WHATEVER

This break I boxed so much that my lips hurt from getting hit.
This break I ate great food.
This break I felt like I worked more than rested.
This break I saw all of my family (even the ones I dislike).
This break I drove a car 120 miles per hour.
This break I dislocated a friends finger (and took him to the hospital (see above)).
This break I beat the neighbors in a holiday light competition (and posed like Santa for little children).
This break I drove my truck more places than I want to think about.
This break I nursed a cat back to life.
This break I watched my favorite holiday movie (Bruce Almighty (not a holiday movie)).
This break I wanted nothing more than to stay on break (Christmas come fast).

Proposal

Unit 3 Proposal

My team and I came up with a great topic and some great ways to make an argument for it. The issue we chose to enter the conversation of is the NFL fining players for helmet to helmet hits. Our stance on the conversation is that the NFL is becoming soft and needs to go back to its roots of good hard hitting football. Our primary audience's are Roger Goodell, the NFL's Commissioner, NFL fans and the NFL players themselves. In addressing these different audiences we have three different ways to reach them. We will write a formal letter to the Mr. Goodell expressing why the fines are excessive and some other preventative measures in addressing player safety. We want this letter to be formal and informative because he is the commissioner. NFL fans, we think we can reach with a billboard ad showing our stance on the fines we feel are making the NFL soft. Finally in addressing the NFL players we will make modified jerseys showing what the league will turn into if we keep fining players for playing good hard nose football.
The only thing I see being a problem for my group is that we have some grand ideas but I'm not sure if we can accomplish all of them. The team gets along great and given enough time and effort we will be very successful.

In class: reading

This week's reading is about visual arguments. It covered numerous topics such as color, organization, many ways to appeal to ethos, etc The most interesting was the one about the Mercedes. The author describes how you want this car for its looks and the genius marketing strategies attached to the product. The way the car zooms down a winding road, at sunset with people who look much happier than you. Now you don't just want the car you NEED it.
The way that I will apply this to my project is the color aspect. I will try to convey a lighter and even sensitive side of the NFL, in a way almost using a mocking technique. By using the color PINK throughout the presentation, especially for a "Brutal and Tough Men's Sport", the idea of a weaker game will be presented. Also by focusing on the comical aspect of a PINK jersey the argument will appeal to the audiences' pathos- by appealing to the comical stance of the argument. By doing this the audience will be more inclined to agree with our ideas.

General job descriptions

Austin = Visual creation
Will = paper work
David = presenter

Notetaking/Recorder:
All
Discussion and Planning:
Will
Revision
Will
Presentation
David
Prep of Visual
Autsin
Presentation
David

The action item for this week is to come up with topics for a vote that will take place today.

In Class: what I learned

In the reading last night I learned that making arguments from the perspective of the presenter is more complex than simply analyzing the argument. When you are the one who has to argue FOR something, not only do you have to know the audience, but also figure out how to speak to them. Targeting was one part of the reading that interested me, if a presenter is able to hone in on the audience and appeal to their pathos and logos, through his ethos, then an argument or product will be persuasive.

Job Title

I am very happy with my group and job title. I will be helping the group create the visual media as well as recording the daily activities. These are my main focuses but I will also be contributing to overall action of the group.

In Class: ideal group work situation

I have experienced some terrible group projects in my life, but if I had to chose my perfect group experience it would have to start with everyone contributing. I would like the group members to ALL want to make the same grade I do (an A) and understand that it will take a lot of hard work to gain this grade. Some people are not as motivated as others, and this is problematic when a person needs to accomplish a certain grade, but the project relies on the other people efforts. I would also like the group to comunicate well, this way everyone would be on the same page.

SUPER CLAIM

#1)

Through the logical and seemingly predictable style of journalism anyone who reads this article would be hard pressed to argue against it. This is a positive way for anyone to make an argument, but could possibly be a product of the sporting world. The essay makes statements, and then backs them with undisputable statistics from the game, which he draws no further arguments from. This is a good tactic because he is not telling you what to think, he is simply pointing you in his direction of thought. The use of quotes throughout the article shows the reader that the author has been close enough to these individuals to get direct commentary from them; this is a huge credit to the author’s Ethos. The journalist cannot be questioned because he has direct commentary to support his main ideas.

#2)

He supports his ideas with backing from game stats and from quotes made by the players the day of the event. One issue to remember is that the paper, being so negative, shows that there is always some chance emotion is getting in the way of the whole story. This is important to remember when the author is a local writer.

