Wednesday, December 5, 2007

Weekly Journal Post #7

A Possibility of a Sperm Donor to Pay for Child Support

A Nassau County man may have to pay for child support, 18 years after he donated his sperm to hospital resident. The hospital resident at that time had a female partner and they were hoping to have a baby. There was a verbal agreement between the donor and the mother that the donor will have no right in the childs upbringing. However, this agreement was not documented on paper. The donor also allowed his name to appear on the child's birth certificate so it can benefit the child to have some sort of "identity."

For those 18 years the donor has kept a close relationship with the child acting like a father figure. Eversince the child and his mother moved out of state in 1993 the donor keeps a close communication with the child through phone calls. He regularly sends money, gifts, and letters signed "Dad."

The Nassau County Family Court judge recently forbidded him from getting a paternity test because the results might lead to a "traumatic effect" in the child's mind. The next step is a meeting with support magistrate to determine amount of child support payments. The child support is based on the income of the mother's earning capacity and female partner as well as the income of the father.

Similar cases such as Washington State Court of Appeals held in 2004 pertains to no obligation in paying child support if there is a signed contract.

(250)

Broadcast Assignment

Wednesday, November 28, 2007

Japanese Internment Memorial Vignettes/Essay


The Japanese Internment Memorial is located at the East Plaza of Robert Peckham Federal Building which is a half a block from the Original War Relocation Authority Building for Washington, California, and Arizona. The art piece was commissioned by San Jose Public Art Program and initiated by Commission on the Internment of Local Japanese Americans. Their goal is to educate the public on the internment of local Japanese Americans through public projects.

Ruth Asawa was the artist who made this Japanese Internment Memorial in 1994. Ruth Asawa is nationally recognized for her wire sculpture, public commissions, and activism in education and arts. When she was 16 years old her father was arrested by the F.B.I. and her family was brought to a temporary intern camp at the Santa Anita Race Track. They lived in horse stables for 6 months and that is where she continued to work on her art work.

After the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941 Franklin D. Roosevelt made an Executive Order 9066 to exclude any person of Japanese ancestry living in the west coast from residing and working in certain locations. There was a mass evacuation of Japanese people of whom were U.S. citizens and legal permanent resident aliens. Families were forced to leave their homes, properties, and businesses by government and placed in internment camps which is heavily guarded by armed guards. The Japanese Americans loses their right to freedom and the privacy of their own family life. Japanese Americans were first placed in temporary intern camps then later moved far from the coast. They were detained up to 4 years.

Before the internment camps existed there was a community established in downtown San Jose. At the very beginning Chinatown was burned down due to mysterious reasons and the Chinese began to make their houses out of bricks. Then the Japanese began to settle in wood homes due to the labor work in San Jose. The Japanese and Chinese began a community of their own on Jackson St. However, during the Japanese internment almost 53 businesses closed in Japantown. Only limited belongings was allowed to be taken with them to the internment camps so they used their Buddhist and Methodist Churches as a storage for their belongings. Japantown still exists today and after the internment Japantown was known to be a treasure still kept.

San Jose State University's involvement during the Japanese Internment was the Civil Control Station. The old mens gym also known as Yoshiro Uchida Hall was used to register and collect Japanese Americans before sending them to internment camps. The control station was also a place to give advice and instruction for the internment, provide services for their properties whether they wanted to lease or sell it.

(Below is a newspaper calling all Japanese-Americans to SJSU)


It was amazing to see the many details of the Japanese Internment in this memorial. The viginettes that stood out to me the most was the "Immigration and Pre-War Life," side of the art piece. At the very left side of it shows a ship that is docked in America. It also shows Angel Island where the immigrants had to pass through immigration officers. This reminds me of the many stuggles and discrimination Asian Americans faced in the U.S. Many of the immigrants came to America in hopes for better opportunities for themselves and their families.The Japanese Americans' stories of difficulties finding success in the working fields is similar to my story of Filipino American immigrants. They faced racism yet they found ways to excel in the American society.

