Documentary: World's Scariest Drug Post 2

            Although it sometimes may not seem so, humans are extremely desirable beings that, more often than not, follow strong instincts to do something regardless of danger. This applies both to the scopolamine use in World’s Scariest Drug as well as the way people communicate today. We are sociable beings that thrive upon communicating and interacting with others. We look to convenience and speed, two things that technology has granted us. This comes with the changes that modes of communication have gone through to give us precisely those.

            This documentary came from the production of VICE, which calls itself “The Definitive Guide to Enlightening Information”. The topic of the documentary was a dangerous and deadly drug. Although it is obvious that money was invested into this project, the fact that this documentary was a viral video made it possible for this to be put into, rather than rejected for a more “clean” or “noble” topic should it have been made a larger production movie or film. This use of viral videos that are free (all that’s needed is the internet) reflects societal “common media”. Throughout history, the medium through which most people communicated changed with increases in technology. Early history reveals the popularity of first oral exchange of tales and information, which then led to letters, television, and now the Internet through which email, videos, and especially social networking have come about.

            Society was reflected doubly throughout the documentary, both in information provided as well as the rhetorical devices used. As Duffy (the director and main person in the documentary) traveled around Bogota, Colombia, viewers noticed how cars constantly lined the streets, how quickly Duffy gathered information about “the Devil’s Breath”, and even how there was certainly no shortage of brothels in Bogota. The best phrase to describe this content would be “fast-paced”. This idea also manifests itself in the presentation of this material and its medium. As a viral video, anyone (who is above a certain age given the restrictions it has placed) can access the video with simply a click. Thus, society (and people’s) desire to have convenience and speed can be found in the way we communicate with one another.

            This new modern form of communication, through videos and easily accessed online media, have given individuals new options to add and change rhetorical devices that individuals have at their disposal. Through use of visual and video, Duffy incorporated many more elements into his “story”. The colors, music, and even identity protection of certain individuals in the film all demonstrated how it was EASIER to express his ideas through rhetoric. There also was little confusion or deviation. Compared to books and story-telling, which requires an active role for the listener or reader to create the world that is being described, videos can literally “show, not tell”. Which is a good thing, because if a picture is worth a thousand words, then what does a video make?

Documentary: The World's Scariest Drug Post 1

1. World’s Scariest Drug (Documentary Exclusive). Dir. Ryan Duffy. Perf. Ryan Duffy. VICE, 2012. Film.

The world of drugs has always been a disturbing place, but it seems that the “new” scopolamine has brought a new, frightening level to the possibility of drug-related crimes. Known as “The Devil’s Breath” in Colombia, scopolamine is a drug similar to rohypnol, also known as “rufies”, in that it removes memory of an incident after using drug, but more chillingly, the victim remains him/herself. The victim is still awake and conscious; however, he or she is subject to the whims of any suggestion without resistance. Ryan Duffy of VICE goes to Bogota, Colombia to learn more about “the Devil’s Breath” in the cocaine capital of the world.

2.

Duffy, the director and main person in the documentary, explores the dark and dangerous streets of Bogota, Colombia. His growing apprehension and suspicion of the horrors surrounding scopolamine manifest themselves in the myriad of rhetorical devices used.  To explain most of the conflicts, Duffy utilizes voiceover and describes Colombia and its troubles, referring to it as “the cocaine capital of the world”. Through actually a rather straightforward script, Duffy makes the story all the more chilling; his blunt assessments do not attempt to hide the stories surrounding scopolamine. He constantly foreshadows to the next event, keeping viewers engaged and further perturbed by this “Devil’s Breath”.

            The lighting of “World’s Scariest Drug” also plays a role in telling the story. Almost the entire documentary is shot in low light or near darkness; even the happier scenes such as eating in fancy restaurants is done by candlelight and large shadows. Use of limited lighting depicts a both literally and figuratively “shady” world surrounding scopolamine. The only exception to this is when Duffy and the rest of his team is inspecting and observing the scopolamine plant, the Borrachero Tree. Perhaps this rhetorical choice was made to depict the natural origins as seemingly harmless when in reality it is a dangerous plant, increasing the deception that is the theme of using scopolamine.

