Tuesday, December 11, 2007
Wednesday, December 5, 2007
Weekly Ad Blog
Black Friday: An advertising perspective.
Slick deal searchers and bargain shoppers alike know of black friday, the day after thanksgiving, more than anyone. From standing in line at their local electronic store 12 hours prior to opening to camping out at the shopping mall to get the early bird deals, people go crazy to buy.
Are we really saving? Are we shopping for our Christmas list or shopping for ourselves? The average person sees Black Friday as an event where they can purchase an item below retail. They see this day as an opportunity to save money, but it's quite the opposite.
Every store has a "doorbuster" item--a deal that is sold below cost to attract consumers into the store to purchase other products. Long's drugs does this almost every other week. They sell their soda at 25 cents per can versus 57 cents per can at normal price. These 12-packs are kept at the back of the store to attract customers into the store for the soda and to purchase other items while they are there. Similarly, Best Buy and Target, sold LCD TVs at below cost to attract consumers into their stores. While there are only 12-14 of the TVs available, they were able to attract over 150 different customers to come into the store because of the TV.
The ads do nothing but hype up consumers to believe they are getting the deal of a lifetime, but in reality, it's the company that gets an opportunity to make the best sales in the year.
Words: 257
Slick deal searchers and bargain shoppers alike know of black friday, the day after thanksgiving, more than anyone. From standing in line at their local electronic store 12 hours prior to opening to camping out at the shopping mall to get the early bird deals, people go crazy to buy.
Are we really saving? Are we shopping for our Christmas list or shopping for ourselves? The average person sees Black Friday as an event where they can purchase an item below retail. They see this day as an opportunity to save money, but it's quite the opposite.
Every store has a "doorbuster" item--a deal that is sold below cost to attract consumers into the store to purchase other products. Long's drugs does this almost every other week. They sell their soda at 25 cents per can versus 57 cents per can at normal price. These 12-packs are kept at the back of the store to attract customers into the store for the soda and to purchase other items while they are there. Similarly, Best Buy and Target, sold LCD TVs at below cost to attract consumers into their stores. While there are only 12-14 of the TVs available, they were able to attract over 150 different customers to come into the store because of the TV.
The ads do nothing but hype up consumers to believe they are getting the deal of a lifetime, but in reality, it's the company that gets an opportunity to make the best sales in the year.
Words: 257
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
Weekly Ad Blog
Valley Fair: An advertising warfare.
Have you been to Valley Fair this holiday season? I've never seen so much advertising in a single location. I would say it's comparable to Times Square in New York. It's a mad house, but I love it. We're not talking just posters and billboards. What always tickles my brain is creative advertising, and it's everywhere in the mall. Parking near Macy's, I enter the shopping mall on the second floor and proceed down the escalator. The first thing I noticed when going down was a business man who appears to be fainted on the floor. Everyone looks at him, but no one seems to be helping him up. As I got closer and closer to this stranger, I realized it was a sticker plastered on the floor. Oooh, that got me so angry since I was fooled! Next to the feinted man was a sign. It read: "Don't feint. The new Palm One is only $199." I gave it a chuckle and proceeded to the Apple Store to get my computer fixed.
As I was leaving the Apple Store, I took the stairs up to the second floor. Puma has decided the best place to place an ad would be on the border of each step. If you're standing at the bottom of the floor looking straight at the stairs, the stairs become a wall for the advertisement. Very cool.
There were plenty more which is currently evading my mind, but creative advertising was everywhere. it's a shame they only come up with these ideas during the holiday season.
Have you been to Valley Fair this holiday season? I've never seen so much advertising in a single location. I would say it's comparable to Times Square in New York. It's a mad house, but I love it. We're not talking just posters and billboards. What always tickles my brain is creative advertising, and it's everywhere in the mall. Parking near Macy's, I enter the shopping mall on the second floor and proceed down the escalator. The first thing I noticed when going down was a business man who appears to be fainted on the floor. Everyone looks at him, but no one seems to be helping him up. As I got closer and closer to this stranger, I realized it was a sticker plastered on the floor. Oooh, that got me so angry since I was fooled! Next to the feinted man was a sign. It read: "Don't feint. The new Palm One is only $199." I gave it a chuckle and proceeded to the Apple Store to get my computer fixed.
As I was leaving the Apple Store, I took the stairs up to the second floor. Puma has decided the best place to place an ad would be on the border of each step. If you're standing at the bottom of the floor looking straight at the stairs, the stairs become a wall for the advertisement. Very cool.
