AOW 12 Teen Vogue Cover

http://www.teenvogue.com/magazine/covers#slide=1

Teen Vogues May 2011 edition magazine focuses on the style of the summer. The cover of the magazine includes a teen girl that is wearing a bright yellow shirt and clean, soft, makeup. Captions on the cover talk about the latest makeup techniques, summers best dressed, friendship advice, and top celebrities, 

The purpose of this magazine issue is to inform teen girls about summers latest style secrets. It contains images, stories, and step by step directions to applying makeup and having that relaxed beach hair. The exigence of this piece is that summer is quickly approaching and the creators and stylists of Teen Vogue want to provide their readers early action to summer trends.

The creators of the front cover of this magazine incorporate bright colors which resembles summer from the sun to the beach. The words are in a fun bubbly font along with contrasting colors. Other elements include the use of the appeal logos. It is evident that the creators are highly knowledgeable about this summers latest styles and trends.

The audience of this piece is focused on teen girls. This girly magazine is everything that girls like and more. Girls are provided advice to help solve their fashion emergencies and boy drama. 

Teen Vogue is a very popular magazine that girls across the United States read on a monthly bases. Every month there is a new issue published that deals with present trends.This magazine is a credible magazine that has been around for years. It is evident that the authors and stylist  have years of experience. 

I would say that the designers of this piece accomplished their purpose. With the incorporation of bright colors and a model dressed in summer clothing allows the reader to believe that this issue focuses on summer. I myself have read this issue and from my personal opinion, the advice given was very resourceful. 

2nd Independent Reading Assignment #1

The author of this book Ishmael Beach was born in Sierra Leone in 1980. After arriving to the United States in the year 1998, Beach wrote a book about explaining his  life journey in a dangerous land. In 2004, Beach graduated from Oberlin College with a degree in political science. He is a leading figure with wanting to improve the lives of children in his homeland and all over the world. Today, beach currently live in New York City.

In this opening section, Ishmael explains his complicated family life and the importance of his friends and younger brother junior. Living in Sierra Leone is very dangerous and a risky place to live. With rebels attacking every nearby city, everyones life is on the line. Knowing that his life is soon to be threatened, Ishmael, Junior, and friends know they have to be on there way in search of a new home.

The purpose of this book is to answer the hundreds of questions and request Ishmael received when arriving to New York. Finally being able to talk about his past, Ishmael wrote about his journey. The exigence of this book is to show that living in a dangerous place as a child is one of the most difficult things to endure. Ismael only being ten at the time had to experience starvation, separation,and death. 

The author focuses on the appeal pathos. Through his writing the reader is able to experience the same emotion as Ishmael. While reading the beginning pages of the book, I was deeply saddened and developed empathy for Ishmael.

This book is written for mature readers due to the graphic mental images and the detailed wording. I feel that it would frightened younger readers and they would have trouble grasping the painful life of Ishmael.

I would say that the author did accomplish his purpose. Although I am only a quarter way through the book, I am already hooked and cannot wait to continue reading. 

AOW 12 In Search of Leonardo's Lost Painting

http://newswatch.nationalgeographic.com/2011/12/02/in-search-of-leonardos-lost-painting/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+ng%2FNEWSBlogs%2FNat_Geo_News_Watch+%28News+Watch%29

Interest are heighten in Florence Italy as workers for National Geographic search for Leonardo DaVinci lost masterpiece known as the “Battle of Anghiari”. Researchers believe that the piece is hidden behind the walls of Palazzo Vecchio which are covered with paintings from Giorgio Vasari. Workers are carefully working to look beyond the walls to uncover a mystery.
The purpose of this piece is to inform people that many believe a piece of Da Vinci’s work that has not been seen for over 450 years is lying behind the walls of Italy’s City Hall. Trying not to destroy Vasari’s painting, workers have set up scaffolding a good distance away from the wall. With time, workers will hopefully discover this mystery and entail a story. The exigence of this piece is researchers believe that Da Vinci’s piece is closer then people think. If researchers opinion holds true, his work is hidden in famous attraction that is viewed by hundreds of people a day.
This piece was published by National Geographic. National Geographic is a credible source that provides information and news pertaining to our world and environment. The author of this piece works for Nat Geo Magazine and uncovered the news about researchers latest discovery.
This piece reflects the views of everyone. This topic is very interesting and if researchers do uncover the mystery, many people will be interested as to learning more about this piece. The vocab in this piece is a moderate level therefore, it is easily understood.
The author of this piece incorporated the appeal logos. He fully understands the purpose as to why he is reporting on this topic and uses images to demonstrate what he saw. The images he displays helps the reader receive a visual as to what the researchers are doing to uncover the mystery and specific areas where they are breaking through the wall.
The author is this piece successfully accomplished his purpose. His purpose was to inform people about what the researchers of National Geographic are working on and trying to make the public believe that behind the ancient walls holds a answer to a mystery.

