English 101.25 - I Second That Emotion

I decided to title this one after a good oldies tune. Here's the prompt:

"What do you think is the most effective form of rhetoric out of Logos, Pathos, and Egos? Why? Knowing that they do tie together very well, try to just choose one and argue for it. Which do you think John Krakauer is most reliant on, or which do you notice the most while reading Into the Wild?"

Personally, I think the most effective form of rhetoric is Pathos because it pertains to emotions and the reader. Emotions are our feelings, which can be swayed at times to favor certain things. Emotions sometimes take control of a situation, whether it's being extremely happy at a wedding or very angry because a boyfriend/girlfriend cheated on you. Also, think about politics; politicians sometimes talk about research for cancer, health care, or the conflict in the Middle East to gain support because so many of us have been affected by these topics. They play with our emotions in a sense.

For John Krakauer, I believe he is most reliant on Pathos as well, because he is talking about the journey of Chris McCandless. His journey has taken many twists and turns, from not talking to his family to eventually dying cold and alone of starvation. Krakauer picks apart every difficult situation Chris dealt with and it showed his strength to perservere. Some people would have likely given up instead of giving up everything to live this new lifestyle.

I don't know about you, but emotions tend to get the best of me.

English 101.25 - Easier to Run

Easier to Run by Linkin Park seemed fit for the title here, mainly because I couldn't think of any song related specifically to hitchhiking. Anyways, here is the prompt:

"How do you think the use of hitchhiking has changed over time? What do you think is the cause of this? Is it beneficial to those in need or just overall too dangerous? Explain your thoughts."

I know this practically sounds like what Rachael said on her blog, but I really have no idea of how hitchhiking has changed over time. There have been times where I have seen hitchhikers on streets or highways, but other than that I don't know much about them. I understand there are some laws prohibiting hitchhiking in some areas, such as various ramps on highways, which is probably why I haven't seen many people wanting a ride on the side of roadways in recent times. Maybe one thing that has changed is the fact that many people might not see hitchhikers in large numbers, or even at all.

Hitchhiking does help those in need, but many people won't offer rides to those on the side of the street because they don't even know the person. They have to rely on first impressions and their instincts. In my lifetime, I have not seen anyone pick up a hitchhiker except for times in the movies. Of course, that is not exactly what I'd call real. Some people don't like the idea of hitchhikers and feel they can walk (or run if I refer to the title of the song) to get where they want or need to go. I admit that my family is one that does not pick up hitchhikers, but we tend to offer rides to those people we know. However, that is not hitchhiking at all. I guess my family really hasn't talked about this kind of thing, even though people are supposed to do what they can to help others out. Some people are ignorant to those who need help, others look the other way, and others still are scared of them. What people have to realize is that they are people too. They are just in a different situation than oneselves'.

English 101.25 - Scream Your Heart Out

The title of this blog comes from the song I'm currently listening to on itunes. It talks about living with no regrets and doing everything you're supposed to do or want to do in life.

Here's the prompt:

"Why does everyone think that Gallien (the man who gave Chris a ride) in Into the Wild, opted to not call the police after Chris left his car? Gallien said, "I figured he'd be OK," but why would anyone think this considering where Chris was going with little to no supplies? State your opinion."

For Gallien, I believe he did not want to tell anyone because of what Chris said to him. Chris was telling Gallien that he did not want him to call the police or contact anyone whatsoever about his situation. Gallien making the statement, "I figured he'd be OK" is at least a lie or cover up in my eyes. If I were put in Gallien's situation, I would have two main consequences for my actions. The first is if I tell the authorities, what will Chris think of me as a person if I did not keep my word? Secondly, if I opted not to tell anyone, what would happen if Chris died out in the wilderness and I could have prevented it? Obviously, the second outcome is what actually happened. Gallien was being honorable to Chris by keeping his word, but he should have told someone in order to potentially save his life. Remember Chris left a note pleading, "In the name of God will someone save me?" Now Gallien has to live with the death of a man that will linger in his mind.

ENGL 101.25: Collide

I got the title for this blog because I have to start blogging for my English class (completely different from what I expected) and because "Collide" is a great song I can relate to. My name is Jonathan Martz, although I prefer to be called Jon. I like Jon because it is less writing to do when it comes to filling out papers and to me it just sounds better. I was born on December 16, 1990 in Merrian, Kansas; yes I am a country boy at heart. But as time went on I turned into a city boy as my family and I moved to Maple Valley, WA. We lived there from 1994-2006, where we once again moved; this time to Normandy Park. I am currently a freshman at WSU majoring in International Business. Also, I act as an Resident Advisor (RA for short) in Streit-Perham (yes, freshman can be RAs too). I enjoy playing sports and music.