There were plenty more which is currently evading my mind, but creative advertising was everywhere. it's a shame they only come up with these ideas during the holiday season.
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
Fish Out of Water
Fish Out Of Water Experience
First and foremost, I am a very heterosexual guy. I have only dated females since my first girlfriend at the age of 15. I have never had any homosexual thoughts or dreams. So for my fish out of water, I thought it would be a good idea to go to a gay bar. I’ve been to many straight clubs and have always enjoyed myself. Aside from what I hear, gay clubs are a lot more fun and upbeat. I decided to look into that. My first initial thoughts and feelings were that Clubs started out as a place to meet up for sex. But now, at heterosexual clubs and bars, people always come with friends and rarely do people pick up on others and take them home. Rarely. Well, what about gay bars? Are they as sexually driven as the straight bars/clubs once were? Time to find out. I had made time to come to Splash, a gay bar, with a female friend. No particular reason as to choosing a female, just that she was the only one willing to go. When I first stepped in, it looked like any average bar. You have the essentials, the stage, and a crowded bar. It was karaoke night. Then you start to see it: The couples, the groups of friends, gay partners, dykes, and so forth. Everyone is eager to sing and when a friend of a group begins to pour their heart out into a song, their friends would encourage them by being backup singers and dancing along with the songs. It was quite an event. Although I had pondered how interesting it would be if I got picked up by a gay guy, it never really happened. Maybe I just wreck of straightness. If anything, it was just really fun. Everybody is so loose and in a good mood. You don’t really have anyone arrogant or bigheaded walking around thinking they can screw anyone, like in the straight bars. I had fun, but probably won’t be returning.
Words: 348
First and foremost, I am a very heterosexual guy. I have only dated females since my first girlfriend at the age of 15. I have never had any homosexual thoughts or dreams. So for my fish out of water, I thought it would be a good idea to go to a gay bar. I’ve been to many straight clubs and have always enjoyed myself. Aside from what I hear, gay clubs are a lot more fun and upbeat. I decided to look into that. My first initial thoughts and feelings were that Clubs started out as a place to meet up for sex. But now, at heterosexual clubs and bars, people always come with friends and rarely do people pick up on others and take them home. Rarely. Well, what about gay bars? Are they as sexually driven as the straight bars/clubs once were? Time to find out. I had made time to come to Splash, a gay bar, with a female friend. No particular reason as to choosing a female, just that she was the only one willing to go. When I first stepped in, it looked like any average bar. You have the essentials, the stage, and a crowded bar. It was karaoke night. Then you start to see it: The couples, the groups of friends, gay partners, dykes, and so forth. Everyone is eager to sing and when a friend of a group begins to pour their heart out into a song, their friends would encourage them by being backup singers and dancing along with the songs. It was quite an event. Although I had pondered how interesting it would be if I got picked up by a gay guy, it never really happened. Maybe I just wreck of straightness. If anything, it was just really fun. Everybody is so loose and in a good mood. You don’t really have anyone arrogant or bigheaded walking around thinking they can screw anyone, like in the straight bars. I had fun, but probably won’t be returning.
Words: 348
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
Microsoft's Zune catching up.
Let me point out that I'm not a fan of Microsoft at all. I don't like the Zune, their "iPod-killer" or any of its features. Microsoft's CEOs said the Zune would destroy the iPod pre-launch only to get slapped in the face by poor sales. It's hard to take any representatives from Microsoft seriously, but I admire their new efforts. Microsoft ditched their old ad agency and revamped their new image for the music player. Have you seen the new commericial? Unbelieveably cool. It's getting a lot of buzz because it's quite unique. I'd say it might even be better the iPod commercials. It sends off a vibe of uniqueness and originality with one's self, instead of "be trendy."
But will the new hip website and commericals do justice? Will it increase Zune's sells? It's tough to say. Zune's entry into the marketplace was poor and instead of re-targeting audiences and sending new messages, they are doing a second entry. "The All New Zune," they say, even thought theres not much new about it other than lower prices to be competitive with the new entries of iPods.
In short: they have great new ads and I admire the effort, but they still have much work to do.
But will the new hip website and commericals do justice? Will it increase Zune's sells? It's tough to say. Zune's entry into the marketplace was poor and instead of re-targeting audiences and sending new messages, they are doing a second entry. "The All New Zune," they say, even thought theres not much new about it other than lower prices to be competitive with the new entries of iPods.
