Individual Blog Post #4

Word Count: 281

Recently in the media, we all have been given a gift-the gift of Susan Boyle.  For once, all issues, drama and problems in our world was pushed aside as America watched the extraordinary talent Susan shared with us- her beautiful voice.  She has captured the world's attention and taught us all a valuable lesson.

Boyle, a 47 year old, was just an unemployed  charity worker who lived with her cat in a small village in Scotland.  When she performed on "Britian's Got Talent"- the crowd snickered at her looks and painfully ordinary look. The minute she belted out her song, the crowd jumped into a standing ovation for she was extraordinary.  Boyle taught America a huge lesson for she was prejudged by her looks before she had a chance to share her talent.  She taught us that one should never judge- a very important life lesson that made so many feel guilty and shameful when laughs were made at Boyle.

I think that this is such an inspirational story.  We need more Susan Boyle's in our lives.  She showed us how one should follow your inner talents and share them to the world.  To allow yourself to be modeled by your own gifts takes courage. She took the chance and endured the harshness of the audience and became an overnight sensation.  I think that so many of ushidden are so afraid to fail that we never take the chance to succeed.  

If you have a talent- don't hide and follow your dreams.  Susan Boyle is a phenomenal role model for all of us, not just because of her amazing singing ability but for her perseverance, courage and willingness to succeed.

IMHO #2- Peterson jokes, chews gum at court appearance

Word Count: 412

In the news-Drew Peterson, 55, was arrested again earlier this week for the death of his third wife.  Peterson, a former police officer, has been married four times and his last two marriages have resulted in the death of his third wife, Kathleen Savio, who drowned in a bath tub and the fourth wife has been missing for a year and a half. He is arrested for killing Savio and suspected for killing the fourth. He appeared in court on Friday, and was full of jokes and smiles.  

Peterson sat in court talking with a clear voice and asked the judge to continue with the hearing-even though both his attorneys were not present.  He simply stated he had no objection with the delay.  The investigation of Peterson's missing wife led officers to renew interest in Savio's case. Authorities ran tests and her death has now been ruled a homicide. Peterson will now be charged.

In my humble opinion, Drew Peterson is flat out guilty.  He is an ex-cop that has outsmarted the police. His former wives have admitted that they were abused physically and verbally by Peterson. His last two victims were young, white woman. I have watched several interviews with Peterson, and the man acts very nonchalant with his jokes and chipper personality.  In a recent interview, he dragged two of his children with him and they both spoke stating that their father is innocent.  The whole story is very fishy and has GUILT written all over it.

One does not need to look deep into Peterson to realize his past tells a lot.  A history of abuse, getting into trouble as a cop, failed relationships- its not like he has a clean record that his recent charges would appear shocking.  In my humble opinion, Peterson killed Savio and his fourth wife, Stacey Peterson.  It will be interesting to see what the hearing will provide as Peterson doesn't have much evidence against him- which makes it very hard for police to nail him.  

It is very out of the ordinary to have a wife die in a bathtub and extremely suspicious to have another go missing. That just doesn't happen.  Peterson is manipulative, and has figured out a way to outsmart the legal system.  I think that the media needs to not hype this up because we have seen in other murder cases, where the drama overcomes the truth and the guilty get set free.

Peterson is guilty.

Links to Article:

1. Drew Peterson/CNN

Individual Blog Post #3

word count: 301

For my whole soccer career, I have had men as my soccer coaches. I have learned over the years that as well as they may understand the game of soccer-when it comes down to women issues these coaches try to avoid them as much as possible. Women are sensitive, hormonal and don't take getting yelled at very well. Men just tend to forget that women need to be coached differently than men.

I know on my team, it is hilarious to watch our coaches walk around the subject of menstrual cycles-or anything of that matter. Men just seem to not handle that kind of stuff well. I have had several different male coaches handle this situations differently and they have all made me chuckle.

