The New York Times
May 9, 2008
This aritcle was clearly written by a democrat. It discusses how Clinton is stuck in a lose lose situation with the new poles that say Clinton will lose as the democratic nominee. Basically, the author thinks she has the right to stay in the race against Obahma, so she fight. At the same time if she stays in the race she could be hurting her party. If she contiues to back Obahma some democrats may not vote for him.
I thought this article was not written well. It was very biased and was a turn off to all republicans. It bashed John McCain saying that he just was another Bush.
Friday, May 9, 2008
Thursday, May 8, 2008
The Death Penalty Returns
The New York Times
This article discusses the rash of executions planned after the Supreme Court ruling on Capital Punishment. The author gives some statistics about the planned executions but immediately shows bias and detracts from their credibility by using the phrase "Machinery of Death". The author proceeds with their bias throughout the rest of the article which also attempts to encompass the capital argument debate in a few sentences. The author also arrogantly assumes all americans share their view against capital punishment. The author makes no attempt to discuss the cons of capital punishment but instead states that the rest of the country feels as do. I'm not sure what the author was trying to say with this article but all it did was anger me.
This article discusses the rash of executions planned after the Supreme Court ruling on Capital Punishment. The author gives some statistics about the planned executions but immediately shows bias and detracts from their credibility by using the phrase "Machinery of Death". The author proceeds with their bias throughout the rest of the article which also attempts to encompass the capital argument debate in a few sentences. The author also arrogantly assumes all americans share their view against capital punishment. The author makes no attempt to discuss the cons of capital punishment but instead states that the rest of the country feels as do. I'm not sure what the author was trying to say with this article but all it did was anger me.
A Shot in the Arm
USA Today
Tom Harkin
This article discusses a farm bill passed by the senate and awaiting the president's signature. The author is the chairman of the senate agriculture committee which clearly establishes his credibility. Unfortunately, perhaps in an attempt to simplify the article for the general public, he makes claims about how the bill might affect farms and the public but doesn't cite any examples of what the bill entails. The reader is stuck with all these promises but not a single detail about what the bill entails or what changes will be made. Like most fast food, it looks good on the menu but most of us have no clue what's in it.
Tom Harkin
This article discusses a farm bill passed by the senate and awaiting the president's signature. The author is the chairman of the senate agriculture committee which clearly establishes his credibility. Unfortunately, perhaps in an attempt to simplify the article for the general public, he makes claims about how the bill might affect farms and the public but doesn't cite any examples of what the bill entails. The reader is stuck with all these promises but not a single detail about what the bill entails or what changes will be made. Like most fast food, it looks good on the menu but most of us have no clue what's in it.
The Tax Trickery Spreads
The New York Times
This article mainly discusses the recent gas tax break proposed by senators Clinton and McCain and how this campaign move has inspired other such proposals in various states. The author argues that this will save the consumer very little but cost the government a great deal. He also cites an example from 2000 when Indiana tried a similar tactic and it cost them dearly. Another point he uses is lowering gas prices will not stifle our dependence on oil thereby leading to even higher prices once the tax break is over. He establishes the senators' moves as being campaign pandering and counterproductive to our national economy at best. This is a concise article stating clear fact from a knowledgeable individual.
This article mainly discusses the recent gas tax break proposed by senators Clinton and McCain and how this campaign move has inspired other such proposals in various states. The author argues that this will save the consumer very little but cost the government a great deal. He also cites an example from 2000 when Indiana tried a similar tactic and it cost them dearly. Another point he uses is lowering gas prices will not stifle our dependence on oil thereby leading to even higher prices once the tax break is over. He establishes the senators' moves as being campaign pandering and counterproductive to our national economy at best. This is a concise article stating clear fact from a knowledgeable individual.
Teaching Rocket Science
The New York Post
May 6, 2008
Author: Unknown
This article was written in response to the recent death of one of the Islamic Jihad members, the head of the bomb making squad. This man was also a teacher in one to the top boys’ preparatory schools in Gaza. The author’s main point of writing is to send a message to Congress to stop sending money to the United Nation’s Relief Work Agency who pays for the running of these schools. This event proves that the leaders of these organizations cannot be trusted with our money. Congress has already considered limiting money sent to these areas, and now the author is encouraging them to do this once more. I agree that this would be an excellent idea!
May 6, 2008
Author: Unknown
This article was written in response to the recent death of one of the Islamic Jihad members, the head of the bomb making squad. This man was also a teacher in one to the top boys’ preparatory schools in Gaza. The author’s main point of writing is to send a message to Congress to stop sending money to the United Nation’s Relief Work Agency who pays for the running of these schools. This event proves that the leaders of these organizations cannot be trusted with our money. Congress has already considered limiting money sent to these areas, and now the author is encouraging them to do this once more. I agree that this would be an excellent idea!
Obama's Opportunity
The New York Post
May 8, 2008
Author: Unknown
The author of the article writes to bring to attention that the fact that Clinton is still in the race is not something to be too upset about, but rather Obama should look at it as an opportunity to show the American people that he can handle conflict and bumps in the road. The American people have seen so far in the campaign that Hillary Clinton is a fighter and she is not going out of this race easily. Obama should use this time to demonstrate to the public his diplomatic skills. I agree with the author of this article in the fact that Clinton has definitely lost the race, and I also have to agree with him that Obama should use this opportunity to his advantage to prove his capabilities to the American people.
May 8, 2008
Author: Unknown
The author of the article writes to bring to attention that the fact that Clinton is still in the race is not something to be too upset about, but rather Obama should look at it as an opportunity to show the American people that he can handle conflict and bumps in the road. The American people have seen so far in the campaign that Hillary Clinton is a fighter and she is not going out of this race easily. Obama should use this time to demonstrate to the public his diplomatic skills. I agree with the author of this article in the fact that Clinton has definitely lost the race, and I also have to agree with him that Obama should use this opportunity to his advantage to prove his capabilities to the American people.
Clinton can't win
Los Angeles Times
May 8, 2008
Author: Unknown
The author of this article believes that Hillary Clinton has officially lost the race. He states that she is now only doing harm to her party and the American people by remaining in the race. She is distracting from the real issues at hand, the fact that the American people need to be informed on the differences in the two real candidates for President. The author gives Hillary full credit for her efforts and says that Obama should not just become the Democratic candidate because he was unopposed, but rather that Hillary truly gave her full efforts in the campaign battle. The author also notes that Hillary has two last options, both ending in not very good outcomes. One is that she can appeal that delegate votes in Florida and Michigan be counted, but it is unlikely to get her anywhere because we are now in mid-swing and the rules cannot be changed. The other is to convince super delegates to vote for her and against what their area has voted, but this is unlikely because it can only do harm to the super delegates in neglecting their peoples’ vote. This was a well written, informative editorial that stated facts and left out bias.
May 8, 2008
Author: Unknown
The author of this article believes that Hillary Clinton has officially lost the race. He states that she is now only doing harm to her party and the American people by remaining in the race. She is distracting from the real issues at hand, the fact that the American people need to be informed on the differences in the two real candidates for President. The author gives Hillary full credit for her efforts and says that Obama should not just become the Democratic candidate because he was unopposed, but rather that Hillary truly gave her full efforts in the campaign battle. The author also notes that Hillary has two last options, both ending in not very good outcomes. One is that she can appeal that delegate votes in Florida and Michigan be counted, but it is unlikely to get her anywhere because we are now in mid-swing and the rules cannot be changed. The other is to convince super delegates to vote for her and against what their area has voted, but this is unlikely because it can only do harm to the super delegates in neglecting their peoples’ vote. This was a well written, informative editorial that stated facts and left out bias.
After the Cyclone
Los Angeles Times
May 7, 2008
Author: Unknown
This article was written concerning the recent cyclone that hit a portion of Southeast Asia called Myanmar. The cyclone has taken the lives of 22,000 people and there are 41,000 more people that are missing. This is a poor country that is not well governed. The government is being accused to not warning its people about the storm they knew was threatening them. The United States is now trying to step in and help as much as they can. So far money and aid have been sent to the country and the U.S. is trying to expedite visas for volunteers that wish to aid the people. Unfortunately though, the author criticizes the President and The First Lady for some of their actions. In the opinion of the author the President made a wrong move in giving an award to the leader of a country that is not in good standing with Myanmar shortly after the cyclone hit. The First Lady also chose a bad time to criticize the government of this country for their failure to warn the people of the approaching storm. The author applauds the efforts the country has made to help this suffering country, but he also brings to light some of the mistakes the leaders of our country have made regarding improper timing of events. This article was well written and brings up factual, logical accusations against our countries leaders, but is not too hard on them so as to turn anyone off.
May 7, 2008
Author: Unknown
This article was written concerning the recent cyclone that hit a portion of Southeast Asia called Myanmar. The cyclone has taken the lives of 22,000 people and there are 41,000 more people that are missing. This is a poor country that is not well governed. The government is being accused to not warning its people about the storm they knew was threatening them. The United States is now trying to step in and help as much as they can. So far money and aid have been sent to the country and the U.S. is trying to expedite visas for volunteers that wish to aid the people. Unfortunately though, the author criticizes the President and The First Lady for some of their actions. In the opinion of the author the President made a wrong move in giving an award to the leader of a country that is not in good standing with Myanmar shortly after the cyclone hit. The First Lady also chose a bad time to criticize the government of this country for their failure to warn the people of the approaching storm. The author applauds the efforts the country has made to help this suffering country, but he also brings to light some of the mistakes the leaders of our country have made regarding improper timing of events. This article was well written and brings up factual, logical accusations against our countries leaders, but is not too hard on them so as to turn anyone off.
Toward Better Student Lending
The New York Times
May 8, 2008
Author: Unknown
This article pertains to the government making new law regarding student loans. In recent years students have faced difficultly in actually getting what they bargained for out of student loans. The government has stepped in and said that the lenders are required to stay in the market even when times are rough on them in order to fulfill their obligation to the students they are aiding. Since times are not great for student loans the government will occasionally step in and make direct loans to students, but this is not a common practice and may not become common in the near future. The author suggests various ways that he feels will address some of the problems faced in the student loan market. This article provides good information, but was somewhat confusing to me. If I had better knowledge of the subject matter, I believe this would have been a very informative article.
May 8, 2008
Author: Unknown
This article pertains to the government making new law regarding student loans. In recent years students have faced difficultly in actually getting what they bargained for out of student loans. The government has stepped in and said that the lenders are required to stay in the market even when times are rough on them in order to fulfill their obligation to the students they are aiding. Since times are not great for student loans the government will occasionally step in and make direct loans to students, but this is not a common practice and may not become common in the near future. The author suggests various ways that he feels will address some of the problems faced in the student loan market. This article provides good information, but was somewhat confusing to me. If I had better knowledge of the subject matter, I believe this would have been a very informative article.
The Tax Trickery Spreads
The New York Times
May 8, 2008
Author: Unknown
This article concerns the mention of a reduction of tax on gas in the upcoming months. Senator Clinton and McCain both are in support of this tax; one because they are in the presidential race and believe this will appeal to voters, but also because they are looking to give the Americans some relief at the pump. The author of this article does not believe this is the right way to go about lowering gas prices. He says that this move will only hurt the economy and only aid the average driver about $2.50 a month. The economy will suffer because the proper taxes will not be collected from gas purchases. The author states that if the government is concerned with conserving fossil fuels, they should increase the price of gas instead of decreasing it to make it more appealing to the consumer. The author also believes the two presidential candidates that support this plan of action do not have proper evidence of the success of the tax cut. Personally, I would enjoy any relief I can get in gas prices, especially with summer approaching, but what do I know about how my selfish wants will affect the economy as a whole. Hopefully the law makers have a better sense of economics than the two Presidential candidates admit to having.
May 8, 2008
Author: Unknown
This article concerns the mention of a reduction of tax on gas in the upcoming months. Senator Clinton and McCain both are in support of this tax; one because they are in the presidential race and believe this will appeal to voters, but also because they are looking to give the Americans some relief at the pump. The author of this article does not believe this is the right way to go about lowering gas prices. He says that this move will only hurt the economy and only aid the average driver about $2.50 a month. The economy will suffer because the proper taxes will not be collected from gas purchases. The author states that if the government is concerned with conserving fossil fuels, they should increase the price of gas instead of decreasing it to make it more appealing to the consumer. The author also believes the two presidential candidates that support this plan of action do not have proper evidence of the success of the tax cut. Personally, I would enjoy any relief I can get in gas prices, especially with summer approaching, but what do I know about how my selfish wants will affect the economy as a whole. Hopefully the law makers have a better sense of economics than the two Presidential candidates admit to having.
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Crippled Election Commission
The New York Times
May 8, 2007
Author: Unknown
This article addresses the concern that the Election Commission in now missing four of its six members and is unlikely to be able to function under these conditions. The Commission has just gotten rid of one of its members because he called to question John McCain's campaign funding. The author applauds the member, David Mason, for standing up for a discrepancy and for what he believes is right. In the author's opinion more credible people should be considered for the job than are currently under review for the position. As of now Hans von Spakovsky is an possible candidate for the job, but the author and many others are in strong opposition to him getting the job. The author gives his opinion that he would be an awful person to appoint to the position because of his opposition to minority voting. The article is well written and informative. I learned some good information by reading this article that I would have otherwise paid much attention to. It is a good issue to be aware of because of the coming election.
May 8, 2007
Author: Unknown
This article addresses the concern that the Election Commission in now missing four of its six members and is unlikely to be able to function under these conditions. The Commission has just gotten rid of one of its members because he called to question John McCain's campaign funding. The author applauds the member, David Mason, for standing up for a discrepancy and for what he believes is right. In the author's opinion more credible people should be considered for the job than are currently under review for the position. As of now Hans von Spakovsky is an possible candidate for the job, but the author and many others are in strong opposition to him getting the job. The author gives his opinion that he would be an awful person to appoint to the position because of his opposition to minority voting. The article is well written and informative. I learned some good information by reading this article that I would have otherwise paid much attention to. It is a good issue to be aware of because of the coming election.
It's about the White House
New York Times
may 7, 2008
Author: Unknown
The author of this article is writing to criticize the progress of the presidential race. He believes that Clinton and Obama are too busy trying to decide how the Democratic Party will determine who is president. He says that they should focus more on the issues the American people are interested in hearing that will help them decide who they really want running our country. The author states that there are major differences in the Democratic candidates and the Republican candidate, but Obama and Clinton have not separated their views enough for the people to make their decision. Through the author's extreme criticism of John McCain's right wing views, it can be determined that a bias was present in writing this article. It was a well written article stating some changes that need to be made in order to draw much need lines between where the Democratic candidates stand on certain views, but it was heavily opinionated in the Democrats favor.
may 7, 2008
Author: Unknown
The author of this article is writing to criticize the progress of the presidential race. He believes that Clinton and Obama are too busy trying to decide how the Democratic Party will determine who is president. He says that they should focus more on the issues the American people are interested in hearing that will help them decide who they really want running our country. The author states that there are major differences in the Democratic candidates and the Republican candidate, but Obama and Clinton have not separated their views enough for the people to make their decision. Through the author's extreme criticism of John McCain's right wing views, it can be determined that a bias was present in writing this article. It was a well written article stating some changes that need to be made in order to draw much need lines between where the Democratic candidates stand on certain views, but it was heavily opinionated in the Democrats favor.
The Death Penalty Reutrns
The New York Times
May 7, 2008
Author: Unknown
This article addresses the influx of people that will be put to death by lethal injection this year. The article states that between now and October there will be 15 deaths, and by the end of the year there may be as many as 50 to 60 deaths scheduled. The author does not believe in the death penalty and asks us to reconsider our opinion of the act as well. He brings up the fact that some of the drugs used on the people being executed have been known to cause extreme pain and this is a possible violation of the 8th amendment regarding cruel and unusual punishment. He wraps up his argument by restating that with the numbers of people being executed rapidly growing we should take into deep consideration whether our capital punishment laws are still valid. After reading this article I am still in disgust that our nation continues to allow such intolerable acts to take place, and hearing that the prisoners endure extreme pain at the time of the execution made me even angrier.