The second viginette that stood out to me was the barb wire that was placed on top and across both sides of the art work. The paper airplane that is flown above the barbwire symbolizes freedom. The paper airplane is the only thing that is free to leave the internment camps. Japanese Americans in the internment camp could leave the campsite only if they were to join the US military during World War II, but many of them risked their lives during the war and sometimes faced death during the war.

(688)

Weekly Journal Post #6

CHILDREN SUFFER FROM LEAD POISONING AT THEIR OWN HOME

In Milwaukee Blanca Dela Cruz's 3 year old son, Miguel was poisoned by lead according to the City Health Department. Last February over a course of a couple of days Miguel was acting strange. The little boy was clumsy, irritable, and high strung which led Blanca to seek for medical attention for Miguel. A blood test reported Miguel's blood lead level at 33 ug/dL, a few more points and Miguel can be in serious condition. It is a red alert sign for pediatricians when a child's blood tests shows lead levels of 10 ug/dL. After the incident an inspector visited the home to see the cause of the lead poisoning. The lead was coming from paint dust created by years of opening and closing the windows.

The U.S. Government banned lead paint in 1978 and oil companies began to phase out leaded gasoline in 1975. However, nearly decades after the paint ban hundreds and thousands of children mostly under 6 years old show signs of lead exposure. The American Academy of Pediatrics reports that one in four children living in housing with deteriorated painting was not aware of the dangers in the past.

Economists and researchers plan to wipe out lead poisoning in a few years by finding every home in America built before the 1960s and replace the old lead painted windows with a new one.

(236)

Wednesday, November 21, 2007

Journal #5: Fish Out of Water


San Jose Buddhist Church Betsuin

This past Sunday I attending a service at the Buddhist temple in Japantown San Jose. The way the temple is designed is similar to the houses in Japan. The temple is surrounded with different plants and flowers. Once we opened the door you can see the altar with a golden buddha in the middle. The had pews and the place highly smelled of incense. The service was all in the Japanese language and many of their worship contained a lot of chanting. In the end they acknowledged the visitors and my friend and I were introduced to the congregation. I told them that we were students from San Jose State University and I was doing a project in class. Everybody was welcoming and smiling. After the service we were approached by a man who further informed us about their religion.


He was one of the youth leaders in the church and he further explained about their belief. Their path to enlightenment were the three treasures: Dharma (the teachings), Sangha (the people), and Buddha (the enlightened one). True Land Pure Religion was started by Shinran Shonin. The people in the temple is awaken to mankind to wisdom and compassion of Amida Buddha and that was the first time I learned that there were different types of Buddhas.


San Jose Buddhist Church Betsuin has a great senses of community involvement. The church has many services that cater to both the youth and adult. They seem to have a very strong youth group because they have a choir, Dharma School, and Japanese Language School.
When I compare it to my Catholic Church there are similarities. My church also acknowledges visitors to our Parish. We have Saturday School for the youth but it is to receive their first communion or confirmation. The youth group is also active and they participate during the mass whether it is ushering people or being a part of the eucharistic ministry.
(327)

Monday, November 19, 2007

Journal #6 Targeting Audiences


Ikea Lamp Ad Campaign

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I07xDdFMdgw Link to the commercial.......
The Ikea Lamp targets middle class people from the 17-30 age group. Knowing Ikea products are not so expensive the consumers they are targeting are high school students going away for college and living on their own. Also it can reach out to newly college graduates who are ready to settle down with their career and purchase a home for themselves.
This commercial portrays the lamp as a human being. In this case the red lamp is playing a role like an ex-boyfriend being thrown out of the house. While the lamp is left outside in the cold and rain it watches the woman through a window happy with her new lamp. The red lamp shows that it is jealous and the "funeral music" being played in the commercial is effective to set the mood. Then in the end a Swedish man says that the lamp has no feelings. The main message is to purchase a new item even though the old product still works.

