TOW #13: "The Obama Selfie-Face-Gate", Lauren Collins

A couple of weeks ago, the world lost one of the most influential leaders that it has ever seen. On December 5, 2013, Nelson Mandela, president of South Africa, died. Since his death, a lot of news media has been focusing on him and his many innovations toward society. Recently though, the attention has not been completely on Mandela. At his memorial service, there was a photo taken of Barack Obama, with two other world leaders, snapping a "selfie." Although this type of picture seems to be commonplace in America now, it became a big deal when the president of the United States was taking one, especially at such a somber occasion. The most talked about part of this whole matter? Michelle Obama's face, and the "story" behind the photo. In her blog post, "The Obama Selfie-Face-Gate," Lauren Collins addresses the media attention on this popular picture. Many commentators looked into the character of the Danish prime minister, Helle Thorning-Schmidt, who was seen in the photo with Obama. One of the things that was dug up about her was that she enjoys watching the American show "Sex and the City." This popular show has captivated many viewers over time, so it is not surprising that Thorning-Schmidt likes it, but reporters tried to attack her with this information because it is considered a racy show. To counter this, Collins states that "Celine Dion, Harry Styles, Julian Fellowes, Marina Abramović, and Antonin Scalia" are also fans. That does not make them any worse of people. The media tried to portray the prime minister as a temptation for Obama, and attempted to create a story where he was flirting with her, while his wife was off to the side, jealous. After all of this, Collins asks, "why the presumption...?" What makes everyone feel the need to assume there is a scandal. Michelle Obama is not smiling in the picture with the other three, but as Collins states in her closing, "sometimes a woman who doesn't smile is just thinking about something else." Her turned face does not mean she disapproves or is jealous. That is just what people chose to interpret it is. Maybe it was not the most appropriate time for this shot, but that does not make it the scandal that the media has been trying to create. The idea "that Barack Obama was flirting with Thorning-Schmidt, and that Michelle Obama was mad about it" is "juvenile." I believe that rather than broadcasting news on a selfie of the president, the media should pay more attention to what the memorial was actually about. Mandela, and all that he did for South Africa and the world.

David Cameron, Helle Thorning-Schmidt, Barack Obama, and Michelle Obama

http://www.newyorker.com/online/blogs/newsdesk/2013/12/obama-selfie-face-gate.html

TOW #12: In My Brother's Image, Eugene L. Pogany (IRB)

The book, In My Brother's Image, by Eugene L. Pogany, is very powerfully written. Since it is a memoir, it is written in the style of a story, and Pogany is able to utilize devices such as imagery and other figurative language. At the very beginning of the book, the two young boys are running through a church. Pogany describes it as an "awe-inspiring sanctuary, sheathed in red marble and gilt...line with magnificent statues of saints, angels, and kings, larger-than-life somber paintings of the crucified Christ, and four enormous central columns, supporting a domed cupola that rises to where heaven meets earth" (2). Normally, squeezing all of this detail into one sentence would be too much, but this author seems to create a strong and descriptive sentence that is perfect for the book. The church that the boys are in is obviously crucial to the story, being a center of religious meeting. The book continues to have religion as a theme, following the conflicts that the boys discover regarding their worship choices. The event in the chapel also represents how close the twin brothers are. In their childhood, they seemed to be inseparable. This detail is important when readers see how their relationship develops through the book. Twins are said to have a special bond, stronger and closer than normal brothers and sisters. With this in mind, I believe that it will be interesting to continue reading and see what happens. Although they do everything together, it is clear that the brothers have distinct differences. On page 3, there is a scene where Gyuri wants to go and investigate behind the altar, while Miklós is scared to. This juxtaposition of the two characters creates a necessary difference between them. It shows the reader that one is adventurous, while one is more timid. It allows the audience to see that they are not exactly alike, despite the fact that they are twins. So far I really am enjoying this book. I am not fully sure of the message Pogany is attempting to send, but I think that it has a lot to do with family values and relationships. As boys, Gyuri and Miklós have a very strong relationship, but it is not clear yet what will happen when they grow up. I am very excited to keep reading and find out!

http://blog.hdrshooter.net/2013/02/19/more-from-the-basilica/

TOW #11: AIN'T NOBODY GOT TIME FO DAT

http://nikkisho.blogspot.com/2013/02/aint-nobody-got-time-for-that-blogger.html

 

