Individual Blog Post #5

This is an international ad I found on Ads of the World. It is probably the funniest ad I have seen in a very long time! The woman featured in the ad plays the part so well, it makes us women wonder why we even like the pigs at all. Walking around naked, adding beer to cereal, burping, farting and watching racing on TV, yup that's a man alright. The only difference is she looks a lot better than a man does. The concept is brilliant; the ad grabs your attentions immediately and holds it. Unlike a lot of ads similar to this one (entertaining ads based on humor or shock), at the end you actually know what the product is. The use of repetition i.e. scratching her butt twice, keeps the product in view and focus on the underwear. The tagline at the end reinforces the product and gives the message of the ad. It's true, men don't want to see other men walking around almost naked. Although they probably don't want to see a beautiful woman farting and burping either; but the point is well taken. She is just like a man, but boy, is she easier on the eyes (well at least to men)?

Everything in advertising is intentional right? I mean look at her place, filled with empty liquor and beer bottles, a pizza box on the table with a lone slice left, the empty fridge; what is all this stuff saying? In the infamous words or Austin Powers, “She’s a man baby!!!”

As a side note, I think the use of racing at the end is interesting. If this ad were an American ad (HaHa, I know it would never make it on American television), but if it were, she would be watching football. You would hear the stereotypical announcer in the background or the referee making a call. But being an international ad, probably based out of Europe, they use racing. I know racing in other countries is huge; and they don't do any of that silly NASCAR crap where it is considered a skill to make left turns a.k.a. driving in a circle. Take what you want from this, it is just a note of interest on culture and advertising to different countries.

Here are some print executions I found as well.

Individual Blog Post #4

Corona, the long time fun in the sun, life on the beach beer is repositioning their brand. They are planning on moving more towards slice of life commercials. They will be focusing on "refreshing moments" at parties and other social events instead of the typical beachfront scene. It is hard to envision Corona creating ads like Coors. Yes, it does appeal to a younger demographic, but there tactics are what has given Corona the edge for so many years now. The people in their new ads probably drink Keystone, not Corona. Corona isn't meant for the younger consumer who drinks to get drunk; this is a beer to be enjoyed by someone who needs to get away and can appreciate the serenity of a time off. After all it is a vacation in a bottle right?

We won't see much of it, as they are doing it globally except for the U.S. but their website corona.com does reflect their new brand image. I am not sure how successful this will be as I do not live in one of the countries this is being tried in, but it will be very interesting to see how it affects the brand image and demographics. Perhaps Corona has not been as successful in the UK and the brand image doesn't have quite as strong of a hold as it does here. Their advertising is what makes Corona so unique, their ads stands apart from all other brewers - it doesn't have party girls or dumb jokes, but beautiful beaches.

Epic News Broadcast

Individual Blog Post #3 - This Read is Easy to Digest

Recently, I discovered that Readers Digest doesn't just do magazines. In fact they do a lot of stuff, but my new favorite thing is their select editions. It is a series of four condensed stories in one book. You can sample four books in the time it may take you to read one. It allows for you try out new authors you have never heard of, but at the same time authors that have been selected for their adept story telling. These books also feature well known authors such as Marry Higgins Clark and Nicholas Sparks.

The authors are often surprised at how well the story stays true to form despite the amount of information that was removed. Nicholas Sparks comments, "the editors of Reader's Digest Select Editions continue to work their magic, their treatment of my novels couldn't be better." For instance, I just read the book Whiteout by Ken Follett. If you read the book in its entirety it would be 396 pages long, while the story I read was only 165 pages. At first I was skeptical, if I want to read a story, I want read all of it, find out all of the character idiosyncrasies, and the get to experience all the details of the story. But as I read it, the story moved quickly; it was suspenseful and interesting. I didn't feel like anything was missing. When I read reviews of Whiteout, people said it was a mediocre story that moved too slowly. I was surprised to hear the review, but it makes you realize that Readers Digest took out all the extra information that can drag down a book. We've all been there; where a good story can drag on and on because unnecessary details and information impede the flow of the story.

