THE ROAD NOT TAKEN!

Robert Frost...

ANCIENT RHETORIC IN MODERN TIMES!

Always present.

Four words. Ethos, pathos, logos, and the forgotten gem, kairos. For numerous years, we have been using these components to create and or conduct a persuasive argument. Whether we like it or not these factors are seen in many sources or texts today. For example, in an article entitled, The Ethical Challenges Self-Driving Cars Will See Every Day, written by Johannes Himmelreich. The usage of ethos, pathos, logos, and kairos created argument. Although, it is not clearly seen at times. Therefore, I am here to clear your vision. 

In terms of ethos, we can see this right in the beginning of the article. In the title, the word "ethical" is presented which reveals how the author knows how to analyze the topic deeply, and further into the article the authors uses the word "ethics" consistently which strengthens his creditiablity in the topic of self-driving cars greatly. To add on, there is an obvious example of ethos in the text, which is when the author mentions he is a philosopher  that works around engineers at Stanford's Center for Automobile Research. This explicitly shows the author is credible source to discuss the topic expressed in the title. It as if he is showing his titles and degrees on his walls to us the readers through mentioning a few words. So, we can see the author is qualified to discuss this topic.
Moving to logos, Himmelreich presents a clear line of reasoning. One being that it is easy for humans hard for machines to analyze most humane situations. To deepen, his reasoning he provides the example of people crossing the street and an philosophical question to about a cart that established a deeper understanding to his argument. Another, line of reasoning was the changes to driving behavior. This statement is connected to his view that people have various driving behaviors good and bad, mostly bad. To strengthen this he brings up a research experiment in Portland which showed colored people waited longer to cross the intersection than white people. This helped show what the author was trying to reveal. In gist, the author was showing a perfect example of logos in his writing.
As for Pathos, keyword emotion or emotional appeal to readers (sympathy almost). Although, there were many moment of emotional pieces thre twoexampleswhereI felt it peronall the most. For one, the usage of a picture it was able to clearly represent is argument about technology versus humans and it was relatable, which sparked the emotion for me at least. Secondly, mundane ethics presented in one of the articles paragraphs. Here the writer uses presented characteristics of situations that occurred with driers. One of them being children and people getting hit and or run over. I mean how could you not feel the emotion at the mention of this. I have no words to explain I feel it is self explanatory.
Finally, Kairos. The most opportune moment to present something. The writer did this "timing"thing perfectly. For one his introduction topic was not too demanding and or shocking it was more like building u to his main argument without scaring off the reader. Like, when he put in the mundane ethics portion of the text. It was in the middle and or close to the end of the text. It was able to give a strong effect because it was like here's a lot of statistical information and then,boom! Emotion! It played really nicely which helped the article move well.
In conclusion, the usage of the four ingredients in a persuasive argument is seen in everydays books, novels, articles, ect. , and the article discussed above is a great example. 

ANATOMY OF A PERSUASIVE ARGUMENT!

This is how it's Done!

Tonight, I decided to conduct a persuasive argument. To keep it short, I wanted a new electric guitar to add to my collection. My parents said no. However, I am very stubborn. Therefore, with the use of ethos, pathos, and logos I began my persuasive lecture. First, I simply gathered my parents in the living room.  Then,  I began to list my "credentials". (my ethos). I am a scholar athlete, I've received many responsibility awards as a child. Therefore, I am credited to be able to present this argument.  And began to list the good  have been doing. For example, my grades, chores being done, ect.. To let them know my lines of reasoning (logos). Finally, the emotional appeal I reflected on how I felt I have loss touch with my musical side of my personality. For the reason, I was bombarded with homework and practice never having time to release my creativity. So, this component of pathos convinced my parents to get me my new guitar. Oh, and for kairos simply look at the way I organized the argument. 

FOOD FOR THOUGHTS #7!

Ethos, Pathos, Logos, Kairos...

• Ethos= Ethical Appeal of Writer 
• Logos= Logic 
• Pathos=Emotion 
• Kairos= The opportune time/ and or place 
• All three of these components are ingredients into creating a persuasive argument 

LIFE ADVICE #1!

TAKE INTO CONSIDERATION!

"You don't have to be sick to get better".

LET ME WALK YOU THROUGH THE PEDESTRIAN!

