Raquel's Jour 61 blog

Final Magazine/Multimedia Project

2009-05-16T15:52:00.000-07:00

Nightclub Review: Slide Lounge

Keep Quiet, Speak Easy. On the street of 430 Mason is the underground playground to San Francisco’s elite.

Slide lounge is the sister club to Ruby Skye, which is a huge theater once known as the Cable Car Theater. Before there was Slide there was a restaurant called Café Dans. Back in the Prohibition Era of San Francisco Café Dans was actually a “speakeasy” a secret underground party only know about by the gangsters and flappers who know the secret handshake and code. Below the theater the hidden festivities would include gambling, drinking of bootleg whiskey and dancing.

Now the secret is out slide lounge is the new home of the underground party. The lounge continues to keep a 1920’s theme designed with a honey-onyx backlit bar, hardwood floors, pillowed walls in the bathroom, baby blue and brown booths, grand piano from the 1920 and the most important feature the custom made slide.

The slide is the entrance of the lounge, which leads down to a 21 and up playground of music, dancing and drinking. Some of the hottest dj’s perform at slide such as the Kaskade, Samantha Ronson, Chris Clouse and a list of others. Playing Top 40’s, mash-ups, hip-hop and high-energy house music. Slide is open Wednesday through Saturday, but is open for private and special events on a selected day of the week. Slide is also known to be a pre-party for Ruby Skye’s, which is a larger venue.The doors open at 9 p.m. and the party carries on to two in the morning.

Slide offers bottle service, if the party is more than 10 a second both must be reserved according to the policy. The price for bottler service is pricy but for the occasion it is recommended to have then buying separate drinks which range from $12 to $16 a drink. The service is excellent the bartenders are attentive and the security is professional dressed in suits.

The crowd may vary depending on the promoter because they have a selected network of people they reach out to on Facebook, MySpace and personal text messaging. However the typical crowd ranges from 25 to 40 year olds, fashionistas, yuppies, and businessmen looking to network. The entrance is selected for the men, they need to be on the guest list or come in with a girl according to slide policy. The lounge likes to keep a balance of men and women. The cover is $10 and if on the guest list it’s free before 11. To get on the guest list is simple go on the official website slidesf.com

Slide always reaches capacity, which is an issue because the venue is very small making it difficult to dance and reach the bar. It is highly recommended to do bottle service to avoid being squished like a sardine because parties have their own private space and is the only section to sit. The lounge is not wheel chair accessible because the two alternatives of going down are the stair and the slide. Be prepared to wait in line that goes by fairly quickly. There is a coat check available for those who are carrying belonging.

The overall rating of Slide lounge on a scale of 1-5 is a 4. It’s a great place to listen to good music and socialize. The best part is that the hottest nightclub Ruby Skye is next door.

San Francisco top five lounges :

(Selected by SF Elite)

1. Infusion Lounge :124 Ellis St San Francisco

2. Matrix: 3138 Fillmore Street

3. Vessel Lounge: 85 Campton place, San Francisco

4. Fluid Lounge: 662 Mission St San Francisco

5. Yoshi's: 1330 Fillmore Street

Broadcast:

Nightclub review: Slide Lounge

6O Seconds

INSIDE SCOOP OF SLIDE LOUNGE

-60 SECONDS-

SAN FRANCISCO’S ELITE LOUNGE SLIDE IS THE HOME OF WHAT WAS A SPEAKEASY UNDERGROUND PARTY.

CAFE DAN’S DURING THE NIGHT WAS OPEN TO THE SAVVY FEW WHO KNEW THE SECRET HANDSHAKE. DURING THE TIME OF THE PROHIBITION THESE HIDDEN SOIRESS WOULD INCLUDE GAMBLING, DANCING AND DRINKING BOOTLEGGED WHISKEY

THE SECRET IS NOW OUT…SAN FRANCISCO FINEST ARE SLIDING DOWN TO THE HOTTEST LOUNGE. DANCING TO THE SOUNDS OF TOP 40’S, MASH-UP AND HOUSE.

INCLUDING A FULLY STOCKED BAR AND BOTTLE SERVICE TO THOSE PRIVATE PARTIES.

EARLY ARRIVAL IS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED TO AVOID THE LONG LINES. SLIDE REACHES CAPACITY BEFORE ELEVEN-THIRTY. MALES MUST TRAVEL WITH A GIRL TO ENTER. DON’T WANT TO WAIT THE LONG LINES RUBY SKYES IS RIGHT NEXT DOOR THE LARGEST DANCE VENUE IN SAN FRANCISCO.

ENJOY A COCKTAIL, DANCE AND SOCIALIZE AT SLIDE LOUNGE.

-END-

Topical Post 3 reposted**

2009-05-09T16:03:00.000-07:00

iPhone Surprise

This summer iphone nation is awaiting for the OS 3.O software which will include 100 new features added to the iphone. However rumor has it that Steve Jobs might be surprising the apple fans with a new generation iPhone. The World Wide Developers Conference is in two weeks the event that Jobs announced the iPhone , it could be that history may be repeating itself.

The rumored iPhone is said to have 3.2 megapixel autofocus camera, camcorder, 32 GB of storage which is a huge increase from the current 8GB and 16GB, OLED screen, 1.5X battery life, and a new design with the apple logo on the back lighting up. These are just a few highlights among many more features that new iPhone will carry. The release date is said to be July 17.

