Thursday, February 28, 2008

Word of the Week #5

Heather Holdorf
TTH-10:30-11:45

Word of the Week: Xenophobia

How it’s used: “When a conservative talk show host introduced Sen. John McCain at an Ohio rally this week and referred to his possible opponent by his full name – “Barrack Hussein Obama” – he highlighted a probable attack strategy, should Obama get the Democratic nomination: American xenophobia.

Where it was found: "The right plays on Americans' fears in Obama attacks"-San Francisco Chronicle; February 28, 2008.

Definition: an unreasonable fear or hatred of foreigners or strangers or of that which is foreign or strange, (noun).

My sentence: My best friend has xenophobia; therefore she won’t travel out of the country, (98 words).

Tuesday, February 26, 2008

Copy Edit the World (first 10 points)

There's no "t" in turkey (Turkey Avacado sandwitch), at the Boudin Bakery in Valley Fair Mall. Photobucket Tiger Wood's name is spelt wrong on a homework assignment sheet at San Jose State University. Photobucket "Stars" is spelt wrong on another academic homeowork assignment sheet at San Jose State University. Photobucket

Journal #2

One problem facing many Bay Area residents today is the upcoming pesticide sprays that are intended to disrupt the destructive brown Apple Moth’s from reproducing. This story has appeared in several mediums including the San Francisco Chronicle, the online San Jose Mercury and NBC’s Nightly News at 11.

The article in the San Francisco Chronicle, printed February 23, 2008, was the most in-depth article I found. The article written by Jane Kay, the newspapers environmentalist writer, was displayed on the first page of the paper and continued on in depth several pages back. The article, “Swarm of bills to restrict aerial pesticide spray”, had at least five references from several professionals, state officials and residents. It also included a side chart where informational meeting are held for the public.

The news article from the San Jose Mercury website, “Apple Moth Spraying to Start this summer in SF Bay Area”, did not go as in depth as the San Francisco Chronicle. The articles are similar in that they are very informative, but the online web article was much shorter and had no extra information, charts or pictures. There were only two references from environmental agencies and it was definitely a print coverage story.

Both of the written articles were much more in-depth than the televised version. Barely reaching one minute on NBC’s Nightly News at 11; the news anchor gave sparse facts about the upcoming sprays with a quote from the Environmental Agency but not much else. There was a picture of the counties that were going to be affected by the sprays but no interviews.

Seeing this story appear in 3 different media’s all in the same day shows me that this type of hard news story is best covered in print media. There is a better ability to go into depth about this type of story than on the television. (316 words)

Wednesday, February 20, 2008

Word of the Week #4

Heather Holdorf
MCOM100W TH 10:30
Word of the week #4

Word: Tortuously

Source: Nicholson v. Mcclatchy Newspapers case study

How it was used: On appeal plaintiff attempts to distinguish between publication of confidential information lawfully obtained by the press and that obtained tortuously.

Definition: (Adj.); deceitfully indirect or morally crooked, as proceedings, methods, or policy; devious.

My Sentence: He tortuously wrote his name on her homework. (60 words)

Tuesday, February 19, 2008

Favorite Art Installations in MLK

Given 34 art installations at the MLK Library, several are catching to the eye. One of which I found to stand out the most; the Migration Exibit by Mel Chin. Along the southeast strairwell of the library thousands of the bright, well-known monarch flutter across a bright blue wall. Not only are they intriguing to look at, the they butterflies signify something more. They are angled towards shelves of book signifying the importance of migration i.e. the circulation of books among library goers. The books that are being highlighted by the butterflies are written by various Latin artists about several different topics. Again the butterflies are emphasising the free circulation of books as well as knowledge from these very influential writers whose work has migrated to the United States.(129 words).

