When I was in elementary school, I was obsessed with a picture book about a Japanese girl. I can remember the exact spot in the West Broad Elementary school library where it belonged, the pictures, the burgundy color of the cover. Remembering the title of this beloved book, however was annoyingly difficult and required nearly 45 minutes of my precious time to type absurd phrases into Google, in hopes of rediscovering it. (One Google search: children's book Chinese school girl/tea) I was determined but also, completely doomed.After a long while, I found it and I certainly felt accomplished! The title of this book is Tea with Milk by Allen Say.
As a fourth grader, I would frequently check out Tea with Milk from the library. I would play teacher up in my attic and read it to an empty room, thoughtfully showing the pictures on each page to no audience.
Surprisingly, this book is a fairly mature tale for a child. A Japanese American girl, May, is forced to move to Japan with her parents: switch jeans for a kimono, pancakes for rice. She has to learn Japanese and complete high school all over again. But, she has a dream to be independent, to make a living for herself and to escape the marriage her parent's planned for her. She eventually finds success in the city of Osaka and also love.
Looking back, it is hard to imagine a 10 year old enjoying this kind of story. I look back to that time and find it amazing that I felt so happy simply reading a book to an empty room. This story seems to hold more significance in my life today as I too, dream of traveling and being free of school, parents and Ambler, PA. Looking to the future, I feel confident that I can find the same peace of mind May found, in a new place with change and opportunity everywhere.
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Sunday, January 15, 2012
AOW Jan. 16
The article “Murder at the Queen’s Estate” tells about the body that was discovered on New Year’s Day at Queen Elizabeth’s Sandringham estate. The girl found was identified as 17 year old Alisa Dmitrijeva- a Latvian immigrant who had come to Britain two years ago.
Alicia Dennis is a writer for People Magazine- a magazine of celebrity and human interest stories. In October 2005, it was named “Magazine of the Year” by Advertising Age for excellence in editorial, circulation and advertising.
The context of this piece is a response to the recent investigations into who Alisa Dmitrijeva was and why she was killed. Detectives have been questioning royal gamekeepers, grooms, and other estate workers to see if they know anything. Officials have been looking into the life of Dmitrijeva and are racing to find out what happened to her.
The purpose of the article was to show the possible reason why such a tragedy would occur. The article explains the type of person Dmitrijeva was and that she was recently hanging out with the wrong crowd. Dmitrijeva was described as a “bubbly teen” (1) however her parents noted a change in her. When she enrolled in college and struggled to learn English, she began to stay out all night. Her mother tells Mail on Sunday, “She took drugs and got arrested for stealing” (2). How and why she was killed remains a mystery.
The audience for this article is readers of People Magazine and those interested in royal news.
Rhetorical elements used are an appeal to ethos and a narrative-style introduction. Dennis incorporated reports from important people in this case- Detective Chief Jes Fry and royal protection officer Ken Wharfe. This establishes a lot of credibility. She also uses information from an interview with Dmitrijeva’s mother to show a very personal side of the girl’s character. Dennis begins the article with a story-like introduction: “On the crisp, 50-degree afternoon of Dec. 18, the Queen and her companions tramped through the countryside of her sprawling Sandringham estate for a high spirited holiday shoot…” (3) This pulls the audience in and establishes the juxtaposition of the entire event- how such a tragedy could happen on such beautiful (and royal) land.
The author was effective. Though the mystery remains unsolved, Dennis did a good job with summarizing what had happened and giving insight as to why it did.
-January 23, 2012 issue of People Magazine
Alicia Dennis is a writer for People Magazine- a magazine of celebrity and human interest stories. In October 2005, it was named “Magazine of the Year” by Advertising Age for excellence in editorial, circulation and advertising.
The context of this piece is a response to the recent investigations into who Alisa Dmitrijeva was and why she was killed. Detectives have been questioning royal gamekeepers, grooms, and other estate workers to see if they know anything. Officials have been looking into the life of Dmitrijeva and are racing to find out what happened to her.
