I am looking forward to running 8.5 miles to my internship site every morning during immersion because I desperately need to get in shape for track season. It will be like jumping into cold water, but I can't think of a better way for me to get into shape. I am also looking forward to further working on my internship project, a powerpoint presentation explaining the need for the installation of carbon markets.
I am concerned that I will lose my train of thought easily because I will be at my desk all day in front of a computer. I believe that this will happen sometime during internship but this could probably be solved by taking a break to stretch every instance in in which I start to feel distracted.
Friday, February 27, 2009
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Progression Builds off Regression
Constitutional Amendments: In 1919, the U.S. Supreme Court ratified the 18th amendment in hopes of decreasing crime rates, preventing individuals from obtaining or selling alcohol legally, and thus initiating Prohibition. However, Prohibition added fuel to the fire, promoting the establishment of organized crime in America. The rise in crime rate during Prohibition indicated that the 18th amendment had the opposite effect of its original intention: to eliminate the societal issues associated with alcohol.Working Conditions: The tragedy known as the Triangle Shirtwaist Fire reflects the standard of working conditions during the Progressive Era. Inflammable building materials, locked fire exits and the allowance of indoor smoking caused the deaths of 148 workers.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Examples of Outstanding Blog Entries
A good example of economic advice is given by Paul in his blog entry entitled Blog Thing. His advice to relieve America of its economic ailments is purely satirical, stating "There is no limit to what we cant do or who we can conquer." He argues that imperialistic conquest would quickly solve the current unemployment problem by referencing the rise in employment during the 1940s due to the manufacturing of military resources. "It is argued that it was the Second World War that cured our countries economic crisis of the 20s, 30s and early 40s, the number of unemployed workers declined by 7,050,000 between 1940 and 1943 and the number in military service rose by 8,590,000, but the recovery came, for the consumers, with the end of the war."
Diana's blog entry, Honors: A Thousand Splendid Suns, describes the use of metaphors in the book, A Thousand Splendid Suns. "...when the movie Titanic became a huge hit, Laila and Mariam would always watch it, and thats where this quote came from; "Everyone wants Jack," Laila said to Mariam. "Everybody wants Jack to rescue them from disaster. But there is no Jack. Jack is not coming back. Jack is dead." (page 270) Such is a metaphor for life under the Taliban which was dangerous and a scary place." Diana explains the role of the metaphor, as well as its use in the book.
Ana's blog entry, JFK's Speech and Today's Society, analyzes the similarities and differences between the words of JFK during his inaugural speech and America's current foreign relations. "One of the goals Kennedy set out to accomplish was creating and maintaining good alliances with other countries. Kennedy went on, "So let us begin anew--remembering on both sides that civility is not a sign of weakness, and sincerity is always subject to proof.” He continued, “Let us never negotiate out of fear. But let us never fear to negotiate." This an example of America attempting to build strong ties with other countries. Today, Barack Obama is setting up attempts to negotiate with Iran. Just a day into office, Barack Obama is making plans to talk to Iran, "'without preconditions' and will work towards the abolition of nuclear weapons" This negotiation seems like a strong attempt at keeping both nations safe." She clearly outlines that Obama's attempt to build friendly relations with Iran reflect Kennedy's words by using multiple quotes to support her claims.
Diana's blog entry, Honors: A Thousand Splendid Suns, describes the use of metaphors in the book, A Thousand Splendid Suns. "...when the movie Titanic became a huge hit, Laila and Mariam would always watch it, and thats where this quote came from; "Everyone wants Jack," Laila said to Mariam. "Everybody wants Jack to rescue them from disaster. But there is no Jack. Jack is not coming back. Jack is dead." (page 270) Such is a metaphor for life under the Taliban which was dangerous and a scary place." Diana explains the role of the metaphor, as well as its use in the book.
