Making Ethical Decisions

Making Ethical Decisions

Scenario 1:
regardless of how badly i may want to read the documents on the desk, it would be against everything i stand against. i would be cheating my way to a story.

Scenario 2:
going undercover is a very deceitful way of trying to get in formation that can be taken by interviews and investigative reporting.

Scenario 3:
quotes are what other people said exactly. taking their words and making them one own is wrong, not to mention illegal.

Play Editor

Play Editor

The girl in the story did not show anything solid that the professor in fact did sexually harass her. Reporting the absolute truth with all of the accurate information to back the story up is very important to a journalist. Libel lawsuits can be filed against reporters and journalists alike if anything that can be constituted as inaccurate information is sent into press. I would not have this story put on paper.

Copy Edit The World

Newspaper:

"accept"


"misspelled"


"MicroFine"




Signs etc...

"cylinder"


"caramel"


"everything"


"stuff's"


Random: i thought it was funny...

Online Writing Exercises

Online Writing Exercises


1) Go to a news web site and see if it measures up to these criteria for online writing:

San Jose Mercury News

a) Do the news items reflect immediacy?
Yes it's items do reflect immediacy, with articles from almost every genre as wsell as breaking news, locally and nationally.
b) Does the site try to help readers save time?
yes and no. yes becasue the site is sectioned off in to different genres so readers can find related articles with ease, however, it does seem to be a bit cluttered with some unwanted columns.
c) Is it quick and easy to get information?
yes very easy to get the information you need. but to get the full experience of the news web site, readers must pay for the entire service or they stop the reader with a registration window.
d) Does it provide both visual and verbal information?
with the breaking articles the website shows both visual and verbal information, however for the other, maybe less important, articles dont get such luxories.
e) Do the stories contain lists and bullets to make them easier to scan?
yes the stories do contain lists and bullets that make it easier for the readers to understand, however there are also advertisements that are scattered within that could make it rather difficult for the readers.
f) Are the stories broken into “chunks”?
yes the stories are broken into chunks, so that the reader is not overwhelmed with information.
g) Do stories provide hyperlinks to additional information?
some stories to provide hyperlinks to additional information, some just end as they are.
h) Are there opportunities for readers to "talk back"?
yes, with some stories, mostly statewide, nationwide, and some locally.
i) Does the site use multimedia to enhance understanding and add appeal?
the site does use some, however, not enough to gain more appeal with the very multimedia driven generation of adults that are coming to the news era.

Find That Lead

WORDPLAY LEAD:

T-Pain sings tech's praises (again) on new CD, 'Thr33 Ringz'

By Chris Lee

Los Angeles Times
Article Launched: 12/18/2008 12:00:00 AM PST

Just because hip-hop/R&B superstar T-Pain single-handedly — albeit accidentally — transformed the pop chart with his retro-futuristic sound, don't expect him to strangle the goose that laid the golden egg.






DIRECT ADRESS LEAD:

Fall Out Boy's newest doesn't cut it

By Margaret Wappler

Los Angeles Times
Article Launched: 12/19/2008 05:42:30 PM PST

Fall Out Boy isn't one to thwart its fans or the fame machine. The band's fifth album, "Folie a Deux," is an example of right-now pop, adroitly programmed with crunchy 1980s melodies, emo's dark prowess and symphonies a la "Sgt. Pepper's." A little something for everyone, all of it played to the max.

PR Day: A Trip worth Taking

Dozens of anxious wide-eyed students hang around to herd into the Barrett Ballroom at San Jose State University on Thursday afternoon.

They wait to board a cruise ship, to explore the land of public relations, anxiously waiting to meet the captain and crew.

Clean-cut men and women, wearing dress shoes, slacks, dress shirts and ties, some wearing vests, sweaters and cardigans, some with glasses to complete their ensemble.
The annual public relations day was to promptly start at 12 noon. Upon registration and lunch, the several dozen business attire clad students enter an experience with will never forget.

Their ticket, into the event, in hand, became a passport to their future.
Unknowing to all the students they were going to be whisked away into a foreign land, the land of public relations.

The students meet with the key note speaker, captain and tour guide, Brad Whitworth, a highly decorated senior communication manager for the strategic alliances group at Cisco in San Jose.

Whitworth, with over 30 years of experience, in high-tech, financial services and association management attempts to guide the students into an experience of public relations world, utilizing his own experiences.

He attempts to explain and show the students that when they are in the real world, how to say the right things to the right people at the right time using the right channels.

However the tour guide is no one man crew.

Whitworth was accompanied with a dozen of crew members, split into three groups, much like the different crews in a cruise ship.

The students went through two one-hour breakout seminars with people who have been successful in the field of public relations.

Their travel tip panelists consisted of representatives from the sports entertainment industry, special events and social networking.

Some of the representatives included, Erin Reilly, Community Relations Coordinator for the San Francisco Giants and Phil Simon, Director of Media Relations for the San Jose Saber Cats, for students interested in PR for sports entertainment.

Special events representatives included, Patty Herrera, Director of Multicultural affairs for the Oakland Raiders and Karen Jackson, Community Development Director of HERS Breast Cancer Foundation, for students interested in the special events aspect of PR.

And for the students who are into the more communicative part of PR, the social networking portion was held by, Mike Manuel of Voce Communications, Social Media Strategist and Vanessa Camones of the MIX agency.

There were only two sessions of the breakout seminars, so the students had to choose wisely.

The final stop for the PR cruise was to take the students into a real world situation, a job fair.

Where eager students brought their résumés and cover letters to representatives of prospective agencies the students may be working for.

Agencies such as the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC), The Hoffman Agency and Big Sky PR, just to name a few.

For the students, the passengers of this whisked away traveling trip, was an afternoon filled with information, experiences and opportunities, to lead students to the right path, the path to better themselves and safeguard their future.







-60 SECONDS-

SEVERAL DOZEN STUDENTS DRESSED IN BUSINESS ATTIRE ASSEMBLED IN THE BARRETT BALLROOM AT SAN JOSE STATE UNIVERSITY.

PROMPTLY AT NOON ON THURSDAY THE ANNUAL PR DAY BEGAN.

THE THEME OF THE DAY WAS CALLED, A PASSPORT TO YOUR FUTURE.

LED BY, TOUR GUIDE AND KEYNOTE SPEAKER, BRAD WHITWORTH SENIOR COMMUNICATION MANAGER FOR THE STRATEGIC ALLIANCES GROUP AT CISCO IN SAN JOSE.

