TOW 14: The Kiss

This painting is called The Kiss by Austrian artist, Gustav Klimt.

It portrays a man and a woman embracing and engaging in a passionate kiss. The color scheme utilized in this painting portrays a happy ambiance around the couple. The large use of yellow, a bright and cheery color, brings attention to the main focal point of the painting. Although the bodies of the couple are not explicitly shown, their closeness to each other symbolizes how a kiss has the power to unify two people into one. The isolation of this couple with no other visible environment represents an ideal world, in which love has the power to overpower all other distractions.

Klimt's rhetorical device of color scheme was very unique. After further research, it was discovered that Klimt had used fresco, mosaic techniques, and oil painting in this work. The different colors utilized in this painting portray the diversity of love. Love is not something that can be easily summed up in one word, and the complexity of the colors used goes to show that love is a complicated yet beautiful idea.

The painting is for the general public.

The painter's purpose was accomplished. Klimt managed to create a beautiful painting displaying the idea of love through a kiss, without explicitly doing so. His use of different colors and textures added unto the complicated idea of love, while maintaining a neat and concise painting.

TOW 13: "Magic Mushroom" Drug Shows Promise in Treating Addictions and Cancer Anxiety

Psilocybin, an active ingredient in over 100 species of mushrooms, has been a hot topic in the field of research. After it was banned in the 1960s because of its misuse, psilocybin has been brought back again to research its effect on behavior. After this drug was distributed to twelve cancer patients ranging in age from 18 to 70, over a six month span, the participants reported that they no longer considered themselves overly anxious or worried as they were before. However, psilocybin is unlikely to be used to treat addictions because it can have several mental side effects, such as psychosis or psychological distress. However, further studies on psilocybin may be useful in developing similar drugs, but without the dangerous side effects.

The author of this article is Maia Szalavitz, a neuroscience journalist from TIME Magazine. Both Szalavitz and TIME are credible sources.

This article is important in context because it tells of a potentially breakthrough medicine that could revolutionize the lives of those suffering from anxiety. Although the undergoing research does not promise anything, the results of psilocybin have the potential to eradicate anxiety.

The purpose of this article was to tell of psilocybin, a drug that is currently being tested to determine its effects on those suffering from anxiety.

The text was written for the general public.

Ethos was used in this article. In order to get the readers to believe that this article was credible, Szalavitz included direct quotes from Charles Grob, a chief child psychiatrist at UCLA and Paul Kenny, an associate professor of neuroscience at Scripps Research Institute in Florida.

The author's purpose of revealing the current research on psilocybin was accomplished. It can have revolutionary effects on people suffering from anxiety, as studies have shown that this drug minimizes the effects of anxiety. Hopefully, the research may be progressed and positive outcomes may be put forth from this drug.

TOW 12: Freakonomics

The first half of the novel, Freakonomics, was very interesting. Levitt and Dubner opened my eyes to the reasoning behind past and current issues. For example, what do teachers and sumo wrestlers have in common? Cheating. Teachers cheat in order to raise test scores for a raise or promotion, whereas sumo wrestlers cheat in order to gain prestige and wealth in sumo competitions. The novel often brought up the topic of incentives, that people work, coerce, or do whatever it takes because of that incentive. Is it true that real state agents really do what's best for the clients? Research and evidence shows that even if the price of the house could go up, agents rarely go through that extra work and advertising because their additional commission would be very small.

The authors were Steven Levitt, an economics professor at the University of Chicago, and Stephen Dubner, an author for the New York Times. The collaboration of these two prestigious scholars makes for a reliable, truthful, and intelligent novel.

This book is very important in context, because it acts as a myth buster. The novel utilizes actual data and research to back up its truthful claims, which are about current issues.

The purpose of this book was to manifest the unknown and hidden side of issues and events from the past and today. The book had a purpose of making known the real reasons behind happenings and issues.

The text was written for the general public.

The novel contains ethos. In order to make known to the readers that the authors are credible, it included multiple articles published about Levitt. Levitt and Dubner also made sure to insert actual evidence to make their points more substantiated and reliable, such as actual results from the Chicago public school system testing, and evidence from the houses that real estate agents sell. In addition, snippets of articles about Levitt were included, which were published in the prestigious New York Times. All of these factors played an important role in establishing credibility and reliability in this novel.