May 7, 2008
Author: Unknown
This article addresses the influx of people that will be put to death by lethal injection this year. The article states that between now and October there will be 15 deaths, and by the end of the year there may be as many as 50 to 60 deaths scheduled. The author does not believe in the death penalty and asks us to reconsider our opinion of the act as well. He brings up the fact that some of the drugs used on the people being executed have been known to cause extreme pain and this is a possible violation of the 8th amendment regarding cruel and unusual punishment. He wraps up his argument by restating that with the numbers of people being executed rapidly growing we should take into deep consideration whether our capital punishment laws are still valid. After reading this article I am still in disgust that our nation continues to allow such intolerable acts to take place, and hearing that the prisoners endure extreme pain at the time of the execution made me even angrier.
The Gas-Guzzler Gambit
This is an editorial piece on the gas tax. It written in a fairly abrasive manner and I could definitely see how some people would be turned away from it. As a whole, it quotes mostly mainstream economists and logical arguments stating that removing the gas tax is a bad economic idea. Despite his well researched points and logical arguments, I find that he doesn't actually argue against the topic as if he's trying to convince the reader. Instead, its almost as if I'm reading a page out of his journal in which he is griping about the state of our economy and why. The writer then goes on to insult Clinton for her blind support of this bill despite being completely unable to defend why she thinks it is a good idea. Claiming she's pandering for votes, the writer is obviously insulted. On the other hand, Obama is commended for not "caving" into this voting fishhook. Overall, while I do actually agree with the writer, this is an absolutely terrible article.
Sharpton Arrested At Protest Of Police Shooting
I first clicked on this article because I saw Sharpton's name and he never fails to make me smile. Aside from Sharpton's antics, however, this was an interesting article that was very well written. Al Sharpton and others gathered in front of a police station to protest the killing of a black man by three police officers. Calling it a hate crime, these people peacefully protested and demand that these officers be tried. The crowd did not leave after the police demanded it of them, and so Sharpton and his fellows were arrested. I thought this article was so well written because it remained completely unbiased in the face of very heated issues. Also, while remaining unbiased, the article managed to give facts about the case that lead the readers to their own opinions. Included in these fact are that the three officers were white, black, and hispanic. This information was not given in contradiction to the statement about this being a hate crime but instead was given at the end with other police information. The author also made good use of a quote by the victim's aunt, stating that "never has a white cop been convicted for killing a black man." While this statement is blatantly untrue, ignorant, and easily arguable, the writer did not even attempt a rebuttal but instead left the reader to criticize the statement.
Clinton Loans Herself $6.4 Million
This was an enlightening article about Hilary Clinton's campaign finances. While I was under the impression candidates usually raised money from outside sources (politicians, supportive businesses, corporations, citizens, fund raisers, etc.), this article describes Clinton's massive "donations" to her own cause. While it is normal for politicians to use some of their own money for funding, Clinton has so far "donated" $11.4 Million to her own cause. As an article, I found that it was well written and did not appear biased at all. Although it was not opinionated, I do feel the author recognized Clinton's finances as a problem because of the actual facts presented. After describing Hillary's loans, the article goes on to state the timeline in which it occurred, making it a point to state that she must continue to do this because she keeps losing support.
Luncheon created new pride in BR
The Advocate
May 7, 2008
Author: Dale Brown
Dale Brown wrote this article after recently attending the "What's Good in Baton Rouge" luncheon. He states that he left the luncheon with a greater sense of pride in the Baton Rouge community than he originally had. He acknowledged the "camaraderie, pride, spirit, and talent" impressed him. He also said that it upsets him that people in other parts of the country are making statements that Louisiana has a problem with ethics. He makes his claims sound credible by saying that he has traveled around the world (90 different countries) and he is still proud to call Louisiana home. I thought this was a pretty cool opinion article and it instilled an extra little sense of pride in my city.
May 7, 2008
Author: Dale Brown
Dale Brown wrote this article after recently attending the "What's Good in Baton Rouge" luncheon. He states that he left the luncheon with a greater sense of pride in the Baton Rouge community than he originally had. He acknowledged the "camaraderie, pride, spirit, and talent" impressed him. He also said that it upsets him that people in other parts of the country are making statements that Louisiana has a problem with ethics. He makes his claims sound credible by saying that he has traveled around the world (90 different countries) and he is still proud to call Louisiana home. I thought this was a pretty cool opinion article and it instilled an extra little sense of pride in my city.
When Genes Go Retro
New York Times
May 6, 2008
Olivia Judson
The article discusses what goes on with DNA and RNA. It discusses how DNA holds the information, but RNA does all the work. It takes it in an interesting way thought. It talks of DNA being the celebrity just sitting and looking pretty, while RNA does all the work in the cell. It then goes to talk about retrogenes. They are genes that are made from going backwards when making the DNA. They are like DNA but do no have to stay with the "parent" DNA and can have different funtions. The retrogene can be turned on or off in gene expression. It ends in telling how it effects the sex X and Y chromosomes in humans.
I'm not really sure why this is in an opinion section. It mainly just tells about genes and retrogenes. But it was an interesting topic and the author was very good at keeping attention. She knew the facts but did not present them in a boring way. She used common language that everyone could understand. She also seems credible because she cites her sources at the end of the article. Overall effective article with getting her information across, but I'm not sure where the opinion comes in.
May 6, 2008
Olivia Judson
The article discusses what goes on with DNA and RNA. It discusses how DNA holds the information, but RNA does all the work. It takes it in an interesting way thought. It talks of DNA being the celebrity just sitting and looking pretty, while RNA does all the work in the cell. It then goes to talk about retrogenes. They are genes that are made from going backwards when making the DNA. They are like DNA but do no have to stay with the "parent" DNA and can have different funtions. The retrogene can be turned on or off in gene expression. It ends in telling how it effects the sex X and Y chromosomes in humans.
I'm not really sure why this is in an opinion section. It mainly just tells about genes and retrogenes. But it was an interesting topic and the author was very good at keeping attention. She knew the facts but did not present them in a boring way. She used common language that everyone could understand. She also seems credible because she cites her sources at the end of the article. Overall effective article with getting her information across, but I'm not sure where the opinion comes in.
Another Horse-Racing Horror
New York Times
Date: May 6, 2008
This article talks about the tragedy of one particular horse, the 3-year-old filly, Eight Belles. She broke both of her front ankles immediately after coming in second in the Kentucky Derby. The question has arosed whether or not young thoroughbreds should be allowed to race because of the serious injuries they often face. Some people that actually race their young horses believe that it is a good idea because it puts them ahead of the rest of the horses and helps them get early practice. The article quotes, "There are, of course, owners and trainers who love thoroughbreds for themselves and for their ability to perform on the racetrack, which is a reasonable test of sound breeding." But then there are others that doesn't think it's such a good idea more concerned about the horses' well-being. "The first rule of racing must be the welfare of these horses."
Date: May 6, 2008
This article talks about the tragedy of one particular horse, the 3-year-old filly, Eight Belles. She broke both of her front ankles immediately after coming in second in the Kentucky Derby. The question has arosed whether or not young thoroughbreds should be allowed to race because of the serious injuries they often face. Some people that actually race their young horses believe that it is a good idea because it puts them ahead of the rest of the horses and helps them get early practice. The article quotes, "There are, of course, owners and trainers who love thoroughbreds for themselves and for their ability to perform on the racetrack, which is a reasonable test of sound breeding." But then there are others that doesn't think it's such a good idea more concerned about the horses' well-being. "The first rule of racing must be the welfare of these horses."
The Cost of Smarts
New York Times
Date: May 7, 2008
"Intelligence, it turns out, is a high-priced option." This article was extremely interesting! It was pretty much saying that humans aren't as smart as we think we are and that animals might just have some sort of advantage over us. It was saying that it isn't terribly bad to not be so smart and that intelligence was a high-priced option. Meaning that it is a gradual process and it takes much effort in learning something, as opposed to animals and their instinct in knowing what to do and when to stop. It then went on to say, what if animals were put in our place in the lab, what would they say about us? It said they would probably want to test us to determine the limits of our patience, our faithfulness, our memory for terrain. And then it would raise the question, are humans actually aware of the world they live in? Kind of spooky huh? Now, I have you thinking too!
Date: May 7, 2008
"Intelligence, it turns out, is a high-priced option." This article was extremely interesting! It was pretty much saying that humans aren't as smart as we think we are and that animals might just have some sort of advantage over us. It was saying that it isn't terribly bad to not be so smart and that intelligence was a high-priced option. Meaning that it is a gradual process and it takes much effort in learning something, as opposed to animals and their instinct in knowing what to do and when to stop. It then went on to say, what if animals were put in our place in the lab, what would they say about us? It said they would probably want to test us to determine the limits of our patience, our faithfulness, our memory for terrain. And then it would raise the question, are humans actually aware of the world they live in? Kind of spooky huh? Now, I have you thinking too!
Disaster in Myanmar
New York Times
Date: May 7, 2008
"Helping the people of Myanmar is the immediate task. In time, the world can redouble its effort to free Myanmar from the great disaster of the junta itself." This article talks about the devastation that took place Myanmar, which was a a 12-foot wall of water. It swept away entire villages, left the coastal plain under water, thousands of people dead, missing or homeless and much of the capital city of Yangon without electricity or water. Myanmar has been ruled under military dictatorship for 46 years and they are scared to say that because this devastation has occurred, that they might need to bring in politics. President Bush has already given them $3.25 million and said that the United States is ready to do much more. "Helping the people of Myanmar is the immediate task. In time, the world can redouble its effort to free Myanmar from the great disaster of the junta itself. "
Date: May 7, 2008
"Helping the people of Myanmar is the immediate task. In time, the world can redouble its effort to free Myanmar from the great disaster of the junta itself." This article talks about the devastation that took place Myanmar, which was a a 12-foot wall of water. It swept away entire villages, left the coastal plain under water, thousands of people dead, missing or homeless and much of the capital city of Yangon without electricity or water. Myanmar has been ruled under military dictatorship for 46 years and they are scared to say that because this devastation has occurred, that they might need to bring in politics. President Bush has already given them $3.25 million and said that the United States is ready to do much more. "Helping the people of Myanmar is the immediate task. In time, the world can redouble its effort to free Myanmar from the great disaster of the junta itself. "
The Death Penalty Returns (New York Times)
"We believe that the taking of a life by the state is in all cases wrong, but it is particularly so with the deeply flawed system that exists today." This quote is taken from the Article The Death Penalty Returns. The article mainly talks about the rise of discussion in bringing back the death penalty. I can not totally understand whether or not the author is for or against the death penalty, however, some do argue that it might not be such a good idea for the simple fact that it has been found that some innocent people have been put to death. One guy explained, "his hope that the case would generate debate not just about lethal injection but about the justification for the death penalty itself.” In addition, it talks about Texas and how there will be, without a doubt, a number of people put to death if this occurs. That's pretty scary knowing that Texas is a very close state to us! In closing, the article says that there will be various debates towards this subject across the entire country.
The Death Penalty Returns
The New York Times
Author: Unknown
May 7, 2008
After reading this article, I still could not tell if the author was for or against the death penalty. He did a great job of explaining the number of deaths coming about and the statements from the Supreme Court, but he really did not point the readers to a conclusion. He explains the nearly 15 death row prisoners are scheduled to be put to death between now and October. He states, "This flood of executions is the result of the Supreme Court’s ruling that upheld the constitutionality of a troubling form of lethal injection. The next few months, as states put their machinery of death into overdrive, are an ideal time for the nation to rethink its commitment to capital punishment." These are the only two sentences that almost tell the reader what he thinks about the situation, but he never comes out and actually makes it clear. Throughout the rest of the article, the author explains the death penalty and the lethal injection, along with the explaining the Supreme Courts decision and the amendments. He ends the article without a solution to the problem, which I think is very important to do when writing an opinion peice.
Author: Unknown
May 7, 2008
After reading this article, I still could not tell if the author was for or against the death penalty. He did a great job of explaining the number of deaths coming about and the statements from the Supreme Court, but he really did not point the readers to a conclusion. He explains the nearly 15 death row prisoners are scheduled to be put to death between now and October. He states, "This flood of executions is the result of the Supreme Court’s ruling that upheld the constitutionality of a troubling form of lethal injection. The next few months, as states put their machinery of death into overdrive, are an ideal time for the nation to rethink its commitment to capital punishment." These are the only two sentences that almost tell the reader what he thinks about the situation, but he never comes out and actually makes it clear. Throughout the rest of the article, the author explains the death penalty and the lethal injection, along with the explaining the Supreme Courts decision and the amendments. He ends the article without a solution to the problem, which I think is very important to do when writing an opinion peice.
The Cost of Smarts
The New York Times
Author: Verlyn Klinkenborg
May 7, 2008
This article written by Verlyn Klinkenborg came from the editorial notebook of The New York Times. I have read some of her ediroials before, and they are all a little over the top. She sometimes does not even have an argument. Many times she writes about the description of things like operas or mountains. I was skeptical at first about writing a blog on an article written by her, but as I began to read this one, it actually had a point. This is the first article that really made me think on the authors perspective. She talks about the research on animal intelligence and she refers to a recent article in Science Times about fruit flies who were taught to be smarter than the average fruit fly and how they had a shorter life. She states, "Intelligence, it turns out, is a high-priced option. It takes more upkeep, burns more fuel and is slow off the starting line because it depends on learning — a gradual process — instead of instinct. Plenty of other species are able to learn, and one of the things they’ve apparently learned is when to stop." She goes on to ask the reader what if animals could perform experiments on humans? Think about what they would perform on you. I still think this author is a little crazy, but at least this article actually had an argument instead of just decribing some random object.
Author: Verlyn Klinkenborg
May 7, 2008
This article written by Verlyn Klinkenborg came from the editorial notebook of The New York Times. I have read some of her ediroials before, and they are all a little over the top. She sometimes does not even have an argument. Many times she writes about the description of things like operas or mountains. I was skeptical at first about writing a blog on an article written by her, but as I began to read this one, it actually had a point. This is the first article that really made me think on the authors perspective. She talks about the research on animal intelligence and she refers to a recent article in Science Times about fruit flies who were taught to be smarter than the average fruit fly and how they had a shorter life. She states, "Intelligence, it turns out, is a high-priced option. It takes more upkeep, burns more fuel and is slow off the starting line because it depends on learning — a gradual process — instead of instinct. Plenty of other species are able to learn, and one of the things they’ve apparently learned is when to stop." She goes on to ask the reader what if animals could perform experiments on humans? Think about what they would perform on you. I still think this author is a little crazy, but at least this article actually had an argument instead of just decribing some random object.
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Missing Records
The New York Times
May 4, 2008
Author: Unknown
This article is written concerning the health records and financial records of the Republican Presidential nomination, John McCain. The author of this article believes that John McCain, the 71 year old presidential nominee should have provided the public with a full report concerning his health by this point in the race. The author says that the excuse that the medical doctors are too busy has gotten old. McCain is expected to give Americans a full report on May 23. The Senator's health is more of a concern than other candidates because of his age and since he has had skin cancer removed in the recent years. If elected John McCain will be the oldest president beginning a presidential term the United States has had. The article also discusses the fact that the candidates have all failed in properly issuing their tax reports to the public. The author is concerned that their inability to follow the rules this early in the game is a bad sign of what to come in the White House. He makes his opinion quite clear, but I'm not so sure about all that.
