Feature Story

Less Bitter More Sweet

It isn’t often that you see a married couple able to coexist in the work force, let alone excel in it. Then again, Thomas and Elizabeth Vinolus have always done things their way – a quality that has surely helped with their success to date.

From as far back as he can remember, Thomas Vinolus has had a strong passion for food and fine dining. His wife and working partner, Elizabeth feels the same way. So after tying the knot many years ago, they figured what better idea than to run our own restaurant. Boy was that a good decision. Thomas and Elizabeth are now the current owners of Bittersweet Bistro. Located in the beautiful beach side town of Aptos, CA, just south of Santa Cruz, Bittersweet Bistro really is the total package when it comes to restaurants.

Originally, in the 1930’s, the building where Bittersweet currently resides was used for the popular bar, diner, and meeting place – The Deer Park Tavern. According to Elizabeth Vinolus, the Tavern was the “ place to be ” in the early 1930’s. Celebrities and elites all the same would come from far and wide to get a taste of what the Tavern had to offer. After going through various renovations and seeing its share of both productive and lack-luster owners, the place that was once the historic Deer Park Tavern fell into the lap of a couple who enjoyed the restaurant business and were looking for an opportunity. After previously denying a chance to take over the restaurant, the Vinolus’ were again approached two years later. This time they didn’t say no.

After originally opening Bittersweet Café in Santa Cruz, the Vinolus’ moved the American Bistro-style restaurant to Aptos and its historic location in the Deer Park Shopping Center. The Vinolus’ do a great job of presenting an innovative menu with bright flavors and high quality, fresh ingredients as well as an appealing menu to look at and read which is crucial in the restaurant business. According to Ann and Arnold Zwicky – who co-wrote an article examining the language of restaurant menus – “ the way a single menu item is written and placed on the menu can have a huge effect on the appeal to the customer” (Zwicky). I sat down with Thomas, who is the head chef and in charge of all the food and menu items. I also sat down with Elizabeth, who is in charge of the business side of Bittersweet . Thomas Vinolus is very clear on the style of food presented in his restaurant. He describes it as “ an American bistro-style that is simple and focuses on the subtle things such as using fresh ingredients and bringing the food out hot. ”

Who ever knew that subtle could be so tasty. People come to the restaurant from all areas, although not purely for the food. A very crucial aspect of Bittersweet’s success is the ability of Thomas and Elizabeth to create a bond with their customers. By having promotional nights such as 1/2 off wine and pasta every Wednesday, the Vinolus’ have firmly cemented their fair share of regulars. Marji Knapp – local realtor and wine lover hasn’t missed her glass of wine and dish of pasta in months. “ I just love Thomas and Elizabeth’s outgoing personalities. They don’t just serve their customers, they build relationships with them. ” And that’s just it. The Vinolus’ are more than willing to interact with the people they serve. It’s not rare to see Thomas – the head chef mind you – come out and sit down at the bar to check how the customers like their food. That simply does not happen most places. Or you might see Elizabeth – head manager and very busy women – sit down with you at your table to talk about how things are going in your personal life. Once again, this just doesn’t usually happen in most restaurants.
Because Thomas has such a strong passion for food, he takes pride in what others think of it. In order to find out, all you have to do is visit Bittersweet’s website. Thomas and Elizabeth’s restaurants have won over 50 prestigious local awards dating back to when the restaurant was located in Santa Cruz. The awards range from Best Innovative Cuisine to Best Place to Splurge (bittersweetbistro.com). The proof is usually in the pudding, although in this case, it would have to be in Thomas’ famous chocolate trio dessert – filling the plate with a sampling of chocolate mousse, chocolate brulee, and warm chocolate pudding (bittersweetbistro.com).
Thomas and Elizabeth say their working relationship has affected their marriage, but in a “ purely positive way ”. The couple knows that arguments will happen, as they do in all relationships and have learned through many years of experience that the nicer they are to each other, the easier life becomes for the both of them. More importantly, Thomas knows that when it comes down to it, “ the wife has the final say.”

