Amidst a sea of floppy hair and strumming guitars, my ears search for only one musician. His name is Jason Mraz and his album is due to be released in the
Monday, May 12, 2008
Individual Blog Post #5
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Extra Credit: Obituary
Minh Pham, a
Pham, who was born in
Her favorite country to visit was her homeland,
One of three daughters, she was very close to her family. Between tapings of her shows, she could always be found at either her grandmother’s house or her own. Her cousins and sisters also frequently guest starred in her T.V. shows.
An alumni of
With success at such an early age, Pham decided to create her own campaign that would encourage more women in the media business. She started a summer camp that brought hundreds of aspiring female directors, actresses, writers and musicians together to learn more about their craft. She also created scholarships that served the same group.
Pham also created a charity that partnered with her successful show called, “The Curbside Cook’s Cause,” which focused on helping food programs and donating money to charities across the world.
Though her life has passed, her kind and generous spirit will continue on with the support from her family.
The memorial service will be held at 1 pm, Friday, July 9th at Our Lady of Peace with the Reverend Tuan Nguyen, officiating.
Thursday, May 1, 2008
Copy Edit the World
What: Hello Kitty asian candy
Error: "Yummi taste!"
Fix: "Yummy taste!"
-------------------------------------
Where: 100w Major Assignments
Error: "For this assignment, you can use any word that’s new to you…that you’ve found in a book, newspaper, magazine or web site."
Fix: " For this assignment, you can use any word that’s new to you…that you’ve found in a book, newspaper, magazine or Web site."
(does that count?? haha)
----------------------------------------
Where: On the menu at Vietnamese restaurant, "Binh Minh"
Error: "A rice plate of grilled pork and asorted spring mix vegetables."
Fix: "A rice place of grilled pork and assorted spring mix vegetables."
-----------------------------------------
Where: Korean brand pearl facial cream.
Error: "Gives skin a fresh glow like natural."
Fix: "Gives skin a natural fresh glow."
-------------------------------------------------------
Error: "Yummi taste!"
Fix: "Yummy taste!"
-------------------------------------
Where: 100w Major Assignments
Error: "For this assignment, you can use any word that’s new to you…that you’ve found in a book, newspaper, magazine or web site."
Fix: " For this assignment, you can use any word that’s new to you…that you’ve found in a book, newspaper, magazine or Web site."
(does that count?? haha)
----------------------------------------
Where: On the menu at Vietnamese restaurant, "Binh Minh"
Error: "A rice plate of grilled pork and asorted spring mix vegetables."
Fix: "A rice place of grilled pork and assorted spring mix vegetables."
-----------------------------------------
Where: Korean brand pearl facial cream.
Error: "Gives skin a fresh glow like natural."
Fix: "Gives skin a natural fresh glow."
-------------------------------------------------------
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Individual Blog Post #4
Today in one of my media classes, I learned that though the media doesn’t control how I think, it can control what I think about. For instance, the hot story this week was about pictures of 15 year-old pop star Miley Cyrus, posing backless for a Vanity Fair photo shoot. I couldn’t turn on a T.V., listen to a radio station or open a web browser without being asked if I thought the pictures “were too racy?” And while I didn’t want to give it any more thought, I realized that I had to. I had to be aware of what the media was doing, why it was pushing this story at me and why I subconsciously accepted it as news and then moved along. It is because I look to the media to tell me what’s important. And if this was the story I needed to know, I’d be damned if I didn’t gather me some water-cooler worthy facts.
Monday, April 28, 2008
Extra Credit of Copy Edit the World
Where: On a package of Mexican candy.
What: "So good to!"
Correction: "So good too!"
___________________
Where: On a beverage menu at Vietnamese restuarant, "Cau Mau."
What: Ice coffee with condense milk.
Correction: Iced coffee with condensed milk.
What: "So good to!"
Correction: "So good too!"
___________________
Where: On a beverage menu at Vietnamese restuarant, "Cau Mau."
What: Ice coffee with condense milk.
Correction: Iced coffee with condensed milk.
Japanese Vignette Essay
Word Count: 555
Standing in front of the American Japanese Internment Memorial, I felt myself taking a sharp breath. The memorial was much larger and detailed then I thought it would be. Pictures, not words, took over the majority of the memorial. Vignettes showing the capturing and transportation of Japanese Americans and the life they lived in the internment camps, all still echoed that sad past. I was surprised at how emotional I felt. My education thus far had only briefed through this subject, and so images on the memorial were still teaching me things I didn’t know. As I gazed at the memorial, three vignettes in particular compelled me.
The first vignette shows a man being led away from his crops by the FBI. Behind him, other farmers are still working hard at the crops, keeping their head bowed, as if trying to avoid the scene. Though the farmer seems poor, he still looks as though he would rather be working at the fields, then be taken away by the men. I was drawn to this scene because it reminded me of my parents’ past during the Vietnam War. They too were innocent people going about their lives, only to have it taken away without any logical reasoning provided. While one of FBI men look almost gleeful to be showing his police badge, the other looks on stone-faced. I don’t know whether, like the farmer, he is confused about what is happening, or if he’s just numb to the whole scenario. I think this scene is a representation of the Executive Order 9066 passed by then President Roosevelt, which allowed military commanders to designate “exclusion zones.” These zones subsequently led to excluding thousands of Japanese Americans from areas such as California, Washington and Oregon.
In the second vignette, a family is seen burning their belongings. A little girl is seen clinging to a man’s back, trying to stop him from burning her toy. Heirlooms such as swords and masks are regrettably being laid upon the fire. Next to them is a sign that reads “Evacuation Sale,” as if the loss they had witnessed was not enough. Now they must sell whatever is left of their belongings as quickly as they can before they enter the internment camps. The scene shows how Japanese families had burned their personal belongings in order to look as if they had no personal alliances with Japan. To the military, anything to do with Japan was considered incriminating evidence.
