Fighting Global Warming for $1 Day. . . and Still Live Comfortably

“Fight Global Warming for $1 a Day. . .and Still Live Comfortably,” was a great article written by Mike Tidwell in 2002.  He provides a detailed, informative example for those who live in North America on how they can individually take steps to combat global warming as reported by the United Nations report on climate change in 2001.  He was very passionate about this subject and methodically presented the information so that, if convinced, others could follow his lead in making their homes energy efficient by reducing the demand on electricity and natural gas. Mr. Tidwell supported his claim with perfect examples and also revealed sources of different organizations and companies that support home energy saving solutions.

                    

Although this article was well written, it was printed during a time of false prosperity and in an era when it was attractive to acquire a home equity loan. Taking out a loan for $7,500 that will take 10 years to pay off is a deterrent to most Americans today. Unfortunately, with budget cuts to most government programs and charitable organizations’ experiencing stagnant growth or even suffering with the ability to sustain their existence, the article is outdated and thus loses some of its appeal to the average American. What if the homeowner lives in a Home Owner Association (HOA) community? His approach is not feasible when the  restrictions imposed by most HOAs are considered. Many citizens would find Tidwell’s methods interesting, but out of reach. It is possible that Mike Tidwell was overly excited and exaggerated his presentation to make the average American consider his methods of saving energy. 

Yet, there are simple alternatives that can result in savings and a reduction of individual energy footprints.  Reducing the number of heating/cooling units in operation, using ceiling fans, lighting with long-life, compact fluorescent light bulbs and recycling paper and plastic are a few ways to begin affordable participation in energy conservation and improving the environment. 

Tidwell is to be applauded for his conscientious efforts to fight global warming. He is dedicated to this cause and shares his experience warmly.  His article does bring awareness to a problem that will affect the future of the planet, and more importantly, our children and grandchildren.  Perhaps this article should inspire everyone to be more intentional about doing their part, no matter how large or small, to combat climate change.

No to Budget Cuts in Higher Education

           The essay written by freshman student, Elizabeth Medina remains very relevant today.  Most employers  require a degree to obtain employment sufficient to meet the needs of families. Parents are desperate for their children to see higher education that they were not afforded.  However, it remains financially unattainable for many due to the recession unless students are willing to take on more debt, which will probably aggravate the country’s economic woes.              Elizabeth Medina gives a very good statistical report of the toll that an increase education will make on students. The services that could be lost as a result of proposed increases of higher education will be detrimental to the surrounding communities.  The trickle down affect is clearly stated.  Giving students a solid foundation now should be important to the legislators of this state.  It is an investment that will pay great dividends in the future and it should be put to a vote by ballot so that the will of populace has some input in the decision as opposed to being dictated by the state legislative body. 
            The government was put in place to protect its citizens, but it appears that the politicians have again taken on a matter that will leave its citizens defenseless and vulnerable.  All Georgians will regret the lack of investment in our educators and our children if lawmakers cannot identify viable alternatives to increasing the cost of higher education. 

A Modest Proposal

                                                                           The poem ‘A Modest Proposal’, written by Jonathan Swift in 1729 was a form of sharp satire pointing out the problem of widespread poverty and a lack of action on the part of the monarchy.  The poem itself was a bit melancholy. However, he manages to assert his disdain for certain religious groups as well as presenting a morbidly detailed plan of action for consideration by the ruling party and the wealthy of Ireland.

             Swift’s descriptive reference of mothers as breeders, children as bastards, beggars and delectable food was deplorable.  He referred to the poor who were elderly and maimed as encumbrance.  All of his ‘thoughts’ were weird and well thought out as offered through his calculating plans of cannibalism. To think that those that engaged in deep conversation with Swift about his inhuman feelings was mind boggling, and yet he managed to do so.
       
The sarcastic views of Swift could be totally lost on the reader if not identified in paragraph 29 of the text.  He was surely among the wealthy at that time, and was concerned about the lack of sympathy or help provided to those that had fallen on hard times. He wanted more to be done to help the less fortunate; however, were much better means to voice concerns to a country that was facing these problems during that era? There appeared to be an utter disregard for the poor on the part of the elite.

            Swift’s calculations were cold and his offer to kill at minimum a hundred and twenty thousand babies to ultimately feed the rich by being roasted alive and presented on the table for carving should have been shocking to most citizens of that country.  As part of his personal release from his barbaric suggestions, he was conveniently able to exclude himself from the activity by sharing the fact that his daughter was passed the age of slaughter and his wife was passed child-bearing age.  We wonder if the proposal would be acceptable to those that had the audacity to consider such activity if there were no exemptions?

