CSUMB Major Fair

CSUMB showcases its majors at its annual Major fair on 27 of September in the University Ball Room. The First Year Seminar, the Undergraduate Advising Center, Career Development, and the Student Housing and Residential Life put on this event for students interested in different majors who could be undecided on one. The attendance consisted of under classmen with a few upper classmen present.

The attendance ranged throughout the event with an average number of 50 students. There was a slightly more female ratio. It was a sunny day, which might have helped attendance. The event lasted two hours. Upon entering the room one notices a chocolate fountain at the center of the ballroom and tables set up around the room. There are a majority of students dipping various items in the fountain with some visiting the different majors at tables.

An AS member and RA, Tuba Abassi described how, “I think it is a great idea for students to come out and see the different majors, but it seems that most students are interested in the chocolate fountain.” One sophomore, Phil Barbon, described how it could be improved by taking away the snacks because “It is difficult to talk to someone when there is so much noise occurring because of them.”

Although some criticize the integrity of the visitors, one sophomore, Johnny Ulloa, describes how he is “glad that is able to look at the different majors available to him.” He also described how, “Although I am not a freshman it still helps me being able to attend this.”  It is clear that not only freshman were able to enjoy this. All the 18 majors were not the only ones present; career opportunities, clubs, internships, and the student abroad program also came out.

Upon coming to the TAT table Steve Levinson, a TAT/FYS professor, described how it is difficult to recruit new students to the TAT major. He described how “students think that with a TAT degree getting a job is difficult, but its quite the opposite. We have a consistent number of students moving on to getting jobs quite quickly.”

Comparing FOX and CNN

Upon reading about Mark Zuckerberg, founder of Facebook, donating $100 million dollars to Newark Schools, I thought comparing CNN and Fox's presentation of this story would be interesting. 

The first difference between the two articles was the difference in presenting the heading. Fox News chose to describe how the Newark Schools are "one of the worst in the county." CNN chose to be less emotionally driven and describe "improving  the  troubled district." This first example presents that FOX went for a more emotional driven heading rather than being subjective.

The following paragraph diverges the two stories presentation of the news completely. Fox chose to describe about the Newark school system and how "only about half their students graduate. Of those who do, only one-fifth go onto college." CNN described how this is Mark's "largest known charitable donation." This difference points out how perhaps CNN is choosing to describe more about Mark rather than Newark, whereas, Fox is describing the Newark system.

In the next few paragraphs the decision on the topic of stories is presented. Fox is presenting Mark is a positive light describing how Mark "has had a long standing interest education." CNN analyzes Mark's donation calling into question the new movie about Facebook upcoming release and how "critics accuse him of making the donation as an image booster" due to the fact that the movie does not portray him in a "positive light.”

Another major difference is how the two stories end. Fox chooses to describe how “the announcement of the gift is planned for Friday on the Oprah Winfrey Show.” Choosing to use this as the ending is interesting in that it provokes the reader to watch the show. CNN also describes how he will “announce the donation the Oprah Winfrey Show,” however, they end the story describing how “No details have been released at this time about how the money is to be distributed or used.”

There are definite differences between these two news agencies presentation of the news. One main difference is Fox’s more emotionally driven sentence structure and choice of verbs and adjectives. CNN on the other hand delves more into the thought behind this donation but keeping it neutral by presenting both positive and negative views. CNN also ends the article describing how the donated money lacks a plan of distribution, whereas, Fox describes how the donation will be announced on the Oprah Winfrey Show, which in a sense is a pitch for a show.

It is interesting to read different news sources and see how their reporters report on a story. Some agencies add more zest and interest, whereas, other agencies delve into the 5 W’s and deeper than just the surface of the story so that readers receive a total view of the story.

New Otter Bay Restaurant Setup Brings Mixed Reviews

CSUMB’s Otter Bay Restaurant has implemented some changes and with these recent changes there are mixed reviews.  The menu contains a wide variety of new items and I knew I had to give them a try. Upon entering the OBR I noticed a new menu and style of ordering. I was greeted with a smile at the cashier and was asked for my order. The new ordering system is formatted so that the patron places their order in and pays prior to sitting.  Mia Haddash, a CSUMB Sophmore, had some choice words though on the topic; she describes how “I do not like tipping prior to the end of my meal because my waiter spilt water on the table and food and I already tipped him.” However, there are also some positive outlooks on the new style. Alex Casey, a CSUMB sophomore, describes how he “likes the café style.” Upon hearing these two different views I investigated further to see how the workers felt about the new system. Kristine Brown, a Sodexo Employee, describes how “the new ordering system has made it easier as waitress to only worry about giving the customer their food.” However, as a customer like Mia, the new ordering system makes the patron give a blind tip not based on service but what they are feeling at that point in time. Now moving onto the new menu and choices; I was fortunate enough to try the Torta, the Fish and Chips, and the Deep Fried Cheesecake. The prior mentioned items were well priced and delicious.  Dan Bramlage, a patron, described his Caribbean Quesadilla as a “delicious blend of flavors that are all unique that help to compliment one another.” The OBR’s new menu also has a new feature, a price drop. The price drop makes eating at the OBR a more frequent thing for some as Kristine Brown says; “There are a lot more regulars than last year which makes it fun getting to know people.” These regulars show that the new OBR has a positive reaction from students. Ryan Mack, a Student Advising Assistant, describes “I am able to enjoy a great meal now during my lunch break instead of having to bring a sack lunch or go to the Otter Express. The new menu and style of ordering makes getting food at the OBR faster cheaper and not at quality lost, in fact I’d say their new menu is a great improvement.” The new OBR has brought mixed reviews, however, one thing that all the interviewees can agree on is that one bite will not be enough.