Logster_engl111: 2008

Monday, December 15, 2008

Final! Part 5 Research

Coral Catastrophe

As the death toll rises, science falls behind. Deaths occur every day, but none as devastating as the multi-use coral. Coral have been around for millions of years supplying the world with many of its essentials, but after all those years, disease, pollution, and human interaction have made an enormous impact on the coral colonies, causing death. Science is trying hard to keep up with the constant changes in coral and the amount of death it has. Although it is a race against the clocks, it is important to save the coral reefs because they provide shelter for aquatic animals, have medicinal uses, and protect coastal communities against storms.

Coral itself is a living creature. Coral can be found in many different formations, with several varying characteristics. This is why it can be found in many bodies of water around the world. It provides habitats for marine life throughout most oceans around the world. Brian Skoloff reports that, “25% of all marine species needs coral reefs to live and grow, while 40% of the fish caught commercially use reefs to breed." As a habitat it provides thousands of species with shelter, food and protection against enemies. The many different species of fish that the live in the coral; also reproduce in the coral. They use the coral as a safeguard against predators where their eggs will be kept safe. Without coral these thousands of species wouldn’t have the means to survive. Aside from being a center of life for many of the thriving populations below the sea, coral draws huge attention as a magnificent sight for tourists to come see. Each year travelers come from around the world to scuba dive and snorkel along shores with coral reefs. Not only do tourists swim alongside the coral but marine biologists do as well. The reef fish and mollusks that live in the coral feed about 30 to 40 million people every year (Wilkinson 2002). Coral is a fascinating life form that draws many researchers to ocean depths to try to understand its structure and uses.
Coral is absolutely necessary for not only life underwater, but life on land as well. It and its inhabitants have many medicinal uses. The economic value of coral is estimated to be at about $375 billion annually (Wilkinson 2002). Many of the marine animals that are housed by the coral are immobile. Since they are unable to flee from danger, they produce toxins that ward off predators. These toxins happen to have other uses as well, such as histamines, hormones, and antibiotics that are used by pharmaceutical companies. It is essential that the reefs are kept alive, because with the loss of these reefs, very important medicines will not be able to be produced again. The medicines produced have also been proven to help in the fight against HIV/AIDS, cancer, asthma, and arthritis. Many tests and studies have been undergone to artificially produce the same things produced by the corals and its inhabitants. There are still numerous ocean regions teeming with life that have yet to be discovered. The new species found there could hold the cures for many of the diseases fought today.
Coral also protect communities against storms. They act as a barrier, thus the name The Great Barrier Reef. It slows the storm down and lessons the blow to the coast. Tsunamis with massive swells are dampened by the reef, slowing down the water and its fast currents. A large part of the destruction of the reefs is caused by nature, but scientists say that reefs that have had human interaction are less likely to survive than those hit by hurricanes or tsunamis. In 1998, the tropical storm El Nino destroyed nearly 15% of the coral worldwide in just six months(Oliver 2007). The natural disasters that the coral help dampen effect the coral a great deal. It is very rough on the coral, causing it to be exposed and it can induce some climate changes that can cause bleaching and disease. The coral that protects the coastal communities is dwindling away for numerous reasons. A few of these are human interaction, overfishing, pollution, and rising sea temperatures caused by global warming.

The coral reefs are at the most risk due to human interaction and their fishing. Humans who try to take coral as a souvenir or just touch it while they are snorkeling cause a great amount of damage to the reefs, mainly their polyps. They are extremely fragile and even the smallest of disturbances can affect them. Humans try different tactics to catch fish, such as dynamite, poison, and large nets. All of these cause damage to the reefs, killing them in most cases. Fishermen drop anchor on the reef or fish away the ecosystem that keeps the coral alive. The fish eat much of the seaweed in the ocean. When the supply of fish is depleted due to overfishing, the seaweed grows up and “strangles” the coral(Baker S. 2008). Overfishing takes quite the toll on the underwater ecosystem provided by coral.

Pollution is another significant factor that contributes to the coral death. Waste is dumped into the ocean, debris floats out to sea, and trash is thrown in the water at the beach. The pollution blocks the sunlight the coral thrives on to produce photosynthesis by their symbiotic algae. Pollutants also raise the acidity in the water, contributing to bleaching. Other harmful effects on coral from pollution include, but are not limited to, “coral smothering, increased disease, weaker coral skeletons, reduced diversity, and mortality" (Smither 2003).

The zooxanthellae are symbiotic algae that live in the coral tissue and provide both food and color for the coral. The coral and its algae are extremely sensitive to temperature changes. Slight 1-2 degrees centigrade changes in the water for a 5 to 10 day period can bleach the coral almost entirely. “When corals bleach they commonly lose 60-90% of their zooxanthellae and each zooxanthellae may lose 50-80% of its photosynthetic pigments" (Buchheim,1998). Global warming affects the water temperature, causing it to fluctuate. Small but prolonged rises in sea temperature force coral colonies to expel their symbiotic, food-producing algae, a process known as bleaching. Bleaching is hard to recover from, but it possible. Some Indian Ocean corals have suffered a 70% mortality rate(Oliver 2007). Burning fossil fuels releases carbon, which in turn is absorbed by the ocean(Skoloff). “Increasing carbon dioxide emissions could leave species such as coral and sea urchins struggling to survive by the end of the century because they are making the oceans more acidic" (Mark 2008). In order to stop this, humans need to reduce the production of greenhouse gases and other large quantities of carbon dioxide/emissions.

There are hundreds of organizations who are helping to fight the battle against coral death. The government has appointed special funding for its own government agency for the protection of ecosystems/habitats. They understand that coral, especially in developing countries, is depended upon by more than 500 million people (Wilkinson 2002). With so many people dependent on the coral, it is essential that a cure or a way to fight back to save coral is found. These groups do just that, with research and studies providing significant results that are crucial to saving the coral. Many scientists have started growing coral in baskets out in the ocean so it cannot be harmed by the predators or humans. In doing this, coral is able to grow in a much more controlled environment. These small steps aid the coral colonies immensely.

Coral interacts with so many different marine species, it is of great economic importance to the world, and it is a source of food for many cultures. Scientists are studying day and night all around the world trying to solve the mystery of the reefs. Why are they dying off? Is there a cure? Many scientists believe it is not but a mere lapse in the evolutionary chain. Coral reefs have been around for more than 20 million years. Many researchers believe that the reefs are just in a slump for the time being (Smither 2003). They have survived this long with natural disasters and other diseases, why should they become extinct now? Perhaps it is just a new phase in the coral lifetime, a time for the old to die out and the new to take over. It is time to re adapt to the new era. Evolution is necessary for survival. The coral with a higher tolerance for pollution and CO2 will prevail. Evidence has been shown that some algal symbionts with increased thermal tolerance are more abundant on reefs that have been more severely impacted by the rise in temperature(Baker A. 2004). As seen with all other living organisms in times for adaptation, the weak die and the immune grow, producing stronger and more fit offspring. The coral show some signs of reef-building in the warmer waters, proving that there may just be hope for the reefs.
The reefs are an essential part of the earth. They provide so much and we give back so little. The coral reefs must be saved. The groups and organizations who help to save the marine habitats a main reason the coral are still hanging on to life. The coral are declining at such a rapid pace, that several have been put on the endangered species list. The more involved each and every person gets, the slower the reefs will die. Perhaps they will even make a comeback! If the present rate of destruction continues, 70% of the world's coral reefs will be destroyed by the year 2050(Agency 2007). Coral are immensely fascinating organisms that are dying quickly. Science is unable to keep up with the rate at which it is dying. Coral destruction is a fight that everyone must take part in.

Works Cited

Agency Group 04. "U.S. Coral Reef Task Force Unveils Groundbreaking Plan Will Tackle Major Risks to Economy, Consumers, Environment Plan Calls For Protecting 20 Percent of All U.S. Coral Reefs by 2010." FDCH Regulatory Intelligence Database (n.d.). Business Source Premier. EBSCO. University of Alaska Fairbanks Rasmuson Library, Fairbanks, AK. 12 Nov. 2008 .

Baker, Andrew C., et al. "Coral Reefs: Corals' Adaptive Response to Climate Change.." Nature 430.7001 (12 Aug. 2004): 741-741. Health Source: Nursing/Academic Edition. EBSCO. University of Alaska Fairbanks Rasmuson Library, Fairbanks, AK. 14 Nov. 2008 .

Baker, Sherry. "Rescuing the Reefs." Discover 29.6 (June 2008): 15-15. Academic Search Premier. EBSCO. University of Alaska Fairbanks, Fairbanks, AK. 1 Nov. 2008 .

Buchheim, Jason. "Coral Reef Bleaching." Odyssey Expeditions. 1998. Marine Biology Learning Center. 23 Oct. 2008 .

Glynn, PW. "Coral Reef Bleaching: Facts, Hypotheses and Implications." Global Change Biology 2006 2:495-509.