The author's purpose of revealing the unknown reasoning behind certain issues was certainly accomplished. The reasons were not something that any layperson could have predicted, but was meticulously established with much evidence and reasoning by Levitt and Dubner. My mind was blown when I read about cheating teachers and dishonest real estate agents. The overall topics of this novel were very interesting, which made for a very enjoyable read.

TOW 11: Black Friday Shopping Hits a New Record

Wal-Mart, Toys R Us, Sears, and Target opening on Thanksgiving day for Black Friday has definitely paid off. A whopping 247 million people went shopping on Black Friday, a 9% increase from last year's 226 million. Shoppers were also willing to buy more, spending an average of $423, also an increase from last year's $398. In addition, online sales soared over 17% on Thanksgiving day, and an additional 21% increase from last year's Black Friday.

Emily Jane Fox is the author of this article, and this article is from CNN, a reliable source.

This article was important in context because it takes into consideration our own economy. This mass Black Friday shopping could have been a small step to the recovery of our economy, as stores make up to nearly 40% of their annual sales on Black Friday. With the statistics of the shoppers and money spent rising, this could be a sign of our economy recuperating from its recent recession.

The purpose of this article was to tell shocking statistics about Black Friday, and possible implications of the rise in both shoppers and the money they spend.

The text was written for the general public.

Ethos was used in order to further support the claim of the busiest Black Friday this year. Specific statistics and percentages were used to back up the article's ideas and ensure the author's credibility. Quotes from reputable and reliable people were also included.

The author's purpose of telling about the busiest Black Friday ever was accomplished. I actually worked on Black Friday, and the author's claims and statistics are no understatement. Fox's purpose of informing readers about the incredible statistics was accomplished, as they were very surprising and unexpected.

TOW 10: Las Meninas

This painting is called Las Meninas by Diego Valezquez.

The little girl in the center is Infanta Marguerita, the daughter of King Philip IV. Her placement as the central figure along with her very white attire centralizes her importance in this painting. In addition, the environment behind and around Infanta is relatively dark, compared to her bright clothing. Although she is extremely young, she has many aids at her side, tending to her needs. An interesting point about this painting is that the man on the very left is actually Diego Valezquez; he included himself as painting in this picture. In the mirror next to Valezquez, there are two people's reflections, which are the reflections of Infanta's parents. Thus, it can be inferred that Valezquez was actually painting portraits of the royal couple, yet the center of attention in this painting is the young girl.

This painting used a rhetorical device of placement. Specific placement for each person was especially crucial. Infanta's location in the middle signifies her importance in this painting, as well as in the royal house as many aids are seen tending to her needs. Valezquez's placement of himself is significant, as although he is not in the center, he is still a visible figure off to the side.

This painting was initially not for the public eyes, but for the King's private office.

The painter's purpose was accomplished. As he was hired to paint the royal family, the beautiful young girl is displayed as the focal point, and his purpose of doing so was accomplished. The young girl is portrayed as pure and innocent, yet is aware about royal life she lives.

TOW 9: Did Climate Change Kill the Mayans?

This article was about one of the biggest mysteries that surrounds us today, the end of the Mayan civilization. Anthropologist Douglas Kennett and his team of researches from the U.S. decided to figure out the Mayan enigma by looking at places where not many had looked before, in caves. By studying caves in the jungles of Belize, they were able to deduce some valuable information. The Mayan civilization was plagued with many, severe droughts which led to warfare and the break-up of political leadership. The Mayans thrived from 450 to 660, but then they were hit with droughts which led to a sharp decline in agricultural productivity. Researchers believe that these sporadic climate changes were a result of El Nino. 

Jeffrey Kluger is the senior editor at TIME Magazine, and oversees reports and articles on science and technology.

This article is important in context because it showed what could happen to us, the whole world. Although we have more resources to predict the weather, these natural phenomena cannot be escaped. It is possible that we could face similar circumstances in the near future, so it is important that we take some sort of action.

Although the fall of the great Mayan civilization is known, the reasons behind the fall are not. This article was written in order to clarify the most likely reasons for the disappearance of this thriving civilization. The purpose was to list and explain strong hypotheses that researches derived.

The text was written for the general public.

The article contained pathos. It appealed to the readers' emotions by instilling a sense of fear; that what happened to the Mayans could potentially happen to us. "If you want a look at what we could face in the decades and  centuries ahead, look at what one of the world’s greatest cultures suffered a millennium ago" (Kluger para 1). Although this may not necessarily have been the author's intention, his diction made me feel scared for our future.

