Steve Chapman
In defense of rattle snakes
The Chicago Tribune
February 21, 2016

Steve Chapman's article, in defense of rattle snakes, explains that rattle snakes are not as scary and dangerous as we have made them out to be. Chapman backs this claim up by pointing out how few people have died from an attack and when one has occurred it usually has involved alcohol. Chapman's purpose is to take the spotlight off of the campaign and cover something that is both interesting and holds prominence in society. Given the playful, "matter of fact" language and snarky comments that Chapman uses he expects his readers to get a kick out of what he is writing while also walking away with some new knowledge. 

Personally, I am terrified of snakes so it was interesting to read about how they aren't really dangerous at all; although  just looking at the snake above makes me quiver. 

The Positive Effects of Netflix

Although my parents would disagree with me, I think that Netflix has many benefits; not only to the individual but to the family as a whole. However, recently I have been told that I have an "obsession" with Netflix, which is ridiculous. Just because I spend a few hours watching Netflix everyday doesn't make me obsessed. Netflix serves as an opportunity to bring people together. Weather it be binging on a T.V series with a good friend or sitting down with someone every evening to watch something.

Netflix has something for everyone, so no matter who the person is or how many different opinions there may be, a general consensus can be met as to what to watch. My family and I sit down every Sunday evening and watch an episode, or two, of "Jessica Jones" which is about a female detective with a dark past who wants to do right by the people closest to her. That may sound cheesy and boring but, it's a tradition, something that brings us together every week.

Steve Chapman
War, peace and the next president
The Chicago Tribune
February 21, 2016

Steve Chapman's article, "War, peace and the next president", asserts that war is an ongoing issue and that it is considered to be the new norm. Chapman backs this claim up with descriptions on the candidates views on war as well as criticism on the campaigns themselves. Chapman's purpose is to point out the flawed mindset of politicians on the topic of war in order to jolt the awareness of the reader. Given the concerning tone used in the article, Chapman is writing to anyone interested in the campaigns.

Chapman continuously covers what he deems to be lacking in the campaign. He claims that the topic of war is not a pressing issue due to the abundance that we've had as well as lax manner in which it is dealt. Chapman is convinces that the next president is unlikely to surprise us with a change.

Free Post

I've heard non stop talk about running from my mom and dad and step mom and step dad and coaches and trainers since I was a freshman. I always blew them off because cross country was never that big of a deal to me; I was never all that good or saw it as a team sport until this past season because we really became a family and it stopped being about winning or losing and evolved into something that will never be taken away from any of us. This season was the last I would have with one of my best friends, Megan. We ran our last race together in November and even though we would always joke about how we hate running or how we weren't any good we both knew that we secretly loved it.

As the season was coming to an end we both started to realize that we weren't as bad as we thought and that we were going to be running in the state meet… together of course. Everyone always joked about how we would always run together and that we would be holding each other back, when in reality if I didn't have her by my side I wouldn't even be able to run in a meet. We pushed each other to run as fast as we possibly could because we wanted to win state; we didn't want to win for ourselves, we wanted to win for each other and for our teammates and our parents and our coaches, but I think we both wanted it a little too late… some would say we ran out of time.

Steve Chapman
Bernie Sanders' fraudulent Wall Street claims
The Chicago Tribune
Feb. 15, 2016

Steven Chapman's article, "Bernie Sanders' fraudulent Wall Street claims", disproves Bernie Sanders' claims that Wall Street is the source of all evils in the world. Chapman supports this claim by using his own experiences as well as explaining his theory on why the financial industry is successful. Chapman's purpose is to point out the flaws of Bernie Sanders' claims in order to further support his own claim that Sanders is a misrepresentation of democrats. Given the passionate tone of this article, Chapman is writing to an audience that feels the same way about Sanders' opinions and may even be writing to Sanders himself. As Chapman writes about this topic he uses such a casual tone that it seems as if he is attempting to belittle Sanders. Chapman has clear, strong views towards Sanders and it will be interesting to see what he writes as the election progresses.

January Monthly Post

https://www.dropbox.com/s/mpnk8kxrtfw5plx/Robert%20SAMUELSON.docx?dl=0

Robert Samuelson
An Upbeat Economic Story
The Washington Post
January 17, 2016

Robert Samuelson's article, An Upbeat Economic Story (2016), asserts that African American employment rates have risen, while others have surprisingly fallen. Samuelson supports his claim with statistics and claims cited from the EPI. Samuelson's purpose is to point out the shift in employment rate that has recently occurred make readers aware that they stereotypical unemployment rates are beginning to change. Based on the casual tone of this post, Samuelson is writing to a general crowd with prior understanding of what he is discussing. Samuelson uses this article as an opportunity to point out that blacks are taking steps in the right direction while whites, hispanics and Asians are regressing. This is not to say that black's employment rates have surpassed what was expected; Samuelson is simply pointing out that their numbers are refreshingly shocking.