I met Mark as I tried out to be The New Face of Fox on Saturday, March 20, 2010. I got his picture and autograph that I have in my living room with my other powerful-motivational pictures! He gave a very intense interview. Some of the things he said, I have also heard Michael Jackson say about being a celebrity!
SPANISH-AMIGA$$: Do you feel education is the key out of poverty?
MARK: I believe there are many keys that lead one out of poverty, as well as many that lead one into it as well. I do agree that education plays a big part because we have seen many times in our history of what happens to those whole dwell in ignorance. That is why it is often whispered by the wise that those who fail to learn from (let alone actually learn) history are doomed to repeat it. Knowledge offers power, sparks imagination and ambition, and teaches one that anything is possible if one actually applies one's self.
SPANISH-AMIGA$$: What education do you have?
MARK: I can argue that I have many. As for formal, I graduated from the University of New Mexico with a degree in Marketing and Finances. I thought I was to be a banker or a captain of industry. The problem is that I have no interest in selling people something they do not want or need. My grand desire was not to make all the money in the world. Money can not buy you happiness, only a richer form of misery. I think I have learned more in my years outside of college, but I must give credit where credit is due. If I had not attended college, had I not strived for a higher education, I fear that I would have missed out on the true wealth of knowledge this world has to offer.
SPANISH-AMIGA$$: Do you feel your education has made your life better?
MARK: Absolutely.
SPANISH-AMIGA$$: What has being The Face of Fox taught you?
MARK: Oh, where to start? It has taught me politics, social stigmas, and the bizarre weight people place on the idea of celebrity. It has taught me who my friends really are and about the cruel stings of jealousy. It is a funny thing when you are in the public eye. Many people think they are granted the right to criticize who you are and can tell you who they want you to be. Yet, from all of this, I learned the most important thing that I believe being The Face of FOX can teach: to endure. Over the last two years, I have learned much about myself and accomplished much that I thought I never would. I have stronger confidence in myself and little fear of things I once used to tremble before daily. Have I failed? Yes! But, I have learned that failure is not something to fear, but to embrace for it teaches how to adapt, do better, and try harder.
SPANISH-AMIGA$$: Do you apply your own makeup or do you have a makeup artist?
MARK: I actually apply my own. I don't need much, just a little powder here and there.
SPANISH-AMIGA$$: What advice would you give all the hopefuls for The Next Face of Fox?
MARK: My best advice is to be yourself. I believe that that is such a powerful necessity that I'm going to say it again: be yourself. It's all we really want. I got the job because I wasn't afraid to be myself, and I let that shine confidently. There are so many levels to this too. Don't tell us what you think we want to hear. Don't invent a seemingly more interesting character that you would rather be and act that out. I see contestants doing it now, and it's not what we want. We literally mean this so much that it's even in the rules! Be yourself. The rest will come naturally. Secondly, if you simply want this job for your own personal gain, you've already lost. This is a job! People are not going to drive you around in limos. You will not be offered V.I.P. access to the hottest clubs. You are going to work.
SPANISH-AMIGA$$: What TV experience did you have before you received the job as The Face of Fox?
MARK: Well, it is a funny story. Like many others interested in the growing film industry here in New Mexico, I started with a few background roles. Later, I did stand-in work for Paul Bettany on the set of the film 'Legion'. But my greatest experience had to be my first speaking role on the television show 'In Plain Sight'.... The rest is history. A year later, I was The Face of FOX.
SPANISH-AMIGA$$: What are your plans as you exit being The Face of Fox?
MARK: I have many ambitions and offers, but one I really want to focus on is being a motivational speaker. I had the opportunity to talk to many people, share knowledge, and really make a difference. I remember nothing that felt better than that. Aside from that, I am planning on moving later this year, but until then, I plan on taking a job someplace quiet for awhile.
SPANISH-AMIGA$$: Where do you see yourself in ten years from now?
MARK: I have to say that of all the questions, this is easily the most difficult to answer. I could answer it with plenty of scenarios like achieving movie stardom or immortalized as a pop music god, but I believe that is all wishful thinking. Where this life will truly take me, I do not know. I have some ideas of where I would like it to go, but I don't want to ruin the surprise. Though, if an answer is something you crave, then, I shall say that I see myself in ten years time living life and living it well. I cannot ask for more.
Again, this was an intense interview. He was honest about being a celebrity, and I respect that. If I do not get the job of being The Face of Fox, I will do like the contestants on America's Next Top Model and American Idol, I will be back next year! Until my next great interview, dream big because dreaming is STILL free! Spanish-Amiga$$
WORKS CITED
Underwood, Mark. Monday, March 22, 2010. Personal Communication via e-mail.
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
YOUNG GIRLS GIVE THEIR VIEWS ON EDUCATION
I live in an apartment complex that is in a good neighborhood. I have been living here three years, and today, I interviewed my neighbors, Kami, age 9, and her sister, Kharis, age 13, with their Mother’s permission. Their Mother, Diana, told me she tells her daughters how important education is.
SPANISH-AMIGA$$: Do you believe education is the key out of poverty?
KAMI: Yes.
SPANISH-AMIGA$$: What is your age?
KAMI: I am 9 years old.
SPANISH-AMIGA$$: What is your favorite subject in school?
KAMI: Math is my favorite subject.
SPANISH-AMIGA$$: Why is Math your favorite subject?
KAMI: I get to use the steps of how to multiply and divide, and I can get a good education.
SPANISH-AMIGA$$: Do you have a favorite teacher?
KAMI: My favorite teacher is Ms. Sasha Patton.
SPANISH-AMIGA$$: Why is Ms. Sasha Patton your favorite teacher?
KAMI: Ms. Sasha Patton is my favorite teacher because she doesn’t bug me a lot. She lets us have more free time than usual.
SPANISH-AMIGA$$: What do you want to be when you grow up?
KAMI: I want to be a veterinarian.
SPANISH-AMIGA$$: Why do you want to be a veterinarian?
KAMI: I want to be a veterinarian because I can help pets that need help and are dying.
$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
SPANISH-AMIGA$$: Do you believe education is the key out of poverty?
KHARIS: I do because it’s a way to make money, get a good job, and have a place to live.
SPANISH-AMIGA$$: What is your age?
KHARIS: I am 13.
SPANISH-AMIGA$$: What is your favorite subject in school?
KHARIS: Science. I like science because my teacher knows what he is talking about. He knows what’s going on. It’s easy to understand him. My teacher’s name is Richard Duran.
SPANISH-AMIGA$$: Do you have a favorite teacher?
KHARIS: My favorite teacher is Ms. Steuart.
SPANISH-AMIGA$$: Why is Ms. Steuart your favorite teacher?
KHARIS: Ms. Steuart is my favorite teacher because it’s easy to understand her. She lets us read, and I like to read.
SPANISH-AMIGA$$: What do you want to be when you grow up?
KHARIS: When I grow up, I want to be a singer because it’s an easy job.
I am glad Kami and Kharis Mother, Diana, instills in them at an early age that you need a good education to have nice things in life. Diana said she would support her daughters as adults as long as they went to college. That sounds like a winning plan to me. One day as I was going to work, Kami came out of the house with her hood off. It was cold. I said, "Put that hood on." She put on her hood and kept walking to the bus stop. I told her mom, Diana, as we talked after the interview. Kami's mom said, "That's right." We both laughed. Until my next great interview, dream big because dreaming is free! Spanish-Amiga$$
WORKS CITED
Sims, Kami and Kharis. Saturday, March 6, 2010. Personal interview at our apartment complex with their mom’s permission, Diana Sims.
