Monday, May 17, 2010
Friday, May 14, 2010
Blog 11 - IMHO #2
A year ago, I visited Hawaii for my spring break. I used my ATM card to withdraw cash on several occasions while I was there. When I got back to San Jose, I checked my bank balance and found that I had overdrawn on my account. Over that, Bank of America had charged me two overdraft fees of $ 35 each. It was completely my fault, but they ended up revoking the fees as it had been my first time. A few weeks ago, I read an article in the New York Times and it stated that U.S banks make over $ 37 billion in overdraft fees a year. Now, I agree that banks should charge fees when a customers go over their limit. However, the ways in which they do it are completely unethical. Banks are clearly profiting from the mistakes and misfortunes of their customers.
This issue has been in the spotlight over the past year or so. Bank customers have launched several complaints over how they have been treated. In October 2009, there was a case with Bank of America customer, Tam Tran. He had to pay over $ 5,000 in overdraft fees. The bank kept charging him for transactions without notice. He didn't have adequate funds in his account but the bank approved the transactions because it claimed he was a trusted customer. I still maintain that people should monitor their accounts and learn how to manage their money. But, banks are conducting unethical practices when they capitalize on the mistakes of their clients. The fact that America's largest banks, including Citibank, Wells Fargo, and Bank of America, have gained over $ 37 billion in revenue from overdraft fees is a complete outrage.
The problem I have with this issue is that banks aim to profit from their customers when they are supposed to be protecting them. When an individual opens an account in a bank, he or she is trusting it with his or her money. It absolutely should not allow you to spend money that you don't have and then charge you a fee on top of that. Banks have billions of dollars in reserves and can easily cover customer's petty transactions. A person being charged a $ 35 fee for a $ 2 cup of coffee is wrong. I realize that, like everybody else, banks are trying to make money. However, the terms and conditions of overdraft fees are completely unethical.
I am happy that this issue has been brought to the Federal Courts. After all, I am a victim of this malpractice, even though I take full blame for my action. I am happy to report that Bank Of America has announced that it is ending overdraft fees on debit cards. This is a step in the right direction.
References:
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/03/10/your-money/credit-and-debit-cards/10overdraft.html
http://www.forbes.com/feeds/afx/2009/10/30/afx7068152.html
http://www.usatoday.com/money/perfi/credit/2009-09-28-overdraft-fees-anger-regulation_N.htm
http://www.theatlantic.com/business/archive/2009/08/americans-pay-38-billion-of-bank-overdraft-fees-a-year/23020/
This issue has been in the spotlight over the past year or so. Bank customers have launched several complaints over how they have been treated. In October 2009, there was a case with Bank of America customer, Tam Tran. He had to pay over $ 5,000 in overdraft fees. The bank kept charging him for transactions without notice. He didn't have adequate funds in his account but the bank approved the transactions because it claimed he was a trusted customer. I still maintain that people should monitor their accounts and learn how to manage their money. But, banks are conducting unethical practices when they capitalize on the mistakes of their clients. The fact that America's largest banks, including Citibank, Wells Fargo, and Bank of America, have gained over $ 37 billion in revenue from overdraft fees is a complete outrage.
The problem I have with this issue is that banks aim to profit from their customers when they are supposed to be protecting them. When an individual opens an account in a bank, he or she is trusting it with his or her money. It absolutely should not allow you to spend money that you don't have and then charge you a fee on top of that. Banks have billions of dollars in reserves and can easily cover customer's petty transactions. A person being charged a $ 35 fee for a $ 2 cup of coffee is wrong. I realize that, like everybody else, banks are trying to make money. However, the terms and conditions of overdraft fees are completely unethical.
I am happy that this issue has been brought to the Federal Courts. After all, I am a victim of this malpractice, even though I take full blame for my action. I am happy to report that Bank Of America has announced that it is ending overdraft fees on debit cards. This is a step in the right direction.