Mothers Against Drunk Driving Advertisement




This advertisement is focused more to target the youth aged 14-20. Teenagers that are in high school and college students under the age of 21.This age group is usually the period of curiousity and they are ready to explore the world of freedom and parties. This is when they are also encountering peer pressure whether its drugs, alcohol, or being sexually active.

In this case the advertisement portrays a young woman dressed in a graduation gown dead hanging over shattered glass. The picture shows the young woman was just involved in a car crash and the frame symbolizes a car window.

The message delivered to the audience shows drinking and driving can end a youth's vision to achieve their goals in life. Maybe in this case the young woman was about to graduate but she probably got killed by an irresponsible drunk driver who took her life away. This picture can be the outcome if people continue to drink and drive.

This printed ad is just another way to create awareness because alcohol is responsible for more young people's death than any illegal drugs combined. Media plays a huge influence on young people's minds and many of them are exposed to more alcoholic commercials rather than a commercial trying to sell them jeans. The alcohol commercials is giving irresponsible media messages to the youth saying that drinking is sexy, glamorous, and cool.

(411)










































Weekly Journal Post #5

San Jose Council Discusses Filters for Libraries

One of the articles that caught my attention this week is Council Discusses Filters for Library in the Spartan Daily. The article states that Mayor Chuck Reed alongside with city council members talked about council member Pete Constant's proposal about restricting public access to pornography in the public libraries in San Jose by using a filter.

With the new technology today they believe that the filters will be a way to stop this act amongst the public. There is no decision made by the council however they will remain analyzing the different types of filters.

The council will work closely with the library director and city attorney and hopefully come up with a conclusion by early 2008.

However, parents and students are not too fond about the idea. A parent reports to be a former librarian and never encountered anyone viewing pornography through the public utilities in the library. According to the parents they believe that if the rules was never broken why bother to fix the problem. A student states that creating a filter for the computers should not be as important as many other issues in the San Jose community. The council members should focus on other issues.

(207)

Weekly Journal Post #4


R.A.A.P. Conference at San Jose State University, November 9, 2007


On Friday, November 9, 2007 Akbayan, the Pilipino-American Organization of S.J.S.U. held their 2nd annual Raising Awareness Amongst Pilipinos youth conference.

The conference invites Pilipino students from all over the Eastside Union High School District in San Jose.During this event I was able to participate and attend the various workshops. The workshops includes awareness to the Pilipino Community, cultural dancing/music, Tagalog lessons, Pilipino-American history, identity, leadership, eskrima (Pilipino martial arts), Alibata writing(Ancient Pilipino Scriptures), and so forth. These types of workshops help educate the youth about their culture as well as build their knowledge on important issues that affect their community.

It is important to send these messages to the youth because they are the future of tomorrow. Many of the workshops presented during this event is never taught in school or is found in our history books. These students should pass on the knowledge that they gained in these workshops to prevent the culture from diminishing. "Know History Know Self, No History No Self," was the message exaggerated all throughout the event.

During this event I was able to deliver a speech about the injustices done to Filipino-American Veterans from World War II which is an ongoing struggle and fight within the community because they were not granted benefits. These courageous men and women is still asking for full equity that America promised them 61 years ago.

(238)

Wednesday, November 7, 2007

Weekly Journal Post #3



Journalism 164's Trip to KTVU News Station


On Thursday, November 1, 2007 my class was able to visit a live taping of the ten 'o clock news. Our professor Roland DeWolk works as a special reporter and former producer at KTVU News so we were able to tour the building.


It was great to meet and speak with Frank Sommerville because he loves to talk. Frank shared many stories such as the various news reports that he had to do. One story he shared with us was the impact of his interview with a man whose wife was on Flight 93 during the September 11th Tragedy. Listening to the voice message of the woman really brought him into tears. Frank also gave us a couple of tips and informed us that this major is competitive and you have to be passionate and willing to live far away such as Rhode Island to pursue a career in broadcast.