Why Schools Don't Educate

John Taylor Gatto uses very strong adjectives in his speech written as a recipient of a surely well-deserved award.  Gatto presented his information very well from beginning to end and it was based on facts as well as his opinions.  It seemed that he was very passionate about the subject of educating youth and this helped to engage the readers.  The piece was personal due to his dedication as a former teacher and the information presented was observed by him on a daily basis.  He made a great comparison on the contrast of school and television and the influences of each on children.

Society has become self indulged, focused on commercialism that promotes instant gratification.  The pathologies presented were excellent. Children have become detached from their surroundings because of excessive television viewing, which has the power to promote, suggest, and instill behavior that society has accepted as the norm.  Unfortunately, the lack of experience during adolescence with real charity, real adventures or searching for real mentors as he speaks of in the first paragraph is sadly true for most children today.  It will take innovation and dialogue on the part of parents and passionate educators to fill this void if this country wants an outcome of productive, well-rounded adults in the future.  What happened to educational field trips?  This was an effective approach in the past and augmented the education of our children.

The life of busy working parents and the lack resources for educators has a dismal effect on how children are reared and the time dedicated by all to ensuring a solid education and overall childhood experience.  Think of how this must affect our teachers who spend a minimum of four years in college to obtain a job that does not promote wealth or the real power to make decisions around the methods used to have a better impact on the education of youth.

So, why should students commit so much time in school? American adults spend so much of our time to television and the media that the children are only replicating what they see us do. We need to change first. Gatto is right, we are to blame!!

Girls Will Be Girls

          Ellen Goodman’s article, ‘Girls Will Be Girls,’ written in 2002 for a nationally syndicated column, addresses issues that are in the forefront of today’s society.  The sarcastic introduction of the article was a great way to get the reader’s attention and to lead into the rest of the text. She puts in perspective the actions of ‘RMG’s (Really Mean Girls) that have recently made their way to the mainstream media.  Goodman accurately points out that it is viewed and described differently if similar actions are conducted by boys.  Ellen Goodman simply points out that boys and girls are the same. It is an act of bullying no matter how the story is told.  Cattiness, backbiting, jealousy and contentiousness are just a few terms to describe the behavior that Ms. Goodman is referring to for girls and almost every girl has experienced this in one form or another.

Goodman relates the seriousness of mean girls to Columbine killings.  Although the aftermath of mean girls has not reached the level of Columbine physically, mentally it can have long lasting effects and some girls have taken their lives for what may appear as a diminutive issue.  Really mean girls is not a new phenomenon. 

No one should ever resign themselves to being bullied as a child.  Nothing is inevitable unless you sit back and allow it!  Parents have an obligation to intervene when this activity becomes over the top, whether their child is a victim of RMG’s or has chosen to be a mean girl.  On the other hand, somehow it seems to have resulted in adults with strong character if they were able to survive the ostracizing and isolation intended by the bully.

            We did not see the finale of the sitcom Ally McBeal, but she always seemed to have fought battles in her mind.  She never allowed her surroundings to dictate to her mentally, although she never fought physically. Go Ally! And sometimes life brings about positive change...

Indirectness Is Not Insecurity

     This excerpt from the book, "Talk from 9 to 5: How Women’s and Men’s Conversational Styles Affect Who Gets Heard, Who Gets Credit, and What Gets Done at Work," written by Deborah Tannen, implies that an indirect or soft approach to issuing directions in the workplace may solicit a better response than a direct command. She provides an example of a directive issued by a male manager to a female employee and a second example of a detailed conversation between a female manager, whose style of delivering a directive is notably ‘softer’, and a male subordinate.  Ms. Tannen supports an indirect approach that offers employees an opportunity to make a decision to accept a command cloaked as suggestion.  

     The tone of the text suggests that male managers are more direct in communicating instructions in the workplace, and that female managers negotiate with employees to accomplish objectives.  Nothing could be further from the truth.  Many women in management positions feel the have to prove themselves to their male counterparts and, therefore, take a firm posture when dealing with subordinates.  The example of a ‘soft touch’ management style is often ineffective.  Who do you know that has the luxury of debating with a boss over the content of assignments, male or female?  This kind of exchange can be perceived as insubordinate behavior.  Even if appropriate justification is offered, generally an employee is not allowed the liberty to engage in a lengthy challenge to a request made in the workplace

What about employees who have a tendency to take advantage of managers that exhibit a soft management?  Who wins when poor work ethic is discovered the workplace relationship is broken?.  The manager is now forced to move to a more rigid style of management, productivity is affected and you have an unhappy employee. 