References:
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/03/10/your-money/credit-and-debit-cards/10overdraft.html
http://www.forbes.com/feeds/afx/2009/10/30/afx7068152.html
http://www.usatoday.com/money/perfi/credit/2009-09-28-overdraft-fees-anger-regulation_N.htm
http://www.theatlantic.com/business/archive/2009/08/americans-pay-38-billion-of-bank-overdraft-fees-a-year/23020/
Blog 6 - NPR Radio Interview Analysis
I did my analysis on a segment called “Is the Planet Facing A Mass Extinction?” It was a part of the Talk of the Nation program. The host of the show was a man named Paul Raeburn. He was very knowledgeable on the topic and was very well informed of all that was going on in regard to it. He knew relevant facts and history. The main point of his introduction was that about one-third of the world’s species are now threatened with extinction. He was interviewing a group of biologists and ecologists. They were all professors and were all conducting research at top universities.
Raeburn started off with some rudimentary questions. He asked his guests the nature of their professions to get a feel of what they do. Then he dived straight in to more detailed questions about the topic at hand. He was interested on his guests take on a recent U.N report on an increase in number of endangered species in the world. This triggered many more questions about the guest’s respective research and findings. Raeburn fully understood the answers and would give his own input and views before posing another question. He would also state justifications for why he was posing these questions before he actually asked them.
To me, this segment was more of discussion amongst professionals of the field rather than a radio interview from a host who was trying to cover a story. Every individual was qualified and they were all respectful of each other’s opinions. I do not recall any inappropriate or irrelevant answers. Raeburn was very much in charge. He posed questions to the individual he thought could give the best answer. It seemed like he knew his guests very well prior to the interview, and he knew exactly how to get the best out of all of them.
I learnt that knowledge is very important when interviewing a guest. You must cover all the bases. If you are going to interview an individual who is well qualified in a certain field, then you need to be prepared with intelligent questions and appropriate input. I kept in mind that this was a radio show that people tune in to listen to. The objective of the interviewer should be to provide the best possible listening experience. So the interviewer needs to pose questions that will deliver informative and thought provoking answers.
Raeburn started off with some rudimentary questions. He asked his guests the nature of their professions to get a feel of what they do. Then he dived straight in to more detailed questions about the topic at hand. He was interested on his guests take on a recent U.N report on an increase in number of endangered species in the world. This triggered many more questions about the guest’s respective research and findings. Raeburn fully understood the answers and would give his own input and views before posing another question. He would also state justifications for why he was posing these questions before he actually asked them.
To me, this segment was more of discussion amongst professionals of the field rather than a radio interview from a host who was trying to cover a story. Every individual was qualified and they were all respectful of each other’s opinions. I do not recall any inappropriate or irrelevant answers. Raeburn was very much in charge. He posed questions to the individual he thought could give the best answer. It seemed like he knew his guests very well prior to the interview, and he knew exactly how to get the best out of all of them.
I learnt that knowledge is very important when interviewing a guest. You must cover all the bases. If you are going to interview an individual who is well qualified in a certain field, then you need to be prepared with intelligent questions and appropriate input. I kept in mind that this was a radio show that people tune in to listen to. The objective of the interviewer should be to provide the best possible listening experience. So the interviewer needs to pose questions that will deliver informative and thought provoking answers.
Blog 9 - Japanese Internment Memorial essay
The Japanese internment was the forced relocation of Japanese and Japanese-American people living along the Pacific Coast of the United States. This occurred in 1942, after Japan’s attacks on Pearl Harbor in December of the previous year. Over a hundred thousand people of Japanese origin were banished to official military zones labeled “exclusion zones.” The order was given by then President Franklin Roosevelt on February 19, 1942. Multiple branches of government were involved in rounding up Japanese people.
Ruth Asawa was one of the many unfortunate people to be relocated to an internment camp. However, Her story did have a happy ending. After all, she is one of the main reasons for this blog post. She created the Japanese Internment Memorial that we visited for our field trip.
I found it to be an extraordinary piece of art. It represented a real occurrence in this nation’s history. There’s no denying that the Japanese internment was a mistake, but more on that later. However, the fact remains that it happened and is very much a part of American history. There is no way to change it so why not embrace it and use it as a source of strength and culture. This is exactly what Ruth Asawa accomplished with her sculpture.