During the tour we were able to see the cubicles of news reporters and anchors. Then we saw the editing rooms, green room, conference room, and the control room.

The best experience was sitting on the set and watching Frank Sommerville, Julie Haener, Bill Martin, and Mark Ibanez do the news live. It was so different from sitting at home on television and watching it right in front of my face. The news room was not as big as I thought it would be but the robot cameras (moved by itself) was interesting to watch.




(252)

Wednesday, October 31, 2007

Journal #3 NPR Radio Interview Analysis

Missouri Sees Teen Offenders as Kids, Not Inmates
By: Jason Beaubien

At the beginning of the report Robert Seagal who acts just like an anchor gave background information on the topic. Seagal states that 100,000 children in the U.S. is brought to juvenile correction and then explains the differences between Texas and Missouri. Texas houses their juveniles in an adult style facility and Missouri houses their juveniles in a college dorm like facility. He then introduces Jason Beaubien who is the reporter of this story.
Beaubien starts the interview by introducing a source named Tim Decker who runs the Missouri Division of Youth Services.Beaubien also mentions that Decker's goal for the youth is to not turn back after their treatment. Then Decker speaks and says that 7.3% discharged children with new offenses come back to them and they have a low offense rate. Beaubien after this statement then compares the rate to California which is 70% to 80% of children that may go back with new offenses. Decker than speaks that in his facility they treat their young students firmly, seriously, and humanely. His first primary action is public safety and if these young people are a problem in the community then it must stop. After the interview with Tim Decker, Jason Beaubien interviews a student named Reggie. Reggie's testimonial about how his life is changing due to the treatment in this facility makes a huge impact on the story. Beaubien speaks about Reggie's background and how chaotic his life was in the past.
While analyzing this interview I noticed that Beaubien did not formally ask the interviewee questions, instead his statements would lead into what the interviewee is going to say next and this style seems to be his strategy. There are many examples on the second paragraph on how Beaubien does this. The background information also plays an effect on the story and also knowing the interviewees beforehand. I've learned that an interview does not always have to be a question from the interviewer and the interviewee would have to answer in response to what was asked. There are other strategies that can make the interview successful.

(359)

Tuesday, October 30, 2007

Weekly Journal Post #2

Bill Maher, a political commentator who hosts his own HBO show, " Real Time With Bill Maher," helped security remove a rowdy protestor from the audience during his live show. Maher was bothered when the protestor stood up and held the sign that says, " 9/11 is a cover up fraud." This all took place during Maher's weekly panel discussion segment. Maher then continued to yell at the protestor and triggered more chaotic actions. Maher then says, " Do we have some security in thei building or do I have to come down and kick his #$%!" When the man refused to leave Maher comes running into the audience and helps security push out the disruptive man. The show was able to air live in the eastcoast unedited but the westcoast was edited just in time. Maher later informed his panelist that the protestors usually post themselves out of the station and discuss 9/11 Conspiracy Theories. I guess it just got to the point where Maher got irritated and he just blew up on live-national television. (176)

Tuesday, October 23, 2007

Obit Assignment

ANN REGINIO,76, QUEEN OF AMERICAN MAFIAS AND MAJOR DRUG LORD, MURDERED IN NEW YORK CITY

Ann Reginio was found in her mansion in upscale New York City lifeless yesterday morning by her bedroom window. According to police officials this may be a revenge killing incident towards New York's most powerful female mobster. Her death can be a cause of assasination due to jealousy or extreme power fighting to be in her position.

Ms. Reginio is a widow to Roberto Luciano, who is the late grandson of Sicilian-American mobster and mastermind of international heroine trade, Charles "Lucky" Luciano.

Her rise to power began after Roberto Luciano, the Capo del Capi of the Buffalo Mafia Family, died of lung cancer on May 15, 2045. Ms. Reginio left with no options, had no choice but to take over the work of her deceased husband.

