Selected Summaries/Quotes from Previous Articles

Littering is a big issue in the pacific

• of the most affected areas in the world is the North Pacific Gyre, also called the Great Pacific Garbage Patch
• Distress to the people who consume the sea life
• …pollution in this area are horrifying... observing plastic debris, among other a toothbrush, pen caps, bottle caps, and a toy plastic gorilla."

Readers need to know exactly what kind of pollution there is--“toothbrushes,” where some of the most affected areas are, and what the pollution is doing to sea life and people who consume it

·        research diseases pollution can cause

·        fishing numbers ( population of fish & how much crop fisherman are catching)

Air Pollution in California

• California is the leading state with the most amount of air pollution content, strictly because of the mass amount of vehicles and sunlight
• Research what the sunlight does exactly
• "Air pollution in California is killing more people than car crashes do."
• Research the diseases (again) that air pollution can cause & numbers of dead or sick compared to car accidents

Along with marine pollution (focusing on the North Pacific Gyre [maybe] ), readers should know about the affects of air pollution (focusing on California [maybe] ). It should also state facts and numbers on who it is affecting exactly.

Climate Change and the Exodus of Species

• Climate change is happening so fast, that some species, the bowhead whale for example, are beginning to adapt to altering climates. Studies show that bowhead whales have moved three times the expected rate, 11 miles higher in latitude, during the migration process.
• …wanted to inform readers and environmentalists about how global warming's rapid growth is already showing a distinct change in some species. They state, "This rate will increase as the pace of climate change increases, bringing with it rapid adaptation but also a rate of extinction and a loss of genetic diversity surpassing anything the fossil record shows us."

(I have not decided how I am going to write my paper yet, if I am only going to write about different kinds of pollution or write about everything I blogged about??) But if I do the second one….. I would use these two excerpts because they tell the readers what global warming is doing to species and how it is not healthy.

Smoke from Minnesota forest fire stings noses in Chicago

• The foul smoke has carried its way over to the windy city of Chicago, covering the city in a thick cloud of smoke.

This article may not be good for the paper because it doesn’t have a lot of relevance to what the paper is about. Therefore, I most likely will not use this article anywhere in my paper; smoke from forest fires isn’t pollution.

Marine Pollution Needs to be Taken Seriously

• "Marine wildlife is finding it extremely hard to cope with excessive levels of pollutants such as heavy metals, nutrients, and bacteria."

This article would be great to join with “Littering is a Big Issue in the Pacific.” They both state what types of things are harming the marine life and how it is causing them harm.

** I will also go back to the articles and find more info and quotes to use.

Working Thesis

Pollution is a controversial issue that affects everyone and everything in the world today.

Littering is a big issue in the Pacific

Haluzen, Ned. "Littering is a big issue in the Pacific." Pollution Articles. N.p., 26 Aug. 2011. Web. 27 Oct. 2011.

Littering is causing distress to the environment, but this is obvious. One of the most affected areas in the world is the North Pacific Gyre, also called the Great Pacific Garbage Patch. Haluzen states in his article facts about the pollution in the Pacific and is informing his audience on the distress it is causing the environment, distress not only to the sea life but to the people who consume the sea life as well. Haluzen does not express any biases in his article. He states, "the levels of pollution in this area are horrifying... observing plastic debris, among other a toothbrush, pen caps, bottle caps, and a toy plastic gorilla." This statement clearly proves that the Pacific is disgustingly polluted. The article does a good job stating facts about the pollution in the pacific. It is completely destroying the pacific environment. Action needs to take place now.

Air Pollution in California

http://pollutionarticles.blogspot.com/search/label/air%20pollution

Haluzen, Ned. "Air Pollution in California." Polution Articles. N.p., 27 Nov. 2010. Web. 20 Oct. 2011.

"Air Pollution in California" informs readers on the harmful affects air pollution has on the state of California, with an emphasis on the cities of Los Angeles and Bakersfield. California is the leading state with the most amount of air pollution content, strictly because of the mass amount of vehicles and sunlight. As long as the huge amount of  air pollution stays high, California will not be able to receive either health or economic benefits. Ned Haluzen's intent of this article is to educate readers on how much pollution is harming citizens of California, preferably Los Angeles. He states, "Air pollution in California is killing more people than car crashes do." Haluzen is not biased in his article at all; he is simply informing readers on the affects of air pollution. "Air Pollution in California" is a well written article that is very informative and explains in great depth the hazardous affects the mixture of a large amount of vehicles and sunlight have on a community.

