When I think of drugs, I think of its illegality and covertness; not thousands of murders in all of the Americas. Ever since the president of Mexico declared war on its drug lords two years ago, there have been mass murders as acts of revenge on the government. According to a 60 minutes segment by Anderson Cooper, the secretary of the Department of Homeland Security states that the stakes are high for both Mexicans and Americans. Not only are the drug cartels taking Mexico by force, but they are also fighting to gain control over land by the U.S. border which is only miles from San Diego. Suspicious of rival drug dealers in the states, the Mexican cartels have intruded across the border invading homes and demanding payments of debt. The New York Times reports that there have been brutal assaults and kidnappings in Phoenix and speculate the shootings in Vancouver may be linked to the drug cartels.
Thinking of all the heinous incidents that have occurred in recent months, I can’t help but wonder how these people somehow believe it is their right to kill hundreds of innocent citizens because of their own involvement in illegal drug trafficking. The drug industry has been a source of income in South America and I understand that in these times people need money more than ever. However, those who get involved in something so shady should learn to expect its drawbacks and losses, and it should in no way result in invasions and killings. In Mexico alone, over 7,000 government related individuals have been murdered because of their connection to the president. Taking the life of someone based on who they know or what they do in their profession is a tremendous offense that should be put to a stop immediately.
From what I have read on CNN’s website, the war was initiated by the government to end the drug cartel’s trafficking business. But if you think about it, would it have been better to allow this to continue behind closed doors instead of pronounce war and reveal the cartels therefore concluding in mass murders? After learning about the bloodshed and grotesque torture that Mexicans and Americans have endured, I feel that it might have been a better idea if the Mexican president had looked the other way. In today’s society, it has become common for a vast majority of our population to get involved in illegal drug dealing. This has gone on for years with the rest of us pretending that it does not exist. Sometimes ignorance is the safest policy.
SOURCES
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/ent/6338269.html
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/09/19/AR2007091902442.html
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Monday, March 30, 2009
Word #8
Word: LUDIC
Source: http://dictionary.reference.com/wordoftheday/
Sentence: But within this ludic tale there lurks a tragedy of love and loss that does not lose its tenderness even when embedded in [the author's] perpetually farcical frame of mind.
Definition: Of or relating to play; characterized by play; playful.
Part of Speech: Adjective
My Sentence: Though she attempted to enforce the rules by remaining firm, she managed to retain her ludic manner.
Source: http://dictionary.reference.com/wordoftheday/
Sentence: But within this ludic tale there lurks a tragedy of love and loss that does not lose its tenderness even when embedded in [the author's] perpetually farcical frame of mind.
Definition: Of or relating to play; characterized by play; playful.
Part of Speech: Adjective
My Sentence: Though she attempted to enforce the rules by remaining firm, she managed to retain her ludic manner.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Hard News - N.C. Jury Trial (REVISED)
Summary/Hard News Lead
In North Carolina, a woman sued her ex-husband’s new wife accusing the woman of ending her 19 year marriage to the man. Yesterday, the Greensboro jury settled with their verdict and awarded $1 million in the woman’s favor.
Feature-Style Lead
In North Carolina, a woman sued her ex-husband’s new wife accusing the woman of ending her 19 year marriage to the man. Yesterday, the case was settled and the Greensboro jury delivered their verdict in the plaintiff’s favor.
Susie Jones was married to her husband for 19 years until Ms. Smith became the new secretary at Mr. Jones’s office. Witnesses recall Mr. Jones and Ms. Smith going on frequent business trips together and therefore beginning their relationship while he was still married. Ms. Jones has sued Ms. Smith for robbing her of her marriage and wants to serve justice to the woman who stole her husband.
After seven days, the jury has decided to grant the plaintiff Susie Jones $1 million for suffering losses in her marriage.
In North Carolina, a woman sued her ex-husband’s new wife accusing the woman of ending her 19 year marriage to the man. Yesterday, the Greensboro jury settled with their verdict and awarded $1 million in the woman’s favor.
Feature-Style Lead
In North Carolina, a woman sued her ex-husband’s new wife accusing the woman of ending her 19 year marriage to the man. Yesterday, the case was settled and the Greensboro jury delivered their verdict in the plaintiff’s favor.
