Independent Viewing Post 2

In the film, the filmmaker claims that the involvement of scientific experimentation amongst the foods we consume is destroying ones cultural value of such food. The film focused on how the people of Mexico in the year 1998 banned the planting of GM crops to protect their cultural heritage. Along with that, they too banned importing crops from the States. Buying food from the States is much cheaper says a local mexican farmer who claims that consuming their own food is expensive and affecting them economically. However, this proves that civilians, such as those in Mexico would go to a great extent to subject themselves from GMF. The filmmaker ends this segment by filming a mexican celebration where local civilians celebrate their culture by dancing and consuming natural foods. From viewing this film, I agree with the filmmakers claim and hope that one day the US population will stand up against GMF to regain their title of being the nation of farming. 

Independent Viewing Post 1

In the documentary The Future of Food, money hungry corporations are destroying the future of natures gift. Taking over the food supply, companies are injecting pesticides, genes, and versus into the food human and animals consume daily. New engineered foods are destroying the need for farms. Some companies have gone to the extent of legal threats, bribery and other tactics to gain control over the global food supply. In this film, independent farmers are interviewed as they reveal their hardship feelings against the deterioration of their life's work.Todays Big Agriculture has sold out the future of human civilization for top dollar. Hearing the words of the these farmers opens the eyes of viewers and has them rethink the food that they bring home and serve on their family table. The food that that people think they are consuming are composed of manmade chemicals and thick coatings of pesticides. Todays children being tomorrows future are consuming this “fake food” that may one day result in harmful side affects. Parents claim that “are children are not lab rats.” 

The filmmaker of this piece incorporated a multitude of rhetorical devices to appeal to his audience. He opens the film with concerns of local United States farmers and their feelings of betrayal as they watch the future of the farm  crumble into the hands of the money hungry industry. Seeing the faces of these farmers appeals to pathos which causes the audience to immediately side with the famers. The filmmaker established his ethos by interviewing multiple scientist who based their life career around the study and effects of Genetically Engineered Food. Not only does the filmmaker discuss farming in the past 20th century, he dates back to the time of the early Mayans and discusses their ways of farming. Through past history, the filmmaker states that the United States, once being known as a nation of farming, farming currently takes up 2% of the population. To support his claims, periodically the farmer displays interesting facts that relate to the topic. 

Throughout the film, music is playing in the background continuously. However, the tone of the music changes. When displaying images of our beautiful homeland before it had been destroyed by harsh chemicals, the music is subtle and peaceful. When focusing on the corruption of business and their results, darker, more intense music is played. One last strategy the filmmaker uses is he opened with a young female farmer who protests GM Foods and strictly farms organic produce and closed with the same women as she described how it is up to the people to make a change.

AOW 27 Burger King Ad

This ad is advertising for Burger King fast food restaurant. What makes this ad comical is Ronald McDonald, leading icon of their business rival McDonalds, is seen dressed in disguise ordering food. This ad claims that the food at Burger King is better then that at McDonalds. The exigence of this piece is the strong rivalry amongst the two most common fast-food restaurants. The purpose of this piece is to make people want to choose Burger-King over McDonalds. 

A rhetorical element found in this ad is the appeal to pathos. There is an overall comical message that viewers sense. By appealing to the consumers emotion, consumers would consider Burger King as their first go to place for fast-food.

This ad reflects the views of everyone of all ages. Kids especially recognize Ronald through his blood red hair and baggy yellow overalls with his peppermint stripped socks. They seeing Ronald next to the Burger King logo would entice them to want Burger King. 

The creators of this piece successfully accomplished their purpose. By adding a humorous tone to the ad, it will catch the minds of viewers and prompt them to consumBurger King over the other leading fast-food businesses. 

AOW 28 Political Cartoon

With the price of gas growing at an exponential rate, US citizens are livid about the fact that one-gallon of gas is almost four dollars. In this political cartoon, the author focuses on the concern of the price of gas and incorporates a leprechaun symbolizing the celebration of this years past St. Patrick’s Day.           

The man in the cartoon was lucky enough to come across a leprechaun with an over sized pot of gold. Instead of wanting to take the pot and all of its riches, the man questions if he is able to receive a full tank of gas instead.