Mark Henderson Science Editor. "Global Warming Making Sea an 'Acid Bath'." (n.d.)9 June 2008. TOPICsearch. EBSCO.University of Alaska Fairbanks Rasmuson Library, Fairbanks, AK. 15 Oct. 2008 http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=tth&AN=7EH2149143007&site=ehost-live.

Oliver, Rachel. "All About: Coral Reefs." CNN: EcoSolutions. 11 Dec. 2007. CNN. 15 Oct. 2008
http://www.cnn.com/2007/business/12/10/reefs.canaries/index.html?section=cnn_latest.

Sheridan, Michael. "Coral Transplants Rebuild Reefs Wrecked in Tsunami." (n.d.). 15 Oct. 2006. TOPICsearch. EBSCO. University of Alaska Fairbanks Rasmuson Library, Fairbanks, AK. 15 Oct. 2008
http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=tth&AN=7EH3015538549&site=ehost-live

Skoloff, Brian. "NOAA Report: US Coral Reefs in Severe Decline." SFGate.com. 7 July 2008.SFC.15 Oct. 2008 http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/n/a/2008/07/07/national/a140231d01.dtl&type=printable.

Smither, Scott. “Coral Reefs in Crisis: Can the World’s Coral Reefs Survive?” Geodate 16.4 (Aug. 2003): 1-4. Academic Search Premier. EBSCO. University of Alaska Fairbanks Rasmuson Libraray, Fairbanks, AK. 31 Oct. 2008. http://web.ebscohost.com/ehost/detail?vid=5&hid=109&sid=ed041516-4a26-479c-8f06-fd153c202817%40sessionmgr109&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWhvc3QtbGl2ZQ%3d%3d#db=aph&AN=10846077

Wilkinson, C. Status of Coral Reefs of the World: 2002. Australian Institute of Marine Science, Townsville. 16 Oct. 2008 .

Wednesday, December 10, 2008

Part 4 Research

Coral Catastrophe

As the death toll rises, science falls behind. Deaths occur every day, but none as devastating as the multi-use coral. Coral have been around for millions of years supplying the world with many of its essentials, but after all those years, disease, pollution, and human interaction have made an enormous impact on the coral colonies, causing death. Science is trying hard to keep up with the constant changes in coral and the amount of death it has. Although it is a race against the clocks, it is important to save the coral reefs because they provide shelter for aquatic animals, have medicinal uses, and protect coastal communities against storms.

Coral itself is a living creature. Coral can be found in many different formations, with several varying characteristics. This is why it can be found in many bodies of water around the world. It provides habitats for marine life throughout most oceans around the world. “25% of all marine species needs coral reefs to live and grow, while 40% of the fish caught commercially use reefs to breed”(Skoloff 2008).As a habitat it provides thousands of species with shelter, food and protection against enemies. The many different species of fish that the live in the coral; also reproduce in the coral. They use the coral as a safeguard against predators where their eggs will be kept safe. Without coral these thousands of species wouldn’t have the means to survive. Aside from being a center of life for many of the thriving populations below the sea, coral draws huge attention as a magnificent sight for tourists to come see. Each year travelers come from around the world to scuba dive and snorkel along shores with coral reefs. Not only do tourists swim alongside the coral but marine biologists do as well. The reef fish and mollusks that live in the coral feed about 30 to 40 million people every year (Wilkinson 2002). Coral is a fascinating life form that draws many researchers to ocean depths to try to understand its structure and uses.
Coral is absolutely necessary for not only life underwater, but life on land as well. It and its inhabitants have many medicinal uses. The economic value of coral is estimated to be at about $375 billion annually (Wilkinson 2002). Many of the marine animals that are housed by the coral are immobile. Since they are unable to flee from danger, they produce toxins that ward off predators. These toxins happen to have other uses as well, such as histamines, hormones, and antibiotics that are used by pharmaceutical companies. It is essential that the reefs are kept alive, because with the loss of these reefs, very important medicines will not be able to be produced again. The medicines produced have also been proven to help in the fight against HIV/AIDS, cancer, asthma, and arthritis. Many tests and studies have been undergone to artificially produce the same things produced by the corals and its inhabitants. There are still numerous ocean regions teeming with life that have yet to be discovered. The new species found there could hold the cures for many of the diseases fought today.
Coral also protect communities against storms. They act as a barrier, thus the name The Great Barrier Reef. It slows the storm down and lessons the blow to the coast. Tsunamis with massive swells are dampened by the reef, slowing down the water and its fast currents. A large part of the destruction of the reefs is caused by nature, but scientists say that reefs that have had human interaction are less likely to survive than those hit by hurricanes or tsunamis. In 1998, the tropical storm El Nino destroyed nearly 15% of the coral worldwide in just six months(Oliver 2007). The natural disasters that the coral help dampen effect the coral a great deal. It is very rough on the coral, causing it to be exposed and it can induce some climate changes that can cause bleaching and disease. The coral that protects the coastal communities is dwindling away for numerous reasons. A few of these are human interaction, overfishing, pollution, and rising sea temperatures caused by global warming.

The coral reefs are at the most risk due to human interaction and their fishing. Humans who try to take coral as a souvenir or just touch it while they are snorkeling cause a great amount of damage to the reefs, mainly their polyps. They are extremely fragile and even the smallest of disturbances can affect them. Humans try different tactics to catch fish, such as dynamite, poison, and large nets. All of these cause damage to the reefs, killing them in most cases. Fishermen drop anchor on the reef or fish away the ecosystem that keeps the coral alive. The fish eat much of the seaweed in the ocean. When the supply of fish is depleted due to overfishing, the seaweed grows up and “strangles” the coral(Baker S. 2008). Overfishing takes quite the toll on the underwater ecosystem provided by coral.

Pollution is another significant factor that contributes to the coral death. Waste is dumped into the ocean, debris floats out to sea, and trash is thrown in the water at the beach. The pollution blocks the sunlight the coral thrives on to produce photosynthesis by their symbiotic algae. Pollutants also raise the acidity in the water, contributing to bleaching. Other harmful effects on coral from pollution include, but are not limited to, “coral smothering, increased disease, weaker coral skeletons, reduced diversity, and mortality (Smither 2003).”

The zooxanthellae are symbiotic algae that live in the coral tissue and provide both food and color for the coral. The coral and its algae are extremely sensitive to temperature changes. Slight 1-2 degrees centigrade changes in the water for a 5 to 10 day period can bleach the coral almost entirely. “When corals bleach they commonly lose 60-90% of their zooxanthellae and each zooxanthellae may lose 50-80% of its photosynthetic pigments(Buchheim,1998). Global warming affects the water temperature, causing it to fluctuate. Small but prolonged rises in sea temperature force coral colonies to expel their symbiotic, food-producing algae, a process known as bleaching. Bleaching is hard to recover from, but it possible. Some Indian Ocean corals have suffered a 70% mortality rate(Oliver 2007). Burning fossil fuels releases carbon, which in turn is absorbed by the ocean(Skoloff). “Increasing carbon dioxide emissions could leave species such as coral and sea urchins struggling to survive by the end of the century because they are making the oceans more acidic(Mark 2008)”. In order to stop this, humans need to reduce the production of greenhouse gases and other large quantities of carbon dioxide/emissions.

There are hundreds of organizations who are helping to fight the battle against coral death. The government has appointed special funding for its own government agency for the protection of ecosystems/habitats. They understand that coral, especially in developing countries, is depended upon by more than 500 million people (Wilkinson 2002). With so many people dependent on the coral, it is essential that a cure or a way to fight back to save coral is found. These groups do just that, with research and studies providing significant results that are crucial to saving the coral. Many scientists have started growing coral in baskets out in the ocean so it cannot be harmed by the predators or humans. In doing this, coral is able to grow in a much more controlled environment. These small steps aid the coral colonies immensely.

Coral interacts with so many different marine species, it is of great economic importance to the world, and it is a source of food for many cultures. Scientists are studying day and night all around the world trying to solve the mystery of the reefs. Why are they dying off? Is there a cure? Many scientists believe it is not but a mere lapse in the evolutionary chain. Coral reefs have been around for more than 20 million years. Many researchers believe that the reefs are just in a slump for the time being (Smither 2003). They have survived this long with natural disasters and other diseases, why should they become extinct now? Perhaps it is just a new phase in the coral lifetime, a time for the old to die out and the new to take over. It is time to re adapt to the new era. Evolution is necessary for survival. The coral with a higher tolerance for pollution and CO2 will prevail. Evidence has been shown that some algal symbionts with increased thermal tolerance are more abundant on reefs that have been more severely impacted by the rise in temperature(Baker A. 2004). As seen with all other living organisms in times for adaptation, the weak die and the immune grow, producing stronger and more fit offspring. The coral show some signs of reef-building in the warmer waters, proving that there may just be hope for the reefs.
The reefs are an essential part of the earth. They provide so much and we give back so little. The coral reefs must be saved. The groups and organizations who help to save the marine habitats a main reason the coral are still hanging on to life. The coral are declining at such a rapid pace, that several have been put on the endangered species list. The more involved each and every person gets, the slower the reefs will die. Perhaps they will even make a comeback! If the present rate of destruction continues, 70% of the world's coral reefs will be destroyed by the year 2050(Agency 2007). Coral are immensely fascinating organisms that are dying quickly. Science is unable to keep up with the rate at which it is dying. Coral destruction is a fight that everyone must take part in.

