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.