Audio Slideshow

West African Dance Slideshow

Last Post of the Semester

As the semester winds down, I thought I'd write my last blog post of '08 about my experience with Journalism this year. I realized that my dream job is NOT working at the Chronicle, that newspapers are slowly diminishing, the future lies in the internet, that I was lucky to be able to write about the presidential election, that I may want to pursue something in documentary film, dry news is NOT for me, I want to write features, how to record audio/how to use final cut pro, how to use my camera and take decent pictures, my resume still lies at the bottom of endless piles- may have even made its way to the garbage, how to write an amazing lead, how it feels to be both a reporter and a photographer, and how to really offend someone you're interviewing.

I think I want to work at Current TV.

Black Friday brings bad news

Black Friday brought out the worst of a New York crowd that stampeded over a Walmart worker last Friday. I found a CNN article about this, but I just found it shocking that this even happened in the first place. People will take a persons life over a $5 discount? This economic crisis has brought out the worst in people. I think it's absolutely ridiculous. The holidays, which are supposed to bring people together, are driving people to do crazy things for savings. Check out the article below, and you can comment on the website as well....

Black Friday Death of a Walmart Employee

Audio slide shows- great altrnative to video

For my photojournalism class I am creating an audio-slide show and I realized that it is a great alternative to film. Because I carry my camera around a lot I can take pictures galore, but I don't have a video camera. I can create something like a video with my pictures through a photo story adding audio or music. It's really effective in getting across the point of a story. Below I have linked some slide shows, they are really well composed.

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/object/multimedia?f=/c/a/2007/12/03/BA9TTKICE.DTL&o=0

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/object/multimedia?f=/c/a/2008/05/25/MNFS10NQNV.DTL&o=0

http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/specials/onefatalshot/

http://blog.seattlepi.nwsource.com/video/player.asp?videoID=48

Kevin Epps at USF

I just got back from a documentary screening of the film "Straight Outta Hunters Point" by Kevin Epps, and I was amazed. His documentary was real, he was able to get the voice of the people, the REAL story of those living in Hunters Point. From gang violence, to funerals, to pollution in the area, to shootings... this director captured the essence of street life.

I've lived in San Francisco for three and never heard of this place. I think that that is unacceptable and typical of a lot of people who live here. If I were to tune into my local television channel it would tell me that Hunters Point is a dangerous place in need of more police supervision, or at least that's what the news would infer. But it's not more cops that this place needs, its HOPE. After school programs, role models, money, this is what Hunters Point needs.

Kevin Epps works with CurrentTV with some projects and I hope to get involved in them.

Below is a youtube video link of Kevin Epps talking about Presidential-elect Barack Obama.

CLICK HERE

Prop 8 News Coverage

I noticed that in the Bay Area I saw numerous commercials in favor of "No on Prop 8" and a few for "Yes on Prop 8." However, a friend of mine from Orange County explained that in her hometown there wasn't broadcasting for "No on Prop 8" and a lot of broadcasting about "Yes on prop 8." This seems a little biased and makes me question the "objective" angle the media "takes".