THROUGH TWO ONE HOUR BREAKOUT SEMINARS WITH PEOPLE SUCCESSFUL IN THEIR FIELDS, STUDENTS WERE TAKEN ON A JOURNEY THOUGH THE MANY AVENUES THAT PUBLIC RELATIONS CAN TAKE THEM, SUCH AS EVENT PLANNING, SPECIAL EVENTS AND SOCIAL NETWORKING.

THE STUDENTS WERE THEN TAKEN INTO A REAL WORLD SCENARIO, A JOB FAIR, WHERE EAGER STUDENTS BROUGHT THEIR RÉSUMÉ’S AND COVER LETTERS TO REPRESENTATIVES OF AGENCIES, SUCH AS THE INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF BUSINESS COMMUNICATORS, THE HOFFMAN AGENCY AND BIG SKY PR TO NAME A FEW.

FOR THE STUDENTS THIS WAS AN AFTERNOON FILLED WITH INFORMATION AND OPPORTUNITY, TO BETTER THEM SELVES AND SAFEGUARD THEIR FUTURE.

-END-

Topical blog post #4

“Never, never, never give up” – Winston Churchill
This is my favorite quote when it comes to things that I want most in life. I try to live and abide by it every day; however, some days are much easier to keep the rule compared to others. What good can come from giving up? What good comes from never giving up? The answers are easy: Nothing good comes from giving up, and everything can potentially come from never giving up. The answers may be easy, but keeping the commitment is surely not. I understand that I haven’t been the best of students in my entire 19 years of school, but I want people to say "He never gave up" or "He never gives up" when they talk about me. I want my parents, friends, future wife, future kids, and every single person I come in contact with to recognize this characteristic in me-persistence. To persevere through all the trials and tribulations can only result in a greater appreciation and sense of accomplishment in completing the course I have set for myself. Therefore, I will "Never, never, never give up," ever.

Topical Blog Post #3

While taking a class at De Anza college I enrolled into a class that throughout the quarter, the relatively small class basically decided we wanted to facilitate a group of our peers on what should De Anza do as an institution to help the new coming students feel welcomed.

In the beginning of the quarter, after every one became familiar with each other even though we all knew of each other pre the facilitation class. Our professor gave us as a class, the option to either just learn about the material or go out and be productive with what we have learned in class and use our knowledge of what we are learning to help out the school for the better.

There was no better way to learn than to apply it to a complete facilitation of what we have learned, from breaking up into groups, learning different styles on how to speak to fellow peers and putting in all that we have got.

Even if it means sacrificing some things in the process, as long as our facilitation was taking place, it was our sole responsibility to make sure this event went off without a hitch.

As the facilitation took place, it caused a buzz throughout the school, basically letting our voices as students become heard and that was enough to get the attention of the schools faculty, as well as Shawn Spano a communications professor from San Jose State, to come by and witness this moment.

Following the facilitation, we presented our data to the school faculty, where it was ultimately up to them, whether or not our data was enough to make some change happen in the school. Thankfully, the ideas were embraced and thought well over and some changes were implemented.

Topical Blog Post #2

I know that my choice from Physical Therapy to Public relations was hard for my parents. I did not know I had to explain myself to you as well.

Yes, I love helping people I like the satisfaction it gives me, to know that I have made a difference in someone’s life. However, I know I can always be that difference and I don’t have to be in the medical field to do so.

Yes, I know that I should be something in the medical field because of the job security and of course the money. Nevertheless, I know I can have job security and get paid a sufficient amount of money by doing something I really like to do.

I really enjoy the aspect of working for a large company reading and writing for them.
I also love the fact that I have great people skills, so that it can help me out with interactions with many different people.

I like the fact that I can either work alone or work with a large group and still accomplish things that can potentially make a difference in a big way.

Granted all of what I am doing is not health related, I believe that I can still make a difference, in a much more different way.

I just can only hope that you can understand that there are many very good opportunities for me and the other cousins than just the health field.

We all know that it would please you all to see us go that route, but not all of us feel that way. At times we feel like we’ve been chosen that route.

So when we decide to change majors, accept the fact that we are making a good choice, you taught us that much.

I should always listen to myself, when I speak to myself.

Focus Structure

A high school student from Richmond, Calif. was hurt in a football game and is now benched for life.

17-year-old Pete Stenhoff a junior at Chula Vista High School rammed his head into the chest of the ball carrier. Stenhoff cracked vertebrae in his spine and is now confined to a wheelchair for life.

“I knew the risks involved when I decided to play football,” Stenhoff says “I wish I would have known just how bad it could be.”

There are 20,000 injuries in high school football each year -- 12 percent of them permanently disabling the victims. Thirteen youths died last year. Thirty-five percent of the injuries are to the neck or head. Most critics blame the helmet.

Magazine blog post

The magazine I chose was Gentlemen’s Quarterly magazine, or better known as GQ magazine.

A style magazine, more like a lifestyle magazine.

I really like this magazine because their targeted audience is the gentleman that is within every male.

Regardless of who they are. Granted, many of the men who buy issue after issue wondering why they can’t dress like that.

It’s all about where they get the things they advertise.

They don’t have to go to the nearest Nordstrom or Neiman Marcus to get things that make a man look good. Its always about the way a man shops.

The magazine is riddled with advertisements, everything from cologne to cufflinks.

Showing men how to look and what will look good on them.

Despite having a very distinguished feel to the magazine, there are “How to” guides and articles about men celebrities.

Much like a woman’s Vogue magazine, except directed to men.

Just like television and many other avenues of advertising, especially directed to young adults, sex is the road they take. With articles about sex to sex exuded advertisements tempting men to buy their products.

Amid the advertisements, entertainment and rich people kind of aura to the magazine, there are areas where they talk about real things, more like goings on in the country maybe in our own communities.

Where trying to get the best out of a man, regardless of wealth status is the issue rather than the physical magazine.


http://men.style.com/gq

Topical Blog Post #1

"Slice of life"

It’s the refreshing aroma that overwhelms the senses and invigorates the mind and exudes a sense of euphoria.

The warmth of the cup on a cold winter day that gives a sense of comfort and joy, or a nice cold cup with beads of condensation that cools the hot summer day.

From the moment that the juicy beverage passes the lips, coats the tongue and lays to rest in the stomach.

As if the senses were working in complete synchronization to round out an amazing caffeinated beverage that along with tasting delicious, gives you an invigorating boost to get through the day.

More importantly for college students, because it has become prevalent and for the most part become a staple in the everyday lives of students, where they take caffeine in one form or another.

