http://www.nytimes.com/2010/02/17/opinion/17friedman.html
Friedman argues that the best course in the Global Warming scene right now would be to clear the doubt of it's existence and relevance... and perhaps refer to it as "Global Weirding" instead of "Global Warming" to make it clear that snow in Washington does not mean that Global Warming does not exist. He proposes that a group of experts get together to make a comprehensible guide to Global Warming and the false theories that accompany it. Friedman points out that China is already looking towards the future of clean energy, and says that even if Global Warming doesn't turn out to be as bad as some think, clean energy will still be the power source of the future and is a good investment.
I agree that among the best ways to convince people to get up and do something about Global Warming is to clear up all of the misunderstandings and misleading information with a trust-worthy comprehensible summary. The largest barrier to getting the movement for a cleaner and better environment is understanding. As long as people are unsure of what to believe, they are more likely to just stay where they are, in their comfort zones of oil and energy inefficiency.
Monday, February 20, 2012
Global Warming: Social, Political Impact
http://uwire.com/2012/02/15/column-global-warming-and-future-conflict/
Dewey and Lyonsjustus argue that global warming is not only an imminent threat but one that can cause social unrest, and thus the issue should be seriously discussed in the political realm, especially since the US is in a powerful position to make major changes to anticipate the coming threat. They also argue that not much can be done to stop/slow the coming of Global Warming but that we should simply prepare for it's effects and those social implications.
While Dewey and Lyonsjustus are correct in claiming that the existing CO2 in the atmosphere cannot be 'sucked out,' I do believe that preventive measures can be taken. A change in lifestyle of the entire first world community would make a dent in future outputs of CO2. We should not simply resign ourselves to oncoming chaos and destruction, though we should prepare for all probable possibilities.
Dewey and Lyonsjustus argue that global warming is not only an imminent threat but one that can cause social unrest, and thus the issue should be seriously discussed in the political realm, especially since the US is in a powerful position to make major changes to anticipate the coming threat. They also argue that not much can be done to stop/slow the coming of Global Warming but that we should simply prepare for it's effects and those social implications.
While Dewey and Lyonsjustus are correct in claiming that the existing CO2 in the atmosphere cannot be 'sucked out,' I do believe that preventive measures can be taken. A change in lifestyle of the entire first world community would make a dent in future outputs of CO2. We should not simply resign ourselves to oncoming chaos and destruction, though we should prepare for all probable possibilities.
Sunday, January 29, 2012
Global Warming: The Greater Good
http://communities.washingtontimes.com/neighborhood/forbidden-table-talk/2012/jan/28/global-warming-verses-affordable-inhalers-truth-ev/
Bob Siegal discuses agreements to ban substances that threaten the ozone layer that have caused the banning of over the counter inhalers. He points out the irony of this, the possible sacrifice of several lives for the good of the planet and it's inhabitants. There is also irony in that many of those in agreement with this latest action against global warming also support affordable health care programs. The inhalers left to asthma patients are more expensive than those banned. Siegal draws attention to the general hypocrisy of anti global warming movements.
While Siegal brings to the table many valid points, his argument is flawed. The government weighs its decisions every day and is not a perfect system. Putting a nation and a world before a few people with asthma actually is necessary if the threat to the world is measured to be up on the scale. Siegal is correct, however, in the fact that it is hypocritical to pass over things such as private jets for a few inhalers.
Bob Siegal discuses agreements to ban substances that threaten the ozone layer that have caused the banning of over the counter inhalers. He points out the irony of this, the possible sacrifice of several lives for the good of the planet and it's inhabitants. There is also irony in that many of those in agreement with this latest action against global warming also support affordable health care programs. The inhalers left to asthma patients are more expensive than those banned. Siegal draws attention to the general hypocrisy of anti global warming movements.
While Siegal brings to the table many valid points, his argument is flawed. The government weighs its decisions every day and is not a perfect system. Putting a nation and a world before a few people with asthma actually is necessary if the threat to the world is measured to be up on the scale. Siegal is correct, however, in the fact that it is hypocritical to pass over things such as private jets for a few inhalers.
Sunday, January 22, 2012
Global Warming: Who to Blame?
http://www.lfpress.com/comment/columnists/lorrie_goldstein/2011/11/30/19041586.html
On the global scale, we are now past whether or not global warming is a reality and a threat. We move on to a game plan, which naturally requires a scape goat.