Finally, the third vignette struck me with scenes of children playing sports and boy scouts raising the American flag. Playing soccer and baseball seemed to save the children from having to always focus on what was happening around them. Despite the deprived settings, the Japanese American tried to create what normality they could. Schools were set up for children and churches were set up for families. A looming watch guard stands on the water tower, making sure nobody escapes the camp.
With this great tragedy in the past, it would be easy for people to believe it will never happen again. However, many people do not even understand the extent of how much suffering occurred. The memorial stands not only to honor the deceased, but also to continue the conversation on how misguided our government was and how we can never risk that again.
Standing in front of the American Japanese Internment Memorial, I felt myself taking a sharp breath. The memorial was much larger and detailed then I thought it would be. Pictures, not words, took over the majority of the memorial. Vignettes showing the capturing and transportation of Japanese Americans and the life they lived in the internment camps, all still echoed that sad past. I was surprised at how emotional I felt. My education thus far had only briefed through this subject, and so images on the memorial were still teaching me things I didn’t know. As I gazed at the memorial, three vignettes in particular compelled me.
The first vignette shows a man being led away from his crops by the FBI. Behind him, other farmers are still working hard at the crops, keeping their head bowed, as if trying to avoid the scene. Though the farmer seems poor, he still looks as though he would rather be working at the fields, then be taken away by the men. I was drawn to this scene because it reminded me of my parents’ past during the Vietnam War. They too were innocent people going about their lives, only to have it taken away without any logical reasoning provided. While one of FBI men look almost gleeful to be showing his police badge, the other looks on stone-faced. I don’t know whether, like the farmer, he is confused about what is happening, or if he’s just numb to the whole scenario. I think this scene is a representation of the Executive Order 9066 passed by then President Roosevelt, which allowed military commanders to designate “exclusion zones.” These zones subsequently led to excluding thousands of Japanese Americans from areas such as California, Washington and Oregon.
In the second vignette, a family is seen burning their belongings. A little girl is seen clinging to a man’s back, trying to stop him from burning her toy. Heirlooms such as swords and masks are regrettably being laid upon the fire. Next to them is a sign that reads “Evacuation Sale,” as if the loss they had witnessed was not enough. Now they must sell whatever is left of their belongings as quickly as they can before they enter the internment camps. The scene shows how Japanese families had burned their personal belongings in order to look as if they had no personal alliances with Japan. To the military, anything to do with Japan was considered incriminating evidence.
Finally, the third vignette struck me with scenes of children playing sports and boy scouts raising the American flag. Playing soccer and baseball seemed to save the children from having to always focus on what was happening around them. Despite the deprived settings, the Japanese American tried to create what normality they could. Schools were set up for children and churches were set up for families. A looming watch guard stands on the water tower, making sure nobody escapes the camp.
With this great tragedy in the past, it would be easy for people to believe it will never happen again. However, many people do not even understand the extent of how much suffering occurred. The memorial stands not only to honor the deceased, but also to continue the conversation on how misguided our government was and how we can never risk that again.
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
I'll have one coffee and a slice of life
Amidst the whirring and clattering of the espresso machine, two girlfriends are trying to hold a conversation. They are sitting in a small coffee shop, with walls decorated by local artists. Odd creatures resembling part hippo, part bear are painted in deep, primary colors and are splashed randomly throughout the café. Soft hip-hop fills in whatever silence the espresso machine allows. The smell of roasting coffee beans and heated soy milk wafts through the air, creating an intoxicating aroma for patrons.
The two girls are sitting atop high stools, swiveling in half circles as they sip their hot drinks.
“I needed this so badly. I only got four hours of sleep,” the girl with the shorter hair says. Her friend nods in sympathy. Both wearing SJSU sweatshirts, the girls look like regular college students mulling over the lulls and stress of school.
Across the room from them, a couple is sitting on a plush, velvet sofa, each nibbling on muffins. He has sandy colored curls that seemed to have been brushed up by the wind. They are friends with the barista, who leans over the counter to talk with them. There are no other customers waiting in line, so each party is able to carry on their conversations without the interruption of an opening door.
As the girls gather up their purses and books, a lone customer walks in.
"The usual?" asks the barista. The man nods and takes out his wallet. He sees the open stools and takes a seat to wait for his coffee. And the whirling and clattering begins again.
The two girls are sitting atop high stools, swiveling in half circles as they sip their hot drinks.
“I needed this so badly. I only got four hours of sleep,” the girl with the shorter hair says. Her friend nods in sympathy. Both wearing SJSU sweatshirts, the girls look like regular college students mulling over the lulls and stress of school.
Across the room from them, a couple is sitting on a plush, velvet sofa, each nibbling on muffins. He has sandy colored curls that seemed to have been brushed up by the wind. They are friends with the barista, who leans over the counter to talk with them. There are no other customers waiting in line, so each party is able to carry on their conversations without the interruption of an opening door.
As the girls gather up their purses and books, a lone customer walks in.
"The usual?" asks the barista. The man nods and takes out his wallet. He sees the open stools and takes a seat to wait for his coffee. And the whirling and clattering begins again.
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Individual Blog #3
In honor of "Earth Day," this post will not only be typed in green font, it will also be about "going green." To those that are rolling their eyes, muttering "here we go again," under their breath, I say this: You go green, you SAVE green. Under the guise of an environmentalist, I gleefully yank out wires from outlets, bundle myself up in layers and hop on the nearest light rail. The truth is, I do it for the cheddar. The paper. The eagle-eyed witch rock. The cash, money. So what if our climate temperature has dramatically increased: Gas is freaking’ four dollars!
