Word Count

The first day of class I thought it was going to be an interesting class mainly because both teachers seem to have very lively personalities. The class seemed easy enough. While I knew it would involve a lot of writing I had always been considered to be a good writer. What I didn't realize was that in journalism my skills were unsatisfactory. With the first couple of papers I couldn't quite understand what i was doing wrong, but now that I have completed the class I understand that my writing skills were good for a typically paper you may have to write in any given class. However, news writing is very different. In every aspect of news writing the audience must be considered. The audience must always be intrigued by the story regardless of the media outlet being used.  

Another, difficult aspect to that must always be considered is the use of AP style. While it may be most common to write something in one way. In news writing, it is considered improper. This very important to consider because while these simple grammar mistakes may go by unnoticed by the average reader and editor, who you may look to for future employment, will notice them and it may cost you an opportunity of a lifetime. 

However, one of the most important characteristics that I learned about news writing was that it doesn't have to be dry of boring. There are many different audiences news writers can target allowing for a wide variety story options. It is important to have fun with your story or the audience will be able to notice that you didn't enjoy or have an interest in your own story.

individual blog post #5

With the holidays around the corner it has made me think about any new devices that are out that I would like. While navigation systems are not new they are very helpful. Currently, I volunteered to help with a holiday party in San Francisco and this experience made me realize that I am going to have to travel to a lot of different places especially if get the internship I want. Navigation systems give step by step directions as you are driving to your arrival location. The information is transmitted by satellite. Even if you make mistakes while driving the information is reset to adjust to your new location. Also, the computer itself usually has a list of popular locations or attraction for when you don't have the exact address. Another important feature is put in locations you frequently  travel to. This would be very helpful for anyone that plans to be a successful business person. 

journal entry #4

Recently, I was informed of a new way to utilize powerpoint. While is not a new technology, the function is very innovative. In short, powerpoint can be used to create an electronic resume. This eliminates the pressure of limiting your resume to only one page for those with more experience. Instead of having a possible employer having to scroll down to see more information, you can create links to other pages with in the powerpoint slides. This allows employers to easily navigate to the information they are looking for. Additionally, you can create live links to show examples of projects that you have done that are currently on a webpage. Powerpoint makes it especially easy for someone to access this type of file by allowing you to save it as a pps instead of a ppt, so that even those who do not have this program can view your resume. This is an amazing feature to use especially at a time where everything is being done on the web making things highly impersonal. An electronic resume will set you apart from other applicants and still allow for you to include your own personal touches.

journal entry #3

Recently, I have had to learn a very basic introduction of photoshop. By simply choosing a picture you can manipulate the entire image. The picture I chose was one of Puerto Rico. The only dramatic change I did to the picture itself was to change its texture. However, I had to resize and crop it to make it slightly smaller. Additionally, I learned that picture that are to be posted on websites need to be slightly altered so that they look natural. This can simply be done by selecting create for web and choosing a picture with the appropriate kb. This is different then the picture that can be used for print because pictures for print do not have to be formated for web. So long as the picture is the appropriate size needed and clear it can be used in print. However, some colors do not look good on a website and for this reason must be formatted differently. Another surprising factor is that simple changes to a picture are not as difficult as one would thing. This makes me curious, for someone with experience how much can they actually change to alter a picture of someone?

journal entry #2

One of the newest ways of communication is the use of twitter. It is a becoming more popular; however, from my observations it is popular for those belonging to an older generation. The youth of today still focuses on myspace and facebook. Twitter allows people to follow the blogs of others that they have approved providing them with the most current updates. I was required to join twitter and  once the assignment was over quickly removed myself from any connection to it. While the general concept is similar to other sites, it seems more appropriate for an older crowd. I may evolve to using twitter but for now I think I'll stick to facebook.

journal entry #1

I have been taking a class where I learn how to use new media technologies. This past week we were taught to use audacity to create our own podcast. What amazed me the most is how simple most of the new technology is to use. While I decided not to use audacity, I am teaching myself to use garageband and while sometimes it may be frustrating. There are always help tools to assist you in your project. 

Now after playing with garageband I have realized how amazing it is for people who want to get a message out in a unique way. A person can now share their thoughts using podcasts while still adding sound effects or even background music to keep people interested. Also, it has become a inexpensive way for musicians to record music and gain experience if they are interested in entering the music business.

