Magazine Exercise

1) Mother Jones" April, 2008

Article: "Voluntary Confinement" By: Michael Mechanic
This article talks about a reality TV show called Solitary where nine men and women are placed in separate rooms which are very small and cramped for up to 12 days without any human interaction and see which one can last the longest, and the winner walks out with 50,000 dollars. In the process they get barely any sleep and close to no food the entire time. They are talked to by this enabler or computer host named 'Val' who messes with their minds. People talk about whether this show is actual torture and psychologically damaging to the people who play in it, or if it has harmless effects.




2)The New Yorker: May 12, 2008

Article: "Bad Dog" By:Larry Doyle
In this article Mr. Doyle talks about his dog and explains about his dog and whether it will be the dog's complaining, eating, or weird habits, but in the article he treats his dog like a real person as if he was talking to himself (imagining what the dog would be saying to him). In the story there is reflection and shift in perspective and character ( the dog's character towards Mr. Doyle over time). i don't know whether this article is suppose to be funny and sarcastic or it should be taken more serious, or perhaps both.