With all of the possibilities that the Internet provides, it isn't a surprise that parody pictures and amusing e-cards quickly pop up. Some people, that have plenty of time and the knack for graphic design, have enjoyed creating humorous memes, that entertain bored computer viewers. The Internet memes, such as "Socially Awkward Penguin" and "Bad-Luck Brian," have become so popular that they are now a part of the recent technology-age culture.When most people hear the names, they immediately think of the memes they encompass, and the memorable picture that appears on each one. One of the most popular memes among Internet users is the "Ain't Nobody Got Time Fo Dat" meme. The meme quotes a women that was interviewed after a fire in her apartment in Oklahoma City. It is amazing how fast these words went viral, and how famous they became. This is now a common phrase, that you can hear many people reference in their everyday lives. It is posted in response to other people on Facebook and Tumblr. It is a tiny piece of pop culture that has sprouted from the Internet. Through the use of block white letters, outlined in black, this image clearly gets the message across to reader. Nobody has time for that. Also, by choosing this frozen photo of "Sweet Brown," viewers can really feel the emotion that this lady has invested in her words. A fire has just destroyed her home, and she is obviously distraught. The emotional expression on her face, mixed with the almost disconnected words, create the humor. The back story is not even necessary for users of the meme. Depending of the context of the situation, this image can have a completely new meaning, which is the beauty of the Internet. This picture has reached global audience, making this virtually unknown woman a star of the web. Personally, this is one of my favorite Internet memes, and I still laugh when I see it paired with other images or stories. Memes are still growing, becoming an even larger phenomenon, so if you don't like this one, there are many others that you can search, that just might bring a smile to your face. :)

TOW #10: The National Dog Show, returning to NBC on Thanksgiving, reminds us why dogs are the best pets, David Hinckley

When most people hear Thanksgiving, they think of a large meal, fun parades, and football. Along with those holiday staples, my mind jumps to the National Dog Show that is aired every year on Thanksgiving Day. Lat year, I went to the actual show, when they were taping it, because I have a strong interest in dogs and dog showing. Having had a dog (or two) for my entire life, I also know a lot on the subject. In a recent article, "The National Dog Show, returning to NBC on Thanksgiving, reminds us why dogs are the best pets," author, David Hinckley writes about the popular show, and shares his high opinion on dogs. Hinckley opens the article up with a statistic on the actual viewings. Apparently over 20 million Americans sit down to enjoy the show, which shows the sprawling fan base that dogs have. He uses this fact to lead readers into his main argument. That dogs are the overall best pets a person could have. Throughout the article, he compares the attributes and characteristics of dogs to those of a cat. Hinckley states that, "...your dog wants you to feel better...you cat doesn't care" (par. 12-13). The obvious choice for potential pet-owners is a dog based on this support. Everyone wants to be cared for, so by saying this, the author elevates dogs in readers' minds. Hinckley builds his argument and audience by stating that "...dogs were twerking before Miley Cyrus was born" (par. 8). This pop cultural reference to the famous singer creates a connection, whether negative or positive, with readers. It gives the article more of a humorous tone, which made it more interesting to read. He also makes a connection to the film, "The Godfather," which further bridges the gap between him and his readers. The intended audience seems to be people who already adore dogs and annually watch this dog show, along with people who are just hearing about the show for the first time this year. I love dogs, so I personally did not need to be convinced, but I believe that David Hinckley's article was both funny and persuasive. I agree with him fully, dogs are the best pets.

http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/tv-movies/dogs-best-pets-article-1.1520968

http://www.pawnation.com/2010/11/25/national-dog-show-group-winners/

TOW #9: "Is everyone on their cell phone now?" Bill Flick

When walking outside today, cell phones can be seen glued to the hands of people all around. In stores, restaurants, gyms, even movie theaters, everyone is stuck with their eyes reflecting glowing screens. These devices are often noted as evidence of great technology innovation, but the obsession is also frequently addressed as a growing problem. In the article "Is everyone on their cell phone now?," author Bill Flick uses anecdotes to portray his opinion on the overuse of cell phones. Flick's first story takes place in a Target store, which is a very popular chain that many people have shopped at before. By using this setting, along with his complaint on the shoppers' phones, he creates a connection with his audience. The intended audience seems to be mostly Americans, due to the fact that cell phones are becoming a normal addition to the American culture. Everyone can relate to this, whether they are avid cell users (realizing they need to cut back), or people who have witnessed the lack of actually face to face talking. After that example, Flick mentioned a car accident that he had seen, which was caused because of texting. This example appeals to pathos because of the danger the cell phone created. This makes readers feel angry and upset, because the phone indirectly put somebody's life in danger. His use of rhetorical questioning causes readers to reflect on their own use of phones. "Are we all so busy now that we don’t have any other time to talk on the phone, except when we’re busy doing something else?" This is a very important question to consider. Do people need to be shopping and talking? Driving and texting? This multitasking is rude, let alone dangerous. Flick makes sure to add a statement at the end, saying that he is "as guilty as the next who feels pushed for time." By saying this, the author creates more credibility for himself, almost as if saying, "I am human too, I make mistakes." This article made me rethink how much time I spend on my phone, when I could, and am, doing other things. I believe that that is what Flick was trying to do, inspire readers to do a self-reflection. After reading, I know that I will be more aware when I am glued to my phone.

