Project II

For my project, I chose to use the idea of a haunted location. While I don't know if there have been any ghost sightings at this Gulf Shores, AL location, there is definately an eerie feel to the place.

The Lonely Shore

What was once a beautiful shore is now a site which reminds one of times of terror and physical disaster. Through out the years, hurricanes have visited this shore, but two particular hurricanes visited in the years of 2004 and 2005. First, Hurricane Ivan intruded on September 15th, 2004 and then the following year, Hurricane Katrina barged in for another round of devastation on August 29th 2006.

In the wake of these hurricanes, the beach of Gulf Shores, Alabama, is left with reminders of the past. This past was a happy time when families enjoyed fishing from a pier or simply relaxing in a beachfront condominium. The condominiums are empty now, and stand in a delicate, skeletal form. The only life that remains is brought in by the gentle breeze of the sea, allowing the drapes to dance behind the empty chairs.

The remaining pylons that once proudly supported the local pier bear the markings of previous visitors. These visitors were of the human sort, with feelings of love, happiness and excitement. Where are those feelings now? Do they still float on the sea breeze? Can the lingering laughter of children playing on the beach be heard in the echo of the tide as the old pylons are sprayed with the lapping waves?

The sea is a mysterious and haunting place. A grave to some, and a place of life for others. Perhaps it is the sea creatures who hold the secrets of times past on this shore. Do they remember the sounds of happiness drifting from the shore? Were they present for those fearful hurricane winds? Do they linger in the surf, longing for the return of human life and laughter?

The remains of this shore bear evidence of previous times and lives. All that now remains are the empty shells of what used to be.

A new Introduction

Hi everyone. My name is Kandi Hauser and this is my second attempt at an introduction. My first post was less than successful, so I called on my 14 year old daughter to rescue me. My computer skills leave a lot to be desired!

I am a full-time mom, part-time student in the UNCG BLS program. I live in a small, but growing NC town with my husband, daughter and son. I really enjoy the convenience of on-line study and the courses have all been very interesting. My newest hobby is pottery. Between study and mom duties, I try to get in some pottery lessons here and there. After today, I will be taking computor advice from my daughter on a regulat basis!

This is my first attempt at the Tiny URL

http://tinyurl.com/yd88hh

Personal Statement

As a parent, the direction of popular culture and media messages are always of concern to me. I am a constant filter for my children when it comes to media messages. It has been my experience that just because a new movie is advertised to children, the content may have messages that I find inappropriate for my children.

As my children have matured, I have allowed them to experience a broader range of media with me acting as their filter. Often I find that I must neutralize messages or simply discuss the fact that a particular message does not fit with our family’s belief system or moral code.

As for my own experience with media messages, I find that I tend to be a member of that "obstinate audience." I must confess that the genre of horror films is not my favorite and I have seen very few of these films. So, when I approached The Exorcist, I did so with a very "obstinate audience attitude" - reminding myself that the film was a work of fiction.

My greatest concern with this type of film is for the very young and naive audience members. It is these viewers that can be most affected by media messages because of a lack of maturity as well as a lack of understanding the differences between reality and fantasy. These viewers may not always realize that media always has a message and to understand what the message may be. Without an understanding of message - audience members can be greatly affected and influenced.