SPANISH-AMIGA$$: Do you believe education is the key out of poverty?
KAMI: Yes.
SPANISH-AMIGA$$: What is your age?
KAMI: I am 9 years old.
SPANISH-AMIGA$$: What is your favorite subject in school?
KAMI: Math is my favorite subject.
SPANISH-AMIGA$$: Why is Math your favorite subject?
KAMI: I get to use the steps of how to multiply and divide, and I can get a good education.
SPANISH-AMIGA$$: Do you have a favorite teacher?
KAMI: My favorite teacher is Ms. Sasha Patton.
SPANISH-AMIGA$$: Why is Ms. Sasha Patton your favorite teacher?
KAMI: Ms. Sasha Patton is my favorite teacher because she doesn’t bug me a lot. She lets us have more free time than usual.
SPANISH-AMIGA$$: What do you want to be when you grow up?
KAMI: I want to be a veterinarian.
SPANISH-AMIGA$$: Why do you want to be a veterinarian?
KAMI: I want to be a veterinarian because I can help pets that need help and are dying.
$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
SPANISH-AMIGA$$: Do you believe education is the key out of poverty?
KHARIS: I do because it’s a way to make money, get a good job, and have a place to live.
SPANISH-AMIGA$$: What is your age?
KHARIS: I am 13.
SPANISH-AMIGA$$: What is your favorite subject in school?
KHARIS: Science. I like science because my teacher knows what he is talking about. He knows what’s going on. It’s easy to understand him. My teacher’s name is Richard Duran.
SPANISH-AMIGA$$: Do you have a favorite teacher?
KHARIS: My favorite teacher is Ms. Steuart.
SPANISH-AMIGA$$: Why is Ms. Steuart your favorite teacher?
KHARIS: Ms. Steuart is my favorite teacher because it’s easy to understand her. She lets us read, and I like to read.
SPANISH-AMIGA$$: What do you want to be when you grow up?
KHARIS: When I grow up, I want to be a singer because it’s an easy job.
I am glad Kami and Kharis Mother, Diana, instills in them at an early age that you need a good education to have nice things in life. Diana said she would support her daughters as adults as long as they went to college. That sounds like a winning plan to me. One day as I was going to work, Kami came out of the house with her hood off. It was cold. I said, "Put that hood on." She put on her hood and kept walking to the bus stop. I told her mom, Diana, as we talked after the interview. Kami's mom said, "That's right." We both laughed. Until my next great interview, dream big because dreaming is free! Spanish-Amiga$$
WORKS CITED
Sims, Kami and Kharis. Saturday, March 6, 2010. Personal interview at our apartment complex with their mom’s permission, Diana Sims.
Saturday, March 27, 2010
Ajaini Modeling, Albuquerque, New Mexico
Bandele owns a modeling company. Do you think he can teach me a good cat walk? Well, he would have his hands full!!! SMILE!
SPANISH-AMIGA$$: Do you feel education is the key out of poverty?
Bandele: Yes, I feel that an education is very important. I believe that every one should take time to get an education. As you see, the world is changing every day, and the economy is changing. It is hard for an educated man or woman to get a job, but not impossible. As for the men and women who have not finished school, it is going to be hard for them to get a job, not impossible but hard. It is a requirement that men and women who apply for jobs at least have a GED. So, yes, I do believe in education and encourage men and women to go back to school to get a high school diploma or GED because for African Americans, Latinos, and other minorities, a mind is a terrible thing to waste.
SPANISH-AMIGA$$: What college education do you have?
Bandele: I have graduated from Edmonds Community College in Lynwood, WA. I also attended Prairie View A& M University, in which my great great grand parent helped to start. I did not graduate from there, but however, it was a learning experience of a life time. That is where I learned the importance of an education. Prairie View A&M was my educational turning point. After I attended Prairie View and saw how many successful African American men and women there was, I knew right then that in order to make it and be successful, you must have an education, high school, college or other wise. I owe a great deal of respect to the staff of Prairie View A&M.
SPANISH-AMIGA$$: How has college made your life better?
Bandele: Education has made my life better in more ways than one. With out an education, I would not have learned all about the modeling industry or been able to put together a successful business plan. I am still in school. There is a lot to learn about business and doing it the right way. I am able to go out into the community and help the elders of my community learn how to do applications on the computer, program their computer, help them educationally, which I get a great deal of respect for education because with it, I can't help any one because I wouldn't be able to help myself. Getting an education is a right that our people died for, bleed for, got beat for, and even killed for. You know when you see these old slave movies and an educated child has come home to see his family and show how successful they have become, well, that's how I feel about the education I have. I am not putting any one down who dose not have a high school diploma. I would just like to encourage you/them to please go back to school.
SPANISH-AMIGA$$: Tell me about your modeling company, Ajainimodeling.
Bandele: Ajaini Model Management is a minority based model/talent agency located in the Albuquerque Area. Ajaini Model Management is designed to work with models and aspiring talent who know they have what it takes to make it but need help in obtaining success in the industry, which can eat you up and spit you out in a matter of seconds. You see Ajaini Model Management is focused on success. We built our business around minority talent because in the main stream masses of the American society, minorities are seldom seen in the right light. I order for African Americans to make it in the industry.... Ajaini Model Management wants to put true beauty in the eyes of the American public and show that we as minorities are more than just the king entertainment. But, as well, we look just as good as the rest. In fact, I think we are the best. Ajaini Model Management never charges a fee to join. We start right off the back with business. We want our models and talent to succeed against all odds stacked against them.
SPANISH-AMIGA$$: Where do you see yourself in ten years from now?
Bandele: Well, I see myself offering jobs to minority models, and I see myself as a very successful black male despite... I see myself on BET and at the OSCARS, EMMYS, Golden Globe, ... I see myself as a rich man, not rich with money but filthy rich with education. This is money that was well spent on self perseveration.
This was a very interesting interview with Bandele. He has similar opinions to my own. Until my next great interview, dream big because dreaming is still free. Spanish-Amiga$$
WORKS CITED
Gatson, Bandele Ajaini. March 16, 2010. Personal communication via notes.
SPANISH-AMIGA$$: Do you feel education is the key out of poverty?
Bandele: Yes, I feel that an education is very important. I believe that every one should take time to get an education. As you see, the world is changing every day, and the economy is changing. It is hard for an educated man or woman to get a job, but not impossible. As for the men and women who have not finished school, it is going to be hard for them to get a job, not impossible but hard. It is a requirement that men and women who apply for jobs at least have a GED. So, yes, I do believe in education and encourage men and women to go back to school to get a high school diploma or GED because for African Americans, Latinos, and other minorities, a mind is a terrible thing to waste.
SPANISH-AMIGA$$: What college education do you have?
Bandele: I have graduated from Edmonds Community College in Lynwood, WA. I also attended Prairie View A& M University, in which my great great grand parent helped to start. I did not graduate from there, but however, it was a learning experience of a life time. That is where I learned the importance of an education. Prairie View A&M was my educational turning point. After I attended Prairie View and saw how many successful African American men and women there was, I knew right then that in order to make it and be successful, you must have an education, high school, college or other wise. I owe a great deal of respect to the staff of Prairie View A&M.