                       Beyond Just a Stroll Down the Street 

       GPS. We all are familiar with this device. Imagine you have just purchased a new one for your car. ow, it worked perfectly the first few months but, it started to show some defects over. As you would end up miles away from your preferred destination. Frustrated, youdecide to turn return back home. But, the route given in miles and miles away from your house. Any normal person would throw out this system right? It's a huge distraction and inconvenience from what is important. Although, you threw out this device. You still are distracted and held back from opportunities everyday. Phones. Computers. Televisions. Tablets. These are just a few technological devices that have seemed to absorb the attention of society today.
       This ideology is explored in Ray Bradbury's short story, The Pedestrian, published in the 1950's. This short story was inspired by Bradbury's experience of being stop by the police simply or walking. Walking down the street. As a result, the author went home and wrote a story that expressed his feelings towards humanity, technology, authority. In terms of technology, Bradbury believes humanity is being sucked away by technology absorbing all of people's' attention. Therefore, the author feels the world is distracted or blinded by technology that they fail to see how authority is impacting the world. The author was able to successfully create this sense of opinion with ease.
       The plot was the most clear contributor to the feelings displayed by the author mentioned above. As the plots beings with the protagonist embarking on one of his daily night walks, it begins with a strongly descriptive setting. In the city , one cool November night. Then, the main character, Leonard Mead is broken out of his walking routine. The man is disrupted by a futuristic "police" car, as the story takes place in 2053 A.D.. Next, Mead is simply picked up by the car and driven away from the sidewalk he was standing on before.Then, the story concludes. Without a considerable amount of analysis, the story seems to be confusing and or hard take in. But, the plot serves as a significant contributor was looked into deeper. Such as, the opening seen the streets were empty isolated, it was only eight o' clock. And in a city? There is an obvious change in this time period. This change is explained where the plot reveals the only "light" in the dark dim street were the bluish blurs coming from people's home windows. Televisions. This shows how how the  t.v., technology  is capturing/absorbing the people's utmost attention keeping them away from the outside world. Therefore, as Mead is stopped by the police car no one is there to see it and or hear it. So, it is revealed or proven that know one is there to see authority at upon an individual.
There are several other examples that reveal the author's opinion however, these are the main points.
       Now, there is Bradbury's tone. Throughout the story, there a couple of different tones here and there but the main one of all is the tone of loneliness. The sense of this tone is clearly shown once again the introduction of the story the author uses words like "silence" and "empty"to describe the city on Mead's walk. This is revealing ow Mead is lonesome individual who is expressed to be different from all the others in his own little lonesome world. In addition, there is the author's word choice of "metallic voice" when describing the police officer. Although, this is more like diction the tone of annoyance almost frustration is revealed when the voice of the "policeman" is revealed. Now, I say "policeman" because the there is no human in the police car at all it is simply an program in the vehicle which furthers the idea that technology is replacing and or taking human interaction, taking away humanity.
Overall, the tone helped to understand the author's feelings towards technology.
       Character, or more specifically Leonard Mead. The protagonist is described to be the outcast in the city. For the reason, that he does not give in to this new wave of technology that ha come over his generation. The character's distinction from the current society is seen many times that was significant representing the author's emotions/opinions. Like, when Mead was stopped by the police he is asked what his profession was. He replied, I guess you can I'm a writer. To which the policeman replies no profession at all. This reveals how writers and authors were wiped away/forgotten about as the years have gone by with new modes of technology. In other words, technology took over the old traditional human creativity and or humanity in jobs. Next, Mead is asked another question. This time it is if he is married. Leonard replies with ano, further saying that no one wants to be with him. This is showing how Mead's preference to not in touch with technology made his isolated from society and people as they only care to put their attention towards technology. Also, it is shown that Mead's house is the only house that is bright in contrast to the blue gloomy homes and as Mead is driven away from his he sees his house slowly disappear. This component of the character is expressing how Mead is the last bit of humanity in the technology consumed society but, as he is driven away it is signifying that the last bit of humanity has left the dreadful city. Overall, the character played a key role is displaying Bradbury's opinions.
       As this story was resulted from an experience with an interaction between the author and the police or I would say authority figure. I envision Bradbury annoyed, frustrated, and simply ticked off. However, Bradbury was able to put his opinions/perspectives into a words creating this influential story in a creative way using tone, character, and plot is his writing. Also, we just must acknowledge how it is crazy to think the author predicted the outcome of technology that is seen today. And let's be clear was pretty spot on in his prediction.  All in all, it is evident that Ray believes technology to be an enemy to human connection and interaction. So, the you might want to consider placing your phone down every once in a while, you may see things you never knew were there before.

