during my time here. For example, I am now understanding that in America everything seems to be in excess. Everything…from cars to candy bars to electricity…all of these things are in excess.

The cars in Spain are A LOT smaller than those in the US. This, of course, is due to the price of gas. (Picture Taken by Ashley Williams).


Yet, when I came to Spain, I had a huge shock. I guess for some reason I was thinking- for a ignorant reason- that Spain would be similiar to America. Wrong! It is completely different. And it is not just Spain that is like this, but most European countries. I know this information might not be new to you, but it was definitely knew to me. This is especially true since I have never been outside the United States before, besides Canada- which does not really count.

While I am in Spain, I am living with a host family. They are nice, but it sometimes irks me how they constantly talk about and remind me about how expensive electricity and water are in Spain. After one time, I get it. I get it. I really try to be environmentally friendly in the U.S., but here I am finding that maybe I am not quite as environmentally friendly as I thought.


THINGS THAT ARE SHOCKING ME THE MOST

This was taken inside a metro station in Madrid. Luckily, the traffic at that time was not too bad. (Picture Taken By Ashley Williams).


-People eat in large gaps of time and they really do not due a lot of snacking.

-People walk everywhere and hardly anyone has a car. Most people use public transportation, like the metro, ALL of the time.

- In shoes stores, there are no footies to try on shoes. Instead, they use: plastic??

- 6 a.m. is actually when everyone stops partying on weekends.

This was one of the prettiest views I have ever seen...The sky in Madrid has such an undescribeable beauty every day. (Picture Taken by Ashley Williams).


-People tend to show a lot of affection anywhere and everywhere.

-Many people smoke, but wasn’t it found that this is one of the biggest health problems in the world??

-People wear house shoes at all times around the house. What happen to being barefoot?

-People close the doors to the bathrooms all the time, even if you are not in them.

-People listen to a lot of English music here, but hardly anyone actually speaks English??

-People don’t shower everyday or even brushing their teeth, due to the cost of water.


THE REALITY CHECK

I hope you don’t think I am being negative. I am just trying to understand all of these things and to take them in. Yet, I think I am understanding why I am having such a culture shock: I am so caught up on understanding everything instead of just realizing its apart of the culture of Spain. For once, I feel like I am not embracing what is around me. Although I am recognizing the customs of Spain, I need to embrace things more duing my time here.

Therefore, in order to have a better experience, I am taking a step back every day in order to try to enjoy this experience. Whether it be eating churros, going to different museums, shopping, etc. I am defintely going to try to enjoy my time more in Spain.

More and more I'm realizing that studying abroad in Madrid is and will be a great experience. (Picture taken by tourist).

I also could be being too hard on myself. I mean this is my first time out of the country beside Canada, which does not really count. Therefore, I have a lot to deal with I know. Yet, I think I am going to get through this and become more knowledgeable, peaceful, and embraceful human being….

They have so many yummy desserts within Madrid! (Pictures taken by Ashley Williams).



P.S. I absolutely love all of their desserts…Now I also know why people are so thin in Spain, they eat and then, walk everywhere… :)

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Back To Where My Passion for Broadcast Began…

Posted by Ashley M. Williams on January 30, 2010

Welcome to a portion of where it all began. This is the editing room. I did not get the chance to take pictures of the television studio, because it was under construction. (Picture Taken By Ashley Williams).

I thought it would be interesting to talk about my visit to my old high school as well as the place within it that I called my “home” over my four years of high school.

Going back to my old high school, Southfield Lathrup Senior High School, was really…hmm. I am trying to figure out how to describe this… I don’t know I guess I can’t think of how to put my feelings into words, but just imagine going back to somewhere that made you who were. Kind of like going back to your own hometown, but only this “home” for me had a defining chapter in my life.

I guess the most interesting part was just being there and reminscing about all the memories I had and how far I’ve come.

Mr. Zecchini is such a remarkable teacher and person. He is very creative, almost like a creative genius...here is one of his creations that he put in the editing room. (Picture by Ashley Williams).


