Last semester I got the wonderful opportunity to go to Spain for a study abroad. It really was a great experience for me, I learned so much. I loved seeing all of the ancient cities, cathedrals, museums, tapas bars...well, I loved seeing pretty much everything. One thing that really impressed me about Spain and the culture was the importance they placed on family and friend interaction. All of the towns and cities, no matter what the size, were filled with lovely parks and plazas. One of my favorite plazas was one in a little city on the outskirts of Madrid called Alcala de Henares. This plaza was definitely not one of the largest that Spain had to offer, but it was very charming and friendly. All throughout the plaza there were beautiful rose gardens, and the paths were covered with those cool trees that are all connected together so that they create the best shade. The plaza was filled with benches where all of the elderly townspeople would sit with their canes and sunflower seeds socializing. Young parents would kick soccer balls around with their small children. while the "abeuelitas" chased young toddler grand kids around. Everything just seemed to move a little slower in Spain. People weren't rushing around all of the time, working, and moving, they spent lots of time with the people that they cared about. There was this amazing sense of community there which is unlike any I have experienced before. This was especially apparent during the huge dances that they would have in the middle of the plaza, and all of the fun activities, fairs, and parades. Oh, I loved it! I came home wishing that we followed the Spanish tradition of valuing our family and friend time to the extent that the Spanish people did. It is a huge part of their culture, and you can tell by how they have built their cities.

Star Wars Ad.

This is an advertisement for a Star Wars weekends at Disney-MGM studios.

Argument: If you are a Star Wars fan, you need to visit MGM studios.

Audience: People with money enough to travel. People who love Star Wars and theme park type places.

How the Argument is Made:

Ethos: Credibility of Disney and MGM studios. Both are very successful and have had significant impacts on entertainment. Very realistic looking Star Wars stuff-official looking.

Pathos- Trying to motivate people through humor (star wars character at the airport). Characters seem very realistic. Exciting to the viewer to see characters that they think are cool and interesting in a real place.

Logos: I really have no idea. From a logical perspective star wars characters should NOT be in airports...

S-for audiece, yes. Shows all important information for the Star Wars weekends, ad would possibly work for Star Wars fans.

T-I do not know. Probably typical for this type of ad I'm sure.

A-Well, there won't be real characters there (fiction), but it is accurate because it is a big star wars "extravaganza"...

R- revelvant to people really into star wars and that can afford to visit places like this (Disney MGM studios).

My cousin invited me to go skiing with her this weekend. She has an extra pass for this year, and wanted me to come and enjoy the last week of open ski parks. I am pretty excited to go, although I must admit...I am a terrible skier. I actually used to believe that I was pretty good. In three ski trips (two in Kentucky and one at Canyons) I had not fallen once! Then this winter during a big snow storm we headed to Snow Basin. I thought Snow Basin was pretty cool, but goodness, it had some runs that were tough for me! One thing that made it so difficult for me was the type of snow. At canyons I had only practiced going down tracks that had snow that was packed. At Snow Basin there happened to be several feet of powder. I think that most skiers say that powder is ideal for the sport... but as a beginner I found it to be quite difficult to maneuver in. I remember falling down once, and then finding that the whole back half of my ski was stuck straight down in the snow...I had to have my cousin in law help pull me out. I am sure that I would still be there on that mountain if they had not given me a hand...I was really stuck. Anyway, I think skiing is really cool, so I am trying to get better and braver at it. I think that bravery and skill should rise at about the same level...if one goes up without the other, usually there is trouble! One thing that I love about skiing is how tired and hungry you are when you are done. After you ski food tastes so good, and it is nice to be able to guiltlessly chill out in front of a movie or something...after a day of falling down mountains-veg time is well deserved!

Smoking ad

The above picture shows two doctors looking through microscopes, and the blue box tells about how they will stop at nothing to those pesky "microscopic enemies of mankind!" Below it states that there was a survey done of several doctors and surgeons, and that a majority of them chose camels as there preferred cigarette.

Argument: Intelligent doctors choose camels, you should too.

Audience: Typical American that could afford them. People that trust in the credibility of doctors.
How the argument is made:

Ethos- Going on the credibility of doctors. Doctors are respected, they can also be trusted, so it must be ok. Could be using the credibility of the magazine itself.

Pathos: Doctors are both smart (using microscopes...), young, and healthy...so is the lady also shown on the ad. Everyone looks to be really happy about smoking those camel cigarettes. Bright colors, and graphics = draws the eye, makes things look really good.

Logos- If I choose camels I will be going along with all of these amazing people (happy woman and smart doctors).

Sufficient: Does not mention anything about the cons of smoking...perhaps these cons had not been discovered yet.

Typical- Yeah, this is how a lot of cigarette adds work...although the info is probably a little skewed.

Accurate-not really. Smoking the cigarette really won't make you smarter or happier. Cons of smoking not mentioned in this article.

Relevant- Relevant to audience.

