TOW #16- Visual Text: Huggies Advertisement

Huggies is one of the world's most recognized diaper brand. Huggies' parent company Kimberly Clark has been around since the 19th century and have a strong consumer market due to their use from generation to generation. Huggies is already established as a credible diaper company. This leaves room for their advertisements to play with emotion and reasoning to attract consumers. 

In this particular advertisement Huggies toys with humor as a rhetorical device, specifically satire. The ad reads: "Don't irritate your new boss." Joining the quote is a picture of a baby, meticulously groomed to resemble the typical wall-street type of man: Big collar, slicked back hair, rolled up sleeves - think Tom Cruise as Les Grossman in Tropic Thunder. The image is extremely satirical. It's strongest attribute is the humor of the baby. Obviously, the baby is not a corporate boss. However, babies, have a notorious tendency to become the boss of the house due to their infantile needs, even though it is unintended. Also, the term "irritate" can make mothers cringe. This phrase is a double entendre. "Irritate" can also indicate a rash or irritation of the baby's skin. This would cause even more crying and attention focused on their "new boss." 

The Huggies brand does a fabulous job of appealing to their wide demographic of mothers through this advertisement. Because Huggies has established credibility through years of successful diaper sales and satisfied mothers and baby bottoms, the advertisement (rightfully) lacks an appeal to ethos. Nevertheless, the humorous baby steals the show. The hilarious image successfully appeals both to pathos and logos. A baby should not be irritated by diapers, therefore buy huggies and your "boss" will not be irritated, making the mother's life easier. 

TOW #15- Article: "Anchor Management" by Jonah Weiner

Ron Burgundy and the Channel 4 News Team have already changed nightly network news forever - what does Burgundy have in store for this hilarious sequel? Jonah Weiner shadows Will Ferrell for a day on the set of Anchorman 2 in this article for Rolling Stone. Ron Burgundy, Will Ferrel's self-described favorite character is - or rather was - the anchor of the Channel 4 News team in San Diego until his girlfriend, Veronica Corningstone stole his spotlight. Many members of his team, including stars such as Steve Carrel and Paul Rudd's characters have gone in directions other than news. That's where the second movie picks up and that's where the author of this article, Jonah Weiner, joins the cast and crew in filming. 

Weiner moves chronologically through his day, starting with different takes on the set. The entire article is less of an investigation and more of an appraisal of ingenious director Adam McKay and Will Ferrel's improvisational and writing skills. "In Ferrell’s hands, Ron is as indelible a portrait of puffed-up American masculinity as our culture has mustered: “At first glance, you think he’s really self-confident, but he’s such an insecure guy,” says Ferrell. “His confidence supplants knowledge.” Anchorman’s director, Adam McKay, who wrote both movies (and runs a production company, Gary Sanchez) with Ferrell, says, “That’s stuff we both love: guys who project great authority and competence, but behind it there’s just f***ing chaos, incompetence, derangement or pure self-interest.” " Weiner's use of humor and quotes from people on and off the screen provide his audience with varying perspectives that are usually unattainable to the average movie-goer. It's safe to say that Anchorman 2 will be a huge success. Weiner has showed his readers a behind-the-scenes look at the key figures involved in making this hilarious movie possible. 

TOW #14 - Article: "Encouraging Economic Report Reveals More Americans Delusional Enough To Start Their Own Business" - The Onion

