Arbitrary Images- mmmmm mochi

I'm currently taking a class for my major which is called Packaging Design. Normally, most of the BYU art classes are 3 hrs. long twice a week (during Fall and Winter semesters). But since it's spring, the load practically doubles and yes, I know it's hard to believe, but my design class is from 12:00 to 5:50 Tues. + Thurs. Since it's so long, we've got to take breaks, eat food, etc. so we created a sign up to take turns and bring food to class. Another classmate and I were to bring food last Thursday.

I brought a whole pallate of fresh strawberries and an entire pan of pink coconut mochi.

The other kid brought more strawberries, sliced sourdough baguettes, Jones soda, and a tray of shrimp cocktail. Well, we certainly had a lot of strawberries to eat that day, and I was pleased that many of my classmates have tried AND liked mochi. There was only a little left which I snatched away to have a snack for work later that night.

This is all that was left

I think everyone in that class tried at least a little mochi and a few wanted the (lazy Hawaiian) recipe. It's good to share cultures and tastes, and what better to do that than through others' stomachs. It made me happy, we ate well, and I'm still snacking on the remnants of the strawberries!

Arbitrary Images- smart people are cool

I was working kickball the other night and this girl was up to kick when I saw her shirt. She must have been a math major, or in some sort of club. It had trigonometry terminology such as sine and cosine while referencing to one of Will Smith's songs. The saying on the back read, "Gettin' Triggy Wid It." I had a good laugh, and so did this girl as she was asked if a picture could be taken of her.

Arbitrary Images

This week is a little late for my image but it's for a good reason because I got to go home to visit the fam for the Memorial Day weekend! Today's image comes from a suburban which parked next to my suburban at school. I thought to myself, "cool- the suburbans are by each other."



Then I really noticed the cool part. My unknown friend is also a Glenn Beck listener because I saw his hydro-carbon powered eco vehicle sticker.

It's great for those who jump to conclusions too quickly (You know da kine, who give you a glare because you drive a big gas hungry beast). Well, we evil conservative hate-mongers are doing our part to help with greenhouse gases. Glenn Beck has created a sticker for those to help combat the extremist attacks. He says---

Have you ever driven by a hippie, environmental protest and
had your beautiful gas guzzling SUV keyed?

Now you can protect your car by making it appear environmentally
friendly with the Glenn Beck Hydro-Carbon Powered Eco-Vehicle
bumper sticker. Look like a friend of the Earth while killing it at the same time!

Hydro Carbon just means oil, but with our clever
recycle-shape inspired design, environmentalists and
global warming zombies alike will take one look and think you’re
on their side. Only we’ll know the truth behind it…you evil conservative hate monger!

get in on the action with a sticker if you'd like

So anyways, I saw this sticker on the suburban which made my day. I grinned as I wrote a note to this unknown person who I now felt a connection with because of their stance. I thanked them for being so cool, and proudly showing their beliefs in a non-intrusive way. I too have this sticker, but I don't own a car in my name so I've had to refrain from putting it on the suburban.
Nevertheless, I took a picture because I was giddy. Have a great week.

Besides- for those of you who are all natural and and trying to "go green" just remember- we as humans as well as other essential things are made of carbon. It's part of nature and God's creations. Let's not try to get rid of the carbon in the world or else we'll die.

Arbitrary Images- Spring!

With the human eye, these greens were even brighter.

It so green right now. Spring is full on. While walking home from class along the hedge of the outdoor track was when I really noticed the greenery. To my right a hedge, and to my left, the line of trees. The shade made the colors vibrant and I felt gratitude for living where I can see the beauty of spring.

Arbitrary Images

It happens to all of us. For some, it may be more often than others depending on where you locate yourself during the day. On occasion we see the most random things, or just something really cool or unique that cheers up your day. Wouldn't a picture be the best, to remember it? Though I hardly carry my camera around with me, I do always have my phone (and the camera on it is pretty good). Starting today, I'm going to post a random picture of the week. But in my opinion, the word 'random' is over-used so I thesaurus-ed it, and decided to name the posts Arbitrary Image of the Week which may be shortened to AIW because humans are lazy. This week you'll get two, since I was going to do this last week, but I had to refrain and spend some serious time on the computer for my Accounting homework.