In short: they have great new ads and I admire the effort, but they still have much work to do.
Tuesday, November 6, 2007
Weekly AD Blog
Verizon: If This is Anything Like the IPhone, We Want In
Search engine giant, Google, have announced that they're currently in the process of not only producing a mobile phone, but providing a google user interface as well. The phone service would be free (what Google service isn't?) and the user interface is drawing interest from Verizon Wireless. To provide background information, Verizon and Google have had some trouble getting along in the past. But Verizon is putting aside their differences, according to officials. After passing up on the iPhone, Verizon is looking forward to what Google has to offer. With the staggering success of the iPhone, Verizon is trying to get their hands on the next killer product--hopefully in this case, something sweet from Google. There's nothing more funny and sweet then to see a major corporation, such as Verizon, get slapped in the face. We've all seen the youtube video of the CEOs of various competing companies laughing at Steve Job's face for trying to sell a 600 dollar phone. Now, they're heightening publicity about their involvement with Google as if this was what they had in mind from the beginning. I wonder where the official representative of Verizon who turned down the iPhone is now...
Words: 210
Search engine giant, Google, have announced that they're currently in the process of not only producing a mobile phone, but providing a google user interface as well. The phone service would be free (what Google service isn't?) and the user interface is drawing interest from Verizon Wireless. To provide background information, Verizon and Google have had some trouble getting along in the past. But Verizon is putting aside their differences, according to officials. After passing up on the iPhone, Verizon is looking forward to what Google has to offer. With the staggering success of the iPhone, Verizon is trying to get their hands on the next killer product--hopefully in this case, something sweet from Google. There's nothing more funny and sweet then to see a major corporation, such as Verizon, get slapped in the face. We've all seen the youtube video of the CEOs of various competing companies laughing at Steve Job's face for trying to sell a 600 dollar phone. Now, they're heightening publicity about their involvement with Google as if this was what they had in mind from the beginning. I wonder where the official representative of Verizon who turned down the iPhone is now...
Words: 210
Friday, November 2, 2007
NPR Interview - Fresh Air with Terry Gross
My interview analysis is from the NPR program, Fresh Air, with Terry Gross. This interview was with Brad Bird and Patten Oswald regarding their new movie, Ratatouille, by Pixar. The movie is about a rat named Remy, who has a keen sense of taste and wants to become a chef, but rats are not accepted as such in the human culinary world. The interview opens up with both Bird, the director, and Oswald, the voice actor for Remy, talking about their experience with the movie.
I don’t feel that Terry Gross knew much about the subject prior to the interview. She knew the basic information regarding the movie but nothing in-depth that is trivial or interesting that refreshed the interview. Every question she asked was based on what either Brad or Oswald had previously mentioned. For example, Gross asked, “How did you feel when they called and said you were perfect to play a rat.” Prior to this question, Oswald had just mentioned how Bird said to him, “you’d be perfect to play a rat!” While the interview was still very good, it’s just that the interview felt more free-flowing than it was structured. If Oswald and Bird hadn’t been so talkative and open, I don’t think Gross would’ve been able to pull off that style of interviewing.
She asked very open-ended questions to make sure the interview wasn’t “Yes” and “No” answers. How did you know Patten Oswald would’ve been good for the role? In your search for restaurants as research for the movie, which one was very interesting? They were all very good questions.
Gross did not appear to have a strategy with Bird and Oswald. Both Bird and Oswald took over the interview. Gross did not say or mention anything unless it was a question or a chuckle. She was very free-flowing and went where Bird and Oswald took the interview. Their relationship was very smooth. Nothing was obtrusive and no personalities clashed. Everyone was polite and funny. Oswald is known for his very offensive type of humor in his comedic routines, so it was weird to hear him as such a polite speaker on the interview.
The main thing I learned was that the best thing to do in an interview is to adapt to your interviewees. If peers amongst you are all on the same level, you get more out of the interview, and sometimes even get them to reveal interesting facts that gives your interview more depth instead of forcing structure upon the interview.
Words: 424
I don’t feel that Terry Gross knew much about the subject prior to the interview. She knew the basic information regarding the movie but nothing in-depth that is trivial or interesting that refreshed the interview. Every question she asked was based on what either Brad or Oswald had previously mentioned. For example, Gross asked, “How did you feel when they called and said you were perfect to play a rat.” Prior to this question, Oswald had just mentioned how Bird said to him, “you’d be perfect to play a rat!” While the interview was still very good, it’s just that the interview felt more free-flowing than it was structured. If Oswald and Bird hadn’t been so talkative and open, I don’t think Gross would’ve been able to pull off that style of interviewing.
