Writing a paper.

This could quite possibly be the most boring entry in the history of my journal. In fact, let's just get the award ceremony over with before we start.

Now presenting the trophy for "Most Boring Journal Entry Ever":
Alright, now that we got that over with, I don't want this blog to turn into a negative vent-a-thon. So I am going to take my horrendous paper writing experience from last night and turn it into a positive and edifying experience.

Hold on, I'm thinking of the positives.

Still thinking...

So I had to write a paper for my communications class that was due this morning. Since I had been sick all last week I was unable to get very much work done, but I did make the effort to quickly browse over the paper requirements. They looked very similar to the requirements for my first paper so I didn't give it much thought and just figured I would pound it out last night. If there is one quality I have, it is that I am extraordinarily good at procrastination. Is that a quality? At the expense of the positivity of this entry, we will call it a quality for now. Anyways, 11:30 rolls around last night and I settle in to get this paper done.

You see, in communications we are studying the concept of media representation. The purpose of studying this subject is to understand how media, such as advertisements, commercials, etc., communicates with us the viewer. What is it exactly that the producers of media want us to understand? What are they trying to tell us? How effective are their persuasions?

For the paper we were asked to provide an image and provide an interpretation. When developing an understanding and interpretation of an image, the viewer goes through two steps known as "levels of meaning." The first level of meaning is known as the "denotative level of meaning," or the "basic descriptive level of meaning." The second is known as the "connotative level of meaning," or the "broader cultural meaning."

Basically, the denotative level of meaning is just what you see. There are no interpretations being made, just simple descriptions. The connotative level of meaning explains what each denotative element and/or their relationship to each other "mean" based on specific cultural knowledges (what we know to be true in our culture).

So for example, the trophy found at the top of this entry.

Denotative level of meaning: A silver cup with handles atop a black pedestal. The text: "Most Boring Journal Entry Ever" engraved into the pedestal.

Connotative level of meaning: A silver cup with handles atop a pedestal in American culture represents what would be known as a trophy, an award for accomplishing some sort of achievement. The text: "Most Boring Journal Entry Ever" found engraved into the pedestal indicates that something or someone has received, or is going to receive this trophy for having created a very boring journal entry.

By examining the denotative and connotative elements of any image, and linking the two using cultural knowledge, a "myth" can be created. This a different definition for myth, it does not mean "something that is not true" like the definition we are used to seeing. In fact, a myth according to communications is the exact opposite. It means a "universal truth," the general truth about society or culture that the image has produced. So the myth for the image of the trophy would be, "This journal entry is the most boring journal entry ever." That is the truth that the image creates. And that was just part 1 of my paper.

Neat, huh?

So, after slaving through part 2 of the paper, a concept of media representation that frustrated me so badly it will not be mentioned, I finally finished my paper at 7:30 this morning. Time for bed.

8:30 this morning. time to get up.

You know those days when sleeping for an extra minute is all you want to do? And a minute becomes five minutes, then ten minutes, then 15 minutes? That's how this morning was. I squeezed every last second out of that alarm clock before I finally forced myself to get up. A quick shower and I was out the door five minutes later than usual...not bad. My historic night was over and the new day was bright and encouraging.

There was 6 inches of snow on my car.

Check it out, I am not a fan of tragedies. I like my stories to conclude with happy endings. If I would have ended right there, this story would have been an absolute and epic tragedy. But lucky for you, reader, I am not ending here. Fast forward to 2:30. School is over and it is time to reward myself for making it through a frustrating night and a sleep deprived day. I present to you:


The Spicy Baconator, from Wendy's. Pepper Jack Cheese, 2 Beef Patties, Six Strips of Bacon, Loads of Jalapenos, Spicy Chipotle Sauce. Enough said.

Could an ending get any more happier? Didn't think so.

Summer Sales

I really enjoy going to school. It is fun being on campus with thousands of other people just like me and the whole college atmosphere at the U is a fun one to be involved with. The campus is set on the east side of Salt Lake "up on the hill" and has great views overlooking downtown and the valley to the west with the mountains directly to the east. Having been attending the U for nearly 3 years now, I have a good knowledge of where all the buildings are and the quickest routes to get from one to another (the campus is quite large).