May 4, 2008
Author: Unknown
This article is written concerning the health records and financial records of the Republican Presidential nomination, John McCain. The author of this article believes that John McCain, the 71 year old presidential nominee should have provided the public with a full report concerning his health by this point in the race. The author says that the excuse that the medical doctors are too busy has gotten old. McCain is expected to give Americans a full report on May 23. The Senator's health is more of a concern than other candidates because of his age and since he has had skin cancer removed in the recent years. If elected John McCain will be the oldest president beginning a presidential term the United States has had. The article also discusses the fact that the candidates have all failed in properly issuing their tax reports to the public. The author is concerned that their inability to follow the rules this early in the game is a bad sign of what to come in the White House. He makes his opinion quite clear, but I'm not so sure about all that.
Another Horse-Racing Horror
The New York Times
May 6, 2008
The author of this article expresses his disgust over the death of Eight Belles in the Kentucky Derby this past weekend. He states that there should be no reason a horse should die after running a mile and a quarter race. He says that the young horses are being raced before all of their bones are finished forming. This is probably the reason that both of the 3 year old horse's ankles broke. The author says that there are some people in the horse racing world that truly care about the welfare of the horses, but he does not approve of the people that use horses as a means to make money. He does a good job of winning over the audience with an emotional appeal by addressing the beauty of horses and then stating that the mistreatment of these animals needs to be stopped.
May 6, 2008
The author of this article expresses his disgust over the death of Eight Belles in the Kentucky Derby this past weekend. He states that there should be no reason a horse should die after running a mile and a quarter race. He says that the young horses are being raced before all of their bones are finished forming. This is probably the reason that both of the 3 year old horse's ankles broke. The author says that there are some people in the horse racing world that truly care about the welfare of the horses, but he does not approve of the people that use horses as a means to make money. He does a good job of winning over the audience with an emotional appeal by addressing the beauty of horses and then stating that the mistreatment of these animals needs to be stopped.
Food Emergency
New York Times
May 6, 2008
Author Unknown
The author touches on the current food issue in Congress. Due to the current gas crisis leading scientists to find new ways of fuel, food prices have soared. Food riots have broken out in countries such as Haiti and Egypt. But America isn't helping this problem, because the US purchases food products from American farmers and sells them overseas. This cost millions in shipping funds. President Bush is asking Congress for $770 million which would boost American food aid to roughly $5 million over the next two years. The author is clearly in favor of Congress allowing President Bush to do so becasue he clearly states that we need this. He also just touches on the positives of this bill and does not tell the negative effects of it. Overall it is a well written article, but could use the other side of the arguement.
May 6, 2008
Author Unknown
The author touches on the current food issue in Congress. Due to the current gas crisis leading scientists to find new ways of fuel, food prices have soared. Food riots have broken out in countries such as Haiti and Egypt. But America isn't helping this problem, because the US purchases food products from American farmers and sells them overseas. This cost millions in shipping funds. President Bush is asking Congress for $770 million which would boost American food aid to roughly $5 million over the next two years. The author is clearly in favor of Congress allowing President Bush to do so becasue he clearly states that we need this. He also just touches on the positives of this bill and does not tell the negative effects of it. Overall it is a well written article, but could use the other side of the arguement.
Service taxes just might work
Los Angeles Times
May 6, 2008
This article discusses the service tax that California is considering passing. This tax would be issued to help the economy generate revenue from the services being performed. Since California is seeing an increase of services being performed, the lawmakers believe that a new tax should be implemented in addition to the sales tax that the citizens already pay. This tax would help with public safety, education, road repairs and aiding the poor and elderly. The governor and the California Chamber of Commerce have already said no to this, but the Democrats in California are pushing for this added tax. The author of this article has presented all of the necessary facts to inform the reader of what is going on. Overall the author comes across as believing that the tax would be beneficial to the economy in California.
May 6, 2008
This article discusses the service tax that California is considering passing. This tax would be issued to help the economy generate revenue from the services being performed. Since California is seeing an increase of services being performed, the lawmakers believe that a new tax should be implemented in addition to the sales tax that the citizens already pay. This tax would help with public safety, education, road repairs and aiding the poor and elderly. The governor and the California Chamber of Commerce have already said no to this, but the Democrats in California are pushing for this added tax. The author of this article has presented all of the necessary facts to inform the reader of what is going on. Overall the author comes across as believing that the tax would be beneficial to the economy in California.
Yahoogle boondoggle
Las Angeles Times
May 6, 2008
This article discusses the possibility that Yahoo and Google might merge. The author believes that this would be a bad move for advertisers and the public. Google is the number one search engine and Yahoo is second behind it, but significantly behind it in the market share. Microsoft originally wanted to purchase Yahoo for 43 billion dollars, but Yahoo was asking for more. Many people were pleased when the deal did not go through, especially Google because of its possible interest in taking over Yahoo. The author say that if Google takes over the two search engines' search advertising is would make it extremely difficult for any other search advertiser to compete with them. The author basically wants to keep fair competition in the search engine advertising world alive.
May 6, 2008
This article discusses the possibility that Yahoo and Google might merge. The author believes that this would be a bad move for advertisers and the public. Google is the number one search engine and Yahoo is second behind it, but significantly behind it in the market share. Microsoft originally wanted to purchase Yahoo for 43 billion dollars, but Yahoo was asking for more. Many people were pleased when the deal did not go through, especially Google because of its possible interest in taking over Yahoo. The author say that if Google takes over the two search engines' search advertising is would make it extremely difficult for any other search advertiser to compete with them. The author basically wants to keep fair competition in the search engine advertising world alive.
Racehorses bred for death?
Las Angeles Times
May 6, 2006
This article was written in light of the recent death of the place winning horse at the Kentucky Derby this past weekend. It discusses how the horse racing industry needs to reevaluate different aspects and requirements of how it is run before it faces tougher sanctions. The author refers to the over breeding of race horses, especially the famous bloodline from Native Dancer. The author presents facts effectively, such as the fact that over 700 horses die a year on race tracks. The author also refers to an article written in the Wall Street Journal the day before the race about leg injuries involved in horse racing. The author wants to make the public aware of possible mistreatment of animals in this area that we know little about. What will we do now to fix the conditions these animals are facing?
May 6, 2006
This article was written in light of the recent death of the place winning horse at the Kentucky Derby this past weekend. It discusses how the horse racing industry needs to reevaluate different aspects and requirements of how it is run before it faces tougher sanctions. The author refers to the over breeding of race horses, especially the famous bloodline from Native Dancer. The author presents facts effectively, such as the fact that over 700 horses die a year on race tracks. The author also refers to an article written in the Wall Street Journal the day before the race about leg injuries involved in horse racing. The author wants to make the public aware of possible mistreatment of animals in this area that we know little about. What will we do now to fix the conditions these animals are facing?
Monday, May 5, 2008
Pain at the Pump: At least gas tax isn't going up
Charlie Mitchell
The Sun Herald
April 30, 2008
This article was very well researched and provided a lot of good facts to support his claim. He says that although gas prices are going high that it could be much worse if the gas tax had risen. He notes that in England gas is around $6 a gallon and rising there as well. He also says that this new rise in gas prices is a good way to push the new technology to the front of the media. This new technology he says is not given enough attention by the media. He provides four examples of these new technologies, two of which I had never heard of (so he was right!). I thought it was a very good article that presented a side of the issue I had not thought about.
The Sun Herald
April 30, 2008
This article was very well researched and provided a lot of good facts to support his claim. He says that although gas prices are going high that it could be much worse if the gas tax had risen. He notes that in England gas is around $6 a gallon and rising there as well. He also says that this new rise in gas prices is a good way to push the new technology to the front of the media. This new technology he says is not given enough attention by the media. He provides four examples of these new technologies, two of which I had never heard of (so he was right!). I thought it was a very good article that presented a side of the issue I had not thought about.
Have A Happy Fiesta
The New York Times
Author: Unknown
May 5, 2008
The author begins this article by talking about Halmark created Mothers Day and how a jewerly store profits from valentines day. By beginning the article like this, it is interesting and thought provoking about what the author is going to say next. The article goes on to talk about how cinco de mayo is the beer, Coronoa's, biggest day. Over 60,000 cases of tequila were sold last year during the first week of May. Also, he states that guacamole is bigger than the superbowl. After explaining what cinco de mayo is all about and the history of it, he goes on to say how the puerto ricans argue that is has nothing to do with them, and the latinos are "offended by how American consumer culture has turned a symbol of anti-imperialist struggle into a marketing tool." Overall, the article really did not have a strong argument, or any argument at all. The author was just trying to write a happy article on the fun of cinco de mayo.
Author: Unknown
May 5, 2008
The author begins this article by talking about Halmark created Mothers Day and how a jewerly store profits from valentines day. By beginning the article like this, it is interesting and thought provoking about what the author is going to say next. The article goes on to talk about how cinco de mayo is the beer, Coronoa's, biggest day. Over 60,000 cases of tequila were sold last year during the first week of May. Also, he states that guacamole is bigger than the superbowl. After explaining what cinco de mayo is all about and the history of it, he goes on to say how the puerto ricans argue that is has nothing to do with them, and the latinos are "offended by how American consumer culture has turned a symbol of anti-imperialist struggle into a marketing tool." Overall, the article really did not have a strong argument, or any argument at all. The author was just trying to write a happy article on the fun of cinco de mayo.
Sunday, May 4, 2008
The Gas-Guzzler Gambit
The New York Times
Author: Unknown
May 4, 2008
In this article, the author is talking about the proposal that John McCain and Hilary Clinton made concerning a temporary suspension of the federal gasoline tax between memorial day to labor day. The author states, " The proposal may draw applause and votes from Americans feeling the pain of nearly $4-a-gallon gasoline. But it is an expensive and environmentally unsound policy that would do nothing to help American drivers." Right of the bat, the author is being biased in the first paragraph of the article. This effects the reader from the beginning of the article by thinking, "oh, is this author really credible or is he just trying to argue his point for his own pleasure." He believes that this is the wrong approach for global warming and the rising energy prices. At the end, he states, "Neither Mrs. Clinton nor Mr. McCain have explained the inconsistency in their positions. We know pandering when we see it. We also know that suspending the gas tax for the summer won’t solve this country’s energy problems or even reduce the price of gas." He is reffering to "We" as if everyone reading the article agrees with him. Throughout the entire article, the author is just stating his opinions. Whether his opinions are right or wrong, it would be a more credible article if he would have stated some facts to back his opinions up. This article started off in a bad way which made me not like it from the start. It would have been much better if the author waited until he could prove some trustworthy points before practically blurting out that the proposal is stupid.
Author: Unknown
May 4, 2008
In this article, the author is talking about the proposal that John McCain and Hilary Clinton made concerning a temporary suspension of the federal gasoline tax between memorial day to labor day. The author states, " The proposal may draw applause and votes from Americans feeling the pain of nearly $4-a-gallon gasoline. But it is an expensive and environmentally unsound policy that would do nothing to help American drivers." Right of the bat, the author is being biased in the first paragraph of the article. This effects the reader from the beginning of the article by thinking, "oh, is this author really credible or is he just trying to argue his point for his own pleasure." He believes that this is the wrong approach for global warming and the rising energy prices. At the end, he states, "Neither Mrs. Clinton nor Mr. McCain have explained the inconsistency in their positions. We know pandering when we see it. We also know that suspending the gas tax for the summer won’t solve this country’s energy problems or even reduce the price of gas." He is reffering to "We" as if everyone reading the article agrees with him. Throughout the entire article, the author is just stating his opinions. Whether his opinions are right or wrong, it would be a more credible article if he would have stated some facts to back his opinions up. This article started off in a bad way which made me not like it from the start. It would have been much better if the author waited until he could prove some trustworthy points before practically blurting out that the proposal is stupid.
Race and American Memory
by Roger Cohen
Elyse Bower
May 4,2008
This article compares how the holocaust and Americas battle with race. The author points out how the United States has a huge memorial to the holocaust's and the victims weren't even American. He then goes on to say that our museum to the civil rights movement is not as grand. He makes a good point when he says that it takes time for people to realize what has happened in history. He qoutes someone by saying that America is ready for a Museum of African American history that was approved by congress in 2003. The author feels that if Obama wins the race it will show Americas victory over visceral blemish. The author tells of his experience in Berlin where a museum was being built for the holocaust and how the same company that was responsible for the toxic gas was contributing to the funding of the museum. The main point is that it takes time for people to accept responsibility for what happened in history and get past their guilt. I liked this article and the author seemed knowlegable about the museums because he has visited them. He gets to the point and dosen't stray far from it.
Elyse Bower
May 4,2008
This article compares how the holocaust and Americas battle with race. The author points out how the United States has a huge memorial to the holocaust's and the victims weren't even American. He then goes on to say that our museum to the civil rights movement is not as grand. He makes a good point when he says that it takes time for people to realize what has happened in history. He qoutes someone by saying that America is ready for a Museum of African American history that was approved by congress in 2003. The author feels that if Obama wins the race it will show Americas victory over visceral blemish. The author tells of his experience in Berlin where a museum was being built for the holocaust and how the same company that was responsible for the toxic gas was contributing to the funding of the museum. The main point is that it takes time for people to accept responsibility for what happened in history and get past their guilt. I liked this article and the author seemed knowlegable about the museums because he has visited them. He gets to the point and dosen't stray far from it.
Our Favorite Planet
by Nicholas Kristof
Elyse Bower
May 4,2008
This article focuses on the different ways we can reduce the emission of carbon dioxide in the environment. The author shows you the many ways that have been presented such as solar energy, wind energy, and planting plants in the ocean to suck up carbon dioxide. The author ridicules president Bushes plan to stop the accumulation of nuclear weapons by 2025. He also shows the side of how some people believe that the climate change is a hoax. He gives the facts that China and the United states are the top countries in carbon emissions. He also focuses alot on the cap and trade system which he never fully explains what it is and I didn't know through the whole article. The autor also propses that the next president should invest in finding new ways to conserve energy along with a carbon tax and cap and trade system. I liked this article because it shows the many aspects of conserving energy and the problems we have with other countries not participating in the energy conservation effort.
Elyse Bower
May 4,2008
This article focuses on the different ways we can reduce the emission of carbon dioxide in the environment. The author shows you the many ways that have been presented such as solar energy, wind energy, and planting plants in the ocean to suck up carbon dioxide. The author ridicules president Bushes plan to stop the accumulation of nuclear weapons by 2025. He also shows the side of how some people believe that the climate change is a hoax. He gives the facts that China and the United states are the top countries in carbon emissions. He also focuses alot on the cap and trade system which he never fully explains what it is and I didn't know through the whole article. The autor also propses that the next president should invest in finding new ways to conserve energy along with a carbon tax and cap and trade system. I liked this article because it shows the many aspects of conserving energy and the problems we have with other countries not participating in the energy conservation effort.
Better Roses Than Cocain
by Nicholas Kristoff
Elyse Bower
May 4,2008
This article is about the free trade agreement between Columbia and America. The flower industry is booming in Columbia and that is where many of our flower bouquets come from. Many democrats don't want to renew the free trade agreement because of the violence in Columbia and say Columbia has abused human rights. The trade agreement has previously helped Columbia in providing more jobs and the murder rate has decreased since then. One of the conditions in renewing the agreement is that the Columbian government punishes the murderers of union members which is a big problem. The author is non biased and does a good job of pointing out the pros and cons of the trade agreement. He also includes situations by real people who are effected by the trade agreement. This article also touches your heart because it explains the violence in Columbia and how the trade agreement could reduce this. This author grabs and keeps your attention through out the whole article.
Elyse Bower
May 4,2008
This article is about the free trade agreement between Columbia and America. The flower industry is booming in Columbia and that is where many of our flower bouquets come from. Many democrats don't want to renew the free trade agreement because of the violence in Columbia and say Columbia has abused human rights. The trade agreement has previously helped Columbia in providing more jobs and the murder rate has decreased since then. One of the conditions in renewing the agreement is that the Columbian government punishes the murderers of union members which is a big problem. The author is non biased and does a good job of pointing out the pros and cons of the trade agreement. He also includes situations by real people who are effected by the trade agreement. This article also touches your heart because it explains the violence in Columbia and how the trade agreement could reduce this. This author grabs and keeps your attention through out the whole article.