She asked very open-ended questions to make sure the interview wasn’t “Yes” and “No” answers. How did you know Patten Oswald would’ve been good for the role? In your search for restaurants as research for the movie, which one was very interesting? They were all very good questions.
Gross did not appear to have a strategy with Bird and Oswald. Both Bird and Oswald took over the interview. Gross did not say or mention anything unless it was a question or a chuckle. She was very free-flowing and went where Bird and Oswald took the interview. Their relationship was very smooth. Nothing was obtrusive and no personalities clashed. Everyone was polite and funny. Oswald is known for his very offensive type of humor in his comedic routines, so it was weird to hear him as such a polite speaker on the interview.
The main thing I learned was that the best thing to do in an interview is to adapt to your interviewees. If peers amongst you are all on the same level, you get more out of the interview, and sometimes even get them to reveal interesting facts that gives your interview more depth instead of forcing structure upon the interview.
Words: 424
Sunday, October 28, 2007
Weekly AD Blog
GM's new spin: Buy a Hummer, Save Humanity
Hummers and gas prices are taboo: And in an age where we are becoming more and more aware of gas prices and the soaring prices of oil, we look to alternative sources of fuel. Hybrids are becoming more availabe along with more fuel efficient cars. So what about the Hummer? How can such a situational and gas hungry (not to mention outragiously huge for civilian use) position themselves to continue to sell? Behold, the grace of marketing: Buy a Hummer, Save Humanity.
In a new campaign by GM, Hummers are shown in their heroic positions: Delivering water to a Post-Hurrican Katrina situation, pulling a helpless civilian from falling to the cracks of hell.
This has been quite the drama in the advertising world since its commercials have exploited the simple hummer features to appear as if the Hummer saves lives. Is this a smart position or a terrible marketing strategy? Will people buy it?
In my opinion, it's quite witty, but misses the target audience completely. This campaign tarkets the humanitarian societies within America. Humanitarians is possibly the worst demographic that you can target for this type of car. Or maybe they can, but it will have to be a very convincing campaign that constantly reaffirms the image of the Hummer, which is a huge risk if it misses and wastes millions of dollars.
I think they should stick with the rich who desires lavish cars. Or keeping replenishing our Gov.
Hummers and gas prices are taboo: And in an age where we are becoming more and more aware of gas prices and the soaring prices of oil, we look to alternative sources of fuel. Hybrids are becoming more availabe along with more fuel efficient cars. So what about the Hummer? How can such a situational and gas hungry (not to mention outragiously huge for civilian use) position themselves to continue to sell? Behold, the grace of marketing: Buy a Hummer, Save Humanity.
In a new campaign by GM, Hummers are shown in their heroic positions: Delivering water to a Post-Hurrican Katrina situation, pulling a helpless civilian from falling to the cracks of hell.
This has been quite the drama in the advertising world since its commercials have exploited the simple hummer features to appear as if the Hummer saves lives. Is this a smart position or a terrible marketing strategy? Will people buy it?
In my opinion, it's quite witty, but misses the target audience completely. This campaign tarkets the humanitarian societies within America. Humanitarians is possibly the worst demographic that you can target for this type of car. Or maybe they can, but it will have to be a very convincing campaign that constantly reaffirms the image of the Hummer, which is a huge risk if it misses and wastes millions of dollars.
I think they should stick with the rich who desires lavish cars. Or keeping replenishing our Gov.
Monday, October 22, 2007
Mystery Character
First things first: Don’t believe what you read about me in the tabloids. My partner and I are generally talked about and on the front cover of most tabloids, but it’s not true--We are truly in love. We have adopted many children from around the world, but have one of our own. I’ve been known for my very sexy and sensual lips and curvy body. I use to have a very wild side that I showed off on the red carpet--Leather pants, big red lips, and a very loose top. I was once in love with an older man who I’ve had a very public relationship with. In fact, I even tattooed his name to my arm. But since then, we grew apart and I settled down. I’m more conservative, for my children, and my self. I’m not married but we don’t need to be, because we already love each other so much.