Works Cited

AGENCY GROUP 04. "U.S. CORAL REEF TASK FORCE UNVEILS GROUNDBREAKING PLAN WILL TACKLE MAJOR RISKS TO ECONOMY, CONSUMERS, ENVIRONMENT PLAN CALLS FOR PROTECTING 20 PERCENT OF ALL U.S. CORAL REEFS BY 2010." FDCH Regulatory Intelligence Database (n.d.). Business Source Premier. EBSCO. University of Alaska Fairbanks Rasmuson Library, Fairbanks, AK. 12 Nov. 2008 .

Baker, Andrew C., et al. "Coral reefs: Corals' adaptive response to climate change.." Nature 430.7001 (12 Aug. 2004): 741-741. Health Source: Nursing/Academic Edition. EBSCO. University of Alaska Fairbanks Rasmuson Library, Fairbanks, AK. 14 Nov. 2008 .

Baker, Sherry. "RESCUING THE REEFS." Discover 29.6 (June 2008): 15-15. Academic Search Premier. EBSCO. University of Alaska Fairbanks, Fairbanks, AK. 1 Nov. 2008 .

Buchheim, Jason. "Coral Reef Bleaching." Odyssey Expeditions. 1998. Marine Biology Learning Center. 23 Oct. 2008 .

Glynn PW (1996) Coral reef bleaching: facts, hypotheses and implications. Global Change Biology 2:495-509.

Mark Henderson Science Editor. 9 June 2008. "Global warming making sea an 'acid bath'." (n.d.). TOPICsearch. EBSCO.University of Alaska Fairbanks Rasmuson Library, Fairbanks, AK. 15 Oct. 2008 http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=tth&AN=7EH2149143007&site=ehost-live.

Oliver, Rachel. "All About: Coral Reefs." CNN: EcoSolutions. 11 Dec. 2007. CNN. 15 Oct. 2008
http://www.cnn.com/2007/business/12/10/reefs.canaries/index.html?section=cnn_latest.

Sheridan, Michael. "Coral transplants rebuild reefs wrecked in tsunami." (n.d.). 15 Oct. 2006. TOPICsearch. EBSCO. University of Alaska Fairbanks Rasmuson Library, Fairbanks, AK. 15 Oct. 2008
http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=tth&AN=7EH3015538549&site=ehost-live

Skoloff, Brian. "NOAA report: US coral reefs in severe decline." SFGate.com. 7 July 2008.SFC.15 Oct. 2008 http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/n/a/2008/07/07/national/a140231d01.dtl&type=printable.

Smither, Scott. “Coral Reefs in Crisis: can the world’s coral reefs survive?.” Geodate 16.4 (Aug. 2003): 1-4. Academic Search Premier. EBSCO. University of Alaska Fairbanks Rasmuson Libraray, Fairbanks, AK. 31 Oct. 2008. http://web.ebscohost.com/ehost/detail?vid=5&hid=109&sid=ed041516-4a26-479c-8f06-fd153c202817%40sessionmgr109&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWhvc3QtbGl2ZQ%3d%3d#db=aph&AN=10846077

Wilkinson, C. Status of coral reefs of the world: 2002. Australian Institute of Marine Science, Townsville. 16 Oct. 2008 .

Wednesday, November 26, 2008

Hail to the Chief

The Presidential debates have brought about several new tax reform proposals. The most significant of these proposals is that of Presidential Electee Barack Obama. He proposed tax cuts for those making under $75,000 a year and higher taxes for those making $200,000 to $250,000 a year. Although newly elected President Barack Obama believes that taxing the rich will help support the middle class, this type of taxing will actually yield harsh criticism and citizen discontent because wealthier Americans don't want to pay for the middle and lower classes, wealthier Americans won't see it as fair, and it will put Obama in a vulnerable position.

Wealthy Americans do not see fit that they should be the ones supporting the rest of the U.S. Many of them worked hard for the money they now have. Why should they have to pay more if they worked harder? The rich were given tax cuts during George Bush’s reign as President. This was not something the wealthy asked for, but just something that was given to them. Bush was irresponsible in giving the wealthy a tax cut. According to Liz Sidoti, “Obama, the Democrat, seemingly has a traditional liberal outlook of taxing the rich more while having the government help people of more modest means through tax breaks” (Sidoti 2008). The rich are not an advocate to losing a piece of their money in order to help pay for the middle and lower classes.

Several wealthy Americans have however, responded in a positive manner, saying that as long as the extra tax money is going towards a good cause, such as school funding, getting out of poverty, or any other productive expenditure, they were fine with it. The Bush tax cuts were not good for the middle class. They were meant to benefit the wealthy. There have been higher unemployment rates, more poverty, and a greater debt for America. Barack Obama responded to George Bush’s State of the Union Address saying, "We heard the President say he wants to make tax cuts for the wealthiest Americans permanent, when we know that at a time of war and economic hardship, the last thing we need is a permanent tax cut for Americans who don't need them and weren't even asking for them. What we need is a middle class tax cut, and that's exactly what I will provide as President" (Obama 2008). Tax cuts for the middle/lower classes and raising the taxes back to what they were for the wealthier citizens may just be what this country needs for stabilization.

The recent stock market fluctuations have hit the wealthy hard. They are losing money and having a hard time during this economic crisis just like everyone else. It is not fair in their eyes that the taxes be raised for them. Many of the wealthy have worked hard to get where they are today. Taxing them higher is like punishing them for all the hard work they have poured into becoming successful over the years. The wealthy will not see the taxes as being fair. It is their money and being punished for having more is not right. The rich are not all alike. Many are giving and cherish helping those in need. With the taxes being raised back to how they were in the 1990’s, the economy may be able to start its ascent to stability.

Obama will be put into a very vulnerable position with the tax reforms on the wealthy. There are death threats floating around against him. Many assumptions point towards the wealthy white politicians who are the ones who are doing the threatening. They are upset over taxes and feel that they could easily throw the blame on white supremacists. Barack is in a very compromising position where he needs to be careful. America is on edge in this day and age.

Much of America is on Obama’s side though. Middle America makes up the vast majority of the U.S. and they support the taxation reforms. Economic stability is key in the survival of America. We need change. Barack is very brave to stand up and put forth effort to fix America. In these times, help is needed and money is scarce. The taxing will provide more for Americans.

The tax reforms proposed by Barack Obama are essential for America. In order to succeed, everyone needs to pitch in. The wealthy may feel that it unjustified and unfair, but really it is for the good of the country. Barack is putting himself in a vulnerable position, showing that he is willing to rhisk it all for a better change. With a new tax reform and Bush out of office, economic stability may just be possible in the near future.

Obama, Barack H. "Response to the State of the Union." Washington, D.C. 12 Nov. 2008.

Sidoti, Liz. "McCain, Obama Offer Different Visions on Taxes." AARP Bulletin Today. 17 June 2008.
AARP. 24 Nov. 2008
http://bulletin.aarp.org/yourworld/politics/articles/mccain_obama_offer_different_visions_on_taxes.html?cmp=knc-360i-google-bull&hbx_ou=50&hbx_pk=obama_tax_plan>.

Thursday, November 13, 2008

Lindsey Grennan Cause/Effect Workshop

1. Although perscription drugs are prescribed to help patients, there are not always benefits because they are addictive, abused, and in many cases a way of tearing apart a family.
2. Yes, Yes.
3. List the cause(s). Thousands of anti-depressants and mood stabilizers are prescribed each year.
4. List the effect(s). They have addictive tendencies, they are often abused, and the abuse of these drugs can lead to the neglect of children involved.

Audience
Doctors who prescribe the meds and people who experience the tragedy. It is kind of both, but mainlyin opposition to the doctors. How can you tell? Give specific examples. Because she is specifically directing her argument towards the ones who prescribe the drugs. She is telling them the drugs destroy families if not carefully monitored.

Counterargument
List the counterarguments (arguments of the author’s oppositions) used in the paper (there should be at least three). Does the author adequately address these arguments? Not completely. Do you think there are other arguments that could be addressed? Yes. Do you see any logical fallacies? No.

1.These feelings are great improvements for patients who have trouble managing their feelings of distress, anger, sadness, confusion ,etc.
2.Perscription drugs have benefits.
3.

Title
No, maybe a title that has something to do with drugs, such as Addiction.
Introduction
Yes, "Mental heath disorders are among the most confusing and incomprehensible disorders around."