Lorrie Goldstein argues that, at the "United Nations’ annual gabfests on global warming," Canada is unfairly picked on to reduce emissions while the two big carbon emission sources, the US and China are mostly ignored due to their key roles in any post-Kyoto agreements as leaders of the developed and developing worlds. Goldstein points out the flaws in argument, and claims these actions demonstrate cowardice.
The contemporary global warming debate has now shifted to revolve around the responsibilities of developed and developing countries.
On the global scale, we are now past whether or not global warming is a reality and a threat. We move on to a game plan, which naturally requires a scape goat.
Lorrie Goldstein argues that, at the "United Nations’ annual gabfests on global warming," Canada is unfairly picked on to reduce emissions while the two big carbon emission sources, the US and China are mostly ignored due to their key roles in any post-Kyoto agreements as leaders of the developed and developing worlds. Goldstein points out the flaws in argument, and claims these actions demonstrate cowardice.
The contemporary global warming debate has now shifted to revolve around the responsibilities of developed and developing countries.
Sunday, January 8, 2012
A Study of John Kass
When addressing national topics, Kass tends to adopt the tone of, "What has the world come to," noting how the life of a single baby deer tips the political scale and how the 'needs' of shoplifters have moved away from simple subsistence to luxury items such as fillet mignon. However, Kass is sensitive to the topics that individuals are concerned about, as demonstrated in his 12/9/11 post, when he sincerely answers fan mail and addresses a youtube video with good humor. Thus Kasso uses his point of view to widen his reader's eyes, but does it in a way as to make people think, not criticizing them for thinking differently than him. He views society as a work in progress, and knows that it hasn't failed yet because it isn't finished yet.
Sunday, December 18, 2011
A Christmas Miracle
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/columnists/ct-met-kass-1216-20111216,0,4742650.column?page=1
John Kass describes how the small issue of an orphaned deer's life turns over the political scene at the outcries of Chicago Tribune readers. He congratulates readers on having saved the deer's life for Christmas, and perhaps hints that this power of the people can be applied to other movements as well. He points out how such simple stories have the power to touch people's hearts and connect them over great distances and differences. He points out how even those who hunt or believe in hunting support the right of Charlotte the deer to live. In describing how politicians, especially those hoping for support in the next election, scrambled to paste their names on the saving of Charlotte in contrast to his own statement that Tribune readers saved Charlotte, he also points out the fickleness of politics.
John Kass describes how the small issue of an orphaned deer's life turns over the political scene at the outcries of Chicago Tribune readers. He congratulates readers on having saved the deer's life for Christmas, and perhaps hints that this power of the people can be applied to other movements as well. He points out how such simple stories have the power to touch people's hearts and connect them over great distances and differences. He points out how even those who hunt or believe in hunting support the right of Charlotte the deer to live. In describing how politicians, especially those hoping for support in the next election, scrambled to paste their names on the saving of Charlotte in contrast to his own statement that Tribune readers saved Charlotte, he also points out the fickleness of politics.
Politics, Sports, and Legends, Oh My!
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/columnists/ct-met-kass-1209-20111210,0,5594614.column
John Kass addresses several points in this column, answering fan mail. By combining the serious with the lighthearted, he touches on important subjects while keeping his tone casual. To a question of how Daley and Madigan are avoiding all of the political mess going on, Kass answers, that's easy. magic. He means that it is not easy - it is a mess of complicated factors, but he also insinuates that they are not completely out of the political mud. Thus without actually saying anything, he gives the reader much to think about. Kass also addresses Mark Buehrle's leaving the White Sox, giving faith to readers that there is still a positive light - an old message, the glass is half full, which, though separated from all of the other responses, applies to the political intrigues. Kass ends on a decidedly lighthearted image, him, or the legend of Kasso, riding mule down Michagan Avenue, with Daley, Madigan, Jackson, Emanuel, and Thompson following. Perhaps sending a message to readers, there has to be room for humor and fun, no matter what's going on.