Words: 122
ANSWER: http://s5.photobucket.com/albums/y178/Liv85/?action=view¤t=mysterycharacter.jpg
Words: 122
ANSWER: http://s5.photobucket.com/albums/y178/Liv85/?action=view¤t=mysterycharacter.jpg
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
Weekly Events
AdAge: Nintendo named Marketer of the year.
This story is so poetic and inspirational that it could hold it's own as a hollywood movie. For a bit of background information, Nintendo was one of the best gaming system back in late 80s. With the apporaching decade and premiere of Sony's and Microsoft's gaming system, Nintendo hit an all time low. They had a problem. Sony and Microsoft's expansive graphics system defeated Nintendo's current system, GameCube, and sales were pummeling downwards. The next console war would determine if Nintendo went bankerupt or yet another median kid's console. My, how the tables turned. Their new system, Wii, not only outsold the XBox 360 and Sony Playstation 3, it soldout for two quarters straight during the first year. What was the answer? Marketing research. They knew they had no competition against the graphics of the XBOX and PS, so they marketed a new segment: Everyone but the core 18-23 year old teens. And it worked. Their marketing campaign concentrated on showcasing the game console as a more healthier entertainment that involves social networking and interactive gameplay. Their ads showed young children, adults and parents, and even old grannies duking it out in bowling, tennis, and baseball on the Wii.
It's a great story of how Nintendo won the market back from a vigorous war.
Words: 215
This story is so poetic and inspirational that it could hold it's own as a hollywood movie. For a bit of background information, Nintendo was one of the best gaming system back in late 80s. With the apporaching decade and premiere of Sony's and Microsoft's gaming system, Nintendo hit an all time low. They had a problem. Sony and Microsoft's expansive graphics system defeated Nintendo's current system, GameCube, and sales were pummeling downwards. The next console war would determine if Nintendo went bankerupt or yet another median kid's console. My, how the tables turned. Their new system, Wii, not only outsold the XBox 360 and Sony Playstation 3, it soldout for two quarters straight during the first year. What was the answer? Marketing research. They knew they had no competition against the graphics of the XBOX and PS, so they marketed a new segment: Everyone but the core 18-23 year old teens. And it worked. Their marketing campaign concentrated on showcasing the game console as a more healthier entertainment that involves social networking and interactive gameplay. Their ads showed young children, adults and parents, and even old grannies duking it out in bowling, tennis, and baseball on the Wii.
It's a great story of how Nintendo won the market back from a vigorous war.
Words: 215
Monday, October 1, 2007
Word of the Week
Heinous
Source: Time Magazine (current issue)
How it was used: "Earlier in our history there was a code of some sense of respect, even among the most heinous criminals, that you would never harm a police officer, certainly never kill a police officer."
Definition:
–adjective
hateful; odious; abominable; totally reprehensible: a heinous offense.
My sentence: Steve's condescending attitude towards his wife was heinous, she left him for another lover.
Source: Time Magazine (current issue)
How it was used: "Earlier in our history there was a code of some sense of respect, even among the most heinous criminals, that you would never harm a police officer, certainly never kill a police officer."
Definition:
–adjective
hateful; odious; abominable; totally reprehensible: a heinous offense.
My sentence: Steve's condescending attitude towards his wife was heinous, she left him for another lover.
Sunday, September 23, 2007
Word of the Week
Gimlet
Source: Time Magazine (current issue)
How it was used: "...artiests from Brussels, chefs from Rome, legions of gimlet-eyed businessmen from Taipei..."
Definition:
n.
A small hand tool having a spiraled shank, a screw tip, and a cross handle and used for boring holes.
A cocktail made with vodka or gin, sweetened lime juice, and sometimes effervescent water and garnished with a slice of lime.
tr.v. gim·let·ed, gim·let·ing, gim·lets
To penetrate with or as if with a gimlet.
adj. Having a penetrating or piercing quality: gimlet eyes.
My sentence: His loud whistle was gimletting through the sky.
Source: Time Magazine (current issue)
How it was used: "...artiests from Brussels, chefs from Rome, legions of gimlet-eyed businessmen from Taipei..."
Definition:
n.
A small hand tool having a spiraled shank, a screw tip, and a cross handle and used for boring holes.
A cocktail made with vodka or gin, sweetened lime juice, and sometimes effervescent water and garnished with a slice of lime.
tr.v. gim·let·ed, gim·let·ing, gim·lets
To penetrate with or as if with a gimlet.
adj. Having a penetrating or piercing quality: gimlet eyes.
My sentence: His loud whistle was gimletting through the sky.