Climate Change and the Exodus of Species

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/09/27/opinion/climate-change-and-the-exodus-of-species.html?_r=1&ref=airpollution

"Climate Change and the Exodus of Species." The New York Times. N.p., 26 Sept. 2011. Web. 12 Oct. 2011.

Recent studies have shown that severe climate and global changes are happening faster than one may think. Climate change is happening so fast, that some species, the bowhead whale for example, are beginning to adapt to altering climates. Studies show that bowhead whales have moved three times the expected rate, 11 miles higher in latitude, during the migration process. It is claimed that this rate will keep increasing as long as climate warmth continues. The author of this article wanted to inform readers and environmentalists about how global warming's rapid growth is already showing a distinct change in some species. They state, "This rate will increase as the pace of climate change increases, bringing with it rapid adaptation but also a rate of extinction and a loss of genetic diversity surpassing anything the fossil record shows us." The author doesn't express any biases, they wrote the article to communicate a controversial issue. "Climate Change and the Exodus of Species" is a very informational article. It strongly and adequately communicates a truly controversial issue and shows that a topic so underestimated truly does need to be taken seriously.

Smoke from Minnesota forest fire stings noses in Chicago

http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2011-09-13/news/ct-met-minnesota-fire-smoke-0914-20110914_1_smoke-fire-department-nearby-fire

Wang, Andrew L. "Smoke from Minnesota forest fire stings noses in Chicago." Chicago Tribune. N.p., 13 Sept. 2011. Web. 12 Oct. 2011.

It was claimed that the forest fires in northern Minnesota have not only an affect on Minnesota life, but 500 miles away in Chicago as well. The foul smoke has carried its way over to the windy city of Chicago, covering the city in a thick cloud of smoke. Wang's intent of this article is to inform readers and citizens of Chicago that the filthy grime covering their city is due to the horrid fires of northern Minnesota. Wang states in the article, "fires were roaring in a forest... in the pristine reaches of Minnesota, the smoke carried here by the whims of the fall winds." Wang doesn't express any biases in his article. This was a short article that informed readers on both the deadly forest fires in Minnesota as well as the reason all of Chicago is under a layer of thick haze. It was very descriptive and detailed.

Reflection:

Canadians Outraged after Report of Cruelty in Mass Killings of Sled Dogs:
I thought this was a pretty fit topic for me. I have a huge passion for animals and I enjoy reading about them. I am an avid believer in preventing animal cruelty and reading articles like this one pushes me even further to start trying to prevent.

Marine Pollution Needs to be Taken Seriously:
I think this would be an appropriate topic for me to expand on. I care about the environment and will do anything i can to help prevent pollution. There are tons of articles and news stories about pollution and what it is doing to our environment.

Teenagers Prefer Drinks with Caffeine:
This topic is one that would fit me perfectly, being i think i am addicted to Mountain Dew, but i think it would be tough to expand on and find more information.

Young Groom, 25, Dies in four-wheeler accident on wedding night; brother charged with drunk driving:
I think this topic would be entirely too easy to expand on. It is truly controversial and i am passionate about preventing drunk driving, but i am already writing papers about it and it might become overwhelming or even boring to only do my projects on drinking and driving.

Bound, Shot Buried Alive, Survives:
This topic would also be good for me to further research on. Just like the "Mass Killings of Sled Dogs" article, animal abuse is truly controversial and would be easy to further research on. Though it may become very depressing.

Television's Impact on Kids:
For me, this issue wouldn't be one that i would care to write about or expand on. I feel that is isn't very controversial and i would get bored trying to expand on it.