Word of the week #8

whittled

 

source: "McDonald's  Coffee Strategy Is Tough Sell," The Wall Street Journal

How it was used: "Milk selections in the drinks have been whittled to nonfat and whole, eliminating the option of 2% milk because it wasn't as popular."

Definition:1. to cut, trim, or shape by carving off bits with a knife.

   2. to form by whittling.

   3. to cut off.

   4. to reduce the amount of , as if by whittling; pare down; take away by degrees.

Your sentence: The movie choices were whittled to two movies from a list  of five.

word of the week #7

jurisprudence

Source: Sunday Star-Ledger, Higher Education section

How it was used: "Other emerging  areas of studies include child advocacy; jurisprudence; science and chemistry; business administration; and counselor education."

Definition: noun 1. the science or philosophy of law

2. a body or systems of laws.

Your sentence: She decided to study jurisprudence in her third year of college.

word of the week #6

remit

Source: Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoevsky

How it was used: " If you are in an intelligible condition, i've thirty-five roubles to remit to you, as Semyon Semyonovitch has received from Afanasy Ivanovitch at your mamma's request instructions to that effect, as on previous occasions."

Definition: 1.

to transmit or send (money, a check, etc.) to a person or place, usually in payment.

2.	to refrain from inflicting or enforcing, as a punishment, sentence, etc.

3.	to refrain from exacting, as a payment or service.

4.	to pardon or forgive (a sin, offense, etc.).

5.	to slacken; abate; relax: to remit watchfulness. Your sentence: My mother informed me she will remit me the money on tuesday.

word of the week #5

obloquy

source: handout from media law

How it was used: lIbel is a false and unprivileged publications by writing, printing, picture, effigy,or other fixed representations to the eye, which exposes any person to hatred, contempt, ridicule, or obloquy, or which causes him to be shunned or avoided, or which has a tendency to injure him in his occupation.

Definition: 1.

censure, blame, or abusive language aimed at a person or thing, esp. by numerous persons or by the general public.

2.	discredit, disgrace, or bad repute resulting from public blame, abuse, or denunciation. Sentence: He suffered through obloquy after the incident.

Media Audiences

One of the most recently prominent news stories is the upcoming vote congress must make to rescue the nation’s economy. While many different media outlets have been reporting and providing the public with the latest information, I focused one the coverage on the newspaper and the Internet.

The first time I noticed this story was in the San Jose Mercury News. The story was placed above the fold in a yellow box with the headline “Bailout Near?” It was a small yellow box that only had room for a paragraph the rest of the story was continued on page 3a. I thought that it would be a large article but to my surprise most of the page was covered in advertisements. However, it did have a supporting article entitled “Could taxpayers make a profit in bailout?” With in this article there were three main sources of information House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson and Senetor Judd Gregg. While this story is important to everyone across the nation it did not seem to get much attention within the newspaper. It was not a big story and it really had nothing that would grab your attention.

The Internet seemed to have a much better coverage of the vote. Once I logged onto yahoo it was the first thing I saw. There was picture in the middle of the page with $700 billion printed in a large font. As you clicked on the link it led you to a large story that was packed with sources. These sources included those mentioned on the newspaper and many more. And in many cases this information is the most current because it can easily be updated as new events occur. For this reason internet seems like the best way to get your media coverage, as long as you are looking at accurate sources.

word count:309

word of the week #4

Provisions

Source: San Jose Mercury News

How it was used: Some of the provisions would be retroactive, the officials said.

Definition: noun  1. a clause in a legal instrument, a law, etc., providing for a particular matter; stipulation; proviso. 2. the providing or supplying of something, esp. of food or other necessities. 3. arrangement or preparation beforehand, as for the doing of something, the meeting of needs, the supplying of means, etc. 4. something provided; a measure or other means for meeting a need. 5. a supply or stock of something providing

 

Your Sentence: He read the provisions before the document was approved.

word of the week #3

fastidiousness

Source: Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoevsky

How it was used: " But there was such accumulated bitterness and contempt in the young man's heart, that, in spite of all the fastidiousness of youth, he minded his rags least of all in the street."

Definition: noun, the trait of being meticulous about matters of taste or style.

Your sentence:She expressed extreme fastidiousness at the store.

Telling Detail Assignment

Sitting precariously over the edge of the rusty brown and cloudy gray cliff, I can feel the grains of sand beneath my ice cold hands. I sit there with my eyes closed and I think of nothing. I am at peace. I can only think of the misty breeze, as it touches my lips and the taste of the salty air. I open my eyes to see the bleeding horizon, where the day's hot sun is cooled by the deep blue sea. A perfect ringlet of my banana curls is blown across my face, but I do not move it, instead I welcome the relief it provides me from the blinding sun.

