Valentine's Day

My fondest Valentine's Day memories are from simpler times. I remember when the most complicated thing about the lovey-dovey holiday was whether to pick the Care Bear Valentines or the Backstreet Boy ones.  I always enjoyed attaching a piece of candy to every card and proudly waltzing into class carrying my bedazzled shoebox full of goodies.  After school, I looked forward to going through the Valentines that I had received to see if there was a hand written message on any of them (particularly one from the obnoxious yet cute boy in the class). 

It was a combination of the paper doily crafts, my full box of Valentines, and the light-hearted nature of the festivities that made the holiday so memorable.  Even though fourth grade class parties are long gone, I still enjoy reading the messages on candy hearts, wearing pink from head to toe, making homemade cards, and of course, taking a bite out of every piece of chocolate in the box until you find the one with the caramel center.

Response to "Zero Tolerance for Sober-Driving"

I chose a piece that satirizes drunk-driving.  It is a very serious topic yet the writer uses a flippant tone.  This is unexpected therefore it works very well because it shocks the audience.  The use of litotes also makes the reader challenge the writer.  This is a brilliant device because when a writer can get the reader to argue their case for them, it is a winner.  It keeps the reader on the edge of their seat. 

Also, this tonal device coincides with the use of sarcasm.  The author encourages drunk-driving instead of discouraging it in order to prove a point without the expected, blunt delivery of a warning.  I quote, "Everyday, the news is filled with drunken teens that are killed in vicious encounters with sober drivers, light posts and even trees!"  This is similar to the technique that Jonathan Swift used in The Modest Proposal.  Like Swift who explicitly says that consuming children is the answer,  the writer of Zero Tolerance for Sober-Driving states that throwing back a few cocktails before taking the wheel is the safest idea. 

I found these rhetorical devices very effective and the approach of taking the nonsensical stance, clever.  As a reader, you naturally disagree with the illogical statements and are convinced that driving drunk is dangerous and idiotic without the frank delivery.

Check out the essay, "Zero Tolerance for Sober-Driving"
http://www.essayjudge.com/document_detail.php?doc_id=164

Pearls are a Girl's Best Friend

Pearls.  While sitting here thinking about what to share for this blog entry, my pearl necklace kept catching my eye as it laid on my dresser.  They are the simplest, loveliest accessory.  Aside from the exquisite diamond, a strand of pearls seems to stand the test of time above all other gems.  The most highly regarded women of all time have adorned the soft, glowing beads.  Recently I did a project on the late Grace Kelly, the Princess of Monaco. Almost every photograph I have seen of her, shows her wearing a classic strand of luminescent pearls:  on picnics, on the beach, at royal galas, and while playing with her children. 

I think that pearls are the perfect metaphor for a modern, classy lady.  They offer a finishing touch to a lovely ensemble as a lady's presence does in any room. They aren't ostentatious but just dazzling enough to catch interest.  Lastly, they are as polished and sweet today as they were a century ago... and will be a century from now.