Online News writing exercise

2009-05-09T14:22:00.000-07:00

Exercise 1

I chose the website Fox News to do this exercise.

a) Do the news items reflect immediacy?

Yes, on the homepage there is a section displaying the latest news and updates on the market. For the individual selection of news such as U.S news, business, world news, entertainment etc. not all the selections are updated to todays date.

b) Does the site try to help readers save time?

Yes, for those who read the newspaper it's difficult to search for a topic whereas the website the user could easily search for the topic. The website also displays "most read" stories, giving the user the option to read the top stories.

c) Is it quick and easy to get information?

Yes, the website is easy to navigate. The selections of topic on the top of the main page is a plus because it give the user options on what they want to read. For the world news section it gives the reader the option to select which part of the world to ready about. That is located on the "section map" on the left hand corner . Most of the the latest news updates give a lead and photo.

d) Does it provide both visual and verbal information?

Yes and No, The latest news stories have visuals along with verbal information. However in certain sections of the websites such as entertainment not all of the headline have photos and some of the stories are combined in one page.

e) Do the stories contain lists and bullets to make them easier to scan?
Yes, on all the topics there are bullets for the readers to chose. The latest stories lists all the main headlines of the day. However more headlines need to be included in the Entertainment and Health section.

f) Are the stories broken into "chunks"?

Not all the stories are broken into chunks as I mentioned earlier for the entertainment section the main stories are written up on one page. It gives the reader one latest update then underneath that article lists another story.

g) Do stories provide hyperlinks to additional information?
Yes, on some of the articles there are links the readers could click to read more information on the topic.

h) Are there opportunities for readers to "talk back"?

There are no "talk back" sections on this website but link to blogs where reader can discuss their thoughts and opinions on certain issues. There is the option for the reader to share the article with another reader.

i) Does the site use multimedia to enhance understanding and add appeal?

Yes, there are videos for some of the articles and a on the air section

Topical Blog 2

2009-05-01T19:47:00.001-07:00

F MY LIFE?

Have you ever experienced a really bad day ? Join the club... A new online website has been added to the list of distractions to peoples everyday lives. Fmylife.com a website devoted to sharing peoples horrible experiences throughout the day is now a popular website that it even has its own application on the iPhone. People go on to read stories that are funny, sad and well deserved, possibly leaving a reaction that your life isn't so bad.

The commentary on the website mostly talks about relationship issues, sex encounters, friend issues and typical issue such as leaving your keys inside the car. The writing process is simple starting with describing your bad day experience and at the end of the message three words will appear "Fmylife."

Other than Facebook, Twitter, and Myspace as a source of entertainment and distraction Fmylife website could be therapeutic. Everyone goes on thinking that their day is the worst from all, but with that website it will give people the chance to see that they are not alone . Also a stress reliever to vent to the world why your day is the worst from all. With your story they will judge if you deserve it or not.

Focus Story Structure

2009-05-01T19:46:00.003-07:00

Chula Vista High School football player injured after ramming his head into the ball carrier's chest.

Peter Stenhoff, 16, senior at Chula Vista High School in Redmond, Calif, cracked his vertebrae and is now confined to a wheel chair.

"I knew the risks involved when I decided to play football," Stenhoff says, and adds, "I wish I would have known just how bad it could be.”

20,000 Injuries, occur each year in high school football with 12 percent of them permanently disabling the victims. Last year thirteen youths died from the injuries. Critics say the helmet is the blame. It has been proven that thirty-five percent of injuries are to the neck and head.

Stenhoff suffered from physical distress causing him to loose weight. Before the injury he weighed 210 pounds and now weighs 172 pounds. He did not graduate with his class and is in the process, but is in the process in trying to get his diploma.

Find Feature Lead

2009-05-01T19:46:00.001-07:00

blind Roundup Lead

Baby come fly with me

Bags packed? Check. E-boarding passes in hand? Double check. Diapers, ear plugs, Ziploc bags, and dry baby food? Got ’em. Congratulations. Flying with a baby will be a thousand times easier because you’re prepared.

msnbc news

Favorite Magazine (late)

2009-04-30T03:05:00.000-07:00

Most teenage girls and women are inclined to read magazines that focus on relationships, women’s health, sex, celebrities, fashion, and self-discovery. These magazines become a guide to helping our everyday lives or just a source of entertainment. In my case magazines such as vogue, People, Starz, Glamour , and Cosmo girl are my entertainment magazine.

My favorite magazine from all women magazines is Marie Claire because of the quality and how it promotes important issues women deal with everyday. I prefer magazine the don’t give advice on how to get a man or the best diet because the truth is it doesn’t really work. However, Marie Claire does focus on health, fashion, celebrities, careers and relationships but it also talk about issues that are happening in the world. The targeted audience is career-educated women looking to read realistic ways to stay healthy and receive tips on fashion and beauty. Some women want too read about real women in the world that are making a difference. Because of this it’s what makes Marie Claire magazine different from others.

The writing style are short articles, interviews with celebrities, and how-to sections.

http://www.marieclaire.com/

Broadcast Segment

2009-04-18T17:20:00.000-07:00

PROTEST FOR HIGHER EDUCATION

-60-
(ANCHOR ON CAM)
OVER SIX THOUSAND STUDENTS, TEACHERS AND ADMINISTRATORS THROUGHOUT CALIFORNIA CAME TO THE STATE CAPITAL THIS MORNING DEMANDING FUNDS FOR HIGHER EDUCATION.