In high school,  during my senior year, we had a new coach come in.  He was young in his mid twenties and was taking on the job of coaching 18 girls.  I will never forget his speech he gave to us on the first day of practice.  He simply stated "I know you woman have that once a month thing and I would rather there be no talk on it. Just deal with it." It was so funny because he was so uncomfortable with that subject matter that he figured he could get it all out on the first day of practice and it would be done.  Little did he know that by the next day a girl on our team was yelling for a tampon.

The male coaches I have had have always been so funny when coaching women. Perhaps men need to get a little more on their softer side and open up to talk about this kind of stuff. No need to put up a tough wall. We are all human here.

Journal #6- Fish out of Water

Word Count: 470

Greek Orthodox Church- St. Basil's


I am a devout Catholic. I was born and raised in a very Catholic family where church is among a weekly activity. Catholicism is really the only religion I know. Since I have not witnessed many other different religious institutions, I thought it would be interesting to check out a different church. The church I went to was St. Basil the Great Greek Orthodox Church in San Jose. I attended with my friend a weekend service at the church known as the Saturday Vespers.

When we arrived at St. Basils, I was immediately drawn to the appearance of the church. It was beige, with white trim and looked like a house structure with a wooden white cross on the roof. There was four large green bushes in front. It was very nicely landscaped. My friend, who is a member of the church, informed me that unlike other Greek Orthodox parishes, primarily attended by Greek immigrants and Greek Americans, St. Basils is multi-ethnic and includes families from other parts of the globe. When we got out of the car, I realized that I was a little under dressed by looking at the others walking in. The people all appeared to be seniors and families.

During the service, my friend and I sat close to the front. I noticed that there was a lot of ethnic people and those of which were Greek- I didn't fit in with everyone but the community was very welcoming to new visitors. Throughout the service, music was played in Greek. The priest even spoke part in Greek. Although I did not understand a lot of the service, I really enjoyed being able to hear and witness another language and culture. The service was a lot different than that of a Catholic church. Catholicism is very strict in their beliefs- Saint Basil's was more open and the faith adhered prescribed more to Christianity. The church is not very big and it was filled up. The community of people all seemed very friendly towards one another and I could feel the closeness it radiated.

At the end of the mass, my friend and I were hugged by the priest and welcomed back again. As we walked to the car, we were stopped several times by strangers I had never met that so kindly said "goodbye" or "have a nice evening." Saint Basil's parish was something out of the ordinary. The kindness and openness the people shared with one another was beautiful and I left a changed person. Overall, it was a very interesting experience that opened my eyes to other cultures. I was very glad that I went outside my religious community and witnessed another- it broadened my understanding of other religious institutions.

Individual Blog Post #2

Word Count: 257

Recently in the news, the swine flu outbreak has been on every single news channel. The flu is spawning debate about how people get information during health emergencies. During a time, where news sources are becoming less centralized, people are turning to Twitter to find out information. However, the micro-blogging site has created unnecessary hype and misinformation about the swine flu. Twitter is propagating fear amongst people as opposed to seeking actual solutions or key information.

I believe that people who are using Twitter to find out news is in the wrong place. Twitter is not CNN or MSNBC, it is a blogging community. People who are seeking health information should go to official sources. The swine flu epidemic is very serious and by reading false information with unreliable sources causes hysteria in people. The best advice I would have is to not use Twitter. President Obama stepped in to try and calm America down, he simply stated that the outbreak is "cause for concern and requires a heightened state of alert" but is not a cause of alarm at this moment. The swine flu is defiantly something to take seriously and be aware of.

Twitter has been gaining a lot of media attention. It's popularity has risen to the top in recent months. However, it also has gotten criticized and put down in the media. The swine flu epidemic could have Twitter headed in the wrong direction. It will be interesting to see if Twitter tries to change their image to appeal more to media standards.

Ad-redirect

Synopsis


Originally the ad for Aflac life insurance was targeted to construction companies who would be interested in having good insurance plans for their employees. The ad showed a construction scene with two construction workers hard at work. In the center of the ad, the Aflac duck is rolling out a blueprint. The text at the top of the page reads " When this construction company added Aflac at no direct cost to them, it was a blueprint for success" implying that employees love working for companies with great insurance plans.