In today’s day and age – when you only see the owner of a restaurant when they come out to handle a complaint, we need to start appreciating owners like Thomas and Elizabeth. Not just for the people they are, but for the type of business they represent. If more business owners were as kind and compassionate as the Vinolus’, they wouldn’t have to spend boat- loads of time and money digging themselves out of problems created by simply being rude.
So whether you are looking for that certain restaurant that gives you exactly what you need, or you are just passing by the area, stop on by Bittersweet Bistro in Aptos. The Vinolus’ will welcome you with open arms.

Works Cited

"Bittersweet Bistro | Dessert Menu." Bittersweet Bistro | Fine Dining in Aptos, California | Santa Cruz County, Monterey Bay Area. 18 May 2009 .

Zwicky, Ann D., and Arnold M. Zwicky. "America's National Dish: The Style of Restaurant Menus." American Speech 55 (1980): 83-92.

Word Count: 1011

Broadcast-style script for feature story

Thomas and Elizabeth Vinolus Script

INTRO: HAVE YOU EVER DRIVEN THROUGH A CITY OR TOWN WISHING YOU COULD FIND THAT ONE RESTAURANT THAT COMBINES GREAT FOOD, GREAT SERVICE, AND A GREAT LOCATION, WITH SOME HISTORY BEHIND IT? WELL OWNERS THOMAS AND ELIZABETH VINOLUS BRING YOU JUST THAT WITH BITTERSWEET BISTRO. (Me in standing in front)

VO: LOCATED IN THE BEAUTIFUL BEACH SIDE TOWN OF APTOS , CA IN THE HISTORIC DEER PARK SHOPPING CENTER, JUST SOUTH OF SANTA CRUZ, BITTERSWEET BISTRO IS REALLY THE TOTAL PACKAGE WHEN IT COMES TO RESTAURANTS. (View of deer park area)

HISTORY, VO: ORIGINALLY, IN THE 1930’S , THE BUILDING WAS USED FOR THE POPULAR BAR, DINER, AND MEETING PLACE, THE DEER PARK TAVERN. AFTER A FEW CLOSE-CALLS, WHERE THE CLASSIC, FRIENDLY RESTAURANT WAS SHORTLY MODERNIZED AND RE-OPENED AS LESS THAN SPECTACULAR, NEW OWNERS TOOK OVER—REVIVING THE OLD TAVERN’S SPIRIT WHILE ALSO ADDING SOME SHEIK DESIGN. OWNERS AND COUPLE, THOMAS AND ELIZABETH VINOLUS HAVE DONE A GREAT JOB MAINTAINING A CLASSIC PLACE WHILE ADDING SOME NEW FLARE.. (Inside shots of restaurant and outside)

Food, VO: ALONG WITH ITS RICH HISTORY, BITTERSWEET BISTRO WILL CERTAINLY GIVE YOUR TASTE BUDS A TREAT. IN CHARGE OF ALL OF THE FOOD AND BUSINESS ASPECTS, THE VINOLUS’ DO A GREAT JOB OF PRESENTING AN INNOVATIVE MENU WITH BRIGHT FLAVORS AND HIGH QUALITY INGREDIENTS.

VO: I SAT DOWN WITH THE CO-OWNER SLASH COUPLE TO ASK THEM A COUPLE QUESTIONS ABOUT THE PLACE THEY CARE SO DEARLY FOR.

Interview: 1.Can you talk a little bit about the history of this location and how Bittersweet Bistro came to be?
2. Can you tell us about the style of cuisine or food you serve and what some of the favorite dishes are?
3. Is it important that you are in a smaller, local community?