Bring on the Rights Biofuels
by Roger Cohen
Elyse Bower
May 4,2008
This article is about biofule which is when you turn plants into fuel. The author dose'nt explain what biofule is that efficently and you mostly just figure out what it is by context clues. He goes on to correct the mythes people have about biofule like how it is a cause for the destruction of the rainforest and just because food prices are rising in other countries its not because we are turning crops into fuel. This makes the author seem credible and explains why these mythes are false. The author feels that bio fuel is the only solution for future transportation. The author gives alot of facts and percentages and shows all aspects of this issue. The article was kind of confusing because it starts talking about food prices rising for awhile and you loose track about biofuel.
Elyse Bower
May 4,2008
This article is about biofule which is when you turn plants into fuel. The author dose'nt explain what biofule is that efficently and you mostly just figure out what it is by context clues. He goes on to correct the mythes people have about biofule like how it is a cause for the destruction of the rainforest and just because food prices are rising in other countries its not because we are turning crops into fuel. This makes the author seem credible and explains why these mythes are false. The author feels that bio fuel is the only solution for future transportation. The author gives alot of facts and percentages and shows all aspects of this issue. The article was kind of confusing because it starts talking about food prices rising for awhile and you loose track about biofuel.
Can We Be as Smart as Bats
by Nicholas Kristof
Elyse Bower
May 4,2008
The author first goes about by explaining the title. He goes to say how bats adapt to living in the dark rain forest.The article is about preserving the rain forest by helping the people who live in it. Football size fields of the rain forest are being cut down every second and this is increasing global warming. The author focuses on two men who have started a school for the inhabitants of the rain forest. The school teaches family planning so that overpopulation will reduce deforestation. It also teaches practicle skills for how to earn an income without large clear-cuts.Another way that was suggested to saving the rainforest was to pay the poorer countries to preserve them. The author includes many facts as to how much carbon is being taken away by deforestation. He also includes his own experiences of the rain forest when he visited that shows he knows what he is talking about. In the authors first paragraph as he explained how bats survived in the rain forest I wanted to keep reading because you weren't quite sure about what the article was going to be about. This article is very informative and makes you want to preserve the rain forest for every ones sake.
Elyse Bower
May 4,2008
The author first goes about by explaining the title. He goes to say how bats adapt to living in the dark rain forest.The article is about preserving the rain forest by helping the people who live in it. Football size fields of the rain forest are being cut down every second and this is increasing global warming. The author focuses on two men who have started a school for the inhabitants of the rain forest. The school teaches family planning so that overpopulation will reduce deforestation. It also teaches practicle skills for how to earn an income without large clear-cuts.Another way that was suggested to saving the rainforest was to pay the poorer countries to preserve them. The author includes many facts as to how much carbon is being taken away by deforestation. He also includes his own experiences of the rain forest when he visited that shows he knows what he is talking about. In the authors first paragraph as he explained how bats survived in the rain forest I wanted to keep reading because you weren't quite sure about what the article was going to be about. This article is very informative and makes you want to preserve the rain forest for every ones sake.
A Prison of Same, and It's Ours
by Nicholas Kristof
Elyse Bower
May 4,2008
This is a very powerful article about how prisoners in Guantanamo are being treated by there American captures. Americans are taking large sums of money for terrorist suspects who in the end, most end up being innocent. People are being held in infested jails and beaten for years before trail. He gives an example of a cameraman who was held for six years with no charges and wans beaten and starved. The author seems bias at first and you think this might not be really happening. Then he goes to say he didn't know which side to believe the inmates or the Pentagon and he has gone to find sadly that the inmates are more credible. The author goes to quote books written about the horrors in Guantanamo. The author explains all the horrors that the inmates face in jail and it is sad to think that they might even be innocent. This article really pulled at my heart because the author included real incidents that happened to real people. This made me connect with them and feel for them. This makes me sad that Americans can do things like this.
Elyse Bower
May 4,2008
This is a very powerful article about how prisoners in Guantanamo are being treated by there American captures. Americans are taking large sums of money for terrorist suspects who in the end, most end up being innocent. People are being held in infested jails and beaten for years before trail. He gives an example of a cameraman who was held for six years with no charges and wans beaten and starved. The author seems bias at first and you think this might not be really happening. Then he goes to say he didn't know which side to believe the inmates or the Pentagon and he has gone to find sadly that the inmates are more credible. The author goes to quote books written about the horrors in Guantanamo. The author explains all the horrors that the inmates face in jail and it is sad to think that they might even be innocent. This article really pulled at my heart because the author included real incidents that happened to real people. This made me connect with them and feel for them. This makes me sad that Americans can do things like this.
This Buds for You
by Maureen Dowd
Elyse Bower
May 3,2008
This article is about how Obama and Hillary are trying to connect to the common people, or at least thats what I think its about. The article is very confusing you don't actually get anything out of it until the end when she straight out says it. She makes a good point when she says that Obama who came from a single mother and food stamps is so uncomfortable around the common folk. The autor gave an example as to how Obama is trying to connect to the common folk , when he went to a bar full of veterans and had a beer with them.The autor skips around about subjects and different people alot and this makes the article hard to follow. The author makes a good point when she states how Obama has overcome his back round and become well distinguesd and sophisticated and now he has to go in reverse to connect to the common fold. This article was confusing but at the end of it were some good points that I would have never thoguht of.
Elyse Bower
May 3,2008
This article is about how Obama and Hillary are trying to connect to the common people, or at least thats what I think its about. The article is very confusing you don't actually get anything out of it until the end when she straight out says it. She makes a good point when she says that Obama who came from a single mother and food stamps is so uncomfortable around the common folk. The autor gave an example as to how Obama is trying to connect to the common folk , when he went to a bar full of veterans and had a beer with them.The autor skips around about subjects and different people alot and this makes the article hard to follow. The author makes a good point when she states how Obama has overcome his back round and become well distinguesd and sophisticated and now he has to go in reverse to connect to the common fold. This article was confusing but at the end of it were some good points that I would have never thoguht of.
Saturday, May 3, 2008
Who will tell the people
by Thomas L. Friedman
Elyse Bower
May 4,2008
The author first states out that he has been traveling around America writing a book. This makes me feel like he knows what he is talking about and is intelligent. The author feels that America can have greatness again and we just need to work on it. We are borrowing money from Singabore and other countries.He also tells us an incident about how the president went to Saudia Arabia and begged them to lower gas prices. I liked this example because it shows how bad America is doing. He thinks all America is doing is trying to live the American dream by buying the big house etc. instead of working on studying hard, working hard, and living within your means. I connect with the author right here and totally agree with him.The author belives we need a president who well come straight out and tell the American people that we are living on borrowed money and time and we need to get back to working on our country. I really liked this article because I could relate to the author and he wrote it in a way you could easily understand. I wish he would have put some statistics or numbers in there to show how much we are borrowing from other countries and such.
Elyse Bower
May 4,2008
The author first states out that he has been traveling around America writing a book. This makes me feel like he knows what he is talking about and is intelligent. The author feels that America can have greatness again and we just need to work on it. We are borrowing money from Singabore and other countries.He also tells us an incident about how the president went to Saudia Arabia and begged them to lower gas prices. I liked this example because it shows how bad America is doing. He thinks all America is doing is trying to live the American dream by buying the big house etc. instead of working on studying hard, working hard, and living within your means. I connect with the author right here and totally agree with him.The author belives we need a president who well come straight out and tell the American people that we are living on borrowed money and time and we need to get back to working on our country. I really liked this article because I could relate to the author and he wrote it in a way you could easily understand. I wish he would have put some statistics or numbers in there to show how much we are borrowing from other countries and such.
Friday, May 2, 2008
Dungeons & Austrians
Michael Barker
New York Times
April 29,2008
This is an interesting piece about the troubles in Austria. There were recently two cases of locking away people in the basement and mistreating them. Natascha Kampusch was locked away for eight years in a town in Lower Austria. The other case was of Josef Fritzl locking away his daughter for twenty four years and fathered seven of her children. The author goes into the long lost golden age of Austria by talking about "The Sound of Music." He then goes into a timeline of the ups and downs of Austria's time using common names such as Arnold Schwarzenegger. He then goes into saying how the media displays what is going on in Austria. It is hard to understand the author, because he is from Austria and towards the end he uses common things from Austria. Not being familiar with Austria, it makes it hard to understand his point. All the common topics at the beginning keep the reader interested at the beginning, but then the uncommon topics at the end completely throw the reader off to his point leaving them wondering what is the point.
New York Times
April 29,2008
This is an interesting piece about the troubles in Austria. There were recently two cases of locking away people in the basement and mistreating them. Natascha Kampusch was locked away for eight years in a town in Lower Austria. The other case was of Josef Fritzl locking away his daughter for twenty four years and fathered seven of her children. The author goes into the long lost golden age of Austria by talking about "The Sound of Music." He then goes into a timeline of the ups and downs of Austria's time using common names such as Arnold Schwarzenegger. He then goes into saying how the media displays what is going on in Austria. It is hard to understand the author, because he is from Austria and towards the end he uses common things from Austria. Not being familiar with Austria, it makes it hard to understand his point. All the common topics at the beginning keep the reader interested at the beginning, but then the uncommon topics at the end completely throw the reader off to his point leaving them wondering what is the point.
Thursday, May 1, 2008
Here's betting McCain's age will be his hole card
Houston Chronicle
April 26, 2008
Douglas MacKinnon
This article reflects that in a time post September 11th, that experiance may be a highly important factor in the upcomming election for candidates. McCain is 75 years old and is a decorated military man. The author figures that this may help him gain a sense of comfortability from the voters that Obama and Clinton can't get. Douglas states that his old age wisdom and real-world experiance has potential to be a huge plus. He explains that it is uncertain how the other candidates will respond if elected president about the patriot act, but this isnt the case with McCain. McCain is hugly against terrorism and doesn't want to stop the attack on them until they are no more. It is uncertain as to whether or not Obama or Hillary will pull the troops out and allow Al-Qaida to achieve full strength again. Also, the article discusses his war history and how he held strong in a Vietnam POW camp, and can do the same for this country in devastating times. Douglas compares him to Bob Dole from 1996, but without the experianced competition Dole had in Bill Clinton. Its Obvious that the author believes McCain would be the best choice for president regardless of who he faces, which i find a little iffy. Its almost as if he doesnt even want to hear what the candidate of the other party says. Unfortunatly it seems that this man doesnt care much about the issues and more the history of teh candidates.
April 26, 2008
Douglas MacKinnon
This article reflects that in a time post September 11th, that experiance may be a highly important factor in the upcomming election for candidates. McCain is 75 years old and is a decorated military man. The author figures that this may help him gain a sense of comfortability from the voters that Obama and Clinton can't get. Douglas states that his old age wisdom and real-world experiance has potential to be a huge plus. He explains that it is uncertain how the other candidates will respond if elected president about the patriot act, but this isnt the case with McCain. McCain is hugly against terrorism and doesn't want to stop the attack on them until they are no more. It is uncertain as to whether or not Obama or Hillary will pull the troops out and allow Al-Qaida to achieve full strength again. Also, the article discusses his war history and how he held strong in a Vietnam POW camp, and can do the same for this country in devastating times. Douglas compares him to Bob Dole from 1996, but without the experianced competition Dole had in Bill Clinton. Its Obvious that the author believes McCain would be the best choice for president regardless of who he faces, which i find a little iffy. Its almost as if he doesnt even want to hear what the candidate of the other party says. Unfortunatly it seems that this man doesnt care much about the issues and more the history of teh candidates.
Obama's Misplay
The Washington Post
May1, 2008
Robert Novak
This article is about how Obama messed up by being associated with the old Reverand of his church. He finnaly cut ties with him recently and novak thinks this was a good idea, but took to long to happen. He thinks the damage may have already been dont to Obamas campaign and could cost him the democratic nomination. novak explains that what occured with the ranting Reverand scares some white americans, and may cause to stray votes away from him. Also discussed in the article is the reaction Obama gave that left many voters wantinga more firm stance on the matter. The author leaves open the possibility that even if Obama wins out the nimination that it is uncertain what new commenst could come out from the ranting Reverand. I think this article is pretty good. Its insightful and goes into details about the whole Obama campaign. Novak also leaves a good ending that kept my interest to see what will happen durring the rest of the campaign and potential presidential race.
May1, 2008
Robert Novak
This article is about how Obama messed up by being associated with the old Reverand of his church. He finnaly cut ties with him recently and novak thinks this was a good idea, but took to long to happen. He thinks the damage may have already been dont to Obamas campaign and could cost him the democratic nomination. novak explains that what occured with the ranting Reverand scares some white americans, and may cause to stray votes away from him. Also discussed in the article is the reaction Obama gave that left many voters wantinga more firm stance on the matter. The author leaves open the possibility that even if Obama wins out the nimination that it is uncertain what new commenst could come out from the ranting Reverand. I think this article is pretty good. Its insightful and goes into details about the whole Obama campaign. Novak also leaves a good ending that kept my interest to see what will happen durring the rest of the campaign and potential presidential race.
The Gass-Guzzler Gambit
New York Times
May 1, 2008
Author Unknown
This article talks about how Senator Clinton and John McCain want to cut off taxes on gasoline between Memorial Day and Labor Day. However, this would only cost the governments nine billion dollars and add to demand of gasoline, only increasing effects of global warming. The author argues that drivers would only face bigger problems from gas prices. It goes on to point out that candidates should face the reality that gas prices will remain high for time to come and that a solution should be put in act to reduce carbon emission, rather than just promising it. The author seems biased but you cannot tell what side he or she might really be on. There are no big words used to confuse the reader and the article flows well, pointing out the issue very clearly. It is obvious the opinion of the author and he/she succeeds in convincing you to agree with their opinion.
May 1, 2008
Author Unknown
This article talks about how Senator Clinton and John McCain want to cut off taxes on gasoline between Memorial Day and Labor Day. However, this would only cost the governments nine billion dollars and add to demand of gasoline, only increasing effects of global warming. The author argues that drivers would only face bigger problems from gas prices. It goes on to point out that candidates should face the reality that gas prices will remain high for time to come and that a solution should be put in act to reduce carbon emission, rather than just promising it. The author seems biased but you cannot tell what side he or she might really be on. There are no big words used to confuse the reader and the article flows well, pointing out the issue very clearly. It is obvious the opinion of the author and he/she succeeds in convincing you to agree with their opinion.
Best and Brightest, but Not the Nicest
The Washington Post
May 1, 2008
Amelia Rawls
This article explains that a lot of time the top people who graduate from good colleges aren't acctually the nicest of people. Thier really good at what it is they do, but overall they are jerks. The author explains that these are the kind of people who do anything but help others. She explains that these are the kind of people who wont share notes with kids who were sick for class or even lend textbooks to those who dont have them. They may have huge credentials, but dont always live up to the moral standards we would expect toward thier fellow man. Rawls proclaims that these are the people who speak out for good things, but dont always act on it and climb to the top of thier respective areas. Pretty much summed up, this article is about the hypocrites that are in the top of our classes. I dont agree with this author's colomn at all. They sound like they are generalizing the top students. I know a lot of good students who are more then willing to help out people in need. It sounds liek this person is more just holding a grudge that they didnt get much help from people in thier time in college. Also, this person is a first year law school student which further decredits them. I dont think thats enough time spent to make this generalization about thier peers. Im sure if the author asked these "top" students for help, they would generously help them out. They have probly never asked.
