TOW #5: iPhone or Android: Which Smartphone Should You Buy?

iPhone or Android: Which Smartphone Should You Buy?
By: Sam Costello


            The controversy between the iPhone and the Android is a popular one in today's society. Each phone has their strengths and their weaknesses, so audience members ask, which phone is truly the better phone to purchase? Sam Costello, author of iPhone or Android: Which Smartphone Should You Buy? develops 13 different arguments involving an Android and iPhone, but supports each one with different evidence and a different standpoint for each phone. Majority of his arguments for why the iPhone is the better phone, but he does develop a perspective for androids as well. For instance, argument one is considering the phone's hardware. Costello goes into detail how Apple has tight control over software managing of an iPhone, while Androids tend to freeze up and overheat more often. On the other hand, argument number twelve, "User Maintenance: Storage and Battery", supports the Android. Many of his arguments also develop a tie between the two phones, making it complicated for the audience to develop a really strong choice on which phone to choose. Costello's choice in listing arguments for each phone I believe is ineffective, because there is no solidified answer Costello delivers to his audience on which phone to buy.

           Although including arguments for each phone gives the audience a larger perspective on the matter, it doesn't help an argument. On the other hand, some people do prefer to make decisions on their own after the negatives and positives are given and Costello's open argument helps some readers base their choice on their own opinion rather than just Costello's.  I believe as a reader, Costello effectively delivers strengths and weaknesses of each phone helping a reader decide which phone would be best suited for them.

 It's important to take note that when an essay is written about an argument such as this one, it's crucial that one takes into consideration other sources and opinions from other people. Both phones can be argued as great, and both phones can be argued as bad. Sam Costello's opinion is just one of many, and by delivering both perspectives, it's important a reader looks into other sources as well to confirm his decision.          

TOW #24: Rosie the Riveter

          The famous Rosie the Riveter picture, is a cultural icon of the United States. It was made to represent the American women who worked in factories during World War II. During World War II, many women took upon new jobs in order to replace the men serving in the military. Rosie the Riveter represents a women's power and strength, and promotes feminism. During World War II, campaigns used Rosie to convince and recruit females for working in munition and industry. According to history.com,  it stressed the patriotic need for women to enter the work force. Rhetorically, the picture is makes a powerful statement to the audience whether it's women during World War II, or women living in today's society. The arrangement of the picture helps portray the message. The big words "We Can Do It!" draw the audiences attention and also promotes a feeling of hope and encouragement. Rosie is dressed in patriotic colors, therefore defending the fact that the picture was made to stress the "patriotic need" for women to work in factories and industry during the war. Not only is Rosie wearing read white and blue, but she is also holding up her arm to show her muscle. That is very important in the way this picture is arranged, for it exemplifies a women's strength and appeals to other women's emotions giving them pride and determination. The War World II time period was a large step in feminism due to new employment opportunities that weren't originally available to women prior to the war. As well as the arrangement, there is a demanding yet tone of determination that the picture portrays. It's demanding because it is trying to recruit women into the work force, yet determining because its saying "We Can Do It!" and the muscle shows that women are strong and enough and powerful enough. Rosie the Riveter has been an influential icon throughout the years strongly portrays feminism and the growth of women's rights.

Marking Period 4: IRB Intro Post

The Last Lecture
Randy Pausch

        The Last Lecture is about  a man named Randy Pausch, who was a computer science professor at Carnegie Mellon University. He had a family at home, specifically a wife and three children. Randy was unfortunately diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, which has a very low survival rate. Throughout the book he wanted to give a "last lecture" to his audience because it may very well be, his last lecture. The book is broken up into 6 different sections, some telling about his dreams as a child and, some how he met his wife, and others telling about his lessons he has learned throughout his life and dealing with cancer. My brother recently read this book, and I also saw a talk he hosted. Reading this book will inspire me to live my life to the fullest, for there may not always be tomorrow. I'm excited to read Randy Pausch's last lecture and I'm excited for the inspiration it's going to give me.