1. A California man pleaded guilty to vandalizing two churches and a synagogue in Modesto, Calif.
San Francisco Chronicle
2. An Indonesian rock star was "convicted of porn" and sentenced to three years in prison under Indonesia's new anti-pornography law set forth in 2008.
3. Dozens of taxi drivers in New York City pleaded guilty to boosting fare rates by using the suburban rate in the city, scamming thousands of people.
4. A New Hampshire farmer was convicted for brandishing a gun at a trespasser who refused to leave his property.
5. A man pleads not guilty in the death of his newlywed wife.
Monday, January 31, 2011
Saturday, January 29, 2011
Week 3
Word of the Week
I found the word "catechism" when I was reading an article from the Seattle Times about the Sundance Film Festival. The comedy "The Catechism Cataclysm" was featured at the festival. Yourdictionary.com defines catechism as a handbook of questions and answers for teaching the principles of a religion, any similar handbook for teaching the fundamentals of a subject or a formal series of questions.
Catch of the Week
It's a little ironic that I found an error in a story about Weimer Hall. In "Weimer Hall to get $4.4 million newsroom addition," the last word in the nut graph is supposed to be construction, but it's spelled "contruction." By the way, can I please express how disappointed I am that I won't be able to use this fancy new newsroom?
Headline Challenge
I have a problem with the headline "Obama will go down in history as the president who lost Egypt." I don't like how American society has developed a habit of giving our presidents sole credit or blame for events that occur during their term. For example, Clinton's presidency is associated with a thriving economy even though he didn't necessarily directly cause them, and George W. Bush is blamed for the recession of 2008, even though it wasn't directly caused by him or his policies. As Americans, we have a bad habit of pointing fingers, and this headline is evidence. President Obama called for less animosity between political parties after the Arizona shooting, and placing blame isn't helping to the cause. I would rename the headline "America's alliances in the Middle East crumble after revolts in Tunisia and Egypt."
Favorite Passage of the Week
This week, I was inspired by a single line in a Cosmopolitan article titled "Can a DNA Test Help You Find Your Soul Mate?" It's about how research has shown that two genetic makeups that are the least alike are the most compatible because the resulting offspring will have the strongest possible immune system due to a complex genetic makeup.
"GenePartner.com is a straight-from-sci-fi site that analyzes couples' DNA compatibility. Simply swab your suitor's cheek, send it to a lab in Switzerland (along with $99), and wait to hear if you're a match made in genetic heaven. Why waste months wining and dining if your double helices just don't align?"
I love the last line so much because it reminded me about how important it is for writers to be well-versed in a variety of fields. It's necessary in order to draw analogies and make useful comparisons. This article was written for a women's interest magazine that seems to have a sex and fashion-driven tone, and it's full of scientific jargon. Terminology is easy, all you have to do is look it up. However, it's impossible to come up with a clever phrase on a dime unless you're already somewhat familiar with the subject matter. I have a strong feeling that the writer already knew what a double helix is before she was assigned the story.
I found the word "catechism" when I was reading an article from the Seattle Times about the Sundance Film Festival. The comedy "The Catechism Cataclysm" was featured at the festival. Yourdictionary.com defines catechism as a handbook of questions and answers for teaching the principles of a religion, any similar handbook for teaching the fundamentals of a subject or a formal series of questions.
Catch of the Week
It's a little ironic that I found an error in a story about Weimer Hall. In "Weimer Hall to get $4.4 million newsroom addition," the last word in the nut graph is supposed to be construction, but it's spelled "contruction." By the way, can I please express how disappointed I am that I won't be able to use this fancy new newsroom?
Headline Challenge
I have a problem with the headline "Obama will go down in history as the president who lost Egypt." I don't like how American society has developed a habit of giving our presidents sole credit or blame for events that occur during their term. For example, Clinton's presidency is associated with a thriving economy even though he didn't necessarily directly cause them, and George W. Bush is blamed for the recession of 2008, even though it wasn't directly caused by him or his policies. As Americans, we have a bad habit of pointing fingers, and this headline is evidence. President Obama called for less animosity between political parties after the Arizona shooting, and placing blame isn't helping to the cause. I would rename the headline "America's alliances in the Middle East crumble after revolts in Tunisia and Egypt."