Television's Impact On Kids

"Television's Impact on Kids." Media Awarness Network. N.p., 2010. Web. 29 Sept. 2011.

http://www.media-awareness.ca/english/parents/television/tv_impact_kids.cfm

This article is about the conflict that television reflects on kids. Television is claimed to be the most infuential media factor in children's lives. It promotes many harmful and unhealthy affects toward children's behavior such as violence and sexual content. The author's intent was to inform people of the affects television causes and is only a little biased towards television being harmful to a child's health and deveolpment. The author's intended audience was mostly meant to be parents but the article wouldn't suffer if anyone, young or old, read it. This article is very informative and really lets people know what the affect television has on children.

I don't think this would be a great article for either me or anyone else becuase it isn't anything someone can be truely passionate about. It isn't truely controversial and might lead to semi boring articles on subjects of the same sort. It might also be hard to expand research on.

Bound, Shot Dog Buried Alive, Survives

http://www.newser.com/story/119559/bound-shot-dog-buried-alive-survives.html

Papenfuss, Mary. "Bound, Shot Dog Buried Alive, Survives." Newser. N.p., 27 May 2011. Web. 28 Sept. 2011.

In Malta, a small female dog was found buried alive up to her muzzle. The rescuers recovered the small dog only to find that her legs and muzzle had been bound together and she had over forty pellets that had been shot into her head. Malta police are trying to find the abusers and are debating a higher penalty for abusing animals. The author's intent of this piece is to inform and educate readers on happenings in Malta and tell about horrible abuse animals take everyday. For example, the author states, "a female dog was found pound and whimpering with gunshot wounds to her head." Papenfuss does not express any biases in this article; he is simply telling readers about a specific issue. This is a depressing and gut-wrenching article that talks about an issue that occurs everywhere, everyday.

This would be a good subject for me. I am very passionate about animals and it breaks my heart hearing of their mistreatment. I will do anything to keep an animal safe and healthy and would help any animal in need of caring. I don't especially enjoy reading about animal abuse; however, it urges me to try and prevent animal abuse the best way I can. This subject may be appropriate for others too. I know I am not the only one that loves animals and I think articles like this will allow some to emotionally attach.

Young groom, 25, dies in four-wheeler accident on wedding night; brother charged with drunk driving

http://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/2011/09/19/2011-09-19_young_groom_25_dies_in_fourwheeler_accident_on_wedding_night_brother_charged_wit.html

Caulfield, Philip. "Young groom, 25, dies in four-wheeler accident on wedding night; brother charged with drunk driving." Daily News. N.p., 19 Sept. 2011. Web. 21 Sept. 2011.

Shortly after Nicholas Hoag married his long-time sweetheart he was killed in a ATV accident. Unfortunately, his brother and the driver, was highly intoxicated when the accident occurred. The brothers were riding in a side-by-side utility terrain vehicle when the drunk driver slammed it into a tree, instantly killing Hoag. Caulfield's intent of this article is plainly to tell readers about an unfortunate event and educate about drinking and driving. Caulfield states in the article, "the driver had been boozing before getting behind the wheel." He states that alcohol was the clear factor that played into Nicholas Hoag's death. Caulfield is not being biased in his article; he is only informing his audience on the tragedy. This article is one that really shows the tragic events that alcohol can cause, even if one thinks drinking and driving is "no big deal."

I think this is a great article for me, even on a personal level. I was close to losing a loved one due to a drunk driving accident and it still takes a toll on my entire family to this day, three years later. I am very passionate about the prevention of drunk driving and this article is another piece of the horrific events drunk driving can cause. However, this article may not be fit to others because most have not been through a tragic drunk driving experience as I have and they may not be able to relate to it as well as someone who has.

Teenagers Prefer Drinks With Caffeine

http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/07/15/teenagers-prefer-drinks-with-caffeine/?ref=caffeine

"Teenagers Prefer Drinks With Caffeine." New York Times. Ed. Tara Parker-Pope. N.p., 15 July 2011. Web. 20 Sept. 2011.

The article "Teenagers Prefer Drinks With Caffeine" fits its title perfectly. Why do caffeinated drinks seem more desirable to young adults? The University of Buffalo decided to test this theory. The conducted experiments testing children from age 12-17 to see which drinks appealed to them the most. The University had a control group of drinks not containing caffeine and another group with the same flavors, caffeine included. The University concluded that the drinks containing caffeine did result as the best-tasting group. The author's intent of this article was to inform readers on information pertaining to why teenagers tend to choose caffeinated drinks as to non-caffeinated drinks. Parker-Pope did not have a specific intended audience and her article was not at all bias; she was strictly giving information and informing readers. This article was very informative and gave a lot of information pertaining the reason why teens choose caffeinated drinks-they taste better!

