Bear Market

By Artist Lisa Rae Winant.
24 x 11 / oil on panel
Used by permission of the Artist


Warning!Warning!Warning! Rabid bear has just escaped the UNH zoo. Please be aware that this giant grizzly is armed with razor sharp claws and teeth. Arthur Lancaster listened to the newcast as he drank his morning coffee and paid little attention to it. As he left the house Arthur thought to himself that what are the chances that he is going to run into a giant, rabid, Grizzly bear. As he strolled through the park on his way to the office he was shocked to see the Grizzly that was mentioned on the news. The bear was tearing down branches from a nearby tree. Art was frozen with fear and heard on the Discovery channel that if he ever encountered a bear he should just stay still and leave the bear alone. The Grizzly noticed the frozen man and made his way towards him. Art remained frozen as the bear began to open his mouth right in front of him. To Art's surprise he did not hear a loud growl or a terrifying grunt, but a pleasant voice coming from the bear. "Hello sir, I was wondering if you could spare some change for bus fare." Still frozen with amazement, but no longer horror Art mindlessly reached in his pocket and handed the bear a five dollar bill. "Thank you sir, I need to get out of this crazy city and head home to Alaska. You're really helping me out." It took Art a few minutes to recover from his amazement and as he turned towards the direction that the huge bear left the park he saw the bear waving to him out the window of a city bus. Weird didn't quite cover the events that just took place. Arthur Lancaster, a man who helps the animal population.

A Glimpse at Addiction in the Media

Drug Addiction has always ridden under the spotlight throughout the media and entertainment, with the exception of detectives touching on the topic in a cop drama. The last few years have brought a bright light to the destruction of drugs and the disease of addiction. T.V. shows like Intervention have displayed the true-life stories of everyday people that struggle with drugs and alcohol, and don't know how to help themselves. The hour long episodes are targeted at drug use, and the break down that it causes the user and their families. “Intervention™ raises awareness about the alternatives and treatment options available to those who suffer from an alcohol or drug addiction, and gives hope to families who have nowhere left to turn.” (www.aetv.com/intervention) On the other hand society also views and listens to the gossip that surround celebrities and their dirty laundry. Luckily when they screw up and get caught using drugs the instant apology is to check themselves into rehab. Society needs to understand the difference between the two. The rock bottom of a drug addict is usually not he same as Lohan, or Spears checking into the lavish rehabilitation centers in California. Celebrities most likely didn't have to steal to get their fix, or cut down anything in their path to find drugs because they were blinded by addiction. “Each week THE CLEANER follows Benjamin Bratt as William Banks, a recovering addict who helps others get clean by any means necessary as he struggles to maintain his own rocky personal life.” (http://www.aetv.com/the-cleaner/) Shows like The Cleaner are proof that Intervention has influenced people in the American society. It may be entertainment, but it might be able to save a life. If more people are aware of the options that are open to them they could help themselves or friends and family that struggle with the sickness of addiction.

CA 520 - Media Writing

So far very interested in the array of job opportunities that I have learned during the first class period. Even though I have never blogged before, I feel as though this exercise could be a great way to express opinions and thoughts about almost anything. Looking forward to publishing content that will deal with many different aspects of the human condition and society as a whole.