Conclusion
summarizes the thesis and arguments. It is a good conclusion.

Flow/Transitions
Yes, they flow fairly well.

Hail to the Chief

The Presidential debates have brought about several new tax reform proposals. The most significant of these proposals is that of Presidential Electee Barack Obama. He proposed tax cuts for those making under $75,000 a year and higher taxes for those making $200,000 to $250,000 a year. Although newly elected President Barack Obama believes that taxing the rich will help support the middle class, this type of taxing will actually yield harsh criticism and citizen discontent because wealthier Americans don't want to pay for the middle and lower classes, wealthier Americans won't see it as fair, and it will put Obama in a vulnerable position.

Wealthy Americans do not see fit that they should be the ones supporting the rest of the U.S. Many of them worked hard for the money they now have. Why should they have to pay more if they worked harder? The rich were given tax cuts during George Bush’s reign as President. This was not something the wealthy asked for, but just something that was given to them. Bush was irresponsible in giving the wealthy a tax cut. The rich are not an advocate to losing a piece of their money in order to help pay for the middle and lower classes.

Several wealthy Americans have however, responded in a positive manner, saying that as long as the extra tax money is going towards a good cause, such as school funding, getting out of poverty, or any other productive expenditure, they were fine with it. The Bush tax cuts were not good for the middle class. They were meant to benefit the wealthy. There have been higher unemployment rates, more poverty, and a greater debt for America. Barack Obama responded to George Bush’s State of the Union Address, saying "We heard the President say he wants to make tax cuts for the wealthiest Americans permanent, when we know that at a time of war and economic hardship, the last thing we need is a permanent tax cut for Americans who don't need them and weren't even asking for them. What we need is a middle class tax cut, and that's exactly what I will provide as President" (Obama 2008). Tax cuts for the middle/lower classes and raising the taxes back to what they were for the wealthier citizens may just be what this country needs for stabilization.

The recent stock market fluctuations have hit the wealthy hard. They are losing money and having a hard time during this economic crisis just like everyone else. It is not fair in their eyes, that the taxes be raised for them. Many of the wealthy have worked hard to get where they are today. Taxing them higher is like punishing them for all the hard work they have poured into becoming successful over the years. The wealthy will not see the taxes as being fair. It is their money and being punished for having more is not right.

The rich are not all alike. Many are giving and cherish helping those in need. With the taxes being raised back to how they were in the 1990’s, the economy may be able to start its ascent to stability.

Obama will be put into a very vulnerable position with the tax reforms on the wealthy. There are death threats floating around against him. Many assumptions point towards the wealthy white politicians who are the ones who are doing the threatening. They are upset over taxes and feel that they could easily throw the blame on white supremacists. Barack is in a very compromising position where he needs to be careful. America is on edge in this day and age.

Much of America is on Obama’s side though. Middle America makes up the vast majority of the U.S. and they support the taxation reforms. Economic stability is key in the survival of America. We need change. Barack is very brave to stand up and put forth effort to fix America. In these times, help is needed and money is scarce. The taxing will provide more for Americans.

The tax reforms proposed by Barack Obama are essential for America. In order to succeed, everyone needs to pitch in. The wealthy may feel that it unjustified and unfair, but really it is for the good of the country. Barack is putting himself in a vulnerable position, showing that he is willing to risk it all for a better change. With a new tax reform and Bush out of office, economic stability may just be possible in the near future.

Obama, Barack H. "Response to the State of the Union." Washington, D.C. 12 Nov. 2008.

Tuesday, November 11, 2008

Week 10 Reading Response

David Rieff's argument questions the assumptions made by Americans and the Bush Administration, such as "people will choose freedom over tyranny and tolerance over extremism every time" and "American ideals should prevail." These assumptions are the reason that we are still at war. We assume and therefore do not take the time to understand the cultural differences and needs. These assumptions need to be questioned, because they follow history. As Rieff says, "History rarely repeats itself." David talks of how Americans have very different ideas of freedom than do those of the Islamic belief. We are different people with different values and backgrounds. He talks of how we are built upon different systems and how because of this, it will be harder to change the Muslims to the Americanized democracy/ideals.
I believe that we need to become less involved in things we do not fully understand. Once we are able to understand the culture, the beliefs, and the history of their religion and where they come from...then we will be able to get involved. Involved in the opposite way the Bush Administration got the U.S. involved. Questioning some one's assumptions is often a useful strategy in constructing an argument, because you can see what their views are and how strong their counter-argument is. We should not just be jumping into a war if we do not have a real in-depth plan. To think that Bush was so inconceivable with the words he chose in addressing the world so many different times. Understanding the opponent and getting in their head, being one step ahead is the only way to beat them.

Wednesday, November 5, 2008

Bernstein Reading Response

#1 Richard Bernstein argues that America's tragedies are nothing like the third world countries and their disasters, but nontheless, Europeans are supporting and sending help. Bernstein asks a simple question, "why?" Why is Europe's response the way it is? He uses responses/quotes from several Europeans and European newspapers to show what the Europeans are thinking. The United States is the richest country. The fact that the Bush Administration did not go along with the "Kyoto Protocol" upset many Europeans. It shows that the U.S. must not care about their admissions and that in a way they brought the disaster onto themselves. It was also disturbing to Europeans to see gun battles, looting, and armed gangs in the midst of the wreckage, but in the third world countries, when a disaster was occuring, non of this was going on. It was bringing shame to the U.S. and it was hard to watch for Europeans. They did not know whether to contribute their time and money or not. Would it help or would it just be wasted? The Europeans say we, the Americans lack "solidarity." In times of crisis, it is incredible to see that people are still wrecking havoc in an already miserable situation.

Visual Reading Response Week 9

#3)It is true that there are risks to stereotyping and especially to portraying stereotypes. If one performs the stereotype of a group that he or she is a member of, it is often times seen as being o.k. or funny. Some people, whether a member or not, see stereotyping as being very wrong and hurtful in many ways. Performing of a group that he or she is not a member is risky. It can cause uprisings, racial comments, or even hate crimes. It is very strange that the stakes are so different from eachother. It is all based on how the populations of the world have been taught. The stereootypes they are taught get portrayed. Not all performances are humorous or must be humorous. This is usually the best, if not the only way to get away with stereotyping groups. Humor seems to have an affect that lets things go. It has a carisma about it, letting the tension become loose or non existant. They will not always be offensive. Most stereotypes are, because thats how stereotypical performances are. They are offensive, but some stereotypes are true and sometimes non-offensive to the group being portrayed. The upbringing of each individual, what he or she learns, depends on what stereotypes are engraved into their minds.

Research Rough Draft Workshop 1 (Lindsey G.)

Overall
1. Your paper has good passion. It seems like you are really interested and care about overfishing. Personally, I like the facts given to support your views.
2. Your organization is a bit scattered. You should jot it all down and arrange it to what works the best. I think once you do this, you will have a better paper all around, because your arguments and counterarguments will flow.

Thesis
3. You do express your own opinion. You are arguing that overfishing is devastating and needs to be stopped at once, but you need counter arguments.
4. The conservation and animal lovers will agree with you. The fishermen and businesses who rely on the fish market will disagree.
5. Yes.

Content
6. Honestly....it needs work, lots of work. I would rate it a 4, maybe a 5.
7.Your into paragraph could use a better lead in sentence, and try to use less "world wide" references. Make counterarguments as well.
8.That fishing creates lots of jobs, it feeds millions and the fish need to be fished.
9.No
10.Yes, it is pretty clear.

Style
11. The transitions are good.
12. No it is really not an attention grabber. Try starting with a startling fact or something of that nature. Capture the reader!
13. Your concluding paragraph is not too shabby. Touch it up a bit. revise it and it will be good.

Research
14. 1
15. Only uses 1
16. No
17. Yes, fix this, you have the info...use it :)
18. Seems that way.
19. You did comment, just add more quotes.

Thursday, October 30, 2008

Step 3: Research Draft #1

Tuesday, October 28, 2008

Essay #2 Final Draft

Stadium de Fairbanks

Our humble community of Fairbanks supports indoor and outdoor soccer seasons, two league hockey teams, comp. hockey teams, rec. hockey teams, one indoor football team, all university sports, and high school basketball, soccer, and volleyball. Right now Fairbanks has to rely on the availability of the elementary, middle, and high schools for playing time during the indoor and outdoor soccer seasons. For high school sports, things get hard when a high school is supposed to host a championship or tournament. The high school gym just does not adequately support the number of players, families, and other spectators that come to support their teams. Our comp. and rec. hockey players in town have four options for games, and practices. Fairbanks has the Big Dipper Ice Arena which is equipped with three outdoor rinks, and one indoor rink, the rink at UAF’s patty center, a rink on Fort Wainwright military base, and a rink a half an hour out of town in North Pole. These rinks are not enough for the comp. and rec. hockey teams. Not only that, but the Fairbanks Ice Dogs and UAF Nanooks bring large crowds that need more accommodation! Although extremely expensive and believed to be underutilized, Fairbanks should finance the construction of an indoor stadium that would house soccer, football, basketball, and hockey because it would increase spectator turnout, UAF would have more NCAA sports options, and tourist revenue would increase.