The author of this piece uses the appeal logos. Clearly he is aware of the current increase in gas prices and how it is affecting people. He also focuses on size of his key elements. The pot of gold is overly sized meaning that there is a large amount of gold coins.  What makes this cartoon so appealing is a man is willing to trade his pot of gold just for a full tank of gas.

The exigence of this piece is a reflection on the reactions of the people towards the increase in gas. There anger toward this situation able people to want to make a erratic decision and to trade in a giant pot of gold for a full tank of gas.

This piece reflects the views of everyone in some way. People who own and are able to operate a car must fill their gas tank in order for their car to take them from place to place.  Having to go to the gas station biweekly becomes very costly and accumulates over time. As for those who are not able to drive, in the future when they are ready to, the price of gas may be double what it is now. Essentially, this current concern does affect a majority of people.

The author of this piece I think successfully accomplished his purpose. By incorporating the luck of St. Patrick’s Day theme into a controversial topic right now, people are able to connect and relate to what the author is portraying. Although the subject in the piece may be making a drastic decision to trade something so valuable for gas, I believe that many people would agree with him considering the circumstances. 

AOW 26 IRB POST

The main character Amir remembers an event that occurred 26 years ago when he was just a boy living in Afghanistan. Amir claims that his life their made him the person he is. Living with his father Baba, Amir spends much of his time with their servants son, Hassan. In winter, there is a kite fighting tournament. The boys cover their kite strings with glass and fight to see whose kite can slice the opposing players. When the kite is cut, the boys must run and retrieve the kite. Amir won the tournament while Hassan went running for his broken kite. After a while, Amir goes to look for Hassan when he finds him trapped at the end of an alley pinned with his pants down. Two boys older then him held him while the other rapes Hassan. Amir quickly runs away and waits for Hassan to return. When Hassan returned with the kite, Amir pretends that he does not know what happened. Not wanting to associate with Hassan, Amir hides money and a watch under Hassan’s pillow and tells his father that Hassan had stolen them. When Baba addresses Hassan, he told Baba that he did try to steal them and shortly after him and his father when forced to leave.

This story takes place in Afghanistan and focuses on the lives of Amir, Baba, Hassan, and Ali. From the reading so far, I think one theme is the search for redemption. Amir aims to redeem himself in the eyes of his father Baba. Amir’s mother died while she was giving birth to him and Amir now feels responsible. Amir feels that he has to win the kite tournament to redeem himself to his father. Also, Amir feels guilty as to what he did to Hassan. The guilt he experiences leads to many other events in the story. Baba reminds him that “a boy who doesn’t stand up for himself becomes a man who can’t stand up to anything.” 

AOW 24 Coca-Cola Ad

This ad is by Coca-Cola which is can be classified as one of the most popular soft drink companies in the US. The ad contains a green scenery symbolizing a greener future. By drinking bottles of Coke, not only does the consumer enjoy the beverage, they too can give back to their environment by recycling their empty bottles. If the millions of people who drink Coca-Cola recycle their bottle properly, together they can help make a change. The purpose of this piece to spread more awareness about the environment and ways people can help protect it. The exigence of this piece is global warming on the rise and humans must play their role by protecting the environment in every way possible. 

The two most prominent colors are green to symbolize recycling as well as the environment and Coca-Cola’s trademark colors red and white. The ad uses the appeal logos as seen by the caption below the words recycle as well as the awareness of the severity of environmental protection. The ad uses a good range of placement. There are recycle symbols in the shape of a coke bottle to help make the ad more effective and creative. 

This ad reflects the views of everyone. Recycling plastic bottles is something so small and basic that a child could help protect the environment. This ad was distributed by Coca-Cola. Coca-Cola is a credible and well known company that can effectively inform its consumers about this simple yet essential task. The creators of this ad successfully accomplished their purpose. 

AOW 24 Risk and Riches for Facebook

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/02/27/technology/for-facebook-risk-and-riches-in-user-data.html?pagewanted=2&ref=technology

Having over 845 million users, there is talk of turning Facebook into a profitable source. Being the worlds largest social network, consumers and regulators argue how Facebook manages users data. The White House and regulators in Europe believe that users should have complete control over how their personal data used. With all the data provided by the users of Facebook, it is currently starting to be used as the latest advertising platform. Rebecca Lieb, an analyst who studies online advertising for the Altimeter Group, a research firm described Facebook as “one of the biggest platforms in the history of advertising.” In 2011 year alone, Facebook had a $3.7 billion in revenue, an 88% increase from the previous year.