There were a couple vignettes that caught my eye at the memorial. The first one was of the Japanese victims being herded onto the train to take them away to one of the internment camps. I can imagine that many people were in disbelief at what was happening to them. Let’s keep in mind that the majority of those interned were American citizens. Getting their rights trampled on by their own government must have truly outraged them. I think the act of boarding the trains was the point at which those unfortunate people realized that what was happening to them was in fact a reality. At that moment, their lives changed forever.
Another vignette that intrigued me was one of a family being supervised while they were gathering their belongings from their home. There were many different camps scattered around the U.S. The victims were not informed of where they were being sent and therefore could not pack accordingly. There existed camps in locations like Wisconsin, which gets very cold in the winter. The point is that these people had no idea what to expect and were bound to be ill prepared for the journey ahead. It was truly a crime against humanity.
In 1988, Congress passed legislation signed by President Ronald Reagan that apologized for the actions of the U.S Government in regard to the Japanese Internment. Branches of government that initially denied any involvement in this matter ended up confessing. For example, the United Census Bureau provided confidential information on the Japanese victims. At first, they denied it but in 2007, their involvement was proven
But with all said and done, the Japanese Internment was a dreadfully bad mistake in every sense of the meaning. Will something like this ever happen again? To be honest, it would not surprise me if it did. Men are capable of great and terrible things. I like to think we are more intelligent and advanced than people were all those years ago. But history has a way of repeating itself. Although, I don’t believe something of that magnitude and extremity could reoccur, I think that something similar is completely possible.
Ruth Asawa was one of the many unfortunate people to be relocated to an internment camp. However, Her story did have a happy ending. After all, she is one of the main reasons for this blog post. She created the Japanese Internment Memorial that we visited for our field trip.
I found it to be an extraordinary piece of art. It represented a real occurrence in this nation’s history. There’s no denying that the Japanese internment was a mistake, but more on that later. However, the fact remains that it happened and is very much a part of American history. There is no way to change it so why not embrace it and use it as a source of strength and culture. This is exactly what Ruth Asawa accomplished with her sculpture.
There were a couple vignettes that caught my eye at the memorial. The first one was of the Japanese victims being herded onto the train to take them away to one of the internment camps. I can imagine that many people were in disbelief at what was happening to them. Let’s keep in mind that the majority of those interned were American citizens. Getting their rights trampled on by their own government must have truly outraged them. I think the act of boarding the trains was the point at which those unfortunate people realized that what was happening to them was in fact a reality. At that moment, their lives changed forever.
Another vignette that intrigued me was one of a family being supervised while they were gathering their belongings from their home. There were many different camps scattered around the U.S. The victims were not informed of where they were being sent and therefore could not pack accordingly. There existed camps in locations like Wisconsin, which gets very cold in the winter. The point is that these people had no idea what to expect and were bound to be ill prepared for the journey ahead. It was truly a crime against humanity.
In 1988, Congress passed legislation signed by President Ronald Reagan that apologized for the actions of the U.S Government in regard to the Japanese Internment. Branches of government that initially denied any involvement in this matter ended up confessing. For example, the United Census Bureau provided confidential information on the Japanese victims. At first, they denied it but in 2007, their involvement was proven
But with all said and done, the Japanese Internment was a dreadfully bad mistake in every sense of the meaning. Will something like this ever happen again? To be honest, it would not surprise me if it did. Men are capable of great and terrible things. I like to think we are more intelligent and advanced than people were all those years ago. But history has a way of repeating itself. Although, I don’t believe something of that magnitude and extremity could reoccur, I think that something similar is completely possible.
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Copy Edit The World
"Boneless Chicken Breats: $ 2.99 per Lb"
Correction: Breast
I saw this sign in the meat and poultry section of a Mui Pueblo Foodstuff branch near my house.
Correction: Breast
I saw this sign in the meat and poultry section of a Mui Pueblo Foodstuff branch near my house.
