Reflection Letter

Throughout my high school career and my first two semesters of college, I felt that my greatest weakness was in my writing.  However, as I progressed through Rhetoric 1302, I felt more comfortable with my writing and I believe that I progressed as a writer throughout this semester.  I admit I did wait until the last minute to complete my assignments, but considering how I usually spend a week to write a full-fledged essay I improved greatly on my creativity.  In RHET 1302, I was surprised how I improved on my writing and how I was able to write essays using my own knowledge and creativity.
    Compared to the essays I have done throughout my high school career, I can see that I progressed as a writer throughout the year.  11th grade English was especially difficult because my teacher stressed too much on timed writings, which were my greatest weakness.  I am now capable of writing better timed writings than I used to and I am proud of successfully thinking through my Rhetorical essay and my timed writings to make an effective argument.  In 12th grade, my teacher usually lectured on the assigned book before she assigned a literary analysis.  After first, I assumed that I was not capable of developing my own ideas and backing up my points but I proved myself otherwise.  I effectively used what I have been taught and applied it to understand the work in which I was writing and develop my own thesis.
    Overall, the semester has been great and I am proud of what I have accomplished this year.  I grew confidence in my writing and I feel better prepared for future writing classes.

Best Movies of the 21st Century

Upon reflecting which movie deserves the title "Best Movie of the 21st Century," it is necessary to consider the overall remarks on each movie.  It must be highly favored among age, gender, and ethnic groups.  Movies that are considerable as "must see movies," are those who have the largest impact on the audience. Following the criteria of best movies (listed below), the best movie of the 21st century is "The Dark Knight (2008)."
-Popularity
-Major Award winning
-Impact on Audience
-Critical Recognition
-Reveals a Message
-Choice of Actors/Actresses

 "The Dark Knight" won 92 awards and had over 150 nominations.  Heath Ledger and Christian Bale were the most awarded actors in the movie.  Critics such as Orlando Parfitt deems "Heath Ledger's performance electrifying."  The movie contained several stunning and action-packed scenes.  The technologies used were mind-blowing and the designs were novel, such as the BatMobile and BatPod.  According to the Box Office, "The Dark Knight" ranked number one, attaining the most earnings during Opening Weekends.  The movie’s climax reveals how a dystopian society, Gotham City, was able to believe in good when “the Joker rigged two ferry boats to explode” (“The Dark Knight (2008) - Memorable Quotes”).  

The second best film in the 21st century is "Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003)."  Pirates of the Caribbean is a captivating series involving love, war, and adventure.  "The Curse of the Black Pearl" was an unexpected successes ranking positive reviews and gaining $653 worldwide.  Like Bale and Ledger, Johnny Depp also won best actor awards highlighting the movie’s success.  Overall, the movie attained 28 rewards and 68 nominations.  The Pirates of the Caribbean series reveals the strong nature of the character's desires, unity, and the strength to move forward.    

The 3rd biggest movie of the 21st century is “Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (2004).”  The Harry Potter series is a craze.  It fits into many genres such as adventure, fantasy, action, and romance.  Overall, the movie ten awards and had 31 nominations.  The Harry Potter series is not only engaging to read and watch but traveling with Harry and his friends teaches the audience memorable lessons about life such as friendship and family.  The movie had incredible special effects and the actors and actresses in the movie are excellent representations of the characters in the book.  “Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban” is appropriate for many age groups and it is quite entertaining.

"The Dark Knight," "Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl," and "Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban" are must see movies that are appropriate for most age and social groups.  Both movies not only contain action and adventure, it also touches other genres such as romance and comedy.  These films fit the "Criteria of Best Movies of the 21st Century" and it has appealed to the audience.  Thus, these three movies are well-deserving to be titled "the best movie of the 21st century."

Works Cited

"The Dark Knight (2008) - Memorable Quotes." The Internet Movie Database (IMDb). Web. 21 Apr. 2010. 
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0468569/quotes
Parfitt, Orlando. The Dark Knight. Digital image. IGN Entertainment. 23 July 2008. Web. 20 Apr. 2010. http://moviesmedia.ign.com/movies/image/article/892/892974/the-dark-knight-uk-review-20080723042803246.jpgPirates of the Caribbean Trilogy Blu-ray, Audio Quality. Digital image. Blu-ray. 16 Sept. 2008. Web. 20 Apr. 2010. 
http://www.blu-ray.com/movies/screenshot.php?movieid=1007&position=5

Criteria for the Best Movies of the 21st Century

Movies have grown over the years and thanks to technology, enhancing movies with special effects. Movies have also grown to reflect the general audience, for instance Batman movies. Over the years, producers recreated Batman ultimately with the same plot and structure: Batman saving Gotham city from the hands of the Joker. However, each reappearing of Batman movies was highly advanced and "better" than the original films.