Fairbanks residents are very involved in the spectating of these sports. When winter rolls around and hockey season begins, a vast majority of the Fairbanks community turnout for the Nanook hockey games. The town is growing rapidly, expanding in
size and population, and with this expansion a large indoor stadium is necessary and expected. This indoor stadium would include 2 soccer/football turf fields, 2 ice rinks, 2 basketball/volleyball courts, a track, and an Olympic sized swimming
pool. The stadium will have larger locker rooms, more seating, and because of the increased revenue they will be making, the ticket prices will be less than the complexes we have now, such as Big Dipper and Carlson Center. As for food, there
would be a full food court with multiple food choices including fast food, sit down and perhaps even Fairbanks owned and operated drive-thru restaurants.

Several people think that Fairbanks is becoming too populated and that all the construction going on is not benefiting our town one bit. With those people, I agree. The majority of the construction in Fairbanks is shopping malls, chain restaurants, and hotels. People from all over the world to not come here to eat the same old food, shop the same old shops and stay in the same old hotels. They come for the great Alaskan experience. That is where the indoor stadium comes into play. Alaskan teams, with pure Alaskan heart. It is a place of community, something we can all take part in and share the benefits.

The amount of students who receive athletic NCAA scholarships in Alaska is limited. Fairbanks only has a handful of students accepted for sports in the lower 48 each year. Our programs are not meant for the big division leagues and a huge part of this is due to the fact that we do not have an indoor stadium. Building an indoor stadium would entice better coaching staff to move to Fairbanks, thus enhancing our school’s athletic programs. Better coaching staff, more sport opportunities, and better quality sport equipment will give all the students in Fairbanks stronger chances to receive recruitment to NCAA schools. The stronger our coaching is, the stronger our teams will be. In turn, more recruiters will be interested in Fairbanks' students and their true talents.

Some citizens of Fairbanks may think the stadium will not help recruitment at all, but that is very wrong. This stadium is a way for young and prospective athletes to get recognized and accepted into the league they are fit for. Recruiters will travel to see an athlete if they find them worthwhile. Until the stadium is built though, there is no place to show them what Fairbanks has to offer.

Sports enthusiasts around the world take trips, traveling the world to see their favorite teams. By building an indoor stadium and making more teams able to compete in sports leagues, it is possible to increase the tourist revenue. More tourists will come to see the teams compete, especially if they are worthwhile teams in a nice stadium. The money that funnels into the sports stadium from tourist will go back into the city and the stadium, building it bigger and better. With more tourists; the hotels, the grocery stores, and the gas stations will make more money. As more money is funneled into the city through the tourism, the city is also able to make upgrades.

Fairbanks residents may ask how much money it will take, how much time, and where will it be built? Starting with money; It will cost a few million dollars to construct the stadium. It seems like a huge amount of money, but I can assure that it will be worth the cost in every way. Who wouldn't help pay to have their son/daughter healthy and drug free? Time taken to construct this project all depends on who wins the construction bid, how much volunteer help and time is donated, and also what path the weather takes. The more volunteer and community involvement, the lower the cost will be and the faster the time taken to build the stadium will be. It will be built out towards North Pole, off the Richardson. There are many acres of land there for sale that will be utilized for the stadium.

All in all, the construction of a large indoor stadium would be a huge advantage to the Fairbanks economy and its residents. The increase in scholarships,
recruitments, and tourist revenue will greatly benefit in all aspects. The community will be able to unite in a way they have not been able to since the Fairbanks Memorial Hospital was first built. Athletics will be greatly supported, increasing the health of our Golden Heart City. Sports are anti-drugs and help kids get through school. With this increased emphasis on the athletics programs, kids will be more involved, less likely to do drugs, and more likely to excel. NCAA is a great reward for the hard work students do to make it through with good grades and above average sport records. With the stadium built, there will be more jobs available and more money flowing into the city. The sports stadium is an essential part to a town and it is essential that our students excel and make it through life, following their dreams, having all the same chances of getting into the big schools of their dreams as any of the other states' students.

Monday, October 27, 2008

Grammar Girl #49

The Grammar Girl episodes are always very interesting. This one that was about run-on sentences was insightful, but a lot of the information she gave I already was taught. I find myself making these mistakes rarely. I did think that most run-on sentences were just long sentences that could easily be shortened by correct punctuation. I did not think a run-on could be so short as "I am a woman I am a truck driver." Who would have guessed eh? I was taught about run-on sentences long ago. I find myself catching any run-on sentences I come across in other people's work and occasionally my own. There are so many other mistakes that I make, most of them being comma errors. Run-on sentences are probably one of my strongest points in English. They just come easier to me in both the finding and correcting of them. I read over some of my past blogs from last month and did not catch any run-on sentences. They give the text a weird vibe when you read a run-on. That for me is how I catch them so easily. Gotta love Grammar Girl...she knows her stuff.

Proposal Essay Workshop Questions (Lindsey Grennan)

Proposal Essay Workshop Questions
Thesis:

1. Restate the thesis. If the thesis is a question and not an assertion, make it an assertion. Make sure the words “although” and "because" are in it.

"Although the new construction around town is seen as beneficial to our community, Fairbanks should stop fifty plus percent of new construction because it takes away from the rural appeal of the town, it leaves gaping acres of torn up and unappealing land, and most of it isn't necessary for the prosperity of Fairbanks."

2. Does the thesis propose a solution to a problem stated in the introductory paragraph (it should!)? Is it at the end of the first paragraph?
No and yes!

3. The thesis should follow this very basic formula: " X should do Y b/c of A, B, and C.” Does it?
Yes

Reasons:

List below the author's reasons for holding his or her position. Are they listed in the thesis, or in the body of the paper? They should be listed in the thesis, and expanded upon in the body of the paper.

1.It takes away from the rural appeal of the town
2.It leaves gaping acres of torn up and unappealing land
3.Most of it isn't necessary for the prosperity of Fairbanks.

Audience:The residents of Fairbanks

Who is the author's audience? It should be the Sun Star readers. Do they already agree with the author, or is the author writing to the opposition? How can you tell? Give specific examples.
I believe it is both. Some agree others do not.

Counterargument:

List the counterarguments (arguments of the author’s oppositions) used in the paper (there should be at least three). Does the author adequately address these arguments? Do you think there are other arguments that could be addressed? Do you see any logical fallacies?

No counterarguments

Title:

Does the paper have an interesting title? If not, help author come up with one.
No title, I would go with something along the lines of, "Construction: The plague of Fairbanks"

Introduction:

Is there a catchy lead sentence? What is it? If there isn't one, what would you write?
It is somewhat catchy...it makes the reader wonder what you are about to dive into. I think you could still throw a little spice in there to zest it up though!

Thursday, October 23, 2008

Proposal Essay Rough Draft

Our humble community of Fairbanks supports indoor and outdoor soccer seasons, two league hockey teams, comp. hockey teams, rec. hockey teams, one indoor football team, all university sports, and high school basketball, soccer, and volleyball. Right now Fairbanks has to rely on the availability of the elementary, middle, and high schools for playing time during the indoor and outdoor soccer seasons. For high school sports, things get hard when a high school is supposed to host a championship weekend. The high school gym just doesn’t adequately support the number of players, families, and other spectators that come to support their teams. Our comp. and rec. hockey players in town have four options for games, and practices. Fairbanks has the Big Dipper Ice Arena which is equipped with three outdoor rinks, and one indoor rink, the rink at UAF’s patty center, a rink on Fort Wainwright military base, and a rink a half an hour out of town in North Pole. These rinks aren’t enough for the comp. and rec. hockey teams. Not only that, but the Fairbanks Ice Dogs and UAF Nanooks bring large crowds that need more accommodation! Although extremely expensive and believed to be underutilized, Fairbanks should finance the construction of an indoor stadium that would house soccer, football, basketball, and hockey because it would increase spectator turnout, UAF would have more NCAA sports options, and tourist revenue would increase.
Fairbanks residents are very involved in the spectating of these sports. When winter rolls around and hockey season begins, a vast majority of the Fairbanks community turnout for the Nanook hockey games. The town is growing rapidly, expanding in size and population, and with this expansion a large indoor stadium is necessary and expected. This indoor stadium would include 2 soccer/football turf fields, 2 ice rinks, 2 basketball/volleyball courts, a track, and an Olympic sized swimming pool. The stadium will have larger locker rooms, more seating, and because of the increased revenue they will be making, the ticket prices will be less than the complexes we have now, such as Big Dipper and Carlson Center. As for food, there would be a full food court with multiple food choices including fast food, sit down and perhaps even drive thru restaurants.
The amount of students who receive athletic NCAA scholarships in Alaska is limited. Fairbanks only has a handful of students accepted for sports in the lower 48 each year. Our programs are not meant for the big division leagues and a huge part of this is due to the fact that we do not have an indoor stadium. Building an indoor stadium would entice better coaching staff to move up here, thus enhancing our school’s athletic programs. Better coaching staff, more sport opportunities, and better quality sport equipment will give all the students in Fairbanks stronger chances to receive recruitment to NCAA schools. The stronger our coaching is, the stronger our teams will be. In turn, more recruiters will be interested in Fairbanks students and their true talents.
Sports enthusiasts around the world take trips, traveling the world to see their favorite teams. By building an indoor stadium and making more teams able to compete in sports leagues, it is possible to increase the tourist revenue. More tourists will come to see the teams compete, especially if they are worthwhile teams in a nice stadium. The money that funnels into the sports stadium from tourist will go back into the city and the stadium, building it bigger and better. With more tourists, the hotels, the grocery stores, and the gas stations will make more money. As more money is funneled into the city through the tourism, the city is also able to make upgrades.
All in all, the construction of a large indoor stadium would be a huge advantage to the Fairbanks economy and its residents. The increase in scholarships, recruitments, and tourist revenue will greatly benefit in all aspects. Sports are anti-drugs and help kids get through school. With this increased emphasis on the athletics programs, kids will be more involved, less likely to do drugs, and more likely to excel. NCAA is a great reward for the hard work students do to make it through with good grades and above average sport records. The sports stadium is an essential part to a town. It is essential that our students excel and make it through life, doing whatever they wish, having all the same chances at getting into the big schools as the other state’s students.

