Archive | September 2023

Introduction Draft – RCL

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The advertisement on the left is created by the Nicotinell Company, known for producing products aimed at assisting people in their journey to quit smoking. The underlying message or commonplace is clear: smoking is damaging to one’s health. We can analyze this ad through the lens of meta-competencies, specifically focusing on “Temporal Thinking”. Temporal Thinking involves drawing lessons from the past and applying them to project future needs and consequences of current actions. Although we may not intuitively associate smoking with aging, this ad effectively employs visual cues to underscore the accelerated aging effects of smoking. The second advertisement on the right uses visual rhetoric to compare a younger version of the model to the older version of her that caused her to age faster due to smoking as seen with the cloud of smoke. Both of these artifacts show the commonplace bad health effects that smoking has on your health. Notably, the second ad is created by a healthcare company, taking a different approach to convey the message. We can view this through the lens of visual rhetoric. The side with the smoke is made to look smaller and less defined features while the side of the model’s face that looks younger is more confident and has more pronounced features. Overall both advertisements push the audiences to rethink their actions and how smoking impacts their health.

My speech will focus on comparing both ads and their similarities while connecting them to the SDGs. My essay will focus more on comparing the lenses that were used to amplify my central points.

Exploring the Rich Culture in Mexico

Sep21

Mexico

In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month- this week I’m going to be writing about Mexico. There is so much to do in Mexico that writing about it would make a whole blog on its own. I will focus on two places that I have visited before- the capital Mexico City, and my parent’s home state Puebla.

Our first stop will be a vibrant city that is like no other- filled with a history that stretches back hundreds of years. A culture that celebrates diversity, this megacity has something for every traveler. Welcome to Mexico City, I’ll be writing about three main attractions I loved when I visited. El Zócalo, Xochimilco, and the Pyramids in Teotihuacán. The Zócalo is the heart of the city, the grand square surrounded by iconic landmarks such as the Metropolitan Cathedral and the National Palace. You’re able to take multiple tours to discover many of the nearby attractions, which I highly recommend if you love to learn about the history. I would also take a stroll in Alameda Central, the oldest municipal park in Mexico. Once you get to Xochimilco you’ll feel like you’re floating. As you set sail on colorful trajineras through the canals. You’ll find you’re self surrounded by the natural beauties of the floating gardens – a living testament to the Aztec legacy. As you’re on the boat you’ll be amidst mariachi music, traditional food, and a bright atmosphere. North of the City you’ll find the ancient town of Teotihuacán. Home of the astonishing Pyramid of the Sun and Pyramid of the Moon. You’re able to walk around and enjoy the smaller pyramids and monuments that surround the two main pyramids. Embarking on a gastronomic journey, sampling street tacos, mouthwatering tamales, and contemporary Mexican cuisine at upscale restaurants is a must. Mexico City is a dynamic and captivating destination that seamlessly blends ancient traditions with modern flair. Its rich history, vibrant culture, and mouthwatering cuisine create an irresistible tapestry of experiences.

Our second stop is Puebla, just a two-hour drive south of the city. Offering a vibrant culture and culinary delights. Puebla often referred to as “The City of Angels”, is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered by travelers seeking a blend of history, art, and tradition. In Puebla, we will be stopping at the majestic art of Talavera Puebla, Cholula and the Great pyramids. The Art of Talavera Puebla is distinguished for its Talavera Pottery. Characterized by intricate blue and white designs you are able to explore talavera workshops and showrooms, witnessing skilled artisans at works. The charming town of Cholula, home to the Great Pyramid of Cholula- one of the largest pyramids in the world by volume. With breathtaking views that will blow you away, and lets not forget the nearby Church of Our Lady of Remedies, built by the Spanish atop the pyramid. Youre able to walk around the plaza and see the local markets that contain handmade art and traditional food. Puebla has a culinary scene that tantalizes the taste buds, tacos that have different fillings from arabes, to al pastor, and carnitas. Puebla is also home to the famous dish Mole Poblano a rich and complex sauce – made with its key ingredient, chocolate unlocking its distinct taste and of course, accompanied by handmade tortillas. Puebla is a destination where history, art, and tradition blend seamlessly, offering a truly immersive travel experience. Whether you’re a history buff, an art enthusiast, or a food lover, Puebla has something to captivate every traveler. Adiós for now!

