Free-Write: Strange Happenings

Soooo, although this is quite embarrassing to admit, because I have minor TMJ (a jaw muscle-tightening/locking, teeth-grinding thing), I am unfortunately forced to wear this little night guard thing at night. And, strangely, I recall putting this rubber annoyance in my mouth right before I hit the hay, and when I awakened early this morning, it was somehow missing. I am thoroughly confused about this instance. I have in the past experience my sleeping self somehow throwing socks across the room in mid-dreaming states, however, never my night guard. I am assuming that I, in my sleep, took out the night guard and either placed it somewhere obscure or chucked across to another obscure area, for I cannot find it anywhere. I have searched up and down for this dumb and unfortunately expensive item in every nook and cranny of my dorm room, but alas, it eludes me. Perhaps this is just proof of how much I subconsciously abhor my night guard and my TMJ. My dream self could no longer take it, possessing my body for a time to dispose of the item. I can come to no other conclusion except for conniving little knomes or leprecauns.

Unit 3 Proposal

The topic we chose was the issue of childhood obesity in America. We would like to argue that having a healthy diet and exercising more will help this obesity issue, in the sense that if the parents create these habits, then their children will be akin to them and improve their quality of life. We decided that a newspaper article would be a good medium to reach most obese adults that could channel the information to children and overall help the issue in our nation. The newspaper article would run in a newspaper in a known obese city. The second argument will come in the form of a comic strip that discusses improving a child's life using emotional appeals, and cartoons are something everyone can grasp, especially younger people. The third argument is a bumper sticker using humor to get the point across. This argument is one that we normally do not think about, but it is a pertinent and continually persuasive element in our "driven" society. As a group we will hope that we can put together these arguments effectively, along the lines of the issue at hand. Other than that, we are ready to rock out.

Free-Write: Chapter 14

There are many questions in the book that could apply to our Unit 3 project. Some of the most important, I think, are littered throughout. First off, about the medium, what effect does the choice of medium have on the message of the visual text? how would the message be altered if different media were used? These questions are so important to the unit and arguments in general. It is really interesting how much differently an argument can be taken depending n what medium is used. I think this could be very important to us as a group in deciding what we want to use to best convey our message and to get the best grade we can. However, of course the way the medium is taken also depends on audience...

Leading us to questions about the viewers/readers! what does the visual text assume about its viewers, and about what they know and agree with? This question is extremely important and will alter also what medium is used and how it is used. If the audience is young and doesn't agree with a lot of text on page, for instance, then a medium like a textbook probably shouldn't be used to make an impression because, let's face it, young people will think that's boring and akin to school and just basically shut off. However, like this book, if it is coupled with bright colors, bigger font, and pictures, the message will take flight much easier. Moving media like videos would also be quite effective in the society young generations grow up in today.

Free-Write: Chapter 12

The reading last night was quite enthralling. I never knew the nature of argument was so malleable to the goals of the arguer. Rhetoric can take the forms of many different instances, like the trail of Platonian values across time. His style formed around the content, the speaker, and the audience, and those connections. It was broad, general, and based on accuracy. Nowadays, style can be molded to fit these purposes that are built around the pathos-logos-ethos triangle. If one is trying to persuade a group of fashion agents and promoters of something, one better be stylish, in the sense of fashion and avoid any feux pauxs. The style of the president when he addresses the nation, especially in these times, carries a whole different feel when he is positive rather than speaking of the terrible harbingers and dark things that hang over us. Those are styles of leadership. The style of medium also is very important, ranging from newspaper articles to visual advertisements.

In Unit 3, this analysis of style will carry a lot of oomph for the overall group project. The way we construct our pieces of argument and the genre that medium is created in will be very important to the overall success of the project. Whether that medium is a news article, a pamphlet, or a video advertisement/message, the style those items are created will pertain highly to whether the audience take interest in reading it or listening, and whether the argument itself will take hold.

Unit 3: Title and Set

"Reporter Guru"

I am in charge of one of the arguments we will concoct, the new article. Meaning I will be writing-heavy, which I'm okay with because I enjoy it and I used to be on a newspaper staff.