Wednesday, October 22, 2008

Week 7 Reading Response #3

It is true that we live in a glorious country where all religions can get along with one-another, and where the beliefs of others do not interfere with friendship or even acknowledgement of others. The problem is that there are thousands, probably millions of people who discriminate in one way or another based on religion or various other reasons. The arguments given are created, because of the discriminatory thoughts, remarks, and actions directed towards the religious believers. Anybody who was involved in the Muslim religion is extremely discriminated against at this time, because of the 9/11 attacks and also for the war going on at this time. Sikhs who wear a turban are also discriminated against for the sole fact that they look similar to a Muslim due to their head piece. Then there is anti-Semitism. In definition, it is the discrimination in any way against Jews, but the Anti-Defamation League is fighting all discrimination in hopes that someday we can all live in peace and harmony with no hatred and violence towards others based on a discrimination. It is sure to be a long long time before the world is even half nondiscriminatory. The only possible way to keep converting people to being non-discriminatory is by talking to them and convincing them it is wrong, whether it be by advertisements or through religion. Discrimination is largely accounted for during childhood where the beliefs of those close to you will influence you later in life. If the discrimination taught during this time can be minimized, it is possible that discrimination as a whole will someday, hopefully die out.

Week 7 Reading Response #2

This article is written to show and justify why and when foreign languages are spoken in public. It is by Myriam Marquez. She justifies her behavior of speaking Spanish in public with her parents in numerous ways. One reason for this is that it respects her parents and her ancestors. It is a way of remembering them and not forgetting their heritage. It is also a way to keep fresh on the language and so her parents who have a heavy accent and a bit of trouble still understanding English are able to speak to full potential. She explains that the speaking of a non-English language should not offend anyone. It should not be a sign that they are less patriotic than the next American. There is no difference. It is not a way to be rude. It is just a way to define themselves. In no way is it meant to "Balkanize America." Myriam tells of the way she feels and how she sees things through her point of view. She is not rude and she does not intend to be. Immigrants all over America are patriotic, work hard to feed their families and put them through school, and give back to their communities. They are really no different then you or me. They are just capable of speaking a second language with great fluidity. We are a free country where the citizens may choose to speak the language of their choice.

Week 7 Reading Response #1

The advertisement for the National Institute of Mental Health is primarily in Spanish, because that is who they are mainly directing the ad towards. They expect that Spanish speaking residents will see the advertisement and read it. It will stand out seeing as how it is in a different language. The language choice and targeted audience interact in this advertisement by having the specific language the people they are targeting speak. The picture also helps a whole lot. Had there been a picture of a white male or something else, it would not have had anywhere near the same effect or impact it would with the Latino male on the ad. The quote taken from Rodolfo explains the Latino background and way of life. They seem to look down on those who let depression take over them, because the Latinos before them were hardworking and did not let depression "defeat you." The fact that the designers included the phrase "Real Men. Real Depression," may indicate that they are trying to advocate the treating of depression in everyone, and that you are still a man and not a failure if depression has overtaken you. That is why they also say that depression is a disease and that it can be treated. The Latinos can get help and the advertisement is showing that there is a way. The designers may have had something else in mind, but that is how I interpreted it.

Grammar Girl #45 (Comma Splice)

I have seen comma splice errors often. They appear in every one's work; including my own. I tend to use commas like confetti as well. I just kinda throw them in where it sounds like there might be a slight pause. It is a bad habit that I need to fix. Grammar Girl's posts are very helpful. Looking back on several of my writing assignments, I see that I have made comma splice errors, but not a whole lot. In fact, I am probably making these errors as I type. I found an old essay on my computer that I had written back in 7th grade about Malcolm X. In this essay were at least 25 comma splices in the whole 3 page paper. I like to think that I have slightly improved since then, but if there is one spot in the learning of English that I could use lots of work on, it would be comma and colon usage. It is just one of those things that has never come to me. Someday I may master this skill, but until then I will keep on making the mistakes that cause me so much trouble.

Thursday, October 16, 2008

Works Cited

Although Coral Reefs are dying quickly, there are things to do in order to slow the dying process such as stop human interaction, stop pollution/clean up debris, and begin growing coral in safe places.

Works Cited

Allen, Greg. "Warming Waters Take Toll on Florida's Reefs." Npr: environment. 8 Sept. 2007. NPR. 15 Oct. 2008 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyid=14212267.This article talks specifically about Florida’s reefs and how global warming is drastically affecting the reefs. Their survival depends on certain temperatures and when those temperatures are changed, the reefs begin to die. The article talks about coral bleaching and explains a little about it. This article came from the National Public Radio site. It is posted for the public.

"Cleaner Water." The White House. Council on Environmental Quality. 15 Oct. 2008 http://www.whitehouse.gov/ceq/clean-water.html#16.This site shows the many ways the Bush Administration have helped to change the environment. One of these ways is by helping to protect the coral reefs. The administration backs the Coral Reef Task Force, who partake in operations to save coral. This is good for me because it shows how people are getting involved and what kinds of things they are initiating.

"Climate change." (n.d.). 10 Apr. 2007. TOPICsearch. EBSCO. University of Alaska Fairbanks Rasmuson Library, Fairbanks, AK. 15 Oct. 2008 http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=tth&AN=9FY1624323164&site=ehost-live.This article talked about the global warming and its effects on the coral. It gave an in-depth look at how the coral was being affected. This is a good source, because it was from the Ebsco-Host data base. It is directed towards anyone who is interested in reefs and the global warming effects.

"Coral." Conservative Science Institute. CSI. 29 Sept. 2008 <http://www.conservationinstitute.org/coral.htm>.This website is that of an organization that are together to help conserve science. They have several programs involving the reefs and how to help them. The site talks about coral, what kinds of things have been detrimental to it, and some ways to stop or at least slow the process of the dying reefs. The CSI are a legitimate source because they have programs to help the reefs and they are knowledgeable of how the reefs are deteriorating.

"Coral Reef Protection." Habitat Protection. 11 June 2008. U.S. EPA. 15 Oct. 2008 http://www.epa.gov/owow/oceans/coral/.This is a great source because it is an actual government agency. They are specifically together t protect habitats. They do research on the reefs and try to find ways of fixing it. They get together with other organizations who are inclined to help save the reefs and they initiate action towards saving the reefs. The audience here is pretty much anyone who is interested in the work they achieve.

Dean, Cornelia. "Coral reefs without human intervention found to be healthier." San Fransisco Chronicle 26 Feb. 2008: A-7. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2008/02/26/MN9DV8JJJ.DTLDean’s Article is about the research done in Hawaii that shows the difference between coral with and without human interaction. This is a good article because it has research backing it up and it proves a point. It shows how the corals are healthier when left undisturbed, away from humans. This article is mainly to show people that they should not mess with the coral and it is also directed to other organizations so they can help spread the word.

"Endangered Coral Reefs Could Face Extinction." Island Business. 2007. 30 Sept. 2008 <http://www.islandsbusiness.com/news/index_dynamic/containernametoreplace=middlemiddle/focusmoduleid=130/focuscontentid=13462/tablename=mediarelease/overideskinname=newsarticle-full.tpl>.This article was written by people who are actually experiencing the reefs deterioration. They talk of how the reefs are bothered by human interaction and how this is a major cause to their downfall. They say that one solution to saving our earth’s coral is to stop touching it, breaking it, or interacting with it in any way. This article was being written to anyone who is uninformed or to those who interact with coral.