#3)

The author uses the same tactics as the first two sources. Interesting to note that they all have access to the same statistics and quotes, but each took the facts and came up with differing opinions.

Each of these try to give a point of view, but at the same time they convince the reader through the ethos and logos that comes from the direct access these authors have to statistics.

Supper Claim:
***Argument in American sports is based on factual evidence such as statistics or actual events that can be reviewed. Although contradicting conclusions can be drawn from the same group of data, both claims are valid if they have evidential backing. These are direct examples of how differing points of view can shape an argument. It is important to note that some authors will skew their claims by intentionally omitting relevant information, especially if these facts oppose their argument. In the same way, the author’s location and local ties to an event can sway the position the writer takes. In an event where statistics and quotations are readily available, the arguments can seamlessly be made with supportive backing. But this may not always be the same in a world filled with less documented actions and not so many solid details. While these articles are a microcosmic example of one type of argument in America, it certainly is not a representative sample.

*Arguments are seen as good when they are well established and well supported. But this may not be the only things involved in the decision of which argument will make an impact. One thing to keep in mind is where the writer is from and what perspective he is giving: is he giving a national or local opinion? And does it match with the popular opinion or challenge the majority of people’s ideas?

****This claim should:

     1) Detail idea ^

    2) give a road map of the organization of the essay (National level-ESPN#1-the norm of the opinion- negative, Local Level #2- negative, Local Level- #3 contrasting idea.

   3) A transition into the second paragraph

PLANNNNNN

does the author make a nod to the complexity of the argument??

List:
What do my 3 sources have in common:
     *They all use statistics
     *They all have direct player,coaches, and owner quotes
     *They all take, which is perceived through pathos, a emotionally connected stance.
     *emotional stands are taken into account with the factual evidence to back them.
     *They are each written by sports writers, who have direct interaction with the Dallas Cowboys
     *They each give a vast range of regional perception (ESPN-Large range, Star Telegram- Small/more personal, Dallas News- Close proximity as well)
     *Each assumes that the audience knows something about the past happenings of the team, and the actual happenings right now.
     *Each audience is a Cowboys' fan, or a person interested in the National Football League.;
     *Each article is relatively short, showing the norm of most sport periodicals as well as each are in textual form.
     *Each connect to Pathos-even if they are contradicting ideas
     *Each author has a high amount of Ethos
     *Each essay makes a strong and supported case for their side, but neither gives a strong look into the contradicting idea.

How are they different:
     * One report is from a large regional standpoint, one is from a close range- more pathos and emotion, the last one is also a close range but gives a contradicting idea.
     *Each essay sites the main reasons why or why not the Cowboys' are a good team or will make it to the playoffs.
     *The two essays support the majority idea that the Cowboys are bad but do not give a nod to other statistics indicating that there is still a very possible chance for the team to do well.
     * The essay that contradicts this main idea is one that is supported by different statistics but still gives a nod to the other side of the argument. The paper is written almost in response to, or in argument of the other two more commonly found periodicals.

RED=Good argument strategy
Blue= Bad argument strategies

In Class: reflection on sources

Starting out was very difficult for me. I wanted to make my essay as good as possible and try to plan each step accordingly. This was not the case! Like Dr. Irvin said, "sometimes you can only see five feet in front of you, but you can still make it." I took this to heart and just decided to dive into the assignment by selecting my first resource. After my analysis was done I felt a little better about the assignment, and once the second one was complete, I had a good grasp on where I was going. After meeting with our peers and starting the conferences, I was given a great plan for the final resource. Finally I had the perfect idea about where this paper was going. My plan is to show an overall view of the problem, a close up view, then a view that contradicts both.

Chosen Event

My topic is going to be the Dallas Cowboys second loss in a row to start their promising season (with super-bowl hopes) winless. Some didn't hit the panic button, other wrote the Cowboys off completely, but everyone in sports seemed to have an opinion.
I plan to find my information in sources such as ESPN and National Published sports reports, but since this issue touches close to home, I will also be using the dictation from local radio sports talk shows (galloway and Company) and even the local star telegram. I plan to start on a wide scale (the nation) and zoom in to the smaller location where the event occurred.
I chose this topic because I wanted to focus on something of interest and that I had knowledge about. I started to think too big like the gulf oil spill, or the change in global warming. I decided on a small, local sports topic and thin I can make the argument for the primary documents flourish.