There are just so many great books out there, and never enough time to experience them all. These books offer such a great solution! The books are short in pages to begin with, but the way they are edited makes them fast paced and quickly/easily read. I would recommend these books to anyone who feels like I do, too many books, not enough time.

Fish Out of Water

One of the biggest rivalries in sports history is between the Red Sox and the Yankees; not to worry, I am of course on the side of the better team, the Sox.  I've been a fan through thick and thin; I rioted the campus of UNH when we lost the division and I screamed until I lost my voice when we won the World Series   It's a roller coaster ride with those boys, but I wouldn't chose any other team to be mine.  

A Red Sox game is always intense, but never more than when a game against New York roles into town.  Fenway is sold out, the crowd is fired up, and no matter what happens at the end of the game, we'll still remain ever faithful.  Unfortunately, the only time I have ever had the opportunity to experience the electricity of a Red Sox-Yankees game was in New York.  There are always some Sox fans no matter where you go, but one definitely feels out of place inside the Yankee Stadium, where your rivals completely surround you.  

We took our seats, in the mob of New Yorkers, dressed in their pin stripes and "Red Sux" shirts and not so easily watched the game.  You feel so awkward and uncomfortable; you don't even want to really cheer for your team because of the glares and comments you get from the people around you.  Perhaps if I had gone with a larger group of people, I would have felt a little more confident, but in our small group of three girls, I wasn't feeling so sure.  It is a surreal feeling to go through the opposite emotional spectrum than the rest of the crowd.  Every time we strike out Jeter or Matsui, I want to jump from my seat with a surge of excitement, but instead I am deafened by a roar of boos; and just about the time I am ready to throw my beer at the Ump, everyone else is screaming in approval.  You are so out of place, and reminded with every pitch and swing of the bat.  You are the outsider.  You are the odd man out, and in this riotous crowd, that is not really who you want to be.  By the end of the game you are only quietly cheering to yourself in order to escape the scowls and comments of the people around you.  You are excited to be watching one of the most extreme rivalries in sports, but cannot fully enjoy it because you are uncomfortable in your own skin, or in this case, your baseball hat.

We ended up losing the game, which seemed like an even larger defeat as we walked out among fans cheering in elation.  People around us were all talking about the game, about the quality of their players and about the lack of ours. Of course we were heckled and teased about our boy's performance that night, but in the end this was probably better.  I think I would have rather been teased by happy fans, than pushed around by sore losers.  I never hope for a loss, but in this case, it was probably for the better.

Individual Blog Post #2

They keep saying that now is the time to buy, so I did.  With a little help from my mom, and decent down payment I had saved, I was able to get into a 1600 square foot, three bedroom, two and half bath home!  Just in time to start my life in the real world. The price was right, graduation is around the corner, and it seems my future is starting off on the right foot.  Now the only problem is filling this new house.  I'm pretty much out of money, and all I have is a bed and a desk.  That's not much furniture for a house that big; can you say craigslist?  Even if I don't have much money to spend, it's still fun to look, and I must admit, it has become quite a distraction as far as school work is concerned.  Hmm, write on my blog, or look up new stuff to buy for the house?  It is taking a serious amount of restraint as I type this now not be searching for new furniture, decor ideas or adding stuff to the registry.

James, my boyfriend, and I hope to be in before Christmas so that we have something special to look forward to, as presents are not in the picture this year.   We've already started the cleaning extravaganza and minor fixing, but there is still a lot to be done.  What's interesting is that I've never had so much fun putting in 14 hour days of cleaning.  I guess it's different when it's yours and you know how much money you just spent to get it.  

The whole process has been very interesting, from the excitement of finding the home, the anticipation of the offer approval, and the work to make it your own.  James and I have had a lot of fun so far picking out things and building our home together - we're just lucky we have the same taste!  

The downed economy has had its benefits for us young first time buyers; as the market were a few years ago, we would not be able to get into a home for many years.  This is an opportunity we are very thankful for. People are losing their homes, their jobs and their families over this crisis we are facing. On a more positive note, that does James and my conscience good, the house we bought was a conventional sale, not a foreclosure or short sale. We are not directly gaining from someone else's loss.