The Onion proudly refers to itself as: "America's Finest News Source." Readers of The Onion quickly realize the entire news source is drowning in satire; almost nothing factual or newsworthy is every written on The Onion. In a period of Economic rebuilding, America is coming out of a recession and many "real" newspapers report on the country's economy. The Onion has written a completely satirical article about Americans "delusional" enough to open a new business in this economy. The article is bluntly titled: "Encouraging Economic Report Reveals More Americans Delusional Enough To Start Their Own Business." This news source relies entirely on sarcasm and satire to reach their readers in this article. Throughout the article facts are sprinkled in between long satirical rants in attempt to make the article appear credible. For example: "The report, which described its findings as “highly encouraging for near-term economic growth,” confirmed that over 200,000 small businesses were founded in 2013 by entrepreneurial Americans who have completely and utterly lost their grip on reality, and noted that the number of bold and frankly insane Americans applying for new business permits had risen markedly over the past year." While the onion provides laughs to its readers, it is not a credible source. The article also exemplifies extreme bias towards its arguments: “Every day, we’re seeing more entrepreneurs who are deluded to such a degree that they are confidently investing their entire life savings in new and unquestionably ill-fated restaurants, storefronts, and online businesses.” The author of this article simply does not provide enough evidence to support his harsh claim. It is obvious that The Onion does not want to be a credible news source. Their satire and sarcasm work hand in hand to create a news article that has some - if very little - relevance in life. 

TOW #13- Visual Text: Catching Fire Movie Poster

The Hunger Games: A national phenomenon of books-turned-movies centered around the female warrior Katniss, "Girl on Fire." Jennifer Lawrence's blunt personality if a perfect match for Katniss's ferocious temperament, as displayed by her vicious stare on the front of this poster, clutching her famous bow-and-arrow. The Hunger Games experienced rapid success, due to the book's strong fan base. Catching Fire did not disappoint audiences and raked in hundreds of millions at the box office opening weekend. This poster was used to advertise Catching Fire before its release. 

The top of the poster reads: "Remember who the enemy is" in the trademarked font used on all Hunger Games movie merchandise, futuristic and industrial-looking. This piece of advice placed a smidgen above Katniss's head implies that the audience is part of Katniss's world: Panem. This phrase invites audiences to submerge themselves into Panem and root for Katniss, as she knows who the real enemy is.

Those who have read The Hunger Games trilogy, are aware the mockingjay pin Katniss wears while in the Hunger Games becomes a symbol of rebellion throughout Panem. If looked at closely, it is realized that Katniss appears to be emerging from a fiery red mockingjay pin, grasping a bow-and-arrow: her weapon of choice. The bow-and-arrow, combined with flaming pin portray Katniss in a battle-ready state of mind. Her fierce gaze only helps to establish an intense and almost dangerous mood.

This poster strategically uses mainly black and different shades of red and orange. These colors, almost synonymous with Halloween, convey a dramatic tone and help to draw the viewer's eye to Katniss herself. Catching Fire was a runaway success and their sharp visuals used to promote this cinematic masterpiece deserve some credit.

TOW #12- IRB: "The Criminal Conversation Of Mrs Norton" by Diane Atkinson

The Criminal Conversation of Mrs. Norton by Diane Atkinson is a thrilling tale of gender equality in England. George Norton, the husband of Caroline Norton, is a powerful and corrupted gentleman that urges Caroline assist him in climbing the social latter of British politics. However, the Norton's courtship was spark without Caroline's consent. It is revealed that her mother pushed for their marriage. The scandal does not pick up until it Caroline's clever whit and charm allure Lord Melbourne, the Whig Prime Minister. Inevitably, George Norton uncovers the affair and sues Caroline for "Criminal Conversation," or for lack of a better term, adultery.
The author, Diane Atkinson writes in omniscient third person in order to provide information from every single person in the story. The events in this book took place in 19th century England, a time when most communicated by telegraph or letters. Atkinson's strategic omnipresent narration allows her to pull quotes from each individual involved in this scandal and trial. Mrs. Norton wrote over 1,500 letters about her experiences and Atkinson's narration lets for her to quote Caroline as well as Mrs. Norton's peers.  "The young man sent her poetry, which she thought was a 'little rough', so she suggested they correct the proofs when he was next in London: 'there is no doubt you will improve under my fostering care'."(Atkinson 115). The direct quotes from Norton provide an insight into her exact thoughts while she was going through this scandal. While Norton did not write and autobiography, Atkinson's style of writing flawlessly weaves Caroline Norton's thoughts into her writing, creating the illusion that the audience is reading a diary or tell-all book.