In Class Free-Write: Vent

Generally, I haven't had too many troubles with group projects. However, there was a time that one group member didn't care whatsoever, could never meet, and did not complete their fraction of the work load. Then, I and the other members had to put our extra time to complete because then the looming "It will affect your own grade" comes into play and you have to force yourself to do it at a time that you could easily finished it before the deadline if you had been working on the project by yourself. I generally like individual projects more. It is easy for me to split my own work load up, and I am very dilligent about deadlines. Leaving parts of the work up to other people stresses me out, especially if I know they don't care about it or don't completely understand the parameters or requirements or general idea of what we're going for, even after I try to explain it politely. However, there are also advantages about group projects I enjoy that are the same as the stresses, like the decresed work load and collaboration. If I'm in a good group I finish projects without stress.

Ideally, the group should function efficiently. I also hate working outside of class if we are given time in class. (probably my biggest pet peeve school-wise). I just hate wasting time. So, ideally, the group should not waste time. Get the work done in the time we're given and, mind you, paying for. The work should be split evenly, however, also to those individuals who would do the work the best. For instance, I suck at drawing and hate artsy things in projects and coloring, therefore, I should not do the drawing/coloring parts of a project. I would much rather write.

The different roles in this group shall include the Researcher, reaseaching all of the tedious things over the internet (which they will be highly skilled in) and documenting all that they pull from it (keeping up with MLA). There will also be the Artiste, whom will be in charge of creating a good look for the presentation of the project, and be willing to commit that obnoxious time into the art part. Another member will be the Organizer, who will make sure everything's getting in on time, and also is a general artisan of many skills and who can help with everything. The final member will be the Scribe, who can write efficiently and eloquently the written parts of the project.

In Class Free-Write: Reflection

Over the course of the semester I have blogged about our projects, society, books, and the most random of things. And now I will prattle more about the most random of things. I am super excited for the school year to be over. Summer is but a month away. Then I can channel of energy, effort, and time to things that are worth doing and towards more personal development. I can't wait to have time to read books that are worth reading in the hot sun. I do love the heat, the way it makes your muscles feel like air. I don't care if gets 104 as long as I have my backyard and the pool and a book. I can't wait for smoothies and my best friends. I want to focus on gaining skills for myself, like cooking, writing, reading, sewing, and running. And I also, strangely, can't wait for working and earning money, which I will save like the frugal fiend that I am. Oh, and, I have written lots of words over the course of this particular writing course, and I am awesome. The end.

In Class: Directed Organization: Unit 2

My three primary sources in response to the fold of WUSA where each of a different medium. The first was a news article, constructed with objectivity, the second was an editorial, flourishing-no-practically drowning in opinion and figurative language, and the third argument was a cartoon, tightroping the line of humor and offense. Each of these primary arguments tie in the argument that it is true women's soccer as a professional league failed, as well as other women's team sports leagues, due to low fan bases and poor financial planning. However, the differences come in when the editorial, for instance, speaks of these facts offhand and in not as much detail as the news article. The editorial focuses almost entirely on the sad little girls all over America who are crushed by the end of their beloved players and league, as well as the end of their opportunity to play there. However, that editorial does not fully address conditions of rebuttal either, especially the rebuttal of why the league folded if these professedly enthusiastic and crushed girls were not present enough to even keep the league going? The cartoon also displays heavy differences, not only in obvious medium, but in content. It is more broad, with teasing women's sports in general, and brings up a question of sexist elements in our society.
There are two main unstated assumptions that fuel these primary arguments. One, is our societal assumption that women's sports suck, no one watches them, and it is funny when they fold. The other is, women deserve an opportunity to play professionally if they so desire and it is sad when that opportunity disintergrates or disappears. These are obviously assumptions that lie on ethos and sexism, as well as logos (the fact that all women's team sports leagues have folded at one time except for the WNBA), and also a strong hinge of pathos. All of these appeals can be strong on their own as persuasive arguments in whatever case, however they are not strong enough in relevance to a culture of assertion. All three need to be involved to be a solid and trustworthy argument, otherwise we are being duped, and that works a lot in America.
So the question is, do we live in a culture of assertion? I say yes, and also no. As a working system of humans we are diverse, and therefore what we produce is also diverse, especially in the individualistic-driven American society we live and work in. A lot of arguments, politically and domestically, are made from emotional standpoints (without much real evidence or portrayal of another viewpoint) in order to persuade an audience to think or act one way, and unfortunately the audience usually reacts highly to this form because without active logical analysis of an argument, emotion takes quite a strong hold. However, there are also many arguments in our society that employ all three appeals and include copious and trustworthy amounts of evidence with the goal of simply informing, like the news article.
As a nation and people we should watch out for the heartstring tugs and look for the real backing evidence in any argument. Who stands to benefit? It should always be you, don't be duped!