From last week: This first one is of a sandwich I was eating. I had to set it down when the phone rang and when I came back, it was still standing up like a champ.

This week, I'm privileged to attend the NCAA National Volleyball Championships. I changed my seat mid game, to sit by different people and the large jumbo tron was right above us. It was made of 36 Toshiba screens all synchronized together.

Snappables

Would you or do you know someone who would like a FREE tote bag?

Snappables are the neatest thing these days. In addition tote bags, you can also choose from a range of onesies, tee's, headbands, and lunch bags. To coordinate with your outfit you snap on an interchangeable snaplet which are handmade felt accessories.


If you go to sheilarich.blogspot.com and follow 3 simple steps you just may earn yourself a free tote bag from Snappables. Or, if you'd like to go straight to the source and purchase these items for your next party or shower you can visit the etsy site at: http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=6992882

Happy Snapping!

I'm like a little kid who can't wait

I know there's a few of you out there who are like me when it comes to abc's show 'Lost'. The writers are brilliant and I love this show! Every episode, one of my burning questions are answered, but another twist gets you right at the last instance. I just finished watching this week's episode and this is they typical expression I give numerous times as I watch. My eyes are on the verge of watering, and I glance down at the progress bar and I say, "Already? No, it can't be almost over. There's got to be more."

This is me, stunned after another great episode of LOST

I'm sure if you're a lost fan you may have a similar expression like mine. For those you know who don't watch it, or claim that it's boring, or dragged out, or (insert comment here) and give you a hard time... forgettabout em.

Typography.... it's COOL!

Yes, my friends, my classes have turned me into a nut case when it comes to typography, composition, and style. I'm just a beginner, but I've learned a lot already.

I know everyone is short on cash, but I just want to say this out in the open. I really want this print. It's a letter pressed poster of the Salt Lake City Temple!

The entire image is made from letters from various typeface families. So if you've got some money hiding under your bed, doing nothing for you except taking away a good nights' rest, put it to good use and buy me this poster.

I now pronounce myself a nut case.

Rhetorical Analysis- PSYCH!

Hooray! While the blog posts for my English class were a fun approach to a weekly sort of assignment, I'm glad to be done with them. What I hope it's done for me is first- helped me better analyze what I'm exposed to, and gauge how persuasive something is. Maybe the skill will help me make some important choices later on. Reason two, is I hope this weekly assigned blogging has helped form a habit to post things on this blog more often. It's like scripture study and prayer. Seminary and institute which part of my grade came from how often I studied my scriptures or made a journal entry after reading them. It's a case where the assignment helped form something
into a habit by choice.

Now I'll be blogging more on my 'vantage'. So....more to come but right now I've got to focus on finishing the semester strong. There are only a few days left so instead of searching picture to share, or a funny/interesting story, I'll leave you with a parting shot.

This is a particular image I keep in my scriptures. It's a special reminder for me. My goals are within reach, I've just got to finish.

And I know I can!

Credits: “New Era Poster,” New Era, Sept. 2005, 19 Text reads: Finish
Your goals are within reach if you stay on track and endure to the end. (See 2 Tim. 4:7; Heb. 12:1–2.)

Rhetorical Analysis- Source for Paper C

~WATCO: What are the consequences of instituting the fair tax plan on the reclamation of our current flawed tax system?

~Enthymeme:(Claim): By putting the fair tax into practice, our economy and tax system will be improved.
Assumption (Reason): Because the fair tax lets the people keep their entire paycheck, bring fairness to taxation, and a gets rid of the IRS.

~Audience: The audience is the people of the United States who pay taxes.

It's like giant jumper cables for our economy.

~Goal: The goal is to educate the public about the unfairness of our current tax system, and to offer a better alternative in which to handle the taxation and economic well-being of the United States.