            The parts of the documentary that quite literally spoke the greatest volume were the victim (and chillingly user-against-others) testimonies. Several rhetorical devices all served to add to the potency of these portions and added to the message that scopolamine wasn’t merely a strong drug: it was equivalent to death and total loss of control. Captions were provided when the people spoke in their native Colombian. Camera angles often directed it so that the viewers were looking directly at the faces of those speaking, but the speakers were looking off to the side or someone else. They were always close-ups, but sometimes the faces were blurred for identity protection. All of this emphasized the logical conclusion that you don’t even want to mess with this drug. The native languages, having the speakers not look at the camera, and sometimes having blurred faces combine to create a sense of distance and lack of believability. Even Duffy describes the stories as “camp fire horror stories you’d hear when you were younger”. However, viewers suddenly and rather forcefully come to the conclusion that all of this is real when it dawns upon them that those are actual people who have lived and survived through the terrible experience. The manner (either fearful, cold-blooded, or simply still confused) in which the recorded Colombians described their experiences with the drug leave no room for doubt: scopolamine is equivalent to death: if not physical, then a dying of emotional and mental capabilities.

3rd MP Independent Reading: Sections 2 and 3

                To finish up the third marking period, I decided to finish the remaining two sections of my IR Lord of the Flies by William Golding for my Article of the Week. In a dramatic and harrowing conclusion to the boys’ steady fall into anarchy, Golding displays the powerful theme of that inherent in every human being is an evil and primal urge for violence: that within each individual is the Lord of the Flies.

                The use of character and the sense of character development are integral in Golding’s interpretation of this theme. Standing as antitheses of one another are Ralph and Jack. Throughout the story, Ralph stands as the natural leader who adheres to civilization and community, as well as the remaining source of “reality” many of the boys on the island have. On the opposite spectrum of rationality and civilization stands Jack, whose desire for power and authority drive him to savagery, whose willingness to torture and use of manipulation to control the other boys makes him a model of innate evil within each person. Where Golding’s theme of evil manifests into the story is when Ralph, Piggy, and other supposedly more rational children also similarly engage in violent rituals of primal actions and even kill another individual, Simon. That all of the boys, even Ralph himself, become more and more violent as time carries on implies that eventually the evil within each individual cannot be avoided and always comes out.

                The most important symbol that plays the largest role in Lord of the Flies are the “Beast” and the actual “Lord of the Flies”. Golding, though portraying Jack as the primary antagonist against Ralph, writes the story to note that the unnamed “Beast” is the center of all the problems that sprout between the boys on the island. First interpreted as a large snake, this concept of the beast (as it does remain a concept for a long time) feeds the paranoia and fear of the island boys. The turning point of the story is when, at night, Ralph, Jack, and Roger (who is similar to Jack) see a shadowy silhouette and hears flapping. Running away in terror, they are convinced that the beast actually exists, when it is simply the body of a dead parachutist who fell upon the island when his plane was attacked. Simon, who is often considered to be even a Jesus-like figure in this novel, realizes this fact but is then killed when he attempts to tell the other children, who are engaged in their frightening rituals. This means that the “beast” that all the boys have been fearing for so long is actually nothing but their own instincts and fear, that they manipulate the world around them to fit their frights and perceptions. The beast is the manifestation of their innate evils.

Geico Commercials: Rhetorical Question

                Commercials fill our daily lives with essentially structured arguments that attempt us to purchase or use certain products. To do this, companies use humorous ways to ensure that we as customers remember them. The Geico Car Insurance Commercials are no exception. Through use of constant rhetorical questions and warrants, they firmly establish that we shouldn’t even have to ask or question whether or not “switching to Geico could save us 15% or more on car insurance”.

                The video presents a series of several Geico commercials that have the same individual (who appears to be the first James Bond) walking up to the camera from a simple backdrop, and asking that same question: “Could switching to Geico really save you 15% or more on car insurance?” He then proceeds to draw an analogy to this, following up this question with one involving something ridiculous or famous, such as “Does Charlie Daniels play a mean fiddle?” or “Did the Waldens take way too long to say goodnight?” The scene then switches to one proving the validity of the previous statement in an obviously exaggerated and blown up form, and then (usually with a humorous overtone or implication) the commercial restates that switching to Geico really can save you 15% or more on car insurance”.

                As mentioned earlier, these commercials created for the general public and those who need car insurance have within each a basic Toulmin structure for argument. For example, the claim is that switching to Geico saves you 15% or more on car insurance. The ground for this is that this saving of money is as true and obvious as, say, Charlie Daniels being good at the fiddle. The warrant to back these grounds and claim is that there is no doubt that Charlie Daniels plays a mean fiddle, and thus connects back to the claim and warrant.