2008 Presidential Election Reactions

Huddled closely around a TV, a group of USF students anxiously anticipate the announcement of the next president. Emotions are high and the students are tense, why? Because they were finally able to vote.
This years presidential election had a significantly higher turn out of young voters by 6% according to the Center for Information and Research on Civic Learning and Engagement. The youth vote (voters ages 18-29) is believed to have had the biggest impact on the outcome of the election with 68% of voters in support of Barack Obama and 30% in support of John McCain.
For many students this was the first year they were able to vote, and for the first time many they felt their voice was heard. “I think we did a good job! We surprised everyone since the youth vote failed last time,” says Graphic Design major Maia Olmstead. Olmstead believes that it is important, for young people especially, to vote when the country’s future looks bleak. Communications major Amy Miller felt that her voice made a difference in this election as well. “Everybody’s ready for a change. I was just happy that the election wasn’t rigged and Sarah Palin has no say in my future,” says Miller. Both first time voters, Olmstead and Miller agree that America has progressed in electing an African American male to office.
Communications major Nisha Dixit declares this election the election that changed history. “I voted for the first time and I am proud to say that my generation made history. This will be an election I will always remember,” Dixit says. Politics major Jessica Reihanifam was also excited to take part in history. “Hell yes I voted! I am overjoyed that I got to vote in a time like this,” says Reihanifam. However, Reihanifam was disappointed in the voter turn out. “A lot of people registered, but a lot of those people didn’t actually vote. If they had voted, then issues like Prop. 8 would have had different outcomes,” says Reihanifam.
English major Erica Lowe was not able to vote because she failed to register on time. “I’m f***ing ecstatic with the outcome of the election, but I deeply regret not registering,” Lowe says. Lowe admits that she was in tears when Obama was announced president and will definitely vote in the next presidential election. Business major Derrick Mazariego was also not able to vote due to failure to register. “I regret not registering to vote, all my friends did and I was the only one who didn’t,” says Mazariego. However, he is more than content with the outcome of the election and says he will vote in the next election.
History major Alex Fields was surprised by the number of young voters, however he does not think it was for the best. “All these young voters have not lived long enough to know what this country needs,” Fields says. He says that he was disappointed with the outcome of the election and believes that young people should not be allowed to vote. International and Business student Marika Schwekendiek wishes that she could have voted in this election. Wearing an “Obama” t-shirt, Schwekendiek explains that she is not an American citizen because she is from Japan, but she would have voted for Obama.

Is blogging legit?

Today in class we talked about blogging and the role is plays today. I know a lot of people question the validity of blogs so I decided to look around the web to see if anyone may have had a set of rules to follow for blogging. I have linked to a website that provides 10 simple blogging rules. These rules attempt to help blogging become a more credible source of information... tell me what you think, you can also comment on the website itself.

Here's the link

Race on Campus

Many students are drawn to USF for not only the strong academics but the exceptional diversity. In fact, according to the Princeton Review USF ranked number 15 for the most ethnically diverse University in the country. Within this diverse population there is a large presence of students who are multi or biracial.
For a school that boasts about its diversity, many of the students who do not identify with one race feel that USF has not done much to acknowledge them. Twenty-five out of twenty-five multi/biracial students said that as freshmen they were never encourage to join a race related group or organization on campus. They also agreed that they would not feel comfortable joining such a group due to the fact that they are not “enough of one race.” Jessica Reihanifam, a Black and Persian student, says “I feel like groups that focus on one nationality makes me uncomfortable and that they are not accepting.” She believes that the answer to this problem would be a club, organization, or sorority designed to cater to people of mixed descent.
However, Ariana Johnson, a biracial student, joined the BSU her freshmen year and still actively participates. Johnson sought out the BSU at USF because of her prior involvement in high school. “I don’t think a group focused on many cultures is a cohesive one,” Johnson says.
Biracial student Jessica Perry says she would like to see a place for mixed people in the USF community. “I see people of the same ethnic descent congregate on campus and I’m not quite sure where that leaves me,” says Perry. Ashley Jones, a multiethnic student, agrees.

Future of Newspapers

Last week I had my first, much anticipated, visit to the Chronicle. I entered the building which seemed to be lively and full of people who all knew each other- almost like family. Then I exited the 3rd floor elevator doors to find a florescent lit room full of tired-looking newspaper staff who did not seem to be too excited to be there. Most, if not all, of the staff I talked to made a comment that now was not a good time to get into newspapers. They were making major cut backs on staff at the Chronicle and everyone looked over worked and tired. Maybe I put the Chronicle on a pedestal, but this was not the work place I imagined.

And, we had a guest speaker today in Advanced Reporting who agreed to leave the Chronicle and take the buy-out. I think it's fair to be skeptical about my future career, especially in the time of this economic crisis.

Ethical question of the day

Today I visited the San Francisco Chronicle with my photojournalism class and we decided to take a walk around the downtown and snap a few photos. We shortly made our way into the Tenderloin and I immediately stopped taking pictures. Was it okay that I was taking pictures of the less fortunate, who have very little, so I can learn how to take a good photo? Snapping a fancy digital camera into their face didn't seem right. To say the least I took a few good photos but I did have to question whether it was right of me or not.