Students have struggled with trying to get a little extra out of their studying. Packing on the scholastic units weather it be from community college to the ever distinguished private university.

With maxing out on units every semester or quarter, comes the countless hours required to study, read and comprehend all the information that is exuded in those classes.

Students needed an outlet.

They turned to caffeine.

Broadcast news story *redo*

BROADCAST NEWS STORY
Redo

A WINNER

60 SECONDS
OVER 20 THOUSAND WOMEN PARTICIPATED IN THE NIKE WOMEN’S MARATHON LAST SUNDAY IN SAN FRANCISCO.

24-YEAR-OLD ARIEN O'CONNELL, A FIFTH-GRADE TEACHER FROM NEW YORK CITY, RAN THE FASTEST TIME OF ANY OF THE WOMEN, HAVING THE FASTEST TIME OF THE MARATHON, AT TWO HOURS, 11 MINUTES AND 55 SECONDS.

BUT SHE DIDN'T WIN.

BECAUSE SHE WAS NOT OF THE ELITE CLASS OF WOMEN PARTICIPANTS, THAT STARTED 20 MINUTES BEFORE ALL THE OTHER WOMEN PARTICIPANTS STARTED.

THE OFFICIALS OVERLOOKED HER FINISHING TIME WHICH WAS EVEN FASTER THAN THE WOMAN WHO WON FIRST PLACE BY SIX MINUTES.

NOW, NIKE REALIZES THEY HAD MADE A MISTAKE AND RECOGNIZES FASTEST MARATHON RUNNER AS A WINNER, NOT THE WINNER AND WAS AWARDED THE SAME TROPHY AS THE ELITE WOMAN THAT WON AT THE MARATHON.

-END-

*Late* Broadcast segment

Broadcast Segment
*Late*






60SECONDS

INVESTIGATIVE REPORTING WAS THE TOPIC OF DISCUSSION THIS MORNING AT SAN JOSE STATE UNIVERSITY.

A SEMINAR WAS HELD FOR STUDENTS AND STAFF FEATURING FOUR ELITE PANELISTS.

TWO ASSISTANT MANAGING EDITORS; MARK KATCHES FROM THE MILWAUKEE JOURNAL SENTINEL, BERT ROBINSON FROM THE SAN JOSE MERCURY NEWS AND TWO INVESTIGATIVE REPORTERS; DAVID WILLMAN OF THE LOS ANGELES TIMES AND LANCE WILLIAMS OF THE SAN FRANCISCO CHRONICLE. ALL SPOKE ON BEHALF OF INVESTIGATIVE JOURNALISM.

EACH PANELIST SHARED THEIR OWN PERSONAL EXPERINCES WITHIN THEIR FIELD OF WORK.

AS WELL AS DEFINING INVESTIGATIVE JOURNALISM IN THE PROCESS.

TOPICS RANGED FROM BARRY BONDS ALLEGED STERIOD USE, THE INVESTIGATION OF BALCO AND THE UNDETECTABLE STEROID THAT THEY HAD BEEN SELLING TO PROFESSIONAL ATHLETES.

AS WELL AS THE F-D-A’S FAST TRACKING OF SEVEN DEADLY DRUGS, MOST OFTEN CASUING DEATH.

TO POTHOLES BEING REPAIRED AT A MORE PAID RATE IN AREAS WHERE THE WEALTHY LIVED AS OPPOSED TO MINORITY NEIGHBORHOODS.

IN CONCLUSION OF THE PANEL, THE SPEAKERS ANSWERED ANY QUESTIONS THAT THE ATTENDEES HAD, IN REGARDS TO THE PANELIST’S EXPERTISE.

-END-

Election assignment

This was actually my second time voting. i learned my lesson from the last time, absentee ballots are the way to go.
Four years ago i stood in line for several hours and it was just a very grueling process. I'm not trying to put down the volunteers, but i just wish there was a quicker way to get people through the line faster.
unfortunately, for the entire day of Nov. 4, i was at work closing up shop. however, as customers would come in, they would inform me of the percentages.
By the time i was off, and got to check my phone for the results on CNN.com, Obama was declared the next president of the US and when i got home and tuned in to CNN, Obama was in the middle of his acceptance speech.
i heard the last half of his speech, i believe more so than ever that with his speaking skills and know how, he can lead the country, get the economy straightened out and unite a contry that is ever changing.
i thought that the coverage of the electoral race was very repetitive and in turn became overkill. however, the overkill is replaced with an electoral race that broke the gender and race boundaries and made history.

FOG Index

Sample writing.

It’s the refreshing aroma that overwhelms the senses and invigorates the mind and exudes a sense of euphoria.

The warmth of the cup on a cold winter day that gives a sense of comfort and joy, or a nice cold cup with beads of condensation that cools the hot summer day.

From the moment that the juicy beverage passes the lips, coats the tongue and lays to rest in the stomach.

As if the senses were working in complete synchronization to round out an amazing caffeinated beverage that along with tasting delicious, gives you an invigorating boost to get through the day.

More importantly for college students, because it has become prevalent and for the most part become a staple in the everyday lives of students, where they take caffeine in one form or another.

135

5

11

135/5=27

11/135=8%

27+11=38

38 x .4=15.2=FOG Index

WOW! I never really realized how much I use words that only can be comprehended by high school students.

Now more than ever I need to realize what I am writing, especially be completely aware of my audience.

I think we all do this unconsciously, we don’t realize what we’re doing until we get called out on it. Unfortunately, sometimes we find when its too late.

I will take the results of this and keep it in mind the next time I have a writing assignment to write.

Got what it takes to be a reporter?

This activity was very interesting. i found that i scored a 20 out of 30 on the exercise. But i think there are plus and minuses to the exercise, i know there are many things for me to brush up on.
I know that my time management becomes an issue and that does reflect on my half procrastinated works. I guess taking Jour61 in conjunction with 100w poses to be an issue, however, it cannot excuse the writing i submit.
Taking more time out to do the assignment alloted would be the case for me, considering it takes me a while to get the right words out.
Nevertheless, i think this exercise is a good way to see if the aspirations we are seeking are going the way they are supposed to. however, on the other hand it should not determine our fate in media writing. i do like the positive affirmation it gives.
I just have to work that much harder.

Broadcast news story

Broadcast news story

San Francisco Elites Taint City with a Bad Name

60 seconds

Over 20 thousand women participated in the Nike Women’s Marathon last Sunday in San Francisco.

