TOW #13 - Article:"Why Do Children Believe in Santa But Not Harry Potter?" by Nathalia Gjersoe

Merry Christmas!

Tooth fairies, mermaids, monsters, and magical creatures of some sort make up a great amount of children's childhood. Nathalia Gjersoe, a lecturer in developmental psychology and the author of "Why Do Children Believe in Santa But Not Harry Potter?" goes into great detail as to why children tend to believe in Santa more than other mythical and imaginary creatures. After various studies conducted regarding  children's beliefs, it was concluded that there should be "physical evidence" that supports the claim that such characters exist. For instance, "in the Candy Witch study, 5-year-olds whose Halloween sweets had been replaced with a toy in the morning were much more likely to subsequently say the Candy Witch was real than those who has simply been told about her." However, Santa is considered to be the most believed fictitious character though because not only parents, but also because society goes to great lengths just to publicize Santa and make young children believe in him. Santa is everywhere during the Christmas, which only makes him more believable! Gjersoe's purpose of writing her article is not only to convey information, but also to make parents and society to consider whether it is ok to perpetuate the myth about Santa. To achieve her purpose, Gjersoe incorporated statistics and hypothetical situations. With the addition of statistics, Gjersoe is able to effectively illustrate the beliefs of different groups of children, playing a role that makes parents and society think about how children would feel once they find out that Santa does not exist. Furthermore, by describing various hypothetical situations, Gjersoe is able to prove to the readers why children believe in such fantasies. It establishes her credibility because she is applying her knowledge of psychology into her article. Also, Gjersoe's hypothetical situations make it easier for the readers to understand the points she is making by simplifying the results of the studies into something more general. Through those two rhetorical devices, Gjersoe was able to successfully able to achieve of purpose. 

Link: http://www.theguardian.com/science/head-quarters/2013/dec/13/why-do-children-believe-in-santa-but-not-harry-potter

TOW #12 - Everything Bad is Good for You by Steven Johnston (Part 1)

Steven Johnston, the author of Everything Bad is Good for You, is an iconoclastic and captivating writer who is also an American popular science author and a media theorist. Having graduated from Brown University with a degree in semiotics and Columbia University with a degree in English literature, Johnston incorporates his knowledge of media, pop culture, and technology in order to argue that the pop culture we are exposed to everyday is actually beneficial. In part 1 on of his book, Johnston goes into the description of how video games, television, internet, and films are aspects of current culture that stimulate cognition, contrary to popular belief. For example, Johnston talks about how current kid's movies are a lot more complex today than they were in the past. For example, the intricate plot structure, the clever dialogue, and the fascinating special effects are all different qualities of a movie that make up mental exercises for children. Regarding the internet, Johnston brings up that it forces us to problem solve. We have to navigate through various websites, find necessary information, install new software, fix computer issue, etc, and these account for the various cognitive challenges that we go through on a daily basis. Addressing his message most likely to parents and adults, Johnston wants to change their views of pop culture so that a positive view is created. Johnston achieves his purpose by adding visuals and using reliable people to bolster his assertions. By using pictures, Johnston is able to covey his information in an efficient manner, allowing the readers to easily understand the points he is making. Furthermore, pulling quotes from reliable people, such as game scholar James Paul Gee for instance, establishes Johnston's credibility as an author who is arguing in favor of pop culture's benefits. His credibility thus makes him qualified to express his arguments. Through his use of visuals and reliable sources, Johnston was indeed able to achieve his purpose early on in his book. 

TOW #11 - Article: "Where To Travel Based On Your Personality Type" by Lisa Miller

Adventure Time!