The Big Apple

Sep14

New York City

Growing up, I had the opportunity to visit New York City several times a year since I lived just a short train ride away. Throughout the year, I would make multiple trips to the city; with my most recent one being just last week. During these visits, I typically spent just a day in the city, allowing me to explore both familiar and new places. What makes NYC truly remarkable is its incredible diversity in terms of activities and cultures, ensuring that there’s something for everyone to enjoy. In this post, I want to focus on three key aspects to consider when planning a trip to NYC: food, activities, time of year, and duration.

NYC is a food lover’s paradise, offering a wide range of culinary experiences. From street vendors to world-class restaurants, the city has it all. NYC has a diversity of cuisines from Mexican to Italian and more. NYC is an extremely diverse city you can choose multiple types of cuisines that appeal to you; I’d like to give some specific recommendations for Mexican, Italian, and Thai food. If you are craving Mexican cuisine, I would recommend “Los tacos no 1.” They have multiple spots scattered around the city; making it convenient to find. It’s a casual dining experience for a reasonable price. As for Italian food, NYC is famous for its pizza style. You can explore numerous pizza shops scattered around the city for a classic New York slice. Two excellent options are “Lilia” in Brooklyn and “Torrisi” in Little Italy they offer a variety of options and are in convenient places. If Thai food is your preference, there is a charming spot near Central Park on 56th Street between 6th and 7th Ave that I recently discovered. The menu offers a wide variety of options; I enjoyed the pad thai and spring rolls. The spring rolls were delightfully crispy; and served with a flavorful sweet and sour sauce. The pad thai was packed with the rich taste of tamarind and peanuts.

The time of year you choose to visit NYC can greatly influence your experience; summers are filled with tourists, while winter offers a magical atmosphere with holiday decorations. The duration of your stay also matters; a short weekend trip will be different from a longer vacation. Consider your preferences and schedule when planning your visit; as it’s a key factor to you. You might want to prioritize some activities over others, as they might be booked during the peak times such as the holiday season and early summer months. For example, if you’re going near the holiday season and want to visit the Famous Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center; I would book tickets to reserve your spot.

New York City offers an abundance of activities, catering to diverse interests. From visiting iconic landmarks like Times Square and Central Park to exploring lesser-known neighborhoods and museums, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. During my recent trip just last week, I had the opportunity to walk around Central Park and visit the Lego store on Fifth Ave, an experience I found particularly enjoyable. Whether you’re a shopping enthusiast looking for unique stores or high-end designer boutiques, or if you prefer immersive tours and experiences like the Color Factory, NYC has it all. Even if you’re on a budget, there are fantastic options such as strolling through Central Park or exploring museums to learn about the city’s rich history.

Remember that your travel style and budget should also be considered, as NYC has peak tourist seasons that can impact prices and availability. Whether you’re a foodie, a culture enthusiast, or simply looking for a memorable adventure, NYC has something to offer, and I hope this post helps you plan your visit accordingly.

RCL- Amelia’s Elevator Pitch

Sep14

The “Target” Cart

After hearing everyone’s speech in class I was drawn to Amelia’s Speech on Food insecurity. She started her speech with a clear and direct point, “You don’t need it, but they do” This off the bat intrigued me and made me want to listen to her speech. She structured her speech by starting with the commonplace of overconsuming and then moving on to talking about the actual ad itself. In her speech, Amelia had several views on this ad; one of which was extremely intriguing. She talked about the angle of the viewer and the significance of the red cart. The angle of the ad and how it gave the viewer a sense of power, is something I didn’t think of when I saw it. She also talked about the common place of overconsuming especially at Target and connected it back to the actual cart. I thought this was strategic as many people can relate to this. I found this ad captivated my attention more on child and the background they’re in. The child isn’t placed in the actual cart but rather in front of the back background giving it the sense that it’s in a blackhole. A black hole often signifies that a place where things go and disappear; which correlates back to the child. We often don’t think about our consuming habits and forget that many people don’t have the same resources we do. Overall Amelia’s presentation was structured very well and was able to maintain the audience’s attention with her analysis of the ad.