And 24-year-old Arien O'Connell, a fifth-grade teacher from New York City, ran the fastest time of any of the women, having the fastest time of the marathon, at 2:55:11.

But she didn't win.

Because she was not of the “Elite” class of women participants, that also stated 20 minutes before all the other women participants started.

the officials overlooked her finishing time which was even faster than the woman who won first place by six minutes.

Now, Nike realizes they had made a mistake and recognizes fastest marathon runner as "a" winner, not “The” winner and was awarded the same trophy as the “Elite” woman that won at the marathon.

-end-

Broadcast Style Exercise

Broadcast Style Exercise

NORTHWEST AIRLINES ANOUNCED TODAY THAT IT IS CUTTING IT’S DOMESTIC FARES BY UP TO 40% FOR HOLIDAY TRAVELERS.

"WE LIKE TO THINK OF IT AS A HOLIDAY GIFT TO OUR CUSTOMERS," SAID FRANK DEWITT, CEO OF NORTHWEST AIRLINES.

TICKETS MUST BE PURCHASED BY FRIDAY FOR TRAVEL BETWEEN NOV. 12 AND JAN. 14 IN THE LOWER 48 STATES, ALASKA AND CANADA.

WITH THE DISCOUNTED, NON-REFUNDABLE FAIRES, A PASSENGER COULD TRAVEL ROUND-TRIP BETWEEN BOSTON AND SAN FRANCISCO FOR $500 ON CERTAIN DAYS.

DISCOUNTS VARY DEPENDING ON TRAVEL DATES AND ARE NOT AVAILABLE ON CERTAIN POPULAR DAYS, INCLUDING NOV. 23, NOV. 26, DEC. 23 AND DEC. 26.

-END-

A soft broadcast lead

AN UNEXPECTED BIRTHDAY PRESENT

30 Seconds

Mabel McCullough celebrated her 95^th birthday party, when the most unlikely of birthday presents came in, 24 of Tulsa’s own local firefighters.
Held by the First United Methodist Church women’s group, as McCullough blew out all 95 candles, it set off the smoke alarm. In turn, signaling the fire department.
Despite the uninvited guests McCullough did not seemed to be disturbed by the intrusion. She embraced it and turned it into an opportunity to have her photo taken with Tulsa’s finest. However the firefighters did not stick around to have some cake.

Reporting with numbers

EXERCISE #2: Reporting with Numbers
Please refer to the “Math for Journalists” section in Inside Reporting (Ch. 4, p. 84-85) for the information you will need to complete these exercises. You’ll need to review the segments on calculating percentages and figuring the mean and median (p. 84), as well as the “idea file” bullet points (p. 85) on how to present numbers.

1) A local college releases figures showing that its total budget is $120 million. Of that total, $80 million comes from the state, $6 million from student tuition, and the remaining $34 million from fees, grants and gifts.

* Figure the percentage of the college’s budget that comes from each source.
* Identify the significance of each funding source (the most vs. the least, etc.).
* Using plain words, instead of numbers, explain the proportion of funding that comes from different sources. Say it in the way you think would make it most easily understood.

65%- from the state

5%- from student tuition

30%- from fees, grants and gifts

• A local college releases figures showing that its total budget is $120 million. Of that total, 65 percent comes from the state, 30 percent come from fees, grants and gifts and six percent come from student tuition.

2) Your editor assigns you to do a story about prison sentences handed down in cases of aggravated assault. He gives you the following figures from an anti-crime group that is lobbying for tougher sentencing guidelines. The cases represent the people convicted for aggravated assault in San Jose in one month in 2006.

* Calculate the average prison term for people convicted of aggravated assault, taking care to convert some of the terms to figures that will compare properly (months vs. years).
* Calculate the media prison term for people convicted of aggravated assault.
* Explain why the average or median figure is the most accurate description of prison terms.

Name Sentence
Donald Lee 1 year prison, 2 years probation
Richard Smith 1 year prison, 1 year probation
Wesley Mitchell 14 months prison, 1 year probation
Mary Jones 1 year prison, 1 year probation
Juan Rodriguez 1 year prison, 2 years probation
Harold Rothstein 8 months prison, 1 year probation
Michael Reese 7 years prison, 5 years probation

• Cases represented for the people convicted for aggravated assault in San Jose in one month in 2006, show that on average, the convicted will serve 20 month in prison and 22 months probation.

3) The state legislature is considering exempting restaurant food sales from the sales tax in the same way grocery sales are exempt.

* First, find out the state sales tax.
* Then determine and explain how much fast-food patrons who pay $5 per meal would save in a year if they eat out once a week.
* Explain how much people would save if they spend $20 per meal once a week for a year.

• The state legislature is considering exempting restaurant food sales from the 7.25 percent sales tax in the same way grocery sales tax are exempt. The person who goes out to eat for every meal, on average, spends about $5 dollars per meal. That’s roughly $100 dollars a week. If they were to only eat out once a week, spending about five to twenty dollars, they would be saving about $5000 dollars a year.

JOUR 61 – AP Style Exercise (S-Z)

JOUR 61 – AP Style Exercise (S-Z), v. 2
15 errors / 15 points / 1 bonus point
Please identify and correct the AP style and other errors in the following sentences.

1) When he heard the building scheme for the new high school had been rejected, Bill pulled out his stationary to write a letter of protest. (2)

• When we heard the building plan for the new high school had been rejected, Bill pulled out his stationery to write a letter of protest.

2) Ben really knows his scriptures, but he knows little about the Talmoud or the shariah. (3)

• Ben reall knows his scriptures, but he knows little about the Talmud or the Shariah.

3) Her home in Upstate New York is surprisingly ultra-modern and rather unique for its middle class neighborhood. (4)

• Upstate New York is surprisingly ultramodern and unique for its middle-class neighboehood.

4) To celebrate Veteran’s Day, the anniversary of the armistice that ended World War I, troupes of former soldiers will march down Main Street carrying US flags. (3)

• To celebrate Veterans Day, the anniversary of the armistice that ended World War I, troops of former soldiers will march down Main Street carrying U.S. flags.

5) Word of mouth has it that Ellen will windup with the only “A” in the class. (2)

• Word-of-mouth has it that Ellen will wind up with the only “A” in the class.

6) When Sara spotted the Louis L’Amour paperback, she asked who’s book it was. She couldn’t believe it was John's; after all, nobody reads westerns anymore. She had no idea he was such a wierdo. (3)

• When Sara spotted the Louis L’Amour paperback, she asked whose book it was. She couldn’t believe it was John’s; after all, nobody reads Westerns anymore. She had no idea he was such a weirdo.