I have had my share of "shortcuts gone bad." For instance, about a month ago I was trying to find a good way to get from my communications class (lower campus - or downhill) to my economics class (upper campus - or uphill). I have only fifteen minutes between them and it takes about that time to get from one to the next. The Marriott Library, the main library on campus, is situated right in the middle of campus and subsequently right in the middle of my path to economics. After growing tired of always walking around the large and wide building, I decided that I was going to go through it.

Bad idea.

The library is going through a massive renovation and the south, east, and north entrances are all blocked off due to construction. Wish I would have known that before I entered this now-become labyrinth of twisted steel and concrete! After about 20 minutes of frantically trying to find my way out of there, I finally got to the exit, conveniently known as the entrance 20 minutes previous. I was by now, of course, 20 minutes late to class with another 10 of walking left to go. Although this is equivalent to a modern day horror story, and one that is for sure much more entertaining than I Still Know What You Did Last Summer or Scream, or even both of them combined, I would prefer to take that passage to class every day rather than the one I have to take from Writing to Math.

In order for me to get to the Engineering Building (where my math class is) from the Business Building (writing class), I have to pass by the Student Union. A great place to hang out, watch the game, bowl, get some food, or use the computers - the Student Union has many great attributes. But sometimes you just want a peaceful walk by the building and to be...

LEFT ALONE!

Ain't gonna happen. This is where the summer sales parasites wait for you. These leeches prey on college students, flashing their big signs that claim, "Make thousands of dollars in three months," and they will stop at nothing short of getting your attention. In Utah, it's all about selling security systems and pest control. They target the returned missionaries because RM's have experience going door to door and "selling religion." Now all you have to do is sell security systems. Just sugar coat the presentation, master slimy sales tactics, and you're good to go. Just don't plan on getting any sleep at night if you have a conscience.

I had this one guy from Platinum Security offer me a dollar bill just to listen to him. I refused, but felt rude when he kept talking and I was walking away, so mistakingly I stopped and listened. Within a minute he was trying to get me to sign a lengthy contract and told me that I was stupid and a failure if I didn't. I told him that he was wasting my time and got ready to leave. Trying to impress me, he threw the dollar bill in my direction and said "Here, take this, I don't need it, I work for Platinum and make thousands." I said to him, "I don't want it." If there is one thing that bugs me more than almost anything, it is people trying to impress me with their money. It's a dollar bill. It's made of paper. Sure it could have gotten me a Junior Bacon Cheeseburger, or maybe a small box of French Fries, but it wasn't going to buy me happiness (just a few extra grams of fat).

I did the whole security summer extravaganza last year, and that's a story in of itself. I almost got tricked into something similar again this year with another company, but luckily I have learned my lesson and got out. Maybe, if you are lucky and I am in the mood, I will write about it sometime. But not today. The focal point today is this area by the union and avoiding the recruiters for summer sales. I have learned that if you go along the east side of the library and west of the waterfall, there are fewer recruiters. Plus the area is larger so it is harder for them to single you out. Also, if you have an ipod, it is an awesome weapon. Just put those headphones on and turn it up loud! Make sure it is loud enough so they know you can't hear them. Head forward, eyes straight, keep walking. Works flawlessly!

Now I am not trying to say that the opportunities presented by some of these recruiters aren't worthwhile for some people, but for me they aren't. I've been there, done that. It is possible to make some good money. But, if I ever wanted to do something like that again, I know where to go and how to sign up. I am just tired of getting harassed every day by these guys. Who are they to tell me what I want and don't want? Who are they to tell me that in order to truly be successful I must enlist in their army of salesmen?

I am proud to be a student of the University of Utah, and especially a university where freedom of speech and opinion can be expressed without consequence. I enjoy attending classes where opinions differ. I like to debate with others about the existence of God and similar controversial topics in an academic system without fear of being expelled. I am being prepared for the real world by interacting with those from all backgrounds and belief systems. I enjoy being "outside the bubble."

But, with freedom comes sacrifice.

