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June 2010
Volume 5, Issue 3
In this issue:
- Using Exclamation Marks
- Did You Know? Exclamation Marks on Typewriters
- Ask TSW: Wikipedia as a Research Source
- Spotlight on Deafhood Yoga
- Did You Know? A $200 Rolodex
- TSW Receives USBLN® Disability-Owned Business Enterprise Certification
- Wanted: Freelance Graphic Designers and Proofreaders/Editors
 Using Exclamation Marks
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Exclamation marks – you either love them or hate them. Some people use them at the end of every sentence, while others refuse to use them at all. In fact, there was a Seinfeld episode that featured Elaine's annoyance at how people used the exclamation mark. Exclamation marks are generally used to give commands or to express emotion. Take the following for example:
- Sit down!
- We brought in 3,000 people – we had expected only 500!
- What! Are you kidding?!
However, exclamation marks should be avoided in business and formal writing, since a sentence can easily make the same impact without an exclamation mark. In fact, an exclamation mark can make a sentence seem unprofessional, juvenile or overly enthusiastic. Save the exclamation mark for informal and personal communications. With that said, some companies have found that using the exclamation mark as part of their names (such as Yahoo! or Jeopardy!) or as part of headers helps the words stand out. Even so, in such situations, only one exclamation mark should be used.
A good rule of thumb is that if you're unsure of whether to use an exclamation mark or not, don't.
To read the transcript of the Seinfeld episode mentioned, checkwww.seinfeldscripts.com/TheSniffingAccountant.htm.
Source: www.englishclub.com/writing/punctuation-exclamation-mark.htm
 Did You Know? Exclamation Marks on Typewriters
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Did you know that the exclamation mark did not appear on standard manual typewriters until the 1970s? People instead had to type a period, backspace, and then type an apostrophe.
Source: www.writingforward.com/grammar/punctuation-marks/punctuation-the-exclamation-mark
 Ask TSW: Wikipedia as a Research Source
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A reader asks: Why do so many people refuse to accept Wikipedia as a research source?
Wikipedia is generally not considered a reliable or acceptable source because entries can be written and revised by anyone. The Chronicle of Higher Education reported in a 2006 article that even Wikipedia founder Jimmy Wales said people should not use Wikipedia as a source; rather, they should use Wikipedia only for general information just like they would with an encyclopedia.
In fact, on the Wikipedia website, a word of caution is offered: "Normal academic usage of Wikipedia and other encyclopedias is for getting the general facts of a problem and to gather keywords, references and bibliographical pointers, but not as a source in itself. Remember that...anyone in the world can edit an article, deleting accurate information or adding false information, which the reader may not recognize."
Even though one study compared entries on cancer in Wikipedia to medical textbooks and found that the information in that instance was accurate, that study also determined that the lack of professional editing meant the information was often more difficult to understand.
So the short answer to your question is: don't use Wikipedia as a reference or source. Instead, use direct sources. You'll sleep better at night.
Sources: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citing_Wikipedia and www.chronicle.com/blogPost/Wikipedia-Founder-Discourages/2305
Spotlight on Deafhood Yoga
 When Kristen Weiner first began practicing yoga, classes were typically taught in spoken English or by hearing individuals. As a Deaf person, Weiner saw the opportunity for direct access to yoga in American Sign Language (ASL), and became a certified yoga instructor. Deafhood Yoga, based in Walnut Creek, Calif., was formally launched last February and provides ASL-centered immersion into the revitalizing practice of yoga.
"We all need a place where we can just immerse and just be. We become fulfilled and reinvigorated when we have that right environment with full access through our native language. There is a place for everything at the appropriate time," Weiner says. "Deafhood Yoga strives to be as inclusive as possible by emphasizing that yoga is the individual's personal journey within his or her mind, body and soul. Yoga is fully inclusive because anyone can benefit from it."
Weiner came up with the company name after participating in Deafhood courses at Ohlone College in the Bay area, and knew it was a perfect mesh of two journeys. "Deafhood is the Deaf individual's personal journey within his or her fluid central identity, and that may appear 'exclusive' to some people," she says. "Being a Deaf person is a reality and a part of life. We should positively embrace our cultural identities, including ethnicity. After all, yoga classes for other cultural groups exist so that they feel comfortable." She adds that Deafhood Yoga works with Deaf people from all backgrounds, saying, "It's an opportunity to connect both journeys of the fluid central identities towards centeredness and embracing their presence on Earth as Deaf human beings."
 Deafhood Yoga has worked with T.S. Writing Services for a multitude of services. "As a Deaf business owner and a practicing yoga student/teacher, time is sacred," Weiner says. "It is a blissful blessing to have TSW to support, understand and maintain the order and clarity of my evolution of thoughts and ideas for Deafhood Yoga. I am proud to know, work with, and support another Deaf-owned business."
Deafhood Yoga is off to a positive start, having provided or donated services to entities such as Deaf Counseling, Advocacy and Referral Agency (DCARA) in San Leandro, Calif., the Rocky Mountain Deaf School in Denver, Colo., and the Sego Lily Center for the Abused Deaf in Salt Lake City, Utah. Weiner also hosted a mini-retreat for Mother's Day and has provided services via videoconferencing to students in several states. She has also taught over 100 classes in the Bay Area, and participates in a yoga teacher training program for teaching senior citizens.
To view a schedule of upcoming classes and services, visit www.deafhoodyoga.com.
 Did You Know? A $200 Rolodex
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Did you know that a Rolodex once cost as much as $200? At one time, everyone had a Rolodex filled with addresses and phone numbers. Anna Jane Grossman writes a humorous, yet realistic, article about the Rolodex at www.msnbc.msn.com/id/37197812/ns/technology_and_science-tech_and_gadgets.
TSW Receives USBLN® Disability-Owned Business Enterprise Certification
After a t horough evaluation process, TSW has obtained Disability-Owned Business Enterprise Certification, as recognized by the U.S. Business Leadership Network® (USBLN) Disability Supplier Diversity Program. The certification enables TSW to be eligible for contractual opportunities with the government, corporations and other businesses.
The USBLN is a national disability organization that serves as the collective voice of over 60 BLN affiliates in the United States, representing over 5,000 employers. It is the only national disability organization led by businesses for businesses, and helps build workplaces, marketplaces, and supply chains where people with disabilities are respected for their talents while supporting the development and expansion of BLN affiliates.
For more information, visit www.usbln.org.
Wanted: Freelance Graphic Designers and Proofreaders/Editors
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TSW is expanding and needs additional freelance graphic designers and proofreaders/editors. Graphic designers should be experienced in publication and layout design, along with standard graphic design work. They also must be skilled at using InDesign, Photoshop and Illustrator. Proofreaders should have in-depth knowledge of style manuals such as the AP Stylebook and Chicago Manual of Style. They should also know the APA Manual (sixth edition), and have copywriting and proofreading experience.
All interested parties must have quick turnaround and response times, participate in constant e-mail communications, and be willing to work with diverse client requests. Freelancers should also be bilingual in American Sign Language and English, and have firsthand experience with the Deaf community. For more information, e-mail info@tswriting.com. Please do not send cover letters, resumes, or samples, until further details are sent to you.
About TSW
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T.S. Writing Services, LLC, is a Deaf-owned company that provides writing, editing, design and translation services in American Sign Language and English. For more, visit www.tswriting.com.
Questions or suggestions about this e-newsletter may be sent to the editor at news@tswriting.com.
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