I must hustle, since it is almost time for the Media Hour. What is that, you ask? Well, if you have been keeping up with the Times lately, then you know that Whyville hosts a new chat 'segment' right in our very town. The Media Hour is a chatroom discussion about the television shows that the Times' own MediaWiz talks about every week in his articles.
The Media Hour was established a few weeks ago, but this week was the first time I watched the shows and discussed them in the House of Illusion's Spin Speak. It is basically a regular live chat; citizens talk about the shows, what they learned, and voice their opinions. It is of course a good idea to come prepared to the Media Hour (though not necessary). Before the actual event, I watched two shows that were broadcasted in MediaWiz's "What's On!" article.
Nevertheless, if you have not come prepared, do not fret! You can still engross yourself in the discussion by offering your comments and such. You're just less likely to earn as much clammage that way. ;-)
As I arrived, the chatroom was swamped with eager citizens, hoping to share their comments. In addition, as promised, Bigfoot Bill, the MediaWiz, and even City Hall arrived to host the discussion. Of course, it took a while for things to calm down, as Bigfoot answered questions regarding technical aspects of Whyville and personal interrogations. Even I was able to answer a few citizens' questions regarding the Media Hour and the Whyville Times.
So, what did we talk about during the Media Hour?
The primary discussion was on adversity, and what it meant to overcome a large obstacle in your life. Citizens discussed Helen Keller, the first deaf woman to become Miss America, and celebrities who battle adversity right in front of the public's eye. We talked about respect, and how one can earn the respect from another individual. There were several chats about suicide and people shared their stories of helping people cope with their problems.
I even learned something new! The MediaWiz brought up a scientific study that talked about media with respect to the classroom. According to this study, quality media -- from TV to movies on onwards -- boosts the school grades of teenage boys. Studies have shown that the media gets males more interested in certain topics and, in turn, they begin to show better progress in their schoolwork.
In all honesty, the Media Hour was a genial experience, and a break from the usual throngs of people chatting about more personal topics. It was impressive to see that people took time out of their busy schedules to watch the shows, come to the Media Hour, and talk about what they thought or what they had learned. If you have not involved yourselves in this 'tete-a-tete' yet, I suggest that you do so. Or, as MediaWiz would say himself, "Check it Out!"
You never know what new things you might learn, who you will meet, or what people have to talk about. The exciting thing is that the topics vary themselves week to week. I guess you didn't know that television could be this fun? Or this rewarding.
If you take the time to watch the shows and talk about what you have learned, there is also the possibility of earning extra clams. I hope to see you at next week's Media Hour... so watch the shows and come prepared to stir up some TV-talk.
Don't Say Sarah,
-TIKE
