Research Topic Resources

These are some of the sources I have found regarding the LEED program and green buildings.

"Green Building |US EPA." US Environmental Protection Agency. Web. 16 Apr. 2011. <http://www.epa.gov/greenbuilding/>.

"Green Topics: Green Building Rating Systems - BuildingGreen.com." Home - BuildingGreen.com. Web. 16 Apr. 2011. <http://www.buildinggreen.com/menus/entries.cfm?HeadingID=125>.

Jones, Louise. Environmentally Responsible Design: Green and Sustainable Design for Interior Designers. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley, 2008. Print.

Parr, Adrian, and Michael Zaretsky. New Directions in Sustainable Design. London: Routledge, 2011. Print.

Bonding over a Mascot Response

Prior to beginning his research, Lapointe may have asked himself, how do the people of Florida State feel, specifically those of Seminole background, in response to the NCAA’s declaration of an unfit, offensive mascot? Once he conducted his research and found answers to his questions, he was able to then put together a piece that informed the audience with an answer. Lapointe’s purpose was to explain that many people with Seminole and other Native American backgrounds were not offended or upset about the University’s Seminole imagery. In fact, when doing research about it, Lapointe quoted one man, Osceola, who said “If I had a child and named it after you, would you consider it an honor?” The author’s goal was to show that the people were proud rather than offended. They even sped up the process for creating a class that looked at the history of the Seminoles and Southeastern tribes.  Lapointe is able to use his research to back up his points and clearly show his results. He interviews students about their feelings regarding the situation, as well as people of Seminole descent and their opinions. Having these personal interviews establishes Lapointe’s ethos and allows him to provide the audience with a first hand look at the situation. In addition, Lapointe also researches some history of the people, the struggles they overcame, and the success (specifically with casinos), that they are seeing today. This helps promote the Seminole imagery as a positive thing that embraces the culture of the people. The NCAA flagged several other schools for similar issues, yet Lapointe provides statistics and examples of universities, similar to Florida State, who are fighting back and promoting the honor that this imagery entails. While he does mention that people can get out of hand and do offensive activities, Lapointe is still able to establish the mascot as a positive thing that the school and community embrace and cherish as a sign of culture and continuity. 

Is Google making us stupid response

I feel that my current generation seems to be the one that can most identify with the affects of the Google transformation. Throughout elementary school, we rarely used computers or the Internet for reading. In fact, our reading program was very book intensive, and it encouraged comprehension skills. Even in middle school, teachers were still skeptical about using the Internet as a way to promote reading. Throughout these years, computer technology wasn’t “brand new”, but it was still new enough. For papers and research projects, we were always required to research in the library, and allowed only one Internet source. However, by the time I got to High School, this process changed. Internet readings became a part of our daily homework. We were presented with how to properly use the Internet to search, and where we could find crucial information. I can only recall two times during all of high school when I stepped into the library and actually used a book. While many see the Internet as an efficient and amazing tool, I would have to agree with Carr when he suggests that the Internet is actually making us stupid.

            Out of all the issues regarding the Internet, the biggest one that Carr mentions is its ability to disregard deep reading. This loss of deep reading, which often allows us to develop our own thoughts and opinions, is replaced with a series of links, easy searches, and opinions already posted. When a person reads a book to find an answer, it takes time. The process may be long, but as you search for answers, you begin to find other answers and information along the way. It is a complete learning process. With the Internet, you simply type in what your looking for, and the answer is there within seconds, no searching involved. In addition, Carr points out that since we no longer “deep read”, we have instead adapted a browsing skill, where we search for key words, similar to the Internet. I too have adapted this skill, often as a way to promote time efficiency. When I read articles and books, I often skim through the pages, making sure I get the main gist. However, I lose out on all of the detail, anecdotes, and key parts of the piece that often serve as learning devices. I would definitely have to agree with Carr and say the Internet is an issue. Personally, I have seen the transformation through my education, and can identify with how things have changed. However, generations after mine may never know what its like to open a book and read for hours, simply because Google will do it for them. 

Joy article response

Joy is mainly concerned about the rapid growth of technology in our society. Specifically, he points out that the 20^th century was based around technology involving nuclear weapons of mass destruction. Now in the 21^st century, technology is centered on genetics, nanotechnology, and robotics. The difference between these two technologies is that while weapons of mass destruction require large facilities, rare raw materials, and can only be performed once, the technology of the 21^st century is mainly centered around knowledge. Once people acquire this knowledge, such technologies can be used (or abused) however one feels. Joy believes that we are moving forward without caution in the field of technology.  He fears that people may become power hungry, abuse this self-replicating technology, and our society will spin out of control in multiple ways.