My dad is named Dave, and he is in the army. He often used to intimidate my friends because he wears a tough army uniform, and has one of those high and tide haircuts. Of course, once they get to know him the realize that he is a perpetual twelve year old, he becomes popular in no time. He is a lot of fun, and a real softy, especially for his three daughters...trust me, he can still play the authoritative parent card though....sometimes to the point that causes me to want to jump up and say "yes sir major Jensen!" (He of course hates this...thus the appeal!).
Anyway, the other day I was thinking about my wonderful, funny dad, and I remembered the time that he let us die his hair bright blond...why he did it I will never know! One thing that you should know about my dad is that he has really dark, almost black. I think most of us girls know what a box of cheap blond hair dye can do to this color type. For family night we all helped dye dad's hair, and the result was astonishing. He looked like a fuzzy baby chicken! It was so funny! He did not freak out or anything, he just laughed a little. It must have been interesting to see him walk into his army base building the next day...I wonder what his fellow soldiers said to him. I'll bet they teased him a bit...that is just what happens. My dad of course did not care a bit, he just smiled, and kept his head high. Oh, I sure love my dad...although I don't think he will ever let us dye his hair again...ever!

Ok, here is another attempt at a topic, and all of the stuff that goes with it. At this point I just have to go for it. My paper is already well underway, and I am kind of at that point of no return...which means absolute havoc if I change it again...too late! Here is what I have got...

Watco using "Snow World" virtual Reality technolog in burn victim treatment centers on the quality of care the facility is able to give their patients?

Enthymeme: The implementation of Snow World virtual reality technology in burn victim rehabilitation centers will improve the quality of care provided by the facility by offering an additional form of pain control that is not only effective for many varieties of pain and disorders, but is a form of pain control that is free of negative side-effects.

Anything that allows the rehab facility to offer pain control that is effective for many types of pain and has no negative side-effects will improve the quality of care provided by the facility.

Audience-Head of rehab-facility administrator-regional director...those are the three people that I have to convince.

pros-
-none of the typical medication side-effects
-can be used by lots of therapists/many types of pain management
-less stress and perception of pain improves rate of healing.
-makes it easier for patients to continue with difficult therapy,
pain causes many to quit early=more future complications.
Cons
-$50,000 plus. Very expensive.
-Traditional forms of therapy already proven effective, more credible.
-Are types of burn victims that the machine does not work for-not for everyone.
very young, very old, and medically unstable.
-credibility of a video game...?

Advertisement

Yesterday was a beautiful day--it was so warm that I spotted a few ice cream trucks puttering down the roads selling ice cream to little kids. Here is what I noticed about the argument that the ice cream salesperson was presenting.
Argument: It is a nice warm day, come buy some ice cream!
Audience: Kids of course.
How the argument is made:
Ethos- Certain ice cream brand names. Official little business called "grandpa's ice cream."
Pathos- The music was happy and loud enough for all kids within a ten block radius to hear it...very persuasive. The truck was brightly colored, and the menu was right at kid height with the specialty ice creams (expensive ones) larger and more brightly colored than the rest. Inspired trust in both kids and parents because the company name was "grandpa's ice cream." Grandpas are sweet and friendly, so of course people would want ice cream from a grandpa. There was actually even a little old grandpa-like man driving the van...it was pretty funny. The appearance inspired trust.
Logos- The argument seems pretty logical to children...it is hot, ice cream vans are fun, my parents have money, we get to chase after it....lets go!!! The arguments for parents and other adults, not so convincing...expensive ice cream from a loud slow driving source that I have to chase after....I can just go to a normal store and get ice cream for way cheaper, and it won't have to come in some weird Cartoon character shape...
S-seems to work, so I suppose it is sufficient for the intended audience.
T- yes... typical.
A-accurate-yes, especially since they only generally come out on hot sunny days.
R-Very relevant to kids, especially when ice cream trucks are so fun, and ice cream is so good.

I am having a lot of trouble with my enthymeme and paper topic. I decided that writing about the implementation of the Wii in rehab facilities was more informative than argumentative, so I have to come up with a new topic. I ended up finding some research on the sports overtraining of children. Now that there is an increase in the number of adolescents participating in organized sports, there has also been an increase in the amount of injuries that are happening in the younger age groups.

Possible Subject:

Watco: parents not allowing their children to specialize or play in all year around sports until the child reaches the age of fourteen.

Enthymeme: Parent limitation of their child's participation in organized sports and specialization will preserve the physical and mental health of the child because it will make them less susceptible to injuries associated with overuse, and inappropriate levels of stress.

I will define in the body of the paper what the proper level of limitation would be (as defined by various health experts). The enthymeme itself does not seem to be very argumentative, but it would be in consideration of the audience.

Audience: Parents with talented children (believe that there are olympic/pro/college possibilities). Parents that are trying to accomplish their own hopes through the child.

pro
-children are still developing, and can't always recognize the signs of overuse.
-growth plates, delays the onset of puberty (especially in over trained young girls).
-Possibly causes burn out if kid already has a specialty at age nine.
-Health of child is more important than athletic achievement
-Intense sports training=harm to child with only small chance of him/her ever making it pro, olympic, or college level.
-Parents pushing children to do more (which is often the case--especially when child has intense goals at such a young age...like nine years old) creates unhealthy relationship with parents.
-child does not get to experience a wide range of activities, already committed full time to specialization.