  

Individual Blog Post #1

I think it may be time to reevaluate my career choice, or at least Ad Age thinks I should.  According to a recent article, the advertising industry is losing the best and brightest recruits because of lack of compensation.  The average starting agency salary is $32,000, and in California that isn't much.  That is actually 20% lower than the average starting pay of a librarian.  That's insane.  The types of people they are looking for are opting for jobs in the FBI or consulting firms, where the average starting pay is $88,000.  It seems I definitely need to reconsider!  The biggest problem with this situation isn't for the starving ad exec, but for the advertising firm itself.  When the industry can't compete for the best talent, the industry slows, loses the ability to be innovative and in turn only looks less and less attractive to up and coming talent.  

Apparently ad firms feel the luster of the glamourous lifestyle that advertising provides is enough of an incentive to take the lower pay.  It's that whole love your job versus living above the poverty line paradox.  Of course the potential to move up in the firm is always a possibility, and with it comes better pay, but how long is one willing to wait?  If you are a young 20-something who can still live at home until you move up in your career and salary level, or at least until can afford to live on  your own, then this is a no brainer.  On the other hand if you have a mortgage and kids, this choice may not be so obvious, or may not even be a choice at all.  

This all seems a little depressing, but the reality is if you want the job of your dreams sometimes you have to make some sacrifices including low pay and late nights.  And in this economy, you better take what you can get!

Aaron Miller: The Man, The Myth, The Legend

You know that type of man most women only hope to find, that true romantic who just adores his lady, well Aaron Miller, the self proclaimed celebrity of SJSU, is that man. Sorry ladies, he is very much taken, and very happy. As I sit across from Aaron and ask him questions about his relationship and the love of his life, his eyes light up and his voice heightens with excitement to be talking about his favorite subject. Aaron met his girlfriend, Sharon Seitz, in Dona Nichols’ MCOM 70 class; Sharon was the first person he met on campus, and they instantly had a connection. “We’re practically the same person,” Aaron describes; they love comedy, especially Dane Cook, theme parks, roller skating and taking walks together. They are the type of couple who has that eerie ability to finish each other’s sentences and know what the other is thinking. They are very much in love and have two children together, Munchkin and Sprite. Munchkin is a Yorkshire/Karin Terrier, and Sprite is a Shih Tzu, and even with their furry appearance, these pups are still the couple’s pride and joy.

Despite the incredible bond these two share now, times weren’t always so perfect. Both Aaron and Sharon were in other relationships when they first met, but because of their undeniable attraction, Aaron decided to pursue Sharon, even if it sometimes caused him pain. “I just knew there was something special there, and I knew it would be worth it in the end,” Aaron explains. “It’s like a rose, beautiful and prefect but when you grab it too tight, you end up bleeding from all the thorns.” Sharon finally gave in because he was so persistent that he eventually wore her down. It seems Aaron’s intuitions were right, there was something special, something worthwhile; this becomes very obvious from the way he describes her. “She’s just so wonderful, she’s really fun, and she has this crazy laugh. She’s just the kind of girl that takes your breath away; it’s like I am seeing her for the first time, every time. I still get butterflies.”

Aaron loves surprising her, and creating romantic moments for them to share. Yes, he has done the candlelit bedroom filled with rose pedals thing, and dancing under fireworks, but he is most excited about the surprise he has planned for her birthday. Unfortunately, I cannot share the details of this special day for fear Sharon may see, but know that Aaron is dizzy with excitement to surprise the love of his life. It doesn’t take much to realize this true romantic is truly happy.

VOTE

It was good to see the campus getting students involved, especially with the election only a few days away.  Students who live on campus often don't find the time to get information, or at least this was true when I lived on campus during the last election (or perhaps it was just the lack of good candidates).  They end up voting by suggestion of friends or parents, or don't vote at all. Students  could stop by pick up some pamphlets, stickers and get informed.

This is the first election I have really gotten involved in.  I made sure I watched the debates, read interviews and explored the possible outcomes of candidate proposals.  I have strong opinions about the candidates, and am excited to have the opportunity for one of these men to take office.  Neither candidate is perfect; I really am not thrilled about either medical plan, but overall, I think one man has the power to unite people in this country and around the world.  After traveling abroad and hearing opinions from these people, it truly made me realize that Obama had the plan that would help change the perception that America is bully of the world. 