My Rhetorical Case Study

For my proposal, I decided to isolate the event of when WUSA (the Women's United Soccer Association), the first professional women's league in America shut down after just three seasons. Basically this argument has a variety of stakeholders because A LOT of money is involved (believe me, we're talking a $40 million budget spent through by the end of the first season). The argument also has a variety of pathos, ethos, and logos, referring to how and why the whole program got started (hype after the world cup win) and how and why it was finished--the three appeals continue to come across, obviously, in reactions to this shut down for many female soccer players around the nation. This argument is pretty recent (2003), so I think I can find a good amount of national sports news on it that is primary. I can make an overarching connection as well to how women's sports function in America, based on the arguments I uncover. The "culture of assertion" will fall into it all easily through the primary resources, I think. I expect to look for these resources at the library and/or via Internet. I also think I can make a connection with this argument to today because the women's pro league is actually re-opening this spring. Perhaps what I discover will allude to reasons for this as well?

Overall, I chose this event because it is something I am very interested in. I've played way too much soccer for one girl, and the closing of the women's league was so sad for me! :( I've always wanted to dig in and find out more about why it happened and what people in that industry had to say about it. I think those facts alone will drive me. I also think that this argument has the potential to release different kinds of primary texts that I can preen relatively easily, I hope.

Free-Write: Miscellaneous

I am so excited for Spring Break. I can't wait until the second round are over, and I can go home, relax, bake a triple fudge chocolate cake, and plant my new morning glories and moon flowers. I am super pumped to take over the yard once more with those beautiful, flourishing vine flowers. I am also thoroughly enjoying the flowers blooming here, big daffodils, assorted pansies, and a couple tulips popping up early. That's what I really liked about TCU during the tour, the crazy gardening emphasis, it's awesome haha. Over Spring Break I am also hoping to play laser tag/paintball/whiffle ball with my best friends. I also want to go to a drive-in movie theatre with my best buddy. I also want to eat a lot of food!!!! I am crazy about food. I should probably be a food critic and just eat all of time. Or a chocolatier...yeah, that would be nice. I am hoping that over the summer I can take a road trip with my friends to Orlando, Florida. I love the beach and the sun and the ocean. I am thinking that I might write about Japan for my Unit 2 project. Japan is one of my favorite things in the world. It's my goal to be fluent in Japanese one day, and I hope to study abroad in Osaka my junior year to accomplish that, but there's a lot of planning to take care of...In terms of the project I hope that my proposal isn't restricted to just America. I don't think it is because of the flexibility and broadness. I want to uncover something really interesting about Japan! And maybe I can look deeper and cross their society with ours.

This argument initially, of course, makes you laugh. Humor is always a good strategy to gain your audience's attention and, possibly, support. The premise is also something familiar with normal middle-aged moms, attending the inward battle a lot of females of all ages make, buying something really cute on the thought that you'll look great, then suddenly feeling terrible about your weight and running it off, haha. The two are obviously tired, and are determined to run off the calories so that they fit in their said expensive jogging suits; it is all rather humorous. Despite the fact that this short comic strip is meant to ensue a giggle during your daily breakfast, it is still making a background argument about society today. We are consumed with looking fit and healthy, and we spend a heck of a lot of money on fashion, and not to forget, dieting outlets as well. The artist of this comic cleverly employs humor, ethos (of his views of getting this point across through comedy), and the posing of the ridiculous nature of this kind of logic (fitness and money-wise). It is a quick, sly glance over the effects of this "be thin and buy expensive stuff" pressure our society faces, and, despite the age of the subjects above, reaches a wide audience through innocent comedy and cartoons.

Free-write: Deciphering

Thinking rhetorically is a process of analyzing arguments. This concept of "analysis" is more complex and investing than we would initially imagine. Everyday we are confronted with arguments that persuade, inform, or move us in different directions and in different ways of thinking, whether that is opinion-based about certain subjects and objects or leaning toward a way of life or simple decision. Many times we listen to the radio or television and just take arguments for what their worth at that moment, going in one ear and out the other. However, if we invest ourselves in the moment and really focus on what is being said, then we can analyze the situation properly and construe our own opinions from that argument.