Ana's blog entry, JFK's Speech and Today's Society, analyzes the similarities and differences between the words of JFK during his inaugural speech and America's current foreign relations. "One of the goals Kennedy set out to accomplish was creating and maintaining good alliances with other countries. Kennedy went on, "So let us begin anew--remembering on both sides that civility is not a sign of weakness, and sincerity is always subject to proof.” He continued, “Let us never negotiate out of fear. But let us never fear to negotiate." This an example of America attempting to build strong ties with other countries. Today, Barack Obama is setting up attempts to negotiate with Iran. Just a day into office, Barack Obama is making plans to talk to Iran, "'without preconditions' and will work towards the abolition of nuclear weapons" This negotiation seems like a strong attempt at keeping both nations safe." She clearly outlines that Obama's attempt to build friendly relations with Iran reflect Kennedy's words by using multiple quotes to support her claims.
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Living with Science
I believe that humans have the responsibility to understand science as best as we can. Knowledge is power, and that knowledge can only be asserted and supported through scientific study.
New technologies can be developed that will further ensure a more prosperous and efficient future. The company that I intern at, CCSE (California Center for Sustainable Energies), promotes the use of environmentally friendly technologies such as solar panels and fluorescent light bulbs. CCSE provides incentives for home and business owners to switch to greener technologies so that they may save money while reducing their carbon footprint.
I believe that it is important to advance our understanding of the world around us, however morality should not be sacrificed in the pursuit of science. For example, I believe that the cloning of humans is morally wrong because it is equivocal to playing God.
New technologies can be developed that will further ensure a more prosperous and efficient future. The company that I intern at, CCSE (California Center for Sustainable Energies), promotes the use of environmentally friendly technologies such as solar panels and fluorescent light bulbs. CCSE provides incentives for home and business owners to switch to greener technologies so that they may save money while reducing their carbon footprint.
I believe that it is important to advance our understanding of the world around us, however morality should not be sacrificed in the pursuit of science. For example, I believe that the cloning of humans is morally wrong because it is equivocal to playing God.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
If I were Obama's Economic Advisor Revised
Dear Mr. Obama,
I have noticed that one of the factors of our ailing economy seems to be the slowly rising unemployment rate. America's unemployment rate has rose from 7.2% to 7.6%, as reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistic's, January 2009 Employment Situation Summary. Although the current unemployment rate is small in comparison to that of the Great Depression's 25%, more jobs must be created if we wish to prevent our current unemployment rate from rising to higher levels. I propose a plan to create new jobs for Americans.
All companies with an annual revenue of $500 million or more that choose to sell their products in America must base at least 10% of their manufacturing workforce in America. According to the World Trade Organization's, World Merchandise Imports by Region and Selected Economy for 1996-2006, America imported $1.9 trillion worth of goods in 2006 alone, higher than any other individual country in the world. America is the largest consumer in the word, therefore all of these large companies cannot afford to lose their revenue planted within the American people.
During his first inaugural speech, FDR said, "the only thing we have to fear is fear itself..." You must continue to reassure the American people that our current economic crisis is not as threatening as the Great Depression as you did in your inaugural speech. "“Today I say to you that the challenges we face are real, they are serious and they are many. They will not be met easily or in a short span of time. But know this America: They will be met.” They will lose confidence in the ability to progress if you even begin to hint that you are not confident in America's ability to overcome this situation or if you favor discussing the hardships rather than the solutions.
I have noticed that one of the factors of our ailing economy seems to be the slowly rising unemployment rate. America's unemployment rate has rose from 7.2% to 7.6%, as reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistic's, January 2009 Employment Situation Summary. Although the current unemployment rate is small in comparison to that of the Great Depression's 25%, more jobs must be created if we wish to prevent our current unemployment rate from rising to higher levels. I propose a plan to create new jobs for Americans.
All companies with an annual revenue of $500 million or more that choose to sell their products in America must base at least 10% of their manufacturing workforce in America. According to the World Trade Organization's, World Merchandise Imports by Region and Selected Economy for 1996-2006, America imported $1.9 trillion worth of goods in 2006 alone, higher than any other individual country in the world. America is the largest consumer in the word, therefore all of these large companies cannot afford to lose their revenue planted within the American people.