The oldest version of Batman on IMDb was "Batman" (1989), not only does it have bad quality compared to the recent Batman movie "The Dark Knight," but the costumes are not as attractive in the 21st century as it was in the 20th century. The technology used did not have incredible enhanced features that the 21st century audience would find amazing. "Batman Begins" (2005) was a much more intense movie with good quality and incredible effects. The story starts much differently than the 1989 version; Batman was a crusader. "'Batman Begins' explores the origins of the Batman legend." This movie became an opening for a much recent movie, "The Dark Knight" (2008); the title is novel in the epic Batman movie legends. "The Dark Knight" had captivating effects and mind-blowing technology. The costumes were effective in revealing the nature of the characters.

Movies change with the audience, in order to become big hits. As movies change the criteria for a movie's success also changes. For best movies, the criteria should be the following:

-Major Award Winner

-Popularity

-Impact on Audience

-Critical Recognition

-Reveals a Message

-Choice of Actors/Actresses

In order to attain the title “Best movie,” it has to be popular. The popularity will continue to grow and captivate audiences if it wins major awards and receives critical recognitions. It must also have an impact on the audience that the movie accomplished what it intended. For instance, "The Dark Knight" was supposed to be viewed as a legend or a hero or if the movie alluded the intended audience. Along side of this, it should reveal a message. "The Dark Knight" harnesses morals and a dystopian view of society. The choice of actors and actresses are critical in the movie making business. In the older version of the Batman movies, Batman and the Joker were huskier than the newer versions.

The audience is the main core in the movie making industry and an effective criterion allows the industry to create incredible movies.

 

 

Works Cited:

Batman 1989. Digital image. Bat-Blog. Web. 18 Apr. 2010. https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxCWGaDkhn2lSiFpbIXmznlDyO94xk8nqU1cWA_wV39b-5bQ36twbyEQto7Zkie5_UmbuED7uTXrk0lb8ZQHd-yi6cRfnHTHiVI_9Fn2bkXCYH5QYKXpsnwVc3ATgOGtvLf-oGKSCfrk0i/s1600-h/wallpaper+1989+batman.jpg
The Dark Knight (2008). Digital image. IMDb. Web. 20 Apr. 2010. 

http://www.imdb.com/media/rm762353408/tt0468569

"Batman Begins (2005) - Plot Summary." The Internet Movie Database (IMDb). Web. 19 Apr. 2010. http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0372784/plotsummary

Soda Tax: Time For A Change

It is true that sugary drinks are cheap and can save consumers extra cash, which causes opponents to believe that the soda tax will hurt low-income families. Low-income family consumes foods high in sugar and calories and the soda tax will appear to be a "poor tax."
The Canadian Medical Association had advocated a soda tax that raises revenue to cheapen healthier foods (Fitzpatrick). The American government also intends to raise revenue, not just for health care, but to cheapen foods and drinks that are healthy. At least 28 states have passed some for of soda tax, whether it is excise or sales tax or taxing vending machines.

David Kessler explains that junk food can alter the brain to make people eat more, "certain foods—the ones concocted by industrial scientists and laden with salt, sugar, and fat—can circumvent our natural inclinations and trigger "action schemata" for mindless eating" (Engber). Essentially people are wasting more money on sugary foods and drinks. New York has insisted on a penny per ounces tax on soda, which is a stepping-stone towards better health while saving money.

 
 

Works:

Grizelda. Fat Kid Cartoon. Digital image. CartoonStock. Web. 29 Mar. 2010. 

http://www.cartoonstock.com/cart.asp?basket=yes&itemAddedToCart=yes

Fitzpatrick, Meagan. "Obesity: 'Soda Tax' Detractors Complain of Tax on the Poor." Vancouver Sun - Canadian Breaking News, Sports, Business, Entertainment, B.C. 10 Mar. 2010. Web. 18 Apr. 2010. http://www.vancouversun.com/health/Obesity+Soda+detractors+complain+poor/2668052/story.html

Engber, Daniel. "What a Fat Tax Really Means for America. - By Daniel Engber." Slate Magazine. 21 Sept. 2009. Web. 18 Apr. 2010.

http://www.slate.com/id/2228713

Sugar Tax: The Government vs The Public

Is imposing a Sugar Tax an attempt to control what people choose to eat or drink? No, obesity has nearly tripled over the past 30 years.  Food industries uses cheap ingredients such has high-fructose corn syrup in drinks, bread, and yogurts. High-fructose can negatively affect your health because it blocks leptin that signals when a person is full and can convince that the body is still starving. A high intake of fructose traps fat into the liver, blocking insulin production, eventually causing diabetes.  It is necessary for the government to help control what Americans consume.  The awareness is not enough to prevent excess intake of sugary products.  The role of the government is to support the public into living a more healthier lifestyle.  A serving of sugary soda a day "increases a child's chance of obesity by 60%" (Okner).

Sugary drinks and snacks are cheap and thus it is highly favorable among Americans.  Of course taxing is not always the solution to a problem, but the obviously needs some type of enactment from the government to prevent obesity and diabetes.  The tax will also allow researches to further their pursuit in finding a cure for diabetes.  Awareness is not enough to hinder the spread of obesity and diabetes.