Unit 2 Reflection

        Governments were created to make the world a more unified place and to care for the good of the people. There are many different types of governments pertaining to various societies and individuals. For a government to run accordingly, people have obligations of their own to fulfill. Effort put forth by the people and their government will help satisfy the needs of many. People develop a sense of respect for their governors when their needs are met and therefore continue to perform duties of their own. These duties are expressed through the readings focused upon in the previous unit. The readings discuss the duties of the people towards their government and how it affects them individually. 

Taken from The Iroquois Constitution, Dekanawidah focuses on the roles of each individual living within their society. In the Iroquois league, they have their own form of government known as the Five Nations. These nations consist of multiple classifications of people who must perform specific duties to hold their title. The Lords for example must “be mentors of the people for all time” (Iroquois). By having to be mentors at all times demonstrates the duties of a Lord towards his government. It is then the governments duty to make sure the non-council members know that their justice system is lead by qualified leaders who care for the safety of the people. Great leaders should always act what they teach even if they are facing death.

Brave leadership qualities are shown through Socrates as he willing condemns himself to death. In Crito by Plato, Socrate speaks his final words of wisdom as he explains to the weak Crito that he must die for respect of his people. By Socrates going forth with his death he demonstrates his duty to his people. Socrates states that “ I cannot repudiate my own words: the principles which I have hitherto honoured and revered I still honor, and unless we can at once find other and better principles, I am certain not to agree with you” (Plato). Socrates statement claims that he must live up to his word and not surrender to Crito as he desperately tries for him to escape his sentence. That reveals that Socrates is fulling his duties for his people and not practicing injustice.

Actions made by people reflect upon their view of whats right from wrong. In the Defense of Injustice by Cicero, he deciphers on the aspects that make decisions just. All governments should make just decisions to protect its people. Cicero explains that views on justice differ from all types of people. With that in mind, the government should make these distinctions as to what they classify as right from wrong, therefore they are able to perform their duties Cicero highlights the actions of both the people and government. 

There are multiple duties as well as obligations people are expected to accomplish. These exceptions are imposed to help create a well run government. A government must also provide to its people by performing their own duties. These duties are explained and analyzed by the readings found in unit two. Reading Dekanawidah, Socrates, and Cicero demonstrate as to why these roles are needed and their overall purpose. 

AOW 11- Advertisement

This advertisements contains a pizza box with grease stains that shape the continents and one slice that is located on South America. The caption states “Fight for the Last Slice”. The purpose of this advertisement is to demonstrate that the pizza box was made from 100% recycled material and organic ingredients. The makers of this pizza care about the world and are doing their part to give back.

The exigence of this advertisements is to demonstrate how global warming is increasing. With the Amazons slowly disappearing, makers like Pizza and Love are informing the world to stop global warming even if they have to fight for it. Making small changes such as a using organic and recycled ingredients can make a big difference. 

In this advertisement, the appeal pathos is evident. By using such a popular food to demonstrate a concern that is on the rise touches upon the feelings of the reader. They are able to see that making a change can make a difference. The makers of  this ad explain to the readers that they themselves can help reduce global warming with a bit of effort.  

This advertisement was published by Ads of the World. This organization works to help put an end to global problems. It is a credible website that has received a multitude of awards for its hard work. The ads produced are highly convincing and believable.

The makers of this ad successfully accomplished their purpose. Their purpose was to take a common food consumed by a majority of people to demonstrate a serious problem that concerns our world. They appealed to the minds of its readers to make a small change of their own even if it is using recycled and organic ingredients. This ad reflects the views of everyone. People of all ages are able to make a change of their own. The makers show that it is possible to make a change. 