(ANCHOR/VO)
THE MARCH BEGAN AT RALEY FIELD WITH THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE FOLLOWING THE PATH TOWARDS THE STATE CAPITOL CARRYING SIGNS THAT SAID “STOP BUDGET CUTS” AND CHANTING “SCHOOL NOT WAR.”

STUDENTS FROM DE ANZA COLLEGE IN CUPERTINO WORE RED SHIRTS THAT SAID “STUDENTS FOR JUSTICE” TRYING TO RAISE AN AWARNESS ON THE IMPORTANCE OF HIGHER EDUCATION.

WITH THE BUDGET CRISIS IN CALIFORNIA THE STATE LEGISLATORS ARE CUTTING MILLIONS OF DOLLARS TOWARDS EDUCATION…COMMUNITY COLLEGES ARE RAISING FEES AND CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITIES ARE REDUCING THE ADMISSION OF FRESHMEN STUDENTS.

LT. GOV JOHN GARAMENDI, SPEAKER AT THE RALLY SUPPORTED THE PROTEST VOICING HOW STUDENT’S ARE A VALUBALE ASSET.

THE PEACEFUL PROTEST ENDED WITH STUDENTS ONLY HOPING FOR ECONOMIC CHANGE.
-60-

News story to rewrite for broadcast

2009-04-11T17:30:00.000-07:00

Grizzly Bear at the Capitol

20 seconds

VISITORS WHO COME TO THE CAPITOL WILL NOW GET TO SEE A GIANT BRONZE GRIZZLY BEAR BY THE GOVERNORS OFFICE.

GOV. ARNOLD SCHWARZENEGGER PURCHASED-WITH HIS OWN MONEY-THE STATUE IN
ASPEN, COLORADO AT AN ART GALLERY, WHILE ATTENDING A FUNDRAISER.

THE BEAR SITS IN FRONT OF THE GOVERNORS OFFICE...FAR ENOUGH FROM THE DOOR
TO ALLOW FOR WHEEL CHAIR ENTRANTS.

ACCORDING TO HIS SPOKESMAN HE SAID THE GOVERNOR THOUGHT THE STATUE
WOULD ATTRACT THE CHILDREN TOURING THE CAPITOL.
-20-

Broadcast Style

2009-04-11T17:27:00.000-07:00

30 SECONDS

NORTHWEST AIRLINES ANOUNCED TODAY THAT IT IS CUTTING IT'S DOMESTIC FARES BY UP TO 40-PERCENT FOR HOLIDAY TRAVELLERS.

THE C-E-O OF NORTHWEST THOUGHT THE PRICE CUT WOULD BE A HOLIDAY GIFT TO THEIR CUSTOMERS

TICKETS MUST BE PURCHASED BY FRIDAY FOR TRAVEL BETWEEN NOVEMBER 12 AND JANUARY 14 IN THE LOWER 48-STATES, ALASKA AND CANADA.

DISCOUNTS VARY DEPENDING ON TRAVEL DATES AND ARE NOT AVIALABLE ON CERTAIN POPULAR DAYS, INCLUDDING NOVEMBER 23, NOVEMBER 26, DECEMBER 23 AND DECEMBER 26.

WITH THE DISCOUNTED, NON-REFUNDIBLE FAIRES, A PASSENGER COULD TRAVEL ROUND-TRIP BETWEEN BOSTON AND SAN FRANCISCO FOR 400-DOLLARS ON CERTAIN DAYS.

-30-

Soft broadcast lead

2009-04-04T17:28:00.000-07:00

SQUIRREL CAUSES A RAILROAD TIE-UP

30 SECONDS

METRO-NORTH COMMUTERS WERE STRANDED IN MANHATTEN THIS

AFTERNOON WHEN SQUIRREL CLIMBED ONTO THE RAILROADS POWERLINES

CAUSING A POWER OUTTAGE.

THE POWERSURGE WEAKEND AN OVERHEAD BRACKET EXPOSING A WIRE…A

PASSING TRAIN CAUGHT THE DANGLED WIRE UNDERNEATH TEARING DOWN

ALLTHE LINES.

THE SQUIRELL WAS ELECTROCUTED AFTER CROSSING AROUND THE POWERLINES.

-30-

Copy Edit the World #2

2009-04-04T17:27:00.001-07:00

In the magazine BSD Vol 2. No. 1, the sentence says "One things that helps though is operating systems that aim to be secure by default like NetBSD." (pg42) The correct way to write this sentence is : One thing that helps is operating systems aim to be secure by default like NetBSD.

In the magazine BSD the sentence says " I went ahead and choose ksh (Korn Shell) during this instillation and you should as well those more experienced with Unix shells are free to choose a root shell of your preference." The correct way to write this sentence is" I went ahead and chose ksh (Korn Shell) during this instillation and you should as well those more experienced with Unix shells are free to choose a root shell of your preference."

In the magazine BSD the sentence said "Thief might have a lot of problems cracking your passwords and accessing your files." The correct way to write this sentence is " The thief might have a lot of problems cracking your passwords and accessing your files".

The quotation marks on ,,talk" is incorrect, it should be "talk".

Towards the end of the editors letter I saw a word that was awkward in the sentence last but nor least, is a great review of Dr Lavigne's The Best of FreeBSD" the best word to use is last but not least.

The sentence in the syllabus for LLD starts a sentence with a open parenthesis that does not close. After the sentence Plagiarism is a serious offense.( A general rule to avoid plagiarism : Any time you use anything (ideas, words, etc) from any source in any submitted work (test, paper, presentation etc." it's missing a close parenthesis.

