In my research this past week I spent quite a bit of time looking at a statistical report published by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, focusing on statistical research done on our country's internal population of what they term to be 'unauthorized immigrants.'
The source was a .pdf file located on the Department of Homeland Security website.
The Rhetorical Analysis will be finished soon.
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Thursday, October 25, 2007
Free Post #7 - untitled
This week I have run dry on creative juices - at least as far as the epic James Bond poem of the past two plus months is concerned. No, I have decided to take the week off and post a stream of consciousness....post.
Anyway, it seems as if my semester is winding down rather quickly even though there is still a good chunk of time left. In actuality, I'm only halfway through the semester. And it may not really be that the semester is winding down, but rather that I personally am winding down. I guess I'm just mentally graduated. Not like a cylinder, but that I am ready to be finished with undergraduate education. For now.
Now, as I'm looking ahead to a short-term (or long term?) career with the Marine Corps, I am reflecting on what the future may yet hold for me and mine. I wonder if many of my dreams will be realized? Is it my responsibility to make them happen, or is it my responsibility to do away with all of the crazy-sounding ambitions I've harbored up to this point in life? Would being responsible in the latter sense cause me to be irresponsible in realizing my potential and living a full life, or is a full life only possible when I focus and dedicate to one path in life?
I still have flashes of desire to become a doctor, even though I've found that medical school prerequisites were my undergraduate match. I think I just didn't want it bad enough right now. Is it really as crazy as people say it is to go back to school and become a doctor after spending time as a professional Marine? I don't think so. But is it irresponsible? I'll have to continue thinking about that.
Well, enough of my keyboard meandering. See you next time.
Anyway, it seems as if my semester is winding down rather quickly even though there is still a good chunk of time left. In actuality, I'm only halfway through the semester. And it may not really be that the semester is winding down, but rather that I personally am winding down. I guess I'm just mentally graduated. Not like a cylinder, but that I am ready to be finished with undergraduate education. For now.
Now, as I'm looking ahead to a short-term (or long term?) career with the Marine Corps, I am reflecting on what the future may yet hold for me and mine. I wonder if many of my dreams will be realized? Is it my responsibility to make them happen, or is it my responsibility to do away with all of the crazy-sounding ambitions I've harbored up to this point in life? Would being responsible in the latter sense cause me to be irresponsible in realizing my potential and living a full life, or is a full life only possible when I focus and dedicate to one path in life?
I still have flashes of desire to become a doctor, even though I've found that medical school prerequisites were my undergraduate match. I think I just didn't want it bad enough right now. Is it really as crazy as people say it is to go back to school and become a doctor after spending time as a professional Marine? I don't think so. But is it irresponsible? I'll have to continue thinking about that.
Well, enough of my keyboard meandering. See you next time.
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Rhetorical Analysis #6
So here's a new ad (new in the sense that it's new to the blog, not necessarily new...it's actually pretty old-looking!) for the ole- rhetorical analysis:
Argument: that Kellogg's cereal is the best choice when purchasing cereal.
Audience: parents - specifically those who have desire to not just feed their children but to contribute or serve in the community, or even more specifically, those who want to feed children AND donate to the 'camp fire girls.'
Method: they juxtapose a scene of a service-oriented 'camp fire girl' feeding a young girl Kellogg's corn flakes with the idea of performing service like the 'camp fire girls.' This would be very appealing to those who have young children, or more specifically, young girls. There are many alternatives to Kellogg's cereals in the cereal world, and here we are given a heart-warming view of what Kellogg's cereal can be in our lives - more than just a breakfast, but certainly service and kindness according to the poster. It would appeal even more to conservative mothers who live at home and care about a good upbringing for their children (young girls).
Effectiveness: seems pretty effective, though if one doesn't know what the 'camp fire girls' are, one would have a difficult time connecting the ideas and would therefore be at a loss. Regardless, the brand name is prominent, one of the main objectives of advertisments for products and services.
