TOW #3-Text: iPads on Planes: Be Careful What You Wish For

         In this article, William J. McGee, talks about the potential drawbacks of only allowing certain electronic devices on planes. McGee is a known aviation journalist who is the author of many books such as Attention all Passengers. In today's society, many of us are more and more connected to our electronic devices, and are therefore finding it harder to listen to the flight attendants and turn our devices off. McGee is using this context of the 21st century to show that if there was a slight revocation to the rule, it would be a threat to our health. He starts off this article by asking the reader (directed to all who fly) if they are guilty of using an electronic device for takeoff and landing. The question, "Are you guilty?" immediately grabs the reader's attention and asks them wondering what they are guilty of. McGee goes on to say that although we all know not to use phones during takeoff and landing, 30% of us still do it. This statistic and connection to the audience appeals to the reader’s logos because instead of saying that a lot of us break the rules, McGee uses a statistic, which is more logical than a simple generalization. McGee continues to say that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is still uncertain about the implications of radio-signal transmission on a plane, and therefore it may be too risky to use the devices on them. During takeoff and landing, the most dangerous parts of flying, the FAA has still yet to discover what the effects of certain devices are on the plane. However, the FAA is looking to allow some devices on planes as to please passengers. What McGee finds, however, that once certain devices are allowed, there will be a plethora of problems. One is that once one person is allowed to have their I-Pod on the plane, other passengers who have devices that are prohibited will start to get angry and therefore the plan of pleasing passengers is foiled. Another is that the flight attendants will have a difficult time regulating the usage of some devices versus the use of other devices. McGee substantiates these problems by using rhetorical devices to grasp the reader. Besides the ones already mentioned, McGee uses a lot of quotes and direct examples from flight attendants and FAA officials to make his point. This establishes his ethos as he uses direct information to make his argument established and substantiated with evidence. In my opinion, I think this article does a great job in changing my opinion. Originally I hated the idea of turning off my devices because it meant one less tweet or one less text. However after seeing that the use of electronic devices may actually have an effect on the plane and consequently my life, I now understand that the text is not worth it. In addition I agree with McGee’s point that a partial ban would not be beneficial because if my iphone isn't allowed and someone else’s device is, it makes me upset and almost jealous that I am not allowed while someone else is. Although originally I was unsure what the title of the article meant by being careful what I wished for, I now understand that having devices on planes could be a threat to my safety. 

TOW #2: TEXT- Breaking Bad Normalizes Meth, Argues Prosecutor By Blake Ewing

     In this article, Blake Ewing, an assistant district attorney in Austin, provides insight as to how the popular show Breaking Bad, normalizes the meth industry. Breaking Bad is a popular show that takes the viewer through the life of a dying man, Walter White, and his decisions to cook meth to provide for his family. Since this is such a popular show about a serious subject like meth, Ewing argues that, although entertaining, it makes meth seem normal. In reality, methamphetamine is one of the most serious, and dangerous drugs in society, and through the show's popularity, meth seems less intimidating. Ewing's audience is meant for all those who watch the show as to show them what exactly it is doing to their minds. Since I am an avid viewer of the show (just finished watching it) I found this article compelling, as a credit to his use of rhetorical devices. Ewing initially makes himself seem approachable to the reader (mostly Breaking Bad fanatics) by saying that he enjoys the show as well. By opening himself up to the viewers of the show, the audience doesn't automatically discredit him as a person who doesn't understand the true worth of the show (it is amazing). Ewing again makes himself approachable by closing his article saying that although meth is normalized by the show, he is still going to watch it. Although this may seem counterintuitive, it makes his point easier to grasp. For me, Ewing is simply trying to say that the show isn't a bad influence as long as the viewer is cognizant of the effects of meth. Ewing also uses hyperboles to appeal to the pathos of the reader. Humor used by Ewing such as, "Does this mean that watching an episode of Breaking Bad will cause responsible adults to run out and find a local meth dealer? Clearly not" (Times) provide readers with a comic relief to his serious claim. This question also appeals to the reader's sense of logos as it makes logical sense that something that crazy would not happen. Another useful rhetorical device he uses is that he clearly addresses both sides of the argument and then substantiates why his point is better. This gives him more credibility as he acknowledges that there are other sides to the argument. Overall, I think Ewing effectively uses rhetorical devices to get his point across. From being a die-hard fan of Breaking Bad I understand how sensitive we can be when people criticize the show, however the way in which Ewing does it is brilliant. Not only does he get his point across that the show is indeed making meth normal, he does it from the perspective of a fan. After reading this article, I realize that what he was saying is indeed true. Before watching the show, I never really thought about the drug industry and meth, however after the show I think meth is more common in everyday conversation. Although people are simply talking about the show, meth is talked about and seems more normal. Overall, I think Ewing did a great job making his point while not angering any die-hard fans.