     Ms. Tannen’s writing offers a perspective from the manager and employee standpoint.  Although she spends much more time presenting the example of indirect management, she offers a contrasting opinion in paragraph five by stating, “Some people will find Mark’s direct commands more appropriate; others would find them abrasive.  Some would find Kristen’s indirect directives congenial; others would find them irritating.”  Her position on the issue is obvious as the reader considers the positive comments made toward the conversation between the ‘soft touch’ manager and her subordinate.  Ms. Tannen is very critical of the possible perception that managers with a direct approach may have to a ‘softer’ style.  She states, “People with direct styles of asking others to do things perceive indirect requests as manipulative—if they perceive them as requests at all.  But “manipulative” is often just a way of blaming others for our discomfort with their styles.”  The examples discounting manipulative behavior are noted to convince the readers of her assumptions and personal interpretation. 

     In the end, addressing employees with respect does add great value to the workplace and keeps organizations in compliance with labor laws.  Without question, managerial suggestions with solid feedback from subordinates could offer professional growth for the employee and maybe the manager as well.  Unfortunately, it is probably the exception, not the rule.

A Deadly Education

T. Leigh Maxwell, a student at Clayton State University (CSU), wrote a very thorough, thought-provoking essay on the effects of secondhand smoke in March 2010.  She emphasizes the fact that Clayton State along with many other institutions of higher learning has ignored this issue and the statistics and factual information presented was impressive.  Ms. Maxwell points outs that although CSU does have a smoking ban policy, it is woefully insufficient and does not protect the health and human rights of non-smokers navigating from building to building on campus. In fact, the essay contains quotes from various reports, both governmental and private research, that imply that the toxins in exhaled smoke are extremely harmful, not only to the smoker, but to the innocent non-smoker and raise the risk of contracting any manner of disease that can ultimately lead to death.

She is careful to offer the opposing point of view, but quickly discounts their interpretation of a harmless nature secondhand smoke with information from a reliable and respected source.  By listing Georgia as a state that bans smoking in all restaurants and government buildings, she supports the statement, “Consequently, it is hard to understand why Georgia’s state universities lag behind on the issue of total smoking bands.”

Most agree that smoking is a nasty, self-destructive habit and with the information on the negative effects one does wonder why a person would make the choice to continue.  Granted, smokers have civil and social rights, but non-smokers have a right to a smoke-free environment and to object when that right is violated.  The government is expected to generate legislative issues that affect and protect the majority of its citizens.  Issues that involve the possibility of harm or eventual death deserves attention and the intervention of our elected officials; at minimum a vote by the people and in Ms. Maxwell’s case the student body of CSU.

In Praise of the "F" Word

In Praise of the "F" Word, written by Mary Sherry was a really good article published in Newsweek magazine in 1991. This article was intended to target teachers and the educational school system within the United States. It was a reflection of her observation of how this country has failed in providing adequate education our students. It was really sad to read that children do not try to excel in their studies and subsequently suffer as adults. In agreement with the tone of the article, teachers should not accept or adhere to the excuses of poor environment, such a nice kid so I won't fail them or students with potential doing enough to get by. Excuses should not be an option for the the teacher in deciding whether or not a students passes or fail. Students should be compelled or maybe incented to achieving good grades that translant into a successful, well-rounded education or suffer the consequence of failing the class. Teachers must rise up, show some back bone, develop better teaching techniques and care about the future of our educational system and the students. This country has too many generations upon generations of illiterate children who are not prepared to face life issues and the ability to obtain employment sufficient to sustain themselves. The students that Mary Sherry taught basic skills were woeful examples of what happens when students are not motivated to succeed.

No, students should not accept failure, teachers should not accept failure and our administrators should not accept failure; however, we should all face the truth and maybe the failing of some of these students will be the catalyst that propels them to ultimate success. There will always be that little nagging in the back of their minds, the BIG FAT F WORD!!!

Should This Student Have Been Expelled?

After reading the article, it required reflection. This essay really touch home for all of us. The comments of Doug Hann were very offensive to Black people, Jews and homosexuals. He must have been exposed to and taught racism, anti-Semitic and Homophobic insults. This had to be the topic of discussion in his home environment. What a pitiful situation!