The silence I have drowned myself is in is broken as the loud thud of the ocean waves crashes onto the run down wall of rocks; simultaneously, it rescues me from the sea of thoughts that pollutes my mind everyday. The waves sprinkle my toes just before disappearing into the dangerous beauty of the ocean and I am reminded of the hours that have passed. I close my eyes for one last time and breathe in the unfaltering healing power of the ocean with one deep breath. Just as another wave leaves, so do I, and just like the waves I will return.

word count: 215

Word of the Week #2

litigation

source: Van Prooyen Greenfield LLP listing for internship

How it was used: We also counsel corporations and individuals in crisis management and litigation communications.

Definition: noun

     1. the act or process of litigating

     2. a lawsuit

Sentence: The attorney had to go through litigation.

My Favorite Writing

"Almost Lover" by A Fine Frenzy

Songwriters: Sudol, Alison Loren

Your fingertips across my skin 

The palm trees swaying in the wind, images

You sang me spanish lullabies

The sweetest sadness in your eyes, clever trick

Well I'd never want to see you unhappy

i thought you'd want the same for me

[chorus]

Goodbye, my almost lover

Goodbye, my hopeless dream

I'm trying not to think about you 

Can't you just let me be?

So long my luckless romance 

My back is turned on you

Should've known you'd bring me heartache 

Almost lovers always do

We walked along a crowded street

You took my hand and danced with me

Images

And when you left you kissed my lips 

You told me you would never let me forget these images

No

 

Well I'd never want to see you unhappy 

I'd thought you'd want the same for me

[chorus]

I cannot go to the ocean 

I cannot try the streets at night 

I cannot wake up in the morning without you on my mind

So you're gone and I'm haunted 

And I bet you are just fine

Did I make it that easy to walk 

Right in and out of my life

[chorus]

Songwriting is my favorite form of writing. Not only does it require a poetic skill, it requires for the writer to consider the music and how they will blend. The words and music exist harmoniously to create a feeling that can make someone cry or make them smile remembering a memory of their own. That is what the best writing does; it touches people in many different ways. Musicians are many times overlooked in a literary aspect, but may times they are some of the best writers. Many people thing that because you don't like a style of music that that person isn't a skilled artist. However, for many artists if you remove the music and just listen to the words being spoken or simply read those words you will learn that those words have passion behind them. This is the case for this song I have chosen, "Almost Lover". A Fine Frenzy expresses heartbreak in such an eloquent manner that it connects the listener to the song. Whether it be by simply feeling sympathy for anyone who has felt that kind of sadness or reminding you of your own sadness. Many times sadness is the one emotion everyone can relate to.

Word of the Week #1

Codified: 1. to be reduce to a code 

2. to make a digest of; arrange in a systematic way

The associates codified each person to measure their attractiveness. 

All About Me

My name is Kira Rosario and I am your average 20 year old college student. I just recently transferred to San Jose State from So Cal and I miss it every second. I guess that would be expected for my first move away from home; however, this is in no way my first move. I have been moving ever since i was little, each time was to follow a promotion my father just received. When i was younger I hated the fact that I had moved around. All of my friends had family near by and friends they had known since they were babies and I became slightly envious. Now that I am older I realize that I have experienced more than many people at my age and all of the moving around I have done has contributed to the person I have grown to love today.

The best way I can even begin to describe myself is that I am a Guate Rican from New York. My mother grew up in a tiny town in Guatemala and my father was born and raise in el cuidad mas grande de Puerto Rico (the biggest city in Puerto Rico), but most people just call it New York. When I was five years old my parents decided to move us to a small town in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania. I loved it there. I made friends quickly and with the exception of a couple of bullies I got along with most of the kids in my class, but now that I reflect on my earlier years this may have been because I discovered at a young age that no one bothered you if you are the bully. I made some good friends but at 10 I made the big move to California.

My first couple of years in California were difficult but I began to get used to it. However, I didn't start to love my new home until four years after my move, when i entered high school. I had more friends and I was comfortable with the person I had become. At the beginning of my senior year I got my first job and soon realized that when a person doesn't have their family near by you surround yourself with people that become your family. For me my co-workers were my family. Now that I am in a new town I miss both my families, but I know I'll be fine and if I fail I have two families, the one given to me and the one I choose, to catch me when I fall.

Word Count: 435