It was so nice to see old teachers and people that I worked with at the television station. I was especially overjoyed to see the Television Productions Teacher Mr. Zecchini, whom I will always credit to even making think about going into broadcast journalism. He always believed in and just made me realize that if I put my mind to anything, I can do anything I wish. I am forever indebted to him, and I hope he realizes how much he changed my life.

It’s weird, because when you’re young, you don’t really think about how certain paths you might take will have such an impact on your future. I think it high school, I often took forgranted ven having a television studio in my high school. I guess I assumed that every high school had one. Yet, from talking to my journalism friends in college, I now realize that most do not have one.

In fact, knowing this, makes me get a little bit more upset, because on my recent visit to Michigan, I found out that they were thinking about closing Southfield-Lathrup due to the economy and other issues. I was really upset about this, because that television station is valuable for students. Thank God, they decided not to close it…for now.

In writing this blog post, I want to remind you of how every choice we make often inevitably determines our life journey and the people we will become.

Throughout my career, I hope to be a role model for my generation and for younger generations to come. I think they just really need someone to give them faith in what means to have a dream and to make that dream a reality…

Thank you to everyone who helped me become the person I am today.

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Happy Holidays and My Wish List for Journalism

Posted by Ashley M. Williams on December 22, 2009

I just wanted to say that I wish you all a great holiday season!

This year has gone by so fast, but it seemed to be a good year! Despite all the running around I had to do with school, traveling, etc. I guess I cannot complain.

I am also so happy that I was able to connect with you all as well. :)

MY WISH LIST
Since this is the season of wishing there are a few things that I would like to see change in journalism:

1. I wish more journalists would actually start to report things that matter to society or that are important.
EX: Why not focus on the growing issue of sex trafficking instead of the wild lovers of Tiger Woods????

2. I wish more journalists would use journalism to impact more people and to change lives.
EX: Why not focus on more good things that people are doing in society instead of all of the negative things like killing people, robberies, etc.

3. I wish more journalists would not simply be a journalists for selfish reasons, but for the fact that they really want to do something for the world.
EX: Well, I would give an example here, but I do not want to put any names out there.

Well, these are just some things that have been bothering me lately. I hope I can “be the change I wish to see in the world”….

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Voices Shaking USC Episodes!

Posted by Ashley M. Williams on January 10, 2010

Watch Voices Shaking USC episodes now!! (Picture Taken By Ashley M. Williams).

Below are two episodes of Voices Shaking USC, a television show that I created, produced, hosted, and also helped edit this past semester of my junior year for the USC Television Station, Trojanvision.

I'm your host, Ashley Williams, for these editions of Vocies Shaking USC. (Pictures Taken By Ashley Williams).


Click below on Voices Shaking USC to see episode one and two. I hope you enjoy them!!

EPISODES
Voices Shaking USC:Episode 1- Debate Topic: Racism and Prejudice.

Voices Shaking USC:Episode 2- Debate Topic: Nuclear Weaponization.

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UN ARTÍCULO INTERESANTE: Explorando los usos del tiempo a través de las obras de lo fantástico

Posted by Ashley M. Williams on January 29, 2010

Escrito por: Ashley M. Williams

El tiempo puede ser el mejor o el peor elemento que un individuo puede enfrentar en su vida. El tiempo combinado con la imaginación y la magia sólo hace encontrar la realidad de la vida aún más difícil para un individuo. Sin embargo, la combinación de estos tres elementos es una técnica importante utilizada en algunas obras de lo fantástico para permitir que el público haga frente a sus realidades. Como consecuencia, en el cuento corto conocido como La noche boca arriba, escrito por Julio Cortázar, y en la película conocida como The Time Traveler’s Wife, estos tres elementos se utilizan de tal manera que las audiencias puedan salir y explorar mundos que pueden o no pueden existir en sus vidas cotidianas. Sin duda, la confusión de lo que es realidad y lo fantástico puede causar que algunos miembros de la audiencia se sientan confundidos y frustrados. Sin embargo, otros miembros de la audiencia pueden sentirse inspirados como causa de estas obras a explorar el existencialismo y su propósito en la vida. Por lo tanto, al conectar el concepto de lo fantástico con el elemento del tiempo, uno podría creer que los autores de estas dos obras queiren inspirar que su audiencia reflexione y posiblemente que hagan cambios en sus vidas para mejorar al condición de sus almas.