AOW 10- The Best Map of the Moon Ever

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/45362138/ns/technology_and_science-space/#.Tsh1gGYm-3U

  Recently being released, scientists have worked together to make the highest resolution topographic map of the mood by using the observations taken from NASA’s LRO spacecraft. This new map is highly detailed and covers 98.2 percent of the moon. This map allows for scientists to determine slopes of terrains, how the crust has deformed, investigate volcanic features, and plan for human missions. Scientist Mark Robinson states, "I could not be more pleased with the quality of the map – it’s phenomenal! The richness of detail should inspire lunar geologists around the world for years to come."

The purpose of this piece is to reveal the detailed image of  the moon. Scientist, including everyday people are able to analyze the moon and look at all of its unique qualities that people are unable to see from earth. The exigence of this article is to show the new technological advancements that have been made. Years ago, scientist were unable to create this map and gather new information. As years progress, technological advancements are being a discovery of their own. 

This image and article reflect the views of those who have a liking for space and technology. This minor advancement may intrigue scientists to continue working on this advancement and using it to create an even better map. 

The image contains a variety of colors. The colors signify different areas and sections of the map. Those sections symbolize a specific meaning. The appeal logos is found throughout the article. There is detailed information and statics that prove that the articles information is correct and accurate.

This article was taken from MSNBC.com. MSN is a local news service that provides daily news and current events to its readers. This website is a credible source therefore the information stated is believable. The author of this piece accomplished his purpose by effectively incorporating the significance of this recent invention and its importance. 

Independent Reading Assignment 2

Title: A Long Way Gone- Memoirs of a Boy Soldier


Author: Ishmael Beah


Section 1: 1-49
Section 2: 50-100
Section 3: 101-152
Section 4: 153-218


I decided to read this book because it deals with a young boy living in Sierra Leone who lives a deprived life. The main character Ishmael, was forced by the government to fight and preform terrible acts that he did not know he was capable of doing. After being pulled out by UNICEF, he was provided the help that he needed to heal. I am anxious to read Ishmael story and by reading it, it will remind me of how fortunate I am.

AOW 9 Soda Bans in Schools Have Limited Impact

http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/11/07/soda-bans-in-schools-have-limited-benefit/?ref=education

This article focuses on the selling of soda products in schools across the United States. State laws that were imposed to stop the selling of soda virtually had no impact on the purchasing of sugary drinks. A recent study that was made surveyed 1,000 schools throughout the US and reveled that students chose other sweetened beverages such as teas and juices. Organizations such as the Institute of Medicine is pushing for a law that bands the selling of high calorie beverages in schools. Soda being a popular choice for kids are opting to choose Gatorade and other beverages which are just at bad for their health.
The exigence of this piece is to reveal the negative effects sugary drinks have on growing students. In our world today, childhood obesity is on the rise. In order to decrease the number of obese kids, all school should not sell soft drinks. However, kids do not only consume these types of drinks in school, they also are subjected to it outside of school. Imposing higher tax rates on these beverages will hopefully prevent kids from buying a calorie filled drink.
The purpose of this piece is to show how many students consume soda, as well as other sugary drinks in a schooling environment. Laws that have been placed in a select number of school only prevent the selling of soft drinks and not other sugary drinks. Organizations feel that the law should include all types of high calorie drinks and not just soda.
This article is addressed to everyone. Students of all a grade levels are the ones who are frequently consuming sugary drinks. School directors and boards should survey the number of sugary drinks sold within their school, therefore they can decided if banning the sale of select beverages would be beneficial for the health of their students.
The author highly focused on the appeal logos. Within the article there were a multitude of facts and statistics stated. It is evident that the author researched their topic to effectively explain the purpose of their writing. By incorporating the appeal logos, the reader can successfully intercept the authors purpose.
This article is taken from the New York Times. The New York Times is a popular newspaper that thousands of people in our area look to for everyday news. The New York Times is a credible newspaper that provide its readers with daily news.

Final Independent Read

Traveling across the world from the United States to Saudi Arabia. Dr. Ahmed faced a culture shock while witnessing the lives of Saudi women. Having to obey the Islamic rules. Dr. Ahmed feels as if her status in society has lessened. Male doctors ignore her and think very little of her doctoral credentials. Dr. Ahmed feels insulted when the doctors discard her opinion and never ask for it. 