Multimedia Timeline

I was browsing Poynter Online and I came across a timeline of multimedia progression starting from 1969 until 2008. You can click on the year and it will give you the history of every major multimedia innovation during that year, I thought it was really cool and a great way to track the advances of media. I would suggest just looking through it, there are some cool things on the timeline. I'll post the link below, or you can just click HERE

http://www.poynter.org/content/content_view.asp?id=75953&sid=26

Sociologist Michael Omi visits USF

With Senator Obama up for Presidential Candidacy it seems relevant that USF Professor’s of Davies Seminar: Mixed Race/Legacy, Rodriguez and Sundstrom, would press for a guest speaker on multiracial identity. Legendary Sociologist Dr. Michael Omi gave a speech titled “Multiracial Identity, Colorblindness, and the Post Racial Society,” Wednesday. Here's a clip from his speech-

(volumes kinda low so turn it up as loud as your computer can go, it's also sideways)

video is below
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AlcXhg1prfg

Hypothetically speaking...

If you were a reporter covering this Friday's upcoming Presidential Debate, how would you evenly present both sides of the debate in your story? Putting aside your personal bias how would you cover this story?

I'm just curious to hear what people think.

Photojournalism at its finest

I am in Journalism 3: Photojournalism this semester at USF and my professor Brant Ward showed us a slide show of the pictures he took while working on a beat story about homelessness in San Francisco (For the Chronicle). Since we are all covering beat stories in Journalism 2 I thought this might be apropriate/relevant. Anyways, here is the link- these are some pretty emotion evoking pictures.

Better Journalism Needed

This summer I was looking for coverage about the tragic incident in which a woman was killed by her boyfriend in Texas. I typed into google "girl killed by her boyfriend in Texas" and the first article the popped up on GOOGLE was this one below:
http://www.newsnet14.com/2008/01/texas-girl-barbecued-by-black-boyfriend/

this article came from a white supremacist website. I understand that everyone is entitled to their opinions but is this really the first thing that should pop up? It's completely racist, the headline reads "Texas Girl Barbecued by Black Boyfriend"... if that isn't blatant racism I don't know what else is. I personally think a better piece of journalism should be the first story that comes up on the search engine.

Final Profile

It's a work in progress...
Here are a few things from my final profile,
Quick Video:


Click here to view her main website

Print article and video interviews

what should I do?

After reading Janet Malcolm’s The Journalist and the Murderer, I have come to question a journalist’s relationship with those they interview. How far should a journalist allow themselves to become involved with someone they ultimately intend to use for a story? In her book, a journalist (McGinniss) finds himself lying to an accused murderer (MacDonald) in order to get more information out of him and deceives him into believing that they are friends.
Unlike McGinniss, I am actually friends with someone I am writing a story about. However, this puts me in an awkward position because I have stumbled upon a few things in my story that make for a funnier story at the expense of my friend. Any words of wisdom?

A day at the mortuary....

(keep posted for pictures/slideshow)

Sitting in a large, dark and empty office with furniture that looks like it came from the 1960’s, I wait for Richard O’Hara. He enters the room looking slightly confused as to the reason of my visit. I explain that I’m not there to plan a funeral.

With a permanent stoic expression O’Hara clarifies that he was never interested in working for the family owned mortuary business until his father begged him for help. His work was only supposed to be temporary but 30 years later he is Vice President and Funeral Director of McAvoy O’Hara Company Evergreen Mortuary. Because the mortuary is a full-service mortuary O’Hara admits that, “There isn’t a job I haven’t performed in our facilities.” He is licensed to care for the remains, direct and schedule memorials and funerals, cremate remains, and provide automotive services just to name a few. “There are things I don’t do that I used to,” he says possibly implying that he no longer cares for the remains.

Because Evergreen mortuary is open seven days a week and 365 days a year O’Hara, looking a bit irritated, affirms that as a family owner his cell phone is never turned off. “We serve approximately 600 families a year,” he explains. He repeatedly throws in the detail that the mortuary is the oldest one in San Francisco that is continuingly operating. He also stresses that they are a full service mortuary and will do whatever the customer wants, creating the image of one of those competitive, cut-throat car sales man. I learned these details four times throughout the conversation.