The author's purpose was accomplished. He told the possible reasons for the Mayans' downfall in brevity and understandable terms. He added just enough information to make the article interesting, rather than bombarding us with scientific jargon. 

TOW 8: Eat, Pray, Love

The last half of this wonderful book wrapped up Liz's yearlong vacation, which took place in India and Indonesia. After leaving Italy in a happy mood, she goes to India to learn to meditate and collect her thoughts. At first, she struggles as all of her thoughts are cluttered and she cannot get herself to properly meditate. However, after much practice at her Guru's Ashram, she learns to silently meditate and find peace, and that the God she recently encountered is within her own self. After her vacation in India where she establishes inner harmony, she moves on to Indonesia. She lives with Ketut, a medicine man whom she met two years earlier and promised to meet again. She teaches him English, and he teaches her everything he knows. She meets Felipe, a Brazilian man whom she falls in true love with.

Elizabeth Gilbert is an author, essayist, short story writer, and novelist. Eat, Pray, Love is a credible nonfiction text because it describes her own experiences through travelling.

This book is not necessarily important in context because it is simply Gilbert's learned lessons and experiences through her recuperation through travels. It is read by anyone who wants to read an enjoyable book on a woman's journey through different countries and the lessons she learns.

The purpose of this book was to tell her experiences while travelling. The many lessons she learned and her more intimate knowledge of her own self are described.

The text was written for the general public.

This novel contains pathos. When a character falls in love, or Liz remembers her tragic memories with David or her ex-husband, the happiness and the pain that each character personally felt is palpable. Gilbert was able to transcend words with her storytelling, and make the intended emotions easily understood by the readers. "'Beautiful woman, good woman. Always sweet for me. Never once we argue, have always harmony in household, always she smiling. Even when no money at home, always she smiling and saying how happy she is to see me'" (Gilbert 279). This simple, yet amazingly sweet statement from Ketut was able to evoke much emotion. The love that Ketut regards his deceased wife with was able to be felt by the reader due to Gilbert's beautiful reiteration of Ketut's statement. 

The author's purpose of telling the lessons she learned through her spontaneous vacations, as well as her search for inner equilibrium in an enjoyable way was achieved. Through her journey in each country, she learned a little more about herself, and she was able to escape the negativity and unhappiness she encountered daily in America. She was able to liberate herself from the bonds she forced on herself and was able to find pleasure and true happiness in simple ways. 

TOW 7: Behavior Therapy Normalizes Brains of Autistic Children

Recently, the Early Start Denver Model, a behavioral intervention program, was put into use on autistic children. Results from this intervention showed that children at 18 months that went through this program for about two years, had a 17.6 point raise in their IQs. In addition, 24 toddlers diagnosed with ASD received the Denver Intervention, while another 24 toddlers went through community intervention programs, such as special education classes at school. Before the intervention, children with ASD showed that their brains were more activated when viewing an inanimate object such as a toy, but after this program, the brains of those same 24 children became more active when viewing an animate object, such as someone's face. The brain activity of the children that received the Denver Intervention was no different than the brains of normal children. 

This article was written by Alice Park, a staff writer that covers stories on health, fitness, medicine, and nutrition. The article is also from Time Magazine, which is a credible source.

I think this article was important in context. It tells about a revolutionary method of mitigating the effects of autism. This article gives parents with autistic children great hope, as Dr. Geraldin Dawson says that there is no certain time when this intervention would expire and no longer be beneficial.

The purpose of this article was to tell of a recent behavioral therapy in which the symptoms of autism could be lessened. The actual results of this intervention were described.

The text was written for the general public. 

Ethos is used in this article. "...those who provide the therapy need to be certified by a program Dawson and her co-developer, Sally Rogers, have created at University of California, Davis. About 1,000 people have been trained in the technique…” (Park para 8). The credibility of Dr. Dawson is established as shown through the description of the legitimacy of this behavioral program. In our whole country, only 1,000 people are certified, which infers that the training is not easy. In addition, those who want to provide the therapy must be certified under the direction of Dr. Dawson and Sally Rogers, which shows that these two women are knowledgeable in this topic. 