VO: THE VINOLUS MAKE SURE THAT EVERY ASPECT OF THEIR BUSINESS REPRESENTS THEM WELL – INCLUDING THE IMPECCABLE SERVICE AND FRIENDLY VIBE

OUTRO: SO WHETHER YOU ARE LOOKING FOR THAT CERTAIN RESTAURANT THAT GIVES YOU EXACTLY WHAT YOU NEED, OR YOU ARE JUST PASSING BY THE AREA, STOP ON BY BITTERSWEET BISTRO IN APTOS. THE VINOLUS’ WILL WELCOME YOU WITH OPEN ARMS.

Research Paper: How the California Budget Is Affecting SJSU

State Budget Affecting SJSU

The California budget crisis is continuing to be a major factor in all walks of life -- including affecting students at San Jose State University. Major problems lie ahead for SJSU including numerous budget cuts. After reading various articles and listening to Associate VP of Public Affairs for SJSU, Larry Carr, it seems as if the students and workers of California are in this for the long hall.

According to an article on MSNBC.com, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger stated that the current budget deficit facing California "tops $15 billion and could widen within days" (msnbc). This means that budget cuts are more than necessary to regain financial stability in our state. The question that is still trying to be answered is where will these cuts come from and who will they affect the most?

Previously this semester, I had a guest speaker in one of my journalism courses. Associate VP of Public Affairs for SJSU, Larry Carr spoke about how the budget deficit facing California would affect San Jose State -- in terms of both students and faculty. Many questions were asked and some of the answers given were quite frightening. According to Carr, the current proposal on the table would cut 10% of the CSU's budget, although they are still not sure about the baseline. This means that upwards of $10 million would come out of SJSU. Because SJSU is overenrolled by 12% of what the state funds, the projection for the fall 09' semester would mean that 3,000 fewer students would be admitted (Carr). After asking Carr how they would determine who would be let in he said that some things would have to change, such as students no longer being admitted for simply meeting the minimum requirements for enrollment. SJSU would also give first priority to students in the service area. They would then look outside the service area. Next they would look at things like test scores and when they applied. (Carr).

Along with fewer students allowed in, the students who are enrolled would see a 10% increase in student fees (Carr). This means things like increased tuition as well as a raise in the price of on-campus housing – all things that students are already having trouble paying for. What may be most disappointing is the fact that the student’s fees would only be able to go towards certain things such as rebuilding the student union and student health care center (Carr). There was no mention of fixing parking or accommodating student’s needs.

In order to advance the university, they plan to raise private dollars for education being that about 50 % percent of SJSU’s budget comes from California and 50% does not (Carr). According to Carr, more Pel Grants are becoming available due to the stimulus package.

Enrollment today at SJSU is just over 33,000 and the number keeps breaking records causing the University to become overenrolled in recent years (SJSU). The proposed plan would attempt to get the number of students down to about 30,000. They would like to be about 2 or 3% under what the state provides (Carr).

In conclusion, we must realize that the budget crisis going on in California has already hit close to home. In fact, it is already being seen in our schools and affecting how San Jose State is being operated. What remains to be seen is what our Governor and State officials will do to help us climb out of this mess and where and how long these cuts will continue to affect our university.


Works Cited
", Long-term Trends." Office of Institutional Research at SJSU. 18 May 2009 .
"Calif. proposes laying off thousands - Life- msnbc.com." Breaking News, Weather, Business, Health, Entertainment, Sports, Politics, Travel, Science, Technology, Local, US & World News- msnbc.com. 18 May 2009 .
"Larry Carr Presentation." Larry Carr Presentation. San Jose State University, San Jose. 20 Feb. 2009.


Word Count: 592

Scholarly Journal Article #2

Ranking Outstanding Sports Records

I chose this article to summarize because it immediately jumped out at me. I have always loved sports. For this reason, I have always pondered which sports records meant the most. Which ones were the most important? Can you even compare different records? Can you compare a career record to a single season record? These are all questions asked and examined in the article written by Bruce L. Golden and Edward A. Wasil.

In order to truly examine sports records, the authors decided to break the records down into three categories: single season records, career records, and single game records. This is important because the great debate in sports usually deals with this exact scenario.