BONUS:
• The man was arrested for brandishing a twelve-gauge shotgun outside his home. (1)

• The man was arrested for brandishing a 12-gauge shot-gun outside his home.
  
  
  

Top News #6

Top News #6

Independent Voters Move Toward Obama

New Poll Indicates That Democrat Ticket Is Benefiting From Financial Crisis

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB122332442918808789.html

In the article, New Poll Indicates That Democrat Ticket Is Benefiting From Financial Crisis, found on the Wall Street Journal Web site. The article shows the two presidential candidates standings so far, after the results of the first debate and the dramatics of the bailout.

The article focuses on where the votes of the Independent parties are leading towards with the presidential candidates, because they could go either way. Apparently after the results of the debate and the bailout, the dead heat that Sen. Obama and Sen. McCain were in, is starting to show a sign that Sen. McCain is starting to stare at the back of Sen. Obamas head. Instead

From the weekend in a Wall Street Journal/NBC News poll, Sen. Obama is in the lead with votes.

However, they are not counting out Sen. McCain.

“McCain has new opportunities to make a stronger impression -- and Sen. Obama has a fresh chance to make a mistake.”

Especially when the race between the two candidates is far from over, it is fairly certain that they each may have tricks up their sleeves.

· In the wake of this current election, the two presidential candidates are under absolute scrutiny (creating conflict). Where they are constantly poked and probed about their views on the economy, the war and everything in between.

Especially with the economy the way it is now, the next president of the United States has a very heavy burden to bear. And with the press that both candidates are receiving, especially everything dealing with the bailout and the economy, the voters of America are in the dark about who to vote for.

After all the polls have been taken, especially after the first presidential debate, shows how the next would be president would handle the crises at hand (proximity). With the votes of the independent parties at stake (prominence), it is critical for both candidates to keep the mistakes and such at a minimum, because America wants a president that is very headstrong and steadfast with making as few mistakes as humanly possible.

With the elections not very far away the presidential candidates still have time to make an impact on the American people, especially where the polls will sway.

I found it bizarre that even though the pools were taken, there were still some discrepancies with the accurateness of the polls.

“McCain has new opportunities to make a stronger impression -- and Sen. Obama has a fresh chance to make a mistake.”

Especially when the race between the two candidates is far from over, it is fairly certain that they each may have tricks up their sleeves.

AP Style Exercise (M-R)

AP STYLE EXERCISE (M-R)
Please identify and correct the AP style errors in the following sentences. Post the corrected sentences on your blog.

1) He hopes to make one billion dollars by the time he’s forty. Already he figures his net worth is between $2 and $3 million, depending on current stock prices. (3)

• He hopes to make a billion dollars by the time he’s 40. already he figures his net worth is between $2 million and $3 million, depending on current stock prices.

2) Lt. Colonel John Carpenter was a cadet at the U.S. Naval academy and served in the Seventh Fleet. (4)

• Lt. Col. John Carpenter was a cadet at the U.S. Naval Academy and served in the 7^th Fleet.

3) 21 winners were named 2 days after the 3rd annual procrastination awards ceremony. (3)

• Twenty one winners were named two days after the third annual procrastination awards.

4) It was a one sided game, and he was a poor loser. After losing the play off when his ball went out-of-bounds, he made an offcolor remark that could be heard in the stands. (4)

• It was a one-sided game, and he was a poor loser. After losing the playoff when his ball went out of bounds, he made an off-color remark that could be heard in the stands.

5) Hundreds of persons attended Sundays race to watch 75 top bicyclists peddle across the finish line. (3)

• Hundreds of people attended Sundays race to watch 75 top bicyclists pedal across the finish line.

6) Every winter, the Jones’ and the Kinneys pour over travel brochures, planning their summer trip together. This year they’re hoping to go to Panama City. (3)

• Every winter, the Jones’ and the Kinney’s pore over travel brochures, planning their summer trip together. This year they’re hoping to go to Panama City, Fla.

News Story #5

Runaway Truck

Power was knocked out in El Cerrito and some neighboring cities, including Berkeley and Richmond yesterday. When a 10-wheel asphalt hauler truck overturned and smashed against a resident’s home. In the wake of the trucks destruction, there were five badly damaged vehicles and a snapped power pole.

A Honda sedan hit by the truck was so crumpled that the driver was trapped inside. Rescue workers sliced into it, peeling back the roof to free the trapped driver. A electrician’s truck that had been parked on Moeser was knocked over to the next street, Richmond. A sport utility vehicle that apparently had a man and boy inside ended up stuck in some shrubbery beside the burning house.

A witness, Ruben Sharma, lives across the street from the single-story home that was destroyed in the fire. He was just about to head back to work around 1:30 when the crash occurred. He said, “First, I thought it was a major earthquake. This is unbelievable.” His front yard is littered with bricks, broken glass, car parts, splintered wood and palm fronds.

El Cerrito police Detective Sgt. Shawn Maples, who was among the first to appear to the scene, heard cries coming from the burning truck and house, and started digging through the debris. He spotted the driver lodged between the wheels of the truck, which had flipped on its side. Maples said the driver’s legs were mangled and he couldn’t move. Maples was able to grab his hand and, with some help form Police Chief Scott Kirkland and Detective Ken Zinc, he was able to pull the driver to safety. Maples said, “We dragged him out in a heartbeat while the truck went up in flames. I just wanted to get him out of there.”

The driver of the disastrous event, a San Jose man whose name was not released, broke both of his legs in the crash. He’s listed in serious but stable condition at John Muir Medical Center in Walnut Creek.

Top News #5

Top News #5

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB122289387980195519.html

McCain, Obama Return to Senate to Cast Rare Vote

Republican Misses 65% of Roll Calls, the Democrat 47%

In the Article McCain, Obama Return to Senate to Cast Rare Vote, found in the Wall Street Journal website, the article is about the House deciding to not pass the $700 billion dollar bailout. Since then lawyers had revamped the bill and is attempting a pass through the Senate.

Both presidential candidates Sen. Barak Obama and Sen. John McCain were called to appear in Washington to take a pause from their presidential race and take place in their duties as part of the Senate and vote for the revamped bailout plan.

In the article they state that both senators take the first and third spots in missing votes in the Senate. With a senator who suffered a hemorrhage at second.

