TOW #24: "The Unsettling Thing About Ellen" by Steven Kurutz

            When one amasses as much wealth as modern celebrities of Los Angeles do, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that some extravagant spending might take place. Ellen DeGeneres, talk show host and comedian, validates this supposition through her long list of real estate ventures. In an article published in the New York Times titled “The Unsettling Thing About Ellen,” Steven Kurutz details how the star’s interest in architecture and interior design has led her to make a number of pricy purchases on properties from all over California. Now an experienced home designer, Ellen usually takes charge of arranging the décor in her houses, which include paintings by Cy Twombly and Jean Prouve lamps.

            Because this article was published specifically in the Home and Garden section of the New York Times, there is a good chance that its readers will enjoy it. Although the New York Times has a reputation for reporting on national and global conflicts, the audience of this article is most likely made up of adults with a hobby relating to interior or exterior design, given its context. The author, Steven Kurutz, has many articles in the NY Times that cover art-related topics, so he has a level of credibility in writing this story.

            One notable rhetorical device in this article was the author’s asides that were dotted throughout the article. When describing DeGeneres’ solemn attitude towards her former Malibu beach house, Kurutz wrote, “‘I would just stare at it’ from the window, Ms. DeGeneres said, a metaphor for modern celebrity if there ever was one.” The accompanying description to Ellen’s quote expands the horizons of the article, and asks the reader to consider the life of fame that Ellen endures, which at times may not be as fun as designing your own house.

            Kurutz’s purpose therefore might be larger than romanticizing Ellen’s real estate life; it attempts to give readers an accurate glimpse of Hollywood life, specifically through Dengeneres’ eyes. I believe this purpose was achieved, because of how Kurutz’s both told the story of house buying and media attention for a celebrity.

TOW #23: Why Wu-Tang Will Release Just One Copy Of Its Secret Album by Zack O'Malley Greenburg

            There is currently a metal box with intricate etchings all around the box, sitting at the foot of the Atlas Mountains in Morocco. Inside it will soon be one Wu-Tang Clan album, one that no one has ever heard before. The rap group recently revealed their secret project, called Once Upon a Time in Shaolin, which has been going on for the past decade. In an effort to spark a revival of music appreciation, Wu-Tang members have decided to sell only one copy of this album at a price in the millions.

            The author of “Why Wu-Tang Will Release Just One Copy Of Its Secret Album”, Zack O’Malley Greenburg, reported on this story in Forbes, detailing the events leading up to the completion of this album and Wu-Tang’s future plans for the rare record. As a senior editor at the magazine, Greenburg reports on business of music and entertainment. He has written books such as Michael Jackson, Inc., and writes The Beat Report, a daily segment dedicated to the happenings in music. Greenburg’s background in music and business is evidenced by the multiple comparisons he makes with other similar events, such as Samsung’s purchase of copies of Jay Z’s new album for $5 million. These kinds of references are an important rhetorical strategy in Greenburg’s article, as they help to validate the possibility of this event’s success, and clarify exactly what kind of business venture the Wu-Tang has committed to.

            As this was written in Forbes, a magazine that focuses specifically on the business aspects of the world, Greenburg’s audience will probably appreciate the mention of making money as one of the reason’s for the one-copy decision. Though none of the people involved in the album mentioned anything about money, Greenburg, as a business writer, made an inference and added his own insight into the article. In doing so, he creates an article that functions both as a narrative, which makes for an interesting read, and a business report, which details the facts. Because of the efficiency with which Greenburg told this story, I believe he achieved his purpose.

Article: http://www.forbes.com/sites/zackomalleygreenburg/2014/03/26/why-wu-tang-will-release-just-one-copy-of-its-secret-album/

TOW #22: "Lessons from the Little Ice Age" by Geoffrey Parker

It has been shown time and time again that history repeats itself in all aspects of the world. Geoffrey Parker, a history professor at Ohio State University, takes a look at climate change and its effects on humans in his article, “Lessons from the Little Ice Age.” The event referenced in the title is the period of cold winters that occurred in Europe during the 17^th century. Parker explains that the cold caused flooding, bad harvests and forced migrations, all of which resulted in rebellions and wars across the globe. Applying this to the present, Parker expresses his concern over the potential death and destruction that could occur today if proactive measures are not taken.

Given the debate over global warming that continues today, this article is very relevant. Published in the New York Times, it is likely that Parker’s article has received the attention of a diverse group of individuals. Because the New York Times is relatively unbiased on most topics, there are bound to be some readers who share a concern for the effects of global warming. This predisposition, along with Parker’s objective tone and logical argument for preparation over reparation make it difficult to disagree with the article.

Because of the suggestions Parker puts forth at the end of the article, he seems to be writing specifically for the purpose of persuading world leaders to adopt a proactive approach to global warming. Despite this, he is writing in a newspaper, rather than in a letter addressed to officials. This means that Parker’s purpose is probably more to rally support for this solution in order to bring attention to it. Eventually, with enough support, Parker’s suggestions would reach leaders.

Because of the sound logic Parker uses to support his argument, and his reasonable request, I believe he did achieve his purpose.

Article: http://www.nytimes.com/2014/03/23/opinion/sunday/lessons-from-the-little-ice-age.html?ref=opinion 

TOW # 21: Advertisement for Bergmann Funeral Service

Today, advertisements are drastically different from what they once were a few decades ago. Advertising agencies have developed a large arsenal of techniques that they use to persuade every type of audience, and the most popular seems to be the ads that use humor, and the ads that engage its audience. Both of these tactics are used in a subway station advertisement by Bergmann Funeral Service that reads, “Come a little closer.” Considering the fact that it is on the wall across from the platform, on the other side of the tracks, it is quite a unique poster.

This advertisement is unique in that it relies on humor to promote a service that is generally lacking in laughter. It cleverly uses its context to create a shocking ad by jokingly suggesting the readers to “Come a little closer” and put themselves in a life-threatening situation, this advertisement catches people’s attention and compels them to read the rest of the advertisement’s information. This may not be sit well with everyone who reads it, but because a subway station sees a diverse array of people, there are bound to be those who laugh.

The Bergmann Funeral Service, a company that presumably operates in a city, is taking a risk with this advertisement. While it is certainly a creative approach to achieving its purpose, which is primarily to get people to use their services, there is a greater chance that people will take offense, and therefore avoid their company. Personally, it did not achieve its purpose, since I don’t find humor in making fun of death, whatever the circumstances. However, there are undoubtedly many who do find this ad amusing, and would consider using the Bergmann Funeral Service, should they ever need to. Hopefully, it won’t have anything to do with this poster.