Having to cope with the intense weeks of Ramadan, a fellow colleague convinces her to strengthen her Muslim beliefs by traveling to Mecca. In Mecca, she will complete the Muslim duty of completing Hajj. With her guidance not needed at the local hospitals, Dr. Ahmed researched information about what was needed for a person like herself to make her Hajj. After traveling a long way to Mecca, she completed the Hajj. From fulfilling the duties that are apart of completing Hajj, the experience permanently changed Dr. Ahmed’s life. She states that it helped her restore her female pride and most importantly realized that Islamic faith has nothing to do with the obscure laws that are imposed to its people. Being forced to travel to a foreign homeland, it open the eyes and mind of Dr. Ahmed.

Through the incorporation of emotion and strong cultural disagreements, Dr. Ahmed was successful in making her life journey effective. She highly focuses on the appeal logos. For readers who do not know a great deal of information regarding the lives of women in the Middle East, Dr. Ahmed explains to the reader the horrible conditions women face physically and mentally everyday. Once first arriving to Saudi Arabia, her writing reflected a bias view. She was stunned to learn that in the moments upon her arrival, her role as a women would never be the same. As month passed, she slowly learned to understand Islamic ways. Having an understanding, her change in bias views are evident. Dr. Ahmed also includes detailed imagery to describe the ethnic land of Sadia Arabia. She takes the reader out of their homeland and mentally places them in a foreign land. 

AOW 8 Don't Sleep With Your Smart Phone

http://www.cnn.com/2011/10/30/opinion/greene-smart-phone-addiction/index.html?hpt=op_t1

         In this editorial, the author Bob Greene, states his viewpoint about sleeping at night with your electronic devices near by. Greene explains that a friend of his Daniel Sieberg, must put all of his electronic devices including his cell phone, laptop, tablets, and any other devices with a screen in a completely different room at night. By doing this, there is no urge for him to constantly check the device. He claims he is able to sleep better and has no distractions. Bob expresses that people in our world today have become so “addictive” to technology that they rely on it twenty-four-seven.The purpose of this piece is to explain to his readers by doing this one small action, it will decrease temptation and allow for a better night sleep. 

The exigence of this piece is to recognize the effects technology has made in our world. Everyday people experience the urge to take out a cell phone to text, call someone, or to simply check the time. Peoples lives are rapidly becoming reliant on a hand-held device. With people becoming so addictive now, one can only imagine the effects of new technological advancements to come.  

This piece addresses people of all ages. Today, a majority of the people in our society own some form of technology. Kids young as the age of 5 expanding to adults as old as 90 walk around with cellphones. This piece mainly concerns our societies younger generation. They are the ones who will experience the technology of the future. 

The author of this piece incorporates the use of logos. He provides facts, statistics, and statements to make his piece more effective. He interviewed Daniel Sieberg, a CNN correspondent who wrote a book titled “The Digital Diet.” Sieberg’s book explains that their comes a time in a persons life were too much technology use makes them a candidate for “technology detox.” The use of logos is evident in this piece for the reader can realize how technology has impacted our world.

Bob Greene successfully accomplished his purpose. By explaining the development of technology and the urge for it, he opens the eyes of everyday people. From reading this piece, I can relate because being a young teen, my new iphone is constantly in the palm of my hand. I look to that to answer all my questions from what time it is, what the weather is like, check my emails, and a plethora of other needs. Taking the advice from Sieberg seems logical, but the thought of doing is incomprehensible. 

AOW 7 Fontana di Trevi

http://www.whyrome.info/rome_trevi_fountain_56.html

         Located in Rome Italy, the Fontana di Trevi is the largest Baroque fountain in Rome. The fountain stands for the ending point of the aqueduct Aqua in the year 19BC.  Legend has it, Aqua led Agrippa’s soldiers up a mountain to find a spring containing pure water. The water filling the fountain is taking  from the spring and served as the water supply for Agrippa’s baths. The fountain contains Oceanus, the god of all water, riding a chariot which is being pulled my two seahorses. To the left and right of him is the God of Abundance and the Goddess of Health. Above both figures is a relief symbol. The relief above abundance stands for Agrippa ordering his soldiers to build the aqueduct. The relief above Health demonstrates Aqua revealing the water source to the soldiers. 

The purpose of this piece of architecture was to satisfy the needs of Agrippa. It is said that before one leaves the fountain, they must throw two coins in the fountain. One coin signifies that your wish will return and the second ensures that it will come true. For fate to occur, one must throw the coins over their left shoulder with their right hand. These coins in the fountain ensure ones return to Rome and help feed the poor. 

