TOW 28: When Your Data Wanders to Places You’ve Never Been

Did the thought ever cross your mind that the short surveys or questionnaires you fill out are being sent to numerous third party companies? Well this is what happens when you answer personal questions; your personal data will be sent out to companies you have never ever heard of. Senator John D. Rockefeller IV of West Virginia suggested a policy that he calls Do Not Track which would allow computer users to turn on settings to prevent their personal information from being sent to third parties. However this policy does not protect the details that companies have gotten of thousands of American adults.

This article comes from The New York Times and is written by Natasha Singer.

This article is significant in context. This article sheds light on the many ads that bombard our Internets about filling out a simple questionnaire in order to win an extravagant prize or the seemingly harmless act of filling in private information while paying for online merchandise. The information that people had believed to be useless or did not think twice about is coming back to haunt them. For example, one woman took an interest in multiple sclerosis and she suddenly began to receive pamphlets about the illness and began to be associated with the disease.

The purpose of this article was to tell of the far-reaching effects of disclosing information. Even something as small as signing up to receive emails from a favorite store can link a person with his private information, which can be shared. This article also told of some attempts at progressive measures, as shown through Rockefeller's Do Not Track policy. 

The audience of this article was the general public, but especially those that utilize the Internet frequently. This article serves as a warning to those to be more careful about the information they choose to disclose, or the topics they choose to search. 

The rhetorical device of tone was used in this passage. Singer utilized a more casual and conversational tone in this article, as opposed to a very serious or urgent one. The reasoning behind using such a tone may be as this information may come off as bit of a shock (it did to me), she lessens the blow a bit by adding the measures that are in the process of being taken. If she utilized a tone that sounded very serious, this information would come off as an even bigger issue.

The purpose of this article was achieved. Singer was able to warn readers about the effects of disclosing information on the Internet, while preventing total commotion and shock by including the steps that are being taken to stop the disclosure of information.

TOW 27: PRY: The danger of dismissing North Korea’s nuclear threat

With the commotion around North Korea and its nuclear threat, this article provides a fresh perspective on the whole issue. It criticizes Obama's administration for greatly downplaying the threat the North Korea poses. The government has been minimizing and even denying the existence of North Korea's nuclear missile threat. However, the article argues that Obama should follow in the footsteps of previous presidents Dwight Eisenhower and Lyndon B. Johnson and instead warn the people of a potential threat. America must realize that North Korea poses a huge threat and instead of denying this fact, be proactive about this threat.

This article comes from The Washington Times and is written by Peter Vincent Pry.

This article is significant in context. With America's intense fear of terrorism, this threat is an explicit example. In order to coax the citizens into thinking that everyone is safe and sound, the government has been denying the existence of a threat, when in reality, North Korea has great potential to cause harm. This article gives readers a glimpse into the reality of things by exposing that North Korea actually does pose a threat with its nuclear weapons program.

The purpose of this article was to criticize the Obama administration for its lack of truth on the issue of North Korea. The article urges and argues that the president should be proactive, pointing to John Kennedy's presidency in which he created ICBM programs to deter the Soviet Union from escalating the Cold War into a full out nuclear war. Like Kennedy, Obama should be more proactive and create ways in which to prevent North Korea from launching its weapons.

The audience of this article is the general public, but primarily Americans. This article reveals the flaws of the Obama administration specifically during this crucial time.

The rhetorical device of ethos was utilized in this article. In order for people to believe the point that the government of the United States is incorrect and that one writer is correct, Pry provides many examples of evidence. First, he references a leaked Defense Intelligence Agency report that states that North Korea does have ballistic missiles and expands upon this fact by stating that the administration is attempting to conceal it. In addition, he refers to previous presidencies to show the positive effects of being proactive and launching programs to prevent nuclear war. He also refers to events during the Cold War with the Soviet Union in which America was able to swiftly avoid a full out nuclear war by creating and enacting programs.

The article's purpose was achieved. By clearly getting  across the point that North Korea does in fact pose a threat to not only America but other foreign nations, Pry instills a feeling of urgency and determination to overcome this issue.