SO THIS GUY GOES FOR A WALK.

The Reason Behind it all...

Today, I read another story. A short story to be exact entitled, The Pedestrian, written by Ray Bradbury. This story was created based of experience the author had, which was he was pulled over simply for walking in the night. This small encounter sparked the author to write this extraordinary story that was able to convey the author's feelings towards technology, authority, and humanity. In gist, Ray believes technology will takeover our lives deriving our attention that will distract us from authority figures doings. As for humanity, Bradbury thinks it will be sucked away due to technology.  He uses plot, tone, and character to display these feelings in the text. Now, in the plot the text begins with a strongly descriptive setting. In the city , cool November night. The main character, Leonard Mead embarking on his usual nightly walks. The man is disrupted by a futuristic "police" car, as the story takes place in 2053 A.D.. Next, Mead is simply picked up by the car and driven away from the sidewalk he was standing on before.Then, the story concludes. Although, the plot is confusing and simple it carries a deeper meaning as you closer to the details. While, the character is walking the street it is completely empty. The people are all inside cooped up watching t.v.; here we see technology begging to com into play as a distraction and or consumption. In the plot, there are details of pale color no bright colors that signify the presence of life. Then, there is tone where the author's tone is to be seen as a sense of loneliness and or outsider feel. As the protagonist, is the only person left in the city that craves human interaction and life beyond technology therefore, contributing to the emotions expressed above. Finally, character, or more specifically, Leonard Mead was shown to be a unique person that no one cared to be associated with due,to his preference of old traditional ways like walking and communication with people. As a result, this helped show the author's feelings about technology. In the end, the author wrote in a way that was able to convey his feelings about technology connected with humanity and authority.

STORY OF MY LIFE!

                                     Leave it All on the Mat

Beep! Beep! Beep! The continuous sound of the phone's alarm loudly echoed in her ear. Finally, after moments of procrastination she silenced the alarm. She looked towards the blur of the screen. 4:45 am, read the screen. Groggily, the girl dragged herself out of bed and grabbed her gym bag she had packed the night before. Before, she proceeded to to make her way down the stairs she awoke her mother. After, some times had passed she enters the car feeling the cool breeze hit her skin. As she was driven down the lonely streets in the dark she could not get rid if this sense of nervousness. Perhaps, it will disappear later. At last, she reaches her destination. She gets out of the car.

"Bye mom", the girl says vaguely.

"Bye Destiny, good luck!" her mom answers.

 Destiny then continues her way to white lone van in the high school parking lot. Next, she places her gym bag in the back of the van and aboards it. 

"Morning, Garcia!", exclaimed the coach.

"Morning", she replied with sound of tiredness evident in her voice.

The vibe of the van was so negative. You would think a team going to a master's level tournament would have a positive upbeat vibe. But, no not this teams. It was like you could hear the hearts of several wrestlers pounding. The feeling of anxiety and or fear was obvious in the van. You could almost taste it. Destiny makes her way to her designated seat that she always finds comfort in.The girl's poor heart was beating furiously like a beat on the drums. She tried to find ways to distract herself. However, nothing worked. Her mouth dry craving water. Her body weak from cutting weight quickly for the tournament. And above it all hunger was not an additional help what so ever. After, what seem to be the longest tortuous ride, it finally came to end. The team exited the van making their way into the high school's gym. Destiny feeling the mist hit her face cringed her face. Destiny find a spot of the bleachers and let sleep engulf her body.

"Good Morning! All wrestlers weigh ins will begin in five minutes!", the lady's voice boomed throughout the gym.

Destiny and her teammates waited in line to get weighed in. Everyone mde weight. Step one complete. Weigh ins were over which  meant time for food. And water! even, after Destiny's thirst was replenished and her stomach was no longer growling. The feel of anxiety never once went way. Not even for one second. Several hours pass by, but do Destiny it felt like minutes. 