Word of the Week #8

Upends

Ad Age Daily - "Pepsi Upends Brand with $1.2 Billion Shake-Up"

Definition
verb
1. to place, stand, or turn something upward so that it is standing or resting on one end, or be turned over onto one end
2. to upset, disconcert, or disturb somebody or something to a serious degree
3. set or (turn something) on its end or upside down

Applicable Definitions
1. to place, stand, or turn something upward so that it is standing or resting on one end, or be turned over onto one end
2. set or (turn something) on its end or upside down

Sentence
Some voters fear that by voting no on Prop 8, we will upend traditional values and disrupt the sanctity of marriage.

Copy Edit the World

On a store window in Savannah, Georgia

Besides the fact this sign is just odd in general, rest room is supposed to be one word.

A restroom cover charge huh? Like a deposit?? "We reserve the right to refuse service to anyone without explanation." Is that in reference to the restroom?

I am pretty sure this is a gross factual error. I love beef- chicken!

Savannah, Georgia

I don't know if this counts as being incorrect, but I would say the vernacular is pretty redundant. Holy Holiness?

And on another note...are the flames supposed to be encouraging?

Madrid, New Mexico

Alcohol ism not permitted off the porch by state law? Alcoholics on the porch only, please.

Not sure if this is supposed to be alcoholism not permitted, or alcohol is not permitted (no 'm'), but either way it's not right.

Savannah, Georgia

I am fairly certain this is supposed to say, "a

closed mouth gathers no food."

These are just a couple of my favorites. No errors, but fun signs. You know you live in a safe place (Savannah), when they put signs like, "no loitering, mingling, sitting or drug dealing." The second sign just seems a little redundant.

Mystery Character

Although he may not be considered conventionally handsome, he is recognized as an idol and sex symbol. He often wears bright outfits and is known for hanging his trademark, colorful scarves from microphones. He has a long face with an unusually large mouth and wide lips that are put to good use; he has several signature screams that have become well known, loved and often imitated, but rarely successfully reproduced. His shoulder length shaggy brown hair is iconic and very typical for his bad-boy style. He was known for living the sex, drugs and rock 'n' roll lifestyle, but he has since cleaned up and received two honorary doctorates. He has fathered 4 children, including a beautiful actress who looks a lot like him. He was most famous in the 1970's and '80s but his legendary work is known by most generations alive today.  

Word of the Week #7

Salient

Sciencedirect.com - Article Title

"The effect of a salient odor context on memory retrieval in young infants"

Definition

–adjective
1. prominent or conspicuous
2. most noticeable or important
3. projecting or pointing outward: a salient angle
4. leaping or jumping: a salient animal.
5. Heraldry. (of a beast) represented as leaping

–noun
6. a salient angle or part, as the central outward-projecting angle of a bastion or an outward projection in a battle line.
7. Physical Geography. a landform that extends out beyond its surroundings, as a spur projecting from the side of a mountain. Compare reentrant (def. 4).

Applicable Definitions

1. prominent or conspicuous
2. most noticeable or important

Sentence

He was very handsome, especially his bright, salient smile.

Word of the Week #6

Luddite

Gamepolitics.com - Headline

"Students Create anti-Binge Drinking Game... But Still Face Luddite Criticism"

Definitions

noun

1. Any of a group of British workers who between 1811 and 1816 rioted and destroyed laborsaving textile machinery in the belief that such machinery would diminish employment

2. One who opposes technical or technological change

3. Any opponent of technological progress

Applicable Definitions

1. One who opposes technical or technological change

2. Any opponent of technological progress

Sentence

Luddites were extremely opposed to the invention and popularization of the internet.

Word of the Week #5

Litany

Mercury News - Coverage of the first Presidential Debate

"Obama shot back with a litany of things he said that McCain had been wrong about: 'You talk about the surge. The war started in 2003. And at the time, when the war started, you sad it was going to be quick and easy. You said we knew where the weapons of mass destruction were. You were wrong. You said that we were going to be greeted as liberators. You were wrong. You said that there was no history of violence between the Shia and Sunni and you were wrong.'"

