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.