En la mayoría de los casos, las obras que utilizan el concepto de lo fantástico comienzan con escenas y personajes que parecen ser de verdad. De hecho, escenas y personajes de verdad son especialmente demostrados en el comienzo del cuento La noche boca arriba, y al principio de la película The Time Traveler’s Wife. Aparentemente, nada parece extraño o difícil en la vida de los personajes. Por ejemplo, la historia de La noche boca arriba empieza con una escena que se desarrolla en una ciudad durante la época moderna. La escena descrita es muy práctica y creíble: el personaje principal es un hombre sin nombre que se mete en un accidente de moto tratando de evitar un choque con un peatón. La escena parece razonable, especialmente cuando el hombre despierta en una cama del hospital después del accidente. Por otra parte, también no hay nada de fantástico en la primera escena de la película The Time Traveler’s Wife: una niña de seis años de edad juega con sus muñecas en un bosque. Como consecuencia, el público puede interpretar estos personajes y escenas como típicas y similares a sus propias vidas o las de otras personas.

Sin embargo, una vez que la audiencia “experiencia” lo que ellos consideran que es normal en las obras de lo fantástico, algo misterioso sucede con los personajes y, posteriormente, la audiencia. Es en este momento que la audiencia suele percibir que los personajes están en un espacio y tiempo muy distinto. Este reino, que se demuestra en La noche boca arriba, y en The Time Traveler’s Wife, y otras obras de lo fantástico, es lo mágico. Por lo consiguiente, en el momento en que las escenas y los personajes se manifiestan ser parte de un ámbito diferente, la audiencia a menudo no puede determinar si los personajes son una ilusión o de verdad. Como explica Julio Cortázar, “Hay una sensación de estar inmerso en un misterio en curso, que el mundo que estamos viviendo en este movimiento sólo es aparte” (p. 1). Es así como la audiencia participa en las obras de lo fantástico, volviéndose parte del misterio de estas obras. Este misterio permite que el público perciba dos historias que pertenecen a dos ámbitos: uno que es fantasía y otro que es la realidad.

Los cuentos en cada reino están unidos entre sí por un conexión entrelazada. Este vínculo ata los dos ambos mundos de manera que el mundo de fantasía se puede transformar en el mundo de la realidad y viceversa. Los dos reinos en general se transforman de un lado al otro rápidamente y de forma inesperada en las obras de lo fantástico. En la mayoría de los casos, el ambiente y los personajes cambian repentinamente porque hay un conflicto o una situación que desencadena una transformación. La transformación ocurre de igual manera en ambos mundos. Como el filósofo Tzvetan Todorov explica: “(el mundo de fantasía dentro de las obras del fantástico) es una parte integral de la realidad, pero es controlado por leyes que nosotros desconocemos” (p. 25). Estos mundos no tienen leyes ni límites a lo que es y no es posible. A través de estos elementos fantásticos, estas obras pueden alentar que el público explore si los temas, escenas, y personajes son ilusiones o simplemente manifestaciones de la realidad.

Sin embargo, curiosamente, cuando los miembros de la audiencia participan en el reino de la fantasía, podrían ni darse cuenta de lo que están experimentando. Ellos ni pueden saber que están experimentando el mundo de la fantasía, porque el fondo y los personajes actuales parecen tan reales como los del mundo de lo real. Por ejemplo, dentro de La noche boca arriba, cuando el hombre es llevado al hospital, él entra y sale de un sueño. Aunque el hombre está entrando y saliendo del sueño, parece estar teniendo una experiencia normal que a veces sucede cuando los seres humanos sueñan. Sin embargo, es la claridad del sueño de este hombre (o mejor dicho la pesadilla) y la rápida transformación que puede confundir a la audiencia. De hecho, las transformaciones pueden confundir a la audiencia, ya que las imágenes parecen muy reales mientras ocurren en la realidad. Por lo tanto, son estas transformaciones que pueden confundir a la audiencia, ya que no pueden descifrar si el hombre vive su realidad o una ilusión.