John Kass addresses several points in this column, answering fan mail. By combining the serious with the lighthearted, he touches on important subjects while keeping his tone casual. To a question of how Daley and Madigan are avoiding all of the political mess going on, Kass answers, that's easy. magic. He means that it is not easy - it is a mess of complicated factors, but he also insinuates that they are not completely out of the political mud. Thus without actually saying anything, he gives the reader much to think about. Kass also addresses Mark Buehrle's leaving the White Sox, giving faith to readers that there is still a positive light - an old message, the glass is half full, which, though separated from all of the other responses, applies to the political intrigues. Kass ends on a decidedly lighthearted image, him, or the legend of Kasso, riding mule down Michagan Avenue, with Daley, Madigan, Jackson, Emanuel, and Thompson following. Perhaps sending a message to readers, there has to be room for humor and fun, no matter what's going on.
Wanted: Shoplifter of Filet Mignon
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/columnists/ct-met-kass-1202-20111202,0,1007088.column
Through his own experience of a childhood at a family supermarket and a list of most-shoplifted-items, John Kass criticizes not only the act of shoplifting but also the state to which America has descended, where shoplifting is not for survival but for a filet mignon or a Let's Rock Elmo. He makes fun of such shoplifters, calling the filet mignon tasteless, criticizing their taste in steaks. Kass further mocks these people who seemingly shoplift for fun by ending with a recipe for the "Kass' Christmas Shoplifter's Pan Sauce" and then the simple statement, "pay for your own whiskey. It tastes better that way." This backs up that these shoplifters can afford to buy the things that they steal, and also reprimands them - a society without shoplifters whould be a better one.
Through his own experience of a childhood at a family supermarket and a list of most-shoplifted-items, John Kass criticizes not only the act of shoplifting but also the state to which America has descended, where shoplifting is not for survival but for a filet mignon or a Let's Rock Elmo. He makes fun of such shoplifters, calling the filet mignon tasteless, criticizing their taste in steaks. Kass further mocks these people who seemingly shoplift for fun by ending with a recipe for the "Kass' Christmas Shoplifter's Pan Sauce" and then the simple statement, "pay for your own whiskey. It tastes better that way." This backs up that these shoplifters can afford to buy the things that they steal, and also reprimands them - a society without shoplifters whould be a better one.
First Daughter in Law
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/columnists/ct-met-kass-1125-20111125,0,3890680.column?page=2
Columnist John Kass writes about the First Lady of Chicago, Maggie Daley after her death. Instead of focusing on politics, the obvious topic, he focuses on family, revealing an anecdote that displays Maggie in contrast to her mother in law, Sis Daley.He emphasizes the position, the family that Maggie blundered into, and the pressures and new responsibilities that she bore with 'public grace.' Kass praises Maggie for her courage, and all other daughter in laws as well for holding families together.
Columnist John Kass writes about the First Lady of Chicago, Maggie Daley after her death. Instead of focusing on politics, the obvious topic, he focuses on family, revealing an anecdote that displays Maggie in contrast to her mother in law, Sis Daley.He emphasizes the position, the family that Maggie blundered into, and the pressures and new responsibilities that she bore with 'public grace.' Kass praises Maggie for her courage, and all other daughter in laws as well for holding families together.
Sunday, November 6, 2011
Opinions
The Occupy Wall Street movement has created much debate over the past few months. Some believe that the movement is completely right - that the wealthy have increasingly been growing wealthier while the poor have increasingly been growing poorer, widening the wealth gap, that large corporations shouldn't be able to get away with they things that they do, that something should be done about all of this. The other camp believes that protesters are ignorant, and over-exaggerating - sure, the gap is getting bigger, sure, multi-billion-dollar corporations get away with a few things they perhaps they shouldn't, but Wall Street is not directly responsible for any of this, and they do not display proper knowledge of the accurate factors leading to the current situation.
I fall somewhere in between these two camps. I understand that the American Dream is no longer as tangible as it once was, and that the gap between wealthy and poor had grown much more noticeable over the past few years, but in comparison to many other countries, our 'poor' aren't as bad off. Additionally, I agree with the second camp that the movement is under-educated in some of the matters at hand. So, I'm not going to go protest against the wrongs of Wall Street, but I get the perspective.
I fall somewhere in between these two camps. I understand that the American Dream is no longer as tangible as it once was, and that the gap between wealthy and poor had grown much more noticeable over the past few years, but in comparison to many other countries, our 'poor' aren't as bad off. Additionally, I agree with the second camp that the movement is under-educated in some of the matters at hand. So, I'm not going to go protest against the wrongs of Wall Street, but I get the perspective.