We must learn to ask what supports claims, especially when we are listening to politicians trying to persuade their own points. It is easy to get distracted by charisma and other forms of inviting arguments. A lot of times however, people are just regurgitating things in broad forms without supportive evidence. If we learn to rhetorically cipher these frames of arguments, we can better understand what the true ethical motives of the arguers are, and can make a decision solely on our own grounds. For instance, our society is littered with enthymemes. An enthymeme is when a main premise is left out of an argument, but it is not obvious; the argument still sounds right. It is like saying, "We are dependent, therefore we should be humble." The main premise of the argument is left out in this, depsite it's apparent logic. The full argument should read, "Dependent people should be humble. We are dependent, therefore we should be humble." See? Intelligent citizens should learn to decipher these frameworks. We are intelligent citizens, therefore we should learn to do this!

Pathos, Ethos, and Logos of the Gardens

From what I can construe from my observations, the gardens hold a variety of argument types, but the appeals are quite clear.

There is pathos in the sense that the botanic gardens are there for spreading education and love for nature, therefore expressing the importance of conservation. This is seen through the layout and beauty as well as the information that is posted about explaining the important of conserving nature. I think there could be slight pathos in the fact that they are reaching out to kid's as well with a variety of activities, proving their mission, "Enriching people's lives through environmental stewardship and education".

Furthermore, this can be carried through to ethos, where ethical appeals are integratingly being made by emphasizing a friendship and knowledge of nature. Then, the ethos of the place is clear in the fact that they exist for this purpose of nature conservation (and in the fact they focus on teaching kids so much as well). This could proven by the fact that the gardens are free (except the conservatory and Japanese garden, which are $3). Therefore, no misinterpreted ethical appeal exists, logically. And that brings us to logos, where that is logic in itself, while logos is further being expressed as well. There are signs everywhere, teaching about the environment with facts and information, and guiding its visitors to a more environmentally oriented state of mind.

In Class: Candy Cigarette

The photo initially draws my attention straight to the young girl's eyes. Her stare draws you in. It's solemn and sparks you with emotion right off the bat, without even realizing it. It is quite a stirring photograph. Her stance is that of an adult, mature and modelesque, like you can almost see the woman she will become, smoking and sheek. It is a heavily ironic depiction.

The rest of the image expanding from the girl's initial focus is interesting as well. The other girl in the picture off to the right is also mature and strong, although looking the other direction, facing away from the camera. Is she against the smoking next to her, or the instigator? Is she the juxtapostition of child and adult? Both of the girls are ridiculously tan. The one facing away seems more child-like however, in terms of clothing and her ponytail. Maybe her facelessness describes that of yearning for the past innocence of childhood while caught in the stream of forced ascension into the grown-up world?

The background is faded and obscure, like that of most past memories, melting and molding together. There seems to be a water tower back there, like a missed imaginary castle.

The idea of the image is interactive and probing because it pertains to all of us in some way. The emotions felt include that of realization, solemnity, and almost pity. For I know I for one am a girl who wishes Neverland were not that far out of reach, you know? haha Life traipses briskly.

The purpose of this photograph most likely pertains to that of my mental meanderings above, as well as an argument against the particular advertisment strategies of smoking. For "Candy Cigarette" is a metaphor for the dolled up life of a cool, sheek woman accompanied by her sweet cigarette, flowing hair, healthy skin, and womanly pose. However, the sadness felt by the image of the picture depicts our inner knowledge that the image advertised by companies in that manner are quite short-lived in youth, and simply haunt users later in life, inside and out.

Free-Write: Logos? Really?

Within the chapter there was one example that stood out to me, striking me with confusion. It was protestwarrior poster that shows happy Iraqi children being freed with the companionship of an American soldier. The poster said, "Liberating Iraqi Children From Tyranny. It's Costing Too Much." My initial reaction was, why is this even a poster? I'm sure there is some logical appeal behind it in terms of spending efforts in order to free those children, however, what person in their right mind would really go for any protest against that spending when the poster is coupled with happy children being freed from tyranny? I'm just confused with the face that someone would even create that poster. What purpose does it really serve? What other effect would it create other than taken aback confusion and perhaps anger at the greed of it? Why worry about money when the outcome is the freedom human life? Sure, that's all in the eye of the beholder, I guess, but, truly, how many people who would go for something like this compare to the amount of people against it? It's just a contradictory poster. I'm confused at its intentions and the publisher's lack of tact in terms of drawing a large audience to his or her cause.

In Class: Ethos: Where is our oxygen supply running off to?