In Class: 1st Paragraph

Title: My place of Constant Transformation


1st Paragraph:

The layout of this place:

I want to start by describing this space using all five of the senses then including a picture at the end to give some visual representation. Sight will be a big factor in this paragraph, a description of color throughout. This part will also include the pictures and metal on the wall--ETHOS. Then the smell, one of my favorite things about this place. The feel of the heat in the room.


***Remember that I want to show a transition in each of my paragraphs between the way in is in the beginning (the earlier, kids class times), and the way it is at night (with the men's training). Along with this, in the narrative portion of the paper, I would like to tie in the transition of the day with the transition of a fighter (include this part of the people in the space and how a young fighter comes in hesitant and nervous compared to an experienced one who will be knowledgeable etc). Then to satisfy the personal part I want to include my own transition as a fighter which took place in this space. This is my tie to the spot an the overall reason I chose to describe this place of Transformation.

In class: previous experiences with in class peer conferences

Honestly, I must say that every time I have been a part of a peer conference the experience has been horrible. It always seemed that the people in my groups have been so much more interested in what others were writing about their paper, than actually writing a comment that was worth while on mine. I would always try to write a meaningful comment, but it is especially hard when you are worried about the other person's feelings. It would help if the teacher would not have the students sign their name on the essay, that way you could be so much more honest and therfore more helpful to the writer.

In class: idea about observation feedback

I think I need to give more a visual representation or description of the actual place before I start getting into the details of the spot.

I could also include the metals and awards posted on the walls, as well as the counter with gloves and protein for sale. This would also be a great idea of ethos, and pathos.

The reputation is another good idea that I could include. The clarification of this Ethos would help to identify the space.

The energy in the room is a good observation to go off of.

Again with the sounds- I could give a more general idea of the sound levels before i get into the details of what the are.

Advertisements about the upcoming fights or tournaments could be included. Like the ones on the wall for the next WGC or the UFC posters that are tacked up close to the fight time. These may tell a story or opportunity for a future event that this space would be associated with.

Any safety equipment- pathos (especially to parents) - the head gear that is collected on one of the shelves.

The awards and trophies could be a great way to make an appeal to Ethos, and a good way to discuss the descritions of the walls further.

In Class: Observations

As I sat in the gym that I had been thousands of times before, I realised that I have never really SEEN this space. I noticed so much more as an observer than someone who took part in the activities. The sounds of the place were the first obvious thing that hit me. I entered the building around six in the evening, about the time the kids classes were starting. The amount of activity was tremendous, I could hear the giggling and movement of WAY too many kids! It was so strange to be there at this time and not teach my normal children's class. As I observed the classes I realised how motivating and stimulating the walls were. All of them covered in posters about respect and courage, covering a color coordinated wall. I never noticed how the place smelled until after I left the building. The aroma of rubber from the mats and sweat from the people filled the truck ride home.

OBSERVATIONS

Observations:

1) The blue and white parking lot striping that matches the color of the building and the same color patterns carried throughout the inside.

2) The tiger painted on the wall over the counter. The tiger itself is not too mean looking but still tough.

3) The onslaught of young kids arriving at 6 O’clock

4) The change in scenery from the kids to the adults.

5) The way the instructors relax as their work day is done, and the fighters make their way to the larger of the two mats.

6) The sound of the fan blowing, drowning out the sounds of kicks and punches coming from the gym next door.

7) The interesting part that as it gets dark the crowds slow and the adults come in. (this says a lot about our society and the way that grown up have longer hour at work rather that children who require earlier times).

8) The way the mats smell of sweat and rubber.

9) The energy in the room shifts from the times of intense training (how you want to be with the other person doing the hard training or fighting)

10) As the night slows down and I am left alone I realize that the intense feeling of competitive brotherhood is gone. Left is a peaceful calm. I feel like when it is training time you find your weaknesses and holes and work to repair them. When I am alone in this space I feel like I know who I am (or feel like myself more than anywhere else. It is a place where you can reflect on yourself.

11) At this point you notice the mirrors surrounding the main gym. Maybe it’s because you think more but every noise seems to stand out.

12) the people bring their own atmosphere with them. Most of the people early in the day are parents bringing their children to Karate. The kids pile in to the small mats as the parents talk or read in the lobby. VERY chaotic!

13) When it gets later, most of the people who come are in shape, adults or older teens. No one is left in the lobby. Even the few people who observe are drawn to the happenings on the mat. I believe this is that energy taking hold of everyone in the space.