Sunday, October 30, 2011
Two Opinions
http://www.opposingviews.com/i/religion/christianity/video-pat-robertson-warns-christians-not-join-occupy-wall-street-protests
http://www.opposingviews.com/i/religion/christianity/video-pat-robertson-claims-president-obama-inciting-people-revolt
In these posts, Michael Allen displays Pat Robertson's opinion on Occupy Wall Street. Robertson says that Christians should not become a pat of the 'rebellion' because it is simply a group of angry protesters. However, Allen points out the flaws in his logic, citing Jesus's show of anger, Robertson's proof less claim that Obama was 'inciting people to revolt,' and Robertson's hypocritical support of Tea Party protesters in the past. Thus these posts display two opinions- that of ardent disapproval of Occupy Wall Street, and another whose position on Occupy Wall Street is unclear, yet most likely approves of Occupy Wall Street.
http://www.opposingviews.com/i/religion/christianity/video-pat-robertson-claims-president-obama-inciting-people-revolt
In these posts, Michael Allen displays Pat Robertson's opinion on Occupy Wall Street. Robertson says that Christians should not become a pat of the 'rebellion' because it is simply a group of angry protesters. However, Allen points out the flaws in his logic, citing Jesus's show of anger, Robertson's proof less claim that Obama was 'inciting people to revolt,' and Robertson's hypocritical support of Tea Party protesters in the past. Thus these posts display two opinions- that of ardent disapproval of Occupy Wall Street, and another whose position on Occupy Wall Street is unclear, yet most likely approves of Occupy Wall Street.
Sunday, October 23, 2011
On the Occupy Wall Street Crowd...
http://www.wtol.com/story/15743982/wtol-editorial-occupy-wall-street
In this editorial, Chirdon calls the Occupy Wall Street movement nothing but a crowd of nobodies making a fuss over some small problems. In fact, he goes as far as to call the lot of them crazy. Chirdon obviously feels that the claims and demands of the men and women of Occupy Wall Street are senseless and have no support.
In this editorial, Chirdon calls the Occupy Wall Street movement nothing but a crowd of nobodies making a fuss over some small problems. In fact, he goes as far as to call the lot of them crazy. Chirdon obviously feels that the claims and demands of the men and women of Occupy Wall Street are senseless and have no support.
Sunday, October 16, 2011
United We Stand Divided We Fall
In this picture of a wall street protester outside City Hall, the first thing that catches the eye is the burst of color that is the US flag, a symbol of nationalism and unity, contrasting with the message that the lone figure sends of disunity, especially as you can see the people busily walking in the background. There is a sense that the lone figure is very far separated from those people, no matter the small amount of feet between them. Additionally, the fact that the figure is 'faceless' makes it so that the figure could represent anyone, or anything, and thus draws sympathy from the viewer. Overall, the picture serves to make the viewer identify with the lone figure, rather than the distant, unfriendly figures in the background.
Monday, October 10, 2011
Occupy Wall Street
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/10/09/opinion/sunday/protesters-against-wall-street.html?_r=1&ref=editorials
This editorialist is of the opinion that the solution to all of the economic problems is clear, yet nothing is being done simply because "no one in Washington has been listening." Additionally, he/she sides with protesters as he/she criticizes the financial sector for profiting off of people's bad luck. Then he/she suggests that instead of protecting banks, the government should be helping those really in need by creating jobs and fostering full-time employment. Thus the editorial attacks the government for twiddling their thumbs while their country needs them most, and also those who profit from the bad economy.
This editorialist is of the opinion that the solution to all of the economic problems is clear, yet nothing is being done simply because "no one in Washington has been listening." Additionally, he/she sides with protesters as he/she criticizes the financial sector for profiting off of people's bad luck. Then he/she suggests that instead of protecting banks, the government should be helping those really in need by creating jobs and fostering full-time employment. Thus the editorial attacks the government for twiddling their thumbs while their country needs them most, and also those who profit from the bad economy.