The purpose of the article was to show the possible reason why such a tragedy would occur. The article explains the type of person Dmitrijeva was and that she was recently hanging out with the wrong crowd. Dmitrijeva was described as a “bubbly teen” (1) however her parents noted a change in her. When she enrolled in college and struggled to learn English, she began to stay out all night. Her mother tells Mail on Sunday, “She took drugs and got arrested for stealing” (2). How and why she was killed remains a mystery.
The audience for this article is readers of People Magazine and those interested in royal news.
Rhetorical elements used are an appeal to ethos and a narrative-style introduction. Dennis incorporated reports from important people in this case- Detective Chief Jes Fry and royal protection officer Ken Wharfe. This establishes a lot of credibility. She also uses information from an interview with Dmitrijeva’s mother to show a very personal side of the girl’s character. Dennis begins the article with a story-like introduction: “On the crisp, 50-degree afternoon of Dec. 18, the Queen and her companions tramped through the countryside of her sprawling Sandringham estate for a high spirited holiday shoot…” (3) This pulls the audience in and establishes the juxtaposition of the entire event- how such a tragedy could happen on such beautiful (and royal) land.
The author was effective. Though the mystery remains unsolved, Dennis did a good job with summarizing what had happened and giving insight as to why it did.
-January 23, 2012 issue of People Magazine
Saturday, January 7, 2012
AOW January 9
In the article, “A Digital Death? Why Kodak Stopped Clicking” it is made clear that Kodak could be heading for bankruptcy and they may have been their own downfall. Kodak once was incredibly popular; it had one of the most innovative researching departments in the world. In 1975, they found the digital camera, “a product that would eventually be its undoing” (1). Kodak has tried to make and sell digital cameras and other products, however, they were “never really able to capitalize on the product it had invented, and its digital strategy was a bust” (2). Currently, they are trying to sell patents for digital photography to prevent bankruptcy.
JIm Zarroli has been a reporter for NPR since 1996 and covers most often articles on business and the economy. He has written for The Christian Science Monitor, The Los Angeles Times, and The Boston Globe.
The context of this article is that Kodak has recently begun trying to sell about a thousand patents for the technology behind digital photography. Since they are heading for bankruptcy, the company may not have a choice in the matter.
The purpose of the article was to show that Kodak’s own invention of the digital photography ultimately led them to their state today. “Over the years, as digital photography has taken off, the innovations developed by Kodak have been widely used in smartphones, notebooks and tablets” (3) and unfortunately their demise may be caused by their innovations.
The audience intended for this article are listeners of NPR and people interested in the trends of businesses.
Rhetorical devices used include: appeal to ethos and clever diction. Zarroli makes an appeal to ethos by citing Rob Cethre of the consulting firm of Photizo and Mark Zupan, dean of the business school at the University of Rochester. By using experts in both photography and business interests, his purpose is more clearly explained and credible. Zarroli makes him article more interesting and creative with his word choice. His diction: “Kodak has tried to jump on the digital bandwagon”, “during its heyday” and “the profits it earned from selling film have dried up.” (4) Light phrases like these are not often used in reports on failing businesses. Usually, diction is very formal. This is just one way the author is able to show some persona.
The author did achieve his purpose. He uses quotes from experts to make his article credible and shows his character, making the article informative and interesting.
http://www.npr.org/2012/01/06/144801653/kodak-tries-to-buy-time-by-selling-patents
Sunday, January 1, 2012
AOW January 1
This article is about Tom Carano, who lost 230 pounds after being obese for most of his life. He spent “ a lot of years overweight, depressed and just existing in my miserable self” (1). He realized his only option was to lose weight the healthy way through diet and exercise and not gastro surgery, as his wife would be forced to take care of him. He did not want that for her. He got a membership at the YMCA and walked for 20 minutes three times a week and started an aerobics class. This combined with eating what he calls “real food” (cheese, peanut butter, chicken, hummus, etc) brought him to his goal. Because the new year has just begun, people are making resolutions- many revolve around weight loss. The purpose of this article is to inspire other people to lose weight. The audience of this article are readers on aol and also people want to be inspired to lose weight and fulfill their resolution.One rhetorical element used is blunt language. Carano is very honest and to the point. For example: “There were not many things I had the energy to do, just work, eat, couch. I knew there was more, but I was too scared to change. I couldn't reach my ankles without breathing so heavily it would wake my wife” (2).The author is successful in this article. He even made me want to go exercise.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/12/26/tom-carano-weight-loss_n_1157811.html?icid=maing-grid7|main5|dl6|sec1_lnk2%26pLid%3D124203
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/12/26/tom-carano-weight-loss_n_1157811.html?icid=maing-grid7|main5|dl6|sec1_lnk2%26pLid%3D124203
Sunday, December 18, 2011
AOW December 18
The article, “Obesity Rate Falls for New York School Children” reports that the number of obese children in New York City fell by 5.5% over the past five years. This is the largest decline for any large city in the United States.