Placement of the figures plays a big role in this piece. Below is Oceanus trying to contain the seahorses that are guiding him. Above, are the two gods looking down upon him. They stand alone alone on either side performing their own duties. The Goddess of Health has a snake around her by which it drinks from the cup in her hand. The God of Abundance holds a horn of plenty filled with fruits along with a vase of water spilling at her feet. The arrangement of the different gods symbolizes their purpose for why they are included in this design, as well as their roles that they preform. 

Before this piece was created, there was an original fountain that was made for the same reasoning. Eventually, the water supply to the fountain was cut off and Pope Clement XII had Nicola Salvi  build a new fountain in its place. Once Salvi died in the year 1732, Giuseppe Pannini completed the work of art in the year 1762. Both creators put forth large amounts of effort to make this renowned work of art. 

This piece reflects the views of everyone. It is landmark that everyone should visit at one point in time of their life. The detailed architecture is something that one can examine for hours. People of all ages are welcomed to toss coins hoping that destiny will make their dreams come true. 

AOW 6 College Saving Plans

 http://www.10news.com/money/28957094/detail.html

        Receiving a college degree today is essential for being successful in life. With the price of college becoming more and more expensive each year, it is never to early to start saving. This article explains how important it is to have parents sit down with their children at an early age so they are aware of the financials of college. The key to forming a college saving plan involves a few steps. These steps include starting early, set long term goals, decide upon a savings plan, track your progress, and look for guidance. Following these few simple rules will prepare children at an early age for the long journey ahead of them. 

The exigence of this piece is that the price of college is climbing each year and teens are not able to attend college due to financial circumstances. College degrees are required for a majority of the jobs here in the Unites States. With the prices of college being so expensive, students are not attending and therefore not receiving a degree. 

The purpose of this article is to inform parents that it is never to early to start planning for their children’s future. Showing concern and early preparation will help children focus on doing will in school and being successful in the future.  It is vital that teens focus on the quality of their education rather the burden of being concerned over money. 

  This piece is mainly speaking to parents of kids of all ages. It is explaining to them that the price of college is to much for teens to handle. By addressing this situation early, when it comes time to pay for college, it is not overwhelming. This article also speaks to teens. They must be aware of this problem and talk to their parents about the importance of saving.

This article highly focuses on the appeal logos. This article is based on facts and logic. It evidently states the concern of this topic and ways to solve it. This article is concise and to the point. It is easy for people to read and retain the information. Using the appeal logos shows the reader that this article is current and the information is correct.

The article was taken from 10news.com, a credible news source that people go to everyday for their daily update on world news. The author of this article achieved their purpose. By using explanation and step-by-step actions, this article is resourceful for parents and teens. Reading this article is beneficial for them and will allow for them to make the wise decision of saving for college at an early age. 

Unit 1 Reflections

How do speakers & writers use Rhetorical devices to communicate their ideas?

Based off of our Unit 1 studies, reflect on the meaning/your understanding of this Essential Question. Use specifics from Unit 1 to support your answer.

      A multitude of rhetorical devices are used to successfully communicate the thoughts and ideas of a rhetor to their audience. Before speaking in front of a crowd, or writing the first sentences of a book, speakers and writers have to consider what devices and elements would make their work effective. For the audience to interpret the rhetors purpose correctly, rhetors first form an outline including ideas and devices. . When speaking in-front of a crowd, a speaker needs to establish who they are talking to. Who the audience is depicts the authors diction, as well as tone. A writer on the other hand would not necessarily  take tone into consideration. They too have to focus on diction along with appeals, style, bias, subject, and audience. Using rhetorical devices effectively makes for successful communication.  The author and writer must know what devices are appropriate and how to apply them. My understanding of the prompt is that rhetorical devices are used among authors and speakers, along with listeners and painters. When looking at Pablo Picasso's piece Weeping Women and Guerica, I as an interpreter analyzed the piece according to arrangement, contrast, and color. Considering these devices, it allowed for me to properly understand the paintings true meaning. 

What single assignment, reading, activity or 'something else' was most helpful to you so far and why? Be specific.

          Considering every piece of literature and handout focused on so far, I find the    handout titled Stylistic and Rhetorical Analysis is most beneficial. I feel this way because when I was analyzing work, the organization of the charts help me with knowing what devices to look for. Knowing what devices to focus on lead me to the correct interpretation of the piece. When I am writing pieces of my own, the charts able my writing to be more effective. This handout provides elements for all types of work including verbal and non-verbal text,non-verbal visual text, aural and electronic text. This paper works as a check list to help include the multitude of stylistic device that will improve the sophistication of the piece and make it easier for the audience to understand. 

