Determination!

After sitting through the rest of my classmates present their intriguing new vocabulary terms, I found myself subconsciously writing down the terms that I found the most interesting from each of their lists.

Imbroglio- a fight
Ardent- very enthusiastic
Concupiscence- lust
Quixotic- extravagantly romantic
Psychomachia- battle within yourself
Aglet- plastic tip of your shoe string

I think the hardest thing for me to learn and use these words is going to be able to at least remember the word and the correct definition to them. Knowing me, I will one day feel extremely confident in a conversation with someone and then use the word in the wrong context. I guess I will just have to take a word at a time until I feel confident and use it correctly. Hey- how ever said practice makes perfect...is completely correct!

Critique on Journalese-- Baby Blue Ivy

http://helloblueivycarter.tumblr.com/

William Zinsser describes Journalese as a "quilt of instant words patched together out of other parts of speech." He uses the magazine "People" to show examples of how the poor use of adjectives can not only confuse the audience but leave them with an interesting outlook on any story.

I decided to choose a very similar magazine that I read almost weekly-- "Us Magazine". The addicting headlines full of gossip and alluring photos are what attracts my eye. I normally skim over the short stories to become more informed about a reality I will never live --stardom. This time, much different than others, I actually read each and every word in the articles, paying close attention to their use in words. You would be amazed at what I found!

I decided to start with the most provocative news that is buzzing around TV and magazine headlines -- Baby Blue Ivy Carter. For those of you who aren't living in the 21st Century, Blue Ivy Carter is Rap Icon, Jay-Z and Hip-Hop Singer, Beyonce's newborn baby girl. NEWS! NEWS! The photos are finally out! But the gossip is how they became public. So starts the article.

"For Jay-Z, a trophy is good, but family time is better." The first sentence to wrap you into the article. Not so much of a cliche, but a weird way to compare the two big "f's"--Fame and Family. As you start reading you realize they are connecting this with not showing up to the Grammy's and taking his lovely wife out to dinner. Then you notice... no mention of this baby of theirs. Isn't family time associated with everyone sharing the same last name? I guess not.

"Beyonce has been holed up in the couple's Scarsdale, New York mansion..."Hmm.... I started thinking of this word "holed" not knowing what they meant by the meaning. After searching through the dictionary, I stumbled upon the informal meanings (the only meanings) that could relate to what they were trying to depict. The meaning of course was astonishing--a small unpleasant place or an awkward situation. Way to describe taking care of your first precious child in a nice way. It sounds as if she's not happy or being forced to do something she wasn't prepared for. This is confirmed when at the conclusion of the article, the writer describe an interviewee as "gushing" about Beyonce and Jay-Z being the best parents to "their little princess". I can just imagine someone "gushing" about this. The best part was that they didn't want to be named. They were described as a source close to the pop diva. Which in other words this means--- they don't even know Beyonce and Jay-Z.

I could go on forever about this short 250 word article describing what I thought was going to be about the baby photos, but ended up confusing me about if they even liked having a baby. The design on the other hand was simple and with a two-page spread had great photos showing off Blue Ivy Carter. But would they pass Words and Images at University of Baltimore-- I don't think so.

Expanding my Vocabulary

1. Unequivocally- without a doubt. (My mother uses this all the time, but I have never picked up on using it myself.)

2. Drudgery- tedious or menial work "household drudgery"(Tedious used to be my favorite word in the eighth grade, now that I'm a little more mature, I think I can change it to a different word and get my same point across)

3. Witticism - a cleverly worded amusing remark

4. Fritter - gradual reduction; waste

5. Voracious- having an insatiable appetite for an activity or pursuit

6. Abhorrence - hate; suggests a feeling of repugnance and even fear. (Personally I dislike, when people use the word hate, it is extremely too strong of a word -- especially for a four letter one.)

7. Contumelious - characterized as verbal abuse.

8. Obstinate- headstrong

9. Milieu - environment (I believe this is more of a medical term since my father always uses it, but there is no law saying I have to be in the medical field to us it!)

10. Inculcated- instill, teach.

My goal is to use at least one word a day. That way they will become part of my everyday vocabulary. Making lists of more useful words also helps me describe things better and more vividly in my writing. Maybe I should make a journal of my favorite words...or at least keep track of interesting ones that catch me off guard.

Slogans and Taglines

Slogans and tag lines are just as important as the decision of your logo. They help in marketing and branding your company. They also help your audience to understand what your company does, or its main focus. It makes a statement for your company. These two tag lines in particular stand out to me because well for one... FCKH8.com is a great organization aiming against bullying homosexuals and transexuals. The videos are fun and interesting. The colors aim at targeting the younger crowd. They want equality and love all around. Although they have a lot of pictures of their models showing the middle finger, that is one of their trademarks as well as the number 8. Using numbers to represent words. 

The other tagline is interesting because it takes a slogan that we say all the time to younger kids like "say no to drugs" and now its using it for Rugs... The company is for hardwood floors and to have something funny and catchy and so similar to what a lot of people are familiar with, it makes a small business get out there in the larger world. 

Logos

Linda Milonga is an Argentinean fashion apparel company specializing in leatherwear. Their main goal was to target the young female demographic by using a more playful and charming approach to their branding and logo design. While Michael Jin Photography, a wedding photographer, used their logo to play with his name's initials. Although I couldn't find the actual companies and websites for the other two logos, I did find them very visually appealing and with that, it was a must I had to include them.

Inspiration for the day!

Well brainstorming and writing my project plan for my "Good Cause" assignment. I remembered a consignment boutique that sold wedding gowns, bridesmaids dresses, and accessories! Love the design and it helps me with my ideas!!!

Love is in the Air

Looking at more non-profit organizations I stumbled upon a poster contest for the "Love Your Body Day" put on by the Now Foundation. The posters were intriguing and artistically pleasing. They pulled you in and wanted you to know more. This campaign was to help spread the word on loving yourself and your body. They targeted the message that "a woman's value is best measured through her willingness and ability to embody current beauty standards". So they say STOP the dieting! STOP thinking you should be these size 2 models found in high fashion magazines! And START loving yourself for who you are and what you look like! The NOW (National Organization for Women) foundation has a lot of campaigns for the happening now problems in society that effect women such as crisis in family courts, lawsuits, etc.

Inspiration for Non-Profit

Well searching the internet and after several failed "Google" attempts, I finally found what I was looking for! Inspiration for my own project to start a non-profit organization for underprivileged brides and grooms who are looking to remember that special day in a special way. This website Wish Upon A Wedding, although plain and not so design inspiring, shows that an organization of what I wanted to invent myself is actually out there and running. This particular website is for planning and paying for weddings for brides and grooms "facing terminal illness and serious life-altering circumstances, regardless of sexual orientation". To listen and read some of these stories tugs at your heart strings and makes you smile that someone in so much pain, or who hasn't been able to their life to their fullest is able to enjoy their wedding. A day that is to be remembered as the happiest moment in their lives. And to live it stress free and debt free at that!