Anemona Hartocollis is a writer for New York Times and covers health issues for New York City.
This article is written in response to a report published by the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Their studies show that declines in obesity were higher among middle class children than poorer children. Also, declines were higher among white and Asian children, compared to black and Hispanic.
The purpose of this article was to offer a glimmer of optimism about one of the country’s biggest problems. Dr. Thomas A. Farley, the city’s health commissioner talked about the 5.5% drop: “This comes after decades of relentless increases. What’s impressive is the fact that it’s falling at all” (1). Because this problem of obesity is so stubborn, this small reduction is an affirmation of public health initiatives (2).
The audience intended for this article is readers of the New York Times and people interested in learning about the effects of switching out high fat foods in school for healthy and nutritional foods.
One major rhetorical devices used is an appeal to logos. The author used countless statistics and facts, for example, “By age group, the decline was highest among 5 and 6 years olds, at 9.9%. By race, the drop was highest among white children, at 12.5% and Asian children at 7.6%...” (3). Hartocollis also references obesity experts. She quotes doctors and authorities, for example, Marlene Schwartz, deputy director of the Rudd Center for Food Policy and Obesity at Yale University.
The writer does achieve her purpose. She used so many facts and statistics for a purpose that is fairly agreeable on, so I was convinced.
Sunday, December 11, 2011
AOW November 11
This article entitled “Americans, Thou Shalt Shop and Spend for the Planet” by James Livingston argues against the idea that consumer culture is bad for the environment and the economy. Economist, journalists and politicians make people believe that buying desired things is “turning the earth into a landfill,” “wrecking the economy” and leading to a “vapid, empty life” (1). However there are positives to shopping, contrary to what those authorities believe. For example, consumers have been the first to demand alternatives to environmental problems like fossil fuels. Forty years ago, consumers switched to Japanese cars as they cost less, lasted longer and got better mileage. The same switch has been made for American hybrid cars. Consumer spending has also attributed to the growth to the growth of the economy, not private investments which is what many economists believe is the difference. Though it is said that shopping leads to an empty life, it’s what you do in your free time when you’re not working.
James Livingston is the author of Against Thrift: Why Consumer Culture Is Good for the Economy, the Environment, and Your Soul. In addition to being an author of four books and a contributor to History News Network, he is a Professor of History at Rutgers University.
This article was written in response to his new book Against Thrift coming out this month. Also, this is the time of year when people are shopping for holiday gifts, they don’t want to feel guilty about purchases.
The purpose of this article was to explain that economists, politicians and journalists are wrong in many ways for saying consumer spending in bad for the earth, economy and self worth. As stated in the summary, he argues against their claims and proves that people should be enjoying the holiday season. Therefore, people should enjoy themselves, as Livingston states: “Happy holidays. Get to the mall and knock yourself out” (2).
The intended audience for this article is readers of Wired magazine and anyone who no longer wants to feel guilty about spending extra cash for materialistic things.