May 1, 2008
Amelia Rawls
This article explains that a lot of time the top people who graduate from good colleges aren't acctually the nicest of people. Thier really good at what it is they do, but overall they are jerks. The author explains that these are the kind of people who do anything but help others. She explains that these are the kind of people who wont share notes with kids who were sick for class or even lend textbooks to those who dont have them. They may have huge credentials, but dont always live up to the moral standards we would expect toward thier fellow man. Rawls proclaims that these are the people who speak out for good things, but dont always act on it and climb to the top of thier respective areas. Pretty much summed up, this article is about the hypocrites that are in the top of our classes. I dont agree with this author's colomn at all. They sound like they are generalizing the top students. I know a lot of good students who are more then willing to help out people in need. It sounds liek this person is more just holding a grudge that they didnt get much help from people in thier time in college. Also, this person is a first year law school student which further decredits them. I dont think thats enough time spent to make this generalization about thier peers. Im sure if the author asked these "top" students for help, they would generously help them out. They have probly never asked.
Mr. Obama and Rev. Wright
NY Times
April 30, 2008
Editorial
This article discusses the case of Obama and his religious inspiration Rev. Wright. Wright has constantly been badgering the media about how the United States is out to get black Americans, and daming the U.S. The author discusses how Obama's apoligy is ust teh begining on what he must do to shift himself from this supporter and how it is rediculous that he must take responsibility for the commenst from a man just because of his race. They discuss how Mccain also has a supporter who has been saying bad things about america and hasn't really had to apoligize for it because no one really has issues with white people saying things like this, because another white man doesnt usually have to apoligize when someone of thier race says something stupid. I thought this article was pretty well written. Obviously this person is pasionate about the race issue. They give good details of specific times when the race card has been played against Obama when it shouldnt have been.
April 30, 2008
Editorial
This article discusses the case of Obama and his religious inspiration Rev. Wright. Wright has constantly been badgering the media about how the United States is out to get black Americans, and daming the U.S. The author discusses how Obama's apoligy is ust teh begining on what he must do to shift himself from this supporter and how it is rediculous that he must take responsibility for the commenst from a man just because of his race. They discuss how Mccain also has a supporter who has been saying bad things about america and hasn't really had to apoligize for it because no one really has issues with white people saying things like this, because another white man doesnt usually have to apoligize when someone of thier race says something stupid. I thought this article was pretty well written. Obviously this person is pasionate about the race issue. They give good details of specific times when the race card has been played against Obama when it shouldnt have been.
The Gas-Guzzler Gambit
NY Times
May 1, 2008
Editorial
This article comments on the problems that will come with the proposed tax suspension on gasoline this summer. From Memorial Day to Labor Day, the two have proposed that the nation suspend the excise tax. This suspension would save the citizens about 18 cents per gallon on the continually increasing gas prices. This would cost the government over 9 billion dollars and increase an already huge budget deficit. The author explains that this would cause a huge demand increase on gas and hence increase one of teh causes of global warming. Also, the author explains that Bush isnt doing anything to solve the problem, and believes Obama is in the right, by not trying to go in either direction on the issue. Overall, the price of gas wont even go down with this new policy. I dont really agree with this persons article. I think what the candidates are doing is good in that they are at least looking for a solution to the problem. The author doesnt give any suggestions as to how to handle this issue, and just shoots down everyone elses ideas.
May 1, 2008
Editorial
This article comments on the problems that will come with the proposed tax suspension on gasoline this summer. From Memorial Day to Labor Day, the two have proposed that the nation suspend the excise tax. This suspension would save the citizens about 18 cents per gallon on the continually increasing gas prices. This would cost the government over 9 billion dollars and increase an already huge budget deficit. The author explains that this would cause a huge demand increase on gas and hence increase one of teh causes of global warming. Also, the author explains that Bush isnt doing anything to solve the problem, and believes Obama is in the right, by not trying to go in either direction on the issue. Overall, the price of gas wont even go down with this new policy. I dont really agree with this persons article. I think what the candidates are doing is good in that they are at least looking for a solution to the problem. The author doesnt give any suggestions as to how to handle this issue, and just shoots down everyone elses ideas.
Ban cell phones while driving
Ban Cell Phones While Driving
Advocate pg.6B, 4-28-08
Danny Church
The author wants the government to ban cell phones while driving. He explains that a State Representative has proposed a bill to make it illegal to use hand-held cell phones, but he does not think this is good enough. The author wants the Legislature to ban hands-free cellphones also. He quotes results from studies that prove it takes at least twice the brain power to make up the power you use to have a conversation. He makes a good argument by stating his claim, telling what is being done now, and evidence to support his claim. At the end of the article, the author says he contacted his Senator, and we should do the same to make them listen to us.
I liked this article. The author makes good points. He could have put in a story to play on reader's emotions. However, he presented a good argument without a story.
Advocate pg.6B, 4-28-08
Danny Church
The author wants the government to ban cell phones while driving. He explains that a State Representative has proposed a bill to make it illegal to use hand-held cell phones, but he does not think this is good enough. The author wants the Legislature to ban hands-free cellphones also. He quotes results from studies that prove it takes at least twice the brain power to make up the power you use to have a conversation. He makes a good argument by stating his claim, telling what is being done now, and evidence to support his claim. At the end of the article, the author says he contacted his Senator, and we should do the same to make them listen to us.
I liked this article. The author makes good points. He could have put in a story to play on reader's emotions. However, he presented a good argument without a story.
Smart, but not nice
This opinion from the Washington Post talks about how May 1 is the deadline for high school seniors to tell their colleges of choice they will be attending in the fall. The author is a first year law student at Yale law school. He talks about how our generation of college students are smarter, have volunteered the most, and seem to have more of a voice in todays issues, than previous generations. But he says that all the kids who work their butts off to get into ivy league schools usually arn't nice people at all. he wonders if the current presidential candidates are these types of people, who put on a front that get them into their colleges and careers of choice, but are just not genually nice people. I think he hit the nail on the head with this opinion. The more i meet super smart people, at LSU and other Universities, the more i agree with the author that the kids who have never made any less than an A in their lives, volunteer but only to rise to the top, and revolve everything around "résumé building" are usually selfish, cocky, mean. This article was great. I completely agree with the author and he makes his case very convincing because he writes like he is highly educated. I recommend anyone to read this if you have ever felt the same i do. That the ivy league smart kids are really moral peices of crap.
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Words of Encouragement
The Times Picayune
This editorial is about President Bush deciding to hold the North American Leaders Summit in New Orleans. This was an opportunity for the world to focus on the New Orleans community and its recovery. President Bush used this opportunity to call attention to the importance of the work being done in the city. The author then talks about President Bush right after hurricane Katrina in Jackson Square promising the citizens that the government would stay as long as it took. The author also says that President Bush holding the summit in New Orleans is not exactly what he meant by the government staying in the city, but also shows a piece of the city’s recovery at the same time. This article was a little short and did not have too much information. I think the author could have elaborated a little more on President Bush and his role in the recovery efforts and what the summit would bring to the city.
This editorial is about President Bush deciding to hold the North American Leaders Summit in New Orleans. This was an opportunity for the world to focus on the New Orleans community and its recovery. President Bush used this opportunity to call attention to the importance of the work being done in the city. The author then talks about President Bush right after hurricane Katrina in Jackson Square promising the citizens that the government would stay as long as it took. The author also says that President Bush holding the summit in New Orleans is not exactly what he meant by the government staying in the city, but also shows a piece of the city’s recovery at the same time. This article was a little short and did not have too much information. I think the author could have elaborated a little more on President Bush and his role in the recovery efforts and what the summit would bring to the city.
Crime Records are Public
The Times Picayune
This article discusses New Orleans’ crime records and how they should be made public. The author says that many attempts have been made to work with the police department on this issue, but they have failed to give residents prompt access to this information. The author of this article works for The Times Picayune newspaper and says that the newspaper is threatening to file a suit against the police department if this is not fixed. The reason so many people are angry is because of the time they have been giving the NOPD to find a solution. State law requires that initial reports should be released for public safety. If this issue is not fixed soon, the newspaper plans to file suit along with many residents of New Orleans. This article is very informative, especially if you are from New Orleans. I think the author did their research and had knowledge of the situation.
This article discusses New Orleans’ crime records and how they should be made public. The author says that many attempts have been made to work with the police department on this issue, but they have failed to give residents prompt access to this information. The author of this article works for The Times Picayune newspaper and says that the newspaper is threatening to file a suit against the police department if this is not fixed. The reason so many people are angry is because of the time they have been giving the NOPD to find a solution. State law requires that initial reports should be released for public safety. If this issue is not fixed soon, the newspaper plans to file suit along with many residents of New Orleans. This article is very informative, especially if you are from New Orleans. I think the author did their research and had knowledge of the situation.
A Misplaced Effort
The Times Picayune
This article is discussing the public school crisis in New Orleans. The author talks about how bad the school system was before the storm and how it is somewhat recovering after. Now, many schools in Orleans parish are state run or charter schools. The main topic of this article is House Bill 1347, which would use tax money to help pay private school tuition for some New Orleans students. The author notes that this would have been a good proposal before hurricane Katrina when the schools were horrible, but now they are beginning to recover. He believes that many taxpayers would be strongly opposed to using 10 million dollars of their tax money to pay for private school when the public schools are fine. I think this article was very informative and interesting. The author did a good job with his research and provided many facts.
This article is discussing the public school crisis in New Orleans. The author talks about how bad the school system was before the storm and how it is somewhat recovering after. Now, many schools in Orleans parish are state run or charter schools. The main topic of this article is House Bill 1347, which would use tax money to help pay private school tuition for some New Orleans students. The author notes that this would have been a good proposal before hurricane Katrina when the schools were horrible, but now they are beginning to recover. He believes that many taxpayers would be strongly opposed to using 10 million dollars of their tax money to pay for private school when the public schools are fine. I think this article was very informative and interesting. The author did a good job with his research and provided many facts.
Keep FBI's focus
The Times Picayune
This editorial is about Jim Bernazzani, who was the special agent in charge of the FBI in New Orleans. The author talks about how Mr. Bernazzani’s mission was to root out public corruption and oversee high profile probes in the city. While he is known for his great toughness, he was recently reassigned to the Washington post. This came after he publicly stated interest in running for mayor of New Orleans. The author states that the Hatch Act prohibits any FBI agent from engaging in “partisan political activity.” The author then starts talking about who should replace him and the criteria they should have. This was a very well written article. The author did his research and had facts and interviews to back up his article.
This editorial is about Jim Bernazzani, who was the special agent in charge of the FBI in New Orleans. The author talks about how Mr. Bernazzani’s mission was to root out public corruption and oversee high profile probes in the city. While he is known for his great toughness, he was recently reassigned to the Washington post. This came after he publicly stated interest in running for mayor of New Orleans. The author states that the Hatch Act prohibits any FBI agent from engaging in “partisan political activity.” The author then starts talking about who should replace him and the criteria they should have. This was a very well written article. The author did his research and had facts and interviews to back up his article.
Elderly cause annoyance, discomfort
By: Ryan Sands
The Daily Reveille
In this article, Ryan Sands is talking about how old people irk him. He says that they not only drain social security, but also take forever in line at the supermarket. He says that he is not heartless, but he has never been around the elderly since his grandparents were dead when he was born. He seems to be taking his anger out on others who still have their grandparents or are close to someone elderly. Sands goes on to say that he cannot talk to someone over the age of 70 without getting anxious. He then begins to talk about why there are benefits to getting old. He says that retirement homes are slutty and they are one of the highest sources of STDs. He ends by saying that if he were in a retirement home, he wouldn’t care if he caught gonorrhea. This article is definitely opinionated and very biased. The author did no research when writing this article, he just spoke what he felt. At the end of the article, he begins to lose his mind and talk about old people and sex.
The Daily Reveille
In this article, Ryan Sands is talking about how old people irk him. He says that they not only drain social security, but also take forever in line at the supermarket. He says that he is not heartless, but he has never been around the elderly since his grandparents were dead when he was born. He seems to be taking his anger out on others who still have their grandparents or are close to someone elderly. Sands goes on to say that he cannot talk to someone over the age of 70 without getting anxious. He then begins to talk about why there are benefits to getting old. He says that retirement homes are slutty and they are one of the highest sources of STDs. He ends by saying that if he were in a retirement home, he wouldn’t care if he caught gonorrhea. This article is definitely opinionated and very biased. The author did no research when writing this article, he just spoke what he felt. At the end of the article, he begins to lose his mind and talk about old people and sex.
Dead Issue?: Legislature Should Review Burials
The Clarion Ledger
April 30, 2008
The article begins with a story of how a town near Jackson, MS has been found grouping bones together of deceased people. Therefore, the bodies are not properly distributed to the correct burial sites. The author then states how the people of this town have no recourse for action since cemetaries are not under regulation. This article pleas for a call to action by the legislature. He leaves information at the end of the article regarding how you can cotact your local Congressman. This was a very effective and efficient article. It was easy to read and provided information I had never known before. I would definitely say it is worth a read.
April 30, 2008
The article begins with a story of how a town near Jackson, MS has been found grouping bones together of deceased people. Therefore, the bodies are not properly distributed to the correct burial sites. The author then states how the people of this town have no recourse for action since cemetaries are not under regulation. This article pleas for a call to action by the legislature. He leaves information at the end of the article regarding how you can cotact your local Congressman. This was a very effective and efficient article. It was easy to read and provided information I had never known before. I would definitely say it is worth a read.
Boycott of Beijing Olympics would accomplish nothing
By: Jack Collens
The Daily Reveille
This article talks about why many people want to boycott the Beijing Olympics. The author says that many world leaders have contemplated boycotting the Olympics because of China’s weak human rights record. He also says that it would be more effective to just let the games go on and not boycott them. The author then talks about the last time the Olympics were boycotted and why. He also says that the Olympics are good for the Chinese people so they can see the importance of international cooperation. However, he does say that the Olympics are not going to stop the Chinese government from its oppressive practices, only politics can do that. He also says that President Bush made a good decision to not boycott the Olympic Games and notes that he will be present in China. I think this article is very interesting and the author did a good job covering the whole matter. He uses past and present examples to argue his point.
The Daily Reveille
This article talks about why many people want to boycott the Beijing Olympics. The author says that many world leaders have contemplated boycotting the Olympics because of China’s weak human rights record. He also says that it would be more effective to just let the games go on and not boycott them. The author then talks about the last time the Olympics were boycotted and why. He also says that the Olympics are good for the Chinese people so they can see the importance of international cooperation. However, he does say that the Olympics are not going to stop the Chinese government from its oppressive practices, only politics can do that. He also says that President Bush made a good decision to not boycott the Olympic Games and notes that he will be present in China. I think this article is very interesting and the author did a good job covering the whole matter. He uses past and present examples to argue his point.
Dumb as We Wanna Be
By: Thomas Friedmen
April 30, 2008
New York Times
This article starts out referencing all the go green commercials, specifically the ones that feature big name politicians with different views actually coming together and saying they agree on something. He states that it is great to finally see some unification in our politicians. However, the author thinks that the idea is ridiculous for the people that are aspiring to lead our nation. He then goes on to talk about gas and how Hillary and McCain want to take away a gas tax for the summer. He says this will put us more in debt to other countries and that it is a very bad idea. After talking about all the gas problems, he simply states what he's been trying to say all along; "But here’s what’s scary: our problem is so much worse than you think. We have no energy strategy." The author provided some very interesting facts about the US government and their stances on saving energy. I thought this was a very well written, descriptive article. Usually people that write something like this get labeled as a "nutcase", but this author talked about his theories while still seeming credible. This article was very interesting and had great flow. I enjoyed reading it.
April 30, 2008
New York Times
This article starts out referencing all the go green commercials, specifically the ones that feature big name politicians with different views actually coming together and saying they agree on something. He states that it is great to finally see some unification in our politicians. However, the author thinks that the idea is ridiculous for the people that are aspiring to lead our nation. He then goes on to talk about gas and how Hillary and McCain want to take away a gas tax for the summer. He says this will put us more in debt to other countries and that it is a very bad idea. After talking about all the gas problems, he simply states what he's been trying to say all along; "But here’s what’s scary: our problem is so much worse than you think. We have no energy strategy." The author provided some very interesting facts about the US government and their stances on saving energy. I thought this was a very well written, descriptive article. Usually people that write something like this get labeled as a "nutcase", but this author talked about his theories while still seeming credible. This article was very interesting and had great flow. I enjoyed reading it.