Por otra parte, dentro de la película conocida como The Time Traveler’s Wife el personaje conocido como Henry viaja constantemente a diferentes etapas de su vida. Dado que su esposa, Clare, juega un papel importante en su vida, él también es capaz de viajar de regreso en el tiempo a los momentos importantes en la vida de su esposa. El momento más importante para Clara y Henry se encuentra en la primera escena de la película en la que la Clare de seis años de edad está jugando con sus muñecas en el bosque. Sin embargo, lo que es aún más interesante en el aspecto de esta película, siendo parte del género de lo fantástico, es ver a Henry por arte de magia aparecerse en la presencia de Clare. Para la audiencia, es difícil interpretar si Henry está realmente presente en la realidad de Clare, o si es simplemente una ilusión de Clare. De hecho, el reino de la realidad y el reino de la fantasía se entrelazan tan de repente que la audiencia no puede saber si Henry está viajando por el tiempo al tiempo actual de Clara o si simplemente está viajando por el tiempo. Por desgracia, esta ilusión es una experiencia que la audiencia puede incluso no ser capaz de explicar una vez que la película ha terminado.

Además, aunque la audiencia puede darse cuenta de que se enfrentan a un reino de fantasía, ya que estos tipos de obras fomentan el uso de la imaginación, todavía puede ser confuso para la audiencia discernir entra la realidad y la fantasía. Pueden estar confundidos ya que los personajes y los acontecimientos en el reino de fantasía a menudo se presentan dentro de la realidad de los personajes. En La noche boca arriba, por ejemplo, el hombre sueña con estar en medio de la Guerra de las Flores, una guerra en la cual se dice que los aztecas hacían sacrificios al sol. El hombre también es capaz de describir todo lo que él está experimentando, como cuando huye de los aztecas o está siendo sacrificado por ellos. Como otros ejemplos, el hombre con gran detalle puede describir el olor de la sangre, la sensación del fuego y el cuchillo, e incluso todos los sonidos que escucha. Todo lo que siente el hombre se expresa en gran detalle tal que la audiencia puede interpretar como real el reino fantástico que los personajes sufren en su realidad.

A pesar de que una enfermera trata de calmar al paciente sin nombre con darle un poco de agua para beber y sin querer lo despierta, el hombre sigue cayendo dentro y fuera de lo que parece ser un sueño o una pesadilla. Sin embargo, al final de la historia, la audiencia se da cuenta más tarde, que en realidad, el hombre sin nombre es verdaderamente un indio motecano que los aztecas habían capturado para sacrificarlo a su dios el sol, y lo de la ciudad moderna y el accidente de motocicleta era la fantasía. Es decir, su sueño e ilusión fueron la de estar en el hospital.

Aunque The Time Traveler’s Wife sea identificado como un película romántica debido a su enfoque sobre temas como el amor, la pérdida, y la libertad, también se puede categorizar dentro del género de la ciencia ficción, debido a su tema de viajar por el tiempo. Por ejemplo, desde que el personaje conocido como Henry viaja constantemente a distintas etapas de la vida adulta de su esposa, conocida como Clare, es difícil de entender si Henry está viajando por el tiempo a Clare en la actualidad o en cualquier otro momento de su vida adulta. De hecho, cuando Henry viaja desde el reino de la realidad al mundo de la fantasía tan rápidamente que el público no puede ser capaz de descifrar si están presenciando y experimentando la realidad de Henry o, simplemente, una de sus ilusiones.