Con
-parent and child decision
-specialization and intensive training= only opportunity for child to make it to high level, or be noticed by scout.
-Generally kids are working with very qualified coaches that can help them to prevent injury-train the correctly.
-this is the healthier alternative when considering the current rise in child obesity.
-an experience that can bond parent and child-working towards common goal.
-good social opportunities
-kids enjoy the sports that they choose to specialize in

Ok, that is what I have so far. I have found a lot of info about the type of injuries that overtrained kids are prone to getting. I also found lots of doctor recommendations, and stats.

Ok, what do you think?

Ok, so here is what I have so far for my enthymeme brainstorm.

First attempt:
Implementing Nintendo Wii as a supplementary form of hysical therapy will improve the rate of patient recovery because it adds fun and real life activity application to therapy exercises, and is easily carried on in the patients' own home.

-Ok, I know that there are some problems with this one. First off, there really isn't a way that I can measure the rate of patient recovery....and there id definitely no way that I can compare recovery time with the Wii to recovery time without it. Also, the last part really depends on my audience. If I argue that it should be placed in a geriatric facility, then it would not really work considering most of the old people don't leave the facility, and when they do they are not independent enough to use the machinery. But then again, if I open the argument up to all forms of therapy, it might be an audience that it too general.

Ok, lets try this again:

Implementing Nintendo Wii as a supplementary for of physical therapy will benefit the geriatric rehab facility because it is cost effective, and increases patient satisfaction.

Check: Anything that increases patient satisfaction, or is cost effective, will benefit the geriatric rehab facility.

It seems like this works. I do have a few questions though. I guess I will figure it out when we do the peer edit thing on Friday though...
1. Is this enthymeme too vague?
2. Will I be able to find enough research/evidence to write a sufficient argument?

Well, here is what I have got so far. I have a few more ideas, but I am going to keep working with them on paper.

This is a poster advertisement on the side of a building in England. The advertisement is for a travel company called Kuoni. The picture is of a beautiful tropic setting with palm trees and beaches. Notice that the weather of the place where the advertisement was set is cold and snowy.

Argument: You should go some place tropical and warm, and escape from the cold and snowy winter...Kuoni travel company can get you there.

Target Audience: English people that can afford to leave on a vacation, and that are sick of the cold winter.

How is the Argument made?

Ethos: Kuoni is a fairly well-known travel company in that region. They have a good name, and their logo is placed on the advertisement. The advertisement could perhaps be using the credibility of the area that they placed it, and the building that they put it on.

Pathos: The painting is brightly colored and very large. It seems to be as if you are looking through a large window into a paradise. Perhaps this makes people to see this sort of trip/place as a real possibility. Having the picture so large and colorful really contrasts with the scenery of England. The street is cold and snowy and gray....kind of boring and miserable looking in comparison with the exotic, warm place on the picture. The placement as well as the window-like effect of the advertisement would be really effective for a cold, winter-sick audience.

Logos: The picture/advertisement seems to be making the logical argument that if you are there (where it is snowy and cold and miserable) it only makes sense that you go somewhere nice and warm where you will be more comfortable. It is logical for someone to seek what will make them happy or comfortable, and the ad is definitely showing a possibility for this.

Is it effective?

S-the picture is pretty effective, so the argument seems pretty sufficient, especially when all of the company information is also provided on the ad.

T-Seems to be quite a typical argument. It is natural for people to want to take vacations during the slimy winter months.

A-accurate, but does not mention anything about the cost of travel, or the hassles involved. Also, it is a painting, and not an actual beach represented. It might not be accurate that there is a beach that looks as ideal as that one looks.

R- Overall the argument seems quite relevant. People are always thinking about escaping to some place tropical for the winter, so during these months especially, it is quite relevant to everyone.

Rock Wall Climbing

Well, this is my creative writing blog, and since I am not very creative, you all get to hear about my weekend! My mom and sisters drove up from Washington to stay for a few days. I left early from school and we got a lot of fun Jensen girl time. I ended up taking my little sisters (Kendra 18, Taylor 10) to the Quarry to rock wall climb. If you haven't been to the Quarry, you should go because it is rock climber's heaven. I of course don't really go that much because it is kind of expensive to get in (unless you have a membership or something). My sisters are both great climbers. They both kicked my butt on those walls! I did enjoy finally being able to belay though. Sometimes I like to belay better than I like to climb I think. I have some trust issues...and some issues with heights (so really, this is a great sport for me), so I tend to be happier on the ground, belaying and cheering. Upstairs there is a really fun bouldering room. Bouldering is when you climb without a harness. Generally the walls are not so high, and the padding is a lot thicker. The room has all kinds of paths that you can follow in case you want to practice "traversing" or something like that...I can't remember all of the climber lingo....There were to guys up there climbing. They seemed pretty impressed with themselves about being able to do some of the tougher climbs. Of course, my little sister Taylor sees them all climbing there, and then decides to start climbing herself. She started scaling a wall that was almost parallel with the ground, and following one of the toughest tracks. She of course had no idea that it was a tough track...she just saw a hold color she liked, so she followed it. The guys just stood still and watched her climb for a few minutes. We could hear them whisper things to each other like, "dude, check out that little girl...wow, what level of climb is that...?" They all seemed to be pretty impressed.