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Annotated Bibliogaphy: tobacco use laws
Bethesda, Md. United States. National Cancer Institute. National Institute of Health. State and Local Legislative Action to Reduce Tobacco Use. 2000.
section 1. The role of public policy change in tobacco control: current state of the science -- section 2. State laws and local ordinances to reduce tobacco use -- section 2 appendix. Summary of state tobacco control laws -- section 3. Workplace smoking restrictions, rules about smoking in the home, and attitudes toward smoking restrictions in public places -- section 4. Model ordinances. I feel this congressional publication will be instrumental in my argumentative paper. It clearly defines the Government’s stance on wanting to reduce the number of smoking Americans.
Jones, Jamison. "Legislator Proposes Raising Smoking Age." The Daily Reveille 10 Apr. 2008. 20 Apr. 2008.
This is the shortest article I have ever read I don't feel it will be too helpful and may argue against my point. I don't have a lot to comment on this because this summary is as long as the article was.Robicheaux, Justin. "Plan Aims to Inform Both Sides." The Daily Reveille 29 Sept. 2003. 20 Apr. 2008.
I think this is a great article, not necessarily for my argument, but it gives a clear understanding of how local LSU students feel about smoking around campus. It talks a lot about the Louisiana department of health issuing radio broadcasts about second hand smoke and its dangers. good stuff.Louisiana. Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals. A Strategic Plan for Identifying and Eliminating Tobacco-Related Health Disparities in Louisiana. 28 Jan. 2008. 20 Apr. 2008.
This PDF is very helpful. it fully outlines some of Louisiana's goals involving tobacco use. here are a few...1.Eliminate exposure to secondhand smoke.2.Promote quitting tobacco use among adults and youth.3.Prevent initiation of tobacco use among youth.4.Identify and eliminate tobacco-related disparities among populations. This is a great government document to help in my research."Drug Facts." Free Vibe. National Drug Control Policy. 20 Apr. 2000.
This website is very helpful on learning about the smoking's hazards but it seems like one of those websites aimed at youthful teens to prevent smoking in early high school. i think its going to aggravate me then help. But I’ll still give it a read.
All Eyes on Ireland's Smoking Ban. BBC. BBC News Online, 2004. 20 Apr. 2008.
This is great that I found an article of a ban that isn't related to the U.S, if other countries are taking this action, and then the US will sure follow. It is an article about the smoking ban that was put into place in Ireland in may of 2004. It’s mostly about people’s reactions in Ireland and their opinions about it.Shuler, Marsha. "New No-Smoking Bill Targets Bars That Serve Food." The Advocate 27 Mar. 2008: 1-2. Baton Rouge. 20 Apr. 2008. Keyword: smoking.
This is a very current article about closing the loophole in Louisiana’s new clean air act saying you food, even if it only sometimes does, have patrons smoking inside. This bill will close that loophole meaning no more smoking in bars that serve food. Great article. It will be used.Johnson, Kirk. "Colorado Court Rules ‘No Smoking’ Means Exactly That, Even on Stage." The New York Times 21 Mar. 2008, Online ed. New York Times Archive. 20 Apr. 2008. Keyword: smoking laws.
I think this article will add a few good sentences of how strict the government and the people want smoking completely banned. In Colorado, an actor playing a part on stage, and his character happens to smoke cigs, constitutes breaking the law.
section 1. The role of public policy change in tobacco control: current state of the science -- section 2. State laws and local ordinances to reduce tobacco use -- section 2 appendix. Summary of state tobacco control laws -- section 3. Workplace smoking restrictions, rules about smoking in the home, and attitudes toward smoking restrictions in public places -- section 4. Model ordinances. I feel this congressional publication will be instrumental in my argumentative paper. It clearly defines the Government’s stance on wanting to reduce the number of smoking Americans.
Jones, Jamison. "Legislator Proposes Raising Smoking Age." The Daily Reveille 10 Apr. 2008. 20 Apr. 2008.
This is the shortest article I have ever read I don't feel it will be too helpful and may argue against my point. I don't have a lot to comment on this because this summary is as long as the article was.Robicheaux, Justin. "Plan Aims to Inform Both Sides." The Daily Reveille 29 Sept. 2003. 20 Apr. 2008
I think this is a great article, not necessarily for my argument, but it gives a clear understanding of how local LSU students feel about smoking around campus. It talks a lot about the Louisiana department of health issuing radio broadcasts about second hand smoke and its dangers. good stuff.Louisiana. Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals. A Strategic Plan for Identifying and Eliminating Tobacco-Related Health Disparities in Louisiana. 28 Jan. 2008. 20 Apr. 2008
This PDF is very helpful. it fully outlines some of Louisiana's goals involving tobacco use. here are a few...1.Eliminate exposure to secondhand smoke.2.Promote quitting tobacco use among adults and youth.3.Prevent initiation of tobacco use among youth.4.Identify and eliminate tobacco-related disparities among populations. This is a great government document to help in my research."Drug Facts." Free Vibe. National Drug Control Policy. 20 Apr. 2000
This website is very helpful on learning about the smoking's hazards but it seems like one of those websites aimed at youthful teens to prevent smoking in early high school. i think its going to aggravate me then help. But I’ll still give it a read.
All Eyes on Ireland's Smoking Ban. BBC. BBC News Online, 2004. 20 Apr. 2008
This is great that I found an article of a ban that isn't related to the U.S, if other countries are taking this action, and then the US will sure follow. It is an article about the smoking ban that was put into place in Ireland in may of 2004. It’s mostly about people’s reactions in Ireland and their opinions about it.Shuler, Marsha. "New No-Smoking Bill Targets Bars That Serve Food." The Advocate 27 Mar. 2008: 1-2. Baton Rouge. 20 Apr. 2008. Keyword: smoking.
This is a very current article about closing the loophole in Louisiana’s new clean air act saying you food, even if it only sometimes does, have patrons smoking inside. This bill will close that loophole meaning no more smoking in bars that serve food. Great article. It will be used.Johnson, Kirk. "Colorado Court Rules ‘No Smoking’ Means Exactly That, Even on Stage." The New York Times 21 Mar. 2008, Online ed. New York Times Archive. 20 Apr. 2008. Keyword: smoking laws.
I think this article will add a few good sentences of how strict the government and the people want smoking completely banned. In Colorado, an actor playing a part on stage, and his character happens to smoke cigs, constitutes breaking the law.
Monday, April 28, 2008
A Really Big Bang
The Sun Herald
April 28,2008
"There's a chance that the world, maybe even the universe, could be swallowed by a black whole this summer." This was the first sentence of the article, and it definitely caught my eye. However, the whole article was filled with jargon about physics and space and black holes. Although it was written for a local newspaper, the language used in the article could have been in a scholarly reviewed journal. It was way over my head and not efficient at presenting information at all. When trying to explain complicated subjects, the author needs to keep in mind the audience's knowledge of the subject, which this author did not do.
April 28,2008
"There's a chance that the world, maybe even the universe, could be swallowed by a black whole this summer." This was the first sentence of the article, and it definitely caught my eye. However, the whole article was filled with jargon about physics and space and black holes. Although it was written for a local newspaper, the language used in the article could have been in a scholarly reviewed journal. It was way over my head and not efficient at presenting information at all. When trying to explain complicated subjects, the author needs to keep in mind the audience's knowledge of the subject, which this author did not do.
Is Cheating Good for Sports?
NY Times
February 21, 2008
Stephen Dubner
This article discusses the recent trend for athletes to be using Steroids in Sports. This came out shortly after the Mitchell report accused some famous baseball players of using the drugs to help thier game. The author then states that he doesnt think its all bad for the game and that he thinks thats why the fans love it. He thinks that the fan loves controversy and so the fact that the athletes are using drugs kinds of excites them. The author states that the way we cheered players who came out and said they do just goes to show that its not the fact that fans dont approve of steroid users, but instead just dont approve of the ones who lie about it. He believes the controversy adds interest and is actually good for the game. I dont agree with this mans article at all. I am a firm believer that this situation tarnishes the game, and i wnat the people who have used steroids throughout thier career be penalized. So when he says that its not the steroid users who are the issue for me is rediculous. Im embarassed to be placed in the group of sports fan that he generalizes. Overall i think he puts too many people into groups, and i think thats a major flaw in his article. I know for a fact I wasnt one of those who cheered the ones who admitted to using performance inhancing drugs.
February 21, 2008
Stephen Dubner
This article discusses the recent trend for athletes to be using Steroids in Sports. This came out shortly after the Mitchell report accused some famous baseball players of using the drugs to help thier game. The author then states that he doesnt think its all bad for the game and that he thinks thats why the fans love it. He thinks that the fan loves controversy and so the fact that the athletes are using drugs kinds of excites them. The author states that the way we cheered players who came out and said they do just goes to show that its not the fact that fans dont approve of steroid users, but instead just dont approve of the ones who lie about it. He believes the controversy adds interest and is actually good for the game. I dont agree with this mans article at all. I am a firm believer that this situation tarnishes the game, and i wnat the people who have used steroids throughout thier career be penalized. So when he says that its not the steroid users who are the issue for me is rediculous. Im embarassed to be placed in the group of sports fan that he generalizes. Overall i think he puts too many people into groups, and i think thats a major flaw in his article. I know for a fact I wasnt one of those who cheered the ones who admitted to using performance inhancing drugs.
Honest Data on High School Dropouts
NY Times
April 28,2008
Editorial
This article explains the past issues with the way public schools were fixing thier numbers to reflect that thier dropout rate was much lower then it really was. She discusses how schools wern't accepting the people that dropped out in 9th,10th, and 11th grade and were only considering seniors who didnt get thier deplomas as dropouts. the author also states that the ones who recieved thier GED wern't counted either as dropouts because they did eventually get high school credit. It is discussed in the article that the new way the schools will be judged is by the number of incoming freshman who dont graduate and that GED graduates wont count either. I think this article was well researched. I dont like how the author blames the federal government for these numbers not being acurate. I would have perfered that they put more emphasis on the schools doing it right, and if they wanted to blame a government that they blame the state governments that run the school. The author just seems very upset about they way it was done by saying it will be a relief to get it right. I wouldn't have said that it will eb a relief, but a more subdued word. They act as if they have like been losing sleep over it.
April 28,2008
Editorial
This article explains the past issues with the way public schools were fixing thier numbers to reflect that thier dropout rate was much lower then it really was. She discusses how schools wern't accepting the people that dropped out in 9th,10th, and 11th grade and were only considering seniors who didnt get thier deplomas as dropouts. the author also states that the ones who recieved thier GED wern't counted either as dropouts because they did eventually get high school credit. It is discussed in the article that the new way the schools will be judged is by the number of incoming freshman who dont graduate and that GED graduates wont count either. I think this article was well researched. I dont like how the author blames the federal government for these numbers not being acurate. I would have perfered that they put more emphasis on the schools doing it right, and if they wanted to blame a government that they blame the state governments that run the school. The author just seems very upset about they way it was done by saying it will be a relief to get it right. I wouldn't have said that it will eb a relief, but a more subdued word. They act as if they have like been losing sleep over it.
Ban Cell Phones While Driving
Danny Church
Letter to the Advocate
The Advocate
April 28, 2008
This letter to the Advocate implores voters to ban all cell-phone usage in cars period. Not just using hands-free devices, but completely banning cell phones altogether. He presents his argument by quoting a previous article in The Advocate which commented on a study done at different Universities which prove that cell phone usage in cars is a retardant on reflexes. He seemed believable up until he cited these serious studies and used the phrase "yakking on a cell phone." Which seemed to present himself in a negative light. Also, it brings up the questions of it even being possible to not talk on a cell phone while driving at all? I rarely, if ever, talk on my cell phone while driving, however, there are times when I need to get information to get somewhere, or I need to call for directions, or another legitimate reason (not just to chat with friends) and it would puzzle me if I got pulled over and given a ticket for making a phone call when I really was not trying to be negligent. Where is the line? The author of the letter does not seem to be taking these kind of instances into consideration and where he could be more effective, he lacks credibility.
Letter to the Advocate
The Advocate
April 28, 2008
This letter to the Advocate implores voters to ban all cell-phone usage in cars period. Not just using hands-free devices, but completely banning cell phones altogether. He presents his argument by quoting a previous article in The Advocate which commented on a study done at different Universities which prove that cell phone usage in cars is a retardant on reflexes. He seemed believable up until he cited these serious studies and used the phrase "yakking on a cell phone." Which seemed to present himself in a negative light. Also, it brings up the questions of it even being possible to not talk on a cell phone while driving at all? I rarely, if ever, talk on my cell phone while driving, however, there are times when I need to get information to get somewhere, or I need to call for directions, or another legitimate reason (not just to chat with friends) and it would puzzle me if I got pulled over and given a ticket for making a phone call when I really was not trying to be negligent. Where is the line? The author of the letter does not seem to be taking these kind of instances into consideration and where he could be more effective, he lacks credibility.
Hillary Gets No Respect
NY Times
April 28,2008
William Kristol
This article reflects the oppinion of the author as a conservative that likes Hillary Clinton and thinks she should be the one for the democratic nomination. He discusses how Clinton won many of the big states like California and Texas. He also states that the media has a huge crush on the candidate Obama. He also mentions that Obama isnt willing to debate Hillary and that there are more people then stated who are actually voting for Hillary as opposed to against Obama. The author figures Hillary wont win the nomination, but has been impressed with her resiliancy while having her back against the wall. Overall i think this was a good article. Ima little disapointed in the total biased oppinion of this man, but there isnt much that could be done about it. He used good numbers in reflecting that she was greatly out numbered in terms of dollars spent, but still won anyway. This article gave insight to a different side of Obama that I had not seen before, and for that i think it did well and achieved its goal.
April 28,2008
William Kristol
This article reflects the oppinion of the author as a conservative that likes Hillary Clinton and thinks she should be the one for the democratic nomination. He discusses how Clinton won many of the big states like California and Texas. He also states that the media has a huge crush on the candidate Obama. He also mentions that Obama isnt willing to debate Hillary and that there are more people then stated who are actually voting for Hillary as opposed to against Obama. The author figures Hillary wont win the nomination, but has been impressed with her resiliancy while having her back against the wall. Overall i think this was a good article. Ima little disapointed in the total biased oppinion of this man, but there isnt much that could be done about it. He used good numbers in reflecting that she was greatly out numbered in terms of dollars spent, but still won anyway. This article gave insight to a different side of Obama that I had not seen before, and for that i think it did well and achieved its goal.
Sunday, April 27, 2008
Try 'Pakistan First'
Washington Post
April 27, 2008
Jim Hoagland
This article reflects Jim's oppinion that we should definatly pull people out of Iraq and start placing them in Pakistan in an attempt to combat terrorism there. He explains that it is a much larger threat then Iraq is and more then Afghanistan as well. He thinks that it is very important for the president hopefulls should all make this some of thier primary concerns. He also questions the apointment made by President Bush of a new Pentagon central commander. The author believes this is a ploy to keep and even add more focus on Iraq and not so much on Afghanistan. Hoagland does do a pretty good job with the article. I would ahve liked to see him do more with talks about Pakistan. He focused most of his article on how the Iraq and Afghanistan situation is going, and didnt even really mention Pakiistan untill the last few paragraphs. It seemed like the title is a little misleading being that it seemed to me he wanted to focus more on Afghanistan then Pakistan.