~How & Why: The source explains the proposal to get rid of federal income tax and and those related to payrolls. The plan emphasizes a national retail sales tax. To many this is logical and relevant because citizens cannot evade taxation. The idea is for the sales tax to be administered primarily by already existing sales tax authorities while abolishing federal taxes, capital gains, Social Security, self-employment taxes, etc. (For details see The FairTax Act). Many Americans feel like the current system is not fair and often deal with frustration especially in April when taxes and reports are due.

~Effective: The FairTax taxes citizens only on what they choose to spend on new goods and/or services, and not on what they earn. The FairTax is is like it's name "fair", efficient and a smart solution to the problems we have as a nation.

If you would like to know more, please view this website.

Rhetorical Analysis- Speech

Pearl Harbor Address to the Nation
Franklin Delano Roosevelt

~WATCO: What are the consequences of Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, on the declaration of war?

~Enthymeme:(Claim): The Japanese attack forced the United States of America to declare war.
Assumption (Reason): Because the attack has shattered the bonds of trust, as well as the safety and security of the people of this nation.

~Audience: The audience is the Vice President, Mr. Speaker, Members of the Senate, and the House of Representatives.

~Goal: The goal of the speech is to convince and motivate the House of Representatives to wage war and to stand behind the President in this decision.

~How & Why: President Roosevelt really exercised emotion in the persuasive process. It's also very relevant since just previous to this event, the Japanese had implied that they look forward to maintaining peace in the pacific. Then suddenly, after the attack, there was no point in keeping diplomatic negotiations. Roosevelt assured the audience that to come all the way to Hawaii was a deliberate and planned attack. It was sufficient in stating how America was deceived. Lives were lost, ships were destroyed, and security has been damaged.

~Effective: The speech was extremely effective. It displays determination. As he asks the audience to "Remember the character the of the onslaught against us." Also, he rallies up the American people of the nation as Roosevelt speaks of his faith in them. "...Americans with their righteous might will win through to absolute victory."

After December 7th, 1941 America entered the war.
Twas truly "A Date which will Live in Infamy."


-----------------------

To hear and/or read this speech visit the American Rhetoric site.

Rhetorical Analysis- Music Video

Today, I will attempt to break down a music video to analyze it's persuasiveness.

~WATCO: What are the consequences of pretending to be someone online on how cool I am to others?

~Enthymeme:(Claim): "I'm so much cooler online."
Assumption (Reason): Because I'm someone else online; I can be handsome, talk to women, drive nice cars, play the guitar like Brad Paisley and rock the concert.

~Audience: The audience is "has-been" or "never-was" people who were never popular. They'd still be living with their parents with no excitement and adventure in their life.

~Goal: The goal of the music video teaches a lesson about how aspiring to be someone big and famous is cool at first, but realizing that what you seek in life could be right in front of you.

~How & Why: The role of this guy (Jason Alexander) dreams of becoming someone cool and famous, namely Brad Paisley. The audience can identify with the nerd-like character. Though this analysis is more on the video it correlates with the lyrics how when online, he's six-foot five, he drives a Maserati, gets on the cover on GQ, six pack abs to blow your mind, and 'even on a slow day he has a 3-way chat with two women at one time'. It's pretty accurate, because many people lie about their lifestyles, or make up stories to make them more appealing. It's typical because even if they don't actually impersonate someone, they dream of being like them.

~Effective: The effectiveness of the video gave a twist at the end of the video. Jason Alexander finally realizes that it's not him, but he can be famous/desirable in his own immediate life. The girl next door has always liked him, but he's been to afraid to do anything about it. He makes a bold move and goes for her, and they literally march off into happiness. Thus, the effectiveness in persuading that being online makes you cool isn't great, but a better solution is given to the audience at the end.


Credits: Online by Brad Paisley. From the album 5th Gear.
_______________________
This weeks post may not be the most successful in terms of being persuasive, but I wanted to do a country song. There are a lot of people out there who don't like country music usually due to the twang of artists' voices and the subject/content they sing about. I used to be one of them. I still don't like it too twangy, but many of the songs have much better lyrics than what's being put out these days. Whether it be in terms of clean language, or telling a good story or just a simple love song. Plus, country music videos are usually good to watch because they're tend to parallel with the lyrics and they often quite funny.