Favorite Passage of the Week
This week, I was inspired by a single line in a Cosmopolitan article titled "Can a DNA Test Help You Find Your Soul Mate?" It's about how research has shown that two genetic makeups that are the least alike are the most compatible because the resulting offspring will have the strongest possible immune system due to a complex genetic makeup.
"GenePartner.com is a straight-from-sci-fi site that analyzes couples' DNA compatibility. Simply swab your suitor's cheek, send it to a lab in Switzerland (along with $99), and wait to hear if you're a match made in genetic heaven. Why waste months wining and dining if your double helices just don't align?"
I love the last line so much because it reminded me about how important it is for writers to be well-versed in a variety of fields. It's necessary in order to draw analogies and make useful comparisons. This article was written for a women's interest magazine that seems to have a sex and fashion-driven tone, and it's full of scientific jargon. Terminology is easy, all you have to do is look it up. However, it's impossible to come up with a clever phrase on a dime unless you're already somewhat familiar with the subject matter. I have a strong feeling that the writer already knew what a double helix is before she was assigned the story.
Guv
Jacksonville
Jacksonville City Council
St. Johns County
Florida
Jacksonville City Council
St. Johns County
Florida
- Florida Senate
- Florida House of Representatives
- Florida Legislature (Online Sunshine)
- Courts
- Governor
- Cabinet
- State Agencies/Departments
- State Boards/Commissions/Other Offices
- Water Management Districts
Monday, January 24, 2011
Week 2
Word of the Week
I found this week's word in an article about the Sundance Film Festival. The word emblazoned was used when describing the Tom Ford suit Morgan Spurlock was wearing, emblazoned with the corporate logos of the companies that backed the film. It caught my attention because if I were writing the sentence, I would have used the word wrong and said "emblazed." Yourdictionary.com defines 'emblazoned' as a transitive verb, to adorn or decorate, to display brilliantly.
Catch of the Week
I decided to apply last week's murder lesson for this catch of the week. I found an article about a woman shot in the head in 1999. Throughout the article, the woman is referred to as "murdered," and in the end, a reward is offered for any information about her killer. No one has been convicted of murder, so saying that the woman was murdered is incorrect according to AP style.
Headline Challenge
A headline on BBC News reads "Moscow bombing: Medvedev in Domodedovo airport pledge." To me, this just doesn't seem to flow. First of all, "Domodedovo airport pledge" sounds like something specific, like an annual event or something. Also, simply referring the president's state as a "pledge" doesn't really give the reader a scope of what the story is about. They could read right past it. When I was first glancing through headlines, I hadn't yet heard of the airport bombing. This was the first link I saw referring to it, and it wasn't a good headline to lead me to the story. I would rewrite the headline with something more direct like, "Russian president pledged to punish those behind airport bombing."
Favorite Passage of the Week
I found this in an article on ESPN. It's about the Outback Bowl and Urban Meyer's last game as the Florida Gators head coach.
"The people all around him cried as he walked off the field for the final time as the University of Florida head coach.
His wife, Shelley. His two daughters. The families of his assistant coaches. Random Gators fans, soaking in the end of an incredible run that may never be duplicated."
I think what did it for me was the usage of the word 'soaking' right after the lead about all the people who cried. It just worked. It gave insight to the emotional scene of the day.
I found this week's word in an article about the Sundance Film Festival. The word emblazoned was used when describing the Tom Ford suit Morgan Spurlock was wearing, emblazoned with the corporate logos of the companies that backed the film. It caught my attention because if I were writing the sentence, I would have used the word wrong and said "emblazed." Yourdictionary.com defines 'emblazoned' as a transitive verb, to adorn or decorate, to display brilliantly.
Catch of the Week
I decided to apply last week's murder lesson for this catch of the week. I found an article about a woman shot in the head in 1999. Throughout the article, the woman is referred to as "murdered," and in the end, a reward is offered for any information about her killer. No one has been convicted of murder, so saying that the woman was murdered is incorrect according to AP style.
Headline Challenge
A headline on BBC News reads "Moscow bombing: Medvedev in Domodedovo airport pledge." To me, this just doesn't seem to flow. First of all, "Domodedovo airport pledge" sounds like something specific, like an annual event or something. Also, simply referring the president's state as a "pledge" doesn't really give the reader a scope of what the story is about. They could read right past it. When I was first glancing through headlines, I hadn't yet heard of the airport bombing. This was the first link I saw referring to it, and it wasn't a good headline to lead me to the story. I would rewrite the headline with something more direct like, "Russian president pledged to punish those behind airport bombing."