The FOG index

2009-03-14T17:25:00.001-07:00

An example of my writing using a piece from "The Future of News" :

The creation of the iPhone has also been another way for media to reach people. There are different applications for different niches such as for sports, whether, celebrity news, fashion, world news and local news. The Weather Channel and MLB are two of many media applications that are being used. The MLB application has scores, states, video, and other tools for the baseball fans. I own an iPhone and I installed The New York Times and I really like it because when I don’t have the chance to pick up the latest copy this application does gives me the latest news through my phone, which I think is more convenient for me.

The FOG Index:9.6

What I learned from this exercise is I could work on cutting my sentences and increase my vocabulary. However I do like that my writing is easy to read. To help my writing I need to read more.

Got What it takes to be a Reporter

2009-03-14T17:24:00.002-07:00

Talent

1. I enjoy reading. I consume a lot of books and magazines.
Mostly true

2. For me, writing is rewarding. And I am confident that people genuinely enjoy the stuff I write.
Not true

3. I don’t pay much attention to spelling.
Not True.

4. I’m generally adept at computer technology: spending e-mail, downloading files, shooting digital photos, etc.
Mostly True.

5. I can organize my ideas and write quickly when I need to.
Not True

6. I’d make a good game show contestant because I’m pretty good at remembering facts and trivia.
Not True

7. I am efficient and self-sufficient when it comes to doing extensive library research.
-Mostly True.

Temperament

8. I’m generally more curious than most people I know.
Mostly True.

9. In public situations, I’m pretty shy; I avoid asking questions in class, for instance.
Mostly True

10. I think it’s unpatriotic to question or criticize our government.
Not True

11. When I choose a career, I’ll require a stable 9-to-5 job where my workday is routine and I make big money.
Mostly True.

12. If I really want something, I’m tenacious until I get it.
Not True.

13. When I’m under pressure, I can keep my cool and stay focused without losing my temper.
Mostly True

14. When strangers or teachers criticize what I write, it really bugs me.
Not True.

This test was insightful and accurate on how I feel about being a reporter. The statements asked for both talent and temperament I think really demonstrated what it takes to be a successful journalist. My results were what I expected them to be and that is a score below 20. I learned more about the life of a reporter and I did know that journalism is about being an excellent writer, working at different hours of the week and asking questions. I don't see myself having a career in journalism, but the skills I am learning in the journalism class are going to be a helpful for whichever career I decide.

Playing Editor

2009-03-14T17:24:00.001-07:00

A sophomore at Springfield University claims a chemistry professor has sexually harassed her.

Karen Hart, 123 Hill Hall, says the professor, George O.T. Jungle, has touched her during tutoring sessions in his office and has invited her to his apartment several times. She said she declined his invitations.

"I am having trouble in the class and I have to go see him to get help with my papers and projects," Hart said. "But I am scared to go in his office now."

Jungle denied having an improper contact with the student and threatened this newspaper with a libel suit if it published the story.

Hart said she is thinking of filing a formal complaint with the university.

"I don't know how to do that," she said. "I don't know what to do."

There are certain libelous passages that need to be omitted starting with the the name of the students and professor. There is not enough information to prove that the professor has sexually harassed her. Hart would need to file charges then the story could go under further investigation. Another passage I would omit is the part where it says he touched her during a class session in his office. If the accusation is false that statement could be libelous to the professor. Because the professor is not a public figure it would create a complication in putting his name in the article. Therefore, I would not even publish the article until the facts become concise.

Making Ethical Decisions

2009-03-14T16:58:00.000-07:00

Scenario 1

If I saw documents on a desk that were related to my investigation on a government officials involvement in a bribery scheme I would read them, although the proper thing would be to ask. My job as a journalist is to get all the facts possible to write my story and have a different story from other journalist who are investigating the same case. Also, the Americans deserve to know the truth on any incriminating information that the official is withholding even if that means breaking certain privacy laws. Asking to read the questions would be out of the question because I would feel that the response would not be truthful and that important details on the documents would not be told. As far as taking the documents I would not to avoid lawsuits, but to tell the official that I read the documents. From there I could for my questions and get all the answers I need for my story.

Scenario 2
If my editor asked me to get a job as an orderly and write a story on substandard conditions at a local nursing home I would accept the request on two reasons. The first being on the phrase “business is business” I have a story to write and a job to keep, and if going undercover is the only way to get the truth I would do it. The second reason would be to inform the people and those families who have residents in those homes. I feel like information is being hidden since the nursing home is denying any information to be said.

Scenario 3
If I was writing a feature story and found excellent quotes from a written source or website I would use them and the cite them. To be a credible journalist it is important that I cite all the quotes I use. Plagiarism is what all writers learn starting in middle school, so it is important to cite any quotes used regardless if those quotes are coming from material that is not published.

Reporting with Numbers

2009-03-07T18:02:00.000-08:00

1) A local college releases figures showing that its total budget is $120 million. Of that total, $80 million comes from the state, $6 million from student tuition, and the remaining $34 million from fees, grants and gifts.

* 67% of the budget comes from the state, 5% come from the student tuition, and 28% comes from the fees, grants and gifts

* The most significant source of funding is coming from the state, second to that is the fees, grants, and gifts, and the least coming from the students.

*Two-thirds of the college budget is coming from the state, more than a quarter of the fees, grants and gifts, and the five percent coming from student tuition.