New Ad


The new ad is going to be targeted at mothers with young children. The ad will show a mother in the kitchen washing dishes unaware that a bowl is about to drop on her child's head. With arms reached out over the child's head to save the day is the Aflac duck. The text will read "Don't take the chance of letting any accident happen to your family-Aflac can save the day."

Focus Story Structure-

Emily Belding

Mcom 100w m/w 1:30-3:45

Focus Story Structure

Word Count: 89

Woman denied job back due to pregnancy, U.S. Supreme Court rules in favor

Lillian Garland, an employee for California Federal Savings and Loan, was cut from her job when she returned from her granted pregnancy leave.

Garland sued under California law requiring employers to grant up to four months' paid disability leave to pregnant workers and to guarantee a job for them when they return.

On Tuesday, the U.S Supreme Court voted 6-2 to uphold the state law, but the ruling came five years after Garland had her baby.

Individual Blog Post #1- April 19, 2009

Emily Belding

Mcomm 100w M/W 1:30-2:45

Individual Blog Post #1

Word Count: 263

Is all the hype about Twitter good? Recently, I have been hearing a lot about Twitter on the news, radio and Internet- you name the media outlet and they have talked about it. There has been a major hype on this new networking service, so much that celebrities are now using it. Twitter is a service for friends, family, and co-workers to communicate and stay connected through the exchanging of quick answers as to what you are doing. People chose to Twitter so that they can keep in touch with the community they want to be in and are interested in.

In recent news, celebrity Ashton Kutcher marked a Twitter turning point- he became the first celebrity to collect 1 million followers. I think that Twitter should not market this information as a platform to gain recognition- it's not about celebrities. Kutcher was on Larry King Live the other night, talking about Twitter. A lot of users have expressed concern that the site is being overwhelmed by celebrities and media hype and they don't like that. Twitter is about everyday people having a voice. When social networking services, draw in celebrities it tends to take the community at large away and focus on a community that most don't fit into.

The celebrity driven hype on Twitter could possibly turn off longtime Twitter users but also it has allowed this service to take off. It will be interesting to see what the future holds for the Twitter community- it has become very main stream in the media and has everyone with Twitter on their minds.

Japanese Internment- Descriptive Writing

Emily Belding

MComm 100w M/W 1:30-2:45

Japanese Internment

Word Count: 176


Vignette #1: Armed guards were posted all around the camp. The camp was surrounded with old, rickety barbwire. The Japanese were forced to live in bleak, remote areas that were desolate from populations. A burly, armed, rickety guard stands over a weathered man who is forced to throw away his belongings into the blazing fire. As he is reluctantly throwing away his possessions, on his tired knees- his young daughter is pulling on him with all her strength as her father throws her doll into the blaze. A look of fear, despair and sorrow is shown on their faces as the guard watches without sympathy.

Vignette #2: Beneath the old tattered barb wire fencing sits a young girl around the age of seven. She has on clothing that is dirty and looks to not have bathed in a while. She is sitting cross-legged holding onto something that is meaningful to her. The desolate camp life is her living- as armed guards with guns are within sight of this young, innocent soul. Around her is exhausted hardworking mother caring for her sibling.

Pitch Letter/Proposal

Emily Belding

Mcom 100w M/W 1:30-2:45

Pitch Letter/ Proposal

Word Count: 267

Dear Dona–

Did you know that to date there are just over 70 diseases that can be treated with cord blood stem cells many of which are different types of cancers, immunodefency disorders, blood disorders, and metabolic disorders. You are probably wondering what exactly cord blood is? Cord blood is a non-controversial source of stem cells, which are the building blocks of our immune system. Because these stem cells are “young” and have not differentiated them, once they are infused in the body they go where the damage is and can treat, repair or replace the damaged cells in the body.

Most parents don’t ever think or want to think that their child could ever get sick- but wouldn’t you want to have every weapon available to them? Cord blood banking is a once in a lifetime investment that a parent can make for their child and you only get one opportunity to make the decision. The collection process is very easy and pain free and doctors at Lucille Packard, Sequoia, UCSF, and Stanford are all very familiar with the procedure and are major advocates for it.