I’m kidding. Kind of. While I do admit to hugging one or two trees in my lifetime, I’m more concerned about how my family can deal with the increasing price of, well…just about everything. No longer do we take five minute drives to our local grocery. Gone are the days of muting the television while we’re surfing the net. And now that there are recycling bins next to our trash cans, there’s no reason not to separate our trash. Like my mother tells me, "just because we can't do everything right, doesn't mean we shouldn't do anything right." So be it lover of money or trees (which are essentially the same thing anyway) let's be more conscious to save a little bit of both.
I’m kidding. Kind of. While I do admit to hugging one or two trees in my lifetime, I’m more concerned about how my family can deal with the increasing price of, well…just about everything. No longer do we take five minute drives to our local grocery. Gone are the days of muting the television while we’re surfing the net. And now that there are recycling bins next to our trash cans, there’s no reason not to separate our trash. Like my mother tells me, "just because we can't do everything right, doesn't mean we shouldn't do anything right." So be it lover of money or trees (which are essentially the same thing anyway) let's be more conscious to save a little bit of both.
Sunday, April 20, 2008
Journal #5: Fish out of water
The event I attended was a student panel and tour for Chicano students, hosted by the Chicano Commencement Committee. I brought along my friend, who was Chinese, as to not feel completely alone. The event was held in the Constanoan Room in the Student Union on Friday morning. As I entered the room, I saw about 50 students already occupying the audience section and five more students were seated behind a long desk, facing the crowd. From what I could see, almost everybody was Chicano, save my friend and I.
The audience was made up of transferring students from San Jose City College and the event was mainly about answering their questions on how the transition will be and what they could expect at their first year at a university. I felt out of place, not just because of my ethnicity, but also because I was older than the crowd and the purpose of this event was not really meant for me. I mainly tried to blend in the crowd by being really quiet and not asking any questions. I did notice a couple of quizzical looks, but they were quickly forgotten once the student panel started.
Chicano students made up the panel and at many points during the questioning, they spoke in Spanish. There were a couple of times when the panel would say something in Spanish and the crowd would laugh. My friend and I would just smile during these parts and shrug our shoulders at each other. The audience mainly asked questions about tuition for SJSU, how the dorm life was and how the social scene was. Even though there no moments where it was made obvious there were two Asian girls in the crowd, I still felt kind of silly being there. However, it was mainly because I wasn't a transfer student and I didn't go to San Jose City College. But I think people just saw that I was not Chicano, but was there anyway and that that was the weird part.
After the student panel, we all got outside and waited for our tour guide. As we were going around the campus, the tour guide would also say parts of the tour in Spanish. That didn’t bother me because I already knew the campus, but it did bother me that the tour guide wasn’t aware of the two Asian girls in the crowd. When the tour was finished, the SJCC crowd gathered around their supervisors and went on their way. My friend and I left for the Student Union and talked about the experience. I didn’t feel as out of place as I thought I would have, despite the fact that the event was for Chicano students by Chicano students. Still, it definitely wasn’t the most comfortable atmosphere for me and I feel I kind of overcompensated for not being Chicano by acting super polite to everybody around me.
Overall, the crowd was pretty chill and it was an informative two hours for me.
The audience was made up of transferring students from San Jose City College and the event was mainly about answering their questions on how the transition will be and what they could expect at their first year at a university. I felt out of place, not just because of my ethnicity, but also because I was older than the crowd and the purpose of this event was not really meant for me. I mainly tried to blend in the crowd by being really quiet and not asking any questions. I did notice a couple of quizzical looks, but they were quickly forgotten once the student panel started.
Chicano students made up the panel and at many points during the questioning, they spoke in Spanish. There were a couple of times when the panel would say something in Spanish and the crowd would laugh. My friend and I would just smile during these parts and shrug our shoulders at each other. The audience mainly asked questions about tuition for SJSU, how the dorm life was and how the social scene was. Even though there no moments where it was made obvious there were two Asian girls in the crowd, I still felt kind of silly being there. However, it was mainly because I wasn't a transfer student and I didn't go to San Jose City College. But I think people just saw that I was not Chicano, but was there anyway and that that was the weird part.
After the student panel, we all got outside and waited for our tour guide. As we were going around the campus, the tour guide would also say parts of the tour in Spanish. That didn’t bother me because I already knew the campus, but it did bother me that the tour guide wasn’t aware of the two Asian girls in the crowd. When the tour was finished, the SJCC crowd gathered around their supervisors and went on their way. My friend and I left for the Student Union and talked about the experience. I didn’t feel as out of place as I thought I would have, despite the fact that the event was for Chicano students by Chicano students. Still, it definitely wasn’t the most comfortable atmosphere for me and I feel I kind of overcompensated for not being Chicano by acting super polite to everybody around me.
Overall, the crowd was pretty chill and it was an informative two hours for me.
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Individual Blog Post #2: More Depressing News
Word Count: 287
I just know what the crowd wants, don’t I? So I was watching “Bill Moyers' Journal” on PBS last Friday night (I got totally wasted after, don’t worry) and featured was a story on farming subsidies. It was basically about how we still have a lot of poverty and hunger in America, yet millions of our tax money goes towards these “unnecessary” farmer subsidies. The government awards certain farms subsidies depending on how much land the farm owns and how well the market is doing. If farms cannot sell enough crops at their estimated value, the government makes up the difference.
This is all fine and well, except some of these farmers are abusing the system. Investigators found that some farms weren’t even producing any crops on all the land that was claimed for their subsidies. I know there are a lot of real, struggling farmers out there and I just think it’s ridiculous that millions of dollars are given to farmers who don’t even need it. Can I get an audit, hallelujah?!
The show also reported how food prices have reached a record high and that food programs and shelters are receiving more patrons then ever. One of the interviews was with an 80 year-old woman who lived on one bell pepper for two days. Was there a more perfect way to start off my Friday night? Why does the world suck??? Just kidding. I really am a positive person and firmly believe that compassion is still in fashion. See, would a self-respecting, cynical pessimist dare rhyme?? No way, Jose.