Well, I am still trying to figure out a good enthymeme for final essay. I would like to write about the Nintendo Wii, and how it is beginning to be implemented into physical therapy programs. My mom works at a care center (main focus is geriatrics), and her work just started using the Wii as treatment. I think it is a really good idea, and an interesting way to use technology to make treatment more interesting.

Here are some of the points that I would possibly like to make in my paper...I still have to narrow things down a bit.
-Using the Wii as a form of treatment is cost efficient. It only costs about $250.00 to buy a Nintendo Wii, but many of the typical therapy machines can cost up to about $30,000. A lot of the exercises that are done on the expensive machines can be done on the Wii instead. One of these machines is called a motion sensor biofeedback machine. This machine is not only expensive, but can be complicated to use.

-The Wii really does provide good exercises for people needing therapy. It can affect rotation, core strength, range of motion, coordination, balance, proprioseption (where you are in space), reaction time, endurance, etc. This machine can be used with occupational therapy, as well as speech therapy (memory-short and long term, cognitive).

A few concerns about this topic...
-I am having trouble deciding on a good thesis statement
-Using the Wii in a therapeutic was is still a fairly new idea (although it has been implemented in a lot of places nationwide) and there are not a lot of stats to help me prove my case. Ok, I am going to go work on my enth. and then I will post it a little bit later.

This is a world war two poster that is obviously against communism.

Argument: We must fight communism in order to stop it from spreading to, and destroying American.

Target Audience: Patriotic Americans that have some sort of ability to support the war/anti communism effort.

How is this argument made?

Ethos-credibility of the American flag. It is published in a comic book by an educational society. Published in a successful and popular work, but a credbible society. Realistic looking uniforms of some of the people in the picture.

Pathos- The American flag is a very important and well loved by the American people. This picture shows the American flag being burned and destroyed. This provokes emotions: fear (huge oddly colored fire destroying what is good) and anger (the pride invloved in the flag and what it represents). The picture is also very violent. In the forefront there are scenes of enemies killing peple. The one that is especially frigtening is the man in front that is strangling someone. He looks kind of like a monster because his skin is a pale greenish color, and there seems to be blood on his face. There are also lots of people in hoods and cloaks in the background. They look like they are protesting, or doing violent things. The picture makes it look like communism is somthing that is terrible because it will bring chaos and murder. Everything will be destroyed. Right above the burning flag it says "is this tomorrow." This is also an emotional statement because it causes people to look at the future in the context of the terrible things that the picture shows.

Logos: It was created in 1947. People had many valid reasons to fear the war and communism (considering that it represented the enemies that they were fighting). Overall it is more of an emotional argument rather than a logical argument.

Star criteria

Sufficient: It is effective, but it only shows one side of the argument, and it is presented in a very unbalanced way.

Typical: It was typical for many of the arguments made during this time concerning communism and the Red Scare, but what it is arguing is probably not all that likely or realistic.

Accurate: This is not a very accurate argument because it is very dramatic, and not showing a very likely scenario. It is manipulative an depends more upon evoking emotions of fear and anger rather than educating or giving facts.

Relevent: This was an argument that was relevent, and probably very effective at the time. It was relevent because it dealt with many of the fears that Americans had during the time--even if it wasn't that accurate.

Cooking With Heidi

I really always hated cooking when I was younger. Cooking is still not one of my favorite things to do, but it is a lot more tolerable, especially now that fires and small explosions are becoming less and less frequent when I attempt to wield a spatula, or some other cooking tool. I remember that there was not one thing in the kitchen that I could not spoil. One Weekday afternoon I decided to make cookies...not just any cookies, but triple chocolate chunk cookies. Even these wonderful bits of chocolatey goodness I was able to destroy. The worst part is, it was pre-made cookie dough from the fridge--all I had to do was scoop it out and bake it on a cookie sheet for twelve minutes. I went ahead and scooped out all of the little cookie dough balls, taking care in making sure that each one was in a 1 inch sphere and placed in 2 inch intervals on the cookie sheet. With two inch intervals, and one inch diameters, how could I go wrong? I put the cookies in the oven, and all went surprisingly well. When the timer rang telling me that 12 minutes of baking time was up. I went ahead and peered into the oven at the cookies. They looked really good, but not done all the way. My friend (German exchange student who lived with us at the time) disagreed with me. She told me that the cookies definitely looked done, and that I should go ahead and pull them out. Of course, I new best, afterall, these were American style cookies, I would know more about cooking them better than a German would. The cookies looked really good, but they were a little bit crispy on the edges when I finally pulled them out. Not to worry, a good glass of milk would fix that. I passed the cookies out to my family and to the two missionaries who were visiting at the time. Everyone took big bites, and then oh, the transformation that took place on their faces was really something to see! First happy and smiling, then surprise, finally surprise turned into disgust and illness, which obviously gave way to that expression one has when looking for a garbage can...How did this happen? I would never have imagined that a few extra minutes in the oven would have made a batch of cookies so disgusting! Obviously my family had no problem with spitting the cookie bits out of their mouth and teasing me, but oh, those poor missionaries! As much as I insisted that the cookies really were in fact terrible, and that they would not hurt my feelings if they decided to spit them out, they continued eating the cookies stoically, even though I am sure that they really had to be suffereing. I later decided that those boys were extremely polite (almost to the point of stupidity--I am sure those cookies made them sick), or they really were like garbage disposals, no tastebuds and always hungry. I shall never know.