So to you who despise country I say, "Give it a chance." If you're one who likes it already, don't be bothered by the haters- We'll always know what they're missing out on.

Kids are so intriguing

DUH Anna!!

Sometimes a child's words are so straight forward and non-figurative, it throws us older people for a loop. This was really funny to me so I thought I'd share.

I was talking on the phone with one of my nieces and I asked her how she was doing. She let me know about the weather warming up, and the ability to go outside and play, and how she got to ride her bike with her Mom and Dad. As she continued on she told me how excited she was and proud that she gave a talk in primary. This is sort of the script of the conversation. Me: So what else is new with you? Niece: I got to give a talk in primary/nursery! Me: Oh yeah? Cool! What did you give your talk on? Niece: On the microphone. ~momentary pause. I was baffled at her wit~ Me: Ha ha, what was your talk about? Niece: It was about Responsibility... (and so on and so on)

The little Blondie

I was trying so hard to hold in my laughter. After all, she answered the question correctly. She did give a talk on (into) the microphone. Ahhh, if I could only hear half of the things she says in a day..... what a character.

March has it's perks

Okay, some may say that I over-do it. But I truly have a "Love for the Game."
Without further ado...

LET THE MADNESS BEGIN!

I go nuts over March Madness and the NCAA tournament. I get into the who bracketology stuff on ESPN, I create several scenarios if my top picks don't pan out, and I watch as many games as possible on cbssports.com. Last year around this time, I brought my computer to class, where I was taking notes on one side of the screen, while I had a game streaming on the other side.

I hope my 'golden bracket' holds up to its name on the ESPN site. I'll update you all (out of what, maybe three people who read this blog?) as the weeks progress.

yeah... I love it

Rhetorical Analysis- Paper A

The gears have shifted because now I am analyzing
my own paper and how persuasive it was.

p.s. this is just a picture of me standing on the world's largest lacolith

~WATCO: What are the consequences of parents teaching the mentality that 'everyone's a winner' on the child's future success?
Enthymeme (Claim): Teaching this 'everyone's a winner mentality will impede future success.
Assumption (Reason): Because teaching this mentality will lead them to believe minimal effort is enough.

~Audience: The audience is parents who influence young people (roughly ages 8-20).

~Goal: The goal of the paper was to persuade parents to help prepare their children for adult life. Sometimes by letting failure occur, youth will better learn from their mistakes compared to always putting them on equal terms with their peers. Not everyone can win all the time, but hard work will excel their children beyond mediocrity. The goal is to help those adults realize they're potential crippling effect on their child's ability to cope with life's upsets and stresses.

~How & Why: This paper is relevant because most parents deeply care about their children. The writer gives a situation where a discouraged young athlete was about to quit, but he was persuaded into finishing the season where they won the championship. This begins to tug at the emotions of winning and losing, and how the outcome of a game (competition) can affect your attitude. The writer explains that parents are too soft and they either don't push their child in terms of competition or they interfere by demanding equality, making everyone a winner. Though this is logical, the writer lacks sources to correctly back up their claim. It also, states that when these children grow up, they are unprepared for the challenges that come with adulthood, yet there is not sufficient evidence to support it.

~Effective: The paper isn't the most effective because of the lack of credible sources. The underlying message would persuade me, but I am not the audience. The audience would need more credible information to convince them of a problem even existing.

Rhetorical Analysis- Film Trailer

This week I bring you a teaser trailer created for the second, of the Transformers series.

Transformers
Revenge of the Fallen

~WATCO: What are the consequences of human life on the return and revenge of the Decepticons?

Enthymeme (Claim): The earth is being destroyed by the Decepticons.
Assumption (Reason): Because they lost the battle to the Autobots in the last fight, but they have come again seeking revenge. Only, the battle is taking place on earth again and affecting the human race.

