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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.