Favorite Passage of the Week
I found this in an article on ESPN. It's about the Outback Bowl and Urban Meyer's last game as the Florida Gators head coach.
"The people all around him cried as he walked off the field for the final time as the University of Florida head coach.
His wife, Shelley. His two daughters. The families of his assistant coaches. Random Gators fans, soaking in the end of an incredible run that may never be duplicated."
I think what did it for me was the usage of the word 'soaking' right after the lead about all the people who cried. It just worked. It gave insight to the emotional scene of the day.
Arrest
1. Arrested for marijuana possession
Janoris Jenkins Arrested For Marijuana Possession In Downtown Gainesville
This article violates AP style in the headline because Janoris Jenkins has not yet been charged for marijuana possession. Also, the article cites a blog, which may not be the most credible source.
2. Arrested after fight at nightclub
Mayor Villaraigosa Staffer Arrested After Fight at Nightclub
3. Arrested for carrying loaded gun
40 GLOCC ARRESTED FOR CARRYING LOADED GUN
4. Arrested for slaying of woman
Camden man arrested in slaying of woman, 20
5. Arrested for deaths of 31 animals
2 arrested in deaths of 31 animals in Granite Falls
Janoris Jenkins Arrested For Marijuana Possession In Downtown Gainesville
This article violates AP style in the headline because Janoris Jenkins has not yet been charged for marijuana possession. Also, the article cites a blog, which may not be the most credible source.
2. Arrested after fight at nightclub
Mayor Villaraigosa Staffer Arrested After Fight at Nightclub
3. Arrested for carrying loaded gun
40 GLOCC ARRESTED FOR CARRYING LOADED GUN
4. Arrested for slaying of woman
Camden man arrested in slaying of woman, 20
5. Arrested for deaths of 31 animals
2 arrested in deaths of 31 animals in Granite Falls
Monday, January 17, 2011
Week 1
Word of the Week
This week's word is 'ophiuchus.' When The Huffington Post published the article Thursday about the 'new' 13th zodiac sign, I'd already known for a couple of years that the zodiac signs shifted. However, the uproar on Facebook and Twitter was so profound that I had no choice but to read the article, anyway. The dictionary describes ophiuchus as "the Serpent Bearer, a constellation on the celestial equator between Libra and Aquila." It comes from the Greek word Ophioukho, according to dictionary.com, and the constellation is said to be "holding a serpent." I found the word interesting because it is noticeably different and more hard to pronounce than the rest of the zodiac names.
Catch of the Week
I found an error while reading the February issue of Cosmopolitan. On page 41, the cover story about Mila Kunis, the writer quoted Kunis saying, "I love flow ers." Although the error is merely a space, I noticed it immediately. Because Cosmopolitan is a monthly magazine, I was surprised that the editor could overlook such a mistake in the main feature story. Sloppiness is not acceptable in our industry, but a minor mistake in a breaking news story is more perhaps more forgiving than a mistake in pretty glossy print. Every issue should represent a month of hard work and careful consideration.
Headline Challenge
A New York Times headline reads "Fashion Has a Moment at the Golden Globes." How is that supposed to grab a reader's attention? Awards shows are practically synonymous with fashion. Plus, most fashion lovers would agree that attire and labels command much more than a moment on any red carpet. "Golden Globe Fashionistas Steal the Show," although a little cliche, is more appropriate given the drama of the fashion and the Hollywood lifestyle in general. This is the first article that appears under the "Fashion" section on nytimes.com. It needs to be more bold and foreshadow the glamour of the event.
Favorite Passage of the Week
I found this lead in an article titled "Washington's top five most ridiculous reactions to the Arizona Shooting" in The Daily Caller:
"It's a well-worn mantra in politics to never let a crisis go to waste, so it comes as little surprise that public officials and the chattering class are wasting no time in dusting off some of their wilder ideas in the aftermath of the tragic shooting in Tucson, Arizona."