AOW 5 Dove Evolution Commercial

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hibyAJOSW8U&feature=related

         

        The summary of this piece was about an everyday model who was getting ready ready for a photo shoot. After the shoot, the models looks drastically changed as a result of sitting through hours of makeup and hair. Once completing the photo shoot, the photographer manipulated the photo to make the model resemble a completely different human being. The caption at the end of the video explains how peoples outlook on beauty is not based on true beauty but on false perceptions. 

The exigence of this piece is focused on the feign pictures seen in magazines, billboards, ads, and other forms of public media. People in our world look at these over polished images and their sense of self confidence drops. When not standing behind the camera lens, models do not seemingly appear to be flawless. True beauty is not clicking on the photoshop images on the computer screen, it is the qualities that make someone who they are. 

The purpose for why this commercial was made was to show people that our outlook on true beauty has been altered due to technological advancements. Dove, the makers of this video, made this video to show that true beauty is a misconception.

This commercial focuses mainly on women. Women are the ones who analyze models then criticize themselves for why they are not good enough to have there face on a build-board for the whole world to see. Women need to look past the layers of makeup and computer alterations to see that true beauty is hidden beneath.

The creators of this piece belong to one of the most popular beauty care products. Dove is a well known brand that a majority of Americans use. Dove is a credible source that makes this commercial more effective and appreciated. 

The rhetorical element that is evident in this commercial was the appeal ethos. The creators of this piece fully understand how beauty is viewed in our world and society. How the authors revel what is involved from the first stroke of makeup to the last click of the mouse, makes this commercial effective and allows for the reader to develop a new outlook towards picture media. The effect this piece has on its viewers establishes that the creators were successful at accomplishing their purpose. 

AOW 4 Independent Read

Author of  “In The Land of Invisible Women”, Dr. Qanta A. Ahmed was born in Pakistan and today lives in the United States. Ahmed is a certified sleep disorder specialist, Associate Professor of Medicine, and holds several other titles.  She currently practices her medical studies in South Carolina. 

In this section of the book, Qanta describes the ending chapter of her free life in the United States. She describes the sentimental feelings of being able to show her face in public and drive a vehicle. When she arrives at the airport, she knows that this was the beginning of her new, secretive life. Landing in Saudi Arabia, Qanta was hit with instant culture shock. Having to abide by the rules, Qanta had to instantly exchange her trouser pants for an abbayah.  Her first few weeks in a country that forbids the identification of women, Qanta have a hard time adjusting to her new way of life. 

The exigence of this piece focuses on the fact that women in Saudi Arabia lead a life of concealment. Women in this country are forbidden to reveal a portion of flesh, including their nails on their fingertips.

The purpose for why this book was to written was to contrast the lives of women in two different parts of our world. While treating the ill patients in Saudi Arabia, Qanta uncovers interesting and new laws that go along with the Arabian culture. Qanta wrote this piece not only to disparate the lives of women in foreign countries, but to show how fortunate Americans are to live in a world of freedom.

The book was written for all types of people, especially fixating towards females. Reading this book allows for its readers to cherish their life of freedom. Women can count there blessing and try to imagine how different their life would be in they lived on foreign ground. 

The author effectively uses the rhetorical element tone and imagery. Through her distinction of tone, the reader can develop a sense of what the author herself is feeling as she attempts to enter a life unknown. The author also incorporates great detail when explaining all aspects that make up life in Saudi Arabia. Imagery makes developing a      mental picture of foreign ground susceptible. From using rhetorical elements and explaining in significant detail the journey to a new life, is what allowed for the author to successfully accomplish her purpose.

AOW 3 Iran hikers: 'We lived in a world of lies and false hope'

http://www.cnn.com/2011/09/25/us/us-iran-hikers/index.html?hpt=hp_t1




This article focuses on the three American hikers that were captured in July of 2009 and held captive in an Iranian prison. After 781 days of living in a unsanitary jail cell, the final two hikers were released. The hikers state that they were not taken for crossing Iranian territory,but for the matter of being American. 

The exigence of this pieces is to explain that freedom is very valuable. Life in confinement and being stripped from freedom to the outside world is unbearable.  Considering the release of the female hiker one year prior till now due to health concerns, all vowed that they are not free until all three are. 