During his first inaugural speech, FDR said, "the only thing we have to fear is fear itself..." You must continue to reassure the American people that our current economic crisis is not as threatening as the Great Depression as you did in your inaugural speech. "“Today I say to you that the challenges we face are real, they are serious and they are many. They will not be met easily or in a short span of time. But know this America: They will be met.” They will lose confidence in the ability to progress if you even begin to hint that you are not confident in America's ability to overcome this situation or if you favor discussing the hardships rather than the solutions.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
The Great Gatsby
F. Scott Fitzgerald depicts the decay of social and moral values during the 1920s as a result of the sudden economic prosperity, through the use of foreshadowing, irony and geographic symbolism.
Prior to his service during World War I and his immense wealth, Gatsby had fallen in love with Daisy, however after he returns to America he discovers that Daisy has married Tom Buchanan. "Can't repeat the past?" he cried incredulously. "Why of course you can!"(Page 116) Gatsby's reveals the true intentions behind his elaborate parties that he constantly throws; they are organized simply to impress Daisy. His plan to rekindle his lost love with Daisy by means of flaunting his wealth displays the defining role that materialism played in the newly established higher class of the era.
At the end of chapter 7, Tom and Daisy both recognize their love for each other in spite of her earlier admittance of her love for Gatsby. Meanwhile, Gatsby sits outside the Buchanan house in an effort to prevent any possible violence that Tom may inflict upon Daisy. "They weren't happy, and neither of them had touched the chicken or the ale - and yet they weren't unhappy either. There was an unmistakable air of natural intimacy about the picture, and anybody would have said that they were conspiring together." (Page 145). His love for Daisy empowered him to watch out for her, however Gatsby was not aware that she was repairing her relations with Tom. Gatsby believed that he had been successful in achieving his green light, however he ended it up farther away from it than when he began.
There are several key examples of symbolism located throughout the book, however the valley of ashes stands out as one of the most memorable representation of this literary device. "This is a valley of ashes - a fantastic farm where ashes grow like wheat into ridges and hills and grotesque gardens; where ashes take the forms of houses and chimneys and rising smoke and finally, with a transcendent effort, of ash-grey men, who move dimly and already crumbling through the powdery air." (Page 23) The valley of ashes is depicted as a gloomy location where moral and economic decay is prevalent, home to Tom Buchanan's mistress, Myrtle Wilson, and the wealth deprived man, George Wilson. This area also hosts the death scene of Myrtle Wilson in which she is struck by Gatsby's car in the middle of the road. The valley of ashes displays the decline of moral and social values during the 1920s on the east coast.
The foreshadowing of Gatsby's efforts to capture the love of Daisy, the ironic end to Gatsby's love pursuit and the underlying messages represented through geographic areas, represented the decline of moral and social values during the 1920s.
Prior to his service during World War I and his immense wealth, Gatsby had fallen in love with Daisy, however after he returns to America he discovers that Daisy has married Tom Buchanan. "Can't repeat the past?" he cried incredulously. "Why of course you can!"(Page 116) Gatsby's reveals the true intentions behind his elaborate parties that he constantly throws; they are organized simply to impress Daisy. His plan to rekindle his lost love with Daisy by means of flaunting his wealth displays the defining role that materialism played in the newly established higher class of the era.
At the end of chapter 7, Tom and Daisy both recognize their love for each other in spite of her earlier admittance of her love for Gatsby. Meanwhile, Gatsby sits outside the Buchanan house in an effort to prevent any possible violence that Tom may inflict upon Daisy. "They weren't happy, and neither of them had touched the chicken or the ale - and yet they weren't unhappy either. There was an unmistakable air of natural intimacy about the picture, and anybody would have said that they were conspiring together." (Page 145). His love for Daisy empowered him to watch out for her, however Gatsby was not aware that she was repairing her relations with Tom. Gatsby believed that he had been successful in achieving his green light, however he ended it up farther away from it than when he began.
There are several key examples of symbolism located throughout the book, however the valley of ashes stands out as one of the most memorable representation of this literary device. "This is a valley of ashes - a fantastic farm where ashes grow like wheat into ridges and hills and grotesque gardens; where ashes take the forms of houses and chimneys and rising smoke and finally, with a transcendent effort, of ash-grey men, who move dimly and already crumbling through the powdery air." (Page 23) The valley of ashes is depicted as a gloomy location where moral and economic decay is prevalent, home to Tom Buchanan's mistress, Myrtle Wilson, and the wealth deprived man, George Wilson. This area also hosts the death scene of Myrtle Wilson in which she is struck by Gatsby's car in the middle of the road. The valley of ashes displays the decline of moral and social values during the 1920s on the east coast.