SPANISH-AMIGA$$: How has college made your life better?
Bandele: Education has made my life better in more ways than one. With out an education, I would not have learned all about the modeling industry or been able to put together a successful business plan. I am still in school. There is a lot to learn about business and doing it the right way. I am able to go out into the community and help the elders of my community learn how to do applications on the computer, program their computer, help them educationally, which I get a great deal of respect for education because with it, I can't help any one because I wouldn't be able to help myself. Getting an education is a right that our people died for, bleed for, got beat for, and even killed for. You know when you see these old slave movies and an educated child has come home to see his family and show how successful they have become, well, that's how I feel about the education I have. I am not putting any one down who dose not have a high school diploma. I would just like to encourage you/them to please go back to school.
SPANISH-AMIGA$$: Tell me about your modeling company, Ajainimodeling.
Bandele: Ajaini Model Management is a minority based model/talent agency located in the Albuquerque Area. Ajaini Model Management is designed to work with models and aspiring talent who know they have what it takes to make it but need help in obtaining success in the industry, which can eat you up and spit you out in a matter of seconds. You see Ajaini Model Management is focused on success. We built our business around minority talent because in the main stream masses of the American society, minorities are seldom seen in the right light. I order for African Americans to make it in the industry.... Ajaini Model Management wants to put true beauty in the eyes of the American public and show that we as minorities are more than just the king entertainment. But, as well, we look just as good as the rest. In fact, I think we are the best. Ajaini Model Management never charges a fee to join. We start right off the back with business. We want our models and talent to succeed against all odds stacked against them.
SPANISH-AMIGA$$: Where do you see yourself in ten years from now?
Bandele: Well, I see myself offering jobs to minority models, and I see myself as a very successful black male despite... I see myself on BET and at the OSCARS, EMMYS, Golden Globe, ... I see myself as a rich man, not rich with money but filthy rich with education. This is money that was well spent on self perseveration.
This was a very interesting interview with Bandele. He has similar opinions to my own. Until my next great interview, dream big because dreaming is still free. Spanish-Amiga$$
WORKS CITED
Gatson, Bandele Ajaini. March 16, 2010. Personal communication via notes.
Saturday, March 20, 2010
FACE OF KASA FOX 2 TV
I applied today for the live auditions to be the next Face of Fox. Go to the web site and vote for me, http://www.kasa.com/, then click on Face of Fox. The man at the auditions said use the address and tell my friends to vote for me. I didn't look directly into the camera like Oprah, but I told my story in two minutes. I told them I would post on my blog/web pages/and put in the school paper.
I also met Mark Underwood, the current Face of Fox. I took a picture with him and got his autograph!
I also met Mark Underwood, the current Face of Fox. I took a picture with him and got his autograph!
Friday, March 19, 2010
Deanna Sauceda, Anchor, KRQE News 13, Albuquerque, New Mexico, www.krqe.com
Excitement! Excitement! Excitement! I just interviewed, Deanna Sauceda, Anchor, KRQE News 13. She gave me some very powerful information, and it all sounded just like the Mass Communication and Journalism syllabus! I hope you enjoy the interview as much as I did because you-all know I love talking to (meeting) celebrities!
Spanish-Amiga$$: Do you think education is the key out of poverty?
Deanna: I think it is one of several keys. I think strong mentors are crucial. The community a young person lives in is also responsible for their success. I also think it's born within a person to succeed. We see that when someone overcomes the odds.
Spanish-Amiga$$: What education do you have?
Deanna: I have a Bachelors of Art-Technical Journalism from Colorado State University. In journalism, it's a good idea to research your schools. Find the best school in your area in journalism if you are staying in state. This is very important in TV because you need tools at your finger tips, like cameras, the studio, etc. We have people that don't have TV degrees, but it is getting tougher and tougher to get into the business without a degree.
Spanish-Amiga$$: Do you have to have a TV degree?
Deanna: It's better to have than not. Today, it's very competitive and good degrees give you a better chance. When you are in college, it's good to have teachers that have actually worked in TV news. There are trade degrees-camera work, editing, etc. If you have the ability to edit in digital format or non-linear and you can work with state of the art technology, you improve your chances. Also, the industry is moving toward a "one man band." This is a reporter who can shoot, write, edit, and then feed their story from the field in a digital format on the web. Having a web and technology background is very powerful these days.
Spanish-Amiga$$: How has college made your life better?
Deanna: College has made my life better through experience of learning, exposure to others, maturity necessary to make it through college, understanding how to set goals, understanding adversity and difficult decisions, etc.
Spanish-Amiga$$: How long have you been an anchor woman at KRQE News 13?
Deanna: I have been an anchor at KRQE News 13 since 1989. I took a 5 year sabbatical from 2000 to 2005. I worked for Intel in Colorado as a Communication Manager for two years. Then, I went to International Project Manager, which was excellent work. I am a better journalist because of my time at Intel.
Spanish-Amiga$$: How long have you been anchoring the news?
Deanna: I was a general assignment reporter from 1983 to 1989 in Denver. I actually started at KCNC as a production assistant/secretary and moved into reporting. While I was a PA (production assistant), I volunteered in the newsroom every weekend. I started as an anchor at KRQE News 13 in 1989.
Spanish-Amiga$$: What advice would you give future news anchors?
Deanna: You will not start as an anchor. The first step is reporting, so don't think you will just be hired as an anchor. To be an anchor, you have to earn your stripes so to speak. You will have to have solid journalistic skills and sense. You should first report before you sit at the anchor desk.
Spanish-Amiga$$: Well, what is the difference between a reporter and an anchor?
Deanna: The reporter is the person in the field that does the story. The anchor delivers the news, but should be a reporter at heart and uses all his/her reporting skills on the desk. In both cases, you have to be well-rounded, have an understanding of a wide variety of subjects, insatiably curious, excellent writer, and have thick skin.
Spanish-Amiga$$: What do you mean by have a thick skin? You mean not wear your feelings on your shoulder?
Deanna: You have to be able to deal with adversity at the highest level and intense pressure. Time is measured in seconds and deadlines are part of your daily routine. You must be able to deal with sad, gruesome, and horrendous information, as well as touching, joyous stories. You have to be tenacious, aggressive, and pay close attention to detail. (That sounds like my Mass Communication and Journalism classes!)
Spanish-Amiga$$: Where do you see yourself in ten years from now?
Deanna: You know; I don't have a clue. That sounds terrible....no goals. I love my job and love news and would love to do exactly what I am doing today. I live by a very simple creed called the "pillow test." When I put my head on that pillow each night, have I made a difference and is my world a better place because of my work? I must have fun doing it. Really, this is about following your passion.
Spanish-Amiga$$: Could I come down to the TV studio on a tour and take pictures? Do you do (have) tours? What is the best time?
Deanna: The best time is before noon, about 11 a.m.
As you can imagine, since you-all know I LOVE to talk, I had "100" questions. I have noticed, as I am doing these interviews, I have more questions based on their answers. She said to be curious. I have that! This was a very educational interview for me since I am studying Mass Communication and Journalism, and I want to be a paid talk show host. This interview helped "push" me a few steps to that TV door because of the qualities Ms. Deanna described in a news anchor. The best quality I have, besides all my education, is that I believe in me! Until that next great interview, dream big because dreaming is still free! Spanish-Amiga$$
WORKS CITED
Sauceda, Deanna. March 1, 2010. Personal Communication via telephone.