Rhetorical devices used include: parallel structure and an appeal to ethos, pathos and logos. Livingston uses parallel structure as the base of his introduction. He uses “you feel”, “you want”, “you know” as the first part of every sentence. This works to form a connection to the reader and is a strong appeal to pathos. He writes, “You’ve been conditioned to feel ashamed of excess. You know that you consume too many global resources, that you save too little. You know that when equipped with credit cards or home equity, you can’t delay the immediate gratification of your desires” (3). He appeals to ethos, again with that introduction. He’s basically saying that he understands what you’re going through and it’s easy to control impulses based on what many people are saying. Livingston establishes credibility with this and then goes into argument. Logos is used in his argument with statistics and facts. He uses “you” throughout the entire article, making himself seem relatable and more convincing.
Livingston does achieve his purpose. He probably could have used a few more facts for those more doubtful people. However, I think he poses a very interesting argument and many people will be intrigued.
http://www.wired.com/magazine/2011/11/st_essay_consumers/
James Livingston is the author of Against Thrift: Why Consumer Culture Is Good for the Economy, the Environment, and Your Soul. In addition to being an author of four books and a contributor to History News Network, he is a Professor of History at Rutgers University.
This article was written in response to his new book Against Thrift coming out this month. Also, this is the time of year when people are shopping for holiday gifts, they don’t want to feel guilty about purchases.
The purpose of this article was to explain that economists, politicians and journalists are wrong in many ways for saying consumer spending in bad for the earth, economy and self worth. As stated in the summary, he argues against their claims and proves that people should be enjoying the holiday season. Therefore, people should enjoy themselves, as Livingston states: “Happy holidays. Get to the mall and knock yourself out” (2).
The intended audience for this article is readers of Wired magazine and anyone who no longer wants to feel guilty about spending extra cash for materialistic things.
Rhetorical devices used include: parallel structure and an appeal to ethos, pathos and logos. Livingston uses parallel structure as the base of his introduction. He uses “you feel”, “you want”, “you know” as the first part of every sentence. This works to form a connection to the reader and is a strong appeal to pathos. He writes, “You’ve been conditioned to feel ashamed of excess. You know that you consume too many global resources, that you save too little. You know that when equipped with credit cards or home equity, you can’t delay the immediate gratification of your desires” (3). He appeals to ethos, again with that introduction. He’s basically saying that he understands what you’re going through and it’s easy to control impulses based on what many people are saying. Livingston establishes credibility with this and then goes into argument. Logos is used in his argument with statistics and facts. He uses “you” throughout the entire article, making himself seem relatable and more convincing.
Livingston does achieve his purpose. He probably could have used a few more facts for those more doubtful people. However, I think he poses a very interesting argument and many people will be intrigued.
http://www.wired.com/magazine/2011/11/st_essay_consumers/
Sunday, December 4, 2011
Grace (Eventually): Thoughts on Faith IRB #1
Anne Lamott is a novelist and non fiction writer. Her non fiction books are mostly autobiographies and cover themes like alcoholism, single motherhood, depression and Christianity. Lamott’s first book was written in 1980 and she has continued writing popular books up to 2010. She is the author of seven novels and five non fiction books, many of which have been best sellers.
In Grace (Eventually), each chapter consists of a story, all unique and different. One was about skiing, another about teaching Sunday school, helping at a special-ed dance class. In the chapter, Ski Patrol, Lamott describes a vulnerable and painful fall of a chairlift. She was in need for a helping hand and eventually a “short, plump woman… with acne and chapped cheeks and small brown eyes” (1) comes to assist. The woman warmed her gloves, gave her food and water and comforted her until she was ready to ski back down the mountain. Lamott used this experience as a kind of metaphor for “journey” with God and faith. She was troubled, someone helped her, she picked herself back up and continued on.
Grace (Eventually) begins with a prelude in which she describes her life at 21. She had dropped out of college, was heavily using drugs and being cheated on by the guy she loved. She spent her time getting wasted and reading books, both of which, she enjoyed equally. After reaching her lowest point , she started praying everyday and stopped drinking and she’s been sober for 20 years when the first chapter begins. This plays a large part in the inspiration for this book.
