So you've been on a show: The life-cycle and labor of reality television contestants

This dissertation considers what I am calling the “life-cycle” of reality television participation. Individuals audition and participate in filming, processes which turn them into characters. These individuals then return home having become known individuals, if only to a niche audience. They then must navigate their own relationship to the program and determine how best to pursue their career and personal goals. Relationships with friends, family and employers may change due to participation. The impacts of appearing on a reality show last far beyond the filming period. I am considering the labor that contestants put into applying and appearing on the show, and the effects that participation has on their own self-image and future career and life plans. This project contextualizes format television in Canada and considers the linkages between the labor required of reality contestants and that expected in other industries. The expectations placed on reality contestants can be seen as exaggerated versions of the labor expected of all workers in the current economy. Reality television contestants have often been viewed as being exploited by the programs they appear on. This project nuances that understanding by considering how individuals make sense of their own participation. The findings are based on 49 interviews with contestants on Canadian skill and talent based reality competition programs. These interviews occurred over the phone, by video chat, and through written correspondence. The majority of respondents did not win the program they took part in. Yet, the majority of individuals mentioned that they would take part again if given the opportunity. The potential benefits of participation are not limited to winning the title and prize

Fragmentation of biomolecules using slow highly charged ions

We present first results of biomolecular fragmentation studies with slow highly charged ions (HCI). A layer of the tripeptide RVA was deposited on gold targets and irradiated with slow (few 100 keV) ions, e.g. Xe{sup 50+} and Xe{sup 15+}, extracted from the LLNL EBIT (electron beam ion trap). The secondary ions released upon ion impact were mass analyzed via Time-Of-Flight Secondary-Ion-Mass-Spectrometry (TOF-SIMS). The results show a strong dependence of the positive and negative ion yields on the charge state of the incident ion. We also found that incident ions with high charge states cause the ejection of fragments with a wide mass range as well as the intact molecule (345 amu). The underlying mechanisms are not yet understood but electron depletion of the target due to the high incident charge is likely to cause a variety of fragmentation processes. 6 refs., 2 figs

AFM studies of a new type of radiation defect on mica surfaces caused by highly charged ion impact

Radiation induced defects on mica caused by the impact of slow very highly charged ions (SVHCI) have been investigated with an atomic force microscope (AFM). Freshly cleaved surfaces of different types of muscovite were irradiated with SVHCI extracted from the LLNL electron beam ion trap (EBIT) at velocities of ca. 2 keV/amu. Atomic force microscopy of the surface reveals the formation of blisterlike defects associated with single ion impact. The determined defect volume which appears to increase linearly with the incident charge state and exhibits a threshold incident charge state has been determined using the AFM. These results indicate that target atoms are subjected to mutual electrostatic repulsion due to ionization through potential electron emission upon approach of the ion. If the repulsion leads to permanent atomic displacement, surface defects are formed

The Spaces and Places of Canadian Popular Culture

"An exclusively Canadian textbook, this collection investigates the relationships between identity, geography, and popular culture that are produced and consumed in this sprawling country. Expanding beyond the clichés of friendliness and snow, this text provides a fresh perspective on what it means to be Canadian, both nationally and transnationally. Scholars look at historical subjects like Quebecois identity and Indigenous self-representation and explore issues in contemporary media, including music, film, television, comic books, video games, and social media. From Drake to the Tragically Hip, Trailer Park Boys to The Amazing Race Canada, and poutine to maple syrup, mainstream icons and trends are studied in the interdisciplinary context of race, gender, sexuality, politics, and patriotism. Contributing to the location of Canadian popular culture, this unique resource will engage students and scholars of communication studies, cultural studies, and Canadian studies." -- Publisher's web site