Environmental News Network staff. "Desert storms could be kiss of death for coral." CNN: Nature. 8 Mar. 2000. CNN. 15 Oct. 2008 http://archives.cnn.com/2000/nature/03/08/coral.sand.enn/index.html.This CNN news article explains how desert storms and other natural disasters affect the reefs. It talks mainly about a certain desert storm and how it ruined much of the coral research and development that was taking place back in 2000. This article was written to inform the people so that they know what is happening to the coral. The articles are all directed to the public to help them understand what should and shouldn’t be done.

Kirby, Alex. "Rare and Endangered: Coral Reefs." CDNN. 29 Sept. 2008 <http://www.cdnn.info/news/article/a010911.html>.This is a great article because the writer, Alex Kirby, is a diver and has seen all the coral damage. He has the knowledge of the reefs. He wants to fix it and he tells of ways to do so and ways that the reefs are being harmed. He says that the rate the coral is dying is too fast for scientists to keep up to try and save it. This too, is pointed towards the uninformed in hopes that they will get involved.

Mark Henderson Science Editor. 9 June 2008. "Global warming making sea an 'acid bath'." (n.d.). TOPICsearch. EBSCO.University of Alaska Fairbanks Rasmuson Library, Fairbanks, AK. 15 Oct. 2008 http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=tth&AN=7EH2149143007&site=ehost-live.The article here is written to inform people about global warming and how it is affecting the coral reefs. It is killing the reefs and it is a good article for me because I can see how reefs are affected across the world from this article. It is another Ebsco-Host article which makes it legitimate for sources.

Maynard, JA; Anthony, KRN; Marshall, PA; Masiri, I. "Major bleaching events can lead to increased thermal tolerance in corals." Marine Biology [Mar. Biol.]. Vol. 155, no. 2, 2008: 173-182. ASFA: Aquatic Sciences and Fisheries Abstracts. CSA Ilumina. University of Alaska Fairbanks Rasmuson Library, Fairbanks, AK. 15 Oct. 2008 http://csaweb113v.csa.com/ids70/view_record.php?id=3&recnum=7&log=from_res&SID=tp4os44aupnbdjmg5q5607mb27&mark_id=search%3A3%3A47%2C0%2C10.This journal was interesting in that the author experimented and did research on the bleaching of reefs. It is a good source because it is from Ebsco-Host. It relates to my topic because it is one of the detrimental variables for coral and their research is trying to show otherwise. This article is focused more towards scholarly people and hose interested in the experiments done on the coral destruction.

Michael Sheridan. "Coral transplants rebuild reefs wrecked in tsunami." (n.d.). 15 Oct. 2006. TOPICsearch. EBSCO. University of Alaska Fairbanks Rasmuson Library, Fairbanks, AK. 15 Oct. 2008 http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=tth&AN=7EH3015538549&site=ehost-live.This article was very interesting to me. It tells of scientists “rebuilding” coral. In other words, they are giving the reefs a special place to grow so they are unharmed by the human touch. The only problem is that they were still susceptible to mother nature. It is a good source because it shows one of the efforts to save coral reefs.

N.A. "Ocean life pays price of rise in pollution." (n.d.). 5 Aug. 2003. TOPICsearch. EBSCO. University of Alaska Fairbanks Rasmuson Library, Fairbanks, AK. 15 Oct. 2008 http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=tth&AN=200307051007104810&site=ehost-live.This article explains how the debris and pollution given off my humans is affecting the reefs. If every person picked up one piece of trash/debris is would clean up the ocean a huge amount and would give the reefs a bit of a fighting chance. This is a good article because it talks about the pollution threat to coral. This article is aimed at people who are interested in knowing about the coral reefs or those who want to know how the pollution is affecting our planet.

Oliver, Rachel. "All About: Coral Reefs." CNN: EcoSolutions. 11 Dec. 2007. CNN. 15 Oct. 2008 http://www.cnn.com/2007/business/12/10/reefs.canaries/index.html?section=cnn_latest.This CNN article written by Rachel Oliver is about the coral reefs. It describes them, their uses, how they are being destroyed and examples or ideas of ways to fix them. This is a great source because it is basic and easy to understand. It is capable of relaying a strong message to people with simple wording.

Skoloff, Brian. "NOAA report: US coral reefs in severe decline." SFGate.com. 7 July 2008.SFC.15 Oct. 2008 http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/n/a/2008/07/07/national/a140231d01.dtl&type=printable.This article talked about the coral reef numbers severely declining. They are not doing too well. The article gave statistics and data related to the decline. This is a good source because of the statistics it gives and also because it talks about my topic: The decline of coral. The article is written to the public so that they will understand how bad the decline really is.

Tuesday, October 14, 2008

Week 6 - Reading Response

All of the cartoons are displaying different takes on the Supreme Court's Affirmative Action decision. Mike Lester's, It's GOT to Be the Shoes, depicts the court ruling in effect. It shows the college allowing someone into the college based mainly on the racial preferences of the school. It also may be showing gender discrimination. In Dennis Draughon's, Supreme Irony, he shows the Supreme Court giving mean looks towards the lone African-American on the bench. He is the only one with a smile on his face and he looks much younger than the rest. The irony here is that it is as if the Supreme Court itself has used Affirmative Action to diversify their bench. In Mike Thompson's, Daniel Lives on Detroit's Eastside, we see another point of view. That of the Caucasian or the people who are not minorities. They do not see how minorities should get any special treatment and that is what is shown in this cartoon. Daniel overcomes so much, yet the white lady does not understand as to why he gets any breaks. In Signe Wilkinson's, Admissions, it shows the minority getting priority over the average non-minority. It represents how unfair people think the Affirmative Action to be. In Dean Camp's, Pricey, the cartoon depicts a boy who spends lots of money to get into the college of his choice, while the less wealthy boy is trying to keep up behind him.
The cartoon that was most effective for me was Mike Thompson's. It portrayed how minorities go through life and what many have to overcome in order to make it through life, yet nobody really can understand. The least effective to me was Dean Camp's cartoon. It did not make me think of Affirmative Action very much, thus it did not seem effective.

PLAGIARISM!

It was interesting looking at the differences between the plagiarized paragraphs and those that were not so. There was an obvious and clear difference between the paragraphs/paraphrases. Looking back on it, I am positive that I have made plagiarism mistakes while writing back in middle school. I used to just switch several words around and slightly change the sentence structure. I am glad I know what to do now though. I fully understand and I promise I will NEVER EVER do it!!!

Thursday, October 9, 2008

Reading Response #4 - image

2) The advertisement with the courage anti-drug is a proposal argument because it proposes that by talking to a friend, a family member, or a lover, you can change the way they go about their life and possibly make a difference with the influence of drugs in their life. All of the different advertisements are proposal arguments because they propose ways that you can stay drug free, prevent drug use, or get off of drugs. By having an anti-drug, they are saying you can make it through life without having to deal with that bad influence. Depending on the ad, the message can differ little by little. With the "regret", it is showing that you do not want to live your whole life regretting the bad decision made earlier in life. With the "I am my anti-drug" it shows that you make life choices. You are the one that controls the path of life. Although people may judge you and talk about you, the ad companies do not want you to become a statistic. People do drugs for different reasons and the advertisements have to stay broad to apply to as many people as possible. In this way, they propose to people that they should stay away from drugs and alcohol.

Reading Response #4 - Botist

Botists argument was talking about the media and its faults at polling the minorities. He talks of the news organizations not interviewing an entire population including the sub-population, but more that they are just polling the population in general which leaves out a significant percent of the population that happens to be minorities. He states the counterarguments about polling minorities being much more expensive since the use of translators and the time to find enough minorities willing to contribute their time. This argument of his is both evaluative and a proposal. It is evaluative because it gives the reader information about the polling that many would be unlikely to know. It gives a better meaning to the information throughout the argument. This is also a persuasive argument because of what Botist says towards the end of his argument. He says, “take this effort to the local level, where people of all racial and ethnic groups live and work in proximity and need to understand the views they do and do not share.”Botist makes a very intriguing argument that I have to agree with. In order to really show accurate results, the polls must incorporate everyone in them especially the minorities who are now in the spotlight have differed views from the Caucasians and each other. The argument made shows a significant amount of information which really helps in making the reader agree with the argument. By talking of the different statistical data Botist can easily persuade the reader.