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
Journal #2 - Media Audiences
Topic: Andrew Meyer of UoF gets shocked by Police at a Q&A panel for John Kerry when he begins to get a bit agitated and resist Police officers trying to escort him offstage. The whole scene gets captured on video and makes headline news.
Web:
The web’s version of the story is 848 words long and approximately 4 pages. It contains 10 sources. It was more inline with print coverage as it was a bit more lengthy and informative than most broadcast coverage. In terms of coverage, I would say the web gives the most out of the other media forms. There are multiple websites that was able to provide more information from many (reliable and unreliable) sources giving the story many perspectives ranging from the authority’s side to the outspoken public.
Television:
The story hit headline news with CNN and they were able to get their hands on the video making the coverage even more dramatic and sensational. I quoted 7 sources from the coverage taping at about 2 minutes long. The details were harder to grasp as it came at me a lot faster than the web did.
Newspaper:
The Miami Herald had an article on the issue that contained 510 words and about 1.5 pages. There are only 4 quoted sources in the story, all similar to those from the previous sources. The article was accompanied by a photo of Andrew Meyer trying to escape the clenching fists of the police officers as his mic gets cuts off and he tries to run.
Words: 267
Web:
The web’s version of the story is 848 words long and approximately 4 pages. It contains 10 sources. It was more inline with print coverage as it was a bit more lengthy and informative than most broadcast coverage. In terms of coverage, I would say the web gives the most out of the other media forms. There are multiple websites that was able to provide more information from many (reliable and unreliable) sources giving the story many perspectives ranging from the authority’s side to the outspoken public.
Television:
The story hit headline news with CNN and they were able to get their hands on the video making the coverage even more dramatic and sensational. I quoted 7 sources from the coverage taping at about 2 minutes long. The details were harder to grasp as it came at me a lot faster than the web did.
Newspaper:
The Miami Herald had an article on the issue that contained 510 words and about 1.5 pages. There are only 4 quoted sources in the story, all similar to those from the previous sources. The article was accompanied by a photo of Andrew Meyer trying to escape the clenching fists of the police officers as his mic gets cuts off and he tries to run.
Words: 267
Word of the Week 3
Intangible
Source: Marketing: An introduction by Armstrong/Kotler
How it was used: “It took no account of the intangibles—Coke’s name, history…”
Definition:
–adjective
1. not tangible; incapable of being perceived by the sense of touch, as incorporeal or immaterial things; impalpable.
2. not definite or clear to the mind: intangible arguments.
3. (of an asset) existing only in connection with something else, as the goodwill of a business.
–noun
4. something intangible, esp. an intangible asset: Intangibles are hard to value.
My sentence: The kiss symbolized something intangible about their relationship.
Words: 98
Source: Marketing: An introduction by Armstrong/Kotler
How it was used: “It took no account of the intangibles—Coke’s name, history…”
Definition:
–adjective
1. not tangible; incapable of being perceived by the sense of touch, as incorporeal or immaterial things; impalpable.
2. not definite or clear to the mind: intangible arguments.
3. (of an asset) existing only in connection with something else, as the goodwill of a business.
–noun
4. something intangible, esp. an intangible asset: Intangibles are hard to value.
My sentence: The kiss symbolized something intangible about their relationship.
Words: 98
Thursday, September 13, 2007
Copy Edit The World
Update: I included the rest of my edit the world material in this section.
"Destro" should be "Destroy"
"You can't move and you neither you.." The extra "you" is an error.
"ower" should be "over"
UPDATE HERE :)
Flesh Drink? Nothing as good as bone marrow smoothie! (should be fresh drink).
Everyone cool poops in their hands while rocking out with Elmo. (Crap should be Clap).
Batman has identity issues. (Superman should say Batman).
No SMMking, but smoking is ok. (Smmking should be smoking)
"Destro" should be "Destroy"
"You can't move and you neither you.." The extra "you" is an error.
"ower" should be "over"
UPDATE HERE :)
Flesh Drink? Nothing as good as bone marrow smoothie! (should be fresh drink).
Everyone cool poops in their hands while rocking out with Elmo. (Crap should be Clap).
Batman has identity issues. (Superman should say Batman).
No SMMking, but smoking is ok. (Smmking should be smoking)
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
Word of the Week 2
Dissent
Source: Hazelwood School District v. Kulmeier (www.lexis.com)
How it was used: On my behalf, I would like to further explain the reasoning on my dissent.