Vote!

Today while walking around campus I noticed that it was election week for BYU. I noticed this because of the fifty people around the wilk stuffing flyers in my hand, wearing bright "vote for___" shirts, and telling me of my duty to vote. Here is a break down of what I noticed in what they were arguing, and how they did it.

Argument: Vote for Amanda and Steele. They will make BYU a more spiritual place with a highlight value each week, and they will make it so that students can become more involved @BYU.

Target Audience: BYU students that have not voted, but want to.
How is the argument made:

Ethos-They had very official looking banners and posters up, and they dressed very well (business attire). They could have done a little bit better if some of their handouts didn't have spelling errors...ooops.

Pathos-They wanted to appeal to the emotions of a very religious audience by talking about values, and their plans for having a value focussed on each week. They argued that they wanted everyone to have an active role in the goings on at BYU. Appeals to people who want to get involved, or who have opinions about their school. They were both out there in the courtyard shaking hands and trying to make things personal for potential voters.

Logos: They were all out there among the students, shaking hands and getting involved. If they care enough about students to get to know them, they will find a way for student voices to be heard-representation. This might have been some of the logic that people could have picked up if all of the other candidates were not doing the exact same things. I gues though, if students really wanted the chance to be heard and get more involved, they are already doing something about it. IE. voted, or they themselves are involved in the election.

Star criteria

Sufficient: Not a lot of proof, we had to take their word for it.

Typical: Yes

Accurate: Some of their claims or plans seemed a little unreachable, but overall, things were ok. I suppose most of it was accurate though, because he told me about the specific plans they had to put everything into action.

Relevent: Relevent in subject, argument, and audience.

Possible enthymemes for paper #2

Enthymeme 1: Increasing and standardizing incentives given by the federal government to private companies and landowners investigating windmill technology will make America more competitive in foreign markets, and will make America less dependent on traditional resources which are harmful to the environment.
*Yes, I am now noticing that this enthymeme will not really work.

Enthymeme 2: Increasing the incentives given by the federal government to companies investing in windmiss techinology will make the united States less dependent on traditional energy resources that are harmful to the environment because developing energy source companies will have the funding neeeded to start their own windfarms as well as the financial motivation to do so.
*Ok, I know it needs a little work, but it is a start.

Pros and cons for my argument.

Pros
-Traditional resources are running low. We need to investigate and take advantage of other resources.
-America has great wind power potential.
-No pollutant side effects.
-Many European countries very successful with this technology. We are falling behind.
-Later when we are forced to invest we will have to depend on other countries for supplies and technology. Better to take care of the issue now rather than try to catch up later. Preperation.

Con
-Expensive
-although windmills are clean sources of energy, there are pollutants involved with the construction of windmills.
-Other forms of energy are possibly more productive and efficient.
-Countries with windmill energy generally pay more.
-Standards of windmills-people putting up cheap useless ones just for the gov check.

*The motivation of profit vs. financial motivation (ability)

Audience ideas paper2

Potential audience #1

Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC)
Things I know about FERC
-Composed of up to five commissioners
-they serve five years
-Members: Jon Wellinghoff, Mar Spitzer, Wuedeen G, Kelly, Philip D. Mueller, chariman Joseph T Kelliner
-Appointed by the president of the United States (suggestions made by senate)
-Goals: Energy infrastructure, competitive markets, enforcement
-Responsible for PURPA 1978 and the revision of PURPA in 2005
-No more than three commissioners may be part of the same political party to avoid political pressure.
-FERC remains independent-decisions not reviewed by the President or congress.

Possible WATCO 1: Increasing federal government incentives for windmills on international competition and jobs in the united states.

Possible WATCO 2: Federal incentives for developing windmill techinology on U.S. dependence on traditional energy sources.

Other possible audiences: Landowners and farmers. Local communities, state government.