Everyone loves to travel. Whether it is local or out of the country, travel calls for adventure, and adventure calls for new and exciting experiences. However, not every place is considered "fun" for everyone. There is a trend between personality types and vacation spots, and this can influence where people choose to travel. Lisa Miller, the author of "Where To Travel Based On Your Personality Type", is an associate editor and writes articles under the HuffPost Travel section, making her a reliable source for obtaining any travel advice or information. Her article gives brief insight to the general public into the various places of travel based on Myers-Briggs personality test. Ranging from the calmest traveler to the most extreme traveler, the article lists a variety of places that different personality-typed people would enjoy. For instance, "the wild traveler" would probably go to a place like New Zealand, where there are many "wild" outdoor activities such a bungee jumping and skydiving. On the other hand, "the chill traveler" would probably enjoy a laid-back beach vacation or some place quiet and serene such as San Juan. The article continues to list much more. To convey her information and describe how personality correlates to vacation spots, Miller uses a variety of rhetorical devices. Firstly, her incorporation of images of various places illustrates the types of areas different people would be willing to visit. Additionally, pictures have a slight appeal to pathos, making readers have a feeling of wanting to travel or something related, which also keeps them interested in Miller's writing. Furthermore, Miller's repetition in the structure of the article helps her achieve her purpose. For a total of 16 times, Miller first presents a picture of a vacation spot. Then she describes a personality type and finally ends by suggesting a place to travel. With a simple and easy structure, readers are able to easily absorb the information and go through the article with ease. Lisa Miller's use of images and simple structure crafts a well written article that not only conveys information about travel destinations, but also gives readers knowledge about the correlation between personality type and vacations. 

Link: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/12/02/personality-travel_n_4344626.html

TOW #10 - Visual Text: "Join, or Die" by Benjamin Franklin

"Join, or Die" - Benjamin Franklin

http://www.granitegrok.com/pix/FranklinSnake.jpg

Benjamin Franklin, one of the Founding Fathers of the United States of America, was the political leader who created the "Join, or Die" political cartoon, which was published in the Pennsylvania Gazette in 1754. At the Albany Congress, Franklin presented this cartoon in order to create unity between the thirteen colonies before the French and Indian War. This sent the message to all the colonies that unification and allying with Great Britain was essential to defeat the French and Indians. Directed towards all the people, this cartoon was successful in creating unity within the 13 colonies, which eventually led to the American Revolution (where unification was key). Benjamin Franklin's incorporation of pathos creates a sense of fear in the audience. Bu using the word "DIE" in the cartoon, it is clear that without unification, there will be no future for any of the colonies, which forced all of them to unite. Because this cartoon sends its message primarily through its use of pathos, the cartoon can be regarded as propaganda. In addition to Franklin's use of pathos, he appeals to ethos through his incorporation of the snake. During the era of the French and Indian war, there was a widespread superstition that a snake which had been cut into pieces would come back to life if the pieces were put back together before sunset. Mostly everyone believed in that superstition, and by using a snake, Franklin was able to make his message to the colonies very clear. Furthermore, his appeal to ethos adds a sense of urgency. Just as the snake has to be put together before sunset, the colonies need to unite very soon or else death was imminent. Considering what happened after Benjamin Franklin had published his cartoon in 1754, such as independence from Great Britain, creation of own government, etc, it is clear that the "Join, or Die" cartoon successful achieved its purpose of unifying the thirteen colonies.  

TOW #9 - Article: "Why I Quit Major League Baseball" By Adrian Cárdenas

The Perfect Hit 

Baseball defines American culture. It is the sport that shows the spirit and pride of the American people. However, baseball puts a different image into some people's minds. In Adrian Cárdenas's blog post, "Why I Quit Major League Baseball," Cárdenas describes his experiences, feelings, accomplishments as a a major and minor league baseball player. When Cárdenas was 18, he was drafted by the Phillies, and that was when his baseball career kicked off. Playing in many minor leagues all over the nation, Cárdenas worked his way up to the major leagues, but since he was a rookie, he played in both leagues for a significant portion of his career. Cárdenas was in a good position in his career, but what caused him to quit Major League Baseball was his personal life. He had a passion for baseball, but when business took priority over the love for the sport, Cárdenas lost interest in playing professional baseball. At one point during his career, he went to New York University to purse a degree in writing and philosophy. This player was more interested in music, language, and academics because that was the way his parents brought him up, which explicitly reveals his purpose: money doesn't mean everything in life. Addressing his message to the general public, Cárdenas makes clear the purpose of his blog post primarily through reflective anecdotes. Cárdenas reflects on his experiences on and off the baseball field as being some of the most thrilling yet burdening times of this life. By presenting anecdotes, Cárdenas is able to illustrate the reasons that ultimately built up to his decision to quit the major leagues. Cárdenas's didactic blog post in The New Yorker successfully express the value that money isn't everything and by offering reflective anecdotes, Cárdenas makes a powerful statement to the public about his retirement.