Los escritores de lo fantástico podrían intencionalmente producir la confusión para que la audiencia haga un esfuerzo por usar su imaginación. De hecho, cuando la audiencia utiliza su imaginación, pueden ser capaces de despertar a sus propias realidades. Como Julio Cortázar, escritor famoso de La noche boca arriba y otras obras de lo fantástico, dice, “Lo fantástico no es simplemente imaginaciones grandes del cine, la literatura, los cuentos y las novelas. Por lo contrario, es estar presente dentro de los seres humanos, de sus mentes, que ni la ciencia ni la filosofía puede explicar.” Desde el sentido de las palabras de Cortázar y de otros que producen obras de lo fantástico, se puede inferir que los que producen obras de lo fantástico quieren que sus personajes continuamente se sientan tanto dentro del reino de la fantasía como del reino de la realidad con el fin de generar temas que pueden alentar al público a reflexionar sobre sus propias vidas. Por ejemplo, dentro de La noche boca arriba y The Time Traveler’s Wife, se puede esperar que a través de sus propias reflexiónes, los miembros de la audiencia quieran cambiar sus vidas en formas que beneficien sus almas.

También se podría concluir que La noche boca arriba y The Time Traveler’s Wife son realmente únicas en el género de lo fantástico, debido a los usos del tiempo en combinación con los elementos de lo fantástico. Dado que el elemento del tiempo se combina con los elementos de lo fantástico (como la magia y misterio), los personajes y escenas dentro de estas obras en particular traen a luz los conceptos y temas que puede inspirar a las audiencias que exploren el existencialismo, un tipo de filosofía que trata de impulsar que las personas encuentren el propósito de sus vidas a pesar de los obstáculos y las distracciones que puedan surgir (All About Existentialism- A Philiosophy).
Es racional que se quiera comprender por qué el tiempo tiene un impacto fundamental en la audiencia cuando se fusiona con los elementos de lo fantástico en La noche boca arriba y The Time Traveler’s Wife. Para muchas personas, no hay nada más amargo y dulce a la misma vez que el tiempo. Como un elemento que marca las etapas distintas en la vida, el tiempo puede hacer que los individuos recuerden las situaciones más difíciles en sus vidas que han influido en sus vidas. El tiempo también puede permitir que los momentos más preciosos duren para siempre.

Además, los autores de estas obras pueden haber utilizado el elemento de tiempo con el fin de establecer algo más realista y aplicable a las situaciones de su audiencia. Viajar por el tiempo puede ser un acercamiento mágico que permite que los personajes y los miembros del público exploren el existencialismo. Por ejemplo, dentro de La noche boca arriba, el hombre sin nombre y la audiencia conocen un reino que es de los tiempos modernos y uno que es mucho más antiguo. Además dentro de la película The Time Traveler’s Wife, el personaje conocido como Henry viaja continuamente durante la niñez de su esposa y él hasta el tiempo presente. Así, las obras de lo fantástico en combinación con el elemento de tiempo metafóricamente le muestran al público cómo se puede vivir con pasión a pesar de las dificultades que se puedan haber producido en el pasado. Por último, es a través de las escenas y personajes de estas obras que se espera que también los miembros de la audiencia “despertien” para desenmascarar y enfrentar las ilusiones y las dificultades que impiden con el cumplimiento del propósito de sus vidas.

Aunque los seres humanos pasen retos dentro de sus propias realidades, tal vez estos desafíos también sólo son fantasías que los seres humanos están luchando adentro de sí mismos. Tal vez no tenga significado alguno estas fantasías. De hecho, tal vez los seres humanos les dan vida a ellos y hacen que se conviertan en sus realidades. Del mismo modo, esto puede ser exactamente lo que la audiencia experiencia al leer obras de lo fantástico. Sin embargo, por suerte, ya que el público puede determinar si los mundos dentro de las obras de lo fantástico, como La noche boca arriba y The Time Traveler’s Wife, son ilusiones o reales, podrían también ser inspirados enfrentar y explorar los desafíos que enfrentan en sus vidas diarias. La audiencia también podrá ser alentadas a eliminar las distracciones que podrían estar dificultando la realización y el cumplimiento de su propósito en la vida.

Es a través de utilizar el concepto de lo fantástico que la audiencia puede explorar si existen significados más profundos de las situaciones que tienen o tendrán en sus propias vidas. Aunque la realidad sea difícil la mayoría de las veces, ¿no sería mejor hacerle frente a esos retos y no confundirnos más con fantasías que nos complican la vida?