Susie Jones was married to her husband for 19 years until Ms. Smith became the new secretary at Mr. Jones’s office. Witnesses recall Mr. Jones and Ms. Smith going on frequent business trips together and therefore beginning their relationship while he was still married. Ms. Jones has sued Ms. Smith for robbing her of her marriage and wants to serve justice to the woman who stole her husband.
After seven days, the jury has decided to grant the plaintiff Susie Jones $1 million for suffering losses in her marriage.
Beer Truck (REVISED)
A refrigerator truck carrying Coors Beer caught fire on the Bay Bridge around 1 p.m. yesterday causing several hours of traffic for commuters.
Officer Shawn Chase reported that the truck’s tire blew out and since the driver did not notice this, he continued to drive. The fire was ignited by metal rim scraping against the pavement resulting in flames on the eastbound lanes. The Bay Bridge was shut down on both the eastbound and westbound lanes while the fire fighters worked to put out the fire. Drivers in the eastbound lanes were stranded in their cars for 45 minutes waiting to see what the traffic was about.
Chase informed us that the driver was not injured, nor were any of the other drivers. However, the accident caused many other backed up highways in the Bay Area and it wasn’t until 2 p.m. that fire fighters were able to put out the fire completely, reopening all of the westbound and some eastbound lanes. The rest of the afternoon was spent clearing the road of the burnt truck which took almost four hours to complete.
Officer Shawn Chase reported that the truck’s tire blew out and since the driver did not notice this, he continued to drive. The fire was ignited by metal rim scraping against the pavement resulting in flames on the eastbound lanes. The Bay Bridge was shut down on both the eastbound and westbound lanes while the fire fighters worked to put out the fire. Drivers in the eastbound lanes were stranded in their cars for 45 minutes waiting to see what the traffic was about.
Chase informed us that the driver was not injured, nor were any of the other drivers. However, the accident caused many other backed up highways in the Bay Area and it wasn’t until 2 p.m. that fire fighters were able to put out the fire completely, reopening all of the westbound and some eastbound lanes. The rest of the afternoon was spent clearing the road of the burnt truck which took almost four hours to complete.
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Mystery Character
The blood-filled vial that once hung around her neck is absent with the reminiscence of her past. She is envied by women all over the world for her prominent features, diverse children from around the globe, and infamous on-screen romance turned celebrity marriage. Aside from countless leading roles, her humanitarian work has included helping refugees, AIDS orphans, and victims of genocide. She is known for her signature lips and can be spotted in Los Angeles hand-in-hand with her famous husband.
Word #7
Word: LIBATION
Source: http://dictionary.reference.com/wordoftheday/
Sentence: Hearing that the train had lost one of its engines and that the remainder of the trip would be very slow, I headed for the bar car for a libation and a snack or two to soothe my growing hunger pangs.
Definition: A beverage, especially an alcoholic beverage.
Part of Speech: Noun
My Sentence: While the rest of her friends sipped martinis, she concocted a non-alcoholic libation of her own.
Source: http://dictionary.reference.com/wordoftheday/
Sentence: Hearing that the train had lost one of its engines and that the remainder of the trip would be very slow, I headed for the bar car for a libation and a snack or two to soothe my growing hunger pangs.
Definition: A beverage, especially an alcoholic beverage.
Part of Speech: Noun
My Sentence: While the rest of her friends sipped martinis, she concocted a non-alcoholic libation of her own.
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Word #6
Word: ULULATE
Source: http://dictionary.reference.com/wordoftheday/
Sentence: She wanted to be on the tarmac, to ululate and raise her hands to the heavens.
Definition: To howl, as a dog or a wolf; to wail; as, ululating jackals.
Part of Speech: intransitive verb
My Sentence: Unable to mask their sadness, the families of the lost soldiers ululated in mourning.
Source: http://dictionary.reference.com/wordoftheday/
Sentence: She wanted to be on the tarmac, to ululate and raise her hands to the heavens.
Definition: To howl, as a dog or a wolf; to wail; as, ululating jackals.