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Blog 10 - Fish Out of Water
I attended the SJSU International House's Pancake Breakfast which took place on April 11th. They host this event twice a year. The International house is an SJSU dormitory which house 72 international and U.S residents. The Pancake Breakfast takes place once every Fall and Spring semester. The house is transformed into restaurant and they serve a buffet breakfast with cuisine from many countries. The residents take on different roles like cooks, waiters, and hosts. It is organized by the house's resident advisers with the help of the director and the office manager. This semester's attendance figure was a record.
I found this event to be relevant to this assignment because it involved people with different cultures and racial backgrounds. It's interesting to see individuals with distinct origins combine and work together as a team. The language barrier was quite apparent. I noticed that many of the Asian residents were not as adept at English as the others. However, they were making a genuine effort. They could understand and be understood, which ultimately is the goal of two way communication.
The residents were like a family. I guess that is natural when you are living under the same roof. There was a very positive feeling about this place though. Most of the residents spend a total of one year there since they are on exchange programs. That drives them to make the most of their time in the United States. They just seemed to me like a very close-knit group.
The event was very enjoyable. There was great food, entertainment, and plenty of happy people. The only negative thing was the weather; It was raining. What I liked most was that it was very multicultural. I even met someone from Mauritania.
The most important thing I took from this experience was that it was an example of a productive system. People usually put aside their differences when asked to work together. In this case, they embraced their differences and that made them special. It goes to show that different cultures and races can learn to live and work together peacefully and successfully.
I found this event to be relevant to this assignment because it involved people with different cultures and racial backgrounds. It's interesting to see individuals with distinct origins combine and work together as a team. The language barrier was quite apparent. I noticed that many of the Asian residents were not as adept at English as the others. However, they were making a genuine effort. They could understand and be understood, which ultimately is the goal of two way communication.
The residents were like a family. I guess that is natural when you are living under the same roof. There was a very positive feeling about this place though. Most of the residents spend a total of one year there since they are on exchange programs. That drives them to make the most of their time in the United States. They just seemed to me like a very close-knit group.
The event was very enjoyable. There was great food, entertainment, and plenty of happy people. The only negative thing was the weather; It was raining. What I liked most was that it was very multicultural. I even met someone from Mauritania.
The most important thing I took from this experience was that it was an example of a productive system. People usually put aside their differences when asked to work together. In this case, they embraced their differences and that made them special. It goes to show that different cultures and races can learn to live and work together peacefully and successfully.
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Word of the Week #10
1. Magisterial
2. "Lionel Messi turned in a magisterial performance against Arsenal."
3. Magisterial: (adj) 1. having or shown great authority; domineering, dictatorial.
4. The police office showed up at the crime scene and his leadership was nothing short of magisterial.
2. "Lionel Messi turned in a magisterial performance against Arsenal."
3. Magisterial: (adj) 1. having or shown great authority; domineering, dictatorial.
4. The police office showed up at the crime scene and his leadership was nothing short of magisterial.
Sunday, April 11, 2010
Blog #8 - IMHO #1
I decided to write my opinion piece on the War in Afghanistan and the War in Iraq. These wars have come to be known as the "War on Terror." The Afghanistan war started on October 7, 2001 and is still in progress. The intention was to apprehend the Al Qaeda, specifically Osama Bin Laden. The U.S government believed them to be behind the tragic September 11 attacks. My problem with this matter is how it expanded, and why it is still continuing today.
The reason for going into Afghanistan was legitimate. Every effort possible had to be made to arrest the terrorists behind the attacks. However, in March of 2003, the U.S focused its attention on Iraq. The government claimed that there were ties between Saddam Hussein and Osama Bin Laden, and also that Iraq were in possession of weapons of mass destruction. This was proved incorrect after former U.N representative, Hans Blix, performed a check and found nothing. The U.S still proceeded with the attacks on Baghdad to capture Saddam Hussein. The world sat back and watched as the U.S, along with the coalition, occupied Iraq for near to no reason. To me, it just seemed too easy. Granted, Saddam Hussein was a psychotic dictator. Why is that the U.S's problem? Iraq posed absolutely no threat to U.S national security. What right did the U.S have to invade them and harm innocent people?