The Onion: Best Part of Gay 12-Year-Old's Day Half Hour Spent Eating Lunch Alone on Staircase

                In the world of news reporting and journalism, The Onion presents the necessary comedic relief from the often drowning styles and intimidating amount of content that there is in the news. It is also known to take unusual or controversial stances on topics and makes them lighthearted and almost always inappropriate to some degree. The Onion’s “Best Part of Gay 12-Year Old’s Day Half Hour Spent Eating Lunch Alone on Staircase” is no exception to this trend.

                The article gives a special report on the daily habits and interests of gay seventh grader Ben McElroy. After being incessantly tormented for his high voice and feminine traits, Ben says his favorite part of the day is when he gets to sit by himself, alone, on a staircase. The Onion examines his habits that he displays throughout that half hour lunch, including humming to himself for several minutes, and laying out his lunch so that he can move through it piece by piece, a ritual that he carries out with much greater ease now that he is in his solitude.

                What always makes The Onion a joy to read is that its content and rhetoric go hand in hand, yet the topic itself is so absurd and treated so seriously that it adds greatly to the humor rhetoric present in the article. By using traditional methods of journalism, such as citing statistics and pulling quotes from the center of the article, but then applying it in ways that undermine the seriousness of the article are trademarks of this satirical news source. For example, The Onion cites that Ben has “been called a faggot 43 times this month”. The specificity with which such a statistic is stated usually is given only to “important” articles. When pulling quotes from Ben, The Onion writes how Ben states “I’d come here on weekends if they’d let me”. Such specific yet obviously ridiculous aspects of this article add to the humorous rhetoric of The Onion.

Chevy SuperBowl Ad: "Happy Grad"

                An integral application of rhetoric is in today’s advertising. A synthesis of both visual and textual/audio rhetoric, television ads surprisingly enough provide basic arguments that are effective because of their comedic nature. Chevy’s “Happy Grad” is no exception to this.

                The scene consists of parents congratulating their son on graduation. The gift they had given their son (based on the bow on it) was a mini-refrigerator; however, an ironically parked Chevy Camaro right next to it gives the son the impression that his parents had given him the yellow Camaro as a gift.  In total exultation and celebration, the son explodes in happiness as he tells random people, his friends, and even marries supposedly his girlfriend in what he declares, crying, as “the best day of his life”. During all of this, the parents patiently wait to tell him, believing that his craze will eventually die down as it just seems to heighten. The commercial ends when we watch a Mr. Johnston drive off in the Camaro that actually belongs to him. The graduate looks to his parents in total, comically extreme shock.

                By rhetorically analyzing “Happy Grad” for argument, we find the basic structure of Toulmin within this advertisement. The major claim of this advertisement is that if you buy your graduate a Chevy Camaro for graduation, he will go insane with happiness. This is backed by the grounds provided in the advertisement: Chevy suggests that your sons or daughters will too blow up with happiness upon receiving a Chevy Camaro. The grounds and claim are put under a rather sketchy warrant, but one that is humorous because of it. The warrant states that graduates and most likely people in general will go berserk if they were to receive a Chevy Camaro as a gift. 

IRB: Lord of the Flies Reading Section 1

                The first four chapters of Lord of the Flies presented an overarching theme of premonition and tension. William Golding makes it clear to us that the fragile bonds and friendships created by characters within the story are about to sever, and violently at that.

                The two strongest elements of rhetoric and fiction that Golding expands upon are character and setting. Upon the island that the British boys land on, the two leaders of them emerge as Jack and Ralph. From a rhetorical and fictional standpoint, the two boys are foils of one another. Jack, as the leader of the choir boys, represents irrational action, drive, exhilaration, and living in the moment. This is best displayed when he foils their chance of rescue by not having the signal fire up (as it was his duty to) while a boat passed by; he was too busy hunting a pig, a violent act he glorifies in a macabre way. On the opposite spectrum stands Ralph. As the (un)official leader of them all, he presents (as also backed by Piggy, an intelligent fat boy who despite Ralph’s thoughts is actually very important to him) rationality, calm action, wisdom, and natural leadership skills that depend upon respect and not fear. This connects to the theme of breaking bonds and friendships because the readers clearly see that as time passes, the distance between these two leaders are increasing and suggest the possibility of separation.