I really believe that this is a topic of interest and would make a great feature. It is a fairly new concept and becoming a hot topic of interest. Cord blood banking is something that most people are unaware of and or lack information on. I propose to write a feature on Cord blood banking- it could save a child’s life.

I’ll call you next week to see if you are interested in an article like this.


Sincerely,

Emily Belding

Timeline for Final Feature

Emily Belding

Mcom 100W M/W 1:30-2:45

Pitch Letter/Proposal-Timeline

Word Count: 183



I propose this as my timeline for completing my final feature:

For the week of:

April 8th- Interview #1- I will be interviewing Allison Spivey, she is a ViaCord Representative.

April 13th- Going to the library to search for a scholarly journal article on Cord Blood Banking.

April 15th- Interview #2- I plan to go to Kaiser Permanente to speak with an OB (doctor) or nurse about cord blood banking.

April 20th- Interview #3- I will interview a mother I work for, a mother that has banked with Viacord for her three children.

-Interview #4- I will interview my cousin , a mother of 2 small children and ask her about her thoughts on this concept, and why she did NOT do it- reasons against Cord Blood Banking.

April 22nd- Search for a magazine, newspaper article or website about this topic.

April 27th- Start outlining and writing a rough draft- I plan to start compiling/organizing all my research, interviews, information.

April 29th- Write rough draft- start on bibliography

May 4th- Draft for Final Feature due- EDIT, make rough draft into FINAL.

May 13th- Final Feature due

The Way I See It #1 and #2

The Way I See It #1

" The heaviest burdens in life are placed on those who can carry the extra weight- who can take what they are given and show other's that life can still go on even when when it pours."

The Way I See It #2

" Life is like a feather in the wind- it goes up and down."

Similies/Metaphor

Emily Belding

MCom 100w M/W 1:30-2:45

Simile/Metaphor


A simile is a figure of speech in which two unlike things are explicitly compared-

Three examples of a simile are:

1. As cunning as a fox

2. As tiny as a grain of sand

3. The goalkeeper was as solid as a rock


A metaphor is a figure of speech in which a term or phrase is applied to something to which it is not literally applicable in order to suggest a resemblance.

Three examples of a metaphor are:

1. America is a melting pot

2. The inside of the car was a refrigerator

3. The homework was a breeze.

Journal #3: NPR Radio Interview analysis

Emily Belding

Mcom 100w M/W 1:30-2:45

Journal #3-NPR analysis

Word Count: 322

On NPR, All Things Considered, I listened to an interview segment entitled - Women's Professional Soccer League Returns. The league has just returned for women and going professional again, they started their first match on March 29, 2009 in Los Angeles. The league has drawn some top names including Brazilian superstar Marta and American Abby Wambach, a former World Cup player. With top players and high hopes for a success, the leagues commissioner, Tonya Antonucci, couldn't be more excited about the league.

All Things Considered host, Jacki Lyden, interviewed Antonucci about the league and the challenges it could face in the future. The NPR interview opened to the sound of young girls playing soccer and Lyden addressing the news of the resurrection of the new women's professional league. In this 5 minute segment, it appeared that Lyden, was not well informed on women's soccer and more interested in the financial crisis America is facing right now. I felt that it put a negative spin on something that is positive for America and for women athletes right now. Lyden's interview questions were negative about the expense of the league, and asked Antonucci is she thought it would be a business failure. The questions were inadequate with what this interview was supposed to be about. In response, Antonucci responded as positively as she could and went on to talk about what the future could have in store for these women and for young girls all across America. The two did not appear to have a relationship whatsoever.

After listening to this interview, I learned that in interviewing often times the interviewer will ask a couple of questions and then chose one or two to build off of from there. It was a strategy for Lyden. Interviewing can be personal and non-personal it just depends on what kind of interview it is supposed to be. This was a very interesting interview on All Things Considered.