Although I don't agree with the summer sales programs and their sales tactics, I respect their opinion and their right to be on campus. Thankfully, I have freedom of choice. That's what college is all about, or at least should be. Choosing for yourself what you want to become of your life. As for summer sales, the Utah college craze, I choose no.

Good reads that make you consider:

Summer Sales Jobs Lucrative, But Tricky
- Unbiased information from the school newspaper
Missing Ethics In Door-to-Door Alarm Sales
- Sounds similar to what tactics the recruiters use on college students. It's no wonder the recruiters are former "top salesmen"
Article about Firstline Security
-The company I worked for, went bankrupt, but undoubtedly similar to most other summer sale alarm companies.
And another
-Obviously I'm against this!

C-Webb Retires...Memories

Now I know most of you who read this probably could care less about Chris Webber. Some of you probably have no idea who he is. Some of you probably think he was one of the greatest underachievers of all time...like ESPN's J.A. Adande wrote here. But guess what, this is my journal and I will write about Chris Webber because I want to. During those Kings playoff runs earlier this decade I didn't miss a single second watching him and the Kings play basketball. I was fortunate, the Kings played the Jazz three years in a row in the first round of the playoffs and I went to every game. Some of you who read this might have very well sat next to me at those games, dodging flying debris from angry Jazz fans due to the beatdown the Kings always enforced at the Delta Center, enhanced by my posterboards and Kings apparel.

Those were the days.

Several frustrating playoff losses to the Lakers, a couple trades, and a destroyed knee later, C-Webb's career is officially over.

Here is a nice tribute video reminding us of his glory years with the Kings.



I still remember the day I found out the Kings traded him, I was in Morgantown, Kentucky. It was hard for me to digest the fact that my favorite sports team of all time was being dissembled. Peja, Christie, Pollard, Divac, Bibby...all gone now. But it all started with Webber. And it all ended with Webber.

Wow, what a depressing post. But the future looks bright.

Go Kings!

Chris Webber To Retire

"Sources told ESPN.com that Webber, unable to play since March 2 because of the latest complications with his knee, decided in the past week to end his pro career after 15 seasons, having struggled with his mobility for the past five of those seasons since a serious tear in the 2003 playoffs that required microfracture surgery."

Marc Stein

Although Webber was traded from the Kings back in 2005 his game was a huge part of my life during the late 90's and early 2000's. I loved those Kings. Jason Williams, Mike Bibby, Doug Christie, Peja, C-Webb, Vlade, Bobby Jackson, Corliss Williamson...those were the years when I loved basketball more than anything.

We were so close! Game 7, overtime, and a Mike Bibby face fouling Kobe Bryant's elbow away from a championship.

Chris Webber averaged 20.7 points, 9.8 rebounds, and 4.2 assists over his 15 year career. Check out his company (20+ points, 9+ rebounds, 4+ assists for career):

Kevin Garnett
Larry Bird
Billy Cunningham
Wilt Chamberlain
Elgin Baylor

Pretty elite. I'm not saying he's a Hall of Famer and it's quite surprising he's in the same category as those listed above. He didn't get the ring and struggled at times to be a dominant player, but he was definately a solid all-star and top 5 power forward during his prime years with the Kings. I'll miss him.

San Francisco

So I just got back from a few days in San Francisco for my spring break and thought I would post a few photos and details of what I did. Most of my time there was spent on a tour throughout the city and surrounding areas, walking around the city taking pictures, and spending some good quality time with my dad in the evenings. I have seen most of the sights already since I have been to SF many times before when we lived a couple hours away in Sacramento, but it had been about 10 years (crazy) since I have been back there. Now that my family is moving to Houston instead of San Francisco I figured it was a good time to check it out again.

Here are some photos of what I was able to see during the few days I was there, and a little background information.

Ferry Terminal & The Bay Bridge
Before my tour started I had some free time to hang out on the waterfront by the Bay Bridge. We started the tour here at the Ferry Terminal and then headed north to our first stop which was Lombard Street.








Lombard Street
Lombard Street has a section, seen in this picture, that is famously known as the "most crooked street in the world," although the tour guide assured us that it was actually the second most crooked street...after Wall Street. After checking out Lombard Street, we headed over to China Town.