In order to get his point and fear across, Joy uses various examples, anecdotes, and meanings that all contribute to the rhetorical appeals. One of his first stories involves his initial meeting with Ray Kurzweil, an inventor who Joy greatly admired. This meeting was the impetus for his fear of technology and its rapid advancements. In short, Ray spoke of his confidence in technology and how sooner than later, we were going to fuse into and/or work with sentient robots. In addition to this, Joy also alludes to several science fiction movies and technological books like, Robot: Mere Machine to Transcendent Mind. He continuously drops scientific names and authors that help to establish his logos. In addition, he addresses, in detail, the specific technologies, like nanotechnology, as well as the pros and cons. However, I feel his most effective approach was discussing his story of how he personally is affected by this growth of technology. Joy goes into great detail about his interest in computer programming, technology, and the success of his business. This allows him to establish ethos, showing he is very credible when it comes to discussing subjects like this. In addition, Joy shows concern that sine he worked in this field, he fears he helped to contribute to this potentially devastating growth of technology.

11 years later, I believe this problem is becoming increasingly more relevant. We are living in a society where a computer can basically fit into a cell phone or paper-thin tablet (at a reasonable price). While these are simple technological advancements, they have occurred in an extremely short period of time. This is especially true if you consider when computers themselves first became invented. In addition, technology in science is becoming more advanced, including things like using stem cells for genetic manipulation. While reading this article I kept imagining the story of Frankenstein, where a scientific experiment goes terribly wrong. With the quick advancements being made in technology, I strongly believe that this problem will consistently remain and grow. 

saturday proposal

http://abclocal.go.com/wpvi/story?section=news/national_world&id=8023163

The fear of a nuclear crisis continues to rise in Japan after the devastating earthquakes. Radiation has been detected in the air, plants, and water within the area.  They are also realizing that they were not properly prepared for such a situation. This is an extremely important issue because if the plant does meltdown and release radiation, people in the area will experience fatal health issues, everything will be contaminated, and this contamination will easily reach back to other countries via imports, water, and air.

http://www.centredaily.com/2011/03/20/2593867/bath-salts-trend-worries-authorities.html

This article looks at the issue of "bath salts" being sold in state college stores. These bath salts contain legal chemicals that people are using to get high. This is an issue because many people have ended up in the hospital for dangerous side effects. In addition, someone died from overdosing, and one man acted out irrationally while on it and stabbed a priest. This issue has existed with several other legal herbs that people also use to get high. The user's health is at risk, as well as other innocent bystander's health and safety.

saturday proposal

http://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/breaking/Flash-Mob-HM-Arrests-118277639.html

This article discusses the issue of a teen flash mob within Center City Philadelphia. These mobs have been occurring recently, and often result in arrests. This is an important issue to address because such actions have been taking place for over a year. When a large group of people come together like that, fights often break out, property is damaged, and innocent people can get hurt.

http://articles.philly.com/2010-10-22/news/24982123_1_facebook-posts-students-threats-at-high-school

This article looks at an issue of inappropriate Facebook messages and threats that erupted throughout a New Jersey high school. The students were left feeling anxious and scared. This is an important issue within many schools, where Facebook bullying and safety needs to be addressed. Students need to understand the danger that can occur on such sights.

http://www.collegian.psu.edu/archive/2011/02/25/aclu_chik-fliet_protest.aspx

Students within LGBTA were striking outside the chic-fil-a in the hub when they found our that the corporation does not support equal rights regarding sexuality. Although the specific one in the hub has not demonstrated this attitude, students do not want their money going to someone that does. This is important to address because discrimination against sexuality is still a common issue within society, and we need to continue to propose different ways to make everyone accepted, regardless of their sexual orientation.

Friday proposal

http://www.nj.com/gloucester/index.ssf?/base/news-6/1299474607156421.xml&coll=8

The state is not providing the funds and aid to students in New Jersey that is should, and the formula for determining who receives aid is flawed. This is important because without the proper aid, school budgets begin to fail, money is distributed unevenly, and students directly experience this struggle with cuts within their education system

http://abclocal.go.com/wpvi/story?section=news/local&id=8021474.

Due to the recent natural disasters in Japan, many electronic, car, and other products have faced a halt in manufacturing. This is important because it will show a decline in the sales of the company, which is particularly bad during a recession. In addition, consumers may be affected by this hault and not have convenient access to these products for the time being. Overall, if the situation persists, the global market may see significant decreases.