14) The sounds:

            *The punching bags

            *The chains swaying

            *The air being forced out after every blow of a punch

            * The slam and movement of the bodies on the mat

15) The smell

            *The sweat

            *The mats rubber

            *The cleaner

16) The Feel

            *The hot air in the room with the occasional blow of the circulating fan

            * The breeze from the open side door.

17) POINT: although observations are normally described by using your 5 senses, one can “feel” the energy with something other than those most obvious. The energy is sensed with a 6^th intuition.

18) the walls have mats on them – blue to match the color of gym theme.

19) the careful planning of the fighters- almost like a constant chess game

20) the way you are invited in to the gym from the moment you step in, with the painted image of a black belt and the word written underneath it stating: INTEGRITY.

In Class: Logos Artifact

For my Logos argument I brought my daily planner. This fulfills the logos argument by having a logical order of the days of the week. Also, because it is a planner it helps me keep track of assignments and random things that need to get done. I think that I would probably be lost without my planner and certainly wouldn't be able to keep up with all of my work on a daily basis. The idea that it is a logical argument simply comes from the fact that it is a logical tool used for clarification and organization, which I believe is an appeal to Logos.

Ethos, Logos, and Pathos arguments incorporated with my space

As the prompt stated, this is an open-ended question that will  help with the argument I want to make in my essay. Because I am a visual person I am going to put the definition of the three types of arguments on my blog, then use them as reference points as my writing progresses.

Ethos: the "self image" a writer creates to define a relationship with readers.
(here, in my writing, I would consider Ethos to mean: the image projected by the space itself.)

Pathos: The emotions that this place gives another person and that gives people their perception.

Logos: the evidence to make a logical appeal

Ethos:
This could be the prefect place to argue about the social views this space takes on (weather negative or positive). I could explain how a place where people come to reach a goal is a bonding, uplifting experience. I could also argue that if the goal IS to fight the other person the image perceived may be negative.

Pathos:
This could be the section where I mirror the fact that the gym is so much diffrent at night that at day, with the similarity that first timers have nerves, fear, adrenaline(not because they are about to get hurt, but because they donot fully understand what is done in a gym like this), whereas the long time fighters have an interest, learning, comfort, compassion. All of these things feed into the overall ENERGY of the gym the "fighter's spirit" as some call it. And can completely be felt when you compare the way the gym feels before and after a work out, or at different times of the day. MUST PROVE WHY!! good place to use what you know, but explain and keep asking further questions!

Logsos:
This section could be used to strengthen each of the "fact" that are made in the paper. An example could be this place is for grown men. Why? because there are large boxing gloves hanging from a cabinet. Use signs, and colors, and whatever you see hear fell etc. then back those items up with in depth explanation.

MY PLACE: essay #1

Choosing a place to analyze for my first essay was a difficult decision to say the least. I was quick to decide on an MMA gym, mostly because I could relate to the space and the people in it. But then I began to wonder if my close ties would interfere with actually analyzing the space itself and not the sentimental values it holds with me.

I started to think about a high end car sales lot. I thought that this would give me a strong area to discuss the differences of people that entered the lot, from the used section to the new, or the people who haggled the prices and the ones who were fine with the sticker prices etc. 

With all of my ideas for both places swirling around in my head I had to do some serious thinking. My final decision came only when I asked myself this one simple question: "What make this space appealing?" This seemed like a simple enough question, but when I thought hard about it the answer came only when I analyzed myself. I know the MMA gym, I know the feelings that everyone in this place have. I know the type of person it appeals to, and why. I can tell you a novel of the pre conceived ideas that individuals have about this place, and most importantly this is the spot that I know best. 

I believe it will be a challenge to set aside my bond with this space and only state factual information, but I know that it only mattes what I write on the page, and not what it necessarily in my heart. 

In Class: My Ethos Argument

My Ethos argument is my TCU college ID. I believe this particular item appeals to character in many ways, the most obvious of which being that it indicates that I am in college. The ID has the TCU logo on it and even a picture of my very own face! This may be pretty standard as far as identification cards go, but it shows who I am and where I belong. College, in our culture, is viewed as a prestigious place, where the elite go to hone their skills for employment that will, no doubt, provide wealth and happiness. Now, we all know that this is certainly not a guaranty for everyone enrolled at TCU. But what it does guarantee is that I am currently on a good path, have worked hard in the past, and have the opportunity for higher learning or a well paying job in the future...Plus I have a beard in the picture, which is definitely bonus points.