Mr. Gregorian, president of Brown University, may have overstepped what he originally felt the punishment should be when students simple can't cope with reality. Expulsion should have signified that the student must reevaluate his position he took and have his parents reflect on his behavior. The comment "my parents own your people" is a direct result of his upbringing. Doug Hann should have been willing to change his outlook and behavior. How can anyone accept the blame of deeply inbedded hate on alchol? This was not his first time getting drunk and making offensive comments. It was an excuse to act out what has been internalized and an expectation for others to overlook his unpleasant behavior and outburst regardless of the cause. The old saying,"a drunk heart speaks a sober mind." certainly applies in this sitution." Doug Hann did not hurt anyone because friends held him back, but what if they hadn't?

Nat Hentoff developed his argument in this essay very well. After reading the article, it required reflection. This essay really touched home. Drunk drivers are incarcerated because of their behavior and choices. On the other hand, was expulsion to harsh? Would it have been better to assign an activity that would have provided an opportunity to change the heart, mind and perspective of Doug Mann?  The comments were wrong and punishment of some sort was warranted; however, do we have the right in this country to speak our minds or not?  What may appear as 'hate' for one group can be acceptable to another.  It has been said over and over again--This subject requires candid dialogue that just has not happened at any level.

Why We Crave Horror Movies

Stephen King’s essay on, “Why We Crave Horror Movies,” very interesting and explains the dreadful justification he personally offers for developing movies and novels associated with terror and fear. The title should have been "Why I Crave Horror Movies!!" because he is speaking from his point of view and is based on his opinions. He starts off by saying "I THINK WE ARE ALL MENTALLY ILL", this statement alone sets the tone for the essay. It isn't based on any facts at all. He didn't offer statistics, survey results, nor was there any concrete information to support his claims.

He continually illustrates the benefit of feeding into mental illness and attempts to convince the reader that everyone should acknowledge his viewpoint on the acceptance insanity as a normal human condition. His suggestion that he specifically targets young minds and hearts with his drastic accounts of death, murder and chaos borders on criminal. Comparing horror to a “fairy-tale” and a means of relief runs against the average person’s beliefs and value system. Horror movies offer suspense, which is why mean people enjoy a good horror movie. And the degree of analogies presented! Jack the Ripper vs picking your nose are hardly in the same category. Nor would picking your nose prevent anyone from being invited to the best parties. How demonic is Jack the Ripper?

Personally, the final straw was his statement pertaining to those that desire and practice as a way of life the ability to resist the thoughts and actions of anger and negative emotion. Has he had a child or a loved-one act out their insanity and ended up in prison or worse? I think not or he could not in good conscience assert the conclusions included in the essay. Why not just call it entertainment and leave it at that. Stephen King has a very strong introduction because it immediately grasped the attention of the reader, but the conclusion was a bit confusing. It was a convincing essay; however, perhaps as a seemingly insane individual he is trying to convince himself that he has virtue. His fascination for horror is very clear. Writing books and movies based on horror seems to provide some relief for someone like him. Committing himself to an asylum for a reasonable period oftime just might change his opinions on insanity. Ha!

Behind the Formaldehyde Curtain

This eye-opening passage from the book, "The American Way of Death," written by Jessica Mitford was both informative and distressing. Ms. Mitford elected to take on a subject that is rarely a topic of conversation and provide details generally undisclosed outside of the industry of those trained to prepare the deceased for burial. She investigated the way cadavers are handled in America and explains in great detail the process from the time the body is released to the mortician through the preparation for public viewing.

It was interesting to note that in the early history of the United States, a family member was required to be involved in this process serving as oversight to the work being performed on a loved one. This is certainly not the case today and Ms. Mitford implies that it is actually discouraged by funeral directors and for good reason. The process seems cruel and heartless. Although at times described in a satirical tone, it is not lost on the reader that Jessica Mitford’s intention is to entice the reader to her viewpoint by divulging the minute details of the procedure of embalming.
When you think about it, was it necessary to vilify an industry that is trying to comfort those experiencing loss by providing a service that many would not dare to approach? Sure, morticians have to manipulate and reconstruct the body; they are truly cosmetic surgeons most perform amazing work. Talk about skills! If a family has made the choice to hold a memorial service with public viewing, there is no other way to do it. To give credit to Jessica Mitford, full and fair disclosure to the public is noble and necessary. However, why are other options not introduced? In the end by mocking the memorial process, she mocks the grieving family. Does the average person need books or visuals of what goes on after you leave the earth? Personally, we believe that most don't care about the process of embalming the body after death.

Online Essays - Is It Really Free?



