Week 1 Assignments

Page 22, exercise No. 2: Writing Scene

Sitting at the pizza place, the room is uncharacteristically lacking people. Only a few show up for what usually is a pretty busy day, leaving steaming-hot pizza unattended to on the counter. Enjoying a break from the breezy weather, the room enjoys a good sports debate.

"Mark Sanchez just doesn't have what it takes to be successful at the next level," Don said. "He will just be like previous (previous USC quarterbacks) Carson Palmer and John David Booty."

The door remains steady, usually bursting with wind in and out of the small room. But the statement doesn't go without opposition: "But Palmer and Booty had fewer weapons offensively," I said.

The argument never resolved and died, but several pizzas later the argument was pondered again with USC head coach Pete Carol appearing on ESPN.

Reports indicate Carol is 'disappointed' with the departure, but that was putting it lightly. Carol blatantly said the decision was a mistake.

"It doesn't matter anyway," Don said. "USC will do just fine next year."

And as business started to pick up, the pizza started to vanish while new pans slowly replaced the old.

Page 23, Exercise No. 5: Character sketch

Sitting at the usual position of the table, his presence is commanding. With a bear-like stature, his rugged hands lay on the table. His beard is rough but not out of shape. His collard shirt shows signs of a hard day with grease and dirt.

The boots still are crackling from dirt unrooting from the boots. He wipes his brow, unsettling more dirt. Small trickles of blood slowly stream down his arm. He stands, and his smile lights up the room.