TOW #1- Visual Text: Nokia Lumia 1020 Commercial By Nokia

      In this commercial, Nokia attempts to advertise its latest phone, the Lumia 1020. Nokia is advertising the Lumia 1020 for its 41 megapixel camera, unseen in the phone industry, to try and compete will other phones such as the Apple I-Phone. In order to gain customers, Nokia pokes fun at the struggle of other cellphone users in their latest commercial. By showing that their cameras are not up to par with the 1020, while also appealing to the audience's emotions, Nokia puts forward a valiant effort that caught my attention. During the commercial, people are struggling to get a good picture of a children's play, and their attempts to do so are humorous. People taking random panoramas and even head-butting each other are part of Nokia's rhetorical strategy of using pathos to get the audience interested. While watching the commercial, I found myself laughing showing that the commercials' attempt to be comical, worked. Nokia was once a top seller of cellphones, however with the invention of the I-Phone in 2007, Nokia, along with other companies saw a steep decline in marketshare. In order to gain more marketshare, Nokia has targeted the camera aspect to the cellphone, and through this commercial the camera shines through. At the end of the commercial, the viewer sees that a man all the way in the back is relaxed and can see the entire play due to the power of his camera-phone, the Lumia 1020. This with and without effect is seen by showing people with I-Phones struggling and then showing people with Lumia 1020's relaxing. This rhetorical device is exaggerating the difference between phone users, however it makes Nokia's point that the camera is better on the 1020. Personally, I think that this commercial was very comical, and therefore caught my attention. The pathos used by Nokia really appealed to me and made me realize how much better having a good camera would be. Although head-butting people for a picture is hyperbolized, the constant struggle of taking a decent picture on your phone is real. Because Nokia pointed this out to me, I realize the need of a better camera on my phone, and therefore I think the commercial definitely worked. Nokia's use of pathos, and with/without as well as hyperbole appealed to the audience, and moreover was a successful commercial. 

IRB Introduction #1

     For the next 4 weeks, I have chosen to read, Moneyball by Michael Lewis. This book is a recount of the remarkable successes of the 2002 Oakland Athletics. In years before the 2002 season, the Oakland Athletics were ranked near the bottom of the MLB, and were the poorest team in the league. In a league where the richest teams usually won the most games, the Oakland A's defied all when they won 20 consecutive games and made the playoffs under general manager, Billy Beane. The book delves into the way in which the A's won, as well as the managerial aspect to how Beane turned the team around. I chose this book because it was recommended to me by Mr. Yost, and also because I really enjoyed the movie. When I heard the premise of the book, I was really intrigued, as it seemed to connect my interest with business and sports into one cohesive novel. Since I run my own clothing company, seeing how another industry is managed may help me in my own entrepreneurial adventures. I hope to gain managerial ideas and techniques from the book as well as inspiration as to how a manager can fully lead his workers. Not only do I want to learn about business from this book, but I also hope to have an enjoyable read about my favorite two topics. Often times, non-fiction seems boring to me, however I am excited to read this book and learn from a non-fiction novel