Word of the Week #9

1.     Word: Opulent

2.     Found: But the villas and compounds that proliferated in the major cities were

opulent, far too expensive for ordinary people.

3.     Definition: over-exceeding the average or common wealth.

4.     Part of Speech: adjective

5.     Sentence: Most of those who find themselves spending weekends on their yacht are more often than not extremely opulent with a small understanding of the lower class lifestyle.

6. Citation: "Opulent." Dictionary.com. Dictionary.com, n.d. Web. 09 Apr. 2014

Drinking Coffee Elsewhere

Author Z.Z. Packer expresses herself through a series of short stories “Drinking Coffee Elsewhere” in a very deep intellectual way. Her character choices are very vibrant and often speak as though they are the core representation of a specific time or era. They also have individual revelations or situations they learn from. In the story about an African American college student, Parker takes the reader through an ironic personality twist. The girl struggles with an identity crisis and later is sent to a place where she feels more comfortable by the lack of communication with the outside world. Parker uses imagery throughout the story, which helps the reader to connect more vividly to the subject matter.  Her use of metaphors seems strange to me but somehow work for the story. She compared Heidi, a friend of the main character, to a beautiful dolphin. The thing I liked most about the story is the fact that Parker never tells the reader what to think; instead she shows the reader through the dialogue exactly what the character is expressing about their personality or theme to the story. It was also very different and refreshing to read something written in the first person narrative. It gives the reader a since of connection one wouldn’t have if done differently. 

NPR Radio Interview Analysis

During the interview of Andrew Solomon, author of “The Reckoning: The Father of the Sandy Hook Killer Searches for Answers”, Terry Gross strategically asked questions to help listeners gain a better understanding of the initial interview of Peter Lanza and what lead to the Sandy Hook tragedy. Gross conducted substantial research prior to the interview. She was knowledgeable of facts about the event, history of Adam Lanzas’ medical condition, facts about the Aspergers Syndrome and how the condition manifests in others whom suffer from similar conditions, and insight on the Lanza family before the murder took place.

The questions Gross asked were very strategic and well planned out. She used the history of the subject to form questions that the public wouldn’t even think to ask. Not only did she ask questions we all were curious of, but she also went deeper in the heart of the problem to see what the cause of the murders were. She asked questions like: How did Peter Lanza look when he stated that he wishes his son was never born? This brought a different element to the interview. It takes the listener to that place with Solomon as if we were sitting right beside him during the interview.

Although the main question “why did Adam do it” remained inconclusive, Gross handled the lack of an answer by asking Solomon what he thought the reason was. This was a great tactic to use in this case. She wanted to give insight on why the murders were committed and did just that. She was able to connect Adam’s medical history, to his relationship with loved ones , and back to the event all through a series of questions.

I learned that one must go into an interview with substantial preparation and research on the subject matter. Without research, the questions will become flat and lack depth to the answers. I also learned, in order to have a successful interview, you must be willing to have a backup plan just in case the interviewee refuses to answer your question. Rephrasing or having multiple ways of asking a question can be very beneficial.  

If you wish to listen to the interview or read further information, Click Here.

Word of the Week #8

1.     Word: Existentialism

2.     Found: Drinking Coffee Elsewhere "One game appeared to be charades reinterpreted by existentialists; another involved listening to rocks."

3.     Definition: a philosophical attitude associated especially with Heidegger, Jaspers, Marcel, and Sartre, and opposed torationalism and empiricism, that stresses the individual's unique position as a self-determining agentresponsible for the authenticity of his or her choices.

4.     Part of Speech: Noun

5.     Sentence: The girl made it very difficult to discuss religion and politics among the group due to her strong belief in existentialism.  

Citation:Packer, Z. (2014). Debut Fiction: Drinking Coffee Elsewhere. [online] The New Yorker. Availableat:http://www.newyorker.com/archive/2000/06/19/2000_06_19_156_TNY_LIBRY_000021114?currentPage=all [Accessed 18 Mar. 2014].

Copy Edit Extra Credit (12 pts total)

1. Typo: missing the number one. Should read "10 @ 1 point each". (4 pts)
2. Misuse of "@" symbol. Should read "10 at 1 point each. (4 pts)
3. No plural "points" when referring to one point. (4 pts)
* This post was from an instructor syllabus.

Copy Edit the World #2 (10 pts total)

1. "2103" should be 2013, typo. (Assignment sheet via website 4pts.)

 2. "All Kind of Heal Equipments" is a fragment, should read "We have all types of equipment". (Advertisement error 4pts.)

3. "attorney" should be capitalized because it comes before the persons name. (2 pts)

Mystery Character

He wears a badge on the left side of his chest, symbolizing the courage he displays on a daily basis. He’s highly respected and often referred to as “the favorite”. The will to fight, love, and maintain acceptance by the ones who mean most to him, are at the top of his priorities. His rise to fame began on a show with the “round up gang” in the early 1950’s and lasted through the early 1960’s. Although short in stature, he lives up to the last name - Pride. He has a jolly personality to match his rosy cheeks and colorful multi-pattern outfits. He spends his days riding off in the wind on his horse, dodging danger, hanging out with friends, and playing with toys. The love of his life tends to the sheep while he protects the gang from and danger. He touched the hearts of many through his trials and tribulations on the big screen in the early 90’s.

 Reveal Character