Everything Bad is Good for You by Steven Johnston

The nonfiction book that I selected to read for the second marking period is Everything Bad is Good for You by Steven Johnston. Contrary to what media and science say about current culture, this book assert the idea that the pop culture we are exposed to actually makes our minds sharper. Video games, TV, computers, and everything we thought was bad is, in reality, beneficial to us.

I chose to read this book because I have an interest in psychology, and this book seems very intriguing, considering the fact that Steven Johnston debunks popular belief, which not many people are always willing to do. By reading this book, I am hoping to collect information that will appease my curiosity as well as to obtain writing strategies I can later use in my own work.

TOW #8 - Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil by John Berendt (Part 2)

Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil

Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil, by John Berendt, an author who edited for a variety of magazines, written for Esquire and, served as editor of the New York magazine, is a splendidly constructed book that incorporates both the elements of nonfiction and fiction book. However, this book is indeed nonfiction because it recounts his experiences when he was in Savannah, Georgia, the place where a two year long murder trial took place. In part 2 of this book, consisting of chapter 12-30, Berendt takes the reader through a series of murder trials, conflicts, and discussions regarding the murder of Danny Hansford. Jim Williams, the alleged murder, is placed on trial not just once, not just twice, but actually four times. While Williams was at jail, he tried his best to ruin Lawton's of becoming District Attorney (which he did become), the prosecution lawyer to got Williams into jail. But life outside of William's cell continues to run normally. During his second year in jail, Williams is given a fourth trial in which the jury concluded that Williams is innocent, thus concluding this book. With the way this book was written, it would most likely appeal to readers who love crime-filled stories, but this book would captivate anyone. The main purpose of this book was not only to entertain readers, but also to illustrate life of Savannah, Georgia and to show the complex process of the court system. Throughout all of part 2 of the book, Berendt uses a variety of rhetorical devices. Firstly, he uses vivid imagery to clearly depict the scene and show what the narrator is witnessing. This allows readers to be in the shoes of the narrator and make it seem as if they are in Savannah themselves. Additionally, Berendt's use of dialogue enhances the reader's experience when reading the book. Instead of making this book a boring text that spits out information, Berendt incorporates speech to make the book flow like a novel, successfully letting Berendt to achieve his purpose and give his readers a great book to read. 

TOW #7 - Article: "Making New Elements" by Brooke Borel

How to Make New Elements!

Science has always been making revolutionary changes and uncovering fascinating things. Last year, Germany sought to create the heaviest known element in the universe: element 119. In order to develop such this artificial element, scientists have attempted to fuse together two lighter molecules into one "super-molecule," which theoretically is suppose to yield element 119. Not only are scientists trying to understand the behavior of atoms and their nuclei, but also to be praised. By creating this element, scientists will not only be developing the heaviest element, but also add another row to the period table of elements. Borel, a contributor for PopSci and a writer for other websites, then transitions into the superficial procedure of how to make a new element: 1) accelerate, 2) collide, 3) separate, and 4) detect. If this procedure were to actually prove successful, history in the science community will be made. Borel felt it necessary to inform those who are science enthusiasts about this possibility. In order to inform those with interests in molecular science, Borel structures her article in a very simple and easy-to-follow manner. In the beginning, Borel provides the reader with background information about why and how a new element could be created, and then she moves onto the method of being able to do so. Furthermore, Borel incorporates a lot of images in order to make her information clear and to supplement what she is saying. For example, in the image above, Borel outlines the steps of creating an element, making the procedure lucid for the reader. Also, there is another picture in the article that depicts what the "future" periodic table of elements would look like if element 119 is able to be successfully created. With the combined results of the use of simple structure and images, Borel was able to easily inform her readers about this phenomenon that could potentially take place in their lifetimes. 

Link: http://www.popsci.com/science/article/2013-04/making-new-elements?dom=tw&src=SOC

TOW #6 - Article: "Traditional Work Hours are a Myth: Why Companies Should Ditch the 9-to-5 Standard" by Ilya Pozin

Continuing Working 9-to-5?