Reading Response #4 - Tannen

Tannen’s account was interesting. I had really never thought about the differences between a mother/daughter relationship and a mother/son relationship until now. Tannen gave several insights on what she believed was going on between the mother and daughter and showed that they were interpreting each other wrong. While one was just talking with a regular message, the other was focusing on the underlying metamessage. In doing this, problems arose and arguments were started. I believe that the kind of relationship you have with your mother is going to depend on a number of factors. There can be the way you were brought up, any amount of physical or emotional trauma that affected the path towards adulthood, or just being influenced by things around you.
I agree that it is probably difficult to communicate mother to daughter, but like I said…it depends on the people. No one person is alike and therefore some people are going to interact different than others. From personal experience, I find that the mother/son relationship can be a difficult one as well. It can still be strong, but there are several occasions where a clash is bound to happen. It is impossible to predict how people are really going to interact with each other over a lifetime. Things happen, people drift apart, love occurs, and harsh break-ups as well. All that is for sure is that after so many years of upbringing; a mother is always there for her son or daughter. The motherly instinct is eminent.

Friday, October 3, 2008

Research Project Exploration

About half of the remaining coral reefs are at best "fair" and at worst near death, reports a new government assessment. Coral are an important part of the lives of both humans and aquamarine life. They are used as building materials, nutritional value, medicinal treatments, and housing for marine life. These great reefs protect shores from huge ocean swells, storms, and erosion. Many communities get a great amount of their nutrition from coral. Without it, these communities may die. Coral are very sensitive to temperature changes. Global warming has caused a great amount of damage to the reefs. For example, in 1998, El Nino destroyed 90% of the Indian Ocean's reefs with only a two degree temperature change. Reefs are becoming more and more rare. They are being destroyed faster than scientists can collect and analyze data.

I am interested in this topic mainly because I have seen the reefs and they are so magnificent. To see them go is horrible. There needs to be a higher awareness of the down slope of reefs. It is a huge problem that needs to be fixed. Without reefs, people will die, cities will fall, and marine life will dwindle away. This to me is cause enough to spend the semester finding answers! I believe that we need to get more involved with the coral reefs and find a way to rescue them. Humans are hurting the reefs as well. This must be stopped! Humans over fish, poison, and disturb the reefs with tourism. People wonder why the reefs are disappearing?!?!? Hello! Be more responsible and stop the overfishing, the polluting, and the irresponsible tourism.

The people against this would be the fishermen, the companies and cities who dump waste into the ocean, and the tourists who just have to have that special piece of coral to sit at home in a dusty box. The industrial fishing fleets are at fault as well just by the ongoing overfishing. The coral depend on the marine life that overfishing takes away from it. These neglectful people need to see the light! We must act quickly and protect the reefs while we still have the chance.

The reefs are 200 million years old. We cannot allow these great wonders become extinct as the dinosaurs did. We can stop pollutants such as oil, trash, and other human wastes that are just tossed out to sea. Although you may not think you are affecting anything with your small piece of trash, you are actually just adding to the pile of already built up debris that is killing the coral reefs. If everyone picked up one piece of trash or other various debris from the ocean, just think of how much cleaner and well-maintained our world's oceans would be! All it takes is a little effort from everyone and maybe some elbow grease here and there, but it will be worth it in the end, saving lives of both humans and marine life.

Works Cited

"Coral." Conservative Science Institute. CSI. 29 Sept. 2008 http://www.conservationinstitute.org/coral.htm.

"Endangered Coral Reefs Could Face Extinction." Island Business. 2007. 30 Sept. 2008 http://www.islandsbusiness.com/news/index_dynamic/containernametoreplace=middlemiddle/focusmoduleid=130/focuscontentid=13462/tablename=mediarelease/overideskinname=newsarticle-full.tpl.

Kirby, Alex. "Rare and Endangered: Coral Reefs." CDNN. 29 Sept. 2008 .

Final Draft Essay #1

Obesity, depression, and financial problems affect millions of people worldwide. Luckily, there is a cure for these detrimental aspects in life. The answer is extra-curricular activities. Although many parents do not encourage participation in extra-curricular activities, they are a positive aspect of students' school experiences because students will reap health, intellectual and social benefits. Children who do not participate in extra-curricular activities are less likely to obtain these life changing benefits.

Extra-curricular activities help to lead a healthy lifestyle whether it involves lifting weights, participating in team activities, or even walking every day. When watching a sports team in school, there is not one student who is not trying to maintain a more healthy way of life. A more physical approach on life is key to attaining health and overall balance. It centers the body’s chi. When the body is left dormant for long periods of time, weight is put on and eventually obesity can set in. Obesity is an ever occurring dilemma, a disease if you will, in today’s society. Although, with the partaking of extra-curricular activities, it is sure to be a problem no longer. It is true that some parents do not encourage their children because they believe that eating healthy will suffice. This is wrong however, because although eating healthy is beneficial in many ways, it does not affect the body the way sports and other activities will. Extra-curricular activities are what make up a huge percentage of being healthy. Not only does it boost your immune system by being fit, it also gives teens more endurance and the ability to stay awake in classes which increases learning and improves grades.

Children who naturally excel in academics generally have parents who don't encourage them to participate in activities outside of their schoolwork. These parents see their children advancing at high rates in their academics and are afraid of the distraction that extra-curricular activities pose. However, numerous studies show the correlation between students achievements is higher with the simultaneous participation in extra-curricular activities. Those students with a higher abundance of extra-curricular activities and good grades (the well-rounded students) are chosen for various amounts of money to put towards their education. College boards review everything about you, looking for a well-rounded student that sticks out among the rest for their campus. Extra-curricular activities give such an advantage to students that it is almost unfair.

The social benefits are seen with the amount of involvement with other people with like interests. Extra-curricular activities are a great way to make new friends and broaden new horizons. In Alaska, depression is eminent with the 24-hour darkness and the severe cold. It may seem impossible to sneak by Jack Frost without him whistling the tune to your winter solstice blues, but this is not the case when involved in an extra-curricular activity. Involvement in activities keeps the mind and body in check. Depression is less likely to occur when students are involved in extra-curricular activities as studies have shown. These studies have also shown that activities can prove to be an anti-drug/alcohol.

People who are active, involved, and social are more likely to do better in school and in life altogether. Extra-curricular activities give students a way to express themselves, gain a healthy lifestyle, meet new people, and go further in life. The body is in a balance, you are healthy, excelling in school, and making more friends than ever thought possible. This is due to extra-curricular activities. When parents do not encourage their children to apply themselves to activities, they are severely deprived and less likely to obtain the life changing health, social, and intellectual benefits.

Wednesday, October 1, 2008

Workshopping Essay #1-Lindsey G.

Your audience is the hunters, the people who are for hunting being used as a source of food and not sport. The audience you are writing to will support you and your rant about why hunting is a good thing. You are explaining to them what factors contribute to the good of hunting. You give examples showing how the use of wild game as a food source or trading source is needed and successful. You give explanations as to why people hunt and why it is a way of survival and not just fun such as, the hunters may live way out of town and it is cheaper for them to hunt.
Your main reasons for the support of hunting are the obvious necessity of food (survival), that hunting is organized and taken very seriously, it is a good way to control game populations, and that it is much better than the slaughterhouses across America with their hormone injected animals. You have 3 to 4 good solid arguments. I think that you should research the slaughterhouses a little more and perhaps give a statistic or two on the amount of killings per year or the numbers on the aerial wolf killings.
For counterarguments you talk a little about the ethics that anti-hunters see in hunting, but other than that, there really isn't much. You can easily expand on this because there are so many different opinions and counterarguments you can use. Find a few and toss em' in here! Make sure to adequately address the counterarguments though.
The transitions throughout your essay are a bit weak, but that is an easy fix. Try to make each paragraph flow into the next one and make the work as a whole play off of the opening paragraph with your thesis statement. You might try starting with a counterargument and then working into how that is reasonable, but wrong. You repeat yourself a couple times, so I would read through it a few times out loud...or backwards, whichever works best and catch those small errors. You are doing awesome, but like I said, expand a little more on all of your reasons and give some stats!
Your introduction is good, it could be a little more catchy, but the definition of hunting is a good way to bring the readers in. You do not seem to have a conclusion, but you are definitely on the right track and you can whip one out easy with the amount of information you have.
Keep up the good writing! You will change those anti-hunters to gun-slingin' cowboys in no time!

-Logan Lyle

Grammar Girl: Proofreading

I went through some of my other English essays from last year and also the first writing assignment we did and found that the tips given by Grammar Girl and the comments on her website were actually quite helpful. I believe that the reading of my papers backwards worked as the best way to proofread my own essays. It was much harder to do so I was paying extreme attention to the details throughout the essays. I found a spelling error or two and some spacing issues, but as for finding coma errors and things of that caliber, the backwards tip was useless. To find the real sneaky and dirty grammatical errors, I had to read my essays out loud and give my self time to think about the sentence structure, repeating it in my head over and over again.
All in all, I found the Grammar Girl to be very interesting and helpful. I even listened in on a few more of her pod casts on grammar style issues, excessive redundant redundancies, and the grammar manners. I will be using the tips more often and I am positive they will be of great help to my future proofreading.

Monday, December 15, 2008

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