Definition:

lit·a·ny noun

1. a series of sung or spoken liturgical prayers or requests for the blessing of God, including invocations from a priest or minister and responses from a congregation

2. a long and repetitious list of things such as complaints or problems

3. a tedious recital or repetitive series : a litany of complaints

Applicable Definitions:

1. a long and repetitious list of things such as complaints or problems

2. a tedious recital or repetitive series : a litany of complaints

Sentence:

Men who cheat on their wives usually have a litany of excuses to try to justify their actions.

Media Audiences

The first of the Presidential Debates aired on Friday, September 26th, with polls showing a slight advantage going to Obama, but most agreed this was no landslide victory for either candidate. Most news coverage that night or the day after were fairly neutral. I looked at the September 27th Mercury News, articles on Yahoo News three hours after the debate and CNN News that evening.

The online article was just over 1,000 words and outlined some of the highlights of the debate and abbreviated some of the full quotes. For example it says that McCain tried to make a joke about his age when he commented, "Were you afraid I couldn't hear him?" but this comment was more about the Jim Lehrer trying to get the candidates to talk to each other than McCain talking about age. It explained how the two candidates tried to differentiate themselves from each other; Obama trying to connect the very unpopular George Bush to McCain, and McCain commenting on experience and naivete. The article was mostly referencing the most important comments between these two individuals and repeating them. There was also a link at the bottom connecting you to facts about the debate; taking the claims and breaking them down into the actual truths behind the statements.

The Mercury News had 219.5 column inches devoted to the debate including two articles side by side. The front page artwork with a large picture of McCain and Obama took up 84 column inches of the 220. One of the articles was a summary while the second offered an analysis of the debate. The newspaper gave more specific quotes and included what they were in reference to. For example the Mercury News wrote, "Obama shot back with a litany of things he said that McCain had been wrong about: 'You talk about the surge. The war started in 2003. And at the time, when the war started, you sad it was going to be quick and easy. You said we knew where the weapons of mass destruction were. You were wrong. You said that we were going to be greeted as liberators. You were wrong. You said that there was no history of violence between the Shia and Sunni and you were wrong.'" The online article simply said, "'You were wrong' on Iraq, Obama repeated three times in succession." The article commented on how each candidate succeeded and what they missed. They concluded there were no real defining moments, but the contrasts between the candidates became apparent. Interestingly enough, the Merc had the exact same truths and facts write up as the online article did in two corner columns.

The television broadcast had a three people debating as to which candidate outperformed the other. The basic consensus was that there were no shining moments, but both stood their ground and showed they had the ability to be commander in chief. One argued that Obama outdid McCain, as the Republican candidate repeated the same points several times, acted condescending and stood with a smug smile. Obama kept his cool and impressed people with his knowledge of the economy and ability to stand his ground against an opponent with more experience. McCain was in his element when speaking about the war, but his lack of specifics was not unnoticed. They did not feel the need to summarize the debate as much as the written articles since it was only a short time after the debate and focused more on opinion and analysis than recapping what was said.

Word of the Week #4

Mercurial 

AdAge Daily - "The Real Reason Why Wieden Quit Starbucks"

"Rich Silverstein, co-founder of Omnicom Group's Goodby, Silverstein & Partners, which did two stints representing Starbucks, said much of the fault lies with the mercurial Mr. Schultz."

Definition:

mer-cu-ri-al    adjective

1.  subject to sudden or unpredictable changes of mood or mind

2. lively, witty, fast-talking, and likely to do the unexpected

3. containing or caused by the element mercury

4. of the planet Mercury

noun (usu. mercurials) 

1. a drug or other compound containing mercury

Applicable Definitions:

1. subject to sudden or unpredictable changes of mood or mind

2. lively, witty, fast-talking, and likely to do the unexpected

Sentence:

Those with Bipolar disorder are often described as mercurial; they experience dramatic shifts in their mood, from manic highs to deep depression.