As someone who works with the deceased, O’Hara begins to talk about the hardest part of his job. “It’s hard when dealing with children. There’s a difference between someone who is 90-years-old and has lived a long life than a one-year-old. It’s hard on the entire staff,” he says. The once stoic and blank expression on his face has vanished as he goes on explaining some emotional memories he has of past clients. Recalling a time when he directed a funeral for an immigrant family whose father was murdered, a glimmer of tears form behind his eyes. He continues on describing an 11-year-old Asian boy who, by default, became head of his family due to the passing of his father. “In Asian culture it is tradition for the oldest son of the family to take on the responsibilities of the father,” claims O’Hara. During the funeral, says O’Hara, you could in the child’s face that he knew he must console his mother and mourn, yet stay strong for the family because he is now in charge. “As he was leaving the chapel he was trying to be a strong male and grieve at the same time. It was heartbreaking to see,” he confesses. He pauses for a quick second and goes on to describe a second experience where his job has been emotionally draining.

“A man lost six members of his family in a car accident and wanted to see the family before anyone did anything,” he says in a quiet voice. It seemed almost as if O’Hara is reliving the moment, he pauses at times. He explains that the young man was a tall, big, built man but he had let his emotions get the best of him and demanded that he see the bodies of his family members as they were after the car accident. “It was the hardest thing for me to do, making a decision whether or not to let this man see them. But he was angry and agitated and he needed to see them for closure, so I allowed it,” he adds. After the man saw his family he calmed down, “It’s something individuals must judge for themselves, it wasn’t my place to tell him no,” says O’Hara. He also mentions that a difficult part of his job is explaining to people what they are going to see in regards to the physical condition of the deceased body.

O’Hara admits that over time he has been able to deal with such experiences better by not letting his emotions get to him. “When difficult situations come about and you aren’t emotional, you’re too cold and its time for you to leave this business,” he says. He changes the subject and shows me a map of San Francisco grave yards and points to a vast area of land occupied by the University of San Francisco, formerly Masonic Cemetery. Before my departure he makes sure that I know Evergreen Mortuary is the oldest mortuary that is continually operating, oh and also that they are full service.

Catholic San Francisco

Today Dan Morris-Young, editor of the Catholic San Francisco newspaper, came to talk to my feature writing class about what he does, feature writing, and of course the newspaper. Well, I’m not Catholic at all so I figured that this newspaper would be boring and this guy would have nothing interesting to say. I was completely wrong because he was totally not the kind of person I thought would be editor of a Catholic newspaper. He said "damn," he talked about controversial issues, his other job/passion is diving, and he offered the students in my class the opportunity to write for the newspaper without questioning our own religious backgrounds. I think he’s pretty cool actually.

Morris-Young has got 40+ years of experience behind him and was the first editor of Catholic San Francisco, formally known as the Monitor (the newspaper was recreated in 1998). He says that the newspaper is half straight news and half feature writing. The paper goes out to about 70,000-85,000 homes in San Mateo, Marin, and San Francisco according to Morris-Young. He believes that a good feature story should have good narration, content, syntax, grammar, accuracy, and no fluff.

He was enthused by our interest in the paper and encouraged our involvement with writing feature articles for him in the future. In fact, USF graduate Michael Vick is a writer for Catholic San Francisco, and just recently wrote a feature story about his visit to Haiti. Though the paper is based on the Catholic religion I felt that it took a pretty neutral stance on a lot of issues. Anything offensive is not tolerated, and articles about intense issues such as stem cell research, abortion, celibacy, and pornography are possible stories according to Morris-Young. I was no longer discouraged about possible involvement with the newspaper after his visit. Even though I’m not Catholic I would read this newspaper- it’s got some good stuff.

View from the Heavens

Driving through a residential neighborhood and up a windy hill, the city of San Francisco will unsuspectingly emerge before your eyes. Tourist attraction during the day and make-out spot at night, Twin Peaks is the one-stop tour of San Francisco. Located in the heart of the city, Twin Peaks provides one of the most beautiful views San Francisco has to offer.