Both candidates are taking this vote very seriously, and make it also an effort to plug themselves as the better will be president. Before the first presidential debate the standings on the senators was pretty deadlocked. However, after the debate, the standings with the voters were supporting Obama a bit more.

The $700 billion dollar bailout issue will affect every single person in America (impact), and the fact that the bill was not passed did arise issues with the American people (conflict), looking for someone or something to rely on or maybe even someone to blame. Hopefully with the revamped Bill and both presidential candidates to vote in the House (timeliness) there may be some changes, since both candidates have missed a significant amount of votes since the start of their presidential races. Also having them missing massive amounts of votes and being compared to another senator that missed a significant amount of votes after suffering from a brain hemorrhage, makes it even more significant for them to be on their toes and think about the country they can potentially be running. Especially with one of the most significant financial crisis in American history since The Great Depression (currency).

Redefining News

After reviewing some of the sites on the list that JMC grad student and blogger Ryan Sholin had on his blog about basic media convergence and what news and internet is doing to the masses.

I thought the EveryBlock site had much promise to redefine the news mostly because of the way it has the search feature. It gives an overall broad vision of the news, however, it can also be divvied up and brought down to a more specific city or place.

The way the site was made, prepared people to be aware that there is news available in specific areas. However, I would have liked the site to have national or worldwide news on the homepage, which would make the site very well rounded as well as specific.

If this site was to get more national, even more, worldwide, the site would absolutely redefine the news and officially bring the news into the internet, the 21^st century, and beyond and most importantly in one package.

News Story #4

The Carjacker

Gabriel Gabriel
San Mateo County Times

San Mateo -- Alan Ticas-Soto, 21, tried to steal a car Saturday night with a newly married woman still in the passenger seat. Sheryl Wolcott, a San Mateo County deputy district attorney described some of the details of the alleged crime. She said the newlyweds, whose names were not released, were planning to spend their wedding night at a nearby Embassy Suites.

They were not injured in the incident. However, according to Wolcott, "This took them a little off-track."

They had stopped off for a late night snack at the Taco Bell on East Fourth Avenue in San Mateo on their way to the hotel. The bride was still in her wedding dress, and the groom was still in his tuxedo. Wolcott said the newlyweds had stopped off for a late night snack at the Taco Bell on East Fourth Avenue in San Mateo on their way to the hotel.

The bride was still in her wedding dress, and the groom was still in his tuxedo.

The groom got out of the car, a 2003 Nissan Altima, and left the engine running. His new wife stayed in the car while he headed toward the restaurant.

Police said the groom hadn't even gotten inside the restaurant when Ticas-Soto ran through the parking lot and leaped in the idling car. However, police said he didn't get very far.

First, he hard a hard time getting the car into reverse, and had to fiddle with the gear shift a bit before getting it into gear.

Ticas-Soto was almost certainly distracted by the screams of the 22-year-old bride in the passenger seat. She was frantically trying to unbuckle her seat belt and get away from him.

When he saw what was happening, the groom ran back and opened the passenger-side door, trying to help his wife get out of the car. She finally tumbled out, landing on the parking lot. She was unhurt, though shaken.

The suspect put the car into a forward gear and promptly smashed into a Taco Bell sign, according to the police. He leaped out of the car and ran away. In the meantime, witnesses called the police.

Patrolling nearby, police officer Brendan Boyle noticed a man matching the suspect's description. The man was running southbound on South Delaware Street at Ninth Avenue. Boyle called it in and patrol cars converged on the scene. They caught Ticas-Soto and arrested him without incident. Police say he told them that he'd been taking methamphetamines for three straight days.

Ticas-Soto is now facing felony carjacking charges and misdemeanor drug charges. He is being held in San Mateo County Jail in lieu of $100,000 bail. Ticas-Soto does not have a criminal record. He pleaded not guilty in San Mateo Superior Court on Monday.

No attorney has yet been assigned to Ticas-Soto's case by the county private defender program. If Ticas-Soto is found guilty, he could face up to nine years in state prison for the carjacking.

News Story #3

Gas line break

By Gabriel Gabriel
San Francisco Chronicle

SAN FRANCISICO – Traffic is at a standstill. It's really snarled. The police have cordoned off all the surrounding streets, effectively shutting down a four-block area near Folsom and 11th Streets, the South of Market area, where a high-pressure gas pipe had been accidentally ruptured.

A PG&E person says that a private construction crew was trying to repair sewer lines. In the process, they severed a two-inch underground gas pipe with a backhoe, he said. It happened a little before 12:30 p.m.

People were standing around at the edges of the incident. Several very irate at the fact that this unfortunate accident happened because it caused at least 100 people to be forced out of the area, including neighborhood residents, dozens of business owners and their customers.

Carlann Lauria, manager of Crocker's Lockers says, "Ask my customers. They were pretty irate." Crocker's Lockers is a self-storage company on Folsom near 10th Street. Despite the area being closed off, the employees kept busy. They went outside the police perimeter to collect payment checks from their customers.

Samantha Feldman, manager of Wa-Ha-Ka restaurant says her employees and patrons were forced to leave. The restaurant is located on the corner where the construction crew had been working. Feldman said the restaurant lost about $500 dollars worth of business in the shutdown.

Thankfully, all repairs should be made and there should be business as usual a little after 5p.m., according to PG&E.

One Feature Lead

95^th birthday party up in smoke

By Gabriel Gabriel

TULSA, Okla. – As Mabel McCullough celebrated her 95^th birthday party, held by the First United Methodist Church women’s group. They were interrupted by 24 unexpected guests, local firefighters.

They had a carrot cake for her birthday cake. On it were 95 candles. With help, McCullough blew them all out. And that created a big cloud of smoke. Eddi Carlin, one of the guests said, “There wasn't an inch to spare. By the time we had them all lit, it looked like a torch."

Carlin also said, "We had just sat down to eat when we saw them in the doorway." Referring to the 24 firefighters who showed up without warning apparently the soke form the blown-out candles set off a smoke alarm. As a result, five engines and two ladder companies arrived.

Fire Chief Lonnie Lamb says, "In my 23 years on the job, I've seen a lot of thing set off a fire alarm, but I don't think I've ever heard of one going off because of a birthday cake."

Despite the uninvited guests McCullough did not seemed to be disturbed by the intrusion. She embraced it and turned it into an opportunity to have her photo taken with Tulsa’s finest. However the firefighters did not stick around to have some cake.

AP Style Exercise (I-L)

JOUR 61 – AP Style Exercise (I-L)

1) There’s been no letup all day. After class, I plan to soak in my Jacuzzi and then lie down for a short nap.