Definition:
intr.v. dis·sent·ed, dis·sent·ing, dis·sents
1. To differ in opinion or feeling; disagree.
2. To withhold assent or approval.
n.
1. Difference of opinion or feeling; disagreement.
2. The refusal to conform to the authority or doctrine of an established church; nonconformity.
3. Law A justice's refusal to concur with the opinion of a majority, as on a higher court. Also called dissenting opinion.
My sentence: She had a dissenting opinion on the generic condom brand.
Words: 102
Source: Hazelwood School District v. Kulmeier (www.lexis.com)
How it was used: On my behalf, I would like to further explain the reasoning on my dissent.
Definition:
intr.v. dis·sent·ed, dis·sent·ing, dis·sents
1. To differ in opinion or feeling; disagree.
2. To withhold assent or approval.
n.
1. Difference of opinion or feeling; disagreement.
2. The refusal to conform to the authority or doctrine of an established church; nonconformity.
3. Law A justice's refusal to concur with the opinion of a majority, as on a higher court. Also called dissenting opinion.
My sentence: She had a dissenting opinion on the generic condom brand.
Words: 102
Scenery Piece
Taking the bus home…
As the bus set into motion, I stumbled down the walkway grabbing on from one shiny pole to another to keep myself from falling. Every seat was filled in the first two rows and the elderly already took the good seats. I scan the seats from left to right as I continue to stagger towards the end of the bus. One appeared to be open next to a lady who looked a bit odd. Her hair was nappy and frolicking from the wind gushing through the slit in the window. She no longer looked odd. I examined her more closely. In fact, she was unappealing and distasteful. A tiny stench came about as I moved closer to her. It was the scent of tree bark mixed with cinnamon that was coming from her gum that she chewed so openly with her mouth wide open and lips churning about, forming tiny bubbles of saliva at the corners of her mouth. I slowed my pace debating whether I wanted to censor myself and turn around or keep going towards the seat in the back corner. My mind couldn’t decide so my chubby ankles moved my body swiftly passed the lady and I hopped into the corner seat. I turned on my iPod, closed my eyes, and realized how cruel my mind was for judging individuals I did not know. I let out a brief chuckle, smirked, and got lost in the music.
Words: 244
As the bus set into motion, I stumbled down the walkway grabbing on from one shiny pole to another to keep myself from falling. Every seat was filled in the first two rows and the elderly already took the good seats. I scan the seats from left to right as I continue to stagger towards the end of the bus. One appeared to be open next to a lady who looked a bit odd. Her hair was nappy and frolicking from the wind gushing through the slit in the window. She no longer looked odd. I examined her more closely. In fact, she was unappealing and distasteful. A tiny stench came about as I moved closer to her. It was the scent of tree bark mixed with cinnamon that was coming from her gum that she chewed so openly with her mouth wide open and lips churning about, forming tiny bubbles of saliva at the corners of her mouth. I slowed my pace debating whether I wanted to censor myself and turn around or keep going towards the seat in the back corner. My mind couldn’t decide so my chubby ankles moved my body swiftly passed the lady and I hopped into the corner seat. I turned on my iPod, closed my eyes, and realized how cruel my mind was for judging individuals I did not know. I let out a brief chuckle, smirked, and got lost in the music.
Words: 244
Newspaper Opinion Piece
Immigration Issue in California
Reference:
Immigration is Destroying California by Alan Caruba (http://www.rightwingnews.com/reader/immigrationcal.php)
At what point do we say enough is enough? Where is a sign posted stating we can only have X amount of illegal aliens before we start pushing them away? Is there such thing as an illegal alien? It just sounds ironic. This is a land of immigrants. Everyone has come from a different country to build this state and country. So are Latinos too late? Have we accepted too many of them? We cannot deny that immigrants are the building blocks of California. Cheap supply labor, great economy, and great diversity. Yes, there are some bad factors as well: Low wage families, welfare, medi-cal, etc. But with such an issue that is so complex and huge, how can we compare and weigh out the good and the bad?
The L.A. article, "Infinite Ingress" by Lee Green said that immigration was the problem of overcrowding in California. California is not overcrowded, by the slightest. Using an immigration as an excuse for a problem that doesn't exist shows much animosity against Latinos (his target "immigrant"). As Alan Caruba said in his article, I too, have flown over California and there is much space in our state. People love to live near urban areas. San Francisco, San Diego, Los Angeles, etc, will always be crowded because they are the productive cities in California. No one wants to live in the middle of nowhereland, immigrant or not. This is not overcrowding, this is normal.