~Audience: The audience is American teenagers and adults who watch action movies and/or grew up with Transformers.

Switch to Full Screen so you can see the entire frame.

~Goal: The goal of the trailer is to convince you, the human to help in the fight against the Decepticons or perish under their control of the world.

~How & Why: The teaser uses an apocalyptic approach to play with our emotions (pathos). If we are given the feeling that we are being attacked, we must either run and hide, or fight. The scene where the US military was totally ambushed as we see an aircraft carrier destroyed and many fighter planes and debris sink to the bottom of the ocean. Here it feels serious because our security has been breached and we question our safety (ethos) and trust at this point. It is relevant in the pseudo setting because the Decepticons were defeated, but full of resent, they gain strength and attack the Autobots (who are living in peace with the inhabitants of earth) The audience cares about the matter, becuase it's affecting their lives (family, homes, and safety).

~Effective: This teaser was very effective. Those who already like Transformers are excited for the evil forces to attack again because it's another action-packed film to witness. I'm already a Transformers fan, but this teaser was so involving that I'm counting down the days until mid June.

Credits: Director Michael Bay
www.transformersmovie.com

Rhetorical Analysis- Source for Paper B

This week is a post for my second persuasive paper. I'll be writing to persuade people to take out their ipods (earbuds) more often as they're out in public.


~WATCO: What are the consequences of audio fixative individuals on their ignorant attitude toward society?
Enthymeme (Claim): Audio fixative individuals progress to being more ignorant to others when interacting with them.
Assumption (Reason): Because excessive use/exposure can cause hearing loss or other injuries, making them less-responsive to those around them.

~Audience: The audience is any music enthusiast who has to have a tune playing in their head.

~Goal: The goal is to show how the effects hinder one's social life (isolated music listening) and health (auditory damage).


~How & Why: This source can help show how the consumer level music players are a potential risk to hearing. It is a trustworthy source because it's preceded by the Journal of the American Audiology Society, and published by the Sargent College of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences at Boston University School of Medicine. The source addresses the logistics of their testing of various compact disc players and their output levels, then compare them to safe levels of decibel output. I think it's very sufficient in tests and results because a wide range of products were tested across many manufacturers and styles of headphones- insert, supra-aural, vertical, and circumaural). I think this can relate to the health of a music enthusiast.

~Effective: This is an effective source because commercially-available players were tested and the results show how potentially damaging they can be to one's hearing/health.

Credits: Fligor, B. J., and L. C. Cox. "Output Levels of Commercially Available Portable Compact Disc Players and the Potential Risk to Hearing." Ear & Hearing (01960202) 25.6 (2004): 513-27.

Rhetorical Analysis- Visual Art

Emil Nolde, The Last Supper, 1909, Statens Museum for Kunst, Copenhagen.

~WATCO: What are the consequences of connecting with Jesus Christ and the Last Supper (painting) on an individuals well being?
Enthymeme (Claim): Identifying with this art will give a greater appreciation and awareness for what Jesus Christ has done for mankind.
Assumption (Reason): Because of His love, we must encompass Him. Our love will grow so that our lives will be happy, giving followers of Christ a purpose of life.

~Audience: The audience is infants, children, teenagers, adults, and seniors of all ages and cultures.

~Goal: Nolde's goal in the painting is bring the old culture to current times and connect it with the new ways and traditions of its time. Its purpose is to reach out to the viewer so that they can identify themselves with the painting and event that is taking place.

~How & Why: The style of the painting creates an intimate scene (pathos). Those who have not lived according to religious standards would be more willing to submit to Christ, the Savior (ethos) if the setting were less formal as opposed to da Vinci’s version. Though not typical, it works. Past depictions of Last Supper reflected old culture. Nolde’s composition was relevant to the new age of viewer because it livened it up, offering a new perspective

~Effective: This is an effective painting. The intimacy creates a sense of brotherhood, though the faces shown are very idealized (of His Disciples). This bridges the gap of a more modern world. All can come unto Him.