It is simply amazing how people will go through great lengths for so-called achievement.  Michelle Vu outlines two more essay-for-sale websites in, "Free Online Paper Mills".  This practice is crippling the minds of future business owners, politicians and possibly even educators.  She presents the contrast of eCheat vs Custom Writings.  On one site, eCheat, the student is not given a chance to preview what the final outcome of paper will be.  However, it does specifically warn that submitting a purchased essay to any third party without proper citation (eCheat) is plagiarism. Instant doom!  In contrast, Custom Writings goes to great lengths to convince the customer that the paper is plagiarism free, and then discourages turning in the paper in their terms and conditions.  What a contradiction!  Both sites come with a price that could ultimately be free and no worries if students will put in the time to do the work, practice adequate time management and integrity.  

                        

The student, maybe unknowingly, sacrifices an important part of the education process as they dismiss dedication and the practice of writing and rewriting to perfection.  They forego the building of important life lessons of building upon the characteristic of determination and a yearning for excellence that will serve them well as they push toward their pursuit of education and life balance.

Surgery: New, Improved Options

Jacqueline Owen’s essay, "Robotic Surgery" was informative and, like she stated, very exciting.  She addressed the possibilities that robotics offer in great detail and describes the advantages and challenges associated with this minimally invasive technique during surgical procedures.  It is an almost perfect surgery and answers the question of why patients are discharged so early from a hospital stay after a major procedure.   

Ms. Owen is careful to promote the benefits as well as the drawbacks of robotic assistance during surgery.  She is convinced, and hopes that her audience will also be persuaded, that the good factors outweigh the concerns raised by the medical community.  Healthcare professionals appreciate the efficiency of the robotic assistant and the outstanding medical outcomes for patients, such as reduced blood loss, reduced risk of infection and swift recovery time, is fantastic. And the patient must feel better.  Just think, it no longer takes two to six weeks for a full recovery and it's many potential complications.  This has been shortened to a whopping three to five days!  The significant reduction of costs to insurance companies by relieving the requirement of long in-patient care cannot be argued.  But should they add a modifier 62 (assistant surgeon) after the surgery has been completed and check off the instruments used?  Robotic...Check.  Patient tolerated the procedure well and went to the recovery room in stable condition. 

However, even the medical community has expressed concerns regarding safety.   Some issues are related to hardware and software glitches that could result unavoidable errors.  Those errors may not be readily identifiable and this is a definite downside for surgeons, medical facilities, and ultimately the patient.  In addition, to purchase the equipment is very costly.  How and where are physicians being trained if the price of the technology is so cost prohibitive?  Could this limit the number of physicians that have actually obtained the appropriate skill set needed to perform surgery using this procedure?  Does this drive up the fees for this type of procedure?

Although this information remains exciting and convincing, it is important to analyze all aspects of safety and patients should receive full and fair disclosure before electing the way they want their surgery performed.  At the end of the day, the risks are mimimal...just turn the robot off.  Amazing...I think I'll schedule that needed surgery!

The Cost of Plagiarism

This is a perfect follow up to the previous blog that covered cheating.  Katie Hindman's essay, "Free Essay Websites: A Convenient Way to Plagiarize", provided information that many college students may not be aware of.  She outlines the various sites available and details on how they work. Prices were listed and the sites promise original, customized essays in as little as eight days depending on the site.  Some of the sites are clear and have a disclaimer that states the student is held solely accountable if accused of cheating by an  instructor.  Other sites guarantee absolute confidentiality.

Sure it may be convenient, but using sites like WriteMyEssay and Essay-911 is expensive, dishonest and a very temporary solution.  At the end of the day, the student who chooses to plagarize will not be able to hide his or her inability to write well from future employers or college-level instructors.  Good time management and planning will assist good students in avoiding paying twice for their education.  An added consequence is the possibility of severe discipline from the college, losing financial aid and an opportunity for a good education. 

Is it worth the cost--$10.95 to $79.95 per page, dignity, and self-respect after knowingly choosing to cheat?

Atlanta Public Schools

It seems that since the scandal around the Atlanta Public schools surfaced, other individual counties have jumped on the band wagon.  The state of Georgia should probably launch a state-wide investigation into the testing and at minimum become more involved in the vetting and hiring of school administrators.  The future of the children and viability of the public education system in Georgia is in serious jeopardy.  It is time to end the neglect and examine what is really behind the cheating and what prompted experienced teachers to resort to deceit in order to maintain employment at the expense of Georgia's most vulnerable population, our children.