In order to ensure that they would be able to accurately compare records, the authors only chose records in which there was sufficient statistical data to back them up. They were able to compare 8 season records, 10 career records, and 4 day/game records. Of course no analysis can on a topic like this can be perfect, but the authors did a good job of compiling data sets that were very relevant to compare. They also filtered out numerous issues that would enable certain records to be compared. In the end, they were able to effectively show what they thought were the best records of all time.

Source

Golden, Bruce L., and Edward A. Wasil. "Ranking Outstanding Sports Records." Interfaces 17 (1987): 32-42. JSTOR. MLK Jr. Library, San Jose. 18 May 2009 .

Scholarly Journal Article #1

America's National Dish

For my first scholarly article, I chose to read about something that I love and that I am greatly interested in. It is also related to the topic in which my feature story is on -- food.

The article that I read, written by Ann D. Zwicky and Arnold M. Zwicky examines a certain aspect of food and restaurants in a very unique way. They dive into the topic of examining restaurant menus and the language that is used in them. The article was very interesting and brought about many issues that I had never related to food or restaurants.

In the article, one of the main points that they try to drive home is the fact that a lot of the time, the language used in menus substitutes affect for content and showmanship for information. The authors feel that there is a big difference between the forms of language and the functions of those forms. I completely agree, although I feel that it is a bit obvious. Anytime anybody uses language -- whether it be in everyday conversation or in a menu -- they change the form of that language to fit the style of that particular setting. This is what is being done on menus across the country.

A lot of the time, restaurants will not simply put the dish itself and what is included in the dish. Often times, they will write the dishes in a manner that makes the dish seem positive and delightful. Whether you are eating the cheapest, most plain salad or the most expensive, intricate cuisine, all menus are written in a way to entice the customer and why not?

Source

Zwicky, Ann D., and Arnold M. Zwicky. "America's National Dish: The Style of Restaurant Menus." American Speech 55 (1980): 83-92.

Individual Blog Post #2

The Unbelievably Advanced iPhone

For this blog, I would just like to rant and rave a little bit about the iPhone. First of all, lets get things straight here. I am not a very technologically savvy person. I just switched my laptop computer from a PC to a Mac. I was hesitant at first because I never could figure out how to work a Mac. It turns out that these devices are not too tough to handle -- other than the occasional, "Where did I save that?" or, "What the hell is the shortcut for select all?" But enough about me. Lets talk about how dam unbelievable the iPhone truly is. Not only was it the first phone made by apple (which means it's gonna be cool) but it has so many cool and handy applications. Some of them are truly amazing.

Just the other day my girlfriend told me about a new application for her iPhone. She explained to me that for $30 she bought an application that allowed her to pull up exactly what is on her laptop onto her iPhone. This means that if she forgot to print her English paper and doesn't have her computer with her that she can pull up her saved documents, and print them out through Microsoft word. How amazing is that? If you don't understand what I mean, don't worry I had trouble grasping it at first too. Basically, you are able to see on your phone exactly what is on your computer at home or wherever it may be. You do not have to be in short distance for it to work. This is like having a computer in your phone. Hell, its not like having one, it is having one!

If this application isn't enough, I heard that they are coming out with new applications in the near future that allow you to do things like check for diabetes and check blood pressure. Crazy right? This isn't too mention the applications that allow you to play games wireless against your friends across the country.

So although I'm not the most technological savvy person in the world, I am smart enough to realize that this phone is taking the world by storm.

Individual Blog Post #1

My First Job Interview

I am pretty excited due to the fact that I recently got an interview for an internship with KNBR 680. They are a very popular sports talk radio station that represent relevant sports teams in the bay area such as the Golden State Warriors, San Francisco Giants and San Francisco 49ers. Being that I am a broadcast journalism major, and an unbelievably huge sports fan, I was ecstatic after finding out that I would even get a shot to interview to work for a place like KNBR.