The exigence of this piece is to explain how the Facebook started as a site for college students that soon escalated to a wold wide phenomenon. With so many users posting their lives on a site is starting to arouse controversial topics related to security and profit. The purpose of this piece is to explain personal issues related to Facebook security and ways to make Facebook a money making source.

This topic mainly concerns the users of Facebook. They are the ones who post their personal information and monitor what information is shared to the public. However, young kids are starting to join Facebook and therefore this concerns parents, for they should closely monitor the information their children post on this site.

The piece uses the appeal logos. It includes a multitude of facts and statistics that relate to the topic well. The count of how many people who use Facebook is shocking. This piece was taken from the New York Times. The NYT is a credible news source that daily provides the world with its current happenings. The author of this piece successfully accomplished his piece. 

AOW 23 Catholic Women and the Pill

http://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/02/15/birth-control-and-the-challenge-to-divine-authority/?ref=us

The  thought of requiring certain Catholic hospitals and universities to provide health insurance which covers the cost of birth control aroused a furious reaction from Catholic Bishops. The Catholic faith believes that birth control is a violation of conscience and disobeys the teachings of the Catholic faith. Statistics prove that 98% of sexually active American Catholic Women use birth control . Bishops believe that they represent God and therefore make the decision that birth control should not be taken by Catholic women. They imply that the “real catholics” are those who accept the religious teachings and in other words do not use birth control.

The exigence of this this piece focuses on the usage of birth control in a vast majority of Catholic women. Many women are not respecting the rules of there leader, in this case the bishops, and are going against the Catholic ways. Bishops will certainly not agree to allow Obamas administration to cover birth control in Catholic vicinities. The purpose of this piece is to show how this idea infuriated the bishops and unmasked how many catholic women use birth control.

This piece was taken from the opinion section so therefore it does have a bias point of view however, it does focus on the appeal logos. The piece contains detailed information and statistics regarding how many catholic women use birth control. 

This mainly pertains to Catholic women who are at the age to use birth control. Also, young teens are found using birth control and therefore this article relates to those selects Catholic girls. This is serious issue that the bishops do not want to see any Catholic women no matter what age use the pill.

This piece was taken from the opinion sections in the New York Times. The NYT is a credible news sources that daily provides information on our worlds current happenings. The author of this piece successfully accomplished his purpose. 

AOW 22 Death Valley Volcano

http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2012/120125-death-valley-volcano-ubebe-crater-science/?source=hp_dl1_news_volcano20120127

Six hundred feet deep and a mile and a half wide stands California’s Ubehebe Crater located in Death Valley. This volcano once  bursted when rising magma came in contact with water. Sending rocky debris at 200 miles per-hour, a huge bomblike mushroom cloud formed. Scientists are not unsure when this exact event took place but have accusations that it occurred several hundred years ago during the time when Death Valley ares were wetter. Scientists think the mixture of magma and water could be the explanation for why the presence of lakes have long disappeared. Recent studies show that the blast occurred recently, when Death Valley was as it is today. That being said, eruptions are more likely to occur today. 

The exigence of the piece relates to the theories of todays scientist believing the the eruption of this silent volcano is not over. If this volcano were to erupt in the future, the lives of many innocent people will be in jeopardy. People should now take action and prepare themselves for this possible life threatening event. The purpose of this piece is to reveal to the public that the chances of this volcano are high and researchers are currently investigating new information relating to this volcano.

The author of this piece focuses on the appeal logos. This piece provides descents amount of information in regards to the volcanos past, as well as information that has recently been discovered.

The piece concerns everyone but more specifically people living in the volcanos radius. After reading this article, people should prepare themselves and take action before it is to late. 

This piece was taken from National Geographic. National Geographic is a great resource to look for about all of our words current happenings in regards to the environment, animals, space, nature, and a multitude of other topics. NatGeo is a credible resource that has many influential authors that make a topic come alive. The author of this pieces was successful in his writing and therefore accomplished his overall purpose. 