                Setting is also important to Golding in Lord of the Flies. The entire premise of the story centers on a group of young boys (who, as British, are supposed to be more civilized) who crash land upon a deserted island and must fend for themselves. An integral part of the setting is the isolation that leaves the boys alone, and with it, fear. Created first by a young boy on the island, there is a mental fear of what is known as the “beastie”. It starts as a simple myth, of an unusually large snake that prowls the forests of the island, but as time progresses and the boys start realizing the dangers surrounding their life on the island, becomes a more tangible fear, particularly among the “littluns”, children under the age of 6. This fear is eventually used by Jack to his advantage, as this irrationality fits perfectly with his symbolism and representation of the savage that exists in all men, even children.

BBC Meet the Artist: Alexander Vedernikov

                In 2009, Russian conductor Alexander Vedernikov left his position as music director at the Bolshoi Theatre of Russia, claiming that it was placing bureaucratic interests before art interests. Three years later, he is now conducting the English Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra. BBC Music Magazine journalist Elizabeth Davis conducted an interview of Vedernikov before a concert not a short while ago. This “Meet the Artist” interview of Alexander Vedernikov presents a specific rhetoric aimed towards those classically educated or at the very least knowledgeable on Russian composers.

                As with all musicians, Vedernikov has certain opinions on how different types and styles of symphonic music should be played. Throughout the interview, Davis analyzes how Vedernikov is influenced by things such as his nationality, experience with different orchestras, and even the composers of the music. For example, when Davis asked Vedernikov to compare English and Russian orchestras, Vedernikov notes that because the bulk of his performances are from Russian composers, generally the Russian orchestras should be more advanced (obviously) in Russian music- “if they are technically skilled enough”. However, Vedernikov also comments that since arriving to England, he believes that the English are also very technically skilled, and although do not have the knowledge Russian orchestras do on Russian music, they are “very smart- if you have told them something once about one section, they’re able to extrapolate that to other things”.

                Because this was an interview in BBC’s “Meet the Artist” section of the Music Magazine, Davis used specific rhetoric that directly relates to interviews. For example, it is safe to assume that the ethos of Vedernikov is both built up and assumed throughout the interview. Davis provides that Vedernikov was already famous for leaving the Bolshoi Theatre in Russia, and the interview just adds more dimensions to the already well-known conductor. Intended for readers of BBC Music Magazine or simply just classical music adherents, this article certainly was able to achieve its purpose of informing the world a little more about the man who left his home country to pursue his passion.

Cartoon: "Aiee They Got Frank!" (Calvin and Hobbes)

                 In light of analyzing fiction and particularly visual fiction, a cartoon seemed to be the ideal topic for this week’s AOW. Because Calvin and Hobbes stands as a testament to the greatness of comic strips, this strip, drawn by Bill Watterson, is not only one that brings a smile to a reader’s face but also, for Watterson, serves as a medium for delivering his opinions on what normally would be sensitive issues.

                The scene opens up on a typical office setting, where this general setting is quickly made fictional in an instance of role reversal; a group of deer (one of them ironically named “Bamb”) carrying hunting rifles violently shoot and kill an office worker. The comic then displays how this rather unusual depiction is actually the brainchild of Calvin, who, as the smart aleck he is, essentially implies that in the future it will be necessary to do some “thinning of the herds”. Watterson ends this strip with Calvin’s parents dejectedly accepting a (yet another) parent-teacher conference.

                Rhetorically, as both a cartoon and medium for discussion, this Calvin and Hobbes strip stands out as an example of the power of visual rhetoric. What immediately is noticed by the reader is that if one were to take out the “comic” aspect of this, it depicts a violently shot man by angry deer, and a possibly mental child who has consistently displayed similar negative tendencies. What is ironically so powerful about cartoons is how simple and lighthearted they are. Because of “cute” pictures and the notion that Calvin is a smart aleck, Watterson can make a bold statement to readers of usually newspapers and comic strip collections about perspectives people should have about animals and “sports” like deer hunting. Even the fact that Calvin is put in trouble for posing such a topic implies what Watterson feels is unjust about deer shooting, of how poor justification such as “thinning the herds” is not at all appropriate.