Argument: that Kellogg's cereal is the best choice when purchasing cereal.
Audience: parents - specifically those who have desire to not just feed their children but to contribute or serve in the community, or even more specifically, those who want to feed children AND donate to the 'camp fire girls.'
Method: they juxtapose a scene of a service-oriented 'camp fire girl' feeding a young girl Kellogg's corn flakes with the idea of performing service like the 'camp fire girls.' This would be very appealing to those who have young children, or more specifically, young girls. There are many alternatives to Kellogg's cereals in the cereal world, and here we are given a heart-warming view of what Kellogg's cereal can be in our lives - more than just a breakfast, but certainly service and kindness according to the poster. It would appeal even more to conservative mothers who live at home and care about a good upbringing for their children (young girls).
Effectiveness: seems pretty effective, though if one doesn't know what the 'camp fire girls' are, one would have a difficult time connecting the ideas and would therefore be at a loss. Regardless, the brand name is prominent, one of the main objectives of advertisments for products and services.
Thursday, October 18, 2007
Free Post #6 - 007:BondPull
Another installment, fresh off the 11:55 hotplate:
Dalton slowed to a crawl and then just veered right,
Just missing a fenceline, though the space was quite tight.
Craig, nearly done, threw his arms up in glee,
And crossed over the line just happy as can be.
...TO BE CONTINUED...
So this James Bond tractorpull event is really turning out to be one of my favorite assignments of the semester - I mean, really, what better time is there in this life when all one has to dwell on (for a grade) is James Bond - one of the sexiest and most lethal of human weapons - and the good old American sport of tractor pulling...? I've had fun thus far, and can only imagine how much more fun I'm going to have over the next month or two to really round out a good poem for the ages.
At this point, it seems that Daniel Craig, the blond newcomer of the Bonds, is set to take the title. It may end up that way, but the poem still has quite a bit more to go before I'll be comfortable calling it 'done.' We need to finish some of the character development, mend some inter-Bond relationship gaps and feuds, and show just how conniving and ingenious these old codgers can really be. I mean, how can I stop at this point when we've barely heard each of the Bonds utter more than a sentence or two? While I've got six stars of the Bond name and from the silver screen at my beck and call, I'm going to take full advantage of it, you better believe me!
Continue watching, or reading rather, to see what's going to happen. I apologize for a light week of additional poem content, but this week (and maybe next!) have been wearing heavy on the brain-piece. I promise more exciting installments in the near future!
Dalton slowed to a crawl and then just veered right,
Just missing a fenceline, though the space was quite tight.
Craig, nearly done, threw his arms up in glee,
And crossed over the line just happy as can be.
...TO BE CONTINUED...
So this James Bond tractorpull event is really turning out to be one of my favorite assignments of the semester - I mean, really, what better time is there in this life when all one has to dwell on (for a grade) is James Bond - one of the sexiest and most lethal of human weapons - and the good old American sport of tractor pulling...? I've had fun thus far, and can only imagine how much more fun I'm going to have over the next month or two to really round out a good poem for the ages.
At this point, it seems that Daniel Craig, the blond newcomer of the Bonds, is set to take the title. It may end up that way, but the poem still has quite a bit more to go before I'll be comfortable calling it 'done.' We need to finish some of the character development, mend some inter-Bond relationship gaps and feuds, and show just how conniving and ingenious these old codgers can really be. I mean, how can I stop at this point when we've barely heard each of the Bonds utter more than a sentence or two? While I've got six stars of the Bond name and from the silver screen at my beck and call, I'm going to take full advantage of it, you better believe me!
Continue watching, or reading rather, to see what's going to happen. I apologize for a light week of additional poem content, but this week (and maybe next!) have been wearing heavy on the brain-piece. I promise more exciting installments in the near future!
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
Rhetorical Analysis #5
Check this painting out:
Obviously and blatantly, this is a World War II-era propoganda-style poster. Let's analyze, shall we?