Elevated about 922 feet above the city, Twin Peaks is the only location where one can admire the vast majority of San Francisco city, and overlook Alameda, Oakland, and Berkley. Once you make it up the hill you are greeted by a small parking lot with a big view. Moving from left to right you can see the Golden Gate Bridge, the University of San Francisco, St. Ignatius church, the Palace of Fine Arts, Alcatraz, downtown, Market Street, the Bay Bridge, and the residential areas throughout the Bay. Looking out at the crowded city you are reminded that Twin Peaks is one of the only places that has not been developed into a shopping center or residential area. It is a beautiful view you don’t have to pay for.

During the day one can expect to find groups of tourists, families, and photographers enjoying the panoramic landscape. On this sunny day, a daring little girl strays away from her family and stands on the edge of the peak demanding that a nearby photographer take a picture of her. He ignores her request when she notices the camera in my hands and starts to pose. “This is my favorite place in the whole entire city because I can see my house,” said the little girl named Katie. In the corner far away from other sightseers sits a group of teenage boys quietly looking out into the sky. “We come up here as a family to relax and clear our minds ya know? We’re from here, the Bay Area. It’s good to take the time to appreciate what you got,” said 17-year-old Carlos, the oldest of his brothers.

However, at night Twin Peaks is a completely different scene. “My boyfriend took me to Twin Peaks when he asked me out, it was so romantic,” said Ashley Jones. At night Twin Peaks overlooks the city but instead of seeing landmarks you see bright lights, downtown buildings, and the outline of the Bay Bridge. Many people refer to it as the “make-out spot” of San Francisco. Foggy car windows and cuddling couples are not a rare sight during the PM hours at Twin Peaks. “When I was a freshman this guy took me on my first college date. We ended up at Twin Peaks and the view was amazing. I hate to say it, but we made out in his car,” admitted sophomore student from San Francisco State University, Jessica Stevenson. But others have found a different reason to travel to Twin Peaks at night. “To be honest, I smoke before I go up there. It’s the craziest thing ever to see. The lights are super intensified and it literally blows your mind,” said 19-year-old student Carly.

Day or night, this location is definitely a destination for tourists, visitors, and San Francisco natives. Jessica Perry describes it as, “Super relaxing and beautiful.” Whether it’s to relax, make-out, smoke, take pictures, or spend time with your family, Twin Peaks is the place to do it.

The Untreatable Epidemic

You can find them on the runway, you can see them worn on the streets, you can find them on the racks at most retail department stores, and you can even stumble upon them in the children section at stores like Target. Fashion icons, celebrities, adults, teens, and even children have fallen victim to the recurring trend of skinny jeans. It seems that this “must have” item has taken over and is here to stay.

Once considered a trend for “hipsters,” skinny jeans have integrated into many different styles. The slim pants conform to the shape of your legs, becoming slimmer the further down your leg they go. This style of pants that once filled the racks at stores like Hot Topic and Urban Outfitters can now be seen in high fashion stores like Bloomingdales, Nordstrom’s, Armani Exchange, Gucci, and Dolce and Gabbana. Trendy stores like Forever 21, H&M, Macy’s, and Charlotte Russe also carry skinny jeans at a much lower price. They can range anywhere from $20-$300.

These pants are worn by not only females, but males too. They come in denim, neon, khaki, corduroy, and almost every color thinkable. “I see skinny style pants everywhere. Everyone’s wearing them like they’re gonna go out of style,” said USF student Corinne Aparis. “Skinnys,” as people call them made their comeback in 2006 and have been spreading like an epidemic every since. “I wear skinny jeans because they compliment my figure and they’re comfortable. It’s a plus that they happen to be fashionable and I can wear them with my boots,” said Ashley Jones. Another reason that “skinnys” attract a wide range of people is because they accommodate people of all sizes. Skinny pants are offered in sizes 00-20/plus size, depending on the brand.

Ann Valdez, a 43-year-old mom of three admits that she too has given in to the “skinny jean craze.” “I remember when skinny jeans were popular in the 80’s, so I felt that they more of a ‘my era’ thing,” Valdez said. She confessed that she owns two pairs of skinny jeans and doesn’t mind that her 19-year-old daughter wears them too. “I saw my daughter wearing them and thought they were cute. A week later I saw other moms wearing them too, so I went out and bought a pair,” said Valdez.