Ms. Reginio was founder of America's biggest, well-organized criminal empire that took over 50% of the North American continent. She created a hierarchy and eventually became the chair of the "Commission" which are leaders of the most powerful Mafia families nationwide. The Commission is a representative body serving as national legislature and supreme court of the Mafia network.

The Buffalo Mafia Family takes responsibility of illegal gambling, loansharking rackets, heroine trafficking, bootlegging, forging alliance with non-mafia groups, prostitution, and infaltration of labor unions.

One of Ms. Reginio's specialties is her narcotic trade with Asian sources and criminal operations that span the globe all throughout different nations. Despite all the accusations, she stresses the loyalty to her family members and never once before was she indicted of a crime.

Ms. Reginio 76, is survived by three sons: Armando Reginio, Hector Reginio, and Elizer Reginio; 12 grandchildren; and two granddaughters.

Viewing services will take place at her very own , " Heaven's Gates Memorial Park," in upscale Long Island from Monday through Friday 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Her funeral service will be on Saturday, December 10th at 9:00 a.m.

ANN REGINIO

JUNE 15, 1984- DECEMBER 2, 2060
(339)

Mystery Character

Glistening eye shadow was caked on her lids, cheeks smudged and looked like a river full of mud, lips smothered with cheap lip gloss, hair looked uncombed and over bleached, and her tears extricates her fake eyelashes. As rumors agitate because of her controversial behaviors in public she seeks empathy. This once lovable character, high profile endorser, and snake-charmed performer evolved to an out of control maniac who lost self control. A fifteen minute marriage did not prove symptoms of mental frustrations because it drove her to bring two wonderful blessings into this world yet she is irresponsible. She gained the title, “Number One Victim of the Paparazzi,” and they continue to become richer and richer as she gets crazier and crazier. (122)

Monday, October 22, 2007

Word of the Week #8

Ostensible and Ostensibly

Source: Brainy Quote

Sentence it was Used: In today's world, marketers reach inside the home and attempt to figure out what's good for your daughter, because this is not their business, but what deep desires they can manipulate, stimulate and ostensibly satisfy in order to produce cold, hard cash.

Definition: (adjective and adverb for ostensibly)
  1. outwardly appearing as such; professed; pretended
  2. apparent, evident or conspicuous

My Sentence: After a long day of mourning for the death of my uncle, my aunt's ostensible laughter enagaged confusion to our family members.


Wednesday, October 17, 2007

Word of the Week #7

Anomaly

Source: San Jose Mercury News

Title: After Nasty Flights, Passengers want a Bill of Rights

Word used in the sentence: American has called the events of the day an "anomaly,"saying that most thunderstorms pass through the region and allow planes to resume to their routes.

Definition:
  • A deviation from the common rule, type, arrangement, or form
  • Something or someone anomalous
  • An odd, peculiar, or strange condition, situation, quality, etc
  • An incongruity or inconsistency

My Sentence: With the intention of being quiet around people, I am anomaly with my family.

(94)

Wednesday, October 10, 2007

Library Scavenger Hunt

Question # 23 : How many art installations is in MLK Library and which one is your favorite one?





There are 33 artwork collections in the library not including the new art installations. My favorite one is the Fiction/Fiction which is part of the Mel Chin Exhibit that engages in curiosity and the sense of mystery. One side of the bookshelf is faux mystery books and the other side is the current popular-fiction title. I like how it is a revolving bookshelf and it reminds me of mysterious movies. It is like a secret hiding spot or the key to solve the problem in a story line. I am also an adventurous person so I like to share this work of art everytime I am in the library with my friends. Many people do not know about the bookshelf and what is important about it.

(126)

Tuesday, October 9, 2007

Word of the Week #6

Demurrer

Book: Communication Law

Sentence Used: The trial court sustained the demurrers, ruling that the publications in question were privileged under the First Amendment of the United States Constitution.