                Overall, Watterson’s purpose of making a statement about animal rights through Calvin is achieved. It is also certainly worthy of a grin at the very least. J

3rd MP Independent Reading

Lord of the Flies

William Golding

Section 1: Ch. 1-4 (pg 7-75)
Section 2: Ch. 5-8 (pg 76-144)
Section 3: 9-12 (pg 145-202)

In many of my English classes, there has been discussion of great literature classics. By reading Lord of the Flies, I hope to be able to add something to those discussions. I am aware of the basic plot, of how a group of British boys become barbaric as they spend time further and further away from order/society. What always intrigued me was how true or plausible Golding's interpretation of (young) human nature was. Reading this novel will hopefully give me insight and allow me to form my own opinion. In addition, I have not read too many "classics" before. In an attempt to increase my boundaries related to reading, I'm going to give Lord of the Flies a try!

Article: Hooked on Chicken Nuggets

                Many individuals are aware of the dangers that surround fast food. However, such fears were increased when British Stacey Irvine, 17, collapsed at work and could not breathe. She had to be rushed to a hospital for emergency treatment. Julian Gavaghan, of Daily Mail UK, writes about this tragedy dated January 27^th, 2012. However, Gavaghan spends more time examining the cause and more controversial aspect of this event: that since the age of two, Irvine has been eating almost nothing but McDonald’s Chicken McNuggets.

                Ever since the age of two, when her mother first fed her chicken nuggets, Irvine has eaten them every day and eaten little else. In fact, after taking tests, doctors forced her onto a vitamin IV where she would receive a huge dose of vitamins; she admits that she has never tasted fresh fruit or vegetables. The addiction to chicken nuggets has left her with anemia and inflamed veins on her tongue. Her mother has been trying for years to stop Irvine, even starving her at some times, but she still reverts back to the unhealthy McNuggets.

                Gavaghan writes in a spatial context about this issue, relating the overall crisis to the problems with fast food in society. Written for readers of Daily Mail UK, citation of experts and Irvine herself add to her ethos as a reliable reporter. The most logos present in her article is shown when Gavaghan stretches out on a limb and analyzes the health (or lack thereof) of McNuggets and brings readers to the conclusion that Irvine is lucky to survive. In the end, Gavaghan’s purpose of not only depicting the event but also raising awareness about the dangers of fast food is achieved.

Youtube: Vermin Supreme for President 2012

                With the 2012 Presidential elections approaching closer each month, most news as well as political stories revolve around the potential candidates. One particular runner in this political race is Vermin Supreme, whose stubborn advocacy of Mandatory Toothbrushing and Free Ponies for Each American acts provide at once comic relief, political jibe at the actual politicians, and also a sense of unusual logic in what seem to be a sea of deceit and doubt that usually follows political elections. From January 2012, this clip from the NH Primary panel from CSPAN provides a glance into the political views of Vermin Supreme.

                In his opening speech, answering of questions, and 30 second closing statement, Vermin Supreme presents himself as nothing less than perhaps the greatest “troll” in US politics today. (A troll is someone who intentionally harasses or messes with others.) His political policies center around primarily three areas of development for US growth: Mandatory Tooth Brushing Act, Free Ponies for Each American, and Zombie Powered Turbines. All of these are made in both a temporal and spatial context, as Mr. Supreme’s plans are reactions to the issues that currently plague the United States such as dependence on foreign oil and gingivitis.

                The greatest part about Vermin Supreme is his utter seriousness when he delivers such contrastingly hilarious and ridiculous ideas. The use of the pun when describing the Mandatory Tooth Brushing Act adds to the utterly “troll” nature Mr. Supreme brings. “Our salivation is at risk; we must brace ourselves…” Mr. Supreme’s greatest rhetorical skill is the calmness and seriousness to which he brings his arguments, attitudes that stand in stark contrast to his ideas and clothing; the man is wearing a boot on his head. In addition, he has an additional purpose of ridiculing the politicians that surround him. By providing a consistently advocated plan and NOT deviating from it, he mocks those who constantly are switching on their positions.