Diane Atkinson's writing, most specifically her choice of omnipresent third person narrator create a seamless flow of thoughts from the people that these events are based off of themselves.

TOW #11- Article: "Liberty, Without Torch" by Evgenia Peretz

Hollywood marriages are notorious for their short life-spans and juicy break-ups, occasionally drowned in scandal. Kirsten Stewart, best known for her role as Bella in the Twilight movies, was the subject of hot gossip in Hollywood when she attracted Rupert Sanders, the director for whom she was working. The tabloids focused on Sanders and Stewart. Stewart was at the time, in a relationship with co-star Robert Pattinson, and her cheating scandal remained on the covers of Us Weekly, People, and Style magazines for weeks. However, Sanders was not innocent, and the tabloids left one essential person out of their articles: Liberty Ross, the wife of Rupert Sanders. In this exclusive Vanity Fair interview, Liberty Ross recalls her experience of the scandal in her first public account of these horrid events.
Author of the article, Evgenia Peretz, crafts the story around personal anecdotes, recounted by Liberty Ross, and a friend, Atticus. Peretz begins the article by recalling the basics of the affair between Sanders and Stewart, then going into Ross's life in the present. Peretz describes her zen Malibu home, juxtaposed against the chaos of her divorce with Sanders. However, she soon lets Ross pratically take over the interview and the entire article becomes solely about Ross's life with Sanders. Blooming when Ross was just 18 years old, their love was deep. Ross describes their relationship as "a team," which later on in the essay is starkly juxtaposed against the tumultuous climax of their marriage, when Sanders revealed his affair 20 hours before tabloids would expose him. This display of betrayal by Sanders is emphasized when put next to the loving, passionate relationship that Ross came to know.
Evgenia Peretz utilizes this juxtaposition of Liberty's pure bliss during her marriage to Sanders against the harsh reality of Sanders' affair with Stewart to portray the utter hardship that Ross experienced.

TOW #10 - Article: "Why Jump When You Can Sip?" By Reid Wilson

The New York Times has been providing its readers with possible travel-destinations every day for almost 100 years. This particular Sunday, November 24, Reid Wilson, writer for the Travel section of the New York Times dives into New Zealand's Central Otago region in "Why Jump When You Can Sip?" Lucious wineries combined with adrenaline-pinching outdoor activities create the perfect vacation experience.Wilson recalls his time with the Kiwis, sampling hundreds of wines in over 18 vineyards.
The author's vivid imagery of the New Zealand landscape makes his audience long for a visit to this magical region.  Wilson describes his view from one specific winery: "overlooking the perfectly trimmed grass sloping away to the vineyard, the green grape vines contrasting with the arid mountains in the distance." This paints a beautiful picture of the lush scenery Wilson experienced while touring Central Otago, New Zealand. Wilson's audience has been narrowed down to those with a desire to travel, due to his writing being specifically featured in the Travel section of a newspaper. The authors aims to accurately portray the true beauty he has come across while traveling in New Zealand for approximately 3 months. Wilson utilizes imagery to do just that: describe in immense detail the natural charm of Central Otago for his audience.
Wilson describes personal anecdotes in order to accurately chronicle his time touring different New Zealand wineries and vineyards. He recalls his time with his tour guide, Jim, to show the hospitality of the people in New Zealand. Wilson includes the fact that he sampled hundreds of wines in 18 wineries, conveying the sheer mass and variety of wines in the Central Otago region. The stories of quaint, "mom and pop" wineries compared to the larger, formal ones, exemplify New Zealand's grand diversity in the wine industry.
Wilson's passion and enthusiasm for his New Zealand trip illustrate the visual beauty as well as the mental rest and relaxation the Central Otago region provides.