China Town
China Town in San Francisco is one of the largest in North America and is the oldest in America, being established in the 1850's. Many Chinese immigrated to the San Francisco area to help with construction of the intercontinental railroad, and when the construction was completed, decided to stay. This caused a lot of tension between the established citizens and the new Chinese citizens and many acts of violence occurred as a result. Seeking protection by strength in numbers, the Chinese people in the city grouped together in this area, creating the modern day China Town of San Francisco.

After several other stops, including Grace Cathedral and the Coit Tower, we arrived at the "Six Sisters."





"Six Sisters" or "Painted Ladies"
This location is very famous and has been used in many tv shows and movies. You might recognize it as the backdrop for the show "Full House." San Francisco architecture used to be very Victorian, but the great fire and earthquake of 1906 destroyed mostly all of the Victorian architecture in the city. This part of the city survived the destruction and gives us an idea of what houses and buildings used to look like pre-1906.

After a quick stop at Golden Gate Park, The Palace of Fine Arts, and a trip across the Golden Gate Bridge, we arrived in the city of Sausalito.


Fortunately for me, while in Sausalito I was treated to a fantastic performance by "Hippie and the Guitar Playing Dog." While this coastal city is known for its Mediterranean feel and food, it is most notably famous for being the location where Metallica recorded the immortal "Black Album." Okay so it's not known for that, but it should be!

Next part of the tour, Muir Woods.





Muir Woods
Muir Woods is a certified national monument, and yes, it is a forest. Clear? Okay, good. Named for John Muir, a pioneer of the National Park Service, this area contains some of the largest trees in the world. Due to the moisturizing fog and close proximity to the ocean, coastal redwoods found in this forest have been known to grow over 350 feet tall and wide enough to drive a school bus through the trunk. Amazing? Yeah.










Muir Beach Overlook
After leaving Muir Woods we headed over to the nearby overlook of Muir Beach. The picture does little justice, but the cliffs were about 200-300 feet above the beach. Winds were gusting upwards of 50 miles per hour and yes I am lucky to be alive. The view was amazing and we were lucky to have such a clear and perfect day to see the horizon.

After the overlook, we headed back to Sausalito for a cruise across the Bay back to San Francisco and end to the journey.

Golden Gate Bridge
What would a trip to San Francisco be without some good shots of the big red bridge? A waste, that's what. Luckily for me I was able to get some good pictures of the bridge during our cruise before my camera battery died. Unfortunately it died right before I got some good close ups of Alcatraz. Oh well, you win some you lose some.

The cruise ended the all day tour, but I have a few more pictures from the next day, which I spent walking the whole city.


The Cable Car
Cable Cars used to be the primary form of public transportation in the city, but the 1906 earthquake destroyed most of the lines. Luckily, a few lines survived and are still in operation to this very day. 9 inches underground, a cable moves continuously along the tracks at 7 miles per hour. The Cable Car has a latch that grabs the cable, thus moving it forward. Brakes are changed every 3 days on each car due to the wear and tear of stopping on all the hills. At the end of the line, a turntable is used to rotate the car and it heads back in the direction it came from.

Transamerica Pyramid
This is the tallest building in San Francisco and the 98th tallest in the world at 853 feet. Easily recognized by its pyramid-like shape, this skyscraper has become the premiere focal point of the Bay Area skyline. You can't see the whole building in the picture, but this was as close as I could get. Once again, I was lucky to have a clear sky because it is not unusual for the top half of the building to be covered with fog.











Fisherman's Wharf & Alcatraz
Quite possibly SF's most popular tourist spot, Fisherman's Wharf runs from Ghirardelli Square (mmm, chocolate) to Pier 35. Pier 39 is the most famous of the piers along the wharf as it contains several museums, restaurants, and one of the most awesome sports stores I have ever been to. Out in the bay is Alcatraz, the island fortress known as the coolest prison ever, at least it should be. The former prison-home of Al Capone, no one is known to have ever successfully escaped, except for Sean Connery in "The Rock."


There you have it, a few pictures from my trip.

-Steve