The author's purpose of writing about a revolutionary therapy was accomplished. When I read this, I was shocked, especially when I read of the actual experiment and its results. This Dawson Intervention is legitimate, as it has been proven to lessen the effects of autism. 

TOW 6: North Korean Propaganda

The painter of this piece is unknown, but it is a propaganda poster issued from North Korea.

This gruesome painting depicts a North Korean man getting painfully tortured. This picture shows the cruel American soldiers torturing a man, most likely an innocent man. This man looks to be about middle aged. A middle aged man is more effective for this painting because it hints at a possible wife and children he has back home that he must take care of and watch after, which makes the viewers feel even more sympathetic for him. His shirt is covered in blood and his head is getting sawed with a knife. He is tied down, and one American soldier is even cruelly laughing at this scene. There is blood all over the North Korean man, most likely to show the extreme, arduous torture he has been put through. They are in a dark, dingy room to portray the painful torture more explicitly.

This painting utilized a lot of pathos. This poor, innocent man getting tortured by cruel American soldiers really appeals to the viewers' emotions. It clearly gets across the message that American soldiers are evil, inhumanely torturing a helpless, North Korean man.

This painting was for the North Korean civilians.

The propaganda artist's purpose of painting this picture was definitely accomplished. After viewing this, North Korean civilians were probably strongly influenced and brainwashed to believe that American soldiers are cruel and evil.

TOW 5: Christian Group Finds Gay Agenda in Anti-Bullying Day

Mix It Up at Lunch Day is a day when students are encouraged to interact and socialize with students that they would normally not speak to. Thousands of schools have adopted this idea, in order to prevent bullying and create a welcoming atmosphere. However, the American Family Association, a conservative evangelical group has accused this day of teaching students to accept homosexuals, and to believe that homosexuality is okay. Whether it is because of this accusation, hundreds of schools have already cancelled the Mix It Up at Lunch Day.

This article was written by Kim Severson from the New York Times. The New York Times is a widely read and credible source for articles of a variety of genres. Severson is a widely acclaimed writer, having won several awards for her writing.

I don’t think this article was necessarily important in context. It just told of a recent controversial event on the effects of homosexuality and its strong opposers.

The purpose of this article was to tell a current event that was rather surprising. The idea that the American Family Association would go so far as to assume that Mix It Up at Lunch Day was to promote homosexuality was very shocking. This article is another story on the contentious topic of homosexuality today.

The text was written for the general public.

Ethos was used in this article. “’…we [American Family Association] are not a hate group. We are a truth group …we tell the truth about homosexual behavior’” (Severson para 9). The American Family Association emphasizes themselves as a truth group in order to prove to the readers that they are reliable, an example of ethos. Although there are people that do accept homosexuality, the American Family Association wants to prove that they are credible and honest, so they state that they are a “truth group,” thus they tell the truth.

The author’s purpose of telling a surprising recent event was accomplished. How a sensitive topic like homosexuality can be blown out of proportion was shown through this article. Strong minded groups like the American Family Association accused a day dedicated to anti-bullying and equality to encouraging homosexuality, which was rather far-fetched and shocking.

TOW 4: Eat, Pray, Love

The first section of this nonfiction novel described her painful divorce, as well as her desire to recuperate through travel. After eight years of dating, Elizabeth just did not want to be married anymore, and this time of difficulty led to her encounter with God. After divorcing, she met another man named David, and her relationship with him was an emotional roller coaster. After hearing about David's personal guru, Elizabeth had the desire to travel to India. After travelling to Indonesia for her job, an elderly medicine man told Elizabeth that she would return, which fueled her desire to travel again to Indonesia. Her passion for learning Italian led to her want to travel to Italy, as well.

Elizabeth Gilbert is an author, essayist, short story writer, and novelist. Eat, Pray, Love is a credible nonfiction text because it describes her own experiences through travelling.

This book is not necessarily important in context because it is simply Gilbert's learned lessons and experiences through her recuperation through travels. It is read by anyone who wants to read an enjoyable book on a woman's journey through different countries and the lessons she learns.

The purpose of this book was to tell her experiences while travelling. The many lessons she learned and her more intimate knowledge of her own self are described.

The text was written for the general public.

This novel contains  rhetorical devices, such as a simile. "...my life still looked like a multi-vehicle accident on the New Jersey Turnpike during holiday traffic..." (Gilbert 23). Her usage of rhetorical devices greatly contributes to a more explicit description of her emotions.