Reference:
Immigration is Destroying California by Alan Caruba (http://www.rightwingnews.com/reader/immigrationcal.php)
At what point do we say enough is enough? Where is a sign posted stating we can only have X amount of illegal aliens before we start pushing them away? Is there such thing as an illegal alien? It just sounds ironic. This is a land of immigrants. Everyone has come from a different country to build this state and country. So are Latinos too late? Have we accepted too many of them? We cannot deny that immigrants are the building blocks of California. Cheap supply labor, great economy, and great diversity. Yes, there are some bad factors as well: Low wage families, welfare, medi-cal, etc. But with such an issue that is so complex and huge, how can we compare and weigh out the good and the bad?
The L.A. article, "Infinite Ingress" by Lee Green said that immigration was the problem of overcrowding in California. California is not overcrowded, by the slightest. Using an immigration as an excuse for a problem that doesn't exist shows much animosity against Latinos (his target "immigrant"). As Alan Caruba said in his article, I too, have flown over California and there is much space in our state. People love to live near urban areas. San Francisco, San Diego, Los Angeles, etc, will always be crowded because they are the productive cities in California. No one wants to live in the middle of nowhereland, immigrant or not. This is not overcrowding, this is normal.
Tuesday, September 4, 2007
Word of the Week — vocabulary enrichment
Sybaritic
Source: Why People Buy Things They Don’t Need by Pamela Danziger
How it was used: Intimate Brands: Devoted to Sybaritic Pleasure
Definition:
1.(usually lowercase) pertaining to or characteristic of a sybarite; characterized by or loving luxury or sensuous pleasure: to wallow in sybaritic splendor.
2. of, pertaining to, or characteristic of Sybaris or its inhabitants.
My sentence: Kevin Federline enjoyed his sybaritic lifestyle with Brittany Spears until it was destroyed.
71 Words
Source: Why People Buy Things They Don’t Need by Pamela Danziger
How it was used: Intimate Brands: Devoted to Sybaritic Pleasure
Definition:
1.(usually lowercase) pertaining to or characteristic of a sybarite; characterized by or loving luxury or sensuous pleasure: to wallow in sybaritic splendor.
2. of, pertaining to, or characteristic of Sybaris or its inhabitants.
My sentence: Kevin Federline enjoyed his sybaritic lifestyle with Brittany Spears until it was destroyed.
71 Words
Journal #1 — My Favorite Writing
My favorite type of writing is non-fiction. With non-fiction, you can really let your imagination go wild and not have to worry about restriction as with other types of writing. What really got me into non-fiction was a series of comic books called The Sandman by Neil Gaiman. This isn’t your average kid comic book. Gaiman tends to write and create characters with a very dark background and gloomy settings. What makes The Sandman so wonderful is that it is actually a non-fiction novel in comic book format, a combination of my two favorite formats, and the graphics really help bring the series alive.
103 Words
103 Words
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
All About Me
The name "Pham" comes from a Vietnamese background, but I was born in San Jose, CA. In terms of education, I first went to San Diego State University for three years completing my science background in general chemistry, organic chemistry, and physics. I had initially wanted to go to pharmacy school, but was uninterested after I worked in an actual pharmacy. I do love drugs and pharmaceutical studies, so I have thought about going into pharmaceutical sales with an advertising degree. That's when I made the decision to move back home and attend San Jose State University and pursue a degree in advertising. It's my second year and I'm extremely happy with the decision I have made. I have slightly curved my interest towards graphic design and illustrations, but still want to become a sales representative for a major pharmaceutical company in the end. On my spare time, I like to watch Food Network in a 4" window on my computer monitor as I effectively use the rest of my 20" screen for Illustrator, Photoshop, or InDesign. I do a bit of freelance advertising work, using the money just to eat something other than 99-cent double cheeseburgers. If I'm not slaving away in front of my iMac, I'm in San Francisco either for dinner or going to a nightclub. I don't really dance much anymore, but I love music. I love vocal trance and hard house. These genres of music can be experienced on the weekend at Ruby Skye, which has been deemed the #1 Club in San Francisco, DNA Lounge, or 1015 Folsom. I love the "night owl" lifestyle--the scene, people, music, and excitement. The day that I can't stay up past 3 a.m. is the day I kill myself. Life would be not worth living.
Words: 298
Words: 298
Monday, August 27, 2007
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