Definition: (v.) A motion to dismiss a civil case, alleging that the plaintiff's complaint fails to state grounds for a valid legal claim.

My sentence: The media defendants demurred to the complaint because the plaintiff lack true facts.

(67)

Monday, October 1, 2007

Word of the Week #5

DETRIMENT

Source: The Christian Science Monitor

Title: France in Bid to Salvage Waning Ties to Africa

Word Used in Sentence: " By favoring personal friendships to the detriment of the general interest, the presidential practice has tarnished the image of our country."

Definition: (n)

1. Disadvantage: damage or harm
2. Harmful thing: something that causes damage or harm

My Sentence: September 11th was a detriment to our country because of the many racial conflicts that arised.

(76)

Tuesday, September 25, 2007

Copy Edit the World Part 1

The following pictures all have grammatical errors that are incorrect!

My case of soon to be burned c.d.'s. The periods in red should be the correct way of making this label.
I found an old movie ticket for AMC Theaters and the title of the movie should be Take the Lead instead of Take the Lea.
This business card advertisement in a glass case at San Francisco is completely missing the abreviation of world wide web so it should be http://www.bernardportrait.com/.
This poster goes to together and it the bottom of the poster should read Will Thomas Hearst Award not Awardb.



I was singing "Reunited" on karaoke and I came across the misspelled word, reminise instead of reminisce.



I was driving on Capitol Expressway last week and it bothered me to see that gas was reaching $32 a gallon but when i realized that the period was place in the wrong section.



This poster was found on our very own journalism building. The am and pm's are missing the periods and it should be a.m. and p.m.
I was walking on Market Street, shopping in San Francisco and I realized that this is technically wrong because the star replaces an apostrophe mark for the Macy's sign.
I got a couple of DVD's from the Philippines and this one sentence just doesn't make sense. I don't even know to correctly place it in a sentence. " All movies is according to the chapter choice broadcast. In addition, the beginning of each word should not be capitalized unless it is the beginning of the sentence.

Last but not least, my favorite sign which was taken over the summer. It was on Highway 101 north going towards San Francisco. Someone had a really fun time playing with this sign. Its suppose to read Starbucks and not STARFUCKS. This was so hilarious but it didn't last for a week due to the many complaints!
(320)












Monday, September 24, 2007

Word of the Week #4

HARBINGER

Source: Probationary Americans

Article: The New Immigration Law

How it was used: The Act of 1990 was both a culmination of modest, earlier reforms and a harbinger of things to come.

Definition: (noun)

1. a person who goes ahead and makes known the approach of another; herald.
2.anything that foreshadows a future event; omen; sign:
3.a person sent in advance of troops, a royal train, etc., to provide or secure lodgings and other accommodations.

My sentence: To wake up and find your car with icy windows is a harbinger that winter time is coming close.

(91)


Tuesday, September 18, 2007

Journal Assignment #2

Media Audiences

News Story: Simpson behind bars, this time in Vegas

Date: Monday, September 17, 2007


Newspaper:

O.J. Simpson was arrested in Las Vegas and accounted for six felony counts including kidnapping and a connection to hotel room robbery.In the San Jose Mercury News article, the title Simpson Behind Bars, this time in Vegas was located on the bottom half of the front cover. It shows a picture of O.J. Simpson arrested and two brief paragraphs talking about the story. The story is to be continued on page 2A. The paragraph is one column and about an inch and a half together. The story is easy to read because it does not cover up the whole front page and there is no need for the readers eyes to wander. It also said that this is one of Simpsons' serious legal jeopardy eversince his trial in 1994.

Radio News:

Listening to KCBS news 740 AM on the radio the story was reported in 55 seconds. The anchor or main reporter passed the story to Doug Sovern. This is similar to television news when the anchor introduces the story then passes it on to the field reporter. Doug Sovern was actually live reporting . KCBS news had two resources and there was a distinctive sound everytime the source spoke and the reporter made sure to introduce the source. In the end the reporter states, " In Las Vegas, Doug Sovern KCBS News." When listening to radio news it is up to the audience to visually see the images from what they are hearing, unlike television news when you are given a clear image of the story that is being told.