2) Your editor assigns you to do a story about prison sentences handed down in cases of aggravated assault. He gives you the following figures from an anti-crime group that is lobbying for tougher sentencing guidelines. The cases represent the people convicted for aggravated assault in San Jose in one month in 2006.

* The average prison term for people convicted of aggravated assault is about 2 years.

*The median prison term for people convicted of aggravated assault is 1 year

*The median figure is a more accurate description of prison terms because the list of sentencing shows that most inmates were in for 1 year.

3) Currently the California state tax is 8.25%. If the sales tax were exempted from restaurant food sales a person who pays $5 per meal would save about $21.45 on tax. For the people who spend $20 per meal once a week for a year they would save $85.80.

AP Style (S-Z)

2009-03-07T16:39:00.000-08:00

1) He thought of Smokey Bear every time he got near a smoldering fire or entered a smoky room.
2) The forecast is for lower temperatures, falling to the low 30s by tonight. If the rain continues, as expected, there could be a travelers’ advisory.
3) To celebrate Veterans Day, the anniversary of the armistice that ended World War I, troops of former soldiers will march down Main Street carrying U.S. flags.
4) His weeklong ordeal will be finished when finals week is over. Until then, his well-being is in doubt.
5) A-19-year old youth was arrested Monday for carrying a Saturday night special without a permit. After being released on bond, he disappeared. His whereabouts are unknown.
6) She’d hoped to be able to trade in her car after getting a tuneup, but she totaled it last night.
7) Could you photocopy that invoice for me? I need it for our year-end budget.

The Future of News

2009-02-28T18:01:00.002-08:00

Mark Potts, Recovering Journalist blog, on part 1 talks about mentions how the innovation of online video such as YouTube as another way of informing people of news. An example Potts uses is The New York Time’s, David Pogue, his guerilla-style videos get attention with his humor and personality. Now millions of people are watching these videos through the popularity of YouTube. Another good point that Potts mention is how print news should showcase newsroom personalities in videos that will entertain and inform. I personally like getting my news on T.V and other shows that I watch that inform me on some news is The Daily Show with John Stewart. He makes news comedic and entertaining and could be good way to get the youth to want to watch the news.

The creation of the iPhone has also been another way for media to reach people. There are different applications for different niches such as for sports, whether, celebrity news, fashion, world news and local news. The Weather Channel and MLB are two of many media applications that are being used. The MLB application has scores, states, video, and other tools for the baseball fans. I own an iPhone and I installed The New York Times and I really like it because when I don’t have the chance to pick up the latest copy this application does gives me the latest news through my phone, which I think is more convenient for me.

What holds for the future of journalism is that print media will decrease, but online media will increase. Television media will remain the same and telephones will be another way for media awareness. These new ideas only prove my point in why I want to work for a tech company. Technology is always changing and is the future.

Top News Assignment #5(late)

2009-02-28T18:01:00.001-08:00

AP Style (M-R)

2009-02-28T18:00:00.000-08:00

1) He hopes to make $ 1 billion dollars by the time he’s 40. Already he figures his net worth is between $2million and $3 million, depending on current stock prices.

2) Lt. Col. John Carpenter was a midshipman at the U.S. Naval Academy and served in the Seventh Fleet.

3) Twenty-one winners were named two days after the third annual Procrastination Awards Ceremony.

4) It was a one-sided game, and he was a poor loser. After losing the play off when his ball went out-of-bounds, he made an off-color remark that could be heard in the stands.

5) Hundreds of people attended Sunday’s race to watch 75 top bicyclists pedal across the finish line.

6) Every winter, the Joneses and the Kinney’s pour over travel brochures, planning their summer trip together. This year they’re hoping to go to Panama City, Panama.

New Story 5

2009-02-28T17:59:00.000-08:00

A runaway truck knocked out power in El Cerrito and some neighboring cities causing a fire yesterday afternoon.

The big asphalt truck, a 10-wheel hauler, left a path of destruction at Moeser Lane after smashing against somebody’s house. The trick overturned snapping the power pole and damaged five vehicles.

El Cerrito police Detective Sgt. Shawn Maples, was one of the first rescuers to arrive at the scene, he said he heard cries coming from the burning truck and house, and started digging through the debris. He spotted the driver lodged between the wheels of the truck, which had flipped on the side. The driver’s legs were mangled and he could not move. Maples was able to grab his hand and with the help of Police Chief Scott Kirkland and Detective Ken Zinc, he was able to pull the driver to safety.

Another witness, Ruben Sharma, who live across the street from the single-story home that was destroyed stated, “First, I thought it was a major earthquake. This is unbelievable.” Sharma front yard was littered with brick, broken glass, car parts, splintered wood and palm fronds.

A Honda Sedan was hit by the truck and was so crumbled that the driver was trapped inside. Rescue worker sliced into it, peeling back the roof to free the trapped driver. An electrician’s truck that had been parked on Moeser was knocked over to the next street, Richmond.

The truck driver broke both of his legs in the crash. He’s listed in serious but stable condition at John Muir Medical Center in Walnut Creek.

Copy Edit the World

2009-02-21T19:04:00.001-08:00

In my COMM 144-01 Organization Communications class syllabus the am and pm on the office hours don't have periods between them.

http://img23.imageshack.us/my.php?image=photoa.jpg
In the PRSSA Newsletter for 2009 there was a mistake on the third page: the sentence said I ran into an article by Kara Swisher of AllThingsDigital.She asks "Is Social Media Killing PR?