TOW 26: Blasts at Boston Marathon Kill 3 and Injure 100

In one of the most celebrated events in America, a tragic event struck the Boston Marathon. During the marathon, two bombs were struck. This led to a large commotion where many immediately responded to those that were hurt. Although officials are currently unsure about whether this was a terrorist attack or not, President Obama said that he will ensure that the one behind this horrific crime will feel the full weight of justice.

The article is from The New York Times and written by John Eligon and Michael Cooper.

This article is significant in context. Shortly after the shock of the murders at Sandy Hook Elementary School, another horrific murder story erupted. This article will most likely have significant implications, such as tighter security at a marathon. The United States is currently in a state of shock, and this article explains the specific details of this happening.

The purpose of this article was to give a detailed account of what happened at the Boston Marathon. With direct quotes from witnesses, this article gave the audience a good understanding of what happened. Also, there were many photos to help the audience further understand and visualize.

The audience of this article is the general public. Undoubtedly, foreign nations will take this happening into event and tighten their security on such public events. This article may also instill fear some people from ever running a marathon.

A rhetorical device utilized in this article was description. Taking direct quotes from witnesses that experienced the effects of the bombing first hand, the article allowed the audience to visualize what happened at the bombing. Also, the article provided a slideshow of explicit pictures. This described what happened at the marathon without using any words. In addition, the effects of the bombings were told in great detail.

The purpose of this article was achieved. The audience was able to be informed of what happened at the marathon, and predict the possible implications that this tragic event may hold.

TOW 25: Medical Report Says Fujimori Currently Doesn't Have Cancer

The former president of Peru, Alberto Fujimori is an extremely controversial figure. He had shocked the global community with his corrupt crimes during his presidency, however, he was sentenced to 25 years in prison. He requested a pardon from current president Ollanta Humala and  he is still pleading the case that he is suffering from cancer. However, medical specialists have said that he is suffering from depression and that his previous cancerous region is no longer cancerous. The release of his health report has sparked a large debate on whether he should be pardoned or not.

This article is from The Peruvian Times, a news outlet specializing in telling the most updated news in Peru.

This article is somewhat significant in context. Whether Humala agrees to pardon Fujimori or not is a decision being anticipated by the global community. However, whether he is released from prison early or not does not have a significant impact on Americans.

The purpose of this article was to release the reports that said that Fujimori was no longer suffering from cancer. Attempting to generate sympathy for this ex-president, the article included details on his severe depression and that he is on the verge of suicide.

The audience of this article is the general public, but especially the Peruvian people. Many Peruvians had Fujimori as their president at one point, and they may either hate him or love him and this article keeps the people updated on his status.

A rhetorical device utilized in this article is ethos. Utilizing evidence from Fujimori's health reports, as well as direct quotes from those involved in his trials and other officials, the article got across the point that a pardon may not be in the foreseeable future.

The article's purpose was achieved. Although it included details of his severe depression, the article was objective as it did not explicitly support a pardon for Fujimori. Instead, it laid out all the details and what other officials were saying and allowed the audience to generate opinions on this issue.

TOW 24: Robert Nixon Political Cartoon

This political cartoon is of former President Robert Nixon in reference to his Watergate scandal.

The Watergate scandal erupted and removed Nixon from the Presidency. It was basically one in which Republicans were caught planting microphones in the Democratic party headquarters. Initially, Nixon said he had no connection with this incident, but it was discovered that Nixon had tape recordings of all the conversations in his Oval Office. After many refusals, Nixon finally gave the tapes to the Supreme Court where it was discovered that Nixon had been aware and ordered a cover-up. This political cartoon depicts a serious Nixon with large headphones on that is connected to each star on the American flag. This essentially symbolizes that Nixon is listening to and pays close attention to what each state is doing. Because of Nixon's illegal intrusion of privacy by allowing such snooping to be done, Nixon's potential to hone in on and eavesdrop conversations is exaggerated in this cartoon. Nixon's obvious wrongdoing of snooping on the Democrats' conversations is exemplified in this cartoon.

A rhetorical device of color is shown in this cartoon. As everything is in black and white, including the American flag, this cartoon displays a sort of somber ambiance. Because of this embarrassing scandal that shook America, America was having a difficult time closing the credibility gap between the people and the government. In addition, the complicated tangle of wires from the headphones to the states parallel the complicated mess that Nixon found himself in.