2) They called the late Sen. Fred Fried a left-winger because he voted against the Patriot Act.

3) As they unfurled her white sails, the sailboat caught the breeze and began to slice steadily through the waves. Their dream cruise of the Pacific islands had begun.

4) After two days of hard rain and rising waters, the river flooded its banks, leaving the road partly impassable.

Top News #5

John McCain to attend debate

http://www.mercurynews.com/ci_10566209

In the article, John McCain to attend debate, found on the Mercury News website, the author Nedra Pickler from the Associated Press writes in repose to the action that Sen. John McCain wanted to postpone Friday’s first presidential debate, until Congress comes to agreement about the $700 billion dollar bailout. McCain will now be attending even though there has been no decision on the bailout. After Sen. Barack Obama questioned the multitasking skills of McCain others spoke on the how McCain wanted to seem above politics, in the article “Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee, a McCain supporter, said the Republican made a "huge mistake" by even discussing canceling the debate.” Where McCain interjects with wanting to take the politics aside and try to figure out the economic crisis at hand. Both senators met with President Bush and congressional leaders in Washington on Thursday where there were instances of shouting, placing the blame on Obama.

This article mainly shows the conflict between the two senators competing for the support of the United States. Both having different views and different ways of handling the issues that the U.S. is going to have to deal with or not deal with, showing that they should be the best man for the job. The way that McCain wanted to postpone the first presidential debate was very bizarre, as a potential president there should be a sense of urgency, however deadlines are deadlines. Obama took advantage of that situation and questioned the multitasking ability of McCain as well as others. McCain caved in and decided to not change the date of the debate because the American people want to hear what these potential presidents have to say about the state that our nation is in.

Last Week

I have posed my work for the fourth week, even though they are late. i had several work and family emergencies that resulted in not getting my assignments tuned in on time. I understand that i have already lost out on the points required and i know that late work is not accepted. i just wanted to post it just in case i can possibly get late points, even though i know late work is not accepted in no way or fashion because in the real world the deadlines dont wait for anyone or anything regardless of whats going on in the writers life. i guess where I'm getting at is i posted last weeks work for my benefit, to know that i did it and i didnt just not want to do the homework. thank you for your time. and from now on, i'll make sure to get my work online as soon as humanly possible.

News Story #2

Tourists robbed at gunpoint in Saint Mary’s Cathedral parking lot.

WeiMing Chen, 28, and his wife, Li Lu, 30 had been with their tour group that morning. They left the group at about 10 a.m. and walked to the cathedral's lower parking lot, where they were taking pictures. According to Sgt. Lawrence Price of the San Francisco police department

A man approached them. After he approached them, the thief waved a pistol around. Then he demanded their money. Chen handed over his money, about $100. However, the thief wanted more. Chen gave him his Visa card. He also gave him their passports, camera and airline tickets.

Chen described the assailant as being about 18 years old. The victims later said he was wearing a black jacket and cap.

According to Sgt. Lawrence Price of the San Francisco police department, the suspect took off running and they are in the process of searching for the suspect.

Nobody knows if the couple was able to make their 1 p.m. flight back to Taipei. The whole tour group, about 30 employees of a Taiwan airline, were scheduled to leave then.

News Story #1

News Story #1

San Jose firefighters rescue man from burning home.

Firefighters rescued an unconscious and severely burned Robert Kent from the floor of the kitchen in his single-story home yesterday. Kent is in his 50s and is retired.

According to San Jose fire Captain Rob Piper, the fire started in the kitchen and spread to the attic and smoke engulfed the whole house.

Kent’s Home was not equipped with a smoke detector and the cause of the fire is now under investigation. The fire was reported around 3p.m., according to piper.

A nursing supervisor at Valley Medical Center in San Jose says that Kent is in grave condition after having over 50 percent of his body suffering with second and third degree burns.

AP Style Exercise #2 (E-H)

· ( JOUR 61 – AP Style Exercise #2 (E-H)

1) To ensure the accuracy of the news story, Sarah Jones checked with her source. For Jones, this is an everyday practice, not the exception.

2) As the two boys argues over who should get the last piece of pizza, both seemed equally hungry. Clearly, they had forgotten their earlier decision to forgo having seconds.

3) He suspected his neighbor was selling drugs, so he called the FBI. His neighbor, however, cried foul at the accusation.

4) She grew up on the Great Plains, near Alliance, Neb., where the winters are long and harsh and the living is hand to mouth.

5) Her car was sideswiped by a hit-and-run driver on Route 1A this morning. She wasn’t really injured, but the impact sent the contents of her purse helter-skelter.

2

Top News #4

Obama rejects McCain's call to postpone first presidential debate

http://www.mercurynews.com/news/ci_10547592?nclick_check=1

In the article Obama rejects McCain’s call to postpone first presidential debate, found on the Mercury News website, the author Beth Fouhy from the Associated Press stated that Sen. John McCain wanted to postpone the first set of three presidential debates that are to start of Friday because congress had not yet reached a decision on the $700 billion dollar bailout proposal. McCain wanted to start the debates after legislature made a decision. However Sen. Barack Obama said “it's more important than ever” that the country take heed from its next president, stating that the next leader of America should be able to multitask.

In the article there is talk about showing bipartisanship, however there seems to be different views on the $700 billion dollar bailout. Sen. John McCain wants to make the bailout his main priority because the aftermath can either help or destroy the American economy. On the other hand, Sen. Barack Obama sees the problem and wants to address the bailout in the debates, seemingly putting down McCain by questioning his multitasking skills.

The issues that arise in this article will affect (impact) every single person in America (proximity) because the next president of the U.S. will need to be able to handle the pickle the Bush administration put our nation under. Both of the presidential candidates are trying so hard to gain the support of all the American people. However with the $700 billion dollar bailout raises just another tier of complications to the already staggering economy and with the bailout and Wall St. falling under and the mass references to the next greatest fall since The Great Depression (currency and timeliness). When both senators went to meet with the president, there were accusations that Obama was screaming and being irate (conflict).

Leads Exercise # 5

Immediate and Delayed Identification Leads

Fact Set #1: Pipe fitter

Immediate:

Duane La Chance, A pipe fitter, suffered third-degree burns while installing new pipes on the roof of the Springfield Municipal Power Plant.

Delayed:

An employee of Gross Engineers suffered third-degree burns at 3 p.m. yesterday while working on the roof of Springfield Municipal Power Plant.
Duane La Chance, 55, was listed in severe condition Wednesday evening in the intensive care unit at Springfield Hospital after he accidentally touched a power line carrying 15,000 volts with a piece of angle iron.

