One of the criticisms of the news media that many people make is that journalist emphasize "bad news" rather than "good news." What do you think people mean by that? Do you agree? Do the news values listed in this chapter mean that journalist are more likely to look for "bad news" than "good news"?

I do agree with the criticism of the people that journalist emphasize "nad news" rather than "god news." I honestly can't remember the last time I ever read a "good news" headline. The majority of the time, "bad news" cover stories always make it to the top of the list. Whether its about the war, crimes, political and economic crisis, these topics tend to catch viewers attention. Take a peak at the New York Times and CNN websites, what's the first thing we see? President Obama plans to end combat in Irag by the year 2010. This is a very controversial topic and many people would disagree or agree with the plan. Another headline reads, "Drug cloud surrounds baseball's hero" and "Alleged pimp lured teen to New York" that defenitely doesn't make me comfortable or safe. It has also come to my attaintion that some journalist use celebrity problems as top rated news stories. CNN has a section on their website that reads, "Celebrity court house" is it really that important for people to know, "Could Chris Brown end up in jail?", or my favorite, "Britney Tales."

No Modifiers! Oh boy, here it goes…

This is probably too much information to put online but it’s the only thing that’s on my mind right now.

When I logged on to my e-mail account today, I thought it was a mistake but there it was, an email from my father. The email caught me off guard since I have not spoken to him in a year or so. I opened the email expecting to read paragraphs of catching up, for the years that we haven’t seen or spoken to each other. I was wrong!
I only had two sentences to read. “Thanks dad, I feel the love...”
I don’t understand how someone can live life not knowing about their daughter or son for that matter??? Yes, I know he is attempting to reach out but because of circumstances and distance, we will continue to speak on occasions.
I’ve dealt with it for twenty one years. I thank my mother for playing the role of mother and father. GO MOM!!

By the way, I turn 22 years old this month. I wonder if he remembers.
I’ll just have to wait and see.

This assignment kicked my butt!! I definitely screwed this one up. My emotions and modifiers were not helping! At least I can say I tried. =)

My Place

Being in a room with smooth floors, mirrors and music makes me feel relaxed.
Whenever I am having a hard time, I'm sad, feel alone or just need to release some stress, I find myself there. This place makes me forget about all my troubles.
The mirrors do not only help me with alignment but they also reflect who I am and who I want to be but most of all where i want to be.
Looking into the mirror allows me to see my past, my mistakes and what i have learned.
It helps me take a step forward not backwards.
I would call this place, the dance studio.
I dance even when i feel pain knowing there's something to gain. I dance for the passion.
Not only do I dance for me but for everyone else to see the joy in my eyes and to inspire those who enjoy dance as much as i do.
Being in the dance studio practicing, takes me to the next ultimate place, where I love to be.
Somehow giving a speech in front of a group of people makes me tense, nervous and freeze.
BUT performing on stage makes me feel wanted, accomplished and confident.
Doing double, triple spins, dipping and flipping, without this I feel empty.
Performing on stage, being in the lights, hearing the crowd cheer and clap...I am fine, despite other frights.
Performing on stage is where I belong, grooving to any song.