Unit 3 Reflection

Charlie Zhang

Gabriele/Pronko

Unit 3 Reflection

19 January 2012

            Today’s structured societies are watched over by governments of quite literally all shapes and sizes. Depending on the viewpoints of those in power and those under it, these different organizations have varying degrees of success. I know that personally as a libertarian (fiscally conservative but socially liberal), I too have my own opinions and perceptive on the way certain governments operate. However, through the course of Unit 3 in AP English Language, I have gained greater views on the ways that not only governments should be run, but also how their citizens should be expected to respond. Individuals within society have an obligation to abide to their fullest ability to the laws set by the government, yet in return it is the job of the government to dramatically increase its citizens’ qualities of life, and also be open to political and social change. It would seem obvious that individuals within a government would have to obey its rules, but I myself have often questioned the laws of USA.

            As individuals protected by a government, we should obey by its laws set. Adherence to these regulations promotes the necessary and common order of government. This doctrine is best explained by Socrates, whose words were recorded in Plato’s Justice. He elaborates upon the concept of justice, of how between the individuals and the state exists what is known as a social contract. The stipulations of being a citizen are that an individual must adhere to the just laws established by the state. As his disciples fervently attempt to dissuade Socrates’ sense of moral righteousness, Socrates one by one uses syllogism to remove each argument and then leaves one standing moral of justice and social contract. Socrates’ dialogue clearly presents the obligation that an individual has to government: though somewhat simple, the individual must obey by a government’s laws if he is to live in that society. When this order has been established, the government can only then fully carry out its obligations to its individuals.

            In a society of order where (most) individuals obey to a government’s laws without change, the government now has an obligation to fulfill its part of the aforementioned “social contract”. One of the government’s first obligations to its individuals is to dramatically increase the quality of life for its numerous citizens. This concept is primarily displayed in John Locke’s Second Treatise of Government, which also deals with the social contract. In addition to an individual’s agreement to obey, which Locke refers to as “giving up certain rights”, the government exists to promote a higher quality of life. At first this concept surprised me, but Locke’s reasoning convinced me of his logic. Locke explains how that a society without a government is known as a “state of nature”; even in this seemingly anarchic society, order and freedom still persists. Locke describes how a government is only formed so that individuals can pool resources and freedoms to improve the general qualities of their lives. Upon speculation, I found this to be true. Common benefits of living in governed societies, such as food and security, allow not only for those guaranteed rights but also the improvement of other aspects of life that would be impossible to achieve. For example, the development of art would be not only impractical but also near impossible if one constantly fears for his life.

            However, this is not to state that individuals who live in a government are free of pressure or unhappiness. Rather, to the contrary, there are complaints that individuals have when problems arise within societies. Thus, it is a reciprocal obligation that the individual and state must share: the individual must honestly present what he believes could be improved or is at fault with the status quo, and it is alternatively the role of the government to not necessarily act upon such requests but at least listen with open ears. History presents numerous examples of individuals who rebelled against the status quo. Elizabeth Stanton, a feminist in the United States, is the paradigm of the rebellious but true-hearted individual who seeks positive change in her government. In her Declaration of Sentiments, Stanton displays powerful rhetorical mastery and skilled use of logic. By using the structure of the Declaration of Independence as a rhetorical basis, Stanton is able to use ethos to simply prove that her arguments make sense. If they worked for a free nation, shouldn’t they work for a declaration of women’s rights?

            Before the awareness that Unit 3 provided me in terms of political diversity and decision, I had a much more narrow view of governments. I thought that the only government that really “worked” in my mind was one that proved to have a flat tax and did not let old traditions cloud judgment on questions of morality and social liberties. However, I now realize that governments in themselves are testaments to the successful relationships that exist between citizens and states. Particularly in America, where democracy can in itself be interpreted as the government’s way of listening to the people,  all the obligations are fulfilled; regardless of whatever political afflictions exist, it is a quintessential government.

Article: "Tatooine" Planet With Two Suns Could Host Habitable Moon?

                In the ever expanding attempts to search for life and gather information in the stars above, astrologists have been constantly searching for new planets and life. “Tatooine” Planet with Two Suns Could Host Habitable Moon?, written by Victoria Jaggard of National Geographic News, discusses a new planet that could possibly be the first Earth-like moon.

                The “Tatooine” Kepler-16b derives its nickname from the fact that it is orbiting around two Suns, similar to the planet in Star Wars. Through use of satellites, astrologists were able to determine its “region of life,” or the area in which based on human standards life could be (somewhat) possible. However, the most interesting aspect about this planet is not the planet itself, but rather a moon in Kepler-16b’s orbit. Not only is it large enough to sustain an Earth-like atmosphere, but it also it falls within Kepler-16b’s “region of life”. Such a discovery would be enormously significant because it would be the first Earth-like moon to be discovered. While there are more than 700 discovered planets, there have been no confirmed moons outside of our solar system.