La Isla de Puerto Rico

Sep7

Puerto Rico

At the start of August, I had the opportunity to visit Puerto Rico. This was the first time I was able to visit such a diverse place with such stunning views. For five days I was able to explore the whole island and truthfully, it wasn’t enough. While staying in Old San Juan, I visited Castillo San Felipe Del Morro and got a chance to appreciate the stunning architecture. The architecture in Old San Juan is heavily influenced by the Spanish, with terra-cotta clay tile roofs, soft arches, and Stucco walls. All of this is complemented by beautiful crystal-clear water surrounding the castle.

On the second day, we explored the area around our Airbnb called Emajuara and went to an Island called Fajardo. Traveling by boat, we reached a quiet area and had a small picnic, we then went to a local restaurant and got Amarillos which is a local Puerto Rican snack. Afterward, we went back to the mainland and had dinner next to the beach. It was a wonderful experience

By the third day, we woke up bright and early to go to El Yunque National Forest. While there, we had multiple stops along the way, eventually, we reached a hiking trail and began a 2-mile hike to the top. I won’t lie, it was a rough hike. At multiple points, I wanted to go and turn back but the satisfaction of reaching the end helped me push through. We came across a waterfall and as we were about to go in it started to thunderstorm, especially in Puerto Rico, which is an island meaning it does rain at least every day, especially at night.

On the fourth day, we went to ToroVerde which is a zipline course in the mountains of Puerto Rico. We did the bike ziplines and a 2-mile zipline. On the last day we kept exploring the local area of Emajuara and then later that night we went back to old San Juan and walked around and then proceeded to go to La Placita. Overall PR is a territory that reflects its diversity and cultural aspects when visiting.

Premature Aging

Sep7

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Imagine yourself strolling down the street when you suddenly find yourself engulfed in a cloud of smoke. We have all been in this situation before. You face a choice: Do you cough loudly to signal your discomfort to the person responsible for the smoke or do you walk away? Regardless of your response, the haze of smoke affects more than just you. The ad in question features a woman celebrating her 42nd birthday, although her appearance suggests she’s significantly older. She is captured in the act of lighting a cigarette with a birthday candle, a powerful metaphor for her addiction to smoking is depicted as the primary factor behind her prematurely aged appearance.

This advertisement is attributed to the Nicotinell Company, known for producing products aimed at assisting people in their journey to quit smoking. The underlying message or commonplace is clear: smoking is detrimental to one’s health. We can analyze this ad through the lens of meta-competencies, specifically focusing on “Temporal Thinking”. Temporal Thinking involves drawing lessons from the past and applying them to project future needs and consequences of current actions. Although we may not intuitively associate smoking with aging, this ad effectively employs visual cues to underscore the accelerated aging effects of smoking. In 2021, statistics showed that 12 out of every 100 US adults were smokers, in a broader sense that’s an estimated 28.3 million adult smokers in the US. Despite the 9% decline in smoking rates, it’s important to note that smoking still claims the lives of 8 million people worldwide.

The SGD that directly correlates with the ad is good health and well-being, people choose to smoke and damage their health without thinking about the major effects it can have on their lives. The ad’s particular pathos lies in the fact that it emanates from a company that produces an alternative to traditional cigarettes, aimed at aiding in smokers’ addiction. The question arises: how come smokers still don’t stop smoking knowing that it’s damaging their health?

Thank you.