Anyway, the whole story really is sad. I plan on making monthly donations of fresh fruits and vegetables to my local food shelter. Grandmas got to eat.
I just know what the crowd wants, don’t I? So I was watching “Bill Moyers' Journal” on PBS last Friday night (I got totally wasted after, don’t worry) and featured was a story on farming subsidies. It was basically about how we still have a lot of poverty and hunger in America, yet millions of our tax money goes towards these “unnecessary” farmer subsidies. The government awards certain farms subsidies depending on how much land the farm owns and how well the market is doing. If farms cannot sell enough crops at their estimated value, the government makes up the difference.
This is all fine and well, except some of these farmers are abusing the system. Investigators found that some farms weren’t even producing any crops on all the land that was claimed for their subsidies. I know there are a lot of real, struggling farmers out there and I just think it’s ridiculous that millions of dollars are given to farmers who don’t even need it. Can I get an audit, hallelujah?!
The show also reported how food prices have reached a record high and that food programs and shelters are receiving more patrons then ever. One of the interviews was with an 80 year-old woman who lived on one bell pepper for two days. Was there a more perfect way to start off my Friday night? Why does the world suck??? Just kidding. I really am a positive person and firmly believe that compassion is still in fashion. See, would a self-respecting, cynical pessimist dare rhyme?? No way, Jose.
Anyway, the whole story really is sad. I plan on making monthly donations of fresh fruits and vegetables to my local food shelter. Grandmas got to eat.
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Individual Blog Post #1: The FCC Won't Let Me Be
Word Count: 188
About four months ago, The Federal Communications Commission voted to lift a 30-year-old ownership ban that prevented big media companies from owning more than one major media medium in one city. In other words, one company can now own the major newspaper, TV or radio station in that same city. When I was made aware of this in one of my media classes, I was shocked. How could the FCC do something that would so greatly harm the diversity and availability of local channels and stations? Thankfully, some members of the congress were also strongly opposed to the FCC's decision.
Now, two representatives, Jay Inslee and Dave Reichert, are introducing the "Media Ownership Act of 2007," to try and overturn the FCC's new rule. I just wanted to update whoever is reading this because the fight is not over. It just really scares me because these big media moguls have the money and power to really take over anything that they want. I mean, if I wanted to own my own radio station in the future, how am I supposed to compete with the money being offered by big companies? Unfortunately, this is a reality some stations already have to deal with.
About four months ago, The Federal Communications Commission voted to lift a 30-year-old ownership ban that prevented big media companies from owning more than one major media medium in one city. In other words, one company can now own the major newspaper, TV or radio station in that same city. When I was made aware of this in one of my media classes, I was shocked. How could the FCC do something that would so greatly harm the diversity and availability of local channels and stations? Thankfully, some members of the congress were also strongly opposed to the FCC's decision.
Now, two representatives, Jay Inslee and Dave Reichert, are introducing the "Media Ownership Act of 2007," to try and overturn the FCC's new rule. I just wanted to update whoever is reading this because the fight is not over. It just really scares me because these big media moguls have the money and power to really take over anything that they want. I mean, if I wanted to own my own radio station in the future, how am I supposed to compete with the money being offered by big companies? Unfortunately, this is a reality some stations already have to deal with.
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
Journal #4a Drinking Coffee Elsewhere by Z.Z. Packer
chapter: Brownies
Word Count: 223
After reading through the chapter, I observed that she is a very descriptive writer. The author uses descriptions that are fitting of her character’s mind. For example, the description of the white girls as a “blend of ice-cream (strawberry and vanilla)” and the observation off their Disney sleeping bags are things that a young girl would notice. Packer’s use of acrostics adds humor and irony to the story. I thought it was funny that these holy items were being broken down into acronyms as if anyone could ever forget what these figures and things stood for.
Her use of descriptions plays a major role in her story telling. Octavia’s self-important personality is reflected by her long hair, the only long-haired black girl out of the bunch. Again Packer’s describes through her main character’s eyes when she uses a “shiny new earring” as a simile for Daphne’s voice.
The style of this chapter is overall light and entertaining but with moments of seriousness and innocent questionings that have much darker explanations. For example, the story becomes about one of the black girls questioning if one of the white girls had used the N word. Though the girls seem to only want to find out the truth for revenge, the underlying meaning seems to be directed to the social injustice happening during that time.
Word Count: 223
After reading through the chapter, I observed that she is a very descriptive writer. The author uses descriptions that are fitting of her character’s mind. For example, the description of the white girls as a “blend of ice-cream (strawberry and vanilla)” and the observation off their Disney sleeping bags are things that a young girl would notice. Packer’s use of acrostics adds humor and irony to the story. I thought it was funny that these holy items were being broken down into acronyms as if anyone could ever forget what these figures and things stood for.
Her use of descriptions plays a major role in her story telling. Octavia’s self-important personality is reflected by her long hair, the only long-haired black girl out of the bunch. Again Packer’s describes through her main character’s eyes when she uses a “shiny new earring” as a simile for Daphne’s voice.
The style of this chapter is overall light and entertaining but with moments of seriousness and innocent questionings that have much darker explanations. For example, the story becomes about one of the black girls questioning if one of the white girls had used the N word. Though the girls seem to only want to find out the truth for revenge, the underlying meaning seems to be directed to the social injustice happening during that time.
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Copy Edit the World Cont'd
Source: Menu at Vietnamese restaurant, Nha Thoi.
What: "Beef brothe noodle soup with add mixed greens."
Revision: Beef broth noodle soup with added mixed greens.
What: "Beef brothe noodle soup with add mixed greens."
