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.