Spanish-Amiga$$: Do you think education is the key out of poverty?
Deanna: I think it is one of several keys. I think strong mentors are crucial. The community a young person lives in is also responsible for their success. I also think it's born within a person to succeed. We see that when someone overcomes the odds.
Spanish-Amiga$$: What education do you have?
Deanna: I have a Bachelors of Art-Technical Journalism from Colorado State University. In journalism, it's a good idea to research your schools. Find the best school in your area in journalism if you are staying in state. This is very important in TV because you need tools at your finger tips, like cameras, the studio, etc. We have people that don't have TV degrees, but it is getting tougher and tougher to get into the business without a degree.
Spanish-Amiga$$: Do you have to have a TV degree?
Deanna: It's better to have than not. Today, it's very competitive and good degrees give you a better chance. When you are in college, it's good to have teachers that have actually worked in TV news. There are trade degrees-camera work, editing, etc. If you have the ability to edit in digital format or non-linear and you can work with state of the art technology, you improve your chances. Also, the industry is moving toward a "one man band." This is a reporter who can shoot, write, edit, and then feed their story from the field in a digital format on the web. Having a web and technology background is very powerful these days.
Spanish-Amiga$$: How has college made your life better?
Deanna: College has made my life better through experience of learning, exposure to others, maturity necessary to make it through college, understanding how to set goals, understanding adversity and difficult decisions, etc.
Spanish-Amiga$$: How long have you been an anchor woman at KRQE News 13?
Deanna: I have been an anchor at KRQE News 13 since 1989. I took a 5 year sabbatical from 2000 to 2005. I worked for Intel in Colorado as a Communication Manager for two years. Then, I went to International Project Manager, which was excellent work. I am a better journalist because of my time at Intel.
Spanish-Amiga$$: How long have you been anchoring the news?
Deanna: I was a general assignment reporter from 1983 to 1989 in Denver. I actually started at KCNC as a production assistant/secretary and moved into reporting. While I was a PA (production assistant), I volunteered in the newsroom every weekend. I started as an anchor at KRQE News 13 in 1989.
Spanish-Amiga$$: What advice would you give future news anchors?
Deanna: You will not start as an anchor. The first step is reporting, so don't think you will just be hired as an anchor. To be an anchor, you have to earn your stripes so to speak. You will have to have solid journalistic skills and sense. You should first report before you sit at the anchor desk.
Spanish-Amiga$$: Well, what is the difference between a reporter and an anchor?
Deanna: The reporter is the person in the field that does the story. The anchor delivers the news, but should be a reporter at heart and uses all his/her reporting skills on the desk. In both cases, you have to be well-rounded, have an understanding of a wide variety of subjects, insatiably curious, excellent writer, and have thick skin.
Spanish-Amiga$$: What do you mean by have a thick skin? You mean not wear your feelings on your shoulder?
Deanna: You have to be able to deal with adversity at the highest level and intense pressure. Time is measured in seconds and deadlines are part of your daily routine. You must be able to deal with sad, gruesome, and horrendous information, as well as touching, joyous stories. You have to be tenacious, aggressive, and pay close attention to detail. (That sounds like my Mass Communication and Journalism classes!)
Spanish-Amiga$$: Where do you see yourself in ten years from now?
Deanna: You know; I don't have a clue. That sounds terrible....no goals. I love my job and love news and would love to do exactly what I am doing today. I live by a very simple creed called the "pillow test." When I put my head on that pillow each night, have I made a difference and is my world a better place because of my work? I must have fun doing it. Really, this is about following your passion.
Spanish-Amiga$$: Could I come down to the TV studio on a tour and take pictures? Do you do (have) tours? What is the best time?
Deanna: The best time is before noon, about 11 a.m.
As you can imagine, since you-all know I LOVE to talk, I had "100" questions. I have noticed, as I am doing these interviews, I have more questions based on their answers. She said to be curious. I have that! This was a very educational interview for me since I am studying Mass Communication and Journalism, and I want to be a paid talk show host. This interview helped "push" me a few steps to that TV door because of the qualities Ms. Deanna described in a news anchor. The best quality I have, besides all my education, is that I believe in me! Until that next great interview, dream big because dreaming is still free! Spanish-Amiga$$
WORKS CITED
Sauceda, Deanna. March 1, 2010. Personal Communication via telephone.
ZOSWORLD: MANZO
I enjoyed this interview with Manzo. He wouldn't give me many details on his book. So, like he said, I will have to read it! SMILE.
SPANISH-AMIGA$$: Do you believe education is the key out of poverty?
MANZO: Yes, I Do. Education is the foundation for everything you want to do in life. It is the catalyst for anything you want to inspire, to achieve in life.
SPANISH-AMIGA$$: What education do you have?
MANZO: I earned my AS Degree in Computer Engineering in 1998 from Keiser College, Melbourne, Florida.
SPANISH-AMIGA$$: How has college made your life better?
MANZO: College taught me to pursue a career in computer build and repair. It was also when I started to take my writing and music as a career more seriously!
SPANISH-AMIGA$$: Tell me more about your position, CEO of Megabyte Records in Palm Bay, Florida.
MANZO: Megabyte Records was a company I started after doing work as an assistant tour manager for some major artists. The name came from a relative due to the fact that I built computers, and so I took it one step further and adopted the moniker as a company name. As CEO of the company, I developed the careers of several artists. I recently dissolved Megabyte Records to launch a new company, "Nu Mogul Media Group," which will be a forefront in launching new artists, film, book, and other entertainment related ventures.
SPANISH-AMIGA$$: How did you get started with your record company?
MANZO: I actually started by purchasing some equipment and began recording my teenage sons. The studio took on many changes after that, and I began to develop local talent, as well as sharpen my skills in the studio. I was mainly developing an ear for recording and engineering projects.
SPANISH-AMIGA$$: How much did it cost you to start your own record company?
MANZO: I basically started my studio with a few multitrack recorders and then graduated to computers. I spent roughly two or three thousand on equipment and another thousand on filing fees and hiring an accountant.
SPANISH-AMIGA$$: Do you have business partners, or do you own the record company as a sole proprietor?
MANZO: My wife is my business partner. I tried giving a person an opportunity to be a part of what I was doing, but they confused investing in the company with taking over and going outside the overall vision of what it takes to be in this business. In other words, they wanted the glitz and glamour without putting in the work! I do have producers and artists that I collaborate with on a regular basis.
SPANISH-AMIGA$$: I see you have groups like MYA, Jagged Edge, Jon B, etc. Are you their manager or singing coach?
MANZO: I actually was an assistant tour manager for these groups, which basically afforded me a chance to learn the back side of the business. I worked closely with these artists, providing support and logistics, as well as working with and meeting a host of other music industry professionals.
SPANISH-AMIGA$$: Tell me about your book "A Tour Manager's Confessions."
MANZO: Well, you'll have to read it! The book was actually therapy for me. And once you read it, you'll understand. It's part of my journey towards goals that I wish to accomplish and the road traveled along the way! The book is one of my great accomplishments, it feels good to add "published author" to my resume.
