Response to Brittany's Blog

I strongly agree with Brittany’s blog about pro-choice vs. pro-life. She does an excellent job of presenting both sides of the argument, pointing out the pros and cons of each. I also agree with her in the pro-choice area. I would have to consider myself somewhat more pro-choice because I think in some cases abortion is what women feel they need to do, in cases such as incest and rape. I do not feel that abortion should just be a new answer to all unexpected pregnancies, but it is understandable in some severe cases that women find they have no other option but to terminate the pregnancy. Although I recognize abortion as killing an individual because I believe a life is a life at the moment of conception, I still feel that in the cases of rape and incest abortion is the only outlet for many women. In a world passing no judgment we would not be having this discussion, but with the new evolved technologies and opinions, people want their voice heard on all topics. I do not feel that women should ever be looked down upon for the choice they make, even if not due to rape or incest because an abortion is a personal and private choice and I believe it should be viewed that way. I am not at all saying that I agree that abortion is good and I support it, but in the world in which we live abortion has become an option for women, a choice they personally make, and society needs to accept the fact of that. We all have hundreds of personal choices and freedoms, and abortion is no different. I think Brittany’s blog did a great job of representing this topic and fully cultivated the argument as a whole, not just one side. I thought her blog was intriguing to the reader, and she defiantly left me thinking after I read what she had written.

The Conflict of Physicians Assisted Suicide

Medically assisted suicide, or euthanasia, is one of the greatest controversial issues present in the medical world today. What some doctors and patients view as an act of mercy, others view as downright wrong and murder. Doctors who assist their patients in ending life that seems to difficult to continue on living view their actions as doing what they must to ensure comfort for those patients. I have heard of this conflict in the media, in classes, and through casual conversation that people have had when the issue is active in the media. I think that it is wrong and completely unethical for a doctor to assist a patient in committing suicide. No human being, not even the one suffering, should take the life of another or himself. Physicians assisted suicide is blatantly wrong in my opinion, and no counter argument given would change how I feel.

I think the most compelling argument in the article attached is the argument against euthanasia. I think the argument against is more compelling because it is the ethically right choice, and it is the one more firmly backed up by facts and law. People can come up with lists of reasons as to why physicians assisted suicide is merciful and the right thing to do in many cases, but at the end of the day ethical holes can be poked in all in favor arguments. Euthanasia is illegal, it is the act of one human being helping another end their life, and in no way is that acceptable. Just because a person has decided his life is no longer worth living does not mean his doctor should have the ability to help him end his life. The choice of life and death is not up to us as individuals to decide, and by giving doctors the ability to end a persons life, we are violating every ethical standard set in motion to better the life of an individual.

Response to Rigsby's Eval On Kool Aid

I agree with Alex on all points regarding the demonstration speech. I think she picked a highly interesting topic, on that is both unique and grabs the viewer’s attention. She did a good job of breaking down the speaker’s points and habits, offering good praises and critiques. Alex did a great job of understanding the content the speaker was embodying and she gave feedback that was understandable to people of all different audiences. I think the kool aid presentation was informational, and the facts it provided are ones that could be used in everyday life to accomplish the task of making a beverage for oneself or friends. My only criticisms of the speaker along with what Alex said, would be to speak up and not look at her note cards so often. The delivery and pronunciation of a speaker is crucial when giving a speech, and by fine-tuning that aspect, Lori can make a better presentation and more of an impact on her audience. Also, by becoming better acquainted and more prepared with her material, I think she would have had to look at her note cards a little less, making more time for eye contact with the audience. Eye contact is very important, and the less one has to look at a piece of pre-prepared literature, the more educated they seem on the topic which they are speaking about. Overall, I think Lori did a great job with her speech, and likewise I think Alex did a great job in picking this topic and breaking the speech down. For a better speech in the future I would pay close attention to the few suggestions Alex and I made, and I think that Lori would have a rock solid presentation on how to prepare kool aid for yourself or your friends.