Ilya Pozin, a columnist on entrepreneurship and marketing, a writer, an investor, and an entrepreneur himself,  is a man who believes that the 9-to-5 work hours are not a productive range of time for employees. As the founder of Open Me, a social greeting card company, and Ciplex, a digital marketing agency, Pozin has a lot experience regarding the productivity and the efficiency of his employees. In the very beginning of his article, he makes the claim, "Automatically adopting a rigid schedule may have a negative effect on your employee's productivity and happiness. Telling them exactly when they must complete their work is a fast way to make them feel less autonomous and erode their trust."After explicitly stating his purpose for writing this article, Pozin transitions into a list of reasons as to why the 9-to-5 work schedule is inadequate. The reasons to "ditch the 9-to-5 standard" include less productivity, loss in trust, distracting time limit, and inhibition of teamwork. In today's society, competition between various companies is escalating and only the most capable of companies will be successful. Addressing his message to directly to businessmen, Pozin wants to ensure that CEOs and business leaders follow the right path when it comes to managing employees and their work hours. Pozin makes his points very lucid by incorporating a variety of rhetorical devices in his article. Firstly, his assertive tone makes his message very urgent, as if Pozin is saying, "Companies must get rid of this rigid work schedule NOW or the consequences will be fatal!" Additionally, Pozin organizes his thoughts in a very simplistic manner. He uses a list. By arranging his ideas in such way, the audience/readers can pinpoint exactly what Pozin wants to convey. Such an structure also has a strong appeal to logos, allowing facts and reasons to be channeled easily to the readers. Overall, Pozin's brief yet informative article effectively achieves its purpose because of its consistent straightforward information and its relation to the current business world.

Link: http://thenextweb.com/entrepreneur/2013/10/17/traditional-work-hours-myth-companies-ditch-9-5-standard/

TOW #5 - Visual Text: "I Want You" Poster

"I Want You" - James M. Flagg

http://www.crazywebsite.com/Free-Galleries-01/USA_Patriotic/Pictures_WW1_Posters_LG/Uncle_Sam_Wants_You_1917_US_Army_Recruiting_Poster_Flagg-1LG.jpg

Uncle Sam has always been the "main man," a national personification, for the American government. This poster, created in 1917 to encourage recruitment in the United States army during World War I, is still highly recognizable today by the majority of the United States' population, which demonstrates its prominence in current society. James M. Flagg, the creator of the "I Want You" poster, was an artist and illustrator at the time, working in media ranging from paintings to cartoons. However, his most valued and remembered pieces of work are his political posters. During World War I, over four million copies of Flagg's poster were printed, and it was abundantly printed again during World War II, but Flagg made a few modifications to the latter poster.  To make recruitment in the United States army during these major wars, Flagg incorporated a variety of rhetorical devices in order to convey his message. Firstly, his contrasting color scheme helps his message, to join the army, stand out. With a white colored background and black colored text, the words "I Want You" stand out and catch the attention of the audience. In addition to the contrasting color scheme, the poster also has a color scheme that includes colors of the American flag. These colors illustrates what the United States itself wants from the people and gives a sense of nationalism, which appeals to ethos because this poster makes everyone feel like one. This poster does not only appeal to ethos, but it also appeals to pathos. By emphasizing the word "I Want You" on the poster, Flagg makes the audience feel as if they are needed and that they are an essential part to the American government. The important fact to keep in mind is that this poster has been around for almost 100 years now, and everyone still knows about it, showing that Flagg created a powerful poster that clearly achieved his purpose. 

TOW #4 - Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil by John Berendt (Part 1)

Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil

John Berendt, the author of Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil, is a splendid writer who has edited for a variety of magazines. Additionally, he has written for Esquire and has also served as editor of the New York magazine. From his experiences as a writer, Berendt traverse around the United States and documented/wrote about many of his adventures. One such travel was when he went to Savannah, Georgia, which is where his book takes place. In part 1, consisting of the first 11 chapters of the book, Berendt takes the reader through a series of encounters, which primarily serve as an introduction before climaxing at the murder (at the very end of part 1). Since the purpose of part 1 in the book was to set the scene before Berendt goes into detail about the murder, it can be inferred that part 2 of the book will consist of people trying to solve this felony. Overall, the main reason the author wrote his book was to inform the public of this murder, considering the fact that this is a nonfiction book, and to illustrate his experiences while he was in Savannah. This book is not written for any specific group of people, but an audience that would most enjoy reading such a book would be one that loves true-crime murder stories. Throughout part 1 of the book, Berendt uses a variety of rhetorical devices. One main device used is imagery. Through vivid descriptions of the setting and people, Berendt is able to pellucidly depict everything he saw/experienced while he was in Savannah. In addition to imagery, Berendt uses diction that is mostly found in fiction books. In order to write this book, Berendt interviewed everyone he met. From each interview, he pulled quotes and treated them as dialogues in his book, making this book progress as if it were a novel. Writing in such a fashion allowed Berendt to successfully hook the reader and convey all the necessary information to fully comprehend what/why events play out the way they do. 