The purpose for this piece was to address the welcoming home of the hikers and to express the built up emotions of confinement, freedom, a new life, and endless lies. The hikers were promised that they were to be represented by a lawyer and never were. Worst of all, investigators told them that their families had stopped writing letters. One of the hikers claims that they could not forgive the Iranian government due to the fact that they imprison so many innocent people. 

This piece speaks to all US citizens. It explains the brutal life American citizens had to face  for crossing over an imaginary line.  The authors of this piece, Susan Candiotti, Todd Baxter and Mohammed Jamjoom are credited authors who work for CNN. CNN is a well known news source that provides society with accurate and current world news. The authors effectively incorporate the use of dialog. They include multiple statements made by the hikers which enables the reader to get a understanding of what their life was like. The authors successfully accomplish their purpose, for readers are able to develop sympathy for the hikers. 

AOW2- Congress Takes a Vacation- Political Cartoon

http://politicalhumor.about.com/od/politicalcartoons/ig/Political-Cartoons/Congress-Takes-A-Vacation.htm

Work frequently found in the Washington Post, the credible cartoon artist Clay Bennent essentially incorporates the use of drawing to signify the views reflected upon the United States Congress. Having been recognized for his professions and artistic ability, Bennent has received numerous awards. The cartoon titled “Congress takes a Vacation” focuses on the fact that Congress decided to “take a vacation” at a time of need and desperation.

            The cartoons subject deals with the increasing rate of unemployment in our world, and the decision made by Congress to not take this matter into consideration. The accumulating line of people standing outside the unemployment office cannot understand why Congress decided to “take a break” when they were barely doing their job in the first place.     

What the author is trying to portray is that as time passes, more and more people are becoming unemployed. It is Congress’s job to stop this matter from emerging, yet they are not responding to this concern and feel they need a break from their governmental duties.

            The cartoon generally focuses on all the people living here in the United States. It includes those who are employed and those who are not. This matter is addressing the fact that unemployment is rapidly increasing and Congress does not want to take action. People who currently have a job, may not in the near future.

            The author was successful in using the appeal pathos. He understands how the people in our society feel and thoughts against Congress. A connection on a personal level is developed through the establishment of the purpose of the cartoon and the emotions of the reader. 

Independent Reading Assignment Book Choice

Title: In the Land of Invisible Women

Author: Quanta A. Ahmed, MD

Book Sections:

1.     pages 1-109

2.     pages 110-219

3.     pages 220-329

4.     pages 330-437(end)

The reason for why I chose this book is due to its unique storyline and insight to a world unknown. I feel that the journey of Doctor Ahmed to Saudi Arabia will change her life drastically. She will be faced with challenges that women here in the United States do not face. I am interested in finding out how she reacts to her new life and the impact it makes. Reading this book will be enjoyable and mind opening. It will illustrate to me that my life in America as a free woman is very valuable. 

AOW 1- Artificial Pancreas for Type 1 Diabetes Moves Closer to Reality

http://news.health.com/2010/04/15/artificial-pancreas-type-1-diabetes-moves-closer-reality/

Growing closer to finding a cure for Type 1 Diabetes, researchers are working on the development of an artificial pancreas. The purpose of this invention is to free Diabetics from having to constantly inject themselves with insulin. The device contains two hormones found in the human body, beta cells and alpha cells.  Beta cells help prevent ones blood sugar from rising, where as alpha cells produce glycogen allowing the blood sugar not to drop. 

Researchers performed several experiments on people affected with Type 1 Diabetes. Results indicated that blood sugar levels were normal. Having hope for the near future, researchers working on this invention strongly believe that the artificial pancreas will be fully developed soon. Aaron Kowalski, assistant vice president for glucose control research and research director of the Artificial Pancreas Project for the JDRF is speaking to those living with Type 1 Diabetes that,  “The goal of an artificial pancreas is to try to restore normal physiology as closely as possible, and this study demonstrates that this technology is real, and it’s good in real people.”

            A rhetoric element that is effectively used in this writing was pathos. The writer has a sense of what people with Type 1 Diabetes deal with and the excitement that grows while reading this article. She provides myself with optimism that there is a possibly that I may be able to free myself from living with Type 1 Diabetes.

 The author of this article Serena Gordon, a reporter for Health Day, spent her time effectively by interviewing multiple researchers working on the pancreas and gathering the results from trials that were performed on real people. These vital elements are what made this writing well explained and effective.