World Hunger Response to Technorati

This blog is written by William Lambers and discusses answers to help solve child malnutrition. His blog is informational and persuasive and has been educating people for only a short while. He wrote this specific post in July of 2010, but got a few responses triggering various feed back for the future. This specific author does not seem to blog on a regular basis, but the blog I found pertaining to hunger is one that seems to be professional and well written. He includes many links throughout his post that lead to other sites and articles pertaining to his topic and various forms of research. He links his blog to sites that directly pertain to what he is addressing and tries to provide opportunities for readers to further educate themselves on the topic if they wish to do so. The author does not include pictures in his blog, but I don't really think that pictures would be of that great of value. I think he would benefit from including a video clip of some sort, but that is simply a personal view. This author uses a persuasive yet educational style of writing that is trying to grab the attention of the reader. He is trying to present his ideas while also educating others on the issue that is trying to be resolved. His style differs a bit from the style used to write my paper in the sense that I was not so much persuading to find answers, but rather trying to inform people of the problem at hand. I think overall Mr. Lambers does a good job in his blog, and although it is short, he presents a certain curiosity to the readers. I think his style of writing is one that is interesting and well used in the persuasive place here.

Critique of How To Speech

I thought that in my “How To” speech I did a good job of demonstrating the task I was presenting. I felt that I spoke clearly and explained the steps of the process I was instructing to the class. I felt my presentation was well organized and easy to follow, addressing the steps of taping a stick and showing how to do it.

In my presentation I think I could have done a better job looking at the audience. I was occupied with taping the stick and feel I could have done a better job making eye contact while speaking. I also think that saying “um” and raising my voice at the end of some of my sentences took away from the speech. I feel that by eliminating those errors from my presentation the speech would have flow a bit more naturally and would have made the presentation sound more professional. I think that when speaking the delivery of ones speech is highly important in keeping the attention of ones audience, and by eliminating those blunders from my speech the presentation would have gone more smoothly.

Overall I believe that my presentation was well organized and I did a good job connecting with my audience. I feel that I picked an interesting topic and did a good job in explaining the steps and process to help one successfully tape a stick before a hockey game. I think my speech was informative and helpful for people interested in learning to tape and stick, and I think that people learned how to be successful if they would like to tape a stick at some point. In the future I would go about presenting in the same manner, but eliminate a few bad habits from the speech. When presenting next time I will focus more on the delivery of my words, and my eye contact with those who I am speaking to.

Response to Greg's Blog

         I found Greg’s blog to be interesting and educational. I thought the video link included in his blog was very informational and well put together. I would agree with everything he says about the demonstration video. The questions posed at the beginning of the video are important in the investing process and keep you interested throughout the process. The other thing that Greg points out is the fact about the online stock websites, which is also pointed out in the video. I think this is maybe the most important suggestion in the “how to” film, and one that many people may not consider without the guidance provided in the short video. The final point Greg agrees with that is pointed out in the video is how many shares a person should invest in. This is a good point and a key idea to point out because I personally would not have known what to do from that standpoint without the guidance from the video. Greg does a good job of pointing out money management while still being able to purchase a share if they want one.

         Lastly, I agree with Greg’s point about the monotone voice in the video. Although the video was interesting and informational, it was somewhat boring, mainly because of the tone of the speaker. I think that had the speaker been a bit more engaging and had he spoken in a more enthusiastic manner, I think the video would have been more intriguing to the audience. I think the tone of the speaker is extremely important when trying to get through to one’s audience, and in the case of this video, I believe the speaker fell far short of delivering in that department.

         Overall I think Greg’s video was a good example of a demonstration speech, and it is one that I would suggest if someone were looking to learn more about investing in stock.

How To Play Guitar

The topic I chose to write about for my “How To” video discusses playing guitar and teaches the basics to those who are just starting. I felt this was a good topic because guitar is a popular hobby, one I enjoy myself, and it is something that is not particularly difficult to pick up. Playing guitar is a great skill to have, for relaxation and entertainment purposes, and after watching this video clip, I think many people who are not already involved in playing guitar would potentially be further interested in taking it up.

         The video begins with the basic parts of the guitar. The speaker describes the strings, their placement, and a simple acronym to remember them. She then proceeds to teach how to play a basic note, and the various ways to play the simplest notes in music. She shows how to position ones hands on the strings and down the neck of the guitar to play the notes being described. The video shows little boxes of what the notes look like on paper, while the guitarist is also playing the notes, making it easier for one trying to learn to play to follow along. This video provides the simplest notes in the musical world that can also allow one to become acquainted with the hobby and feel confident about exploring guitar further.