I chose this passage merely because I appreciate the logic. I hate how our country's politicians and even talk show hosts blow things out of proportion and cause so much hostility. Although I do believe that the opposing political parties should simmer their heated rivalry and hatred toward each other's beliefs, I don't believe the hostility is what caused the shooting. Mental illness and the wrongful retrieval of firearms is essentially what caused the tragedy.
This week's word is 'ophiuchus.' When The Huffington Post published the article Thursday about the 'new' 13th zodiac sign, I'd already known for a couple of years that the zodiac signs shifted. However, the uproar on Facebook and Twitter was so profound that I had no choice but to read the article, anyway. The dictionary describes ophiuchus as "the Serpent Bearer, a constellation on the celestial equator between Libra and Aquila." It comes from the Greek word Ophioukho, according to dictionary.com, and the constellation is said to be "holding a serpent." I found the word interesting because it is noticeably different and more hard to pronounce than the rest of the zodiac names.
Catch of the Week
I found an error while reading the February issue of Cosmopolitan. On page 41, the cover story about Mila Kunis, the writer quoted Kunis saying, "I love flow ers." Although the error is merely a space, I noticed it immediately. Because Cosmopolitan is a monthly magazine, I was surprised that the editor could overlook such a mistake in the main feature story. Sloppiness is not acceptable in our industry, but a minor mistake in a breaking news story is more perhaps more forgiving than a mistake in pretty glossy print. Every issue should represent a month of hard work and careful consideration.
Headline Challenge
A New York Times headline reads "Fashion Has a Moment at the Golden Globes." How is that supposed to grab a reader's attention? Awards shows are practically synonymous with fashion. Plus, most fashion lovers would agree that attire and labels command much more than a moment on any red carpet. "Golden Globe Fashionistas Steal the Show," although a little cliche, is more appropriate given the drama of the fashion and the Hollywood lifestyle in general. This is the first article that appears under the "Fashion" section on nytimes.com. It needs to be more bold and foreshadow the glamour of the event.
Favorite Passage of the Week
I found this lead in an article titled "Washington's top five most ridiculous reactions to the Arizona Shooting" in The Daily Caller:
"It's a well-worn mantra in politics to never let a crisis go to waste, so it comes as little surprise that public officials and the chattering class are wasting no time in dusting off some of their wilder ideas in the aftermath of the tragic shooting in Tucson, Arizona."
I chose this passage merely because I appreciate the logic. I hate how our country's politicians and even talk show hosts blow things out of proportion and cause so much hostility. Although I do believe that the opposing political parties should simmer their heated rivalry and hatred toward each other's beliefs, I don't believe the hostility is what caused the shooting. Mental illness and the wrongful retrieval of firearms is essentially what caused the tragedy.
Murder
San Jose Resident Kills Man Suspected of Murdering His Sister
In this article, the writer uses the word 'murder' often and incorrectly. In reporting, Professor Foley drilled into our heads that using words such as 'suspected' and 'accused' don't get you off the hook. Therefore, phrases like 'suspected of murder' and 'accused of murder' are still somewhat misleading. The article mentions two separate killings, one recent and one back in 2001. No one has been convicted of murder in either of these cases, so using the word 'murder' doesn't follow AP style.
In this article, the writer uses the word 'murder' often and incorrectly. In reporting, Professor Foley drilled into our heads that using words such as 'suspected' and 'accused' don't get you off the hook. Therefore, phrases like 'suspected of murder' and 'accused of murder' are still somewhat misleading. The article mentions two separate killings, one recent and one back in 2001. No one has been convicted of murder in either of these cases, so using the word 'murder' doesn't follow AP style.
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Who am I?
My name is Julia Jacobo and I'm a senior. I'll be walking this April and graduating in August after spending the summer in Seville, Spain for study abroad. I was born in Redwood City, California, moved to Miami when I was 5 and later moved to Jacksonville at 11. I decided that the University of Florida was my first-choice school when I was 14 because it's the best in the state and close to home. I love reading, traveling, hosting parties, cooking for friends and playing music. I started playing the piano when I was 5 and started singing at 9. I miss taking formal classes and performing. Something interesting about me is that I've traveled more than anyone my age I know. I'm an expert packer, can adapt to new time zones almost immediately and have an uncanny ability to spot my plain, black suitcase in the baggage claim. After my parents divorced, I spent every summer and every other Christmas with my dad in San Francisco. My parents, both born in the Philippines, encouraged traveling when I was growing up. I'm not the first one in my family to go to college. My mom is a nurse and my dad has an engineering degree.