Part of Speech: intransitive verb
My Sentence: Unable to mask their sadness, the families of the lost soldiers ululated in mourning.
Finding Features in the News
Keeping the Flame Alive: Do fairytale romances always have happy endings?
How could you give it a local angle?
I would definitely relate this story to Valentine’s Day and people who just don't want to be alone on that day. It would also be relatable to divorce which has become so ordinary in this day and age. Can love be mistaken for infatuation? If so, can a relationship survive on infatuation alone?
Who could you interview locally for this story?
Interviewing people of all age groups would give me the widest angle on the story. It would give readers a range of similarities and differences between couples in various stages of relationships. Surveys could be given out at local colleges as well as in the workplace. Even taking a random sample of people on the street would give more variety within a local city.
How could you give it a local angle?
I would definitely relate this story to Valentine’s Day and people who just don't want to be alone on that day. It would also be relatable to divorce which has become so ordinary in this day and age. Can love be mistaken for infatuation? If so, can a relationship survive on infatuation alone?
Who could you interview locally for this story?
Interviewing people of all age groups would give me the widest angle on the story. It would give readers a range of similarities and differences between couples in various stages of relationships. Surveys could be given out at local colleges as well as in the workplace. Even taking a random sample of people on the street would give more variety within a local city.
Telling Details
As I try to maintain the daily hustle and bustle of the Banana Republic fitting rooms, anxious customers with clothes filled arms begin to form a line at the entrance. Many of them look through the massive stack of go-backs while others stare at me shooting hurried glances eager to get a room. Annoyance fills the vicinity as women impatiently check the hands on their watch; some of them tempted to abandon their garments with me and leave before getting caught up in the madness.
The first room becomes available and I lead a woman to the door offering my assistance if needed. Seconds pass and the woman sticks her head out of the room asking my opinion on a deep eggplant blouse she has decided to try. She wonders if it looks too tight and requests a larger size. I use my walkie talkie to call for a size-run as the line of eager women continues to grow. As soon as I receive the blouse in a larger size, I see the woman now in front of the full length mirror in the middle of the rooms. I walk closer and hear another woman compliment her on the beautiful top and her slim figure. The woman notices the enormous piece of fabric in my hand and with a smile, she declines my offering.
The first room becomes available and I lead a woman to the door offering my assistance if needed. Seconds pass and the woman sticks her head out of the room asking my opinion on a deep eggplant blouse she has decided to try. She wonders if it looks too tight and requests a larger size. I use my walkie talkie to call for a size-run as the line of eager women continues to grow. As soon as I receive the blouse in a larger size, I see the woman now in front of the full length mirror in the middle of the rooms. I walk closer and hear another woman compliment her on the beautiful top and her slim figure. The woman notices the enormous piece of fabric in my hand and with a smile, she declines my offering.
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Beer Truck Exercise
According to the CHP, a refrigerator truck carrying Coors Beer caught fire on the Bay Bridge around 1 o’clock in the afternoon yesterday. Officer Shawn Chase reported that the truck’s tire blew out and since the driver did not notice this, he continued to drive. The fire was ignited by metal rim scraping against the pavement resulting in flames on the eastbound lanes.
Chase said “The driver was not injured, nor were any of the other drivers.” However, the Bay Bridge was shut down on both the Eastbound and Westbound lanes while the fire fighters worked to put out the fire. Drivers in the eastbound lanes were stranded in their cars for 45 minutes waiting to see what the traffic was about. The accident also caused many other backed up highways in the Bay Area.
By 2 o’clock, fire fighters were able to put out the fire completely, reopening all of the westbound and some eastbound lanes. The rest of the afternoon was spent clearing the road of the burnt truck which took almost four hours to complete.
Chase said “The driver was not injured, nor were any of the other drivers.” However, the Bay Bridge was shut down on both the Eastbound and Westbound lanes while the fire fighters worked to put out the fire. Drivers in the eastbound lanes were stranded in their cars for 45 minutes waiting to see what the traffic was about. The accident also caused many other backed up highways in the Bay Area.