Revision: Beef broth noodle soup with added mixed greens.
Monday, March 17, 2008
NPR Radio Interview Analysis
In this segment, Noah Adams interviews Alec Fraser about his collaboration with the late Jeff Healey on his CD, Mess of Blues.
The interviewer knew about the Jeff Healey's death and gave a brief summary of Healey's death and his passion for music at an early age. Adams only asked about two questions, but both were open-ended so that the interviewee could give long, detailed answers. Adams didn't really build up to the questions; he just welcomed Fraser and then went straight to his question. Even though it was Fraser that was being interviewed, he was not the subject of the interview, so I think Adams didn't feel it was necessary to ask any big questions that needed building up. The interviewer's strategy seemed to be asking questions that would bring a positive answer regarding Healey.
Adams also did something new to me, which was playing a piece of music after Fraser answered a question. After the short musical interlude, it would be Fraser talking again, answering his questions in complete answers so that the question was stated in his answer. I believe Adams did that twice and it gave a nice flow to the interview. I believe for this type of interview it was appropriate, but I wouldn’t do it in more “serious” type interviews.
I don't believe a relationship really developed as the interview was brief and not very in-depth. However, I did learn from this interview that you can phrase questions differently. For example, for one of Adam's questions, he started it with, "Do us a favor and explain...," and preceded his question. I think by phrasing it like this, the interviewer draws in the audience more by including them in his question.
The interviewer knew about the Jeff Healey's death and gave a brief summary of Healey's death and his passion for music at an early age. Adams only asked about two questions, but both were open-ended so that the interviewee could give long, detailed answers. Adams didn't really build up to the questions; he just welcomed Fraser and then went straight to his question. Even though it was Fraser that was being interviewed, he was not the subject of the interview, so I think Adams didn't feel it was necessary to ask any big questions that needed building up. The interviewer's strategy seemed to be asking questions that would bring a positive answer regarding Healey.
Adams also did something new to me, which was playing a piece of music after Fraser answered a question. After the short musical interlude, it would be Fraser talking again, answering his questions in complete answers so that the question was stated in his answer. I believe Adams did that twice and it gave a nice flow to the interview. I believe for this type of interview it was appropriate, but I wouldn’t do it in more “serious” type interviews.
I don't believe a relationship really developed as the interview was brief and not very in-depth. However, I did learn from this interview that you can phrase questions differently. For example, for one of Adam's questions, he started it with, "Do us a favor and explain...," and preceded his question. I think by phrasing it like this, the interviewer draws in the audience more by including them in his question.
Copy Edit the World
Where: On a package of Chinese noodle snacks.
What: "Suits the time when drink beer or tea."
My Revision: Suits well when drinking beer or tea.
(This sentence was pretty messed up so I just went for the same meaning, but grammatically correct)
What: "Suits the time when drink beer or tea."
My Revision: Suits well when drinking beer or tea.
(This sentence was pretty messed up so I just went for the same meaning, but grammatically correct)
Word of the Week #8
Word: "SJSU upset the Aggies at the Event Center 70-67 in February, but Utah State is entering the contest having won five consecutive games."
Source: Kris Anderson at The Spartan Daily
Definition: up·set /v., adj. / Pronunciation Key - Show Spelled Pronunciation[v., adj. uhp-set; n. uhp-set] Pronunciation Key - Show IPA Pronunciation verb, -set, -set·ting, noun, adjective
–verb (used with object)
5.
to defeat or overthrow an opponent that is considered more formidable, as in war, politics, or sports.
Sentence: The New York Giants had the most memorable upset in Super Bowl history against the New England Patriots, winning with a score of 17-14.
Source: Kris Anderson at The Spartan Daily
Definition: up·set /v., adj. / Pronunciation Key - Show Spelled Pronunciation[v., adj. uhp-set; n. uhp-set] Pronunciation Key - Show IPA Pronunciation verb, -set, -set·ting, noun, adjective
–verb (used with object)
5.
to defeat or overthrow an opponent that is considered more formidable, as in war, politics, or sports.
Sentence: The New York Giants had the most memorable upset in Super Bowl history against the New England Patriots, winning with a score of 17-14.
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Mystery Person
Word Count: 84
He’s got the hugest ears. But his girlfriend still loves him. She’s got big ears too. Children look forward to seeing him quite possibly more than Santa Clause. Always gracious and smiling, his arms are always open to hug you and greet you. His friends are an eclectic bunch; from princesses to talking dogs, there’s no shortage of entertainment with these characters. You’ll most likely find him leading a parade down Disneyland’s Main St. or shooting another “Come to California” commercial for Governor Schwarzenegger. In either case, you will always find him with his loveable ear-to-ear grin.
He’s got the hugest ears. But his girlfriend still loves him. She’s got big ears too. Children look forward to seeing him quite possibly more than Santa Clause. Always gracious and smiling, his arms are always open to hug you and greet you. His friends are an eclectic bunch; from princesses to talking dogs, there’s no shortage of entertainment with these characters. You’ll most likely find him leading a parade down Disneyland’s Main St. or shooting another “Come to California” commercial for Governor Schwarzenegger. In either case, you will always find him with his loveable ear-to-ear grin.
Sunday, March 9, 2008
Word of the Week #7
Word: Incumbents
Source: "If freshman senators arrive as celebrities, it is usually because they are “dragon slayers,” having ousted big-name incumbents. "
-By KATE ZERNIKE and JEFF ZELENY
Published: March 9, 2008
The New York Times
Definition: Incumbent –adjective
1. holding an indicated position, role, office, etc., currently: the incumbent officers of the club.
My sentence: The incumbent supervisor waltzed around his new office unit, prepared to let everybody know his newly appointed position.