SPANISH-AMIGA$$: How long have you been singing?
MANZO: I started singing as early as eight or nine years old back then, after watching my older sisters practice! Let me just say back then that I wasn't encouraged to pursue it by my siblings! I think I really found my voice after I left High School and joined the military.
SPANISH-AMIGA$$: How did you get started singing?
MANZO: True story! We used to have this extension cord hanging from the wall of one of my childhood homes. The thing was round like a ball and resembled a microphone to me. Well, let me say that I tried it out and made a shocking discovery at an early age that I wanted to be famous! Even though my lips almost got fried off, I knew the entertainment field was for me!
SPANISH-AMIGA$$: What advice would you give future singers?
MANZO: I would say whatever you desire to do, under no circumstances let anybody tell you what your heart can't achieve. In other words, you can be and do whatever your heart desires! Never Give Up!
SPANISH-AMIGA$$: Have you experienced any legal problems in your singing career?
MANZO: My legal problems only came through my label in that either someone was trying to muscle in on what I built or someone didn't want to adhere to the legalities of a contract. Singing has and always will be my gift from God. I choose not to allow anyone to separate me from what the creator has endowed me with!
SPANISH-AMIGA$$: Where do you see yourself in ten years from now?
MANZO: In ten years from now, I will have wanted to discover and launch the careers of many talented people! I feel that it's my love to help people who normally wouldn't have a chance to follow their dream as I have. My greatest joy is to mold raw talent into musical masterpieces. I wish all those artists who have had great careers and who are not on top at the present moment, reach back and use their clout to change someone else's life just like someone changed theirs at some point in the career! Give Back [please]!
This was a very interesting interview. I learn new things with my interviews. Manzo and I are friends on blackplanet.com. Please see his web page at http://www.blackplanet.com/Zosworld. Until my next great interview, dream big because dreaming is still free. Spanish-Amiga$$
WORKS CITED
Coaston Jr., Lamar (Manzo). March 4, 2010. Personal communication via e-mail.
SPANISH-AMIGA$$: Do you believe education is the key out of poverty?
MANZO: Yes, I Do. Education is the foundation for everything you want to do in life. It is the catalyst for anything you want to inspire, to achieve in life.
SPANISH-AMIGA$$: What education do you have?
MANZO: I earned my AS Degree in Computer Engineering in 1998 from Keiser College, Melbourne, Florida.
SPANISH-AMIGA$$: How has college made your life better?
MANZO: College taught me to pursue a career in computer build and repair. It was also when I started to take my writing and music as a career more seriously!
SPANISH-AMIGA$$: Tell me more about your position, CEO of Megabyte Records in Palm Bay, Florida.
MANZO: Megabyte Records was a company I started after doing work as an assistant tour manager for some major artists. The name came from a relative due to the fact that I built computers, and so I took it one step further and adopted the moniker as a company name. As CEO of the company, I developed the careers of several artists. I recently dissolved Megabyte Records to launch a new company, "Nu Mogul Media Group," which will be a forefront in launching new artists, film, book, and other entertainment related ventures.
SPANISH-AMIGA$$: How did you get started with your record company?
MANZO: I actually started by purchasing some equipment and began recording my teenage sons. The studio took on many changes after that, and I began to develop local talent, as well as sharpen my skills in the studio. I was mainly developing an ear for recording and engineering projects.
SPANISH-AMIGA$$: How much did it cost you to start your own record company?
MANZO: I basically started my studio with a few multitrack recorders and then graduated to computers. I spent roughly two or three thousand on equipment and another thousand on filing fees and hiring an accountant.
SPANISH-AMIGA$$: Do you have business partners, or do you own the record company as a sole proprietor?
MANZO: My wife is my business partner. I tried giving a person an opportunity to be a part of what I was doing, but they confused investing in the company with taking over and going outside the overall vision of what it takes to be in this business. In other words, they wanted the glitz and glamour without putting in the work! I do have producers and artists that I collaborate with on a regular basis.
SPANISH-AMIGA$$: I see you have groups like MYA, Jagged Edge, Jon B, etc. Are you their manager or singing coach?
MANZO: I actually was an assistant tour manager for these groups, which basically afforded me a chance to learn the back side of the business. I worked closely with these artists, providing support and logistics, as well as working with and meeting a host of other music industry professionals.
SPANISH-AMIGA$$: Tell me about your book "A Tour Manager's Confessions."
MANZO: Well, you'll have to read it! The book was actually therapy for me. And once you read it, you'll understand. It's part of my journey towards goals that I wish to accomplish and the road traveled along the way! The book is one of my great accomplishments, it feels good to add "published author" to my resume.
SPANISH-AMIGA$$: How long have you been singing?
MANZO: I started singing as early as eight or nine years old back then, after watching my older sisters practice! Let me just say back then that I wasn't encouraged to pursue it by my siblings! I think I really found my voice after I left High School and joined the military.
SPANISH-AMIGA$$: How did you get started singing?
MANZO: True story! We used to have this extension cord hanging from the wall of one of my childhood homes. The thing was round like a ball and resembled a microphone to me. Well, let me say that I tried it out and made a shocking discovery at an early age that I wanted to be famous! Even though my lips almost got fried off, I knew the entertainment field was for me!
SPANISH-AMIGA$$: What advice would you give future singers?
MANZO: I would say whatever you desire to do, under no circumstances let anybody tell you what your heart can't achieve. In other words, you can be and do whatever your heart desires! Never Give Up!
SPANISH-AMIGA$$: Have you experienced any legal problems in your singing career?
MANZO: My legal problems only came through my label in that either someone was trying to muscle in on what I built or someone didn't want to adhere to the legalities of a contract. Singing has and always will be my gift from God. I choose not to allow anyone to separate me from what the creator has endowed me with!
SPANISH-AMIGA$$: Where do you see yourself in ten years from now?
MANZO: In ten years from now, I will have wanted to discover and launch the careers of many talented people! I feel that it's my love to help people who normally wouldn't have a chance to follow their dream as I have. My greatest joy is to mold raw talent into musical masterpieces. I wish all those artists who have had great careers and who are not on top at the present moment, reach back and use their clout to change someone else's life just like someone changed theirs at some point in the career! Give Back [please]!
This was a very interesting interview. I learn new things with my interviews. Manzo and I are friends on blackplanet.com. Please see his web page at http://www.blackplanet.com/Zosworld. Until my next great interview, dream big because dreaming is still free. Spanish-Amiga$$
WORKS CITED
Coaston Jr., Lamar (Manzo). March 4, 2010. Personal communication via e-mail.
Monday, March 15, 2010
"SCHEDULE OF SUCCESS: FORM 1040 TAX RETURN" OF MY FUTURE BILLIONS FROM BEING ON TV 35 YEARS! SMILE.
I have seen many celebrities go bankrupt. Here is my "Schedule of Success: Form 1040 Tax Return" for my FUTURE BILLIONS FROM BEING ON TV 35 YEARS (2010 - 2045).
1. Life Insurance
2. Health Insurance
3. Dental Insurance
4. Will and Living Will
5. Prenuptial
6. 401K X 100 BANKS (DREAM BIG!)