IMHO #1- March 16- Obama on the "Tonight Show"

Emily Belding

Mcom 100w M/W 1:20-2:45

IMHO #1

Word Count: 386

A recent offhand comment by President Obama on a national television talk show brought to light the harming power of words.  On Thursday, March 19, 2009, President Obama appeared on the 'Tonight Show with Jay Leno.'  During the interview, which addressed various political issues, Obama commented on his poor bowling skills.  At one point he said his bowling skills are "like Special Olympics or something."  Immediately after the interview, he was quick to apologize to the Special Olympics Chairman Timothy Shriver before the show was aired.

The public response to this incident caused quite a political buzz.  Special Olympics President and CEO J. Brady Lum said that Obama's comment has proven to be "an incredibly important and seriously teachable moment."  Many people took this to be a major political misstep for President Obama and felt his comment was shameful.  Others felt that Obama just showed his human side and made an innocent slip of the tongue.  Interestingly, this incident happened just two weeks before the Special Olympics' launch of it's new campaign to get Americans to rethink the use of the word "retard."

In my humble opinion, President Obama, while human, should have been more careful in his word choice before a national audience.  As a major public figure with worldwide influence, he is held to a higher standard.  All of America is hanging on every word he speaks.  While I can understand President Obama's desire to show his humorous side, I was surprised to see he appeared unaware of what he had said.  Obama clearly didn't realize the hurtful nature of his words until after the interview.  Conversely, I thought that Jay Leno was immediately aware of the inappropriateness of Obama's comment.  I do not think President Obama should be condemned for this comment but he clearly should take this as a lesson to be better prepared in the future.

In his defense, I was impressed that he took immediate action to admit his mistake and apologize.  It is a good lesson for all of America to learn.  We need to think before we speak.  Words have the power to hurt and once spoken cannot be undone.  To millions of people with intellectual disabilities such comments are cruel and offensive.  While unfortunate, Obama's comment has helped raise awareness of this important issue. 

Links to article:

1. The video clip of  President Obama on Jay Leno

2. CNN article on issue:  Obama mixes politics, comedy on ' Tonight Show'

3. CNN article on issue: Special Olympics takes on use of "R-word'

Word of the Week #8- 3/29/2009

Emily Belding

Mcom 100w M/W 1:30

Word of the Week #8


Word: emanate



Source: I read this word in Indigenous Peoples, Ethnic Groups, and the State by David Maybury. It was reading homework for my Anthropology 146 class.



How it was used: It is those voluntaristic aspects of society that lie between the givens of the family and the laws and institutions emanating from the state.



Definition: emanate- verb

1. to flow out, issue, or proceed, as from a source or origin; come forth; orginiate

2. to send forth; emit



My sentence:

The light from the porch will emanate into the yard.

Word of the Week #7- 3/15/2009

Emily Belding

Mcom 100W M/W 1:30

Word of the Week #7


Word: oscillate


Source: I read this word in Indigenous Peoples, Ethnic Groups, and the State by David Maybury. It was reading homework for my Anthropology 146 class.


How it was used: The weather oscillates between the furnace heat of the dry season and the lashing rains of the wet, when saturated rocks glow red against the lush grasses.


Definition: Oscillate- intr. v.

1. to swing back and forth with a steady, uninterrupted rhythm.

2. to waver, as between conflicting opinions or courses of action.

3. to vary between alternate extremes, usually within a definable period of time.


My Sentence:

When my family got lost camping, my uncle took the compass and examined the needle, which after a few oscillations, took up a fixed position.

Mystery Character- March 10, 2009

Emily Belding

MCom 100w- M/W 1:30

Mystery Character

Word Count: 150


My birthday is March 9, 1959, however no one looking at me would guess me to be 50. I have kept my girlish figure and love to prance around in my stilettos. Through the decades I have always kept up with the latest fashion trends, and I am well known for my extensive wardrobe. I have been lucky enough to live in my very own dream house, and you would most likely recognize my car when I'm out cruising around. I doubt there is a country I haven't visited. I have been in a very long term relationship, although we have never tied the knot. I am a career woman, but my brain is often overlooked for my beauty. I am also quite athletic and have given almost every sport a try. I am recognized by young and old alike.

Who am I? click this link to find out.