April 27, 2008
Jim Hoagland
This article reflects Jim's oppinion that we should definatly pull people out of Iraq and start placing them in Pakistan in an attempt to combat terrorism there. He explains that it is a much larger threat then Iraq is and more then Afghanistan as well. He thinks that it is very important for the president hopefulls should all make this some of thier primary concerns. He also questions the apointment made by President Bush of a new Pentagon central commander. The author believes this is a ploy to keep and even add more focus on Iraq and not so much on Afghanistan. Hoagland does do a pretty good job with the article. I would ahve liked to see him do more with talks about Pakistan. He focused most of his article on how the Iraq and Afghanistan situation is going, and didnt even really mention Pakiistan untill the last few paragraphs. It seemed like the title is a little misleading being that it seemed to me he wanted to focus more on Afghanistan then Pakistan.
50 Bullets, No Conviction
NY Times
April 26,2008
Editorial
This article talks about how three police officers who fired off 50 rounds of bullets at a man by the name of Sean Bell and got off free from all convictions. One policeman even reloaded his gun and continued shooting. The article discusses how even though they respect the decision that has been made from the judge, there should still be some investigation and ways to fix this problem because it has been happening to often. The author also speculates that part of the reason the cops have fired on the people they did is because they were black. Also they kind of assume that the cops may have been under the influence of alcohol at the time of teh shooting, but were not breathalyzed. The author believes we must correct the policy the police officers use. I think this could have been a good article if there was not a lot of presuming going on. They use no numbers to back up thier ideas that the cops may have been drunk or that this happened as many do because the person was black.
April 26,2008
Editorial
This article talks about how three police officers who fired off 50 rounds of bullets at a man by the name of Sean Bell and got off free from all convictions. One policeman even reloaded his gun and continued shooting. The article discusses how even though they respect the decision that has been made from the judge, there should still be some investigation and ways to fix this problem because it has been happening to often. The author also speculates that part of the reason the cops have fired on the people they did is because they were black. Also they kind of assume that the cops may have been under the influence of alcohol at the time of teh shooting, but were not breathalyzed. The author believes we must correct the policy the police officers use. I think this could have been a good article if there was not a lot of presuming going on. They use no numbers to back up thier ideas that the cops may have been drunk or that this happened as many do because the person was black.
A Shameful, Ugly Ad
April 26, 2008
New York Times
Editorial
This article shows Senator McCain's response to an ad that bashes Obama and has been run in North Carolina. The ad, as discussed in the article, makes a point to try to steer people away from voting for Obama because of his backround. The ad shows his former minister saying "God Damn America", and also makes commentary about Obama being black. According to the article, Senator McCain tried to get the ad pulled, but the republican party said no including the senator for North Carolina. The author hints that if McCain doesnt start to get control over his party then there could be worse things to come in terms of ads and such. The author of this article does a good job giving us the story, but definatly uses a lot of charged words. They use a lot of "we find" comments that means they are obviously biased. This causes a slight loss of credibility. Overall, it was an ok article that ahd both its strong points and weaknesses.
New York Times
Editorial
This article shows Senator McCain's response to an ad that bashes Obama and has been run in North Carolina. The ad, as discussed in the article, makes a point to try to steer people away from voting for Obama because of his backround. The ad shows his former minister saying "God Damn America", and also makes commentary about Obama being black. According to the article, Senator McCain tried to get the ad pulled, but the republican party said no including the senator for North Carolina. The author hints that if McCain doesnt start to get control over his party then there could be worse things to come in terms of ads and such. The author of this article does a good job giving us the story, but definatly uses a lot of charged words. They use a lot of "we find" comments that means they are obviously biased. This causes a slight loss of credibility. Overall, it was an ok article that ahd both its strong points and weaknesses.
Is trade the problem
April 27, 2008
NY Times
Editorial
This article discusses the thought that the reason for our floundering economic situation is the increase in international trade. The author does not believe that this is the case. They explain that though a lot of our coporations are begining to go international and hence decreasing the jobs in the united states because we arent opening as many on the homefront may have a little to do with it, but is by no means the largest reason. The author says that though this may be an issue of large concern for the presidential hopefulls, there are more reasons then just trade. They explain that increases in technology and decreases in the amount of people who are graduating college. With the changes in these variables, it brings about more people who can only do lower income jobs, and for most of those jobs technology can do them at a less expensive rate then people. I think the article did a good job backing up the claim that the trade is not the only reason for the economic problems. The author did a good job explaining the situation and the backround for the situation. They ddint use big words that could get in the way and confuse the readers that are unknowledgable about the issue. This is an article anyone with some form of idea of the situation we are in economically can understand.
NY Times
Editorial
This article discusses the thought that the reason for our floundering economic situation is the increase in international trade. The author does not believe that this is the case. They explain that though a lot of our coporations are begining to go international and hence decreasing the jobs in the united states because we arent opening as many on the homefront may have a little to do with it, but is by no means the largest reason. The author says that though this may be an issue of large concern for the presidential hopefulls, there are more reasons then just trade. They explain that increases in technology and decreases in the amount of people who are graduating college. With the changes in these variables, it brings about more people who can only do lower income jobs, and for most of those jobs technology can do them at a less expensive rate then people. I think the article did a good job backing up the claim that the trade is not the only reason for the economic problems. The author did a good job explaining the situation and the backround for the situation. They ddint use big words that could get in the way and confuse the readers that are unknowledgable about the issue. This is an article anyone with some form of idea of the situation we are in economically can understand.
Tax Holiday Bad Idea
Tax Holiday Bad Idea
Advocate Pg.8B, 4-18-08
This article is about the proposal to cut the federal gasoline tax to nothing for the summer. The author failed to explain her claim or the tax cut clearly. The author makes it obvious that he/she is against this tax cut.The author pokes fun at this idea and John McCain. There are no facts in this article. The introduction caught my attention, but the body paragraphs let me down. I don't even remember the author's points.This was an overall bad article.
Advocate Pg.8B, 4-18-08
This article is about the proposal to cut the federal gasoline tax to nothing for the summer. The author failed to explain her claim or the tax cut clearly. The author makes it obvious that he/she is against this tax cut.The author pokes fun at this idea and John McCain. There are no facts in this article. The introduction caught my attention, but the body paragraphs let me down. I don't even remember the author's points.This was an overall bad article.
Playmakers hits landmark
Playmakers hits landmark
Advocate pg 8B, 4-18-08
This was a very effective article. The author introduces the Playmakers of Baton Rouge, says what they do, and how to support them. Playmakers of Baton Rouge is a nonprofit children's theater company. This article was written to salute the Plymakers' first 25 years. The author says it is important because it fosters the next generation of art supporters. Then, it ends with the phone number and email address, so the reader can support the cause if they want to. I didn't even know there was a Playmakers of Baton Rouge. the article informed me whithout trying to persuade me. I enjoyed reading this article.
Advocate pg 8B, 4-18-08
This was a very effective article. The author introduces the Playmakers of Baton Rouge, says what they do, and how to support them. Playmakers of Baton Rouge is a nonprofit children's theater company. This article was written to salute the Plymakers' first 25 years. The author says it is important because it fosters the next generation of art supporters. Then, it ends with the phone number and email address, so the reader can support the cause if they want to. I didn't even know there was a Playmakers of Baton Rouge. the article informed me whithout trying to persuade me. I enjoyed reading this article.
Code Phrase could protect a child
Code Phrase Could Protect a Child
Advocate pg.8B, 4-18-08
Elizabeth Miner
After reading about a child being abducted in Houston, Elizabeth Miner felt compelled to share a simple plan her mother taught her to prevent kids from being kidnapped. She suggested that parents teach their children a secret code phrase. So, if parents ever have to send someone the child doesn't know to pick him or her up, then the parents will give the person their secret code phrase. If the person doesn't know the code phrase, the child knows they should run away as fast as possible.
This was a very good article. You know from the title what the article is about. It shares information to help children, so I was more receptive to the information. She could have put facts about how many children have been abducted to try to get more people to act. However, she fulfilled her objective of sharing information to protect children.
Advocate pg.8B, 4-18-08
Elizabeth Miner
After reading about a child being abducted in Houston, Elizabeth Miner felt compelled to share a simple plan her mother taught her to prevent kids from being kidnapped. She suggested that parents teach their children a secret code phrase. So, if parents ever have to send someone the child doesn't know to pick him or her up, then the parents will give the person their secret code phrase. If the person doesn't know the code phrase, the child knows they should run away as fast as possible.
This was a very good article. You know from the title what the article is about. It shares information to help children, so I was more receptive to the information. She could have put facts about how many children have been abducted to try to get more people to act. However, she fulfilled her objective of sharing information to protect children.
Saturday, April 26, 2008
Popular Saudi Blogger Released From Prison
Washington Post
Faiza Saleh Ambah
Saturday, April 26, 2008
This articles title really caught my attention since all of us have been blogging for the past semester. The article's intent is to inform the audience about this bloggers four month prison stay for speaking out against the constitutional monarchy that Saudi Arabia uses. It is very easy to understand and full of facts. Although there is a bias that the author is in support of this blogger, it did not hinder his argument against the constitutional monarchy in Saudi Arabia. He provides other examples of bloggers and journalists being jailed for speaking out against the government. The author says he is from Saudi Arabia, which definitely increased his credibility. It was a great article that not only informed the reader but gave a point of view of a citizen in Saudi Arabia and how they live day to day.
Faiza Saleh Ambah
Saturday, April 26, 2008
This articles title really caught my attention since all of us have been blogging for the past semester. The article's intent is to inform the audience about this bloggers four month prison stay for speaking out against the constitutional monarchy that Saudi Arabia uses. It is very easy to understand and full of facts. Although there is a bias that the author is in support of this blogger, it did not hinder his argument against the constitutional monarchy in Saudi Arabia. He provides other examples of bloggers and journalists being jailed for speaking out against the government. The author says he is from Saudi Arabia, which definitely increased his credibility. It was a great article that not only informed the reader but gave a point of view of a citizen in Saudi Arabia and how they live day to day.
Friday, April 25, 2008
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Boy or Girl? The Answer May Depend on Mom's Eating Habits
New York Times
Author: Tara Parker
April 23, 2008
The title of this article caught my eye immediately because it goes against everything that I have been taught in school. However, after reading the article it paints a clear picture of the author's issue. She states that the foods that the mother eats may affect the sperm at the time of conception. Studies have shown a high glucose concentration in male embryos that is not there in females. Throughout the entire article, the author states facts and studies which helps her credibility. Yet, she was willing to voice her doubts which made her even more trustworthy. She wrote the article in a clear, concise manner so that everyone could understand her purpose. I would recommend this article to someone as it was very interesting and raised many questions.
Author: Tara Parker
April 23, 2008
The title of this article caught my eye immediately because it goes against everything that I have been taught in school. However, after reading the article it paints a clear picture of the author's issue. She states that the foods that the mother eats may affect the sperm at the time of conception. Studies have shown a high glucose concentration in male embryos that is not there in females. Throughout the entire article, the author states facts and studies which helps her credibility. Yet, she was willing to voice her doubts which made her even more trustworthy. She wrote the article in a clear, concise manner so that everyone could understand her purpose. I would recommend this article to someone as it was very interesting and raised many questions.
Empty Talk On Taxes
The New York Times
Author: unknown
April 24, 2008
The author explains what has been very distressing to him lately: the promises the potential presidents are making about not raising taxes. Without raising taxes, there can be no improvement in health care, rebuilding the militray, or no other major issue. He says that Sentator John McCain's tax talk is "particularly divorced from reality" because he is offering a "free-lunch extravaganza — hundreds of billions of dollars in new tax breaks per year, on top of extending President Bush’s tax cuts, with no credible way to make up for the money the government will lose. The more criticism he has faced, the more nonsensical his justifications have become." The author is very biased against John McCain and without meaning to do so, he degrades him in two paragraphs of the article. This breaks the attention away from the main topic he is trying to get across, and instead makes the reader not trust him anymore because of the way he talks about a particular canidate. After that, he tries to get back into the real topic by quoting from the other canidates about thier promises of tax breaks. Instead of writing paragraphs of discrimination against the other canidates, he just says their quotes are not possible and leaves it at that. I enjoyed this article up to the paragraphs where he starts degrading a canidate, and then I could not trust him.
Author: unknown
April 24, 2008
The author explains what has been very distressing to him lately: the promises the potential presidents are making about not raising taxes. Without raising taxes, there can be no improvement in health care, rebuilding the militray, or no other major issue. He says that Sentator John McCain's tax talk is "particularly divorced from reality" because he is offering a "free-lunch extravaganza — hundreds of billions of dollars in new tax breaks per year, on top of extending President Bush’s tax cuts, with no credible way to make up for the money the government will lose. The more criticism he has faced, the more nonsensical his justifications have become." The author is very biased against John McCain and without meaning to do so, he degrades him in two paragraphs of the article. This breaks the attention away from the main topic he is trying to get across, and instead makes the reader not trust him anymore because of the way he talks about a particular canidate. After that, he tries to get back into the real topic by quoting from the other canidates about thier promises of tax breaks. Instead of writing paragraphs of discrimination against the other canidates, he just says their quotes are not possible and leaves it at that. I enjoyed this article up to the paragraphs where he starts degrading a canidate, and then I could not trust him.
To Screen or Not for Lung Cancer: Does It Make a Difference?
New York Times
24 April 2008
Philip M. Boffey
Most victims on lung cancer usually die within the next few years. A new screening program claims to reduce the amount of deaths caused by lung cancer through early diagnosis. Weill Cornell Medical College researchers believe they can prevent 80% of deaths through a spiral CT scan, which leaves many disbelievers. In doing a spiral CT scan, the research team found 484 patients with lung cancer and removed most of the tumors through surgery. They predict that 92% of them will be alive for the next ten years and found that the eight who did not remove their tumors died within the next five years. Other studies have found that this scan only works to detect small tumors for removal but cannot prove to reduce the amount of deaths due to lung cancer. This scan also leads to other surgeries, which can be costly and dangerous. Some might not want to face the risks for the small benefits.
This article proved very informative and seemed well researched. The author was credibly, citing many references, studies and foundations. The overall flow was good but sometimes hard to follow. It seemed to jump back and forth and use big words at times.
24 April 2008
Philip M. Boffey
Most victims on lung cancer usually die within the next few years. A new screening program claims to reduce the amount of deaths caused by lung cancer through early diagnosis. Weill Cornell Medical College researchers believe they can prevent 80% of deaths through a spiral CT scan, which leaves many disbelievers. In doing a spiral CT scan, the research team found 484 patients with lung cancer and removed most of the tumors through surgery. They predict that 92% of them will be alive for the next ten years and found that the eight who did not remove their tumors died within the next five years. Other studies have found that this scan only works to detect small tumors for removal but cannot prove to reduce the amount of deaths due to lung cancer. This scan also leads to other surgeries, which can be costly and dangerous. Some might not want to face the risks for the small benefits.
This article proved very informative and seemed well researched. The author was credibly, citing many references, studies and foundations. The overall flow was good but sometimes hard to follow. It seemed to jump back and forth and use big words at times.
Protecting a Basic Freedom
The New York Times
In this article “Protecting a Basic Freedom,” the author talks about the effort to pass the Free Flow of Information Act which was signed by all three Presidential hopefuls. This Act would give reporters limited protection against being compelled to reveal confidential sources in federal court. The author says that the Bush White House over the past eight years has secretly and aggressively targeting reporters. The article also says that a similar bill was approved last October but is still waiting on the Senate vote. The author also says that many believe we should have this law for national security but will allow the robust reporting that is essential for the country’s safety and freedom. I think this was a very well written article and easy to understand. The author took a stance on an issue and presented all of the points.
In this article “Protecting a Basic Freedom,” the author talks about the effort to pass the Free Flow of Information Act which was signed by all three Presidential hopefuls. This Act would give reporters limited protection against being compelled to reveal confidential sources in federal court. The author says that the Bush White House over the past eight years has secretly and aggressively targeting reporters. The article also says that a similar bill was approved last October but is still waiting on the Senate vote. The author also says that many believe we should have this law for national security but will allow the robust reporting that is essential for the country’s safety and freedom. I think this was a very well written article and easy to understand. The author took a stance on an issue and presented all of the points.