7. Debt Free
8. Pay Off Student Loans
9. Pay Off New Car
10. Check Again: Debt Free
11. Give to my Favorite Charities
12. Clothes/Houses/Cars
13. Vacations
14. Challenge Programs
15. My Non-Profit Organizations
16. My School of Excellence for Future Entrepreneurs
17. Work on my Birthday Goals 2009, 2010, 2011; I will be 70 achieving one goal per year.
1. Life Insurance
2. Health Insurance
3. Dental Insurance
4. Will and Living Will
5. Prenuptial
6. 401K X 100 BANKS (DREAM BIG!)
7. Debt Free
8. Pay Off Student Loans
9. Pay Off New Car
10. Check Again: Debt Free
11. Give to my Favorite Charities
12. Clothes/Houses/Cars
13. Vacations
14. Challenge Programs
15. My Non-Profit Organizations
16. My School of Excellence for Future Entrepreneurs
17. Work on my Birthday Goals 2009, 2010, 2011; I will be 70 achieving one goal per year.
CONGRATULATIONS MO'NIQUE!
Mo'nique just announced on her show that she will be around for a second season! Go Mo'nique!
WORKS CITED
The Mo'nique Show. 9 to 10 p.m. Mountain Time. www.bet.com/monique
WORKS CITED
The Mo'nique Show. 9 to 10 p.m. Mountain Time. www.bet.com/monique
NEW TV SHOW: RIP THE RUNWAY
I just finished watching the new TV show Rip the Runway. It was good. The show had lots of fashion. I saw new clothing artists and singers. It appeared to me BET was giving them a spotlight. Well, I want my own clothing line and to record one musical CD. Maybe, just maybe, one day, I can be on Rip the Runway as the new singer, and the models are modeling my line of clothes while I sing! Now, that is a dream!!!SMILE.
WORKS CITED
RIP THE RUNWAY. Monday, March 15, 2010, 8 to 9 p.m. Mountain Time. www.bet.com/rip therunway
WORKS CITED
RIP THE RUNWAY. Monday, March 15, 2010, 8 to 9 p.m. Mountain Time. www.bet.com/rip therunway
Sunday, March 14, 2010
TALK SHOWS!!!
There are a lot of talk show hosts. I have a lot of competition. I have noticed each talk show has something different. Take note:
~PAST
*Sally-Jesse Raphel
*Phil Donahue
*The Ricki Lake Show
*The Motel Williams Show
~MORNINGS
*The Wendy Williams Show-Official Greeting, "How you dooooooing?" and catchy theme song; regular people open the show for her; Ask Wendy; audience comments; She pulls her notes from her shoes, wig, etc.
*The Martha Stewart Show-Cooking Queen
*GMA-excellent
*Today-excellent
*The Early Show-excellent
*Dr. Phil-gives psychology advice
*Live with Regis and Kelly-Regis is an icon (legend).
*The View-Barbara Walters is a legend (icon).
*The Maury Povich Show-been on TV over 10 years!
*The Doctors-medical advice
*Dr. Oz-medical advice
*The Daily Buzz (CW)-COMEDY
*The Michael Baisden Show/TV and Radio/www.iseecolor.com
~AFTERNOONS
*The Oprah Winfrey Show-25 years
*The Rachael Ray Show-Cooking Queen
*Tavis Smiley-PBS-Educational
*The Tyra Banks Show-Supermodel
*Ellen-comedian; American Idol Judge
*The Bonnie Hunt Show-Comedian
*The Jerry Springer Show-Drama
*The Steve Wilkos Show-Drama
~LATE NIGHT
*The Mo'Nique Show-Penthouse; Queen of Comedy; Big Girl Dancers; Rev. Ain't Saying Nothing; Rodney Perry; DJ Antler
*The Wanda Sykes Show-Wanda Bar; Wanda-Ramba; Porsha; Keith Robinson; three TV shows at once-FOX, CBS, and HBO; The Wanda Talent Show; "Wanda Choir"
*Lopez Tonight (Lately)-runs out; Hype-Man; Creepy Little White Girl; I Dare You; Speaks Spanish; extremely large audience; dancers; Canadian Hype Man; Ask George; Know What'm Saying?; guests can enter from "The Door" of the studio or come in from "behind" the audience and walk "in" the studio while giving the audience members a high-five; St. Patrick's Day-The Leprechaun
*The David Letterman Show-legend
*Conon O'Brien-Past and Future; will be good. I am looking for Coco to come back as a talk show host about September 2010.
*Jay Leno-was #1 in late night for over 10 years
*The Late Late Show With Craig Ferguson-Comedian
*Jimmy Kimmel Live-Comedian
*Late Night with Jimmy Fallon-Comedian
~CABLE
*Lift Every Voice-inspirational
*Bobby Jones Gospel-inspirational; been on over 30 years; legend
*Geraldo-chases a story
*The Political Shows
*Larry King Live-legend
*The Joy Behar Show-Comedian; has two talk shows simultaneously
*The Suzie Orman Show-Money Expert
*The Tyler Perry Show-Who can compete with Madea?
~TABLOID TALK SHOWS
*Inside Edition
*Extra
*Access Hollywood
*TMZ
*Entertainment Tonight
WHAT IN THE WORLD COULD MY TALK SHOW HAVE THAT THESE DON'T? I MUST BE ON TV 35 YEARS. THEN, I WILL BE 70. I CAN RETIRE AND GET MY SOCIAL SECURITY.
~PAST
*Sally-Jesse Raphel
*Phil Donahue
*The Ricki Lake Show
*The Motel Williams Show
~MORNINGS
*The Wendy Williams Show-Official Greeting, "How you dooooooing?" and catchy theme song; regular people open the show for her; Ask Wendy; audience comments; She pulls her notes from her shoes, wig, etc.
*The Martha Stewart Show-Cooking Queen
*GMA-excellent
*Today-excellent
*The Early Show-excellent
*Dr. Phil-gives psychology advice
*Live with Regis and Kelly-Regis is an icon (legend).
*The View-Barbara Walters is a legend (icon).
*The Maury Povich Show-been on TV over 10 years!
*The Doctors-medical advice
*Dr. Oz-medical advice
*The Daily Buzz (CW)-COMEDY
*The Michael Baisden Show/TV and Radio/www.iseecolor.com
~AFTERNOONS
*The Oprah Winfrey Show-25 years
*The Rachael Ray Show-Cooking Queen
*Tavis Smiley-PBS-Educational
*The Tyra Banks Show-Supermodel
*Ellen-comedian; American Idol Judge
*The Bonnie Hunt Show-Comedian
*The Jerry Springer Show-Drama
*The Steve Wilkos Show-Drama
~LATE NIGHT
*The Mo'Nique Show-Penthouse; Queen of Comedy; Big Girl Dancers; Rev. Ain't Saying Nothing; Rodney Perry; DJ Antler
*The Wanda Sykes Show-Wanda Bar; Wanda-Ramba; Porsha; Keith Robinson; three TV shows at once-FOX, CBS, and HBO; The Wanda Talent Show; "Wanda Choir"
*Lopez Tonight (Lately)-runs out; Hype-Man; Creepy Little White Girl; I Dare You; Speaks Spanish; extremely large audience; dancers; Canadian Hype Man; Ask George; Know What'm Saying?; guests can enter from "The Door" of the studio or come in from "behind" the audience and walk "in" the studio while giving the audience members a high-five; St. Patrick's Day-The Leprechaun
*The David Letterman Show-legend
*Conon O'Brien-Past and Future; will be good. I am looking for Coco to come back as a talk show host about September 2010.