Word of the Week #6- 3/9/2009

Emily Belding

Mcom 100W- M/W 1:30

Word of the Week #6



Word: feasible

Source: I read this word in Indigenous Peoples, Ethnic Groups, and the State by David Maybury. It was reading for my Anthropology 146 class.

How it was used: This could, of course, only be done where it was politically feasible.

Definition: feasible- adjective

1. capable of being done, effected, or accomplished: a feasible plan.

2. probable; likely: a feasible theory

3. suitable: a road feasible for travel.

My sentence: The manager at the store thought my idea was feasible.

Journal #2: Media Audience- 3/1/2009

Emily Belding

MCom 100W- M/W 1:30

Journal #2- Media Audiences

Word Count: 464

Paul Harvey, the legendary broadcaster, died at the age of 90, on Saturday at a hospital in Phoenix, Arizona. Harvey’s broadcasts were heard on more than 1,200 radio stations. He was long considered the most listened to radio-broadcaster in the world and whose distinctive delivery and daily mix of news, commentary and human interest stories informed and entertained a national radio audience for nearly six decades.

Newspaper: The San Francisco Chronicle covered this national news story. The article was found at the bottom of the front page and the full news story was on A12. The article was 6 columns wide and above the fold. There is only one main article about Paul Harvey. In the article, there was five sources quoted- The Chicago Tribune, The L.A. Times, ABC Network, former interviews with Harvey were quoted and a Boston College broadcasting professor- Michael Keith- all were sources in this article. The story was accompanied by two photos of Paul Harvey.

Television News: On ABC news, there was a 1 minute 30 second short story on Paul Harvey. There were 3 sources quotes throughout this short news clip. The newspaper was the most extensive and detailed of Harvey’s life. The detail on the television news was shorter and brief than the newspaper that provided very detailed information.

National Public Radio: On NPR, the coverage on Paul Harvey was 5 minutes and 44 seconds. The story contained four sources that included personal old interviews with Harvey, friends of Harvey and quotes from his family member’s on his life. The radio story used old interviews with Harvey’s voice to break up the story and change “the scene” in the listeners mind throughout the entire segment. It ended with music and a quote from Harvey. The coverage on the radio and television is similar in the sense that is used a similar pattern of broadcasting the information. The main broadcaster talked and then used clips, sound bites, interviews, photos to break up the segment. The style was similar. The coverage of radio and television are different because the radio is not viewed and only listened too and television the viewer can watch the segment.

Web: CNN covered Paul Harvey’s death as a top U.S. story on the website. The coverage of this story compared to the other media outlets was different because it was shorter than and not as detailed as the television, radio and newspaper coverage was. It was a brief, too the point news coverage article. The article contained five sources. Along with the print article, there was a video on Paul Harvey’s life that was 2 minutes and 13 seconds, it was more extensive and contained 3 sources. CNN’s coverage was a combination of print and broadcast- it used both of them in the article.

Pitch Letter- (in class assignment) 2/25/2009

Emily Belding

MCOM 100w M/W 1:30

Pitch Letter

Word Count: 192

Dear Editor,

Sightless since childhood, Doug Rose is a technical support genius at Packard Bell. Rose is a self-taught electronic wizard that helps Packard Bell, the third-largest manufacturer of personal computers in the U.S. take such pride on its technical support and service to customers.

A 34 year-old resident of Thousand Oaks, Calif., Rose has mastered his senses in learning the documentation on hardware, software platforms, Braille equipment, voice recognition system, memorization and sound to correctly diagnose computer problems. At Packard Bell, one can find Rose at his desk with his black Labrador at his feet, taking one of the 60,000 calls from customers who access Packard Bell’s tech support each week. Most callers never learn that he is blind.

I propose this article on Doug Rose, first to let people know about how his handicap has not affected him in the workforce and second I have been working at Packard Bell for fifteen years now alongside Doug Rose and he is an inspiration to all.

I’ll call you next week to see if you are interested in an article like this for the Los Angeles Times.

Sincerely,

Emily Belding

Word of the Week #5- 3/1/2009

Emily Belding

Mcom 100W M/W 1:30

Word #5

Word: Impertinent

Source: I read this word in Indigenous Peoples, Ethnic Groups, and the State by David Maybury. It was reading homework for my Anthropology 146 class.