TOW #3 - Article: "Need Some Time Off Your Feet? NASA Paying Volunteers $18K to Lie in Bed for 70 Days" by Michelle Castillo

NASA's Space Travel Study

Many people wish that they could make money in their sleep. It has always been a dream in everyone's mind. Luckily, NASA has created a study in which volunteers will be paid to lie in a bed, which is tilted at a 6 degree angle. Lying down for a total of 70 days, volunteers of this study can expect to earn up to $18,000. NASA developed this study in order to test and understand the conditions that astronaut may experience during space travel. By scrutinizing the physical changes in this study, scientists can craft methods of space travel that will allow astronauts to maintain their physical health without much struggle. Unfortunately, this study has its own risks that will most likely damage a volunteer's physcial health. Risks include loss in muscle strength, bone density, and respiratory capacity. The author of this article, Michelle Castillo, is currently an associate producer at CBS News. Having written for The Los Angeles Times, The Hollywood Reporter, Billboard.com, City Arts, MSNBC, and other corporations, Castillo demonstrates that she is a very experienced journalist. Furthermore, she has also received her Masters of Science of Journalism from Columbia University. Castillo, showing her strong interest in science, wrote this article in order to inform the public, who is the audience, of the study NASA is conducting. Additionally, she notifies people that NASA is on the lookout for potential subjects for its study. In order to successfully portray her message, Castillo uses dialogue and quotes from scientists running NASA's study. By quoting the senior scientist Dr. Roni Cromwell, Castillo is able to appeal to logos because Cromwell is able to amplify the message she is trying to send to her audience. Throughout the entire article, one fact or another was always stated, which directly shows that Castillo wants everyone to know about this study. Overall, Castillo was able to successfully inform the public of NASA's study because of her consistent appeal to logos. 

Link:http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-204_162-57603872/need-some-time-off-your-feet-nasa-paying-volunteers-$18k-to-lie-in-bed-for-70-days/

TOW #2 - Article: "Toxoplasma Infection Permanently Shifts Balance in Cat and Mouse Game" by University of California - Berkeley

Mice no Longer Fear Cats!

http://images.sciencedaily.com/2013/09/130918181110-large.jpg

Science has always been the epitome of surprise and mystery. In today's society, the scientific community is at the pinnacle of its success, making discoveries almost everyday. With the assistance of Michael Eisen and Ellen Robey (molecular and cell biology professors), graduate Wendy Ingram discovered that the Toxoplasma parasite can permanently alter the behavior of mice. Known to cause spontaneous abortions and undermine one's immune system, these parasites can also reshape mice's behavior so that they no longer fear cats. Even when the parasite is removed from a mouse, the condition still remains. Predictions as to the direct cause of this phenomenon include brain damage and memory loss. This article, published in sciencedaily.com, was written by the University of California - Berkeley, a university on the west coast of USA known for its extensive science and research programs. Though not written by a single person, this sciencedaily article is a product of those who contributed to this research project. The goal of disclosing this breakthrough is to inform the scientific community and the general public of the progress science is making currently. Additionally, this disclosure allows everyone to learn that there is much that can be explored in the field of neurology. Throughout the entire article, the rhetorical device that appealed most to the audience is logos. Line after line and sentence after sentence, facts were continuously stated and researchers who were involved were constantly quoted. Furthermore, to start off the article, the author(s) incorporated a little humor to appeal to pathos. The introduction reads, "Infected mice lose their fear of cats, which is good for both cats and the parasite, because the cat gets an easy meal and the parasite gets into the cat's intestinal track, the only place it can sexually reproduce and continue its cycle of infection." By starting off in such a matter, the article hooks the audience, making them interested. Overall, the University of California was able to successfully inform the public of their discovery through of its abundance of stated findings, complemented with the appeal to logos and pathos. 

