Drinking Coffee Elsewhere

           I read the short story “Brownies” in Drinking Coffee Elsewhere by Z.Z. Packer. Packer uses good descriptions in her storytelling. For example, when describing the complexion of some of the girls, Packer portrays them as having “a blend of ice cream: strawberry, vanilla.” I thought it was interesting that she used food as a description. Packer also makes good uses of similes. When describing the look on the girls’ faces, she depicts them as looking around “like tourists determined to be dazzled.”

            I thought that Packers descriptions were quite humorous and unconventional. For example when referring to the girls she says, “They smell like Chihuahuas. Wet Chihuahuas.”

            Packers writing style is predominantly narrative. She does not use much dialogue in her writing. I think that this is an effective writing style. By using short quotes, she is able to better describe then scene. The few times she uses longer quotes, she does so to effectively convey the emotions of the characters. For example when she quotes Janice saying, “They gone be sleeping… then we gone sneak into they cabin, then we’ll put daddy longlegs in they sleeping bags. Then they’ll wake up. Then we gone beat ‘em up till they’re as flat as frying pans!” This quote is humorous, but it also conveys the emotion better than paraphrasing would have.

            Packer is a talented writer. 

Word Count 225

Copy Edit the World

Word #7

austerity: noun - sternness or severity of manner or: the austerity of his corrupt polices angered the people.

Sentence: A ruling Greek Socialist party deputy quit parliament on Monday to protest against austerity, striking a blow at Prime Minister George Papandreou's efforts to secure approval of a deeply unpopular package of measures later this week.
By Renee MaltezouWord Count 57

NPR Radio Interview Analysis

           The interviewer interviewed Seth MacFarlane, the creator of the animated show Family Guy. She appeared to already know a lot about MacFarlane’s career. She mentioned that he does a lot of the voices on the show and sings often. She also had select musical clips played during the interview.

           The interviewer started off by asking MacFarlane about one of the songs that he sings. Most of the questions had to do with MacFarlane’s singing career rather than his popular television show. She asked often about what his motivation was for specific songs. She briefly asked him about his personal life, but most of the interviewed had to do with his career.

            The interviewer asked a lot of two-part questions. She followed up a lot of the questions by asking him to elaborate on his responses. She also asked him to confirm a lot of rumors. The interviewer seemed to have a specific strategy. She asked question after question, not allowing any silent pauses in the interview. She seemed to ask the type off questions that would allow MacFarlane to talk the most.

            There were no apparent inadequate or evasive answers. The interviewer asked a lot of follow up questions, but the responses themselves were direct and complete. The relationship between the interviewer and interviewee seemed casual and friendly. Her interview style allowed for a straightforward and honest interview. Both the interviewer and the interviewee seemed to enjoy the interview.

            From the interview I learned that it is best to avoid silent pauses. By having a set of interview questions prepared, the interview progressed well. 

By NPR

Word Count 264

Word #6

acolyte: noun – a person assisting the celebrant in a religious service or procession.• an assistant or follower: The acolyte assisted the priest in the ceremony.
Sentence: Be thy Tebow acolyte or accuser, proof of your faith was available Sunday when the Broncos turned their lonely, losing eyes to Tim.
By Dan Wetzel
Word Count 52

Mystery Character

           The room was filled with chants. As the enthusiastic public servant spoke, he crowd grew louder. “Peace is far superior to war. That should be our goal,” he said to a standing ovation.

          As an older respected leader, he commands the attention of the people. His white hair symbolizes his experience and wisdom. His pressed blue suit and red tie shows he means business. Although not the most slick public speaker, his consistent message resonates among the American people.

Word Count 79

Word #5

Eclectic: adjective - deriving ideas, style, or taste from a broad and diverse range of sources: he visited many diverse restaraunts, so his cooking was very eclectic.

"You know I'm pretty eclectic," the president said. "I read a lot of news that I used to read in print, I read on the Web now.


By: Russel Goldman


Word Count 56