*Jay Leno-was #1 in late night for over 10 years
*The Late Late Show With Craig Ferguson-Comedian
*Jimmy Kimmel Live-Comedian
*Late Night with Jimmy Fallon-Comedian
~CABLE
*Lift Every Voice-inspirational
*Bobby Jones Gospel-inspirational; been on over 30 years; legend
*Geraldo-chases a story
*The Political Shows
*Larry King Live-legend
*The Joy Behar Show-Comedian; has two talk shows simultaneously
*The Suzie Orman Show-Money Expert
*The Tyler Perry Show-Who can compete with Madea?
~TABLOID TALK SHOWS
*Inside Edition
*Extra
*Access Hollywood
*TMZ
*Entertainment Tonight
WHAT IN THE WORLD COULD MY TALK SHOW HAVE THAT THESE DON'T? I MUST BE ON TV 35 YEARS. THEN, I WILL BE 70. I CAN RETIRE AND GET MY SOCIAL SECURITY.
MATH: HOW MUCH SNOW TIME?
I wanted to go home for Spring Break. It has been snowing today and last week. How much time would I have been stranded at all the airports? 2 hours? 3 hours? 4 hours? I guess things happen for a reason!
Saturday, March 13, 2010
MATH: HOW MUCH TIME DOES IT TAKE THE GROCERY STORE ASSOCIATES TO RECOVER ALL THE SHOPPING CARTS FROM ALL THE APARTMENT COMPLEXES?
Well, I have walked many times when I had a car, and it was broken down. I have walked when my cars were not broken down. After moving here to Abq,I did not have a car for a couple of months. I walked with the laundry detergent in one hand and my dirty clothes in a trash bag in the other hand to the local laundry mat up the street. I shopped at the grocery stores up the street. I pushed the cart to the end of the parking lot, and I left it there. I asked the cashier to put as much in one bag as possible because I was walking. That day I was shopping after work at the Supercenter, I asked the cashier to put as much in one bag as possible because I was on the bus. I took the cart to the end of the parking lot, waited for the bus, and rode home with "100" grocery bags! For that matter, when I first moved out at age 21/22, I would walk way down to the grocery store, come by the retail store and get personal items, and keep walking home with "100" bags. I did not take the store shopping cart home. I rode the city bus to school, and I took a cab to and from work.
If no mistake, yesterday, or the day before, I say one grocery store associate with several rows of carts on the back of his truck. One night, I was coming in late, and I saw the grocery store associate rounding up the carts! There are carts in this apartment complex and the one across the street. Can you imagine how many are in the apartment complexes around the corner?
If no mistake, yesterday, or the day before, I say one grocery store associate with several rows of carts on the back of his truck. One night, I was coming in late, and I saw the grocery store associate rounding up the carts! There are carts in this apartment complex and the one across the street. Can you imagine how many are in the apartment complexes around the corner?
MATH: HOW MUCH SHOULD YOUR BUSINESS LUNCH COST?
I have been working two decades, and I work hard for my money. When it comes to spending it, I get upset. It generally takes 40 hours to make it, and "one minute" on the phone paying electronically to spend it!
About 1 week ago, my job had a business lunch. My lunch cost $5.99 lunch special plus my drink. That is about what I spend when I eat buffet. I heard the business associate tell the Office Manager that he had bought lunch for another office. HE SAID, and I paraphrase, steak was ordered. His exact words, "She [they] took advantage of ...." When you are offered a kindness, spend someone else's money like you spend your own!
About 1 week ago, my job had a business lunch. My lunch cost $5.99 lunch special plus my drink. That is about what I spend when I eat buffet. I heard the business associate tell the Office Manager that he had bought lunch for another office. HE SAID, and I paraphrase, steak was ordered. His exact words, "She [they] took advantage of ...." When you are offered a kindness, spend someone else's money like you spend your own!
Monday, March 8, 2010
STUDY-ABROAD STUDENT ZAK AND MAN'S BEST FRIEND
Zak was in my Ethics in Communication Class last semester. I told him in class that I wanted him to be on my future TV show. I enjoyed this interview because Zak has a dog, and I asked the proverb, "Is a dog man's best friend?"
SPANISH-AMIGA$$: Do you feel education is the key out of poverty?
ZAK: I don’t believe that education is the key out of poverty. However, I do believe that obtaining a proper education provides you with the opportunity to better yourself and opens options for possible career paths, and overall, a better standard of life.
SPANISH-AMIGA$$: What high school education do you have?
ZAK: I have finished high school. I attended Elgin Park Secondary school in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
SPANISH-AMIGA$$: Was the SAT hard?
ZAK: The SAT was difficult in the sense that it required a strategy in order to score favorably. It is more complex than taking a normal test, while it is also designed to require the test taker to complete multiple sections in allotted amounts of time. This requires time management, an understanding of the questions you think you could possible have answered correctly, and the ones that you know you did not answer correctly.
SPANISH-AMIGA$$: What is your major?
ZAK: I have a double major in Political Science and International Relations.
SPANISH-AMIGA$$: How has college made your life better?
ZAK: It has exposed me to a world of different approaches to life. It has shown me that there is more than one simply one way to approach life. From an educational and athletic standpoint, it has allowed me to prosper in a world where competitive nature is key and where everyone is truly fighting to be on top.
SPANISH-AMIGA$$: Tell me why you came to the United States for college?
ZAK: I came to the United States for college because of the athletic programs. I currently play baseball here at UNM. Along with the opportunity for a professional career in baseball, I was offered the opportunity to receive a high degree of education for free (or partially free).
SPANISH-AMIGA$$: Why did you pick UNM IN Albuquerque?
ZAK: This decision was difficult because of the atmosphere and social background that I was raised upon in Vancouver. But again, linking back to my previous comment, I was given the opportunity to play baseball and receive a high level of education for a minimal amount of money here in the U.S.
SPANISH-AMIGA$$: You have a dog. What is your dog’s name?
ZAK: Well, as you had witnessed first hand, I adopted a dog here in Albuquerque. Or, shall I say, the dog somewhat adopted me. My dog’s name is ‘Ty Lobo Kobb’. The name was generated from three original sources. The first (Ty) was picked by the shelter when I was finishing paper work. The baseball team adopted the second. They felt it was suiting that if the dog was going to hang around with the baseball team, which it did, it should be named Lobo. And lastly, because of the baseball connection, and the fact that the shelter had assigned Ty as his paperwork name, I decided to finish it with Kobb, who is a hall of fame baseball player for those of you who do not know.
SPANISH-AMIGA$$: Is it true that a dog is man's best friend?
ZAK: I truly and whole-heartedly believe that. I like to think this was fate because of the timing and earlier motivations before I got Ty. I was driving along San Mateo and Zuni Avenue here in Albuquerque when these two dogs ran across the street about three cars ahead of me. I saw that they were merely puppies and wished them the best while they were crossing the street. They ran into an empty lot as I pulled up to a red light. Curious as to how the dogs ended up, I looked in my rear view mirror only to see the pound had come to grab the dogs. I pulled a u-turn at the light and went back to see what they would do with the dogs. I was surprised to find out that they were going to euthanize them because they were over capacity at the local shelters and pounds. So, I adopted one. They made me pay of course.... Money grabbers.... But in the end, I was happy that we had crossed paths because just days early, I had contemplated the thought of adopting.