Internet News:

On MSNBC.COM the story is covered and the headliner says, Simpson Faces 7 Felonies, Including Kidnapping in bold red letters. On the bottom of the headliner it reads, Ex-Football star could get life in prison if convicted in memorabilia incident. Internet news usually does not go into full detail but more of a summary. Internet news coverage is also not as lengthy as a regular newspaper article. In addition, it is limited to news that covers the whole story for the day and doesn't provide live coverage. Also internet news can be a little delayed in reporting the news, such as Gazettes. com when it was reporting the news two days ago then eventually lead to the news of the day.

(401)

Word of the Week #3

Arduous

Source: Asian/Pacific Islander American Women

Article: Women in the 'Ohana, Extended Family

How it was used: Women's work, although less physically demanding, was nevertheless arduous and tedious and required forethought and planning.....

Definition: (adjective)
1. requiring great exertion; laborious; difficult
2.requiring or using much energy and vigor; strenuous:
3.hard to climb; steep.

4.hard to endure; full of hardships; severe:

My Sentence:

The keynote speaker for the leadership conference made an inspirational speech about his arduous life.

(77)

Tuesday, September 11, 2007

Telling Details

The sun is brightly shining and the heat is beaming on the tip of my skin. The air is blowing yet it feels as if it is all humid my skin begins to feel sticky. As I look beyond the scenary of a crowd full of San Jose State Students rushing to get to their next class I see a lady standing by the trash can. The lady was wearing a beat down dirty t-shirt, ripped jeans, mismatched shoes, and her hair was so nappy she had to tie it up. Right by her side was a grocery shopping cart full of her belongings which seems to be crushed cans, two litter soda bottles, and plastic bags that were full of clothes. Her life depended on the contents of the items in the grocery cart. She sticks her hand in the trash can and digs through left overs from lunch time. She finds a half eaten sandwich from Burger King and bites into it like it was her first meal of the day. She smiles and starts to talk to herself because no one ever bothered to speak with her because she was homeless.

(194)

Monday, September 10, 2007

Newspaper Opinion Piece

After reading the L.A. Times Article, Infinite Ingress one topic that stuck to my mind was the concern about California's heavily congested traffic due to overpopulation. Some of the reasons may be caused by California's highest immigration period which took place between 1984 and 1997. During this time 26,000 lane-miles of streets and highways were added to the road network statewide. The current situation is said that California is known to have the worst highway congestions in the country and more Californians are spending more time in traffic rather than being at home or working at a job. Counties and municipalities attempt to address problems in seek for solutions like raising taxes on gas prices or taxing the motorists for the use of California's road and highway system hoping that this can make other people find alternatives for transportation. Traffic problems will continue to occur because California's population is still growing and the main attraction to many immigrants.

In my opinion, I honestly would have to agree with the other California residents because I know how it feels to be stuck in traffic especially having to experience it in Southern California. Being stuck in traffic tends to get frustrating at times. Places that would normally take 30 minutes to get to will take about two hours in traffic. However, living in a place that I am used to like San Jose is different because I am fully aware of the traffic peak times and the knowledge of knowing the back roads and alternative routes can definitely avoid traffic.

I believe that there is only so much money to create changes such as building new bridges and highways. California lacks the funding and finding the solution to congested traffic. I don't think that there is any control to prevent the increase in population because immigrants will continue to find a way to California. My solution is for California residents to quit blaming the immigrants for overpopulation and to explore other ways of transportation. I think that people should consider walking, taking the bus, the light rail, ride a bicycle, and so forth. In addition, when I was visiting the Philippines this past December they had a law enforcing drivers to only drive on certain days called , "coding". The coding law means that every car is given a code and you are only to drive on certain days. For example, if the last digit of your license plate number is five you can not drive on Thursday and Fridays. Drivers who won't be able to drive on certain days will be forced to consider walking or riding a bicycle to work.