Credits: artstor.org
If you would like to know more about Jesus Christ and the Purpose of Life, please click here.

Rhetorical Analysis- Song

"Glass House"

~WATCO: What are the consequences of pointing a finger at others on you actually being the one at fault?

~Enthymeme:(Claim): People ridicule others for their flaws or circumstances but they too (the accuser) have their own faults too.
Assumption (Reason): Because humans make mistakes others point out their faults, but there are usually hypocrites who are to blame as well.

~Audience: The audience is to those who may go about life, in a blind manner. Those who may appear as being snobby, or prideful are the focus of this song.

~Goal: The goal of the song is to let people know that if they can't take the heat in return, don't give it to people.

~How & Why: Peter Tosh, the singer of "Glass House" tells the story of if you live in a glass house don't throw stones. Damaging words or actions to others are just as damaging in return. Tosh gives a teaching feel to the song and verifies it by a biblical reference of the Golden Rule when he says

Harm no man
Let no man harm you
Do unto others
As they would do to you

He scolds the wrong doer by calling them liars being filled with illusions. Tosh calls himself a man here on earth doing the good work, and if you disagree there just might be some contention.

~Effective: The lyrics work when it's a song, as he tells of someone who might live their lives not knowing, but others around can see what's wrong. Since the person is naive and may not see it, that is why the message had to be so direct. I could imagine this not working in a face-to-face conversation, but for a reggae upbeat song, a deep message can be translated successfully to a light feeling with an upbeat attitude.

Glass House - Peter Tosh

Rhetorical Analysis- Source for Paper A

This week's post is a source for Paper A
(as in, I hope I get an A on this paper)

My topic is about how children are being raised and taught that no matter what, they are all winners. These 'winners' go about their life putting minimal effort into even the most common tasks, and they become blinded from the big picture. In reality, they turn out to be 'whiners' who demand fair treatment for issues that could have been prevented. That is, if some responsibility (both parent and child) were taken. Could parents be bearing too much of their burdens at a young age? Are children more resilient than we think?

Since I will need to persuade an audience who is against my argument, this post is a source from the counter argument.

Article from: The Times

June 7, 2008

Japan's 'monster' parents take on centre stage
Leo Lewis in Tokyo

~WATCO: When it comes to a child's education, what are the consequences of parents pressuring teachers to satisfy their wants in order to get their desired outcome?
Enthymeme (Claim): Parents act like bullies to the point that teachers buckle under the pressure, children aren't taught sensibly, and each child becomes a winner in the end.
Assumption (Reason): Because every parent wants their daughter to be the star of the school production, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, the play results in zero dwarfs, yet twenty-five Snow Whites.

~Audience: The audience is adults and parents who are too soft when it comes to discipline and/or who believes that it's only a matter of some effort that entitles youth to be victorious.

~Goal: If you heckle or complain enough, you will get your way. Even if you didn't think you'd make it onto the cast of this play, get ready because you'll be in the star role.

~How & Why: These parents believe they're "champions of basic consumer rights." They have become a mob of complainers. Japanese society had previously been summed up as respectful and silent have become aggressive. Though, this style of parenting is not limited to this change of culture in Japan. It is found all around the globe. Children have become the center of attention to these parents, but it's gone to extremes. Numerous calls, harassing teachers have left them no choice but to give in to the demands (pathos). Many times, these are private institutions where the funding comes from the customer and if offended, could easily take their money elsewhere (logos). Once again, this is not just a single case in Japan. It's reported that children come home from school with a congratulatory certificate of "Sitting nicely on the carpet." This phenomenon has become more typical in schools and activities. Could you imagine youth in a sporting event where everyone receives a trophy even if they finish fifth in the tournament? The sponsors would go broke handing out hardware to everyone to showed up.


~Effective: Though seemingly effective at the time to boost a child's self esteem, it only cripples them for the future. Without going through necessary stresses in life, those who grew up being fed by fallacies will collapse under the pressure of the real world.


Credits: The article refereed to in this post was written by Leo Lewis in Tokyo, and was published by Times Online. To see the article click here.