"121's to staging!", the announcer called into the microphone. 

Destiny's heart dropped but, in surprise her feet made her way to the entrance to the mats. She won her first match. The feeling of relief was present. Actually, a little bit of confidence followed as well. She won her second match. Then, her third. But, her fourth match, which was semi-final match to be exact, had quite different result. She had lost. But, it was not the end of her journey she would just have to win er next match to qualify for the state's tournament the following week. Shaking off the previous loss, Destiny prepared for her next match. After a longing for the the match to come, it finally arrived. It felt as if a spotlight was on this match in particular. As everyone seemed to be fixated on the Destiny's match craving to see the result. As Destiny, was the last of her teammates left in the tournament they all surrounded the barricade in anticipation to see her pull through and take another victory. Destiny made her way to the center of the mat placing her foot right on the white, thich, solid line. 

"Alright, best of luck to you both", the referee stated enthusiasm, as an attempt to relieve the tension. 

Destiny eyes were filled with pure determination and concentration which matched her opponents as equally. The match had begun. Round one, 8-9, Destiny was in the lead. Round two, 15-16, Destiny still in the lead. Anyone who was present will tell you these girls were neck to neck scoring on each other back to back. Round three, this round changed everything. 

"Destiny! Shoot!", her coach screamed.

Destiny scored a takedown putting her back in the lead, 16-17. Destiny kept control of the match for the majority of remainder of the match. Her teammates and coaches urging her on. Tens seconds left into match. Destiny could feel the victory already. Five seconds left. Destiny's opponent continuously attempted to escape her Destiny's grasp. Only achieving so at the very last second of the match. Everyone was silent. The breaths of the crowd were sucked in all at once almost in sync. Destiny was confused until, she looked over to the scoreboard. It read 18-17. Destiny's breath hitched. She felt waves of emotion but, could not seem to act upon them. She could hear the yells of her coaches contradicting the referee's call. She even heard other coaches watching trying to defend her as well. But, C.I.F. rule at a master's level no call could be overturned if the match had already concluded. At last, the referee raised her opponents arm in the air. The cheers of the crowd erupted from the people who favored Destiny's opponent. Although,  loud, the screams were faint in Destiny's ears. She could not feel anything. All her time and dedication given all gone to waste. All the hours of practice. All the blood bled. All the sweat dripping down her face. Done for what felt for nothing at all. She wanted to scream. To cry. To yell at the top of her lungs. But, nothing came out. She didn't even feel the referee grab her hand. 

"Hey, I am truly, genuinely sorry for that call", the referee spoke with a hint of guilt in his voice.

Destiny simply ripped her hand away and made her way away from the mat or the place where all her dreams were shattered and splattered across, exiting the out of the gym. Destiny could already feel the lump in her throat form, about to let out a long awaited sob but, she held it in as she heard her coach scream her name. 

"Am I not here to pity you or makes matters worse I just you want to listen", her coach explained.

Destiny with her back facing him simply nods. As she didn't want him to see her cry. She saw it as vulnerability which she hated. As the captain, she is supposed to the strong one out of the group. So, she felt crying would defeat the purpose. Although, prepared for the worse. Nothing could've prepared Destiny for what she heard next. 

"You got what you earned. You get what you earn. You think you might've been the hardest working person in the room. You think you might've done everything right. But, you get what you earned, figure it out. If you don't want it to happen again. Don't let it happen again. Figure it out", her Coach expressed then simply walked back into the gym.

Destiny lost for words and or feelings just sits back against the brick wall trying to piece everything together. She was like this all the way back home. For the next few days, and weeks. She took a break from wrestling, Trying to avoid wrestling at any means necessary. But, one night she recalled the words her coach spoke. And finally got the purpose of it all. At last, she returned to practice. No words spoken. She simply turned to her coach, who gave her  knowing smirk. From that point on, Destiny had a drive to make a comeback, if to put it simple terms. She is now ready for any obstacles to be thrown her way for the upcoming season. Perhaps, this time around she will get what she truly earns. 

        

HOW TO GET ALONG ONLINE!

Three Ways to Get Along Online!