How it was used: They also feel it is impertinent, because they consider that the use of the Brazilian Amazon is essentially a matter for Brazilians to decide.

Definition: Impertinent-adjective

1. intrusive or presumptuous, as persons or their actions; insolently ride; uncivil: a brash, impertinent youth.

2. not pertinent or relevant; irrelevant: an impertinent detail.

3. Archaic. inappropriate, incongruous, or absurd.

4. Obsolete. (of persons) trivial, silly, or absurd.

My sentence: It is extremely impertinent to accuse others of lying when their is no proof.

Beer Truck- 2/24/2008

Emily Belding

Mcom 100w M/W 1:30

Beer Truck

Word Count: 173

Bay Area drivers faced a major traffic jam on the Bay Bridge just after 1 p.m. today when a refrigerator truck caught fire due to a tire blowout.

Eastbound traffic was at a complete standstill for 45 minutes, stranding drivers and clogging Bay Area freeways. Drivers were out of their vehicles and craning their necks searching for the cause. The fire shutdown all of the bridges eastbound lanes and part of the upper westbound deck for at least an hour.

According to California Highway Patrol Officer Shawn Chase, the tractor of the refrigerator truck carrying Coors beer blew out a tire, but the driver failed to notice and kept driving. Officer Chase stated, “ The fire was set off by the tires metal rim scrapping against the roadway.” Luckily, no one was injured in the fire.

Firefighters extinguished the flames shortly after 2 p.m., when all westbound and some eastbound lanes were reopened. Crews worked through the afternoon to clear the burned truck from the road, which was finally removed at 5:52 p.m.

Telling Details- 2/17/2009

Emily Belding

Mcom 100w M/W 1:30

Telling Details

Word Count: 393


On Tuesday night, I went out to dinner at Cafe Cruz in Soquel. The upscale Cafe Cruz is a restaurant that is full of energy, buzz and at the same time carries a very romantic, casual ambiance with it. The white walls, with the white table clothes and the sound of jazz and Sinatra filling up the dimmed lit rooms always makes it for an enjoyable, relaxing dining experience. The waiters are dressed in white with black pants and walk with a professional swagger in their step; while the hostess girls are dressed in black cocktail dresses always waiting to seat the next table with grins and giggles. When my family and I stepped foot into Cafe Cruz, I immediately was drawn to the elderly couple that was seated next to our table.

As my family and I sat down, I watched with captivating eyes as the elderly man, roughly in his early seventies, held out the brown, antique wooden chair for his wife. As he walked over to his chair, and took his seat, the love this couple had for one another was so evident and axiomatic that anyone in the restaurant could feel the essence of love this couple was illuminating. Throughout dinner, I was drawn to them. I was fascinated at the way the elderly lady looked at her husband with the most endearing, beautiful baby blue eyes I have ever seen. The lady was wearing a silvery top with black pants and the silver made her glow almost like an angle. The aroma of Blue Grass perfume and prime rib filled the area around us. The couple held hands and smiled to one another throughout their dinner- and the sound of the Sinatra music playing in the background fit perfectly for this couple.

All around the restaurant, people were laughing, talking and enjoying their time together. As my family’s dinner came to a close, I got up from my seat and walked by the couple for the last time I would probably see them. I had to smile at the sweet man and the love of his life one last time before they would be just a memory. The experience I had from just observing my surroundings at a family dinner, taught me the importance of that love is truly all around you and can be felt- whether you may realize it or not.

Word of the Week#4- 2/23/2009

Emily Belding

Mcom 100w M/W 1:30

Word #4



Word: Deplorable

Source: I read this word in Indigenous Peoples, Ethnic Groups, and the State by David Maybury. It was reading homework for my Anthropology 146 class.

How it was used: This sentiment was criticized by the Narmada Control Authority as a deplorable attempt to create a rift among scheduled castes, scheduled tribes, and the rest of Indian society.