I felt this was a fairly good article for me. I myself drink a lot of caffeine and tend to rely on some form of it way too often. I've always thought teens chose caffeinated soda or energy drinks over noncaffeineated drinks because of the energy boost they give. It may be a reasonable explanation, however the conclusion of the drinks taste better makes total sense to me. I have been physically interested in caffeine for my whole life, which is why I think this would make a good topic. For others, however, this may not be a good topic. Those who don't drink a lot of caffeinated drinks may not care about the subject and could become completely bored.

Marine Pollution Needs to be Taken Seriously

http://pollutionarticles.blogspot.com/search/label/marine%20pollution

Haluzen, Ned. "Marine pollution needs to be taken seriously ." Pollution Articles. N.p., 14 Mar. 2011. Web. 14 Sept. 2011.

 The article "Marine Pollution Needs to be Taken Seriously" is written by an author that is very passionate about saving the environment, primarily marine life. Ned Haluzen states "Marine wildlife is finding it extremely hard to cope with excessive levels of pollutants such as heavy metals, nutrients, and bacteria." He also adds, "humans have to stop using oceans as dumping grounds..." Haluzen is trying to express his opinion and inform readers on the damage to marine life pollution causes. The author's view is clearly expressed in a bias form; he strongly believes that pollution to marine waters will cause the wildlife great harm. This article is very informative. It tells readers what happens to marine life when waters are polluted. It also promotes keeping the Earth and marine waters and clean in order to keep wildlife safe and healthy.

This article, I believe was perfect for me. I am very passionate about the environment and trying to keep it as clean as possible. I liked that Haluzen was trying to promote a healthy living environment for marine life. We need more people in this world like Haluzen! For others, however, this may not be a good subject for. Not everyone is passionate about the environment; some could care less. For those who do care about the health of the environment, however, this would be a great article to read.

Canadians Outraged After Report of Cruelty in Mass Killing of Sled Dogs

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/02/world/americas/02dogs.html?ref=crueltytoanimals

Austen, Ian. "Canadians Outraged After Report of Cruelty in Mass Killing of Sled Dogs." The New York Times. N.p., 1 Feb. 2011. Web. 14 Sept. 2011.

A Canadian dog sled tour company, Outdoor Adventures at Whistler, was in great financial shape due to the Winter Olympics in 2010; tourist from all over wanted the thrill of a fast-pace true Canadian dog sled ride. However, the Olympics ended and the dog sled company fell into a deep slump. The company was unable to accommodate over 350 dogs and unfortunately had to find a form of execution: mass killings. The employee that volunteered to shoot the dogs later suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder and was compensated by the company for all the troubles. Ian Austen's purpose of this article is to inform readers on a tragedy which involved over 300 beautiful, healthy sled dogs and the unfortunate diagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorder of an employee. The author's intended audience is virtually anyone. The article stated, "The killings went on for two days..." and "... granted compensation for post-traumatic stress disorder to an employee who killed the dogs." These quotes are definite proof of the harm Outdoor Adventures caused and what the author is trying to inform the readers on. The author, however, does not provide any fallacies or biases in the article. Ian Austen is simply just stating the facts of the horrific event. The article provides a lot of information about Outdoor Adventures and what kind of values the company holds. It also informs readers on an awful event involving the mass killings of innocent sled dogs.

I believe this is a perfect article for me. I am very passionate about animals and I believe animals should be offered the same treatment given to any human. Because the article was so gruesome and explicit about the murders, I had a very hard time reading it. Reading "she ran around with her cheek blown off and her eye hanging out" literally made me sick to my stomach. However, I enjoy reading articles about animals-they're my life. This article may or may not be fit for other readers. Animal lovers may not be able to handle reading about animals being abused. It was an article that was very informational though, which may be the kind of article most seniors in high school enjoy.