The purpose of the book is to explain to others what she believes about her faith and religion. However, each story Lamott tells has its own purpose. For example, in the chapter entitled, “The Wailing Wall” Lamott is teaching a Sunday school class. She tells her young students about the wailing wall, where people place their thoughts, worries and prayers on sheets of paper as a way of letting go. Though she was the teacher of the lesson, Lamott leaned a few things about patience. She had to let go of the worry that these young kids might not understand her message. The purpose was that not everything will be easy, but you can’t obsess over it. It’s better to leave worries behind you. When it comes to books on religion, the purpose is often interpretive and relative. The audience will take away what best relates to them.
Grace (Eventually) was written for middle aged women. Many jokes and stories have to do with raising kids, losing weight and going through menopause. Things that a 16 year old certainly has trouble relating to.
Lamott uses similes and sarcasm. Examples of similes: “I felt like Icarus, near death in the snow, with melting skis instead of wings” and “I felt like a weed, like one of those orange flowers that have sprung up lately…”and “I can hardly describe how I felt when it was over: like a manatee alone in an aquarium”
Referring to an apple fritter from Safeway, Lamott writes sarcastically: “I had not been attacked by random lust for just any old sugar-and petroleum product” Another example of sarcasm: “Sometimes I think Jesus watches my neurotic struggles, and shakes his head and grips his forehead and starts tossing back mojitos”.
Similes and sarcasm create a humorous tone which balances with her deep analysis on faith.
The author did accomplish her purpose. Though I have trouble relating to her, the stories are entertaining and I can see how they are significant. I am not a deeply religious person, so I do have trouble with cheesy metaphors about “the journey called life” however, Lamott is funny, so this is different than many other religious books.
In Grace (Eventually), each chapter consists of a story, all unique and different. One was about skiing, another about teaching Sunday school, helping at a special-ed dance class. In the chapter, Ski Patrol, Lamott describes a vulnerable and painful fall of a chairlift. She was in need for a helping hand and eventually a “short, plump woman… with acne and chapped cheeks and small brown eyes” (1) comes to assist. The woman warmed her gloves, gave her food and water and comforted her until she was ready to ski back down the mountain. Lamott used this experience as a kind of metaphor for “journey” with God and faith. She was troubled, someone helped her, she picked herself back up and continued on.
Grace (Eventually) begins with a prelude in which she describes her life at 21. She had dropped out of college, was heavily using drugs and being cheated on by the guy she loved. She spent her time getting wasted and reading books, both of which, she enjoyed equally. After reaching her lowest point , she started praying everyday and stopped drinking and she’s been sober for 20 years when the first chapter begins. This plays a large part in the inspiration for this book.
The purpose of the book is to explain to others what she believes about her faith and religion. However, each story Lamott tells has its own purpose. For example, in the chapter entitled, “The Wailing Wall” Lamott is teaching a Sunday school class. She tells her young students about the wailing wall, where people place their thoughts, worries and prayers on sheets of paper as a way of letting go. Though she was the teacher of the lesson, Lamott leaned a few things about patience. She had to let go of the worry that these young kids might not understand her message. The purpose was that not everything will be easy, but you can’t obsess over it. It’s better to leave worries behind you. When it comes to books on religion, the purpose is often interpretive and relative. The audience will take away what best relates to them.
Grace (Eventually) was written for middle aged women. Many jokes and stories have to do with raising kids, losing weight and going through menopause. Things that a 16 year old certainly has trouble relating to.
Lamott uses similes and sarcasm. Examples of similes: “I felt like Icarus, near death in the snow, with melting skis instead of wings” and “I felt like a weed, like one of those orange flowers that have sprung up lately…”and “I can hardly describe how I felt when it was over: like a manatee alone in an aquarium”
Referring to an apple fritter from Safeway, Lamott writes sarcastically: “I had not been attacked by random lust for just any old sugar-and petroleum product” Another example of sarcasm: “Sometimes I think Jesus watches my neurotic struggles, and shakes his head and grips his forehead and starts tossing back mojitos”.
Similes and sarcasm create a humorous tone which balances with her deep analysis on faith.
The author did accomplish her purpose. Though I have trouble relating to her, the stories are entertaining and I can see how they are significant. I am not a deeply religious person, so I do have trouble with cheesy metaphors about “the journey called life” however, Lamott is funny, so this is different than many other religious books.
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