The Perfect Pony

Mom always said that what every little girl needs in her life is a good pony. A good pony will strengthen a girl's self esteem, give her confidence, and "babysit" her out on trail rides and jumping rounds. My perfect pony was a tiny fourteen hand welsh mare named "Juby."
One of my most memorable occasions on that little mare was when I was about nine-years old. Dad decided to go with Juby and me out on our "hack" around the property. The trail around the property also happened to be on the outside of a huge racetrack where they conditioned the young thoroughbreds. After our nice little walk, Juby and I trotted down the path towards the barn. Dad opted to jog beside us, after all, he wasn't a horse guy, and how fast could a pony go anyway?
Juby was a spirited little chunk, what one would call "a hot mount" on a good day, or as my trainers often called her, a "little ****" on a bad one. As soon as Juby heard the sounds of the horse galloping down the track beside her, she took off. She babysat me alright! She babysat me all the way down the path, and to the barn at a million miles an hour! Of course, being a stoic little child, I screamed bloody murder the whole way! The man on the track pulled his horse up and began hollering, "hang on little girl!" This happened to spook my pony even more, and she kicked it into a gear that none of us knew existed!
My dad of course ran after me to see if he could somehow stop the frantic pony, but he was left in the cloud of dust kicked up by tiny pony feet. I was of course still screaming as loud as ever, which did not turn out to be a very calming influence on the pony. Everyone ran out of the barn and tack store to see what sort of horror was taking place out in the parking lot. Juby of course was galloping to her stall; after all, it was feeding time! Unfortunately one must pass a very wide tree, and a scary truck ramp to get to the barn. Luckily Juby drug me through the tree (yes, through), rather than jumping us both off of the four foot ramp. We eventually scraped past the tree (literally) and into the small door of Juby's stall. This of course was all done in pony fifth gear (a.k.a faster than a pony should be physically able to run...EVER).
My dad (and ten people that heard me scream from inside the barn) found me a few minutes later, still on Juby's back, still bawling and spluttering. Juby of course had her nose in the grain bucket, happily, and ever so sweetly, munching oats. Juby's happy little victory was short lived however, because she was pulled out of her stall and "schooled" in the round pen by someone who weighed at least two times more than she did.
I went home that night scratched, dirty, and tear stained, but boy was I proud. "Mom! Guess what happened to me!" I told the story with the pride and swagger of a war vet, showing my little "scars" and bruises to all who would pay attention. Dad just stood there with a perplexed expression as mom joyously said, "and see Heidi, don't you feel good about yourself for overcoming that?" All I seem to remember is dad walking out of the room, muttering something that sounded like, "women and their damn horses! Ponies shouldn't be able to run that fast..."

What are the effects of drinking soda pop on an athlete's performance?
Drinking soda pop will weaken an athlete's performance because it causes shortness in breath.
A1 (I think)
Drinking soda pop will weaken an athletes performance because the carbonation within the drink causes shortness of breath.

What are the effects of lowering the drinking age on a youth's desire to drink alcohol?
Lowering the drinking age will decrease a youth's desire to drink alcohol because it will eliminate the "forbidden fruit" effect that is one of the main appeals of the substance.

What are the effects of making it illegal for parents to let their children (14 and under) watch more than two hours of television daily on the child obesity rate in America?
Making it illegal for parents to let their children (14 and under) watch more than two hours of television daily would drastically decrease the rate of child obesity in America because more children would spend time doing physical activities instead.

Concept Practice

-What are the effects of forcing all students at Brigham Young University take and pass a college course on money management?

Making it mandatory for all BYU students to take and pass a money management course before graduation would decrease the average amount of debt that graduates have because students would learn how to balance their funds and save.

-What are the effects of canceling all fine arts programs in public high schools on the overall level of core education?

Canceling all fine arts programs in public high schools would drop the overall level of core education because students would be less well rounded in able to apply their "core education" knowledge with their lives.

-What are the effects of not issuing drivers licenses to people until they have graduated from high school on the amount of students that graduate from high school?

Not issuing drivers licenses to people until they graduate from high school will increase the amounts of students that graduate because there will be increased incentive and motivation to do so.

Concept Practice

Article Analysis

Article Analysis
Article: Striking a Blow for Democracy in Asia
Author: Jeffrey S. Brand

If the United States discontinued their aid in human rights education in Cambodia, democracy would never have a chance to develop there because there would not sufficient support of an "educated populace."

Audience: People that are well educated and internationally aware. People involved in politics or work in foreign affairs. (Scholars, Politicians, those well studied in law). Seems like an American audience.

Ethos: Writer establishes credibility though the formal format of the article, seems as if it would be in a newspaper or special political publication. Backs up everything with a lot of information and facts. Uses a lot of specific examples and names-he comes off as being very knowledgeable concerning the subject. He is a professor in law, as well as head of Cambodia Law and Democracy Program (he knows his stuff about this issue).

Pathos: Works off of the generally accepted American idea that having/establishing democracy is worth all costs (almost to a moral extent, esp. when he describes dictator and "genocidal war." He states that "beneficiaries of such aid are not political parties vying for power but ordinary Cambodians seeking an education denied them by a genocidal war." This helps the audience to see the Cambodians as real people that are oppressed and deserving of all aid. Democracy and education are things that in American culture are seen as being very important for all people, and this writer is definitely taking this into consideration. A final use of pathos in the last paragraph when he brings out the irony of America pulling out aid (like America itself would be hindering democracy), and that it is a tragedy.