Fact Set #2: Car accident

Immediate:

Two teens in get into a striking accident, one-tenth of a mile north of Blue Ridge Road.

Delayed:

James W. Cunning, 20, and Wayne Clay, 19, were in a car accident on U.S. 63 just one-tenth of a mile north of Blue Ridge Road at 11:45 today, according to an officer in the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Department.

Cunning was driving south on U.S. 63 in a 2005 Ford Focus. Clay apparently crossed the center line and struck the vehicle that Cunning was driving. Cunning is in satisfactory condition at Springfield Hospital

Lead Exercise #4

Smoking Wheels
For each of the following sets of facts, write the lead and second paragraph of a hard news story:

40 passengers evacuated from a Wisconsin Airport

A landing tower employee witnessed the smoke near the wheels of the Northwest Airlines jet, Flight 428, at the LaCrosse, Wisconsin Municipal Airport today, subsequently following a flight from Minneapolis.

Missing Boy

From the following set of facts, write the first two paragraphs of a news story:

A 7-year-old boy missing for three years was found in Brick Township, New Jersey Monday night. A neighbor recognized the child’s picture, when it was shown after the movie Adam: the Song Continues and then called the police.

The police then arrested the boy’s mother, Ellen Lynn Conner, 27. She is in the process of facing charges of kidnapping as well as interference with a custody warrant.

JOUR 61 – AP Style Exercise #1 (A-D)

JOUR 61 – AP Style Exercise #1 (A-D)

(contains 15 errors)

A) The new head of the Journalism Department, Dr. Deborah Dunwoody, Ph.D., recently bought a house at Six Riverside Drive in San Mateo, a lovely city in the San Francisco bay area. (4)

1. Journalism Department should be lower cased

2. There should be no period after Ph.D

3. Drive should be abbreviated to Dr.

4. bay area should be capitalized, Bay Area

B) “What kind of person would break-in to my apartment and rob my brand new thongs,” she asked her friend. (3)

1. break-in should not have the hyphen, break into.

2. rob should be either be steal.

3. The person in quotations is asking a question, there should be a question mark at the end of the sentence, before the close quotations.

C) The instructor asked her students to read chapter six in the text, and to pay close attention to the section on the great depression, which began in the late 1920’s and continued through the 30’s. (5)

1. chapter six should be, Chapter 6.

2. great depression should be capitalized. Great Depression

3. There should be a period, instead of a comma after the Great Depression.

4. 1920’s should not have the apostrophe before the s, 1920s.

5. 30’s should be written out fully as 1930, with no apostrophe before the s, 1930s.

D) Sarah Smith has not let partial blindness or wheelchair confinement stop her from living life to the fullest. In spite of her handicaps, she volunteers at a local senior center and enjoys going for strolls (she calls them “rolls”) with her friends. (3)

1. After Sarah Smith there should be a comma.

2. Instead of “In spite of” despite is shorter and more to the point.

3. the phrase in the parenthesis can either be replaced by commas or two

dashes, which are more effective.

i.e.

Despite her handicaps, she volunteers at a local senior center and enjoys going for strolls, which she calls “rolls,” with her friends.

Top News #2

Wall Street Journal

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB122131228598332189.html?mod=hpp_us_whats_news

California Train Crash Kills 17

On Friday two trains, one freight and a commuter train collided on the same tracks killing at least 17 by Saturday morning as well as injuring about 135, where 85 of which were in critical condition.

An eyewitness who witnessed the crash told authorities that the crash was horrendous and saw so may people hurting and screaming for help. She was a true hero, she went in to save all the people she could, until the authorities came. The fire department stated that there were people within the wreckage and needed to be surgically removed very carefully, in order to identify the bodies.

There were 222 people on the commuter train and there were four workers on the freight train. The cause for the collision is still unknown. Although it is not uncommon for freight and commuter trains to run on the same tracks.

Since the accident happened on September 11^th, it did not help the timing and impact of the accident, considering that people were already remembering those who were lost in an event that was more devastating, however the proximity of the event makes the accident hit harder to home since it happened within the state of California.

Top News #1 Revised

In the San Jose Mercury website, I read the article, A Glancing Blow. As the thought of another hurricane to hit the recuperating Louisiana makes everyone feel uneasy. The forecasted predictions did not seem to be very promising from the already improving state. People were taking every precaution; evacuating and going to shelters. A sigh of relief came to the people of Louisiana when the hurricanes status became less severe than previously predicted.

The timeliness and proximity of this event happening so close to when Katrina last happened took a toll of the people of Louisiana, finding that there might be another hurricane as devastating if not more than Katrina, and having a state still hurting from the past carnage that Katrina did and finding that Gustav might do the same gave the state a sense of urgency to evacuate.

Lead #3

Firefighters were injured today while evacuating 41 families from a blazing fire, according to the police. The six-story building where the incident occurred was located at 204 Union Ave.

Lead #2

A snowstorm is projected to approach the Sierras today, as a series of storms follow.

Lead #1

$150,000 in damages was awarded to a local couple yesterday who suffered injuries in a traffic accident. Butte County Court assessed the damages from the March incident that led to the lawsuit.

Top News #1

A Glancing Blow

http://www.mercurynews.com/news/ci_10360940?nclick_check=1

In the San Jose Mercury website , I read the article, A Glancing Blow. As the thought of another hurricane to hit the recuperating Louisiana makes everyone feel uneasy. The forecasted predictions did not seem to be very promising from the already improving state. People were taking every precaution; evacuating and going to shelters. A sigh of relief came to the people of Louisiana when the hurricanes status became less severe than previously predicted.

a bit about me

i apologize for the late post. I've been tinkering with the websites, trying to figure out what is due when. again i apologize.

My name is Gabriel Gabriel. Yes, my first name is the same as my last name. Just please don’t ask me about why my parents decided to name me like that. I am 24 years old. I attended De Anza college for 3 years and attained an AA in liberal arts, as well as a certificate of achievement in speech communication. I am now attending San Jose State University. I am currently in my second semester; I’m majoring in public relations, with a minor in communications.

I was born in Honolulu, Hi., I am half Filipino and half Hawaiian. I have a girlfriend, her name is Sarah, and we have been together for two and a half years. I am a coffee slave for Starbucks, serving the masses one scripted smile at a time. :)

first blog!!

my first blog. YAY!!