Wednesday, October 22, 2008

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.

Tuesday, October 21, 2008

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. 

Monday, October 20, 2008

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.

Monday, October 13, 2008

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.



Sunday, October 12, 2008

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.


Friday, October 10, 2008

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.

Saturday, October 4, 2008

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.