Argument: This is trying to make the viewer more worried about, or more aware of and careful of, the dangers of domestic forest fires. Although it really isn't related to the evils of foreign military powers (Hitler and the Nazis, Hideki and the Japanese Imperialists), the painter attached the idea of forest fires with the frightening idea of the axis powers of the world war.
Audience: Those Americans living in World War II times, in areas where forest fires are a serious risk. Adults in rural or forested areas, patriots.
Methods: The artist effectively juxtaposed a domestic problem - forest fires - with an unrelated but horrifying image of wickedness incarnate (as Hitler and Hideki would have been recognized at the time as being the epitome of evil). In the text of the work, it actually plants in the mind of the viewer the idea that Axis powers may use forest fires as a subversive weapon against the American populace at home while the war went on abroad.
Effectiveness: While it is rather silly when looking back at such works, it was probably very effective at the time. In modern times, it would probably have been labeled "biased" "conservative bigotry" or "slanderous discrimination," and would probably be just another joke about the seeming ignorance of Americans.
Obviously and blatantly, this is a World War II-era propoganda-style poster. Let's analyze, shall we?
Argument: This is trying to make the viewer more worried about, or more aware of and careful of, the dangers of domestic forest fires. Although it really isn't related to the evils of foreign military powers (Hitler and the Nazis, Hideki and the Japanese Imperialists), the painter attached the idea of forest fires with the frightening idea of the axis powers of the world war.
Audience: Those Americans living in World War II times, in areas where forest fires are a serious risk. Adults in rural or forested areas, patriots.
Methods: The artist effectively juxtaposed a domestic problem - forest fires - with an unrelated but horrifying image of wickedness incarnate (as Hitler and Hideki would have been recognized at the time as being the epitome of evil). In the text of the work, it actually plants in the mind of the viewer the idea that Axis powers may use forest fires as a subversive weapon against the American populace at home while the war went on abroad.
Effectiveness: While it is rather silly when looking back at such works, it was probably very effective at the time. In modern times, it would probably have been labeled "biased" "conservative bigotry" or "slanderous discrimination," and would probably be just another joke about the seeming ignorance of Americans.
Thursday, October 11, 2007
Free Post #5 - 007: BondPull
What he saw made him certain he had but one chance,
To win, beat Dalton and do a victory dance.
Said Dalton had saved his last tool ‘til now.
He now had it in hand, and was wiping his brow.
He held a rope with a knot, and its knot looked mean,
It surely could reach the short distance between
Daniel Craig and himself, though it’d take some fine skill.
Luckily, he’d last week renewed his license to kill.
He lashed out with the rope and Craig let out a cry,
It hit him square in the back, and he wanted to die.
His one last chance was to leap the short space
‘Twixt the tractors if he hoped to win the big race.
They both knew that the rope couldn’t do a darn thing
If they were so close Tim couldn’t even swing.
So at precisely the moment Craig leaped through the air,
Tim lashed out again and hit him right there.
Screaming again, Craig fought back the tears,
And landing took hold of both Dalton’s ears.
Sweat coursing down his lean muscled physique,
He head-butted Tim and even made it look sleek.
He set the ex-Bond, now dazed and cross-eyed,
Back down on his seat and jumped back to his ride.
…TO BE CONTINUED…
To win, beat Dalton and do a victory dance.
Said Dalton had saved his last tool ‘til now.
He now had it in hand, and was wiping his brow.
He held a rope with a knot, and its knot looked mean,
It surely could reach the short distance between
Daniel Craig and himself, though it’d take some fine skill.
Luckily, he’d last week renewed his license to kill.
He lashed out with the rope and Craig let out a cry,
It hit him square in the back, and he wanted to die.
His one last chance was to leap the short space
‘Twixt the tractors if he hoped to win the big race.
They both knew that the rope couldn’t do a darn thing
If they were so close Tim couldn’t even swing.
So at precisely the moment Craig leaped through the air,
Tim lashed out again and hit him right there.