IRB 3 Choice- The Kite Runner

Title: The Kite Runner

Author: Khaled Hosseini

Section 1: 1-124

Section 2: 125-242

Section 3: 243-end 

I choose this book for a multitude of reasons. The first being that my best friend read it and raved about it for the longest time claiming it was the best book she ever had read. The second being it is one of the core novel we read in the 12th grade english however, being in AP, we do not read it therefore, I think it is one of the books that are classified as as a “must read.” 

AOW 20 Global Warming on the Rise

http://environment.nationalgeographic.com/environment/global-warming/gw-effects/

With global warning on the rise, our world around us is suffering greatly from its side effects. The planet is warming everywhere from the North to the South pole. Not only is the heat beginning to melt the ice caps and glaciers, precipitation patterns are causing animals to migrate from their natural habitats. Researcher Bill Fraser has tracked the decline of the Adélie penguins on Antarctica, where their numbers have fallen from 32,000 breeding pairs to 11,000 in 30 years. Researchers suspect towards the end of this century that sea levels will rise between 7 and 23 inches and will increase the intensity of  hurricanes and other tropical storms.

The purpose of this article it to inform people all over the world that the side effects from global warming are severe and increasing each year. The world we live in now will not be the world we know in less than a century from now. The exigence of this piece is to demonstrate the severity of global warming and as each passing day more and more elements of our world are becoming destroyed. As humans, we can play our role by stopping these occurrences before its to late. This article relates to people of ages, for everyone can make some change in their life style for the benefit of the earth. 

The article mainly focuses on the appeal logos. The author of this piece had a full understanding of this problems current situation and where it will be years from now. This article included bulleted facts which made it easily comprehendible. 

This article was taken from National Geographic. Nat Geo is a credible news source that focuses on the earth and all of its inhabitants. The author of this piece successfully accomplish his purpose by gathering current facts regarding global warming and formulated a concise article that summed up all of the key points. 

Unit 3 Reflection

What is an individuals duty to his government? Ask yourself what is your duty to the government? What does the government provide you? As you ask yourself these questions, consider the multitude of political figures that have embarked upon these duties and voiced their opinion in regards to a certain situation. It is our obligation to voice our concerns to the public in order to make changes and follow in the footsteps of leaders like Martian Luther King, Abraham Lincoln, and Patrick Henry. 

The fight against segregation was a prolonged battle that affected the lives of millions. African Americans had determination to one day be viewed as equal individuals. Together they united as one to make a change. Audacious leaders such as Martian Luther King spoke out in front of a crowd of thousands of people to address the actions needed for change. King was the leading figure that give his people hope and perseverance to not stop believing for one day change will come. When this day arrives, he stated how they will come together and sing “Free at last, free at last, thank God almighty, free at last” (King). King fulfilled his obligations towards his people and spoke out against his governments to signify that those of the colored race should not be summoned to life a mistreated life, yet a life granting liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

“Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent, a new nation, conceived in Liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal” (Lincoln).  In President Lincoln speech “The Gettysburg Address,” he opened his speech by reminding his audience of the birth of a new nation granting all men equal.  This speech was spoken during the time of the Civl War. Being engaged in a war with oneself, Lincoln considered the lives of devoted men who died on their homeland. The purpose for his speech was to remind the people that all men are equal, therefore what is the reasoning as to why we are fighting are fellow citizens. Lincoln assures his people which “under God, shall have anew birth of freedom and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth” (Lincoln). 

“Give me liberty, or give me death” (Henry) were the words chanted by Patrick Henry as he expressed his feelings regarding British rule over America. Henry felt he was obligated to help gain support from other political leaders to make America an independent nation. Henry had a strong sense of nationalism towards his homeland and therefore wanted to surrender his life due to the governing of a foreign leader. A nations government should rule its people by their own terms and not be guided by bystanders. An individual must respect their government however, people hold the right to express their opinions  and concerns and similar to Patrick Henry. 

The United States is a land that grants fundamental rights to everyone regarding of race, religion, and gender. The role of the government is to ensure these rights until the end of time and make decisions for the good of its people. Leaders like Martian Luther King, President Lincoln, and Patrick Henry coincide with the nations people and strived to make the world they lived in a just place for everyone. As you ask yourself again, what is you obligations towards the government? Is it voicing your opinion for all to hear? Reminding people that everyone was created equally? Or, addressing concerns with your government? 