Sunday, September 25, 2011
The Beginnings of a Movement
http://article.wn.com/view/2011/09/25/Women_in_Saudi_Arabia_to_vote_and_run_in_elections/
The first thing I noticed was the contrast between the shiny purse and the burqas of the women. I think this draws attention to how Saudi Arabia still has a foot each in modern conveniences and also religious tradition- something that, by the United States' and Europe's example, does not last very long.
The next thing that I noticed was how the woman in the middle is raising the black fabric of her burqa away from her face. This symbolizes how the women of Saudi Arabia are slowly removing the restrictions on their rights. However, the fact that the women's eyes are averted suggests that women are still slightly timid in receiving their rights-they lack the determination that would have been showed had the picture shown them staring right at the camera.
Finally, I noticed the sharp contrast between the black material of the women's burqas to the men's white outfits in the background. This demonstrates the contrast between men's and women's roles and rights in Saudi Arabia-men hold the power while women are still struggling for basic rights, such as the vote. Additionally, the white trim on one of the women's burqas may demonstrate the beginning of women's movements towards those basic rights.
The first thing I noticed was the contrast between the shiny purse and the burqas of the women. I think this draws attention to how Saudi Arabia still has a foot each in modern conveniences and also religious tradition- something that, by the United States' and Europe's example, does not last very long.
The next thing that I noticed was how the woman in the middle is raising the black fabric of her burqa away from her face. This symbolizes how the women of Saudi Arabia are slowly removing the restrictions on their rights. However, the fact that the women's eyes are averted suggests that women are still slightly timid in receiving their rights-they lack the determination that would have been showed had the picture shown them staring right at the camera.
Finally, I noticed the sharp contrast between the black material of the women's burqas to the men's white outfits in the background. This demonstrates the contrast between men's and women's roles and rights in Saudi Arabia-men hold the power while women are still struggling for basic rights, such as the vote. Additionally, the white trim on one of the women's burqas may demonstrate the beginning of women's movements towards those basic rights.
Sunday, September 18, 2011
Am Opinion on a Longer Schoolday
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/opinion/editorials/ct-edit-schools-20110918,0,3949554.story
An editorialist of the Chicago Tribune commends 5 elementary schools in Chicago at having voted for making the school day 90 minutes longer and for wanting to make the change immediately. This, the writer says, will help the kids get a better education. The Chicago Teachers Union (CTU) should not be trying to reverse the votes, the reporter notes, as the teachers and principles of the schools have already agreed to the deal, which includes a 2% raise and $75,000-150,000 for the school.
"A teaching moment." chicagotribune.com. The Chicago Tribune, 18 Sept. 2011. Web. 18 Sept. 2011
An editorialist of the Chicago Tribune commends 5 elementary schools in Chicago at having voted for making the school day 90 minutes longer and for wanting to make the change immediately. This, the writer says, will help the kids get a better education. The Chicago Teachers Union (CTU) should not be trying to reverse the votes, the reporter notes, as the teachers and principles of the schools have already agreed to the deal, which includes a 2% raise and $75,000-150,000 for the school.
"A teaching moment." chicagotribune.com. The Chicago Tribune, 18 Sept. 2011. Web. 18 Sept. 2011
Sunday, September 11, 2011
An Omniscient Supercomputer Is In the Forecast
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-14841018
Kalev Leetaru, from the University of Illinois, has performed a study with a supercomputer that takes in sources from Open Source Center and BBC Monitoring, and then scans the articles for mood/tone and location. The data was then put into SGI Altix supercomputer (Nautilus) which made graphs depicting shifts in the mood of a country, or a city, which gave some foresight into what would happen at the time. The study has only applied to past events, but Leetaru hopes to set up a real-time system to help predict major events before they happen.
"Supercomputer predicts revolution." bbc.co.uk. BBC News, 9 Sept. 2011. Web. 11 Sept. 2011.
Kalev Leetaru, from the University of Illinois, has performed a study with a supercomputer that takes in sources from Open Source Center and BBC Monitoring, and then scans the articles for mood/tone and location. The data was then put into SGI Altix supercomputer (Nautilus) which made graphs depicting shifts in the mood of a country, or a city, which gave some foresight into what would happen at the time. The study has only applied to past events, but Leetaru hopes to set up a real-time system to help predict major events before they happen.
"Supercomputer predicts revolution." bbc.co.uk. BBC News, 9 Sept. 2011. Web. 11 Sept. 2011.
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