                Jaggard uses a classification and division structure to appeal to the readers of National Geographic, and to inform them (in a spatial context) about the importance of such a possible discovery. Jaggard divides the article into different sections, first describing the planet itself, moving on to the traits of the moon, and then ending with the significance of such a discovery. To add ethos to her argument, Jaggard cites several experts in the different areas of expertise, such as Billy Quarles, a doctoral student at the University of Texas. There is also evidence of humor or a lighter persona that is adapted; the referencing of planet Kepler-16b as “Tatooine” adds a sense of informality and comfort. Overall, Jaggard certainly is able to inform readers of such a phenomenon, and only adds to the growing pressures to find life on other planets.

IRB: 50 Essays: Serving in Florida

                For this week’s IRB, another examination into a social essay was taken. Barbara Ehrenreich’s Serving in Florida provides a glance into the working class life of those who serve as waiters, waitresses, or simply those who live on minimum wage. Written in first person, the true stories of her working colleagues and the blunt manner in which she depicts the troubles she faces adds power to her words.

                Before the beginning of the essay, Ehrenreich has taken it upon herself to conduct an experiment in which she attempts to live a minimum wage life, having only $4000 in case something goes wrong. In a narrative arrangement, she immediately describes the conditions in which she and her fellow must work: no break times except for half-hour meals, evil managers, and a sense of humiliation. “I haven’t been treated this way- lined up in the corridor, threatened with locker searches, peppered with carelessly aimed accusations- since at least junior high school.” Ehrenreich, noting the impossibility of living on minimum wages, tries to take two jobs, working 16 hours a day in two different hotels. The exhaustion is too much for her, and ends up quitting one of her jobs as she ends on a note of emptiness, of how there seems to be no end to the vicious cycle of “serving in Florida”.

                The most powerful tool that Ehrenreich uses to convey her message of futility to readers is through personal stories. She often tells her story through others, explaining their situations and the many parallels that she can draw between them all, the most common often lack of a proper home, as well as a major psychological effect this kind of lifestyle has on them. For example, a co-worker Gail has been forced to leave her flophouse and go back to living in her truck because of her roommate who was hitting incessantly on her. Also, the use of such stories humanizes these people that many wealthier individuals cannot properly imagine. The connections that people reading Serving in Florida make to their own lives add to the power of Ehrenreich’s writings.

The Onion: Kim Jong-un Privately Doubting He's Crazy Enough to Run North Korea

                The Onion is perhaps America’s greatest news source in that the articles it presents are not quite true yet completely hilarious. This reputation did not fall short in The Onion’s article “Kim Jong-un Privately Doubting He’s Crazy Enough to Run North Korea”. Written for December 18^th, 2011, The Onion takes a novel perspective on an issue that new dictator Kim Jong-un has to deal with, a problem that most individuals may not be aware of.

                The global community is clearly aware that Kim Jong-il was not of the greatest mental health. Thus, one of the primary concerns of the new Kim is whether or not he can match up to the craziness of his father. The Onion offers an exclusive look into how the new ruler of North Korea attempts to go out of the shadows of his father. Kim Jong-un expresses some doubt as to whether he is sufficiently insane enough to take on the title of dictator of North Korea. As the Onion explains, Kim Jong-un notes that attempting to live up to his father’s insanity levels have taken a toll. "For years, I haven't even enjoyed the things I used to love, like forcing starving people to perform a five-hour dance routine in my honor, because I spend the whole time obsessing over whether I'm being wacko enough," Kim admitted.

                The strongest rhetorical device that the Onion uses is a glaring sarcasm and irony that translates into not only great humor but a rather frank assessment of what many people believe but are unwilling to openly talk about. We can almost guarantee that the quotes the Onion provides are falsified, but even with that knowledge, the humor and strength of “quoting experts” (this time with a subtle irony attached to the rhetorical device usage, of course) is still present. Also, that this article is written otherwise exactly the same as a normal/more credible news article would be, such as one from TIME or NY Times. The strict adherence to an informative format adds only to the humor of this article. The purpose of entertaining the Onion’s readers is certainly achieved.