Logos: Presents a lot of facts, names, and background information that are presented in a way that allows the argument taken to seem very logical and just. Naturally Americans are supporters of education, freedom, and democracy, so accepting this article's argument is presented as being very logical when considering these values.

Sufficient: sufficient reasoning with credible proof.
Typical: seems to be a position that can be supported with generally accepted sources.
Accurate: Quality of sources seem to be fine, as well as claim and reasons.
Relevant: All the information provided seem to support main argument. Made it relevant to audience.

Effective: I as a reader was convinced. I do not know how much this article accomplished as far as actual change in American aid policy, but it at least educated its audience and made other educated people aware of the situation.

Somehow my creative writing always ends up as corny poems.



Haiku
Homework is not fun.
I would rather get some sleep.
I wake up early!



Lava Cakes

My roommate is a gourmet chef
which has greatly enriched my life.
Her chocolate lava cakes give me joy
great miracles of fork and knife.
She bakes such sugary wonders
of chocolate, sugar, and cream
but she likes to serve them late at night
so sleeping becomes an impossible dream.
I am tucked here in bed this late dark night
unable to slip into sleep
because I feel all of that lovely caffeine
in my veins continue to creep.
I wake up for school in the morning
with big dark bags under my eyes
tossing and turning, I did not sleep well
but with nighttime lava cakes thats hardly a surprise.


Technology

Technology is trying to kill me
I am sure of it everyday
words like "java," "download," and "gigabite"
sound naughty in every way.
My files always get deleted
the printer always seems to jam
and every time I check my e-mail
All I get is a bunch of spam.
Using power point is an absolute nightmare
while word processor can get quite sloppy
and please can someone tell me
how a disc can be considered a "floppy"
go to save, file, and print, for your paper
press Alt control F2 for the web link
hit the backspace three times, then stand on your head
see, it's easier than all of you think!

Here is a story that I wrote in Spanish. The grammar is terrible, but hey, it's creative!

Había un chico se llamaba Ricardo en una escuela en Nueve York. El vivía en una ciudad muy grande y llana con gente. Había gente de muchos países, y hablaban en varios idiomas y dialectos. Era muy común para oír estudiantes hablando en inglés y español en la misma conversación. Ricardo vivía en una parte de la cuidad que no era muy buena. Había mucha violencia y mucha gente que vivía en la pobreza.
Desde era niño, Ricardo tenía cinco amigos. Por los años sus amigos se hicieron miembros de una ganga. Muchas veces trataran a forzar a Ricardo hacer actividades con ellos, pero normalmente Ricardo nunca quería participar. Él era diferente que sus amigos, no le gustaba haciendo cosas ilegales. En realidad, prefería pasando tiempo en la escuela. Sintió seguro en la escuela porque él podía usar las computadoras, leer libros en la biblioteca, o jugar baloncesto en el gimnasio. Muchos de los profesores en la escuela nunca notado Ricardo. Él fue muy silencioso en todos de sus clases, y algunos profesores pensaron que él no sabía inglés. Los profesores conocerían los cinco amigos de Ricardo, y sabían sobre las actividades que hicieron, y por eso, los profesores no dieron Ricardo una oportunidad para hacer bien en sus clases o participar. Pensaron que él fracasaría, y no querían ayudarle. Entonces Ricardo era como un fantasma, invisible y flotando por todos de sus clases sin importancia para nadie.
La clase favorita de Ricardo era una clase de escribir. Durante esta clase Ricardo escribiría poemas, diarios, y cuentas. Las palabras le encantaron. Escribió de su vida, su familia, sus pensamientos, y como cambiaría el mundo si sea posible. Siempre hacía todo el trabajo para la clase, pero nunca la entregaba. Las cosas que escribió durante la clase tuvieron mucho valor para Ricardo, y nunca quería compartir su trabajo con alguien, especialmente un profesor, que no se lo preocupa.
Normalmente Ricardo fue satisfecho con estas experiencias en escuela, pero un día algo pasado que cambiaría su normal papel en la clase para siempre. El profesor Jackson anunció que habría una competición en la escuela, con el premio de cinco mil dólares en fondos para ir a universidad después la escuela secundaria. Para ganar las estudiantes necesitarían escribir una composición sobre sus propias vidas, y que significa para ser americano. Para entrar la competición las estudiantes necesitaron escribir sus nombres en el documento en la mesa de Profesor Jackson.
Ricardo le gustó la idea, y después la clase esperó para todos los estudiantes irse. Después todos los estudiantes habían salido, Ricardo habló al profesor en voz baja.
— ¿Profesor, donde está la lista, creo que voy a tratar de hacer esta competición?—le dijo. El profesor estaba boquiabierto, nunca había oído la voz de Ricardo.
— ¡Hablas inglés!—dijo el profesor con una voz de sorpresa.
—Pues, si. — contestó Ricardo. —Tengo una idea para la competición, y quiero participar. ¿Por favor, donde está la lista?—
El Profesor recuperó su voz y preguntó— ¿estás seguro? Es muy difícil para ganar una competición como este. Yo sé que tú eres parte de ese grupo de chicos que siempre aterrorizan este escuela, y creo que los juez de la competición no querrá que oír que quieras decir. — La voz del profesor tembló con rabia, y Ricardo no entendió la razón por qué.
Sin palabra, Ricardo se fue. —Si el profesor no va a ayudarme, voy a hacer algo yo mismo. — Pensó Ricardo por afuera del aula. Él decidió esperar desde la práctica para el equipo de fútbol, porque él sabía que Profesor Jackson era en cargo de este deporte, y no estaría en el aula durante este tiempo. Por fin el profesor fue a la práctica, y Ricardo entrado el aula. ¡Lo vi! El documento en la mesa de su profesor. Muy rápidamente Ricardo escribió su nombre en letras pequeños. A partir de ahora soy participante en esta competición, no necesito el permiso del profesor.
Por el resto de la semana, y dos más después, Ricardo trabajó en su composición. A veces él escribió algo perfectamente, pero había otras veces donde necesitaba escribir partes de la composición muchas veces. Mientras los otros estudiantes recibieron ayuda de los profesores, la composición de Ricardo fue un secreto. Nadie sabía que él estaba escribiendo una composición. Ricardo quería ganar, pero sin la ayuda de otros. Esta composición fue muy importante para él, y representó algo personal, una expresión de independencia.
Por fin todos los estudiantes entregaron sus composiciones, y Ricardo, muy cuidadosamente, puso su composición en el parte inferior del montón de las otras composiciones.
Después tres semanas de esperando para los resultados de la competición, el profesor Jackson recibió una sobre con el composición del ganador. Enfrente de toda la clase el profesor abrió la sobra, y leyó el nombre que vio. Su cara tuvo una expresión de sorpresa.
--El ganador es…es Ricardo Hernández. —Dijo en voz baja. —Por favor ven aquí y acepta tu premio.
Ricardo anduvo ala frente de la clase y tomó el sobre del profesor. —Gracias profesor. Hmmmm. ¿Creo que hice bien sin hablando inglés no?—Y con eso, Ricardo regresó a su silla sin otra palabra.