The idea of going into Afghanistan was to find Osama Bin Laden amongst others. The U.S government have come no closer to finding him since they set out to look for him nine years ago. Recently, President Barack Obama ordered the deployment of 30,000 troops to Afghanistan. Why stay in Afghanistan? To ensure security? What right does the U.S have to make predetermined decisions? Afghanistan is an independent country and should be treated as such. In my opinion, it is unfair and immoral for one country to bully another based on the belief that it is a potential threat to them.
References:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/War_in_Afghanistan_%282001%E2%80%93present%29
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iraq_War
http://www.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,1945182,00.html
http://www1.voanews.com/english/news/Obama_Troops_Afghanistan_strategy_announcement-78273987.html
The reason for going into Afghanistan was legitimate. Every effort possible had to be made to arrest the terrorists behind the attacks. However, in March of 2003, the U.S focused its attention on Iraq. The government claimed that there were ties between Saddam Hussein and Osama Bin Laden, and also that Iraq were in possession of weapons of mass destruction. This was proved incorrect after former U.N representative, Hans Blix, performed a check and found nothing. The U.S still proceeded with the attacks on Baghdad to capture Saddam Hussein. The world sat back and watched as the U.S, along with the coalition, occupied Iraq for near to no reason. To me, it just seemed too easy. Granted, Saddam Hussein was a psychotic dictator. Why is that the U.S's problem? Iraq posed absolutely no threat to U.S national security. What right did the U.S have to invade them and harm innocent people?
The idea of going into Afghanistan was to find Osama Bin Laden amongst others. The U.S government have come no closer to finding him since they set out to look for him nine years ago. Recently, President Barack Obama ordered the deployment of 30,000 troops to Afghanistan. Why stay in Afghanistan? To ensure security? What right does the U.S have to make predetermined decisions? Afghanistan is an independent country and should be treated as such. In my opinion, it is unfair and immoral for one country to bully another based on the belief that it is a potential threat to them.
References:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/War_in_Afghanistan_%282001%E2%80%93present%29
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iraq_War
http://www.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,1945182,00.html
http://www1.voanews.com/english/news/Obama_Troops_Afghanistan_strategy_announcement-78273987.html
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Word of the Week #9
1. Taboo
2. "It would be taboo to advertise condoms in certain countries."
3. Taboo: (noun) a social or religious custom prohibiting or restricting a particular practice or forbidden association with a particular person, place, or thing.
4. The transportation of alcohol in the United Arab Emirates is considered taboo unless you have a valid liquor license.
2. "It would be taboo to advertise condoms in certain countries."
3. Taboo: (noun) a social or religious custom prohibiting or restricting a particular practice or forbidden association with a particular person, place, or thing.
4. The transportation of alcohol in the United Arab Emirates is considered taboo unless you have a valid liquor license.
Monday, April 5, 2010
Word of the Week #8
1. Perfunctorily
2. "..., and she wagged her index finger perfunctorily, like a windshield wiper."
3. Perfunctorily: (adj) (of an action or gesture) carried out with a minimum of effort or reflection.
4. I knew he was gifted because he carried out the most difficult tasks perfunctorily.
2. "..., and she wagged her index finger perfunctorily, like a windshield wiper."
3. Perfunctorily: (adj) (of an action or gesture) carried out with a minimum of effort or reflection.
4. I knew he was gifted because he carried out the most difficult tasks perfunctorily.
Blog 7 - Drinking Coffee Elsewhere
I analyzed the story "Brownies," which was the first one in the book. From the start, I noticed that Packer intended on being descriptive, witty, and sarcastic.
"they were white girls, their complexions a blend of ice cream: strawberry, vanilla."
I found this statement to be very bold and humorous. It set the tempo for the story. I immediately got the feeling that the writer wasn't afraid to push the limits.
Packer's style of description is unique. She describes things in unconventional ways that make it easy to imagine and understand.
"her voice was petite and tinkly, the voice one might expect from a shiny new earring."
