Rhetoric in the Media

"What did you think was the most effective type of media in presenting an aspect of rhetoric? Would you have chosen a different media source if you could for the rhetorical analysis project? Why or why not?"


I think the most effective type of media to present rhetoric is through video. Video is the most dynamic style of media in that it can incorporate sound, images and text all at once. This versatility allows the producer ample flexibility and options to sway the viewer. If I had a way to record and edit video here on campus I definitely would have used this style of media on my rhetorical analysis project.

Favorite Song

"In response to the Taylor Swift article we read and discussed about in class, what is one song that means something to you? Is it by your favorite artist? Analyze the lyrics (if there are any). When listening to the song, what images come to mind? Why?"


A song that has a lot of meaning to me is the song I'm Alive by Kenny Chesney and Dave Mathews.

Heres the lyrics:

So damn easy to say that life's so hard
Everybody's got their share of battle scars
As for me I'd like to thank my lucky stars that
I'm alive and well

It'd be easy to add up all the pain
And all the dreams you've sat and watch go up in flames
Dwell on the wreckage as it smolders in the rain
But not me... I'm alive

And today you know that's good enough for me
Breathing in and out's a blessing can't you see
Today's the first day of the rest of my life
And I'm alive and well
I'm alive and well

Stars are dancin' on the water here tonight
It's good for the soul when there's not a soul in sight
This motor's caught its wind and brought me back to life
Now I'm alive and well

And today you know that's good enough for me
Breathing in and out's a blessing can't you see
Today's the first day of the rest of my life
Now I'm alive and well
Yeah I'm alive and well

Kenny Chesney is not one of my favorite artist but I do really like this particular song. When I listen to the song it really relaxes me and makes me appreciate what I have in life and not what I don't. I sorta imagine myself out by a lake at night just relaxing.

Hitchhiking

I don't know much about hitchhiking but I do know that as of now, it's illegal. And also from the movies I've seen I know that in a hitchhiking relationship, that is the relationship between the driver and the hitchhiker, there is a 75% chance that one of the involved parties is a serial killer, and a 25% chance that both are axe murderers. But in all honesty, I could never see myself picking up a hitchhiker, it's illegal, potentially dangerous and I would imagine, very awkward. I don't know if maybe back in the day it wasn't illegal or maybe it was just before Hollywood put a negative spin on it, but I think it was more common. Now it has sort of become a lost art like train hopping and skitching.

Gallien's Decision

I believe Gallien opted to not call the authorities after he dropped off Chris because he is a tough guy from Alaska who probably wouldn't want someone to baby him if he was in Chris's position. He tried to warn Chris before he left but Chris was determined and there is not much anyone can do when a man has his mind made up like Chris did. He could have called the cops but he knew Chris would rather die than have the cops come and prevent him from what he needed to do. I am betting Gallien feels partly responsible now though and maybe in hindsight he would have done things differently. But I bet if he could talk to Chris today Chris would not be upset, he would not regret his decisions and he would hold himself completely responsible for his death.

Inaugural Blog

What's good? My name is Derek Buchanan, some people like to call me Bucky. You probably won't want to, and thats fine by me. I am a freshmen construction management major from Renton, WA. If you don't know where thats at because you're from the east side of the state or from a different state completely, its near Seattle. I am a social guy I suppose. I value my family and friends more than anything in the world and I believe life is all about building relationships. I am like almost every other average guy in that I live and breathe sports. I was born in GA so any Atlanta team is MY team. I love to play golf and almost any sport. Basketball has been the sport of choice for me and my friends lately but I seem to get worked every time I go to the REC. Also, my friends and I are wanna-be rappers and we're just waiting for our big break so if you have any connections in the music industry let me know. Schools cool and I have been loving college so far. Its tough sometimes but I am diggin' the freedom and the Pullman lifestyle.



This is my girlfriend and I at a Mariners game. She is a freshmen at WWU.