The author's purpose of telling her lessons through her difficult hardships as well as her search for inner equilibrium in an enjoyable way was achieved. Her descriptions were so palpable that I expressed sorrow for her when she was upset, and I felt her joy when she was happy.

TOW 3: 'Broken heart' syndrome can be triggered by stress, grief

Coined the "broken heart" syndrome, also known as stress cardiomyopathy, is when adrenal glands in the kidneys, responsible for regulating stress in the body, receive a signal from the brain from extreme stress. The adrenal glands release hormones that reach the heart, ultimately paralyzing it and shutting it down. This can occur from being extremely sad, scared, anxious, or even surprised. This condition is called the "broken heart" syndrome because a lot of people suffer from it after the death of a loved one. 90% of the victims of this syndrome are women, most over the age of 55. As estrogen improves blood flow, women that are older and have less of this hormone are more susceptible to the syndrome. 

The author of this article is Stacey Naggiar. This article is from NBC News, a reliable source. This website provides the latest articles on a wide range of topics. 

This article is important in context because it explains the causes of the broken heart syndrome. As there are other factors of this syndrome other than simply grief, readers can be aware to decrease stress levels and anxiety in order to prevent this syndrome.

The purpose of this article was to clear misconceptions about grief being the only cause of this syndrome. Cardiologist Dr. Ilan Wittstein was quoted in this article, explaining the causes and effects of this syndrome. This article notifies readers of the potential harm that results from extreme stress or anxiety.

The text was written for the general public. The diction in this article did not contain any complicated medical jargon, but was written in simple English for everyone to understand. 

This article contains an onomatopoeia. "Head nurse Cathy Palleschi recalls hearing a loud thud" (Naggiar para 6). 

The author's purpose of clearing up the common misconceptions about the broken heart syndrome was accomplished. Many people, including myself, probably thought that this syndrome only occurred from grief, but Naggiar cited a notable doctor to prove otherwise. Her purpose in clearly explaining the other contributing factors to this syndrome was accomplished. 

The Night Watch

The painter of this piece is Rembrandt van Rijin, a Dutch painter.

The lighting in this piece is very dark, except for the luminescence of one young girl. The men are all fully equipped with weapons, as if they are about to enter war. The little girl may be lit up brightly in the picture to showcase her innocence. Among all the grown men and their deadly weapons, there is an innocent looking girl with a chicken. There is also a dog on the floor; however, the color of the dog almost blends in with the color of the floor. The dark coloring of the painting makes the background almost unnoticeable, but what the men are standing in front of seems to be large building, possibly a castle of some sort. It can be inferred that the man standing front and center is the commander or captain, as he is painted closest to the viewers. He is also in the very center of all the men with a clearly drawn face, while some of the other faces are blurry and unrecognizable.

This painting was unique because other portraits of militiamen during this time were paintings of the men in neat rows, or in a banquet. However, this portrait portrays the soldiers all ready for combat.

This painting was for the general public.

The painter’s purpose of painting the soldiers was accomplished.

Mysterious tourist deaths in Asia prompt poison probe

This interesting article was about two young women who traveled to Vietnam, but quickly ended up in the hospital. Both women were suffering from vomiting, dehydration, and difficulty breathing. Soon after, both women died, yet the exact cause is unknown. Interestingly enough, these deaths were not firsts. The media immediately related these deaths to similar cases that happened last year to seven different people visiting other Asian countries, including Thailand. Dr. Ron McDowall, a UN toxic chemical consultant, believes these deaths may have arisen because of pesticide ingestion. 

Jacque Wilson is the author of this article. She is a multimedia journalist for CNN, and she primarily writes for the health, technology, and entertainment sections. Both Jacque Wilson and CNN are credible sources. 

This article is rather important in context as it serves as a warning to future travelers to certain Asian countries. The deaths are also very recent, so the article pertains to present day. 

The purpose of this text was to tell an intriguing incident that occurred in Asia. It also serves as a warning to future travelers.

The text was written for the general public.

An anaphora was used in this article: "No hospital reports. No police report. No nothing" (Wilson para 8). 

The author’s purpose to warn future travelers about the potential dangers of poison in certain Asian countries was accomplished. The scary effects of pesticides were clearly shown through the deaths of the two women, along with the seven other victims.