My ethical appeal is expressed through the shirt I'm wearing at the moment. It is a "Green"-prevalent shirt, as well as green. I support all of those fearsome little downsides that come from chopping down too many trees, and my shirt is obvious for that. Furthermore, it expresses the part of my character, or ethics, in how I view the consumption of our natural forests and how I express that to others. The shirt is actually on the humorous side, saying more about my ethical appeal, and consists of a forest, where one tree is dragging away an axeman (who's main concern is most likely chopping down the tree's brethren). The shirt is suitably titled "Day of Reckoning". Quite funny, in my perspective, and also portraying an issue that has cause for concern in the area of our oxygen level, and that is also growing much worse--two birds with one stone is always better in sending a message; it, therefore, has depth and impact.

Why the flowers?

I chose the Botanic Gardens on University. Let's see, basically, I love flowers and gardens. The Arboretum in Dallas has always been a draw for me. I always feel so content and relaxed in gardens like that, and it gives me a chance to think and get away for a while. Also, the Botanic Gardens here have a special Japanese garden inside which is so cool. I love Japan, and Japanese gardens are intentionally constructed to give you peace. I also love nature and growing flowers in my own garden, so the fact that there are places dedicated to preserving this type of nature in city areas in really admirable and quite nice.

Upon observation I expect to find a rather obvious sight, peaceful gardens, trails, and many middle-aged or elderly women who love flowers quite a lot. I would also expect to see some art, art classes, or yoga going on. Why? Because of my experience at the Arboretum. It's all common expectations of this type of place.

I could be a part of the target audience because I am in the audience, however, although I believe the gardens to be open for everyone, the target audience would generally be middle-aged women I believe, pertaining to the type of classes offered as I mentioned above. There's even basket weaving at the Botanic Gardens.

My experiences at the Arboretum might give me pre-conceived ideas that would definitely influence my observations. I just already have an idea in mind of how the gardens will be and look. But who doesn't when enter a place? You always have a pre-conceived idea based on whatever past experiences or word-of-mouth without even realizing it. Now, whether or not that idea is correct or not is the differentiating factor here. And to overcome these obstacles I must try my best not to rely on that pre-conceived idea although it will be lingering. I will try to open my mind to every detail while observing so that I may be as accurate as possible in this one specific place rather than lump with others similiar to it, although that may be the case in truth as well.

In Class: public space

My idea is to analyze the Botanic Gardens on University. I love gardens like that, such as the Arboretum in Dallas, and I've been wanting to check this one out.

I would suspect the gardens to be relaxing, quiet, and lush. I also would expect them to hold earth-kind values and recycling. I think I'd probably see yoga and art occurring there, and I'll most likely encountering mostly middle-aged women from my experiences at the Arboretum. They love flowers, what can I say?

I'm excited to go check it out because, consequently, I love flowers, too. Apparently there is also a Japanese garden there. I think it costs extra money, which could say something about funds they need to keep the entire garden going. That would also be a reason for holding a variety of classes there that cost money. Therefore, the owners are portraying an argument emphasizing their personal care for the gardens.

It will be interesting to see what other arguments I discover during my observations there, and, though I don't expect much, to see if there are any negative portrayals.

Free-write: morning glory

This morning was wonderful. I woke up early for yoga, and then I walked to the library. The construction site was the only noise at first. There was a welder, the sparks pulsed and fell like a dying flourescent lamp. There were birds, too, and barely any cars. The morning was quiet and cool, and I enjoyed the walk. The moon was just a sliver against the pastel hue of the sky, and it was cloudless, clear. The library was also just as quiet. I drank chai tea and had some sushi and california rolls for breakfast (I know, strange, but absolutely satisfying) as I read Neverwhere by: Neil Gaiman. I also worked on a short story I'm writing for which the title is still hiding in my head somewhere. This morning was quite fulfilling.
I listened to Iron & Wine and The Beatles also. It was quite nice. I have a lot to do today, so it's nice to have a relaxing start like that and take advantage of the morning time fully.
I'm looking forward to this weekend because that is when I get to see my favorite person.
The high is 70 today. I love the sun, and I can't wait until springtime so I can start planting my morning glories and moonflowers. They're vine plants. They crawl and take over the yard like it's nobody's business, and I love it. They're wild and beautiful. Morning glories come in all colors and only bloom at a certain temperature in the morningtime. Moonflowers are pure pearly white and the size of my open palm. The light of the moon is the only time they bloom. I'm so excited.

Inauguration Observations

The presidential inauguration was filled with different arguments. I watched the inauguration through ABC the day of. Not only was the inauguration itself expressed with different arguments, but also the news station as well.