Word of the Week #3

Perennial

AdAge Daily - "Microsoft vs. Apple Fight Enters New Round"

"At the same time, in the newest ad Microsoft attempts to identify the 'real PC user,' said Mr. Webster, rather than the 'caricature' painted by Apple's 'Mac vs. PC' campaign, from Omnicom Group's TBWA Media Arts Lab, which portrays PC as a perennial loser to the hipper Mac."

Definition:

per-en-ni-al    

adjective

1.  lasting or existing for a long or apparently infinite time; enduring

2. used to describe a plant that lives for several years

3. (esp. of a problem or difficult situation) continually occurring

4. (of a person) apparently permanently engaged in a specified role or way of life

5. (of a stream or spring) flowing throughout the year

noun

1.  a plant that lasts for more than two growing seasons

2.  something that recurs of appears to recur yearly or on a continuing basis

Applicable Definitions:

1. lasting or existing for a long or apparently infinite time; enduring

2. (of a person) apparently permanently engaged in a specified role or way of life

Sentence:

After changing my major and attending different universities for six years, I feel like a perennial student. 

Telling Details

Well, I had originally observed the Market Cafe on campus and had written my blog on that...but just found this scenario so much more interesting than people drinking coffee and studying.  What do you think?

As the strobe lights flash and the green lasers dance on the white tents at the Shoreline Amphitheatre, Adam Duritz, the lead singer of the Counting Crows, voice fills the arena.  He passionately emotes as the intensity of his songs rise and fall.  The smell of marijuana wafts through the air (or so I've been told; I of course, wouldn't know what pot smells like personally) as the crowd becomes entranced by the sound of the band and is lost in the power of music.  The masses of people on the lawn huddle together in their small groups to combat the sting of the cold air.  

The group in front of us has clearly been drinking and one of the women from the two couples playfully tosses herself on her partner.  They sit for awhile, laughing and joking together when something strange happens, the man from one couple lovingly and gently wraps up the women from the second couple in his blanket.  This women then snuggles up to her partner and rests her head on his shoulder.  Maybe this is normal.  Who knows, they could just be good friends. The people in my group jokingly suggest she is his sister... 

After awhile the gentlemen from the second couple awkwardly gets up and stumbles his way to his feet.  He stands behind the group to light a cigarette.  Just about the time the distinctive scent of cigarette smoke hits me, the lady from the first couple jumps to her feet to stand beside him.  As they stand there and talk casually, she playfully tickles the back of his forearm. He seems slightly uncomfortable with this and subtly shakes off her caresses.  While this is happening, the gentleman from the first couple slowly leans closer to the lady from the second couple and starts rubbing her back, comforting her in the cold. She leans in, accepting his touch. Eventually, they all sit back down and continue to enjoy the show.  

By this time, the show is winding down and Adam Duritz has begun singing Long December. All eyes are focused on the band as they begin to relay the powerful lyrics.  The crowd sways and sings along with the band as they sing about looking forward, hope and possibilities.    The crowd anxiously awaits the song Mr. Jones, but as the band says their final good-byes and the lights come up, we all realize it isn't going to happen.  The crowd begins to slowly stand as the cool air and lack of movement has made everyone stiff.  Blankets are folded and lawn chairs are laid flat; people begin gathering their things to make their way to the exit.  I glance over to see what is happening with the intriguing group in front of us, curious if any more partner switching has occurred.  The group is on their feet, but does not want to leave, hoping for an encore.  They linger as people shuffle by them, discussing the concert.  The woman from the first couple jumps up and down, pleading with the other three to stay and wait it out with her.  They grant her a few moments but eventually, they too pack up their things and leave holding hands with their respective partners, disappearing into the crowd.  

As to what was really going on, I have no idea, but it does make you wonder...swingers, affair, or just really close?  Who knows, but it sure was interesting to observe.

Word of the Week #2

Word #2

Denigrated

Our Sexuality - Text Book

"Hence, sex, which is essential for reproduction, was a necessary but religiously denigrated act."

