Some still don't get it!

This is a random post about confusing words. With life in general, but more specifically with my work on a newspaper, I've seen many of these words used incorrectly. I'm sure you have too.

Do you mean to say . . .

• effect or affect
• to, too or two
• there, their or they're
  
• complimentary or complementary
  
• stationary or stationery
  
• witch or which
• brake or break

The list could go on and on, but the point I want to get across with this post is to make sure you know which form of the word you want to use, and use it correctly!

Word of the day: Assistant

I stayed up way too late last night (or this morning) watching old episodes of The Office. If you're familiar with that show, Dwight always says his job title is "Assistant Regional Manager" when it is really "Assistant to the Regional Manager." Big difference? Yeah.

Well that example along with my ongoing job search made me think of the different ways we use the word "assistant." I saw a job posting for "Assistant Editor" which is obviously different than "Editorial Assistant." The two words that make up those jobs are pretty similar, but the jobs are quite different.

What are other words that are used like "assistant" that have similarities yet strong, obviously differences when placed in certain word order?

A Very Public Private Life

Social media (SM) is a wonderful thing; it's almost like dark chocolate. OK, not quite, but it is wonderful. I've been thinking a lot recently about SM, especially as it is becoming a vital part of the industries for which I went to school--public relations and journalism. It is very uncommon for individuals in these fields, as well as businesses, to not participate in SM. But think a step further: we share a whole lot of our private lives with the public. Here are some examples of tweets and Facebook statuses that people tend to post (fictitious for the sake of privacy, ironic huh?) :

"Going to bed . . . it's 3 a.m."
"Stuck in I-405 traffic, gonna be late today."
"What should I eat for lunch?"
"Hope my boss doesn't find out about this . . ."
"Thanks everyone, I have 592 followers now!"

You get my point. Think about it, why do we post what we post? Are we really that bored? Do we want the world's (or at least our friends' and/or followers') sympathy? Are we really looking for public opinion for part of our lives?

I'm not saying using SM to do the things listed above is wrong, I just wonder why we do it. I know I wouldn't call my friends or email them and tell them things like "Oh, I made cake today." I mean, they won't care! So what makes SM a better platform to do so?

SM, like many things, is a great tool. I just wonder if I share too much of my private life on a public (even though I make it private and/or protected) site. Thoughts?

Trust

I had a random thought going through my head today: there are so many people we don't know, yet we trust. It's good to trust people, but seriously think of individuals you run into each day . . . most of them we pay to do something for us. Weird. Just a few that were in my mind today:

• Doctors; sure maybe you have one doctor you've seen all your life, but really, you trust them to examine, operate or prescribe things for your body. Most of the time, they're a complete stranger with whom you share your most confidential information.
  
• Roommates; well most of us don't have a choice when it comes to roommates, but we share a room with up to three other people we've never met. We leave our valuables in the room and trust that those valuables will be there when we return for the night.
  
• Car mechanics; I have a hard time trusting these people, but still, I try. I've never met them before and yet I trust that when they say my air filter, brakes, lights and tires need replacements, they really need replacements.
  

Those are just a few. What are some that you can think of?

I love my brother!

My brother, Andy, is one amazingly talented designer. I know he'll go far in whatever he ends up doing after college. I can't believe the things he's designed. I took these from his Facebook to share with you! Enjoy!

*Disclaimer: Many of his designs are for academic projects, therefore the brands depicted are not real advertisements.

A typography project he did

A dramatic performance poster he designed

A recital invitation he made

A graphic design project he did (not a real advertisement for Old Spice)

His latest design--a typographical map from our house to his school

Asian, yet not very Asian

So I took a class in editorial & opinion writing last semester; here is the column I wrote as part a class assignment. It's about Asians. I figure I can write about Asians since I'm Asian.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

“Aren’t you super good at math?”

“Where are you from? When did you come to the U.S.?”

“Do your parents get mad if you don’t ace your tests?”

“How many instruments do you play?”

These questions are somewhat difficult to answer, not because I can’t answer them, but because people always ask those questions when they find out that I’m half-Japanese and half-Chinese. It’s not easy being Asian. Maybe I should clarify: It’s not easy being Asian when you don’t fit the typical Asian template-of-a-person. Maybe that’s a good thing.

You see there are several types—or “breeds” as I like to call them—of Asians. Not in reference to which Asian country we originated from, but rather which Asian stereotype we fit.

For those who are unfamiliar with the true Asian stereotypes, let me be the first to inform you of the common stereotypes.

The Boater—is the individual who apparently just ended his or her trip from across the seas to make a better life in America. Aviation has been around for a long time, but for some reason Asians still prefer water passages and cargo containers.

The Brainiac—is the individual whose parents have taught him or her to view anything less than a 100 percent as bad. Not even 99.9 percent is good enough. These same individuals are often members of Math Club, Chess Club, Orchestra and the National Honor Society (if not full IB or AP too).

The Tourist—is the individual who can be spotted 832 feet away with his or her fanny pack (if you thought those left in the 80s, think again), SLR camera and sun visor. These individuals set themselves apart from the traditional tourist with their innate desire to take pictures. Of everything. They not only snap photos of everything, but also strike the traditional Asian pose by holding their fingers in the recognized “peace” sign.

The Virtuoso—is the individual who can play at least one instrument, flawlessly. Usually the piano is the instrument of choice, but violin comes in a close second. Ever hear of the Suzuki method? These individuals spend hours upon hours at the piano bench perfecting each arpeggio passage until it can be played while blindfolded—this I know from experience.

The Recycler—is the individual who saves anything that could potentially be used to store food, even if it is supposed to be a “disposable container.” With used (and rinsed) yogurt containers, Styrofoam boxes and Starbucks cups, why waste money on expensive Rubbermaid, Tupperware or Pyrex containers?

So there you have it—common Asian stereotypes. They do exist and I know people who may or may not be closely related to me who fit into one or more of the above categories. For me, I eat rice almost every day and I play the piano. Thankfully, that’s where the stereotypes end for me. I’m thankful to have grown up in the U.S. and have experienced both American and Asian culture.

Instead of getting offended by the stereotype jokes, I try instead to find ways to laugh at the jokes in ways non-Asians can’t. Sometimes I wish people would lay off the Asian jokes because they think both they and the stereotypes are funny—because I’ll let you in on a little secret: Laughing hard at all the Wasians and Twinkies (what Asians call non-Asians who try to be or understand Asians) out there is a whole lot funnier than any stereotype about us will ever be.

Job Hunt

So nearly two months later, I'm still without a job. I'm not quite to the discouraged mindset yet, but it's getting closer.

I mean, seriously, how can an "entry level" position require 3-5 years experience? Of course, I'm applying for those positions anyway, but it boggles my mind. I'm more than willing to do an internship--paid or unpaid--but I can only do that for so long. And it's not because I'm unwilling, but rather because my bills need to be paid!

Well, enough ranting for one day. Back to searching for the perfect (or maybe the only?) position for me.