To answer the question, I strongly believe so. The team adopted him. My coaches and teammates brought him snacks, treats, food, and toys. They brought him into our family. And, for someone who isn’t anywhere close to home, it was more than amazing to have someone to spend my free time with and just love something so much.
SPANISH-AMIGA$$: Did you bring your dog to Canada?
ZAK: Yes, I brought him home over Christmas break. I did this because the baseball season started last week, and already we have been traveling. For the dog’s sake, I made sure he wasn’t going to be left alone or left hungry.
SPANISH-AMIGA$$: The "proverb" is animals help you live longer. Is that true?
ZAK: I would like to think so. The companionship and camaraderie that is accompanied by such a loving creature can only contribute to a more stress free environment, one where you can always come home to a wagging tail and a pair of ears to listen no matter what.
SPANISH-AMIGA$$: What advice would you give future study-abroad students?
ZAK: I would say make sure you are willing to stick it out for the long run. I am away from home. But then again, I am playing baseball seven days a week and fill my free time with my baseball friends and trying to study while on the road. It is stressful and difficult. But, the opportunities that come from seeing the world and being places that most people never get the opportunity to go to excites me and intrigues me. I like the sense of unknowing, and I love the fact of being self-sufficient. This is a big step for some people, but moving out of your comfort zone is great for finding out who you truly are and what your motivations are in life.
SPANISH-AMIGA$$: Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
ZAK: I see myself playing professional baseball in the minor leagues or quite possibly the major leagues. I would like to finish my degree and become either an architect or a lawyer. I want to be able to give my family and I the life that we deserve, a life full of endless possibilities. Owning my own firm or being partners in a firm is not out of the question either. Possibly running for a government position could be in my future???
Zak talks as much as I do. When I am on vacation or need to be in two places at one time, I am calling Zak! SMILE. Until that next great interview, dream big because dreaming is free! Spanish-Amiga$$
WORKS CITED
MacDonald-Miller, Zakary Thomas. February 25, 2010. Personal Communication via e-mail.
SPANISH-AMIGA$$: Do you feel education is the key out of poverty?
ZAK: I don’t believe that education is the key out of poverty. However, I do believe that obtaining a proper education provides you with the opportunity to better yourself and opens options for possible career paths, and overall, a better standard of life.
SPANISH-AMIGA$$: What high school education do you have?
ZAK: I have finished high school. I attended Elgin Park Secondary school in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
SPANISH-AMIGA$$: Was the SAT hard?
ZAK: The SAT was difficult in the sense that it required a strategy in order to score favorably. It is more complex than taking a normal test, while it is also designed to require the test taker to complete multiple sections in allotted amounts of time. This requires time management, an understanding of the questions you think you could possible have answered correctly, and the ones that you know you did not answer correctly.
SPANISH-AMIGA$$: What is your major?
ZAK: I have a double major in Political Science and International Relations.
SPANISH-AMIGA$$: How has college made your life better?
ZAK: It has exposed me to a world of different approaches to life. It has shown me that there is more than one simply one way to approach life. From an educational and athletic standpoint, it has allowed me to prosper in a world where competitive nature is key and where everyone is truly fighting to be on top.
SPANISH-AMIGA$$: Tell me why you came to the United States for college?
ZAK: I came to the United States for college because of the athletic programs. I currently play baseball here at UNM. Along with the opportunity for a professional career in baseball, I was offered the opportunity to receive a high degree of education for free (or partially free).
SPANISH-AMIGA$$: Why did you pick UNM IN Albuquerque?
ZAK: This decision was difficult because of the atmosphere and social background that I was raised upon in Vancouver. But again, linking back to my previous comment, I was given the opportunity to play baseball and receive a high level of education for a minimal amount of money here in the U.S.
SPANISH-AMIGA$$: You have a dog. What is your dog’s name?
ZAK: Well, as you had witnessed first hand, I adopted a dog here in Albuquerque. Or, shall I say, the dog somewhat adopted me. My dog’s name is ‘Ty Lobo Kobb’. The name was generated from three original sources. The first (Ty) was picked by the shelter when I was finishing paper work. The baseball team adopted the second. They felt it was suiting that if the dog was going to hang around with the baseball team, which it did, it should be named Lobo. And lastly, because of the baseball connection, and the fact that the shelter had assigned Ty as his paperwork name, I decided to finish it with Kobb, who is a hall of fame baseball player for those of you who do not know.
SPANISH-AMIGA$$: Is it true that a dog is man's best friend?
ZAK: I truly and whole-heartedly believe that. I like to think this was fate because of the timing and earlier motivations before I got Ty. I was driving along San Mateo and Zuni Avenue here in Albuquerque when these two dogs ran across the street about three cars ahead of me. I saw that they were merely puppies and wished them the best while they were crossing the street. They ran into an empty lot as I pulled up to a red light. Curious as to how the dogs ended up, I looked in my rear view mirror only to see the pound had come to grab the dogs. I pulled a u-turn at the light and went back to see what they would do with the dogs. I was surprised to find out that they were going to euthanize them because they were over capacity at the local shelters and pounds. So, I adopted one. They made me pay of course.... Money grabbers.... But in the end, I was happy that we had crossed paths because just days early, I had contemplated the thought of adopting.
To answer the question, I strongly believe so. The team adopted him. My coaches and teammates brought him snacks, treats, food, and toys. They brought him into our family. And, for someone who isn’t anywhere close to home, it was more than amazing to have someone to spend my free time with and just love something so much.
SPANISH-AMIGA$$: Did you bring your dog to Canada?
ZAK: Yes, I brought him home over Christmas break. I did this because the baseball season started last week, and already we have been traveling. For the dog’s sake, I made sure he wasn’t going to be left alone or left hungry.
SPANISH-AMIGA$$: The "proverb" is animals help you live longer. Is that true?
ZAK: I would like to think so. The companionship and camaraderie that is accompanied by such a loving creature can only contribute to a more stress free environment, one where you can always come home to a wagging tail and a pair of ears to listen no matter what.
SPANISH-AMIGA$$: What advice would you give future study-abroad students?
ZAK: I would say make sure you are willing to stick it out for the long run. I am away from home. But then again, I am playing baseball seven days a week and fill my free time with my baseball friends and trying to study while on the road. It is stressful and difficult. But, the opportunities that come from seeing the world and being places that most people never get the opportunity to go to excites me and intrigues me. I like the sense of unknowing, and I love the fact of being self-sufficient. This is a big step for some people, but moving out of your comfort zone is great for finding out who you truly are and what your motivations are in life.
SPANISH-AMIGA$$: Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
ZAK: I see myself playing professional baseball in the minor leagues or quite possibly the major leagues. I would like to finish my degree and become either an architect or a lawyer. I want to be able to give my family and I the life that we deserve, a life full of endless possibilities. Owning my own firm or being partners in a firm is not out of the question either. Possibly running for a government position could be in my future???
Zak talks as much as I do. When I am on vacation or need to be in two places at one time, I am calling Zak! SMILE. Until that next great interview, dream big because dreaming is free! Spanish-Amiga$$
WORKS CITED
MacDonald-Miller, Zakary Thomas. February 25, 2010. Personal Communication via e-mail.
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