As we all know, the world of journalism is not a thriving business at the moment. In fact, some forms of journalism are fearing closure. This being said, I think that there will always be a place for talk radio and sports talk radio. The reason being that people are always going to want to voice their opinion about their favorite sports teams and how they are being run. Having listened to KNBR pretty much everyday, I have seen the huge following that they have throughout the greater bay area. Every show, from 5 a.m. until 7 p.m. has people calling in frequently.

I was very excited after walking into the 11th floor of the Cumulous office buildings. Right away, I saw the radio show and all the personalities that I have enjoyed listening to so often. I think I did pretty well in the interview so hopefully I will be a future KNBR employee who can live my dream of working in the field of sports and journalism.

IMHO #2

Kobe vs LeBron

The NBA playoffs are now under way and it is time for the true stars to shine. Playoff time is when champions are made, when we separate the men from the boys and when we truly see who is the best of the best. Ever since Michael Jordan retired, the game has been looking for someone to carry the torch. When Kobe Bryant entered the league, the NBA found their new star. He had his time to shine for the first ten or so years of his career, but now a new king is ready to take the throne. LeBron James has taken the NBA by storm at an age that few people would believe possible to do so. An incredible athlete and person, LeBron has brought the game exactly what it needs -- class, dignity, and most importantly -- star power.

So now we have two world class basketball players and super stars, but the question I have is very simple. Who is the better player. My answer is also simple. LeBron James. Few have dared to crown LeBron James the real king of the NBA at such a young age. Considering that he is just 24 years old, he has not yet won a championship, while Kobe has won three, although I do see LeBron surpassing that number by the time his career is done. But let's get to the basics. At this point in his career, LeBron is already the total package as a player. He has the body of a god, is an excellent leader and floor general, is one of the strongest and fastest players in the league, can score with the best, pass with the best, and beat the best. While Kobe Bryant is no scrub by any means, he is just not the complete player that LeBron is. Kobe can score like nobody else. But when Kobe is double-teamed, he does not have the same ability to pass out of it that LeBron does.

So when you look at their current stats this year -- LeBron being 24-years-old and Kobe being a savvy veteran at age 30 -- LeBron's numbers are just about better across the board. Averaging just about 2 more points per game, 2 more rebounds per game, and two more assists per game, LeBron has shown his ability to be the complete player. Only time will tell who will cement their legacy more firmly into NBA history. The good thing is, both Kobe and Lebron's teams have the two best players playing on the two best teams in the league. This could mean great ratings come NBA Finals time. Thank god for the playoffs.

Source:

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/columns/story?columnist=hollinger_john&page=GreatDebate-090518

Japanese Internment Memorial Essay

What A Shame

On December 7, 1941 Pearl Harbor was attacked by Japan and WWII was underway. This was not the only thing about to begin. About 120,000 people of Japanese descent would be viciously treated and forced into internment camps, where most would stay for years and many would die. To the U.S. Government, it did not matter whether or not these people were from America or not. If you looked somewhat Japanese, that was enough to get you thrown into the camps.

Today there stands a memorial on the corner of 2nd Street and San Carlos, remembering all those who were wrongfully accused, held, and killed. Ruth Asawa -- an internee herself, sculpted various vignettes along a wall, giving viewers a chance to see what real, intense, emotional and painful moments occurred during that time. There are many pictures and various pieces of art in the building. The memorial is split into various sections, with each one adding something special to Asawa. Whether it be the Japanese arriving in the United States or Asawa herself being forced to live in horse stalls, each section brought out many emotions inside of me.

During this time, many of the Japanese were living in Northern California and San Jose. In fact, SJSU was a place where the Japanese would register before being sent off to the camps. For this reason, SJSU played a pretty important role during this time of evil.

One piece that stood out to me was entitled "Hysteria of War". I thought that this vignette painted a perfect picture of the stupidity and evil that went on some time ago. The vignette showed exactly what it was titled, hysteria. I could only imagine the stress, anxiety, and depression that many of these Japanese families had to go through. Not only did they have to worry about the simples things like food and shelter, they had to always be wondering if they would be separated from their family, or how long they would have to stay in the camp, or worst of all, they had to wonder if they would make it to the next day. This vignette really struck a chord with me. It angered me that America could be so ignorant just a few decades ago.