It seems that everyone’s wearing skinnys these days right? “I don’t wear skinny jeans because they are too tight and reveal too much about my body, they are not flattering,” said student Olivia Washington. Washington is not alone, actress Liv Tyler reportedly told British magazine Cosmopolitan that, “I'm not into the skinny grey jeans look. I mean, KATE MOSS looks amazing, but everyone seems to be wearing skinny jeans, no matter what their size.” Despite the opposition, skinny jeans are still a popular trend. According to Forbes.com, “The latest luxury item comes in straight leg or boot…,” a reference to skinny pants.

Perhaps the popularity of skinny jeans can be accredited to their recent breakthrough into children’s fashion. Popular stores like Old Navy, Limited Too, Gap Kids, Abercrombie and Fitch, Babystyle, and The Children’s Place carry skinny jeans for children and even babies. This trend has reached out to most of the population including today’s youth, as young as babies. “The other day I was on the Muni and I saw a toddler wearing dark denim skinny jeans! I couldn’t believe it,” said Brittany Rien. It seems that skinny jeans are a trend that has taken almost everyone captive, babies included.

Wyclef Jean Rocks the House at USF

Wyclef Jean took over the school last Friday shooting his music video and giving USF students a concert to talk about for days. The bass was booming, the people looked fresh, and the staff was ready as students crowded around War Memorial Gym Friday for the concert of the year. As the DJ spun the hottest tracks, people filed in to the gym with excitement, anticipating Wyclef’s arrival.

As soon as Wyclef hit the stage the crowd went wild. He began the concert with his remixed song “President,” for which the music video was being shot, over the loud cheers of fans. He performed it a second time, provoking the crowd to “get loud,” and also informing them that it was being filmed for his music video. “When you tell people you’re filming them it becomes a whole different thing,” said Jean. People were sitting on each others shoulders, fans were cheering, and the vibe was live the second time around. USF got a taste of what it would be like to have Wyclef as President with promises like feeding the poor, bringing schools to the hood, finding cures for serious diseases, and legalizing “it.” Jeans vision was to have his video come from a college student perspective, “It needed a fresh eye,” he said. So why film at USF? “Everything is timing. I got a call from my nephew Darren asking me to perform and I needed to film a video. It all just fell into place,” Jean said.

Aside from his video, Jean put on a riveting performance. He performed a few new tracks from his newest album “The Carnival II: Memoirs of an Immigrant” like “Welcome to the East,” and “Sweetest Girl.” He even performed two old school tracks from his days as a member of the “Fugees.” But the crowds’ favorite new Wyclef joint was by far the last song of the concert called “Touch Your Button Carnival Jam.” The thirteen minute long song had fans pumped up and going wild. “You must have something to wave in the air, or else you got to move!” yelled Jean before performing this song. Feeding off of his energy, the fans went wild waving whatever they could find in the air above their heads.

After the concert Jean retreated back to his room where he snacked on chicken wings and answered questions for USFtv and the Foghorn. Still energetic, Jean commented on his musical influences, “I grew up in the Church so I listen to a lot of gospel. But I also love reggae and jazz,” he said. Jean also shares a love for instruments; he can play the drums, guitar, and piano.

When asked about his inspiration to produce music Jean commented that “Everyone has to go to work and work hard. It’s a gift when you enjoy what you do.” Jean’s work ethic may have been influenced by his background and growing up in Haiti. “Haiti is the poorest country in the western hemisphere. Coming to the states gives you so much inspiration because of the opportunities. In America you can be who you want to be” Jean said.

Lastly, Jean discussed his foundation called “The Yéle Haiti Foundation.” The foundation seeks to change the lives of those living in Haiti in numerous ways. From delivering food to a neighborhood, to creating songs to put on the radio to gain support, the foundation sets out to help with Haiti’s long-term progress. According to Jean, “The objective of Yéle Haiti is to restore pride and a reason to hope, and for the whole country to regain the deep spirit and strength that is part of our heritage.” To get involved or participate, log on to www.yele.org.