By 2 o’clock, fire fighters were able to put out the fire completely, reopening all of the westbound and some eastbound lanes. The rest of the afternoon was spent clearing the road of the burnt truck which took almost four hours to complete.
Hard News - N.C. Jury Trial
Summary/Hard News Lead
Seven days ago, the Greensboro jury bestowed the verdict of the case between plaintiff Susie Jones and defendant Mary Smith. Ms. Jones sued Ms. Smith for participating in infidelity with Mr. Joseph Jones, her ex-husband. Ms. Smith was Mr. Joness' secretary and witnesses spoke up about their sudden business trips together while he was still married to Ms. Jones. The court ruled in the plaintiff's favor and awarded her $1 million as a settlement.
Feature-Style Lead
Susie Jones is suing her ex-husbands secretary Mary Smith for cheating with him. The couple was married for 19 years. Witnesses remember Mr. Jones and Ms. Smith going on business trips together. Ms. Jones doesn't want revenge. She wants to serve justice to the woman who stole her husband. Susie Jones was awarded $1 million by the Greensboro, North Carolina jury.
Seven days ago, the Greensboro jury bestowed the verdict of the case between plaintiff Susie Jones and defendant Mary Smith. Ms. Jones sued Ms. Smith for participating in infidelity with Mr. Joseph Jones, her ex-husband. Ms. Smith was Mr. Joness' secretary and witnesses spoke up about their sudden business trips together while he was still married to Ms. Jones. The court ruled in the plaintiff's favor and awarded her $1 million as a settlement.
Feature-Style Lead
Susie Jones is suing her ex-husbands secretary Mary Smith for cheating with him. The couple was married for 19 years. Witnesses remember Mr. Jones and Ms. Smith going on business trips together. Ms. Jones doesn't want revenge. She wants to serve justice to the woman who stole her husband. Susie Jones was awarded $1 million by the Greensboro, North Carolina jury.
Monday, March 2, 2009
Journal #2 - Media Audiences
The story of the infamous mother of 14 children has recently sky-rocketed to becoming the most talked about news story in America. Whether this issue is ethical, legal, or even possible, is what people are discussing all across the country. This story has been covered multiple times using every source of media that is popularly viewed amongst the majority of our population. I would say the web has seen all angles of this news piece because it is readily available and easily accessible. The web also serves as a public forum for personal opinions but can lead to the chance of false information and accusations. Using the internet to broadcast stories is quite different from newsprint and television in a way that is more detailed and immediate. Even if the thousands of related news stories are a couple paragraphs or a couple pages in length, there is still more information available on the web than any other source. I think web based media is more similar to televised news because of its ability to obtain new updates and information in a speedy manner. Newsprint articles are only comparable to web stories because they both require us to actually read the news. I think using the newspaper to broadcast news that is rapidly changing is not as efficient as the web or even television. This piece of news has been the cover page of the newspaper for days; however its information is already old by the time we are able to read it. The newsprint articles are accompanied by photos and charts of each baby’s progress along with figures estimating the salary that this mother would have to receive in order to support all 14 children. This type of media is not sufficient because of its inability to report on every new update and modification. If we compare the televised news to either of these media sources, it will probably rest in between the web and newsprint because it is almost as available as the web but it is something that you have to sit down and watch at a specific time.
Word #5
Word: SANGUINE
Source: http://dictionary.reference.com/wordoftheday/
Sentence: I had now arrived at my seventeenth year, and had attained my full height, a fraction over six feet. I was well endowed with youthful energy, and was of an extremely sanguine temperament.
Definition: cheerfully optimistic, hopeful, confident
Part of Speech: Adjective, Noun
My Sentence: Becky was unable to find a job during a time of great economic recession, however she managed to maintain her sanguine nature.
Source: http://dictionary.reference.com/wordoftheday/
Sentence: I had now arrived at my seventeenth year, and had attained my full height, a fraction over six feet. I was well endowed with youthful energy, and was of an extremely sanguine temperament.
Definition: cheerfully optimistic, hopeful, confident
Part of Speech: Adjective, Noun
My Sentence: Becky was unable to find a job during a time of great economic recession, however she managed to maintain her sanguine nature.
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