Screaming again, Craig fought back the tears,
And landing took hold of both Dalton’s ears.
Sweat coursing down his lean muscled physique,
He head-butted Tim and even made it look sleek.
He set the ex-Bond, now dazed and cross-eyed,
Back down on his seat and jumped back to his ride.
…TO BE CONTINUED…
Sunday, October 7, 2007
Technique Post #4 - An introduction (or two)
So, in accordance with our current topic of discussion in class and for the upcoming paper assignment, let's use one of the standard introduction types in, um, introducing education reform.
Introduction Type: Some Say This
Our nation is currently struggling with a topic of the utmost seriousness - a topic which is demanding decisions at every level of government, decisions which will undoubtedly affect every household in America. Education is certainly vital to the longevity and progress of our great nation, and reforms must constantly be made in order to improve outdated systems. Utah is not a stranger to its citizens pushing for reform, and is now on the verge of making a decision on the topic of a voucher system. Experts on both sides of the debate have offered opinions on the merits and flaws of the proposed system: either vouchers will allow parents to make a choice in education and incite competition and therefore improvement in public school systems, or it will pound an already struggling public school system into the hard Utah soil. We will here explore the two sides of an already heated debate and decide which side of the fence we should be on.
That's it - simple as that!
Introduction Type: Some Say This
Our nation is currently struggling with a topic of the utmost seriousness - a topic which is demanding decisions at every level of government, decisions which will undoubtedly affect every household in America. Education is certainly vital to the longevity and progress of our great nation, and reforms must constantly be made in order to improve outdated systems. Utah is not a stranger to its citizens pushing for reform, and is now on the verge of making a decision on the topic of a voucher system. Experts on both sides of the debate have offered opinions on the merits and flaws of the proposed system: either vouchers will allow parents to make a choice in education and incite competition and therefore improvement in public school systems, or it will pound an already struggling public school system into the hard Utah soil. We will here explore the two sides of an already heated debate and decide which side of the fence we should be on.
That's it - simple as that!
Thursday, October 4, 2007
Free Post #4 - BondPull: 007
The fourth - and last? - installment of the ever more infamous James Bonds Tractor Pull event, straight to your little computer screen.
With weight newly added onto each iron steed,
George didn't have all that much of a lead.
Craig's sled was digging hard into the dirt,
And so to lose weight he just ripped off his shirt.
"You cad!" hollered Dalton, now inches away.
"Your muscles - not acting - is how you get pay!"
George shot a glance back at Craig and thought "shoddy."
Though he had to admit he took good care of his body.
Craig didn't smile, just swung low to the side
And picked up a rock which to his shirt he then tied.
He hefted the crudely made weapon, took aim
At poor Georgie's head only meaning to maim.
With a loud clunk ole' George fell, and to Craig's delight
Georgie landed unconscious but seemed quite alright.
Edging closer to Craig, Dalton drew out his last tool:
Craig whipped around, saw it, and felt like a fool.
...TO BE CONTINUED...
With weight newly added onto each iron steed,
George didn't have all that much of a lead.
Craig's sled was digging hard into the dirt,
And so to lose weight he just ripped off his shirt.
"You cad!" hollered Dalton, now inches away.
"Your muscles - not acting - is how you get pay!"
George shot a glance back at Craig and thought "shoddy."
Though he had to admit he took good care of his body.
Craig didn't smile, just swung low to the side
And picked up a rock which to his shirt he then tied.
He hefted the crudely made weapon, took aim
At poor Georgie's head only meaning to maim.
With a loud clunk ole' George fell, and to Craig's delight
Georgie landed unconscious but seemed quite alright.
Edging closer to Craig, Dalton drew out his last tool:
Craig whipped around, saw it, and felt like a fool.
...TO BE CONTINUED...
Tuesday, October 2, 2007
Rhetorical Analysis #4
So, the first thing I thought of when we were asked to use a poster or art or a photograph for our next rhetorical analysis was a Marine Corps recruiting poster. Why, you ask? Well, I'm a Marine - isn't that enough?