This quote epitomizes the point I am trying to make about her style of description. An earring does not in fact have a voice. However, It is a tiny object and if it had a voice it would likely be a soft, high-pitched one.
I find it quite amazing that this story was written based on a group of fourth grade brownie camp girls. However, the content is explicit and mature. I don't find this to be inappropriate. On the contrary, I find it to be refreshing. Seeing a simple thing as a brownie camp through the eyes of a fourth grade girl as being a small war zone. In my opinion, it is mildly disturbing, which makes it all the more daring and creative. It adds another dimension to my perspective on creative writing.
"they were white girls, their complexions a blend of ice cream: strawberry, vanilla."
I found this statement to be very bold and humorous. It set the tempo for the story. I immediately got the feeling that the writer wasn't afraid to push the limits.
Packer's style of description is unique. She describes things in unconventional ways that make it easy to imagine and understand.
"her voice was petite and tinkly, the voice one might expect from a shiny new earring."
This quote epitomizes the point I am trying to make about her style of description. An earring does not in fact have a voice. However, It is a tiny object and if it had a voice it would likely be a soft, high-pitched one.
I find it quite amazing that this story was written based on a group of fourth grade brownie camp girls. However, the content is explicit and mature. I don't find this to be inappropriate. On the contrary, I find it to be refreshing. Seeing a simple thing as a brownie camp through the eyes of a fourth grade girl as being a small war zone. In my opinion, it is mildly disturbing, which makes it all the more daring and creative. It adds another dimension to my perspective on creative writing.
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Mystery Character
He was born to do one thing and one thing only. His home consists of painted wooden floors surrounded by tens of thousands of chairs. His colleagues looked to him to be a leader, and he accepted his role and excelled at it. Week in and week out, he lead his men into battle and came out with victories that will be long remembered through his many trophies and achievement awards.
He believed his ritual of wearing shorts under his shorts helped him be the best he can be. He will be remembered through the ages as a pioneer. His name will always be the first one to come to mind upon mention of the trade that he perfected.
He believed his ritual of wearing shorts under his shorts helped him be the best he can be. He will be remembered through the ages as a pioneer. His name will always be the first one to come to mind upon mention of the trade that he perfected.
Sunday, March 7, 2010
Word of the Week #7
1. Verve
2. "There wasn't much verve, neither on our part nor Genoa's. Probably because it was cold..."
3. Verve: (noun) the spirit and enthusiasm animating artistic composition or performance.
4. I consider Carlos a talented musician because of the verve and flexibility he performs with.
2. "There wasn't much verve, neither on our part nor Genoa's. Probably because it was cold..."
3. Verve: (noun) the spirit and enthusiasm animating artistic composition or performance.
4. I consider Carlos a talented musician because of the verve and flexibility he performs with.
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Word of the Week #6
1. Talismanic
2. Inter boss Jose Mourinho is serious about bringing Liverpool's talismanic captain Steven Gerrard to the San Siro this summer.
3. Talismanic: (adjective) possessing or believed to possess magic power, especially protective power.
4. Legend has it that the ring is talismanic, and should be used wisely and with good intention.
2. Inter boss Jose Mourinho is serious about bringing Liverpool's talismanic captain Steven Gerrard to the San Siro this summer.
3. Talismanic: (adjective) possessing or believed to possess magic power, especially protective power.
4. Legend has it that the ring is talismanic, and should be used wisely and with good intention.
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Word of the Week #5
1. Provocative
2. Are you wearing that skirt to be provocative ?
3. Provocative: (adjective) serving or tending to provoke, excite, or stimulate.
4. I felt he was being provocative when he raised his voice at me during our discussion.
2. Are you wearing that skirt to be provocative ?
3. Provocative: (adjective) serving or tending to provoke, excite, or stimulate.
4. I felt he was being provocative when he raised his voice at me during our discussion.
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
What Makes It News?