 1. ASK/DISCUSS questions that can be discussed by a large group of people: Allows for several insightful discussions 

2. Value other's Perspective!: Listen, Be fair, Do not take sides!

3. Welcome Others: Accept Others!

*BONUS*-HAVE FUN!

THE ART OF HOSTING GOOD CONVERSATIONS ONLINE!

Online Communication!

Now, we all know how to communicate: understanding , rhetorics, persuasion,. Right? I talk to you you reply. Boom! Done! Communication! Technically yes, overall no. Communication goes beyond that simple interaction. Anyhow, do you know how to host a conversation in general? Online?  This answers to these questions are answered in Howard Rheingold's article, The Art of Hosting Good Conversations online. At first, the author introduces what a good conversations consists of. Such as, being kind to one another, feeling the conversation to the core(start to finish), and the goal to better/improve someone's or your own knowledge and or understanding of a certain subject. Next, Rheingold gives us the ingredients to make a good conversation online. Like, allow people to contact one another, talk about a topic that could be discussed by a large, and most importantly mke newcomers feel welcome and people's opinions and or answers valued. These simple steps will make a good online conversation as it is intended to do so. Finally, Howards goes into depth of what a host is and their responsibilities/behavior followed. In Rheingold's view, a host is the creator of the "party" and faciate the conversations. Regarding their duties, they must set a good example and or model for their party. So, the host will example good behavior like welcoming guests by their name and listening to every response with an open mind. In gist, a 

SAME WORDS DIFFERENT PEOPLE!

Interpretation...

This morning, I had a discussion about some definitions of  particular set of words. It is absolutely amazing ow people can see and or interpret different meaning from the same exact word. It really makes me think the way everyone perceives things one a day to day basis. Anywho, during the discuissin came to new components in my knowledge. Firstly, the word viral does not mean just the rapid spread of a source on the internet. The term also refers to anything associated with a virus. So, simple but yet that did not cross my mind when reading the word viral. But, that does not mean someone else did not come up with another distinct definition and or meaning. Secondly, there was the word meme. My companion, said the word meant a funny image and or video spread throughout the web. However, I interpreted that it was an image or video to catch the attention of an internet user to understand a certain topic and or event that is typically relatable. Same word. Different interpretations once again. In gist, I learned that there are many different definitions and or meanings to words that we can't see. Therefore, talk about words and what you think they mean with other people! You might learn a thing or two!

THE VALUE OF MY TIME!

Helpful?

Currently, I use a significant portion of my time to invest in my goal to becoming a lawyer. Now, this consists of many things. For example, I sell a lot of my time on school, whether I am doing homework, in class, working on a project, studying, ect. . This helps me by making sure I have the academics and education needed to attend the university that will provide me my degrees to pursue my career. Next, I spend a significant amount of time on my sport. for the reason, that it enables me to excel at the sport that may result in a athletic scholarship that will aide my preferred profession. Also, I give a good amount of time interacting with friends and family this keeps human I guess I should say. Instead of focusing primarily on school or athletics I like to be with people that serve as y support system to keep me moving an motivated. Finally, I  pass time to put my mental state at ease and or peace. In other words, to escape the threatening tight grasp of work and school and high demand of success,  relaxing is a major ust. This helps me stay alive! so, simple but yet a necessity to keep moving forward to my goal because it relieves any stress or worry I feel constantly. All in all, I contribute a lot to my goal andor dream in terms of time but, there are moments of time that I simply take a breather however, it still helps pave the way to my goal.

VOCABULARY WE NEED!

• Meme: A humorous image or video that is compelling and relatable and establishes a connection/bond with people 

• Virus: Piece of code which is capable of copying itself that will corrupt a system or destroy data

• Viral: an image, video, ect, that is circulated rapidly all over internet/ something that is associated with virus 

• Blog: Regularly updated website

• Wiki: Website that allows users to freely change/edit its data

• URL (Uniform Resource Locator): Location/address of a source on the internet 

• Website: A location  connected to the internet that maintains 1 or more pages  on the world wide web 

• WWW(World Wide Web): Combination of  internet resources and users 

• Internet: Global computer network which consists of information and  communication qualities 

• 2.0: Superior or advanced model/ version of something 

• Open source: Original source code is made freely available and may be redistributed and modified 

• Technology: The study and use of cleverness in using tools