Another vignette that really got me was a man being pulled away by the F.B.I. I don't know why, but this one really made me think about my own family. The authorities who pulled these men away from their families had absolutely no respect or remorse. I'm sure they did not tell the Japanese why they were there or where they would be going. If I were a child and some strange men took my father away, I would be absolutely devastated. I could only imagine what it must have been like for the children and wives of these men who were torn away from everything they knew. It does not seem like the justice system was used back then. Apparently racial profiling and breaking laws did not matter back then. Just imagine if today, post Sept. 11, our government rounded up thousands of people who simply looked Middle Eastern. This would be a complete crime and outrage. I am glad to see that our country as a whole has made strides forward since the time of WWII.

What happened to the people of Japanese descent just after the bombing of WWII makes me -- for a moment -- embarrassed to call myself an American. I wish I could visit every Japanese family who were effected by all of this and apologize to everyone of them on behalf of my ignorant country.

Similies and Metaphors (Revised)

Simile:

He walked a steady pace, getting his evening workout in while still taking time to enjoy the beautiful scenery around him. Amidst the small grass area in front of him laid a tired, beat up Doberman -- stray and staring into the man's eyes. To his surprise, the dog jumped on him -- licking the man up and down and begging to be pet. The man smiled and breathed a sigh of relief, as if the weight of the world had been lifted from his shoulders.

Metaphor:

The slugger stood up to bat. To an onlooker, the boy stood in his backyard. To the boy, he stood in Yankee Stadium -- batting with 2 outs in the bottom of the 9th inning. The pitch came and the boy crushed one over the fence. Crash! The ball shattered through his neighbor's window. The boy stood in fear as the angry old lady came storming out of the house.

Journal #6 Fish out of Water

For this assignment I wanted to do something a little bit different than writing about an event I attended. After reading the directions, I realized that this would be a perfect opportunity to talk about my experience taking the course African American Studies 2A and 2B at SJSU. This course was taught by two extraordinary teachers as well as human beings -- Dr. Steven Millner as well as Dr. Ruth Wilson. I was not very hesitant when deciding to take this course because I needed a history course and I wanted to find out a little more about the African American culture. When I walked into the class for 2A I realized that I was of the few Caucasian people in the class. It was primarily African Americans. Because the course was about the history of African Americans and the terrible things they had to go through, I naturally felt a little out of place after the first day. Little did I know that this course would turn out to be the best class I had ever taken.

It only took me about a week to settle in to the class and feel very comfortable on a daily basis. The first semester I took 2A, which examined the early history of African Americans during the slave era. After listening to Dr. Millner and Dr. Wilson give daily lectures I learned for the first time how important a caring professor could be. The way those two teachers were able to convey such passion and knowledge about their culture's history and still help us students follow along inspired me in a way that I had never felt before.

Midway through my first semester taking the course, I began to develop a good relationship with Dr. Millner and he would often find humor at my ability to blush when called upon. I seemed to grow on him and become one of his favorite students. Although the work was difficult, it was okay because I was enjoying being in the class and learning new things. It meant a lot to Dr. Millner that I stayed in the course -- not only for the first semester, but I came back for the second semester as well.

After returning for my second semester of the course, 2B, I walked in the first day of class as I had done before. This time was different. I still was one of two Caucasian males in the class, but I now knew that I had nothing to be nervous about. Throughout the semester I felt more like a veteran, having taken the similar course the semester prior. This course was about more recent history -- discussing things like Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcom X, along with the Watts riots and so on. When I walked out of the final on my last day of class, I shook Dr. Millner's hand and thanked him for an amazing year. I told him what a huge impact he had on me and he told me how much he enjoyed me being in his class. Who would have thought, the one class I was most nervous about day 1 was the class that I felt most comfortable in. Go figure.