The story I have chosen to write about is the mass Toyota recall. I have been following this story on the BBC, which is my primary news source. I usually access it on my laptop or on my cell phone. I have been aware of this story ever since it was first revealed. Toyota is arguably one of the most trusted automobile companies that exists. It is known for manufacturing fuel efficient, reliable and luxurious automobiles for reasonable prices. Problems with the gas pedals and the brakes in certain car models led to the mass recall. There were complaints about gas medals getting stuck, and also problems with the braking systems on the hybrid models. These problems have undoubtedly tarnished Toyota's image.
Having lived in the Bay Area for over two years, I have noticed that Toyota cars are quite common. My idea for a story is the shift in attitudes of Toyota consumers in the Bay Area. People have the right to have concerns for their safety whether they drive a Toyota or not. The article can speculate on whether consumers will continue to buy Toyota's vehicles despite this incident. A source of information for the writer could be local car dealerships. He or she could gather information, from salesmen, on consumer's behavior in regard to Toyota cars.
Having lived in the Bay Area for over two years, I have noticed that Toyota cars are quite common. My idea for a story is the shift in attitudes of Toyota consumers in the Bay Area. People have the right to have concerns for their safety whether they drive a Toyota or not. The article can speculate on whether consumers will continue to buy Toyota's vehicles despite this incident. A source of information for the writer could be local car dealerships. He or she could gather information, from salesmen, on consumer's behavior in regard to Toyota cars.
Monday, February 22, 2010
A Fly On A Wall
It's good to take a moment to look back at all that has happened over the course of the day, the week, the last 5 years. Collecting your thoughts, coming to terms with occurrences, planning your next steps. These processes require a certain level of serenity. What usually helps is a quiet location. This doesn't necessarily mean a space with no sound, like an empty room with white walls. It could be a city street, a crowded restaurant, or a zen garden.
The air smells a lot cleaner and sweeter out here. The sun shines brighter. Its rays reflect off the surrounding land. It as if everything around me is magnified. You can really appreciate the raw details of the earth on such a fine day as this one. The clear blue sky topping of what most would call a perfect day. A slight breeze now and again reminds me that it is still February. I put my gloves back on as it is almost time. I hear the groaning of the cables. The feint sound of conversation in the distance. The feeling of excitement in the air. Its almost time. I grab my poles, and prepare for the dismount onto the fresh snow. Man, I love skiing!
The mind works in amazing ways. Your imagination can end wherever you want it to. Letting your mind run free is a great ability we are blessed with. Memories and experiences contribute to gaining familiarity. I went skiing two weeks ago, and now I am sitting in a bus on my way home from work. My mind makes it possible to fly down that mountain right now. Public transportation always offers a unique experience!
The air smells a lot cleaner and sweeter out here. The sun shines brighter. Its rays reflect off the surrounding land. It as if everything around me is magnified. You can really appreciate the raw details of the earth on such a fine day as this one. The clear blue sky topping of what most would call a perfect day. A slight breeze now and again reminds me that it is still February. I put my gloves back on as it is almost time. I hear the groaning of the cables. The feint sound of conversation in the distance. The feeling of excitement in the air. Its almost time. I grab my poles, and prepare for the dismount onto the fresh snow. Man, I love skiing!
The mind works in amazing ways. Your imagination can end wherever you want it to. Letting your mind run free is a great ability we are blessed with. Memories and experiences contribute to gaining familiarity. I went skiing two weeks ago, and now I am sitting in a bus on my way home from work. My mind makes it possible to fly down that mountain right now. Public transportation always offers a unique experience!
Monday, February 8, 2010
Word #2
1. Conveys
2. He conveys determination and it has showed in our last few games.
3. Convey: (verb) transport or carry to a place; make (an idea, impression, or feeling) known or understandable to someone; communicate (a message or information).
4. Mr. Johnson and his daughter have asked me to convey their very kind regards.
2. He conveys determination and it has showed in our last few games.
3. Convey: (verb) transport or carry to a place; make (an idea, impression, or feeling) known or understandable to someone; communicate (a message or information).