Sunday, February 17, 2008

Word of the Week #3

Heather Holdorf
T/TH 10:30 -11:45
Word #3

Word: Non-ambulatory
Source: New York Times; February 17, 2008

"Secretary of Agriculture Ed Schafer said his department has evidence that Westland did not routinely contact its veterinarian when cattle became non-ambulatory after passing inspection, violating health regulations."

Definition: Not able to walk about (adjective).

My sentence: All non-amblutory patients have assistants that help them through the hospital.(64 words).

Telling Details

Sitting in the hot sun, waiting for her boyfriend, she raises her coffee to her lips. But quickly removes it to add another Splenda. She curiously searches the crowd as she impatiently taps her foot under the table. The newspaper in front of her is old news to her. Her gray sweater lies on the chair beside her along with her Louis Vuitton purse. She continues to keeps her cool as her boyfriend arrives and continues to avoid her coffee because there is more important news to discuss. (88 words).

Wednesday, February 6, 2008

Word of the Week #2



Word: Proponent

Source: The Valley, February 6, 2008 ; State News Section

How it was used: "Proponents of a ballot proposal that would change the way California awards its electoral votes have abandoned their efforts.

Definition: A person who puts forth a proposition or proposal; (noun).

The Proponents of the city lobbied for better health care benefits. (57 words).

Late Breaking Assignment...

As a twenty two year old female, I’ve had the pleasure to watch numerous Super Bowl football games. I actually wouldn’t go as far to say that I’ve watched all of the games, but I’ve definitely stayed tuned to several of the advertisements and half-time shows.

I went to a Super Bowl party excited to be with friends, enjoy the game, and be humored by commercials. But I must say that I was thoroughly disappointed. The game was amazing, but the entertainment value for the game didn’t seem to step itself up from last year. The commercials seemed to be mediocre and unoriginal, and as for the half-time show. Well I didn’t even watch it.

I’m not exactly sure why commercials haven’t been a huge buzz, but I’m assuming that the television network is trying to play it safe. It seems as if they aren’t trying to push the envelope ever since the Janet Jackson’s wardrobe malfunction a few years ago.
In my eyes, babies throwing up, horses and Dalmatians clapping, and gecko’s dancing, isn’t the most entertaining thing. Although the unattractive lady walking down the street getting all the stares from her ‘cashew’ scent was hysterical.

All and all, the network should be taking more risks than it has been. It’s just not as fun as it used to be. (221 words).

Tuesday, February 5, 2008

Journal #1: My Favorite Writing

"Dig"- Incubus

We all have a weakness;

But some of ours are easier to identify. Look me in the eye,

And ask for forgiveness; We'll make a pact to never speak that word again

Yes you are my friend.

We all have something that digs at us, At least we dig each other.

So when weakness turns my ego up, I know you'll count on the me from yesterday.

If I turn into another; Dig me up from under what is covering; The better part of me.

Sing this song. Remind me that we'll always have each other. When everything else is gone.

We all have a sickness; That cleverly attaches and multiplies; No matter how hard we try.

We all have someone that digs at us; At least we dig each other

So when sickness turns my ego up; I know you'll act as a clever medicine.

If I turn into another; Dig me up from under what is covering the better part of me.

Sing this song! Remind me that we'll always have each other; When everything else is gone.

Oh each other....When everything else is gone.



I feel a certain closeness to this song. Well, for all of their songs as a matter of fact, but this one in particular. I've listened to Incubus since the 6th grade. I've always considered them to be my all-time favorite band. To me, it's not just the music or the beats, it's the lyrics. They are so powerful and eloquent. Brandon Boyd and band create the most beautifully mastered songs to date. The song "Dig", in particular, has instantly become one of my favorites. I think that most people can relate to the song in some way or another. Either through a family member, friend or lover, this song reaches out with a positive spin that everone can look up to. The song is about uncovering the truth; a purness that isn't always easy to acheive. I was fortunate enough to hang out with the band on several occasions. Learning about where the songs came from and why was a very touching experience that I will never forget. (358 words).