The picture is blurry but there is no ending quotation to the quote , no comma after she asks and the first letters in the quote are capitalized.

http://img172.imageshack.us/my.php?image=photoy.jpg

on my MCOM 72 syllabus for Diane Guerrazzis' class the sentence says :However, give yourself time to write the required paper( read on.) The problem with this is that the period is on the inside of the parenthesis.

Top News Assignment #4

2009-02-21T17:53:00.000-08:00

Automakers seek $14 Billion more vowing deep cuts

G.M. Motors and Chrysler are continuing to suffer from the company’s financial crisis and requesting for more aid from the federal government. “ The price tag for bailing out General Motors and Chrysler jumped by another 14 billion Tuesday, to $39 billion” said Bill Vlasic. The two companies have been receiving billions of dollars by the government since December, $17.4 billion in emergency assistance including $6.5 billion dollars. Both automakers are avoiding filing for bankruptcy because the cost of bankruptcy reorganization, with the government providing financing to help it through the process would be far greater than their latest loan request, said spokesmen of the car companies. Even though both companies are losing hundred of dollars each month bankruptcy is out of the question. G.M is pushing for restructuring plans to help reduce dept. According to Rick Wagnoer, G.M’S chief executive said they company is expected to begin paying back their federal loans by 2012.

G.M will cut 47,000 more of its 244,000 workers world wide, close five more plants in North America leaving it with 33; and cut its line up of brands in half to just four: Chevrolet, Cadillac, GMC, and Buick. Chrysler will cut 3,000 jobs and discontinue three of their models: Dodge Durango, P.T Cruiser, and Chrysler Aspen, said Robert L.Nardeli, Chairman of Chrysler.

This article is newsworthy in timeliness because G.M motors have been updating the media on its financial situation and how it’s going to affect the company and their employees. For the past weeks G.M has been featured in the New York Times and will continue to be featured to give updates on their restructuring plan. The Second reason is its significance and human interest in that fact that there are thousands of people working for these companies who will be affected by the job cuts of G.M and Chrysler. This article will attract those who work for the auto industry even those who don’t work for G.M and Chrysler. The third is the proximity G.M and Chrysler are nationwide companies because there are American

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/18/business/18auto.html?_r=1&scp=1&sq=Automakers%20seek%20%2414%20billion%20more%20vowing%20deep%20cuts&st=cse

Two Feature Lead

2009-02-21T17:52:00.000-08:00

A squirrelly Situation

A squirrel gets electrocuted on the Metro-North Railroad causing a huge tie-up on Monday’s afternoon mass transit commute from Manhattan. NY.

According to Donna Evans, spokeswomen for Metro-North said that the squirrels adventurous pass through the power lines caused an electrical surge. That weakened an overhead bracket causing a wire from the overhead bracket to dangle down and envelop on a train passing underneath that ended up tearing down all the lines.

About 47,000 rail commuters waited for hours for trains, but they never came. Service was restored by crews Tuesday morning.

AP Style #3 (I-L)

2009-02-21T17:51:00.002-08:00

1) The last time she played soccer, she suffered a serious injury to her knee. Sometimes it’s hard to understand why she wants to keep playing.
2)He was indicted on a charge of assault, but his lawyer said the case against him is circumstantial and she is sure the inquiry will exonerate him.
3)He knows it isn’t kosher, but green Jell-O is his favorite dessert. This admission has prompted his friends to question both his taste and his judgment.
4) Now that he has DSL, he finds it much easier to go online to check his e-mail and download files.

New Story 4-The Car Jacker

2009-02-21T17:51:00.001-08:00

A Newly married couple was carjacked on Saturday night at a Taco Bell parking lot.

The newlyweds stopped off for a late night snack at the Taco Bell on East Fourth Avenue in San Mateo before spending their honeymoon at the Embassy Suits, said Sheryl Wollcot, a San Mateo deputy district attorney. The husband got out of the 2003 Nissan Altima while the 22-year-old bride waited in the car. Subsequently, Alan Ticas-Soto, 21, leaped into the car running car attempting to steal the car.

The husband ran to the car opening the passenger-side to help his wife get out of the car. She tumbled out; landing on the parking lot unhurt, though shake. Ticas-Soto who had been high on methamphetamines was distracted and smashed into the Taco Bell sign. He took off running.

The local police officer, Brendan Boyle, was patrolling the area and noticed the man matching the suspect’s description. Boyle called it in and patrol cars converged on the scene catching Ticas-Soto arresting him without incident.

Ticas-Soto is now facing felony carjacking charges and misdemeanor drug charges. Ticas-soto admitted to the police that he’d been taking methamphetamines for three straight days. If found guilty he could face up to nice years in state prison.

New Story 3-Gas line Break

2009-02-21T17:49:00.000-08:00

A high-pressure gas pipe ruptured yesterday at the South of Market area causing a traffic standstill.

A little before 12:30 p.m., near Folsom and 11th Street a private construction crew was trying to repair sewer lines and in the process they severed a two-inch underground gas pipe with a backhoe, said a worker from Pacific Gas and Electric Co. The police cordoned off all the surrounding streets shutting down a four-block area. Traffic traveled heavily thoroughfares

At least 100 people were forced to leave the area, including neighborhood residents, dozens of business owners and their customers. Crocker’s Lockers a self-storage company was a business affected by the evacuation. The employees kept busy by working outside the police perimeter to collect payment checks from their customers.