Source: "If freshman senators arrive as celebrities, it is usually because they are “dragon slayers,” having ousted big-name incumbents. "
-By KATE ZERNIKE and JEFF ZELENY
Published: March 9, 2008
The New York Times
Definition: Incumbent –adjective
1. holding an indicated position, role, office, etc., currently: the incumbent officers of the club.
My sentence: The incumbent supervisor waltzed around his new office unit, prepared to let everybody know his newly appointed position.
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
Word of the Week #6
Word: Insurgency
Source: Yahoo News, "Colombia: Chavez funding FARC rebels" by Tony Muse
"But Colombia quickly struck back, revealing what it said were incriminating documents seized from the rebel camp that suggest its neighbors have been secretly supporting the leftist rebels' deadly insurgency."
Definition: in·sur·gen·cy [in-sur-juhn-see] Pronunciation Key - Show IPA Pronunciation
–noun, plural, -cies for 4.
1.
the state or condition of being insurgent.
2.
insurrection against an existing government, usually one's own, by a group not recognized as having the status of a belligerent.
3.
rebellion within a group, as by members against leaders.
My Sentence: The attack on the Twin Towers was a horrific event that showed the insurgency of the terrorists in the Middle East.
Source: Yahoo News, "Colombia: Chavez funding FARC rebels" by Tony Muse
"But Colombia quickly struck back, revealing what it said were incriminating documents seized from the rebel camp that suggest its neighbors have been secretly supporting the leftist rebels' deadly insurgency."
Definition: in·sur·gen·cy [in-sur-juhn-see] Pronunciation Key - Show IPA Pronunciation
–noun, plural, -cies for 4.
1.
the state or condition of being insurgent.
2.
insurrection against an existing government, usually one's own, by a group not recognized as having the status of a belligerent.
3.
rebellion within a group, as by members against leaders.
My Sentence: The attack on the Twin Towers was a horrific event that showed the insurgency of the terrorists in the Middle East.
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Word of the Week #5
Word: Gluttons
"Even gluttons came out OKin the just-ended legislative session, which rejected efforts to require more nutritious school lunches and more time in PE classes."
- Harry Esteve, The Oregonian
Definition:
glut·ton (glŭt'n) Pronunciation Key n.
1. A person who eats or consumes immoderate amounts of food and drink.
My Sentence: My mother has always showed my sisters and I the importance of portion control to prevent us from becoming gluttons.
"Even gluttons came out OKin the just-ended legislative session, which rejected efforts to require more nutritious school lunches and more time in PE classes."
- Harry Esteve, The Oregonian
Definition:
glut·ton (glŭt'n) Pronunciation Key n.
1. A person who eats or consumes immoderate amounts of food and drink.
My Sentence: My mother has always showed my sisters and I the importance of portion control to prevent us from becoming gluttons.
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Media Audience
Word Count: 282
The story I chose is about a woman who died during an American Airline flight.
The first place that I heard the news was on ABC7. The story was about 1 minute long and included quote from the woman's relatives. The woman's name was Carine Desir and the interviewed relative was her cousin Antonio Oliver. Desir's cousin quoted his deceased cousin three times during the interview. After that, the interviewer quoted Oliver and Desir twice. In total, there were two sources being quoted, Desir and Oliver. On the T.V. one is able to see how both Oliver and Desir looks like. Unlike a newspaper story, the audience is able to see the actual interview with Carine Desir's cousin.
The second source was found on the web in Yahoo News. The story is about 600 words long and it quotes from five sources. The article is more like a newspaper print than broadcasting format. Unlike the broadcast, the web provided more information from the American Airline representatives. The web provided quotes and more details than the broadcast.
The third source was from the New York Times. It is about 400 words long. The article delved into more details about the actual event. There are no visuals accompanying the article. The only source of the story was Carine's cousin Oliver. Representatives from American Airlines had declined to comment. Compared to the other two mediums, this was more informative than the news story but not as detailed as the web summary. Unlike the broadcast, the article gave a timeline of the events in full detail, taking all quotes from Desir's cousin. I find this source to be the second most informative after the web source.
The story I chose is about a woman who died during an American Airline flight.
The first place that I heard the news was on ABC7. The story was about 1 minute long and included quote from the woman's relatives. The woman's name was Carine Desir and the interviewed relative was her cousin Antonio Oliver. Desir's cousin quoted his deceased cousin three times during the interview. After that, the interviewer quoted Oliver and Desir twice. In total, there were two sources being quoted, Desir and Oliver. On the T.V. one is able to see how both Oliver and Desir looks like. Unlike a newspaper story, the audience is able to see the actual interview with Carine Desir's cousin.
The second source was found on the web in Yahoo News. The story is about 600 words long and it quotes from five sources. The article is more like a newspaper print than broadcasting format. Unlike the broadcast, the web provided more information from the American Airline representatives. The web provided quotes and more details than the broadcast.
The third source was from the New York Times. It is about 400 words long. The article delved into more details about the actual event. There are no visuals accompanying the article. The only source of the story was Carine's cousin Oliver. Representatives from American Airlines had declined to comment. Compared to the other two mediums, this was more informative than the news story but not as detailed as the web summary. Unlike the broadcast, the article gave a timeline of the events in full detail, taking all quotes from Desir's cousin. I find this source to be the second most informative after the web source.
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Word of the Week #4
Word: Shellac
Source: Media & Culture by Richard Campbell
"In the 1940s, because shellac was needed for World War II munitions production, the record industry turned to a polyvinyl plastic record."
Definition: 1. lac that has been purified and formed into thin sheets, used for making varnish.
My sentence: To this day, I still see shellac covered wooden tables being used in our college classrooms.
Source: Media & Culture by Richard Campbell
"In the 1940s, because shellac was needed for World War II munitions production, the record industry turned to a polyvinyl plastic record."
Definition: 1. lac that has been purified and formed into thin sheets, used for making varnish.