Jean raised the bar with this year’s homecoming performance. USF has Jean’s nephew Darren Pierre, staff member of CAB, to thank for his persistency in asking his uncle Wyclef to perform. “Everyone’s going to be coming back for part two,” said Jean. He encourages everyone to go buy his newest album “The Carnival II: Memoirs of an Immigrant,” which features artists like Akon, T.I, Paul Simon, Shakira, Norah Jones, and Mary J. Blige. His advice: “My last joint ‘Touch Your Button Carnival Jam,’ put it on repeat!”

Sushi on the Day of Love

Loud music, large plasma TV’s, and big tables consume the small dinning area of San Francisco’s sushi spot Sushi Rock. This lively, modern, and upbeat restaurant is definitely not the most romantic place to spend Valentines, but more of a friendly, group-outing venue. Seemingly intended for a younger crowd, Valentines Day brought Sushi Rock a variety of customers. A group of rambunctious, most likely, single girls sat in the back, laughing and occasionally getting up to dance, an older couple dined near a window, and a large group of rowdy adults sake bombed at a long table in the middle.

For a busy day, the service was fast and expedient. Our group was sat minutes within walking in the door, and we were met by a long table with miso soup and cucumber-seaweed salad at every place setting. The menus were neatly placed next to glasses of water and a complimentary “refreshing towelette.” The arrangement was accommodating and sophisticated.

The menu had a number of selections, including other dishes besides sushi. Sushi Rock not only caters to those who may not be sushi fans, but also to those who are sushi fanatics. The diverse array of selections made it hard to make a dinner decision. The order was taken on a small palm-pilot looking devise and the server conveniently offered to split the bill in to separate checks. As our table waited we sipped on our warm miso soup, which brought joy to our taste buds as we anticipated our main dishes. No longer than ten minutes after placing the order, our food was delivered to the table.

The teriyaki salmon was cooked to perfection and the proportions were accommodating to my appetite. The salmon was complimented by the perfect amount of sweet teriyaki sauce along with salad and a medium sized bowl of rice. The presentation of the sushi looked a bit messy, regardless the taste was superb. One of the sushi rolls offered called the “phoenix roll,” composed of shrimp tempura, eel, avocado, and a layer of shrimp, was described by a customer as “A good, confusing mix of food that created an explosion in my mouth!”

The quality of the food and service outweighed the few things I did not like about Sushi Rock. The server did not offer our table drinks before ordering our meal, or at any time during the meal. And, when it did come time to order our server waited too long to check back after we were seated. Also, without asking if we were finished, the eager bus boys cleared our food. The last downfall was the one-person bathroom for the reason of inconveniency.

However, the pricing was fair for the proportions of food and excellent service. To top it off, at the end of dinner they brought out little cups of complimentary ice cream. Coming from a non-sushi lover, I would definitely go back to Sushi Rock.

my rating: ***

no star= none

* good

** very good

*** Excellent

**** Extraordinary

Sushi Rock information:

Address:

1608 Polk St.

Phone number: (877) 345- 1690

Hours:

Sun-Thurs: 11 am- 10:45 pm

Fri- Sat: 11 am- 12:30 pm

Happy Hour: 3:30 pm – 6:30 pm

Free Parking!

Katie Couric touches the topic of teens & sex

In 2005, Katie Couric touched upon the topic our parents have dreaded bringing up, but something everyone wants to know. In her special Couric brings together various teens and their parents where they all sit down and talk about sex. She asks the questions that most parents wonder, but never ask. Teens are invited to discuss sex in their lives and what outer influences effect their decisions. Parents are also allowed to address the issue of sex in their teens lives and what they think. If you watch the video and read the article you will hear and see a wide range of opinions from both parents and teens.
For me, I remember viewing this special as a Sophomore in High School and thinking that Couric was genius for running this special. Never before have I ever seen anything like this on T.V that took a neutral stance and had a balance of opinions from teens and parents. It was controversial, but almost necessary for todays generation to discuss. Sex has always been seen as "taboo" in the U.S but more and more teens are engaging in sex at younger ages. Many parents don't understand because their generation was not as sexually active as todays.
I think that Couric did a great job as a journalist with this issue and covered the topic appropriately.