Definition:

Den-i-grate transitive verb

1. To defame somebody's character or reputation

2. To disparage or criticize somebody or something, to lower somebody's self-esteem or to make something seem unimportant

3. To criticize something harshly, while attempting to make others think it has no importance

Applicable Definitions:

1. To criticize something harshly; to disparage

Sentence:

In the Scarlett Letter, Hester Prynne is a denigrated woman who must wear a bright red 'A' as punishment because she was believed to have committed adultery.

My Favorite Writing

I believe my favorite writing at the moment is the author Dan Brown. A few months ago, I would have said James Patterson for his quick, easy, keep me on the edge my seat writing, but a few months ago I finished a couple of Dan Brown's book, and then went to pick up a novel by James Patterson, and by comparison, seemed sluggish and boring. Funny how juxtaposition makes things change. Of course Dan Brown's most famous book is The Da Vinci Code, but he has also written several other books that are just as interesting. I believe Angels and Demons is my favorite, but I am currently reading Digital Fortress, and it is turning out to be excellent as well. I really like his writing; from the very first page, he captures the reader and brings them into an intelligently crafted tale of fiction laced with fact. I have always loved to learn, and the way he weaves his stories with truth is fascinating. I am not only reading a fast paced adventure, but learning actual truths about art, history, symbolism and architecture I never knew. He is a brilliant writer, and his stories always keep you guessing, from the first page where often a horrific murder is described through detailed quests of Paris or Rome to the climactic ending, you never saw coming. You just don't know where the story might lead to next. Of course, after reading Angels and Demons and The Da Vinci Code, I have noticed a pattern in his writing that takes some of the excitement out of the story; it seems the person you trust the most, is the bad guy in the end, but this understanding doesn't deter me in any way from reading more of his novels. The plot twists and information are well worth the similarities between stories. His ability to take truths and use them to build and support a brilliant fictional story is unrivaled (well, at least in my experience), and I hope to continue to lose myself in his stories and learn facts along the way.

Word of the Week #1

Word #1

Juggernaut

AdAge Daily - "McCain Scores Point in PR Wars"

"In a campaign that hasn't been filled with too many surprises, other than McCain not knowing how many houses he owns, the Republican pulled of a significant plot twist today, sucking some of the energy out of the Obama juggernaut in the process"

Definition:

jug-ger-naut   noun

1.   U.K. a very large, long truck for transporting goods in bulk

2.  a form of the Hindu god Krishna

3.  a force that is relentlessly destructive, crushing, and insensitive

4.  a huge, powerful and overwhelming force or institution

Applicable Definitions:

Noun

1.  a force that is relentlessly destructive, crushing and insensitive

2.   a huge, powerful and overwhelming force or institution

Sentence:

The courts looked into the software juggernaut, Microsoft, in order to determine if it violated any antitrust laws.

All About Me!

I am the boy's sweet girl, the spitting image of my father, and when the day is done my mom is my biggest fan. I am often uncoordinated and goofy, but the people in my life know exactly who I am and what to expect. I love meeting new people, but understand that I am cautious with the people I let into my life; I don't find value in popularity contests, and would rather have a few genuine people in my life than a slew of fake faces. I love to dance and when I do, I feel it in my soul. I probably swear too much, drive too fast, and find myself tipsy after one drink. I'm a California girl, with a Georgia heart and a Boston attitude. I don't fall in love fast, but when I do, you'll have my whole heart. I believe everything happens for a reason, and when you're on the right path, you can feel it. I try not to waste time with jealousy, in the end the competition is only with myself. I'm a perfectionist, overachiever, and a natural leader. Because of this, I've been known to be overbearing and a slight control freak when trying to complete projects or tasks, and if I offend you in the process, I'm sorry, that was not my intent. I just don't like settling for second best. I don't like complaining and I try to look for the good in situations, even when it is hard to see. I don't ask for much and it doesn't take a lot to make me happy. I recognize how blessed my life is; I try to take notice of my daily gifts, and grow stronger from my daily struggles. I live life the fullest and live in the moment. Extreme sports are my drug of choice, love is my motivation and becoming accomplished is my aspiration. I try to live by these rules and and can only hope that they take my life in the ways that I envision.