concept practice

What are the effects of harsher punishments for rule breaing high school students on classroom control?

-Harsher punisments for rule breaking high school students will increase productivity in classrooms because students will be more directly affected by the consequences of their actions.

What are the effects of making talking of cell phones illegal while driving on the safety of public roads?

-Making talking on cell phones illegal while driving will improve the safety on public roads by eliminating distractions for drivers.

What are the effects of not eating breakfast before school have on student grades?

-Not eating breakfast before school will make it more difficult for students to get good grades because they will not have sufficient energy or focus.

Because technology hates me I am unable to post my advertisement. Sorry about that.
1. Argument: You need a better job NOW and this specific company is the best way to find one.
2. Target audience: Young to middle-aged working class people. People that do not have the credentials or means to find an ideal job on their own. People in the run of the mill seceratary or diner/coffee shop jobs (minimum wage), and want to do something more with their lives--they are afraid of becoming stuck.
3. How the argument is made.
Ethos: Very official working logo. Advertisement depicts someone that the audience can relate to, and therefore trust (same type as those in the target audience). Advertisements are displayed on ATMs, therefore gaining credibility because of the company/ bank of the ATM itself (if you trust the bank, you will probably trust the ad that it carries on its machines).
Pathos: With the slogan "life is too short for the wrong job" paired with the people "stuck" inside the machines gives audience the feeling that those workers are trapped. They are shown to be in a very small working space filled with clutter and they look miserable. Because people can easily relate to the people in the ads (typical mid. class workers in very typical work settings, just exaggerated), they can equate these visuals with their own work situation. The ad seems to be saying that if you don't get out of your job now, and find a new one with us, your life will be over before you know it, wasted. This is playing on people's natural desire for freedom and being able to have what they want. Nobody wants to stay in a job that is so akin to a prison (or that could be depicted so much like one).
Logos: People don't live forever, and it does not seem like a worthwhile way of living to have a job that is as cramped and as prison like as these. The only way to be happy is to get rid of the job that is sucking away your life and completely unenjoyable, and allow the company to find yo a job that is not only all around a better job, but the right job for you. Logically people can see simularities between their jobs and the jobs depicted (any seceratarial-desk jobs or restaruant jobs).
4. This advertisement is effective because it represents characters that seem trustworthy, and seem like the average blue collar worker-characters that our target audience can connect with. Also, these ads are placed on vending machines and ATMs that are often found in work places, and generally used by the middle working class. The intended audience has prime exposure to the ads within their own "terrible workplace," therefore the personal connections are more easilly made. These ads are also effective because they are creative and stand out. They are a little ironic, and people are always having to do a double take when they see them. The small size of the working place and the clutter add kind of a desperation, like the person is trapped, and they are wasting their time stuck inside of the vending machine (aka. terrible job) when they could just allowed their lives to be saved with the job finding company advertised.
*I understand that my analysis might be a little tricky to understand unless you get to see it, so I am going to go ahead and e mail it to you. For some reason I just can't get the picture to load onto the blog.