Here's a classic modern recruiting poster used by our beloved Marine Corps:
What is the argument here? No, not what the drill instructor is yelling about. The argument as in the point of the poster - its purpose. The argument is that when considering military service one should choose the Marine Corps over the others - that it is the toughest, the hardest, and the most prestigious. And they don't apologize for it.
The audience targeted by this ad, and others of its kind is more broad than one might think at first glance. For the sake of simplicity, I will suggest three groups of people. First, and most obvious, are young people out to "join up," those who are looking to enlist in the armed forces. This group would also include those who are considering enlisting, or who have an interest in the idea of enlisting. Second are parents. Specifically, parents of those from the first group and parents who are concerned about their children's future or are wishing that their children were part of the first group. Third, and broadest of all, are those who need confirmation that the Marines are still cocksure and proud, and are getting the job done. This includes patriots who are proud of the military heritage of our nation, and look for the showy strength of the armed forces and find therein reassurance and confidence. Also included are current and retired Marines - they need to know that the fire's still alive and hot, that traditions are being carried forward.
The target audiences are given the argument via a number of effective communication lines in this poster. Kids looking for action, military lifestyle, and tough-as-nails training are given the image of a vein-bursting drill instructor shrieking into a recruit's face at close range. The saying at the top assures the one viewing the poster that it isn't easy - an appealing thought for one up for a challenge (and then some!). For all audiences, the all-too-familiar shape of the "smokey bear" campaign cover (the drill instructor's "hat") strikes home as being prototypically "Marine," which carries with it some of the mystique and magic that only one properly inducted into the brotherhood called the Corps can understand, that quality that drives young men to sacrifice years of life to sweat and suffer through recruit training ("boot camp"). The simplicity of the image and poster add to the overall feeling that life is simple and rugged for Marines - and desireable.
It is quite effective in its rhetoric - I consider myself a fairly right-minded and non-violent individual, and it got me, didn't it?
Here's a classic modern recruiting poster used by our beloved Marine Corps:
What is the argument here? No, not what the drill instructor is yelling about. The argument as in the point of the poster - its purpose. The argument is that when considering military service one should choose the Marine Corps over the others - that it is the toughest, the hardest, and the most prestigious. And they don't apologize for it.
The audience targeted by this ad, and others of its kind is more broad than one might think at first glance. For the sake of simplicity, I will suggest three groups of people. First, and most obvious, are young people out to "join up," those who are looking to enlist in the armed forces. This group would also include those who are considering enlisting, or who have an interest in the idea of enlisting. Second are parents. Specifically, parents of those from the first group and parents who are concerned about their children's future or are wishing that their children were part of the first group. Third, and broadest of all, are those who need confirmation that the Marines are still cocksure and proud, and are getting the job done. This includes patriots who are proud of the military heritage of our nation, and look for the showy strength of the armed forces and find therein reassurance and confidence. Also included are current and retired Marines - they need to know that the fire's still alive and hot, that traditions are being carried forward.
The target audiences are given the argument via a number of effective communication lines in this poster. Kids looking for action, military lifestyle, and tough-as-nails training are given the image of a vein-bursting drill instructor shrieking into a recruit's face at close range. The saying at the top assures the one viewing the poster that it isn't easy - an appealing thought for one up for a challenge (and then some!). For all audiences, the all-too-familiar shape of the "smokey bear" campaign cover (the drill instructor's "hat") strikes home as being prototypically "Marine," which carries with it some of the mystique and magic that only one properly inducted into the brotherhood called the Corps can understand, that quality that drives young men to sacrifice years of life to sweat and suffer through recruit training ("boot camp"). The simplicity of the image and poster add to the overall feeling that life is simple and rugged for Marines - and desireable.
It is quite effective in its rhetoric - I consider myself a fairly right-minded and non-violent individual, and it got me, didn't it?