For me, the FX reality show "30 Days" featuring Morgan Spurlock effectively used the rhetorical devices logos, pathos, and ethos in persuading the audience that living off minimum wage in real life was not only difficult, but even with the best efforts of scrimping and of saving, it is nearly impossible to live a quality life off of a minimum salary. For logos, Spurlock weaves actual statistics into the show. What makes these facts which he provides so constructive is that they are not only given simultaneously to his living on the bare minimum, but he premises his entire experiment with such figures. In this way, the audience knows from the beginning the statistics that accompany living on minimum wage, but even further, they are consistently reminded of this throughout the show. As far as pathos goes, Spurlock uses this device in two ways. Firstly, and most noticeable, is that he involves both himself and his wife in the experiment. By doing so, he is able to show the emotional effects of the stress that accompanies living with so little income. Secondly though, he uses logos to strengthen his pathos because some statistics which he included gave the large number of people who must live off minimum wage and thereby in near-poverty. His examples of logos show how widespread of an issue this is, which in turn emotionally affects his audience and persuades him towards his point of view. Finally, Spurlock enhances his argument through his use of ethos. In experiencing life on minimum wage first hand, entirely and with no cheating, Spurlock establishes his credibility to say that it is hardly possible. Also, in looking at his background with "Supersize Me," he goes into this show with a reputation of being trust-worthy and reliable. In the end, I was thoroughly convinced of the difficulties of living an entire life with a minimum wage income. Personally, what was most persuasive was the tension and emotional stress that was put on Spurlock's relationship with his wife. Particularly, this was evident when she would walk everyday to work to save two dollars per day, and then he splurged on a trip to the movies when they "borrowed" a relative's children for Easter. By showing scenes of stress like that, one can realize that it was a real life situation that probably happens more than most would think.

    I chose to critique a Bacardi advertisement because, unless you've been hiding in a cave, these ads are everywhere! We've all seen their Mojito commercials that are infused with sexy eroticism. The Bacardi ad above is another prime example of companies using sex to sell a product. In this ad, Bacardi is arguing that with a little Bacardi, even the most uptight of us, even the strict, uncompromising librarian, will let loose and get the party started! This image also plays upon not only the stereotype of the overly serious librarian, but it additionally references the idea of the "naughty librarian," suggesting that with of couple of shots of this Bacardi you can party like a rock star all night and maybe even fulfill some fantasy you may have. The target audience is males, due to the raciness of the ad, and in particular, males who are likely to be going out to bars and consuming alcohol. The audience could also include women because it suggests that if you drink Bacardi you will look and feel like the women in the ad. Bacardi is using the rhetorical device of pathos as they appeal to the audience's senses and desires. Personally, I find it to be a very effective advertisement. I think that it will stick in the viewers’ subconscious mind and next time when they're out at the hippest club, they'll go for a Bacardi drink in hopes of attracting a girl like the one found in the ad or in hopes to resemble the woman in the advertisement. However, the ad fails because its audience is limited to men and women of the younger set and entirely excludes appeals to older generations. The advertisement reflects upon society in the sense that the easiest way to win us over and get our patronage is through the not-so-subtle use of sex and physical attraction.

5) Banana Nut Bread... I love baking banana nut bread because it’s so soft and warm when it’s freshly baked. Also, I can't eat raw bananas so I love being able to eat something with bananas and not have an allergic reaction!

4) Salsa!! Since I'm Mexican on my Mom's side of the family, we have a rockin' recipe for salsa. What I dig about making salsa is that the recipe isn't written down. I know what ingredients belong in it and how much goes into it, but everything is made from taste! It makes for a fun cooking session, especially with friends.

3) Won-tons. Won-tons take number three on my top five because even learning how to make them was a surprise. A friend who you would think to be the LAST person able to cook whipped them up one day for lunch and agreed to teach me. I like them because you can make them with tofu turkey, or actual lean turkey and tons of veggies! Again, this is a social food that is great for bringing friends together in a party of won-ton folding!

2) Chocolate-chip Cookies~~ These are epic in my book, particularly because I use a secret family recipe that has been passed down from generation to generation on my Dad's side for over four generations! They have been perfected over the years and every time I make them, they're a hit! Not to mention eating the raw dough is so undeniably good...

1) Butterscotch Brownies: My homemade butterscotch brownies are LEGENDARY! I make them on a very strict basis because they take so much time to make but once they come out of the oven and go into your mouth, you're in heaven!