Link: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/09/130918181110.htm

TOW #1 - Visual Text: "Apples For Our Teachers" by Tony Auth

"Apples For Our Teachers" - Tony Auth

http://www.newsworks.org/images/stories/flexicontent/l_teachers1200.jpg

     Nowadays, schools and school districts have been slashed of their fundings. Such an action leaves various schools across the nation with little capital, hindering them from buying necessary school supplies. Spending their own money, teachers of all grades have had conjure up their own savings, buy materials, and help their students become academically successful. This cartoon, entitled "Apples For Our Teachers," elucidates on this predicament by depicting a teacher with empty pockets. What is also shown is the contribution between school districts and students, which exhibits that even though a teacher supplies a lot, the state still wants more. The goal of this cartoon was to send a message saying that teachers are unable to pay for crucial school supplies. Just recently, an article published in USA Today explained how teachers work extra jobs and spend too much of their pocket money for their classes. This message is primarily for city and state officials who continuously demand teachers to buy supplies for their students. Annually, teachers' supply expenses add up to over $1.6 billion, yet the state still want more. Tony Auth, an editorial cartoonist, created "Apples For Our Teachers," which was published in News Works. Best known for his work in the Philadelphia Inquirer, Tony Auth also creates many political cartoons and comic strips. Auth started his career as a cartoonist in 1971, and since then he has won multiple awards, including the Pulitzer Prize in 1975 and the Herblock Prize in 2005. More recently, Auth received an honorary doctorate award by the University of the Arts in 2002. A rhetorical device that Auth used in his cartoon was antithesis, which juxtaposed the contribution between school students and the district. By symbolizing apples as money, Auth shows how "apple-less" school districts are, clearly depicting the difficulties teachers and schools have to go through. Overall, I feel that Tony Auth's cartoon successfully accomplished his purpose. With a well created cartoon that incorporated anthesis and symbolism, "Apples For Our Teachers" guarantees that Auth's message will have a reverberating effect on the public.

Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil by John Berendt

The nonfiction IRB book that I have selected to read this marking period is Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil by John Berendt. This book chronicles a murder that took place on May 2, 1981 in the grandest mansion of Savannah, Georgia. Some claim that this killing was a result of a controversy between two lovers. Others, however, assert that this was a premeditated murder. Through a first-person account of his life, Berendt generates an entertaining yet mysterious story of the murder case.

I chose to read this book because I intended to read it over the summer, but I never had the chance to. What intrigues me the most is the style in which the book is written. This book is written as if it were a novel, incorporating a lot of mystery and suspense. Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil is the first book that I have heard of that has been written in such a fashion. By reading this book, I hope to collect valuable writing strategies that I could later incorporate into my own work. 

How Doctors Die by Ken Murray

More Medicine = More Pain

"True happiness is... to enjoy the present, without anxious dependence upon the future." - Lucius Annaeus Seneca
Rather than being the one who will do anything to live longer, it is better to enjoy what you already have.
Source: http://jordan.medicaltourism.com/upload/pages/medical-procedures-and-treatments.jpg

Ken Murray, the author of How Doctors Die, sends a message to his readers to dissuade them from being advocates of extensive medical care. Through the use of several anecdotes, Murray shows how medical care is futile when death is looming and explains the reasoning behind why suffering patients request medical treatments. Though the treatments may marginally prolong a patient's life, they do not rid the patient of his/her suffering, according to Murray. In contrast to the typical patient, a doctor would elect to have little or no medical treatments. Murray claims that doctors often abstain from extensive medical care not only because of its costs, but also because they understand the capabilities and limitations of modern medicine. Rather than spending a lot of time in hospitals, doctors prefer enjoy the rest of their lives with family or friends. Ken Murray, a retired physician himself, is qualified to speak about his experiences and express his opinions. He understands the people’s need to live longer and he respects that. The fact that constantly bemuses him is the need of extra suffering in order to do so. Murray firmly supports the idea that “almost anyone can find a way to die in peace at home” (Murray 235). Explicitly channeling his message to an audience of suffering patients, Murray advises them to spend their time wisely and not go through any medical treatments. The readers, ignorant of a doctor’s perspective on this situation, are required to listen to Murray. By going through many anecdotes about his former patients and his cousins, Murray brilliantly describes death and offers “recommendations” on how to spend the final years of your life. Murray makes his essay very personal and relatable with his use of anecdotes, allowing readers to relate to his stories. By complementing his anecdotes with pathos, Murray appeals to the reader's emotion by describing the suffering that patients go through when they stay in hospitals all day. With a combination of anecdotes and ethos, Murray was able to successfully show the restraints of modern medication and admonish his readers from resorting to extensive medical treatments.