There were numerous instances of arguing the past, present, and future. The past arguments came through reminiscence of Lincoln and the Freedom Writers. There was also a comparative representation of the past and the present when they showed 400,000 people on the mall for a previous inauguration versus a picture the 1,400,000 today. The future was also expressed through President Obama as he spoke of changing the past while confronting these present challenges with America's unique traits in overcoming its hardships.

There were many arguments in pathos (interview with two Freedom Writers, the departure of George W. Bush, and a pan over Arlington cemetery), logos (the discussion of whites backing Obama in Iowa as a turning point for him), and ethos (Obama's portrayal while speaking and through friends, such as Arthur Davis, as a calm yet ambitious, dynamic leader).

The argument made to explore was felt through a brief discussion between professors that settled on reasons for the truth of Obama's success in obtaining the presidency. There were also many arguments of inform and fact. From specific numbers of the parade to informing the watchers of upcoming interviews.

Finally, the arguments for audience were made quite clearly through the news station. The American flag was flown behind interviews and images of patriotism were numerous, alluding the American audience where many would be inferred to feel rushes of historical realization and unity when met with images of the Lincoln Memorial and Martin Luther King, Jr.'s "I Have a Dream".

In Class: everything's an argument

My initial connotation to the word "argument" is always one of a combative nature. When you think of arguing, you think of two sides defending their own belief and/or attacking the other's. However, while this is still an argument, the book enlightened me to the subtler arguments I encounter subconsciously everyday.

From stop signs to t-shirts, everyone and everything is making some sort of "argument" to their nature. Stop signs argue for your obedience to halt, unless you want to make a big crashing fool of yourself. The city that put those stop signs there in the first place are making an argument for their lean towards safety and regulation in the community. Fashion is one way every individual makes an argument of themselves through expression. A tattered, sleepy-headed-looking person will make the argument for themselves of being laid back and uncaring versus someone who always dresses sharply and cleanly. These arguments are made whether we think of them or not in a nature that defends any comments about oneself or nature while expressing that same nature to those around you.

The other day when I was driving down the highway, I began to realize many arguments, especially in the way the people care for and/or decorate their cars. A mini-van with "World's Best Mom" decals versus a pick-up truck with spinners and blazing skulls says two quite different things about the people driving their cars and their the lives they lead. It's up to them to make arguments otherwise. Restaurants also make arguments in the names, decor, location, and overall appearance and advertisement of their place, arguing for their customers to decide to eat there or not according to appeal.

It is all quite interesting. It definitely made me more aware.

In Class: my good buddy, Heinlein

My immediate reflex to bring in an argument was Stranger In a Strange Land by Robert A. Heinlein. (1) I love him, (2) the book is a cleverly structured story that weaves throughout commentaries on an entire plethera of elements in our society. He holds criticisms and ideas on philosophy, art, religion, humanity, and the nature of love. These subjects are heavily construed through his legends of characters, Mike and Jubal. The entire culmination is one that I deeply enjoy, and I find it to be one of my favorite books. The story and ideas draw you in, and, before you know it, you are beside yourself either agreeing or debating with the dialogue.

This is a true argument that I hold highly. It is difficult already to top off a novel, let alone create plausible critiques of the world without running off on distant tangents. I highly regard Heinlein for this, despite my nature for avidly reading or not.

Some of my favorite quotes from the novel cannot be posted here unfortunately, haha, but his comment on love through the wise and witty character of Jubal ranks highly for me..."'Love' is that condition in which the happiness of another person is essential to your own."
And there are others...
"Obscurity is the refuge of incompetence."

Introduction

Hi, I'm Elora from Plano, Texas. I am a freshman at TCU with a major in English and a double minor in Japanese and Business. I decided to take this (1) as a prerequisite to my major, and (2) also in that I am interested in furthering my ability to create persuasive arguments in the future. I love writing short stories, etc., and I've written two novels. I read every day, and it's one of my favorite pastimes. All in all, i enjoy writing in itself whether I am judged to be skilled at it or not. It is a good outlet for everything that happens to scuttle about in my head.

I think my blog could possibly be arguing that writing is something that is affective and meaningful in itself whether the writer is talented or not, extending the "affected" from oneself to any range of people. I wanted my page to be fun and inviting (hence the incorporation of kittens, The Beatles, and sweet colors). I am an easy-going, cheery person, so that argument in itself comes across through the page's layout. I'm excited to be posting my thoughts on it.

---final statement---"I have read, understand, and agree to the terms of the course syllabus, which I see as a contract for our course."