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