Las obras citadas

Todorov, Tzvetan. A Structural Approach to a Literary Genre: Ithaca, NY. Cornell University Press,
1975.

Cortazar, Julio. El sentimiento de lo fantástico – Julio Cortázar – Ciudad Seva. Retrieved November
25, 2009, from http://www.ciudadseva.com/textos/teoria/opin/cortaz5.htm.

All About Existentialism – A Philosophy. (n.d.). Retrieved November 30, 2009, from
http://www.allaboutphilosophy.org/existentialism.htm

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Loving Michigan & Its Simplicity.

Posted by Ashley M. Williams on January 29, 2010

The beautiful trees and simplicity of Michigan really calms my spirit. I love going to my home state for holidays and just to visit loved ones. (Picture taken by Ashley Williams)

Right when school ended in December, I headed back to my home state of Michigan where my dreams all began.It was so nice to come home to my family and friends. It felt like forever since I had been home, which was partially true since during the summer I was interning in California. I had only been back to Michigan for Thanksgiving, but it was such a quick trip that it really didn’t feel like anything at all.

It is amazing how- well I don’t know if you feel this way- but how you sometimes want to leave someplace so bad to go to another place that you feel is so much better. Yet, then when you get to the other place, you realize that yeah it is very nice, but it is nothing like the place you came from in the beginning. Michigan and California were like that for me.

I have dreamed about living in California for so long. As a adolescent, I knew that the only way I would ever really be able to experience what it would be like to live in California was to go to school there, or to live there after college. Thank God, I got the chance to do so for college.

However, as much as I love California, during my time at USC, I have truly begun to miss Michigan and it’s simplicity…

Despite all the criticism that Michigan might receive, especially Detroit, I think sometimes that people forget how beautiful it is…even when it is the winter.

I miss the calmness of it and I miss just how close everything is :) . Don’t get me wrong I love California, but there is something about Michigan that I think makes it so unique and such a great place to visit, especially during the holidays.

The Grove Shopping Center in Los Angeles during Christmas is quite beautiful, especially when fake snow is sprinkled from the air. (Pictures Taken By Ashley Williams).


In Michigan, I really feel like it is Christmas time and people are so nice. I know the snow has to do wiht it too, but I feel like people are much more in the holiday spirit in Michigan than California.

Ok, ok…so my point is that sometimes I feel like human beings are always wanting what they don’t have and then when they get what they don’t have they either don’t like it anymore or take it forgranted…

From growing up in Michigan and having the dream of living in California, I think I am realizing more the importance of enjoying every moment of your life no matter you are spiritfullly, physically, or mentally. (Picture taken by Ashley Williams)

I am definitely going to try to work on having a sense of my blessings and not taking things forgranted more. I feel like this will defintely help me to enjoy the different stages of my life a lot more…

I hope you will try this too.

P.S. I will always have a soft spot for Michigan in my heart. I love you M.I.

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The Black Journalists Association of Southern California Award Ceremony

Posted by Ashley M. Williams on January 30, 2010

BJASC Scholarship 2009 Winners. From the left: Henry Gore, me -Ashley Wiliams, Elijah Harris, and Leah Uko.
(Picture taken by audience member).

The end of 2009 was definitely great! I can’t complain. Of course, we all have our days, but I was blessed to be named a 2009 scholarship winner for BJASC, the Black Journalists Association of Southern California!

On December 13, 2009, BJASC held an award ceremony at the historic Wilfandel House in Los Angeles, California. The event was a huge celebration as it marked the 29th year of BJASC awarding over $100,000 to college students pursuing journalism, according to the BJASC website.

At the ceremony, I was so happy to meet Lauren Tobin, the daughter of legendary Public Relations Executive Pat Torbin. It was such an honor to meet her as well since she granted me the Pat Tobin Scholarship.
(Picture taken by audience member)
.