I would rate my grammar skills and my knowledge of AP style and punctuation in between a seven and eight. I read a lot as a child, so I have a solid understanding. My trouble spot would be proof reading. I have a tendency to want to turn in my work as soon as the last sentence is written, and when I do proof read, I tend to merely skim the work instead of checking it thoroughly. As far as my skills to InDesign, Photoshop and other online media, I would rate it a seven as well. I don't have as much experience with the programs as I would like, but I'm a fast learner and very good with technology. I feel that I am most proficient at blogging. I started a Xanga account when I was 14, long before I even knew I wanted to be a writer. I also created Xanga accounts for all of my friends, personalizing each of their layouts using basic HTML codes. Out of everyone though, I was the one who posted every day and actually kept up with it. Looking back and reading the entries, there is actually a lot of insight in my writing at 14.
I get most of my news from the top headlines in Google News and from Fox News as background noise when I'm working out, doing my homework or not watching E! News. Right now I'm reading Zoo Story by Tom French. In the past three months, I've read Unanswered Cries by Tom French, Eat Pray Love by Elizabeth Gilbert and Somebody Told Me by Rick Bragg for the second time. I'm also an avid magazine reader. I have subscriptions to Cosmopolitan, Sports Illustrated, Self, Women's Health and Entertainment Weekly. My ultimate dream job would be a travel writer. I want to write about remote places, culture and scenery. I want to understand the world and write about human emotion. I want to see places and civilizations that not many people get to see. I also would like to write for a women's interest magazine or a self-help magazine.
My favorite Web sites are both blogs. One is a profane blog written by a girl who's career I'd like to mimic. The second is a blog by a beauty-product nut, like myself, who finds the best current deals and offers. She posts and updates regularly.
The summer after my sophomore year, I started to intern at First Coast News in Jacksonville. I hated it and ended up quitting after a month because they didn't challenge me or give me assignments. I was bored and unmotivated. I'm looking to find an internship this semester before I leave for Spain. I started applying before Christmas break, but I haven't found one that fits my schedule just yet. I last updated my resume in December.
I would rate my grammar skills and my knowledge of AP style and punctuation in between a seven and eight. I read a lot as a child, so I have a solid understanding. My trouble spot would be proof reading. I have a tendency to want to turn in my work as soon as the last sentence is written, and when I do proof read, I tend to merely skim the work instead of checking it thoroughly. As far as my skills to InDesign, Photoshop and other online media, I would rate it a seven as well. I don't have as much experience with the programs as I would like, but I'm a fast learner and very good with technology. I feel that I am most proficient at blogging. I started a Xanga account when I was 14, long before I even knew I wanted to be a writer. I also created Xanga accounts for all of my friends, personalizing each of their layouts using basic HTML codes. Out of everyone though, I was the one who posted every day and actually kept up with it. Looking back and reading the entries, there is actually a lot of insight in my writing at 14.
I get most of my news from the top headlines in Google News and from Fox News as background noise when I'm working out, doing my homework or not watching E! News. Right now I'm reading Zoo Story by Tom French. In the past three months, I've read Unanswered Cries by Tom French, Eat Pray Love by Elizabeth Gilbert and Somebody Told Me by Rick Bragg for the second time. I'm also an avid magazine reader. I have subscriptions to Cosmopolitan, Sports Illustrated, Self, Women's Health and Entertainment Weekly. My ultimate dream job would be a travel writer. I want to write about remote places, culture and scenery. I want to understand the world and write about human emotion. I want to see places and civilizations that not many people get to see. I also would like to write for a women's interest magazine or a self-help magazine.
My favorite Web sites are both blogs. One is a profane blog written by a girl who's career I'd like to mimic. The second is a blog by a beauty-product nut, like myself, who finds the best current deals and offers. She posts and updates regularly.
The summer after my sophomore year, I started to intern at First Coast News in Jacksonville. I hated it and ended up quitting after a month because they didn't challenge me or give me assignments. I was bored and unmotivated. I'm looking to find an internship this semester before I leave for Spain. I started applying before Christmas break, but I haven't found one that fits my schedule just yet. I last updated my resume in December.
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