My writing career has taken many twists and turns, going from being highly interested in elementary school, to hating it in middle school and junior high, to finally coming to terms with it in high school. My favorite writing class that I took was during my senior year of high school, in which I took Creative Writing. I really had a blast because I had some limitations to my writing, but not many. Normally for papers or essays you have to write on a specific topic that usually is not interesting (which is why I have disliked writing for many years). I just want to be able to put my own spin on writing assignments in English 101. I like taking various memories and moments of my life and putting them into writing. As for my attitude, I am not looking foward to this English Class because it is more work than I expected. Plus, being an RA and putting as much time into my classes this semester as I did last semester is not exactly the greatest combination in the world. But being a student comes first; besides, I have to keep up my grades for my scholarships and in order to get into the Business Program here.

So here's to the beginning of my second semester of college. Hopefully it continues to go as well as it has been so far.

Seasons Change

So far this winter break has been nothing shy of interesting. Whether it was having my girlfriend meet my parents or learning various things about people I never thought were possible. All I know is that somehow I survived my first semester at college, and there will be more moments waiting for me.

As for the point of seasons, the changes bring new excitement and perspectives that shed light on to our lives. It can range from looking back on something and realizing what exactly went on or see instances from another person's point of view. As for me, I've learned some incredible things over break. First my grandpa is in the early stages on alhs heimers (spelling?) and he seems to ask the same things over and over again. Also, he called me Byron several times throughout the course of Christmas Day. Second one of my friends is pregnant, or so she tells me. I really don't know what to believe from her nowadays. I remember her being such a nice and sweet girl freshman year of high school, but she's really let things go in her life. It seems choatic with every new thing that is thrown at her. I really wish sometimes I could help, but then again, she's doing this to herself right? If I can't really influence her, is there a point in trying?

Over break, it seems there are other people that have changed too. One of my other good friends just seems different. I can't put a finger on it exactly, but I just sense something. We barely talk even though I seem to wonder what is exactly up with them. I guess I should just keep more thoughts to myself. Then there's my brother...wow this guy. He's changed probably the most out of anyone I've ever known. Obviously I've known him for 19 years practically, but I remember him being a nice guy trying to hang with me a lot, and now he just tends to do his own thing. It's whatever he wants. He just will never know that I always wanted to be more like him when I was younger. But now as I see it, I've somewhat emerged above and beyond him. Even my parents think that; it's just interesting what happens in time.

I'll be back to the frozen tundra of Pullman by this time next week, and back to the regular college life once again. The landscape constantly changes, and people so rightfully do the same. I guess it just takes some time to adapt to one's new surroundings.

"Seasons change and so do I, you need not wonder why..."

One's Birthday

This day is supposed to truly mean something; a time of happiness and celebration. My last 2 birthdays were all about that. 17th was the best one for obvious reasons. Scoring a goal in my first opportunity at foward plus getting a shutout. And to top it all off, two of my good friends were at the game and gave me a blanket and a homemade card. 18th was decent, it was snowing and I had a bunch of people at school say it to me so it was really great. As I turned 19 today I didn't know what to think. This age isn't anything special; it's not like 16, 18 or even 21. I had a Economics final and it went terrible. I just know it did but it's not like I did well in that class anyways. I just need like a C and I would be happy.

Today actually turned out fairly well. Most people that I'm friends with wished me a happy birthday. But a few people that I thought would never did :/ Idk it's just weird to me anyways...but today nonetheless was not as bad as it could've been. I'm happy I haven't gone completely insane due to finals week and that I pretty much survived it all. Just can't wait to go home to see my old friends.

Thank you to those that remembered this day as my birthday, even though truly it's not my day. Thank you for making what it is. I greatly appreciate it. And I hope everyone has a happy holiday season.

Peace,

Jon

That one song

Has there ever been a time where you find a song that describes a particular moment in your life? Whether it be a joyful time with a close friend, an inside joke with family, or remembering those that have made an impact on your life, songs really explain what sometimes one cannot. For me personally, I'm not the greatest at talking or getting my point across. So I tend to turn to music to convey what I'm feeling. I have my own list of songs that remind me of various people, because it just reminds me of a particular moment with them. It's just truly amazing on the basis of what music has been in my life. I don't really have a favorite song, but there are times where I'll only listen to that one song over and over, or that one song I can't get out of my head no matter. It's times like these where I really get thinking about the past and how I miss it. I'll leave with the song that's currently on my mind:

I'm back, back in town
and everything has changed
I feel, feel let down
The faces stay the same
I see, see shadows
Of who we used to be
When I drive, drive so slow
Through this memory

When we were only kids
And we were best of friends
And we hoped for the best
And let go of the rest

I heard, heard myself
Say things I'd take back
If I could, could retell
And make these stories last
I see, see shadows
Of who we'll always be
And I drive, drive these roads
That made our memories

When we were only kids
And we were best of friends
And we hoped for the best
And let go of the rest
Shadows and regrets
Let go of the rest

Everything has changed
Faces stay the same
Everything has changed
Faces stay the same

When we were only kids
And our time couldn't end
And how tall did we stand?
With the world in our hands

And we were only kids
And we were best of friends
And we hoped for the best
And let go of the rest

Shadows and regrets
We let go of the rest
Shadows and Regrets
We let go of the rest