This day was especially significant and incredible for me, because I was granted the Pat Tobin Scholarship. It was even more of an honor, because Pat Tobin’s daughter, Lauren Tobin, came to the event to present me the award.

I am thankful and forever indebted to BJASC.Yet, I must also acknowledge the other great winners of BJASC scholarships for 2009. The three other winners were:

-Harry Gore, who is a student at California State University Northridge. He was granted the Andrea Ford Scholarship.

-Elijah Harris, who is a student at California State University Long Beach. He was granted a Black Journalist Association Scholarship.

-And finally, Leah Uko, who is a student at the University of California Riverside. She received the Larr McCormick Scholarship.

THIS WAS SUCH A PRIVILEGE
It was such a privilege and an amazing feeling to be surrounded by so many remarkable and talented individuals who have greatly impacted not only journalism, but the history of African Americans in journalism. I have never felt so inspired to be African American and to be in journalism. Being at the award ceremony really made me remember why I wanted to go into journalism and how journalism continues to greatly impact the community.

Scholarship winners and I pose for pictures with BJASC President Beverly White who is also an anchor and reporter for NBC.
(Picture taken by audience member)
.

Certainly, some may hold criticisms about journalism, however, I realize and I hope you realize, that journaism intertwines with the world, and the world intertwines with journalism. Without journalism who would keep officals in check? How would Americans be able to know events and situations happening in India, and vice versa?

Journalism is quite significant and I believe that my generaton will greatly change how journalism is today for the better when we enter into our careers.

I also plan to make great contributions to this organization and to the National Black Journalist Association, which BJASC is under and which I am also a member.


WOULD YOU LIKE TO BECOME A MEMBER OF THE BLACK JOURNALISTS ASSOCIATION OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA?

If you would like to become a member of BJASC, then click here to find out how: BJASC Membership.

WOULD YOU LIKE TO BECOME A MEMBER OF THE NATIONAL BLACK JOURNALIST ASSOCIATION?
If you would like to become a member of BJASC, then click here to find out how:
NABJ Membership.

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Watch An Episode of the Legacy!!

Posted by Ashley M. Williams on January 30, 2010

Watch an episode of the Legacy that featured USC football, Gerald Washington. (Photo taken by Ashley Williams).

I had the opportunity to do a football talk show, in which I interviewed USC football player’s who had interesting backgrounds.

It was a great experience and very hands on. It was actually was first television show that I created, produced, and hosted at USC for its television station, Trojanvision.

Click below to view it. I hope you enjoy it!


EPISODES

The Legacy- Episode 1, featuring USC Football Player Gerald Washington.

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Zingerman’s Delicatessen: A Great Experience in Ann Arbor

Posted by Ashley M. Williams on January 30, 2010

I went to the Zingerman's Delicatessen in Ann Arbor and that definitely was an interesting yet great experience. This place is famous in Ann Arbor or now, maybe even in the United States. (Photo taken by Ashley Williams.)

When I cam home to Michigan for the break, I made sure to take time with my family to visit places that I have not seen in awhile. One place I haven;t seen in awhile was the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor.

Although I decided not attend school there, my sister did, and I have to admit I love the campus and the area. It seems a lot more peaceful than being in Los Angeles. I especially love the food there, of course. On this visit, I decided to go with my family to Zingerman’s Delicatessen located in the heart of Ann Arbor.

I have heard so many great things about this place. Even Oprah had its sandwiches on her show and gave them to all of her guests, so I decided just to go for the fun of it.

Ann Arbor is definitely a lovely place. I love the culture of it and its peacefulness. However, the winters up there are pretty cold. (Picture taken by Ashley Williams).


I went to Zingerman’s Delicatessen, which is actually apart of this huge chain of Zingerman’s Community of Businesses. The deli was opened in 1982 and has a attracted a large amount of customers, according to its website.

Often times, you can drive by the deli and see a line of people just waiting outside to get a sandwich!

I was amazed of how the waiters looked, and how the restaurant was set up. First off, where you order the food there is store. Therefore, there are tons of people going in all different types of directions. Although it is kind of confusing, the good part is that the waitors are very helpful and friendly with their cute little hats.