4. Mr. Johnson and his daughter have asked me to convey their very kind regards.
Your Favorite Writing
"Dear Lady of Perpetual Help, Spotless Mother of God, we choose Thee as the Mistress and Lady of this House. Guard it, dearest Mother, from pestilence, lightning, fire and tempest, from schisms and heresies, from air raids, and the malice of enemies. Protect those who dwell herein most loving Mother, watch over their going out and coming in, and preserve them from sudden death. Keep us from all sin and harm and pray for us, that we may serve God faithfully here and afterward enjoy with Thee for evermore the blissful vision of His Face. Amen."
The piece of writing above is a prayer. When I was younger, my family and I used to say this prayer amongst others before we went to sleep at night. I am not a religious person but my mother is. Christianity was somewhat forced upon me due to the traditional nature of my family. I do not practice Christianity now but this prayer has stuck with me.
What strikes me most about this prayer is how detailed it is. The message is clear and precise. It asks for protection against the potential harms that exist in the world. To me, it seems as if it was written by a mother. One who cares deeply for the safety of her family. One who is wise enough to realize that there are such dangers out there, and at any moment, a member of her family can fall victim to one of them.
I have found it to be a comforting prayer to say in times of fear, uncertainty, or unrest. Some prayers tend to be routine, but this one is quite fulfilling when said in a sincere manner.
The piece of writing above is a prayer. When I was younger, my family and I used to say this prayer amongst others before we went to sleep at night. I am not a religious person but my mother is. Christianity was somewhat forced upon me due to the traditional nature of my family. I do not practice Christianity now but this prayer has stuck with me.
What strikes me most about this prayer is how detailed it is. The message is clear and precise. It asks for protection against the potential harms that exist in the world. To me, it seems as if it was written by a mother. One who cares deeply for the safety of her family. One who is wise enough to realize that there are such dangers out there, and at any moment, a member of her family can fall victim to one of them.
I have found it to be a comforting prayer to say in times of fear, uncertainty, or unrest. Some prayers tend to be routine, but this one is quite fulfilling when said in a sincere manner.
Sunday, February 7, 2010
All About Me
My name is Darren Thomas Pinto. I am twenty years old. I was born in a city called Dubai, which is in the United Arab Emirates. My mother, Sandra, works as an office manager in a gas and petroleum firm. My father, Danny, runs a steel fabrication business with my uncle. I have one brother, Calvin. He is 22 years old and has just graduated college in Los Angeles and is currently interning at Fox Soccer Channel.
I am a junior at San Jose State University. I am an advertising major on the management track, which is not something I thought I would be doing about 5 years ago. However, I definitely don't regret my decision. I really enjoy the subject and the program that SJSU offers makes it all the better. Advertising was never my passion. I chose it because it is a field of work that I thought I would enjoy.
I am very passionate about sports mainly because I always seemed to be good at them. Soccer is my favorite sport. I still have a pipe dream that I will someday be a professional soccer player plying my trade in England. I also very much enjoy music. I am not specific when it comes to genres. I just listen to whatever sounds good to me.
As far as my personality goes, I pride myself on being logical, funny, level-headed, considerate, and always conscious of my surroundings.
I am a junior at San Jose State University. I am an advertising major on the management track, which is not something I thought I would be doing about 5 years ago. However, I definitely don't regret my decision. I really enjoy the subject and the program that SJSU offers makes it all the better. Advertising was never my passion. I chose it because it is a field of work that I thought I would enjoy.
I am very passionate about sports mainly because I always seemed to be good at them. Soccer is my favorite sport. I still have a pipe dream that I will someday be a professional soccer player plying my trade in England. I also very much enjoy music. I am not specific when it comes to genres. I just listen to whatever sounds good to me.
As far as my personality goes, I pride myself on being logical, funny, level-headed, considerate, and always conscious of my surroundings.
Word #1
1. Petulant
2. Don't be petulant Lydia !
3. Petulant: adjective; (of a person or their manner) childishly sulky or bad-tempered.
4. Sometimes, Rosie can be extremely petulant. I cannot stand her when she is like that.
2. Don't be petulant Lydia !
3. Petulant: adjective; (of a person or their manner) childishly sulky or bad-tempered.
4. Sometimes, Rosie can be extremely petulant. I cannot stand her when she is like that.
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