Definition: Deplorable-adjective

1. causing or being a subject for grief or regret; lamentable: the deplorable death of a friend.

2. causing or being a subject for censure, reproach, or disapproval; wretched; very bad: This room is in deplorable order. You have deplorable manners.

My sentence: Throughout the inner city, I noticed a lot of deplorable housing conditions.

Word of the Week #3- 2/16/2009

Emily Belding

MComm 100w M/W 1:30

Word #3



Word: Circumvent

Source: I read this word in Indigenous Peoples, Ethnic Groups, and the State by David Maybury. It was reading homework for my Anthropology 146 class.

How it was used: Their rights to land and resources are protected by a maze of legislation, but the elites and their political allies regularly find ways to circumvent the laws and to seize or otherwise use tribal lands.

Definition: Circumvent-verb (used with object)

1. to go around or bypass: to circumvent the lake

2. to avoid (defeat, failure, unpleasantness, etc.) by artfulness or deception; avoid by anticipating or outwitting: He circumvented capture by anticipating their movements.

3. to surround or encompass, as by stratagem; entrap: to circumvent a body of enemy troops.

My sentence: The animal circumvented it's capture by anticipating the hunter's step.

Word of the Week #2- 2/9/2009

Emily Belding

MComm 100w M/W 1:30

Word #2


Word: Malleable

Source: I read this word in Indigenous Peoples, Ethnic Groups, and the State by David Maybury. It was reading homework for my Anthropology 146 class.

How it was used: Perhaps the most sensitive and malleable criterion is the sense of common history.

Definition: Malleable- adjective
1. capable of being or shaped by hammering or by pressure from rollers.
2. adaptable or tractable: the malleable mind of a child.

My sentence: Gold is very malleable and suitable for making jewelry.

Journal Writing #1 – My Favorite Writing

Emily Belding

Mcom 100W- MW 1:30

Journal Writing #1

Word Count: 311

The Road Not Taken by Robert Frost

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth;

Then took the other, as just as fair
And having perhaps the better claim
Because it was grassy and wanted wear,
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same,

And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I marked the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way
I doubted if I should ever come back.

I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I,
I took the one less traveled by,
And that had made all the difference.

Source: http://famouspoetsandpoems.com/poets/robert_frost/poems/528
Author: Robert Frost
Title: The Road Not Taken

This poem is one of my favorite pieces of writing of all time. Robert Frost is one of my favorite poets and his writing is so inspiring. Frost writes in a way that makes you dig deep into the lines of his poetry to unviel the meaning. Everytime I have read this piece I have always got something new out of it. His writing is so beautifully written in a way that makes the reader feel something. When a writer can allow their audience to feel, imagine, inspire and provide emotion it is usually because of the effect of good writing. The Road Not Taken is a poem about not following, where others have led but instead going down the path that you chose in life. Their are so many great lessons within the lines of this poem and it truly is one of my most favorite pieces of poetry.

Word of the Week- 2/1/2009

Emmy Belding

Mass Comm 100 W M/W 1:30

Word #1


Word: Autonomy

Source: I read this word in Indigenous Peoples, Ethnic Groups, and the State by David Maybury. It was reading homework for my Anthropology 146 class.

How it was used: These were not to enjoy any local autonomy and the resources of their regions were to be developed by the central planners in Beijing for the good of the country as a whole.

Definition: Autonomy- noun, plural
1. independence or freedom, as of the will or one's actions: the autonomy of the individual.
2. the condition of being autonomous; self-government, or the right of self government; independence: The rebels demanded autonomy from Spain.
3. a self-governing community.

My sentence: The people from the village ran their community as an autonomy.

All About Me

My name is Emmy Belding. I am a Junior at San Jose State University majoring in Advertising. I play on the women's soccer team at San Jose State. I love soccer. What I love most about myself is that I am usually always happy. What I do not like about myself is that it takes me forever to get up in the morning. I have really loved my experience here at SJSU so as a student athlete and will graduate next spring 2010. A few of my favorite things include: pasta, the color green, country music, sports, lifetime movies, photography, babysitting and hanging out with my friends/family. I hope you enjoy my blog!