         This video has a great deal of positive qualities as I have listed above. I think the one thing that is a bit discouraging is that the speaker herself wasn't an experienced guitar player and wasn't able to complete all of the demonstrations herself. Although that is a tiny flaw, it is one thing that I did notice; however, I would still recommend this video. This is a great video for anyone interested in playing guitar, and I believe it is very well put together.

Response to Nicole's Blog

            I agree completely with the opinions voiced in Nicole’s blog. Organs should not be sold on the market, and cannot be given a price. The market for selling organs would become a madhouse, and people would be constantly competing to get something that saves their life. People should not have to worry if they have enough money to buy the piece of flesh that could save them; it simply seems unethical. Nicole points out that people would be more willing to simply sell their organs than do actual work, and this is not a point that I had really considered; however, it is a valid one. Once society begins putting a price on organs people can simply sell for the highest bid, and the price of organs would begin to skyrocket, leaving the wealthy at a huge advantage and the poor without a chance. I agree with her that perhaps allowing people to sell would increase the number of organs, but that should say something about our society. What ever happened to doing a common good because it is that right thing to do? Helping people because we are able to do so should be something treated and valued as an act of love for human life, not a love for the price tag attached. I agree completely with all points presented in Nicole’s blog and I think that those who are in favor of allowing organs to be sold should reconsider the door they are opening. The buying and selling of organs can become a messy situation, one that does not need to be presented at this time. I think the donation process is somewhat suffering right now, but awareness and education on this issue can be much simpler and more logical answers to the problem then opening ones wallet.

Donation Dilemma

The subject of organ donation is one that is highly argued and discussed locally and world wide in this day and age. The question of whether organs should be donated or available for purchase is one that lurks the minds of thousands awaiting a transplant that could save their life. I personally do not believe that one should be able to sell their organs. If one wishes to donate their organs I think that is incredibly generous and helps saves lives, but I do not think one can put a price on this act. Selling organs I think would open up the door to a market that would disadvantage those who are sick but cannot afford to be financially competitive to receive a transplant. I think the system should work where organs go to those most in need depending on age and circumstance, but disregarding the financial situation of the individual.

Martin Wilikinson’s opinions in his article do not change my view on the idea of selling organs. Sure people may be more willing to sell than donate, but the scenario could also go the other way as he pointed out. I do not believe that you can put a price on a human life, or any part of it for that matter. I think giving a price to organs on the market would be opening up a door to a long and unwanted struggle in the medical world. People would be willing to donate only because they are being compensated but where is this compensation money coming from. If it comes from the government it will raise taxes. If it comes from recipients it will make receiving organs a competitive and unfair process. I strongly believe that organs should be donated voluntary and given no cash value in the end.

Henrietta's Struggle Against Science

Henrietta Lacks' story is one of great importance and deserves the attention of society. She had medical samples taken without her consent, and these samples lead to breakthroughs in the medical field beyond many people's imaginations. Her contribution, although greatly appreciated, was not willingly given. She contributed what could be valued at hundreds of millions of dollars worth of medication and cures, yet her family continues to live in poverty without access to good medical care themselves. Her story is one the public needs to be made aware of and learn about in today’s society. People have certain natural and written rights, and the right to ones own body certainly falls into those categories. Rebecca Skloot tells the story of Henrietta Lacks in her book, The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks, and tries to educate people of the process Henrietta went through and what her family still struggles with to this day.

            I am sure that many people do not understand thoroughly the true depth and significance of Henrietta’s story. I am sure some people think it was ok for the samples to be taken, and others believe that what was done was unethical. The process of describing this difficult topic was undoubtedly challenging for Skloot. She had to encompass both sides of the story, while also trying to stick to the facts. In writing she most likely came across difficult wordings in trying to describe situations in a way that most, if not all, readers would be able to comprehend. I think that all educated people should be able to understand what she is describing in her book, and that even those not quite as literate would be able to follow along. I look forward to reading her book myself, and do not anticipate too much difficulty in comprehending the content.