My sentence: To this day, I still see shellac covered wooden tables being used in our college classrooms.
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Word of the Week #3
Source: The New York Times.
"With every delegate precious, Mrs. Clinton’s advisers also made it clear that they were prepared to take a number of potentially incendiary steps to build up Mrs. Clinton’s count."
Dictionary:
15th century
1: of, relating to, or involving arson : arsonous2: tending to excite or inflame : inflammatory3 a: igniting combustible materials spontaneously b: of, relating to, or being a weapon (as a bomb) designed to start fires4: extremely hot
My sentence: There was once a man that loved committing incendiary crimes because he was fascinated with lighting things on fire and watching them burn.
"With every delegate precious, Mrs. Clinton’s advisers also made it clear that they were prepared to take a number of potentially incendiary steps to build up Mrs. Clinton’s count."
Dictionary:
15th century
1: of, relating to, or involving arson : arsonous2: tending to excite or inflame : inflammatory
My sentence: There was once a man that loved committing incendiary crimes because he was fascinated with lighting things on fire and watching them burn.
Telling Details
It's windy. People are impatiently pacing, waiting for the next train. People have their hood and head phones on; don't bother them. Finally those three magical lights are glowing brighter and brighter and bells sound off to announce its presence. Everybody on the train has a blank look. Nobody talks to each other, they just stare elsewhere. In the train, it's warm and bright. People check for clean looking seats to sit on. The train jerks forward and we are off again, ready to be taken home. About every 5 minutes, the automated voice of a woman announces the next stop. Her voice is clear and assured. She makes the VTA feel safe.
Thankfully, nobody smells today. My attention falls on a group of peculiar looking people. There are four of them, sitting together and chatting. They all have many layers of raggedy, loose fitting clothes on. They're speaking loudly and laughing; the rest of us pretend not to be staring at them. Suddenly one of them pull out a wine bottle, takes a swig and then quickly hides it back under his coat. Even the other three are surprised, but they laugh it off. The other passengers also can't help but let out a low chuckle. This man doesn't have a care in the world. Sometimes the VTA can be really refreshing.
Thankfully, nobody smells today. My attention falls on a group of peculiar looking people. There are four of them, sitting together and chatting. They all have many layers of raggedy, loose fitting clothes on. They're speaking loudly and laughing; the rest of us pretend not to be staring at them. Suddenly one of them pull out a wine bottle, takes a swig and then quickly hides it back under his coat. Even the other three are surprised, but they laugh it off. The other passengers also can't help but let out a low chuckle. This man doesn't have a care in the world. Sometimes the VTA can be really refreshing.
Saturday, February 9, 2008
Word of the Week #2
Where: The New York Times, Article "Girls will be girls"
"Those volumes were inspired by “The Dangerous Book for Boys,” a gilt-embossed paean to old-school adventure that has nearly two million copies in print and caused a furor among the mothers of daughters who resented the implicit “Girls Keep Out” sign nailed to its cover."
Definition: pae·an /ˈpiən/ Pronunciation Key - Show Spelled Pronunciation[pee-uhn] Pronunciation Key - Show IPA Pronunciation
–noun
1. any song of praise, joy, or triumph.
My Sentence: In church, the choir sings a paean for the Lord.
"Those volumes were inspired by “The Dangerous Book for Boys,” a gilt-embossed paean to old-school adventure that has nearly two million copies in print and caused a furor among the mothers of daughters who resented the implicit “Girls Keep Out” sign nailed to its cover."
Definition: pae·an /ˈpiən/ Pronunciation Key - Show Spelled Pronunciation[pee-uhn] Pronunciation Key - Show IPA Pronunciation
–noun
1. any song of praise, joy, or triumph.
My Sentence: In church, the choir sings a paean for the Lord.
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
Late Breaking Assignment
One of the most controversial ads that aired during the Super Bowl was from Sales Genie. When I first finished the commercial, I was confused. Did that really just happen? Did the most watched program really just air a commercial that was blatantly using racial stereotypes? Upon some web browsing, I saw that Sales Genie also produced another commercial, that time stereotyping Indians. What bothers me about the ad is not only are they using racial stereotypes, it's the fact that they use it as their attention grabber. They know they're going to get bad press from it, but they do it anyways just to get their name out.
So people like me who are offended, feel torn between talking about them and not talking about them. What if they had picked another race to use? Perhaps African American? No way would the Super Bowl have allowed that to air. But with people of Asian and Middle Eastern descent, there doesn't seem to be any rules. All in all, it was just a crap commercial with bad writing, form, content, graphics, etc., made only to get the name of their company out. Game over for them.
So people like me who are offended, feel torn between talking about them and not talking about them. What if they had picked another race to use? Perhaps African American? No way would the Super Bowl have allowed that to air. But with people of Asian and Middle Eastern descent, there doesn't seem to be any rules. All in all, it was just a crap commercial with bad writing, form, content, graphics, etc., made only to get the name of their company out. Game over for them.
Sunday, February 3, 2008
Favorite Piece of Writing
Like most people, it is much too difficult for me to pick a "favorite" anything, much less a piece of writing. For this week's assignment, I'm going to choose lyrics from one of my "favorite" artists, Jason Mraz. Hold your moans and groans please.
"Climb up over the top
Survey the state of the soul
You've got to find out for yourself whether or not you're truly trying
Why not give it a shot?
Shake it. Take control and inevitably wind up
Find out for yourself all the
Strengths you have inside of you"
Song: Song for a Friend
Artist: Jason Mraz a.k.a Mr. A-Z ("he's all about the wordplay")
A little corny right? But when it's being sung by a full choir with sonorous trumpets in the background, it's pretty shiver inducing. I find this particular lyric in the song holding much relevance to my current state of life. After a shaky first year in college, I was finally getting used to the system. Classes weren't so intimidating and I no longer felt like the buildings were always looming over me. I began to get comfortable. Too comfortable. I already had an established set of friends, was in the second year of my mind-numbing library job and was continuing with my "you can do anything with it" major, Business. Here I was dreaming about greatness and there I did, settling for safe.