The waiters in Zingerman's Roadhouse are so nice, which definitely makes it a pleasant experience as there are always tons of people coming in and out. (Picture Taken By Ashley Williams).

Then, instead of getting the food and eating where you order it, you actually walk outside to another building. I thought that was different. I also thought it was different that they had the waiters come outside and bring you the food.

The only bad part about this is, well, there is nothing covering the food when they walk outside with it. Also, if it is the winter when you go, your sandwich will probably be cold by the time they bring it to you. As was the case for me :) .

The eating place for Zingerman's is this building that is right next to it. The only problem with this is that in the ice cold winter, who wants to walk outside? (Picture Taken By Ashley Williams).

They have everything you could imagine from all over the world...(Picture Taken By Ashley Williams).

Still, I really like all of the products they had within the store. They had so many foods and spices from all over the world! That was quite amazing.

And of course, my sandwich was delicious along with the cumcumber pickle I was given. I hope whenever you are in Ann Arbor, Michigan that you also check out this place.

Oh, and you have to check out Sweetwaters Coffee & Tea!!! I love their Ginger Lemon Tea. It is delicious!!! Cheers.

Here's my sandwich! It is called the Benno's Birdie. It was very tasty and fresh! (Picture Taken By Ashley Williams).


MENUS FROM ZINGERMAN’S DELICATESSEN AND FROM SWEETWATERS

Click here to see a full list of sandwiches: ZINGERMAN’S DELI MENU OF SANDWICHES

Click here to see a menu of teas: MENU OF TEAS FROM SWEETWATERS

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Trying Not To Sweat the Small Stuff This Year

Posted by Ashley M. Williams on January 30, 2010

I absolutely love this book and the truths it makes you realize about life.

I absolutely love this book and the truths it makes you realize about life. (Picture Taken by Ashley Williams).

I think sometimes there are so many things going on in life that it is hard not to get stressed, overwhelmed, and even loose faith. This past year has been dynamic and I am so thankful for everything that has happened, but I realize now that at many moments in the past year, I really struggled with being too busy, not taking time to relax, and simply sweating the small stuff almost all the time.

It is so hard to not live this way, especially being how everything is in this day in age. From the economy to corruption in leaders to nuclear wars…where does it end?

It is no wonder that people are having such a hard time finding peace within themselves. They are so concerned about everything that it almost makes it impossible to just…breathe. Yet, maybe we should try to see each day as possibily being our last in order to try to live better. Then, we wouldn’t take each day forgranted.

Remember: Everything is not a life or death situation. I am definitely trying to take my own advice as well. (Picture taken by Ashley Williams and passage by Richard Carlson).


Yet, over my break for the holiday, I tried to just relax– which is partly why I hadn’t blogged about anything in awhile.

One thing that I love to do to relax is to go to the bookstore, get a coffee, and read. It is so refreshing and just so pleasant. I love the smell of books and I just love how intellectually stimulating reading can be for an individual.

A book that I came across during my time scavenging through books was: Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff and It’s All Small Stuff… by Author and Motivational Speaker Richard Carlson. I absolutely love this book and recommend to anyone just to come back to reality sometimes.

I love this passage-- too very much! Remember: You are the only one who can control your thoughts, and in many cases, our thoughts often become our realities. So make sure your thoughts are positive and not damaging to your well-being. (Picture taken by Ashley Williams and passage is by Richard Carlson.)


I especially loved the passages titled, Think Of Your Problems As Teachers, Get Comfortable Not Knowing, See the Glass As Already Broken (And Everything Else Too), and especially, Repeat To Yourself That Life Is Not An Emergency.

These passages are so funny, yet so eye-opening to how we just sometimes need to take a step back…

So at the end of the day, try to acknowledge how life is simply too short to take forgranted. Try to see the beauty of each day and of life as well. The human spirit is delicate and can be easily broken. However, if we constantly remind ourselves about what is really important and was is really not important, then maybe we could live better lives…

I think this is possible, don’t you?

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