The cartoon was intended for the general public.

The painting's purpose was accomplished. The message emphasizing Nixon's wrongdoing of allowing illegal eavesdropping is clearly depicted in this cartoon. America's upset response is also displayed through the usage of only black and white.

TOW 23: Softball Coach Accused of Sending Team to Find Him Dates

Now, this is not one of those typical stories about a teacher abusing his power to take advantage of high school students. Instead, a softball coach, Troy Hennum, took advantage of his softball team by sending them on "scavenger hunts" to find potential dates. One woman, Kat Aagard, who was the woman that the team found for Hennum, decided that this was not okay and told Roosevelt High School's principal, and Hennum has left his position.

This article is from ABC News, a very reliable source.

This article was significant in context. As the stories we hear about the inappropriate teacher-student relationships, this article was a bit strange in that it did not follow that storyline. However, using a team as a coach to find potential girlfriends is just as inappropriate, and raises awareness of the wrong things that are happening inside schools.

The purpose of this article was to tell of a strange event of a softball coach being accused of taking advantage of the team for his own benefit.

The audience of this article is the general public. However, educational administrators may be more interested as they are now more aware of the things that can happen between teachers and students. They may take more precautions against such events, and possibly tough up teacher/coach positions with stricter rules and regulations.

Ethos through pecific quotes were utilized in this article. Word-for-word text messages between Hennum and Aagard were displayed in this article. These direct quotations proved that the coach had taken advantage of the girls to meet a girl. These quotes provided evidence for this case, and made the article more credible. 

The author's purpose was achieved. It told of a strange, yet true story of a coach taking advantage of his leadership position. This article raised awareness for such inappropriate events and will hopefully reduce or prevent them from happening again. 

TOW 22: Scientists Report First Cure Of HIV In A Child, Say It's A Game-Changer

It is a known fact that HIV is an incurable virus, whose rapid growth can only be curbed with rigorous medication. However, the story of a 2 1/2 year old baby tells otherwise. 30 minutes after she was born, she was diagnosed with HIV, and it was inferred that her mother had had it and received no medical care. Immediate treatment was given to the baby, within 31 hours of her birth, which is much faster than when other infants get treated. In addition, more doses than normal were given to the baby. After months of treatment, the virus was no longer detected in the baby's blood. However, the mother suddenly stopped bringing her child in for checkups. After last seeing the baby at 18 months, Dr. Gay located the baby when she was 2 1/2 years and she expected the worst. However, there was absolutely no trace of the virus in her blood. Gay believes that this phenomenon can be explained by early and aggressive treatment. 

This article is from NPR, written by Robert Knox. He has written many articles on public health, medicine and science and also done extensive research on HIV/AIDS Africa, North America, and the Caribbeans. 

This article was very significant in context. The disappearance of the HIV virus from the baby's body is a tremendous step towards the fight against HIV in newborns, and hopefully and eventually the fight against HIV in adults. As HIV is becoming more prolific yet there is no cure, this major finding will hopefully be an important stepping stone towards the cure.

The purpose of this article was to tell of a groundbreaking event in medical history; the cure of HIV. 

The audience of this article is the general public, however, those affected by HIV may be the main audience. Those with HIV may find strength and hope from this article, knowing that one day, a cure may possibly be found. This breakthrough event gives hope for the future, that a cure for HIV may be discovered.

Ethos was utilized in this passage. Because of this remarkable and unbelievable story, valid information was necessary to back it up. With quotes from various doctors such as the main Dr. Hannah Gay, Dr. Luzuriaga from the University of Massachusetts and Dr. Persuad from Johns Hopkins, this event was verified and proven true. In addition, a very detailed account of what specifically occurred, such as the testing and type of medication given was stated. In order to gain the audience's trust, Knox included many quotes and specific information to construct a reliable and trustworthy article.

The author's purpose was achieved. With specific facts and evidence, Knox created a very credible article that discussed a breakthrough event in medical history. This discovery may provide hope and inspiration from current HIV victims to look forward to a brighter day when a cure will be found.