Fast forward one year, I'm in a job I love, and in a major I feel excited by. Through out that whole year, I was listening to this song on and off. I even made sure it was in all the new CDs I was burning. The lyrics are simple but the message is universal. Every time I felt a little doubt in things such as my Radio, Film and Television minor, this song was like a little hug to my soul (Ok this one you can groan at). This song reminds me of how good it feels when I actually truly, try. Not the "I'm going to do well at a job I hate" kind of trying, but the "I'm going to try to find my passion." It's so much more fulfilling. Obvious as that sounds, I just didn't get it then.
So I wrote a little bit too much, but it just shows why this song is so great. It has a huge "call to
action" ending and holds relevance to almost everybody. It is a message that is timeless and inspiring, but simple enough to not scare you off. All it's asking is for you to try.
"Climb up over the top
Survey the state of the soul
You've got to find out for yourself whether or not you're truly trying
Why not give it a shot?
Shake it. Take control and inevitably wind up
Find out for yourself all the
Strengths you have inside of you"
Song: Song for a Friend
Artist: Jason Mraz a.k.a Mr. A-Z ("he's all about the wordplay")
A little corny right? But when it's being sung by a full choir with sonorous trumpets in the background, it's pretty shiver inducing. I find this particular lyric in the song holding much relevance to my current state of life. After a shaky first year in college, I was finally getting used to the system. Classes weren't so intimidating and I no longer felt like the buildings were always looming over me. I began to get comfortable. Too comfortable. I already had an established set of friends, was in the second year of my mind-numbing library job and was continuing with my "you can do anything with it" major, Business. Here I was dreaming about greatness and there I did, settling for safe.
Fast forward one year, I'm in a job I love, and in a major I feel excited by. Through out that whole year, I was listening to this song on and off. I even made sure it was in all the new CDs I was burning. The lyrics are simple but the message is universal. Every time I felt a little doubt in things such as my Radio, Film and Television minor, this song was like a little hug to my soul (Ok this one you can groan at). This song reminds me of how good it feels when I actually truly, try. Not the "I'm going to do well at a job I hate" kind of trying, but the "I'm going to try to find my passion." It's so much more fulfilling. Obvious as that sounds, I just didn't get it then.
So I wrote a little bit too much, but it just shows why this song is so great. It has a huge "call to
action" ending and holds relevance to almost everybody. It is a message that is timeless and inspiring, but simple enough to not scare you off. All it's asking is for you to try.
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Word of the Week: Word #1
My word: Toady
Where: Another blog
How: "The higher up I get in this business world, the more toadies I see already using up my resources."
Definition: toady • \TOH-dee\
• noun - : one who flatters in the hope of gaining favors : sycophant
My sentence: There's always that one toady friend in the group, that everyone is annoyed of but can't confront because they've never actually done anything blatantly malicious.
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Introduction
Hello Everyone,
My name is Minh Pham and I am junior studying Journalism. I am also working towards a minor in Radio, Film and Television. My ultimate dream is to work for a travel/food show. However, I am quite picky with my food and I feel that would not fair well when being offered "delicacies" by other countries. Whether it be behind the scenes or in front of the camera, I would be happy to just be writing about food. Currently, I work for the ASPIRE Program here at San Jose State Unversity as a Peer Adviser. I love the job because I get to help underrepresented students navigate their way through college. And it pays really well. Oh I'm such a jerk. :]
So I always feel really apprehensive when I write. Reasons being 1) I don't want to offend ANYBODY and 2) I don't want anybody to offend me. But I'm slowly getting over that.
With that said, let's continue with my introduction. I feel a little narcissistic devoting paragraphs to myself, but hey, I've got the excuse of an assignment to make me feel better. I am forever changing my mind on everything from philosophical beliefs to the interior designs of the house I'm planning in my day dreams. I used to play sports in high school but now the only exercise I get is running after the Light Rail. I happily eat up junk t.v. and news. I wish magic carpets really existed so I'd never have to walk around campus (dream big!). I try to read classic novels to find out what's so great about them. I currently get about 5 hours of sleep a day. If you get less than that, I'm truly sorry. It's 2 a.m. I think I'll do my Word of the Week now.
Night folks.
My name is Minh Pham and I am junior studying Journalism. I am also working towards a minor in Radio, Film and Television. My ultimate dream is to work for a travel/food show. However, I am quite picky with my food and I feel that would not fair well when being offered "delicacies" by other countries. Whether it be behind the scenes or in front of the camera, I would be happy to just be writing about food. Currently, I work for the ASPIRE Program here at San Jose State Unversity as a Peer Adviser. I love the job because I get to help underrepresented students navigate their way through college. And it pays really well. Oh I'm such a jerk. :]
So I always feel really apprehensive when I write. Reasons being 1) I don't want to offend ANYBODY and 2) I don't want anybody to offend me. But I'm slowly getting over that.
With that said, let's continue with my introduction. I feel a little narcissistic devoting paragraphs to myself, but hey, I've got the excuse of an assignment to make me feel better. I am forever changing my mind on everything from philosophical beliefs to the interior designs of the house I'm planning in my day dreams. I used to play sports in high school but now the only exercise I get is running after the Light Rail. I happily eat up junk t.v. and news. I wish magic carpets really existed so I'd never have to walk around campus (dream big!). I try to read classic novels to find out what's so great about them. I currently get about 5 hours of sleep a day. If you get less than that, I'm truly sorry. It's 2 a.m. I think I'll do my Word of the Week now.
Night folks.
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