http://blog.heartland.org/2012/11/wireless-taxes-and-fees-continue-to-rise/

http://www.pantagraph.com/blogs/flick/flick-is-everyone-on-their-cell-phone-now/article_c258e6b6-4bd5-11e3-9446-0019bb2963f4.html

IRB Intro Post: 2nd Marking Period

For the second marking period, I have chosen to read the book, In My Brother's Image, by Eugene L. Pogany. My mom suggested it to me (like the last one), and it looks like it will be very interesting. It is about twin brothers living in Hungary during the Holocaust, and the decisions that separate them. I have read a few other memoirs about similar topics, but this one seems like it will be different, because each brother chooses a different path. One becomes a Catholic priest, the other is put into a concentration camp. The book seems to follow the brothers' relationship from their childhood. The author is the son of one of the brothers, so I believe that the point of view will be very different compared to the view of a non-relative.

TOW #8: A Walk in the Woods, Bill Bryson (IRB)

Bill Bryson's memoir A Walk in the Woods is so good. He finds a way to engage readers even as he rattles on about details that would normally put them to sleep. On page 90, he goes into detail about the National Park Service. He says that they have "something of a tradition of making things extinct" (90). He then goes into detail, giving facts and numbers about species extinctions. Rather than just stating the facts, Bryson introduces them with humor and irony. With a name like the National Park Service, it would not be expected that the organization hurts nature. Maybe they don't. But approaching the situation from this side, Bryson is able to pull readers in, because audiences want to hear his opinion, after his sweeping statement. Along with the National Park Service, Bill Bryson shares his low opinion of seemingly all nature organizations. He brings up facts and logistics, which prove his point that these associations actually do a lot of harm to nature that "survived in Bryce Canyon for tens of millions of years before the Park Service took and interest in them" (90). On page 91 though, he is quick to dispute this assumption saying that he, "never met a ranger who wasn't cheerful, dedicated, and generally well informed" (91). It is the actually organization that he has an issue with. Bryson's figurative language makes readers feel a connection to the novel. The author writes, "Katz was scrabbling around on his hands and knees, as if trying to pass for a mouse himself..." (96). By reading about the stupid things that Katz and Bryson do, the reader has a ton more to relate to. I definitely know there have been moments where I have done something like this in the many times that I have gone camping. I still believe that Bryson's purpose is to highlight all aspects of trail life. There is the good, the bad, the funny. And anybody that has gone camping or hiking knows that all those aspects truly are there. I would not limit readers to just seasoned campers and hikers, but I do believe that those people are better able to relate to Bryson's anecdotes. I really enjoy reading these book, and I believe that is has provided much more insight on camping than what I previously had. I am looking forward to reading some of Bill Bryson's other books, due to his humorous style.

A Walk in the Woods, by Bill Bryson

TOW #7: Tommy Hilfiger Fall 2013 Ad

http://www.wwd.com/media-news/fashion-memopad/tommy-hilfiger-gets-preppy-for-fall-ads-7068843/slideshow#/slideshow/article/7068843/7068883

While flipping through recent editions of Vogue magazine, the sight of fashionable and extravagant advertisements are not out of the ordinary. Marc Jacobs, Calvin Klein, and Chanel are all veterans when it comes to gracing the glossy pages. Another fashion icon with his fair share of ad space is Tommy Hilfiger. Each year, his line holds the hottest "preppy" trends, the clothes that are only associated with boarding-school students and Hampton housewives. With this ad, the marketing team devised a clever theme, one that makes each model on the page specific type of person. There is the "A Student", the "Social Chair", and the "Lucky Break." These, and the other five models, represent the ideals. His trend-aware audience already knows that the Tommy Hilfiger brand is high end, so by portraying this wealthy attitude in his ad, it creates the desire to be these characters. To become the girl that gets straight A's and wears Hilfiger. These eight people symbolize the elites to envy. Also, the ad has an unspoken ethos from the get-go. The designer is already well-known and has a large audience and market. Some of these outfits would be tacky and out-of-place on a regular day, but by knowing that the clothes are designer, the effect becomes more artistic. These styles are unique and fresh, and with the attached label, people have the desire to rock every one. Also, as is the case with most ads, every model is flawless, and all grouped together, they create one beautiful, picturesque family. Those that are familiar with his previous advertisements have seen this family before, usually sporting reds and dark blues, with a dog by their sides. The coats and sweaters tell viewers that this is for his fall collection, and each piece is described in the tiny text, making it easier for audiences to pick out exactly what they want. This ad was expertly crafted by the designer, and his marketing team, and is a great way to display the new Tommy Hilfiger collection.