Works Cited:

Joshi, Mohit. Obama Speech. Digital image. TopNew.in. 15 Jan. 2009. Web. 29 Mar. 2010. 

http://www.topnews.in/obama-inauguration-marathon-draws-top-celebrity-talent-2110530

Nick Jonas: National Press Club. Digital image. Gossip Center. 24 Aug. 2009. Web. 29 Mar. 2010. http://www.gossipcenter.com/jonas-brothers/nick-jonas-national-press-club-stud-357489
Zinczenko, David. "Fight Obesity by Taxing Calories." USA Today.
 http://blogs.usatoday.com/oped/2009/10/column-fight-obesity-by-taxing-calories-.html
Okner, Tori. "Soda Tax Ideas Grow Among Local Governments

Triple Pundit." Triple Pundit – Green Business News
Triple Pundit. 8 Mar. 2010. Web. 18 Apr. 2010.
http://www.triplepundit.com/2010/03/soda-tax/

A Tax On Sugary Drinks

The President’s consideration of a Tax, sparked debates and questions about where this tax may lead.  The tax on sugary drinks should be imposed because not only will it raise much needed revenue,  it will also convince the public to promote a healthier lifestyle.
    Studies show that soft drink sales have been declining especially in the recession thus taxing soda will have no affect on the consumer intake; instead, it will harm the soda industry.  On the contrary, reports show that Americans consume nearly three times as much coke today than the past decade.  In addition, drinking teenagers are highly vulnerable to drinking six packs of soda cans a week.  Soda drinks contains more than three tablespoons of sugar, thus it is much easier to pack some pounds.
    The coca cola industry argues that soda should not be blamed for obesity and diabetes in America.  Although it is true that there are other causes for obesity and diabetes, such as fast food restaurants and sweets, but taxing soda drinks is a good start.  According to health officials, decreasing the intake on soft drinks can lead consumers to a healthier lifestyle.  For example, taxing drugs like cigarettes greatly decreases the consumer intake.
    New York State has started anti-coke campaigns to push for a healthier diet, leading the campaign with a popular Anti-Coke Ad.  This proposal should be considered in every state, in order to fight against illnesses such as diabetes and to promote a healthier lifestyle. 



Work Cited:
Fattie Wisdom. Soda Makes You Fat. Digital image. 1 Feb. 2009. Web. 10 Mar. 2010. http://fattiewisdom.wordpress.com/2009/02/01/dont-candy-coat-it-its-a-fat-tax/
Man Drinking Fat. NYC Health Anti-Soda Ad. Are You Pouring on the Pounds? 14 December 2009. YouTube. Web. 10 March 2009.
 Sheneman, Drew D. Don't Tread on Me...or My Pepsi. Digital image. NJ.COM. 30 Sept. 2009. Web. 29 Mar. 2010. 
http://blog.nj.com/njv_shenemans_sketchpad/2009/09/dont_tread_on_meor_my_pepsi.htmlShughart II, William F. "Tax Sugary Soft Drinks - BusinessWeek." BusinessWeek -     Business News, Stock Market & Financial Advice. Web. 02 Mar. 2010.
http://www.businessweek.com/debateroom/archives/2009/06/tax_sugary_soft.html

Soda Tax

Studies show that sugary drinks like cokes and sweet tea has been linked to obesity and diabetes.  Thus, it is necessary for the government to impose a Sugar Tax to discourage excess consumption, and hopefully lower the obesity levels and new diabetes cases.

President Barack Obama suggested a sugar tax on sodas to help pay for the health care bill and to prevent diabetes and the state of New York is also taking the soda tax into consideration.  Health officials, backed this proposal, stating that diabetes is a fast growing illness that leads to many other types of illnesses such as kidney failure, heart attacks, and nerve damage.  According to CNN, "the number of Americans with diabetes will nearly double in the next 25 years, and the costs of treating them will triple."  Taxing sugary drinks will decrease the amount of money that Americans must pay for the Health Care Reform Bill.  The tax is also beneficial in the long-run because new cures tend to increase the cost of medical care.  If the government start taxing sugar now, there will be less chance that medical bills will sky rocket.

The government must initiate action to prevent diabetes from spreading and help those who are already suffering from diabetes.  Most Americans drink too many bottles of coke daily.  Taxing sugary drinks can lessen the intake of coke while raising the money needed for medical care.

Works:
Coca-Cola Cans. Digital image. The Coca-Cola Company. Web. 29 Mar. 2010. 
http://www.thecoca-colacompany.com/presscenter/imagebrands.html

Hellerman, Caleb. "Study: Cost of treating diabetes to triple by 2034 - CNN.com." CNN.com - Breaking News, U.S., World, Weather, Entertainment & Video News. 27 Nov. 2009. Web. 02 Mar. 2010.  
http://www.cnn.com/2009/HEALTH/11/26/diabetes.projections/


San Francisco's War on Coke. Digital image. Now Public. 17 Dec. 2007. Web. 29 Mar. 2010.
http://www.nowpublic.com/health/san-francisco-s-war-coke