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Crime and Punishment in Connecticut
The New York Times
This article is about a “three strikes” law that Connecticut Republicans are trying to pass. Under this law, a criminal with three felonies would face life in prison. The author gives two examples of why the Governor wants to pass this law. After reading the two incidents, almost anyone would vote for this law. However, this author is definitely a Democrat because they are against this law. They give examples of why the law would be unacceptable and make a good point. This is a well written article but there is a lot of bias from the author
This article is about a “three strikes” law that Connecticut Republicans are trying to pass. Under this law, a criminal with three felonies would face life in prison. The author gives two examples of why the Governor wants to pass this law. After reading the two incidents, almost anyone would vote for this law. However, this author is definitely a Democrat because they are against this law. They give examples of why the law would be unacceptable and make a good point. This is a well written article but there is a lot of bias from the author
Pass the Fair Pay Act
The New York Times
This article is about the government making it much harder for an employee to sue over unlawful pay discrimination. The case in this article is that of Lilly Ledbetter, a supervisor at a Goodyear Tire Company in Alabama. She claimed that she received lower yearly raises than the male employees. The jury found that her rights under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 were violated. However, the Supreme Court ruled that she would be entitled to no compensation because she filed this claim past the 180 day mark. The author does a good job talking about how the Senate is reconsidering the bill and tells what would be restructured. The only bad thing the author said is when he bashes the Bush White House in the last sentence clearly showing his bias. This was an overall well written article.
This article is about the government making it much harder for an employee to sue over unlawful pay discrimination. The case in this article is that of Lilly Ledbetter, a supervisor at a Goodyear Tire Company in Alabama. She claimed that she received lower yearly raises than the male employees. The jury found that her rights under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 were violated. However, the Supreme Court ruled that she would be entitled to no compensation because she filed this claim past the 180 day mark. The author does a good job talking about how the Senate is reconsidering the bill and tells what would be restructured. The only bad thing the author said is when he bashes the Bush White House in the last sentence clearly showing his bias. This was an overall well written article.
Annotated Bib: Drinking Age Laws and Alcoholism
-Giesbrecht, Norman. Drinking and Casualties: Accidents, Poisonings, and Violence in an International Perspective. New York: Taylor & Francis E-Library, 2003. Drinking and Casulaties. 15 Apr. 2008 . This is a very good source if you need international experience with alcohol. Instead of the focus being on policy, it looks at casualties in certain countries due to alcohol. It also goes into detail about alcohol availability and injuries. If you are stuck and need a good source for comparison check this one out. Its kind of hard to get to but just follow the URL and you will be there.
-Hanson, David, ed. "Legal Drinking Age." Alcohol Problems and Solutions. 15 Apr. 2008. Ever wonder what the laws are by state? This website tells all. It even gives a detailed map showing what's legal by state. It also tells drinking age by country. This website would be a good start in your research. It just tells what the legal ages are. You would have to then check out another website to see rates of alcoholism.
-Moser, Joy. Alcohol Policies in National Health and Development Planning, Including a Summary of the Technical Discussions Held During the Thirty-Fifth World Health Assembly. 1st ed. Vol. 1. New York: WHO Publications Centre, 1985. Looking into the laws of other countries, Joy Moser writes of the policies of the time. It is strictly informative and gives specific information such as penalties for breaking drinking laws in those countries. This book also goes through the details of the world health convention. This source should only be used for comparative information. If you are for lowering the drinking age it will provide the information you need to compare our policies to other countries'. You might need to see something a little more recent.
-"State Profiles of Underage Drinking Laws." Apis. 17 Sept. 2007. National Institution on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. 15 Apr. 2008
-"Statistics by Country for Alcoholism." WD. 2004. US Census Bureau. 15 Apr. 2008. This is the site for you! Whenever I wanted to compare the alcoholism rates to population this site set it up in an easy to read chart. I wanted to look at European countries and found all the ones I needed. Be careful though. The website does give warnings that rates may have changed in the past four years. It is a good resource besides that.
-"Calling Time on Young People's Alcohol Consumption." The Lancet 371 (2008): 871. Academic Search Complete. EBSCO. LSU, Baton Rouge. 15 Apr. 2008. This article gives insight on the alcohol problems with the youth of our world. It gives solutions for alcoholism starting with the parents. If you are also looking for stats you can find a few here. This journal gives a great argument against alcohol by stating what it leads to. Everything from unprotected sex to liver damage is cited. This is perfect if you are for or against the lowering of the legal age to purchase and consume alcohol.
-Jasper, Gerard. "Should We Raise the Age of Legal Drinking?" Public Policy Research 14.1 (2007): 31-35. Academic Search Complete. EBSCO. LSU, Baton Rouge. 15 Apr. 2008. It’s hard to find a good source for lowering the drinking age. This article is a great source for raising the drinking age. It throws out percentage facts in almost every paragraph and crime facts for 18-24 year olds due to alcohol. This article is good if you decide to take a numerical approach to your argument. The author does show some bias but it’s easy to see through and pull out the appropriate facts.
-Hanson, David, ed. "Legal Drinking Age." Alcohol Problems and Solutions. 15 Apr. 2008
-Moser, Joy. Alcohol Policies in National Health and Development Planning, Including a Summary of the Technical Discussions Held During the Thirty-Fifth World Health Assembly. 1st ed. Vol. 1. New York: WHO Publications Centre, 1985. Looking into the laws of other countries, Joy Moser writes of the policies of the time. It is strictly informative and gives specific information such as penalties for breaking drinking laws in those countries. This book also goes through the details of the world health convention. This source should only be used for comparative information. If you are for lowering the drinking age it will provide the information you need to compare our policies to other countries'. You might need to see something a little more recent.
-"State Profiles of Underage Drinking Laws." Apis. 17 Sept. 2007. National Institution on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. 15 Apr. 2008
-"Statistics by Country for Alcoholism." WD. 2004. US Census Bureau. 15 Apr. 2008
-"Calling Time on Young People's Alcohol Consumption." The Lancet 371 (2008): 871. Academic Search Complete. EBSCO. LSU, Baton Rouge. 15 Apr. 2008
-Jasper, Gerard. "Should We Raise the Age of Legal Drinking?" Public Policy Research 14.1 (2007): 31-35. Academic Search Complete. EBSCO. LSU, Baton Rouge. 15 Apr. 2008
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Allen's show had Broadway quality
| Rannah Gray The Advocate page 4B Monday, April 21, 2008 "Brothers of the Night" produced and directed by Debbie Allen was recently shown at the Magnolia Performing Arts Pavilion at Baton Rouge Community College. The play was said to have Broadway quality and was filled with an astounded audience, who sat from the opening number to the final curtain call full of excitement. The article first talks about how Debbie Allen has come back to Baton Rouge, aplace where she called home countless summers as a child. After a breif bit about Allen, the article goes on to say thanks to a number of different people. Derek Gordon, CEO of the Arts Council of Greater Baton Rouge is responsible for bringing Allen back down to share with us some of her magnificent plays. Also to thank is Mayor-President Kip Holden and other sponsers who made it possible to pay for a place for Ms. Allen to reside. Finally the article talks about the love of theatre and the way it can bring people of all ages, nationalities, and races together for a beautiful show and to learn about your dreams. I think this is a rather boring article that gets nothing accomplished. I mean I am glad Debbie Allen came to Baton Rouge and put on a great show, but the whole part about the theatre bringing people together is quite a stretch and a little out there. |
US Military Recruits More Ex-Cons
This is a very interesting article about the acceptance of felons into the US Military. It compares 2007's entrance of 861 felons into various branches of the military to 457 in 2006. It goes on to describe what the excused felonies were, and that each person must go through a military investigation in order to be granted a waiver to enter. It does not discuss the potential problems this could cause or argue an opinion, but it does state that some people are concerned about this growing number. According to the article, the pentagon's explanation for this change in procedure is the growing pressure to recruit new troops.
This article is interesting in the sense that it is a debatable subject as well as an important one, and the writer does a good job of comparing 2007's military statistics to past years. The writer does an excellent job of not even beginning to talk about whether allowing more "approved" felons into the military is a good or bad thing, but instead states out the facts very clearly and with no bias. I think that this is a valuable article for the general public because it gives an introduction into a subject that we should be interested in without immediately swaying our opinions with bias.
This article is interesting in the sense that it is a debatable subject as well as an important one, and the writer does a good job of comparing 2007's military statistics to past years. The writer does an excellent job of not even beginning to talk about whether allowing more "approved" felons into the military is a good or bad thing, but instead states out the facts very clearly and with no bias. I think that this is a valuable article for the general public because it gives an introduction into a subject that we should be interested in without immediately swaying our opinions with bias.
Crime and Punishment in Connecticut
April 22, 2008
New York Times
This article discusses a law proposed by republicans in Connecticut to have a three strikes and you are out rule. This would mean that anyone who commits 3 felonies would automatically be sentenced to life in prison. The author of this article is clearly a democrat. Also discussed in this article is the issue of the number of prisoners who are released onto the street; many of these people are on waiting list for rehabs and have nowhere to live. The author recognizes the problems with the correctional system but does not agree with the Republicans idea to fix it. I thought overall this article was pretty good. The author could have included a few facts in order to be a little more convincing.
New York Times
This article discusses a law proposed by republicans in Connecticut to have a three strikes and you are out rule. This would mean that anyone who commits 3 felonies would automatically be sentenced to life in prison. The author of this article is clearly a democrat. Also discussed in this article is the issue of the number of prisoners who are released onto the street; many of these people are on waiting list for rehabs and have nowhere to live. The author recognizes the problems with the correctional system but does not agree with the Republicans idea to fix it. I thought overall this article was pretty good. The author could have included a few facts in order to be a little more convincing.
Monday, April 21, 2008
Annotated Bibliography
Annotated Bibliography
Harper, Brit; Tiggemann, Marika. “The Effect of Thin Ideal Media Images on Women’s Self-Objectification, Mood, and Body Image.” Sex Roles; May2008, Vol. 58 Issue 9/10, p649-657, 9p
Summary: The present study used an experimental design to examine the effects of media images on self-objectification. A total of 90 Australian undergraduate women aged 18 to 35 were randomly allocated to view magazine advertisements featuring a thin woman, advertisements featuring a thin woman with at least one attractive man, or advertisements in which no people were featured.
Participants who viewed advertisements featuring a thin-idealized woman reported greater state self-objectification, weight-related appearance anxiety, negative mood, and body dissatisfaction than participants who viewed product control advertisements. The results demonstrate that self-objectification can be stimulated in women without explicitly focusing attention on their own bodies.
This was a very helpful source. It combined a study with further research on how women can begin to objectify women as a whole instead of just their own bodies. I like how it mentioned the psychological effect of images in the media being projected as the standard.
O'Riordan, Siobhan S. Zamboanga, Byron L. “Aspects of the media and their relevance to bulimic attitudes and tendencies among female college students.” Eating Behaviors; Apr2008, Vol. 9 Issue 2, p247-250, 4p
Summary: Examines whether media pressures would mediate the association between two dimensions of the media (source of information and internalization) and bulimic attitudes/tendencies. The study sample consisted of 106 female college students. Participants completed anonymous, self-report measures on media influences on body image and appearance as well as disordered eating attitudes/behaviors.
Findings showed that the association between two dimensions of the media (source of information and internalization) and bulimic attitudes/tendencies was mediated by perceived media pressures. Such findings highlight the significant influence of media pressures on bulimic attitudes/tendencies. Future research and prevention implications are discussed.
This was also a good source, doing a study to determine a specific demographic of female college students. Not only this but the study examines how this body image can relate to eating disorders and influence psychological damage which can lead to physiological effects.
Ukachuckwu, Jephther, “The Media and Body Image: If Looks Could Kill.” European Journal of Communication; Mar2008, Vol. 23 Issue 1, p93-96, 4p
Summary: The article reviews the book "The Media and Body Image: If Looks Could Kill," by Maggie Wykes and Barrie Gunter. This was not helpful in the least, and it was simply a book review. I should probably go find the actual book before I listen to someone critique it.
Aubrey, Jennifer Stevens. “Does Television Exposure Influence College-Aged Women's Sexual Self-Concept?” Media Psychology; 2007, Vol. 10 Issue 2, p157-181, 25p
Summary: The present study examined whether television exposure shapes female emerging adults' sexual self-concept, defined as self-perceptions of one's qualities in the sexual domain. Results from two-year panel data collected from undergraduate women suggested that Time-1 exposure to soap operas, prime-time dramas, and amount of television viewing predicted a deflation in college women's Time-2 sexual self-concept.
In addition, Time-1 sexual self-concept negatively predicted Time-2 prime-time drama exposure and Time-2 television watched per day. The results are interpreted in light of the cognitive information processing model and the selective exposure hypothesis.
This was a bit confusing but it did offer me direction to take on the specific topic that I chose. I find this particular topic fascinating and think that this article would have been a lot more interesting if it weren’t so wordy.
Woo, Jane S. T.; Brotto, Lori A. “Age of First Sexual Intercourse and Acculturation: Effects on Adult Sexual Responding.”Journal of Sexual Medicine; May2008, Vol. 5 Issue 3, p571-582, 12p, 3 charts, 1 graph
Summary: The goal of this study was to explore the association between age of first intercourse and adult sexual function in a sample of Euro-Canadian and Asian Canadian university students. In addition, culture-based comparisons of sexual complaints were made to clarify the role of culture in sexual response. Ethnic group comparisons revealed that Asians reported more sexual complaints including sexual avoidance, dissatisfaction and non-sensuality.
Among the women, Asians reported higher scores on the Vaginismus and Anorgasmia subscales whereas the ethnic groups did not differ on the male-specific measures of sexual complaints. In the overall sample, older age of first intercourse was associated with more sexual problems as an adult, including more sexual infrequency, sexual avoidance, and non-sensuality.
This gave a whole lot of information which I did not need to know or think I would find out. This was more culture-based instead of on a general basis. But it was helpful in identifying the actual statistics of women’s sexual activities at young and old age to tie into my argument on how the media could affect this. This was basically to get a better perception of what is “normal.”
Unknown author. “Women hate distorted media depictions.” http://www.Chinadaily.com.cn.
Summary: Women hate betrayal the most and don't consider themselves subordinate to men. These are the findings of a major online survey on women's attitudes toward the media. It finds that media depictions of women as pathetic subordinates to men, sex objects and a "third person" between a couple are hated most.
They also dislike overused sensational media catch phrases that stereotype some types of women with sexy images and judge women based only on their appearance. The survey also finds that independence, self-worth and intelligence are the top three qualities sought by respondents, who are mainly aged 20-30 and have college degrees. But confronted with reality, about half said they would not be a woman if they had a choice. Social discrimination and physical pain caused by pregnancy and childbirth are the major reasons they gave.
This article was extremely helpful. My only complaint is that this demographic is wide in age and specific in race. It was only a study of Chinese women, but I think it will be helpful in finding a general attitude towards their own gender in the media. It was interesting to hear how liberal and conservative at the same time. I would recommend this to other people.
Reichert, Tom “The Ageless Allure: Sex, Media, and Marketing.” Journal of Promotion Management; 2007, Vol. 13 Issue 1/2, p3, 9p
Summary: In this introductory article, Reichert argues that greater research attention should be paid to the area of strategic-or direct-effects of sexual information in the media. He begins by describing the nature of sexual information and the response it evokes in viewers. More important, Reichert outlines several ways that media organizations and advertisers use sex to promote their content and branded goods with the ultimate goal of enhancing revenue.
Last, the author describes how the articles in this contributed volume advance the study of sex and promotion into new and important contexts (e.g., television news, sports coverage, magazine covers, etc.)
This was interesting in finding why there is even a projected image in the media about sex in the first place. Sex sells and is strategically placed in areas where it will lure viewers to indulge. Audiences are nothing but consumers and it appears we are motivated by sex, which is why it is so prevalent in our culture.
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