(440)

Word of the Week #2

ALBEIT

Source: Asian/Pacific Islander American Women,
A Historical Anthology

Article: Through "Our" Eyes

How it was Used: In this book, we reframe history about Asian/Pacific Islander American women by considering them as historical agents actively engaged in determining their lives and those of their families, communities, and larger entities, albeit within multiple and complex constraints.

Definition: (conjunction) even though; although; notwithstanding

My Sentence: The student continues to get himself into trouble, albeit he is part of the honor roll.

(79)

Tuesday, September 4, 2007

Journal Writing #1

My Favorite Writing


One of my favorite pieces of writing is a poetry piece called Resistance and Struggle are Sisters which is written by two inspiring women named Allyson Tintiangco and Dawn Mabalon. The poem incorporates the many struggles that Filipino women encounter whether it was in the past, present, or future and the importance of resistance.

Throughout my high school career I had this urge to learn more about the Filipino history and culture. Learning about the Filipino culture grants me a better sense of understanding of my roots and where I came from.

The poem ties in information about how Filipina women in the past risked their lives and even fought in the battlefield during war. In addition, it speaks about how hard working and family oriented Filipina women are. Most of the time they are overlooked and not recognized because men usually have the upper hand and higher role in society.

My favorite line is, " Struggle, to be recognized because without us there would be no Pilipino heroes, check that with your history books, " it is true because there may be occasions when Filipina women are looked down and ignored. The piece is also important to me because I can really relate to the role of a Filipino woman strivign for success and all the many difficult experiences I will encounter in life.

(225)

Word of the Week #1

TACK

Source: The New York Times

Title: As Support Lags, Colleges Tack on Student Fees

Word Used in Sentence: College administrators say public universities are increasingly tacking on fees for the same reasons that some are experimenting with differential tuition for different majors: state support for higher education has languished, and legislatures shy away from approving tuition increases.

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Definition: (n.) a course of action or conduct, esp. one differing from some preceding or other course.

My Sentence: Science major professors tack on the material fees rather than waiving the fee for students.

All About Me

My name is Ann Reginio and I am currently a sixth year here at San Jose State University majoring in Broadcast Journalism. I recently switched majors from Biology this past Fall '06 semester because I felt that it just wasn't for me. My plans are to hopefully graduate in Spring '08 and I am striving to fulfill that goal with having a work load of units to graduate on time. After graduating I would like to attend music school to focus more on Musical Theater.

Currently, I am working two jobs one of which is the Filipino Youth Coalition as a peer counselor to high school students in Piedmont Hills High School. My other job is assistant manager at an urban clothing store called Workmens Balance. I am also a part of a Filipina-Based Sorority, Kappa Psi Epsilon at San Francisco State University ( I had to pledge under SF because they didn't have it here in SJSU).
I was born in the Philippines and came to America when I was four years old. When I first arrived I lived in Los Angeles and even experienced the Rodney King Riots as a child. My parents then seeked for better oppportunities and moved to San Jose in 1998. Eversince then I have lived and stayed in San Jose, my parents didn't even want me to move out for college. In high school, I was highly involved in leadership such as taking A.S.B. Spirit Leader, publicity commissioner, Sophomore Class Vice President. I was also involved with the Filipino Youth Coalition and helping out in the Filipino-American community.

I also have a passion for singing and I have been singing since the age of four. I have been performing since the age of 8 and joined several singing competitions. Two of my main accomplishments was winning the Filipino Idol title in 2003 of Northern California and having the chance to sing in the Jay Leno Show in Spring 2001. Acting also is another outlet of extra-curricular activities for me. I' ve done several productions during high school like Grease, Lil Shop of Horrors, Singin' In the Rain but I am still willing to continue this dream of acting for a lifetime. I someday wish to be a part of Broadway. My life is just full of entertainment. =)

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