Wa-Ha-Ka was another restaurant affected by the evacuation. The restaurant was at the corner where the construction crew has been working. The restaurant lost about $500 worth of business in the shutdown, said Samantha Feldman, manager of the Wa-Ha-Ka. Restaurant.

Pacific Gas and Electric Co. said the gas was turned back on at 5:09 p.m.

Top News Assignment #3

2009-02-14T15:26:00.001-08:00

Achoo Tamed? Study Decodes the Cold Virus

I read this article on Friday in the NY Times about how there is a possible cure for the “common cold” also known as the rhinovirus. According to Nicholas Wade, he states researchers said Thursday that they decoded the genomes of the 99 strains of the common cold virus and developed a catalog of its vulnerabilities. The cold fighting drug would not only heal the common cold but would also cure asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. “The new rhinovirus family tree would make it possible for the first time to identify which particular branch of the virus is most proactive to asthma,” said Dr.Fernando Martinez of the University of Arizona. This research is a big deal because the common cold is effecting millions of people right now, although its not a deadly virus, it is a an annoyance to peoples everyday lives. This would most definitely catch the eyes to those people who suffer from asthma especially a child’s parent.

Drug developers on the contrary think this drug would not be bought because the cold is a “minor nuisance” and people would not wont to pay for such an expensive drug. There are some people such as I that are tired of trying all these different medications and having them not work but make the illness worse. Two drugs such as Relenza and Tamiflu were supposed to alleviate flu symptoms but not cure it. They both ended up being commercial disappointments, said Carl Seidon, president of Seiden Pharmaceutical Strategies.

The problem with the family tree of the rhinovirus genomes is that they are changing all the time. However the research done with the decoding of the genome will help researches analyze the new family tree of the rhinovirus that are causing concerns. Right now there are no effective treatments but a discovery that could someday cure the cold virus.

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/13/health/research/13cold.html?_r=1&scp=3&sq=nicholas%20wade&st=cse

AP Style #2 (E-H)

2009-02-14T15:15:00.000-08:00

1. His new book, on elections and the Electoral College, is entitled “Does Your Vote Count?”
2. Brianna looked so sad that he wanted to envelop her in his arms and give her a big hug, but he was afraid the attention might faze her.
3. They were so impressed by her flair for decorating that they offered abundant praise and agreed to distribute her promotional flier.
4. He suspected his neighbor was selling drugs, so he called the FBI. His neighbor, however, cried foul at the accusation.
5. The boys' stories didn’t jibe, so their father threw down the gauntlet and demanded the truth.
6. My great-grandfather is a real gourmet, so I always let him pick the wine whenever we have dinner.

New Story 2

2009-02-14T15:05:00.000-08:00

Two tourist were robbed at gunpoint today at Saint Mary’s Cathedral parking lot said, Sgt. Lawrence Price of the San Francisco Police Department.

The victims, WeiMing Chen, 28, and his wife, Li Lu, 30, were on a group tour before the incident happen. The couple left the group at about 10 a.m. and walked though the lower parking lot of the Cathedral to take pictures. According to the victims it was then that a man approached them waiving a pistol and demanding their money.

Chen cooperatively handed over about $100, but the thief wanted more. The assailant ended up taking the couples passports, visa card, and camera and airline tickets. After robbing them of everything that had the suspect took off running. Chen described the assailant as being about 18-years-old wearing a black jacket and cap. The Police are currently looking for the suspect.

Chen and his wife, Li Lu along with the tour group of 30 employees of Taiwan airlines were scheduled to fly back to Taipei around 1 p.m. There is no report regarding if the couple made their flight.

New Story 1

2009-02-14T15:00:00.000-08:00

Firefighters rescued a retired man from his burning house yesterday afternoon in San Jose.

Captain Robert Piper of the San Jose fire department reported that the victim Robert Kent, around his 50’s, was found on the kitchen floor surrounded by flames. The firefighters immediately pulled him out of the Kitchen into safety.
The fire happened around 3 p.m. in a single-story home on Annapolis Way. The house did not have a smoke detector, so by the time firefighters arrived at the scene the house was engulfed in smoke. The fire started in the kitchen and spread to the attic, according to Piper.
Kent suffered from second and third-degree burns on 50 percent of his body. According to a nursing supervisor at Valley Medical center in San Jose said Kent is listed in “ grave conditions.” The cause of the fire is unknown.

Top News Assignment #2

2009-02-07T17:35:00.000-08:00

As layoff surge, women may pass men in the job force

I was browsing through the New York Times and read this article on how women are dominating the labor force. With the economy in a recession 82% of job cuts are hitting males. According to Catherine Rampell she writes "women are poised to surpass men on the nations payrolls, taking the majority for the first time in history. However this article does explain that job cuts for males has nothing to do with gender equality, but that women dominated fields such as education, healthcare and childcare aren't sensitive to the economic slowdown. Whereas male dominated fields such as manufacturing and construction are suffering from the job losses.

This article caught my attention because I couldn't believe that women for the first time are leading the men in something. This is a change to society because for years men have always played the roles in being the breadwinners to families and made the majority of the payroll. Women in the past years main job were being caregivers and housewives However, times have changed and women are working more and raising families. With the increase in males losing their jobs it maybe the women will now be the breadwinners in their households.

AP Style #1 (A-D) revised

2009-02-07T17:32:00.000-08:00

1) Mayor Richard Wrigley expressed confidence that the gubernatorial debate, which begins at 7:30 p.m., will have a positive effect on his candidacy. He added, “Governor Red Davidson is a master of dirty politics, but I won’t take any of his baloney”

2) For her birthday, the 9-year-old girl invited five good friends over for ice cream and cake. The chocolate cake was so tasty that any one of the children could have eaten it all, but they carefully divided it between themselves.