AOW 18 Floating Lanterns

http://photography.nationalgeographic.com/photography/photo-of-the-day/floating-lanterns-thailand/

This photo captures the essence of the floating lanterns that float away into the night sky. These lanterns are launched in Thailand around the fall months. Thousands of people gather at the Lanna Meditations Center in Chiang Mai to celebrate Loy Krathong and to listen to monk chant as the lanterns drift away.

The purpose of this image is to demonstrate to people all over the world this magical event. People rave about this unforgettable image claiming “it was one of he best experiences of my life.” The exigence of this piece is to show how remarkable this annual event is and the importance it holds within the people living in Thailand.

It is truly amazing how a dark evening in Thailand is brightened by the glow of thousands of lanterns. The lanterns come in a multitude of sizes ranging from small to the size of a human. The use of many lanterns symbolize the use of repetition. What makes this event mesmerizing is use of not only a few, but thousands of lanterns to transform night into day. 

This photograph was taken from a photographer who works for National Geographic. Nat Geo has qualified photographers who travel the world to unmask the worlds beauty and wonders. Nat Geo is a credible source that provides information about the world as well as travel destinations, animals, and life adventures.The photographer accomplished his purpose by capturing the beauty of this uplifting night. 

AOW 17 North Korea Tries to Build New Leaders Image

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/01/09/world/asia/north-korea-tries-to-build-the-image-of-kim-jong-un-its-new-leader.html?ref=world

With his fathers passing one month ago, Kim Jong-un, son of former North Korean leader Kim Jong-il, has taken on his fathers role as dictator. On a recent television broadcast, Kim was seen sitting on top of a moving tank. Some believe that he is a “military genius.” Kim states “I had determined to enter the war if the enemies dared to intercept.” Kim has strengthened his military and is ready to fight at any given time. Suspected to be in his late twenties., Kim Jong-um has intentions to follow in his fathers footsteps and earn a name of his own.

The exigence of this piece is to show that North Korea has obtained a new leader with similar goals and regulations. Watching how his father had ruled the people, Kim will continue to support his fathers doings as to be believed that they are whats best for the country. The purpose of this article is which Kim has already made acts to strengthen its army resulting in the deepening of the country's isolation and poverty.

This article focuses on the appeal ethos. Throughout the passage, the author focused on all aspects of Kim and as to what his plans are for his country’s future. Another element used was the logos. The author understood the current situation of North Korea and what its new ruler has to offer.

This article was taken from The NewYork Times. The Times is a credible news source that daily provides our world with current happenings. Knowing the source of this article, its author Choe Sang-Hun is credible. Hun successfully proved her purpose as to revealing the persona of North Koreas current leader. 

AOW 13 Top 10 Parenting Fails of 2011

http://www.cnn.com/2011/12/30/living/parenting-fails-2011-p/index.html?hpt=li_c2

This article lists the top 10 parenting wrongdoings in 2011. Although parenting is not always an easy task, some parents lash out due to stress and make regretful mistakes. One example focuses  on a mother who forced hot sauce down her adopted son’s throat while forcing him in a cold shower on the account of lying. Her 10 year-old daughter recorded her and submitted it in to Dr. Phil. Being brought to the publics attention, the mother was convicted of child abuse.

The exigence of this piece is to show how decisions made my some parents are a detriment to a child’s health and well being. Parents, like the mother who forced hot sauce are being exposed to the public and are being charged with jail sentences. The purpose of this piece is to show how parents sometimes use drastic measures amongst their kids to handle their stress.

The article appeals to parents. When parents read the horrible actions made by other parents they review their own parenting skills. This allows for them to see if their decisions serve as a good example for their children.

The article uses the appeal logos. There are ten different mistakes listed that include personal accounts. By using actual stories, people are able to believe that the horrible actions made by parents are true.

This article was taken from CNN.com. CNN is a credible news source that provides daily information about the world and all of its happenings. The author of this piece effectively analyzed  each situation making it highly convincing to the reader and therefore he successfully accomplished his purpose.