Who Are You and What Are You Doing by Mark Edmundson

The Dream School

"Passion is energy. Feel the power that comes from focusing on what excites you." - Oprah Winfrey
Everyone's dream school is Harvard, but not everyone is accepted there through hard work and dedication. Instead, Harvard looks for passionate students who follow their dreams.
Source: http://theblackberryalarmclock.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/harvard-university-usa-44324.jpg

Edmundson, a college professor and the author of Who Are You and What Are You Doing Here, published his work in The Oxford American to express his opinion about how students should pursue higher education. Starting off his essay, Edmundson describes the flaws in society and how society influences people to pursue a career not suitable for them. Society believes that in order to become the best, you need to “work hard, get good grades, listen to your teachers, get along with people around you, and emerge in four years as an educated young man or woman.” (Edmundson 89). However, Edmundson does not believe in that philosophy. Instead, he firmly defends that “education is about finding out what form of work for you is close to being play – work you do so easily that it restores you as you go” (Edmundson 100).  He presents anecdotes about how he made his career decision, how his students have made theirs, and how students have regretted/accepted their career decisions. At the end of his essay, Edmundson presented an anecdote of a student who eschewed medical school and followed his dream to become a teacher. In addition to his anecdotes that portray his philosophies, he consistently alludes to Emerson and Freud, two prolific writers who shaped Edmundson’s reasonings and arguments in his essay. By incorporating anecdotes and allusions, Edmundson crafted an essay that urges college students to follow a path that they believe is right for them. While his anecdotes educate readers about making the right career decisions, Edmundson's allusions give readers a "more expert" opinion about the philosophies presented in the essay. Edmundson, speaking from experience, knows the life of a college student because he himself was a student at one point. Now he is a professor teaching English who also writes about his philosophies at the same time. Edmundson is a convincing writer who successfully showed his message to his readers through anecdotes, allusions, and wisdom.

My Husband/My Father by David J. Lawless

A Fading Mind

"Love is composed of a single soul inhabiting two bodies." - Aristotle
The erasing of the word "memory" represents the fading memories of people with dementia. Eventually, memories start to disappear and everything becomes clouded. However, the effects of dementia do not interfere with love.
Source: http://www.scientificamerican.com/media/inline/the-power-of-the-memory-molecule_1.jpg

My Husband/My Father is an acutely personal story about the daily life of an elderly couple with a wife who is suffering from dementia. On a daily basis, the wife has to take a plethora of pills in order to regulate her blood flow and wear a nitro patch to regulate her heartbeat. On top of her medical issues, the wife asks a breadth of questions regarding the whereabouts of her parents and siblings, burdening her husband with more difficulties. When her enigmatic, anachronous memories take her over, she believes that she is in Madrid, is not married and does not have kids, and that her parents are still alive. At one point, the wife even called the police to report an intruder, who in fact was her husband. She could not recognize him. Surprisingly, after all these inconvenient events, the husband lovingly stays with his wife, answers her repetitive questions, and pacifies her when she experiences trauma. This skillfully constructed anecdote, written in third person to allow the reader to understand both the husband and wife’s situation, makes for one of the most awe-inspiring expressions of marital love ever written about. David Lawless aptly combines his experiences living with his wife with an abundance dialogue to show his readers the support he, as the husband, gives to his wife through her difficulties. Nowadays, divorce has become extremely common and Lawless is not an advocate of divorce. By presenting an anecdote of a 50 yearlong marriage, Lawless sends a message to his married readers to never apply for divorce. Additionally, Lawless does an amazing job incorporating pathos and making the reader empathize with the husband through dialogue. This boosts the reader’s understanding of the husband, amplifying Lawless’ purpose to the reader. David Lawless successfully accomplished in conveying his message through the experiences that the husband faced in the anecdote, making it lucid that divorce and separation are never routes for him to take. Lawless ascribed this couple as the perfect pair glued together by love, and doing so allowed Lawless to achieve his purpose.