3)Convinced of the bill’s importance, members of the Democratic and Republican Parties came together on Capitol Hill to support anti-terrorism legislation, despite their differences on other issues.

4)ROME – All around the world, Roman Catholics today listened as the pope delivered his homily.

Leads Exercise #5

2009-02-07T17:26:00.000-08:00

Fact Set #1: Pipe fitter

Immediate Identification lead:
An Employee of Springfield’s Gross Engineers, Duane le Chance, suffered from third-degree burns when he accidently touched a power line carrying 15,000 volts, yesterday.

Delayed Identification lead:
A Springfield man is in critical condition after suffering third-degree burns when he accidently touched a power line carrying 15,000 volts, yesterday.

Fact Set #2: Car accident

Immediate Identification:
An accident on highway U.S 63 injured one Springfield civilian James W. Cunning, 20, whose vehicle was struck by Wayne Clay, 19, who crossed the center line, according to Lincoln County Sheriff’s Department.

Delayed Identification lead:
A Springfield man is in the hospital today after another driver crossed the center line and struck his vehicle on U.S. 63, according to the Lincoln County sheriffs Department.

Leads Exercise #4

2009-02-07T17:15:00.000-08:00

4a) Smoking wheels

40 passengers aboard Northwest Airlines jet were evacuated today at the LaCrosse, Wisconsin, Municipal Airport after smoke was spotted by the wheels of the jet.

The Northwest Airlines jet, Flight 428 was following a flight from Minneapolis when the landing tower employee spotted the smoke on the plane. The passengers were safely evacuated with no reported injuries. The cause to why the smoke appeared is still under investigation.

4b) Missing Boy

A 7-year-old boy missing for three years was found on Thursday night by a neighbor who recognized the child's picture when it was shown after the movie "Adam: The Song Continues."

Brick Township, NJ, police arrested the boy's mother, Ellen Lynn Conner, 27; she faces charges of kidnapping and interference with a custody warrant. An investigation is in the works to find out what led to the kidnapping.

Leads Exercise #3

2009-02-07T17:07:00.000-08:00

Amtrak train the "Colonial" collided with three Conrail diesels yesterday at 1:30 near Chase, Md. All trains were headed northbound when the Conrails ran a stop sign by the track merger, according to Larry Chase, Amtrak spokesman.

Top News Assignment #! revised

2009-01-31T14:13:00.000-08:00

Obama promises plan to cut mortgage cost

This morning on the msn website I read an article on MSNBC news on how Obama and his Treasury secretary are working on a strategy to lower mortgage cost and revive the financial system. According to Obama he wants to, "get the credit flowing again" and make the ecomomic financial crises his top priority.
This is an important story because our economy is in a recession and thousands of people are losing their jobs because businesses are going out of business. Stores that have been around since I was little such as Mervyn's and Circut City will no longer be around.Because there are no jobs people who own homes won't be able to pay their mortgage payments. With the U.S economy being in its worst condition the new plan is a start to helping the U.S financial crises. However it will take more the months for the economy to recover. Now, Americans can only hope that this enconomic crises can someday resolve itself.

This article is newsworthy for those who own homes and are struggling to continue paying of their housing payments. Many houses are going under foreclosure and no one wants to buy property with this bad economy. The headline " Obama promises plan to cut mortgage cost" is what gives this article the attention .

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/28946241/

Leads Exercise #2- Air Crash revised

2009-01-30T21:56:00.000-08:00

131 passengers aboard U.S Air flight from Chicago were killed yesterday when plane crashed outside Pittsburgh making this the worst U.S air disaster in the past three years.

Leads Exercise #1

2009-01-30T21:09:00.000-08:00

Lead #1
A couple from Butte County was awarded $150,000 yesterday in damages from a traffic accident that happened in March.

Lead #2
Another snowstorm is headed on its way and forcasters say it will hit the Sierras today.

Lead #3
Three firefighters were injured and 41 families were evacuated today when a blazing fire roared through a six story building on union Ave.

Introduction (Assignment 1)

2009-01-23T22:27:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone,
My name is Raquel and I am a public relations major with a minor in marketing. I transferred from Skyline college, but this is now my second semester at San Jose state and I am truly enjoying my college experience. Last semester was successful I got the chance to live in the dorms, however it was a big surprise when I found out I was living in a triple. I am an only child and having to share a room with two other girls was something I was not looking forward to, but everything ended up working out I got along with all my roommates and we are all good friends. As far as my classes I was happy to finally be able to take some of my major courses, whereas I was use to taking my general educations requirements. I also got the opportunity to join PRSSA (Public Relations Student Society of America), which has been big help in helping decide what companies I would like to work for.
Outside of School I enjoy hanging out with my friends and family back at home in Daly City. I love going to San Francisco which is about 10 minutes away from where I live. On my spare time I like to read or go the movies. One of my favorite things to do is dance, I am not a professional dancer, but it’s my way of letting out any negative energy I had throughout the week or day. I am a football fan and ready for the Cardinals to win the Super bowl.
Now that school is back in session Jour 61 is one of my required classes that I have to take, but I’m excited to take this course to learn how to write for the media. I also want to work on my writing skills because I am not the strongest writer. I’m ready for the challenge this class is going to bring.