The foreshadowing of Gatsby's efforts to capture the love of Daisy, the ironic end to Gatsby's love pursuit and the underlying messages represented through geographic areas, represented the decline of moral and social values during the 1920s.
Sunday, February 8, 2009
If I were Obama's Economic Advisor
Part 1
Dear Mr. Obama,
I have noticed that one of the factors of our ailing economy seems to be the slowly rising unemployment rate. America's unemployment rate has rose from 7.2% to 7.6%, as reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistic's, January 2009 Employment Situation Summary. Although the current unemployment rate is small in comparison to that of the Great Depression's 25%, more jobs must be created if we wish to prevent our current unemployment rate from rising to higher levels. I propose a plan to create new jobs for Americans.
All companies with an annual revenue of $500 million or more that choose to sell their products in America must base at least 10% of their manufacturing workforce in America. America is one of the largest consumer nations, therefore all of these large companies cannot afford to lose their revenue planted within the American people.
During his first inaugural speech, FDR said, "the only thing we have to fear is fear itself..." You must reassure the American people that our current economic crisis is not as threatening as the Great Depression. They will lose confidence in the ability to progress if you even begin to hint that you are not confident in America's ability to overcome this situation or if you favor discussing the hardships rather than the solutions.
Part 2
I will interview my mentor in my office on Thursday, February 12th. I will record the interview using the iPod microphone.
Dear Mr. Obama,
I have noticed that one of the factors of our ailing economy seems to be the slowly rising unemployment rate. America's unemployment rate has rose from 7.2% to 7.6%, as reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistic's, January 2009 Employment Situation Summary. Although the current unemployment rate is small in comparison to that of the Great Depression's 25%, more jobs must be created if we wish to prevent our current unemployment rate from rising to higher levels. I propose a plan to create new jobs for Americans.
All companies with an annual revenue of $500 million or more that choose to sell their products in America must base at least 10% of their manufacturing workforce in America. America is one of the largest consumer nations, therefore all of these large companies cannot afford to lose their revenue planted within the American people.
During his first inaugural speech, FDR said, "the only thing we have to fear is fear itself..." You must reassure the American people that our current economic crisis is not as threatening as the Great Depression. They will lose confidence in the ability to progress if you even begin to hint that you are not confident in America's ability to overcome this situation or if you favor discussing the hardships rather than the solutions.
Part 2
I will interview my mentor in my office on Thursday, February 12th. I will record the interview using the iPod microphone.
Monday, February 2, 2009
3 Design Aspects of an Ideal Interview
Generalized Questions or Prompts
Simple open-ended questions will often yield complex, unique and interesting responses. These type of questions or prompts require the individual being interviewed to lead the content of the discussion in the direction of their choosing.
In the New York Times interview, "A Conversation With: Joseph Graves; Beyond Black and White in Biology and Medicine," the interviewer asks the open-ended question, "What prompted your interest in race and genetics? "
Background Research
It is impossible to learn too much about the individual being interviewed before the actual interview. Learning about the material to be discussed during the interview will allow you to form questions that ask for the individual's opinions or viewpoints, rather than plain facts.
In the same New York Times interview, the interviewer gives a brief description of the person being interviewed; "In his new book ''The Emperor's New Clothes: Biological Theories of Race at the Millennium'' (Rutgers University Press), Dr. Joseph L. Graves Jr., a professor of evolutionary biology and African-American studies at Arizona State University..."
Goals
You have to have a mission that you wish to accomplish by the end of the interview. Ask questions that relate to your topic, so that you can reach your goal.
In the same New York Times interview, the interviewer asks questions that require the individual being interviewed to explain his opinions while using biological and medical facts to support his claims. "Enalapril, a blood-pressure medication, worked less well for African-Americans than whites. How do you explain that?"
Simple open-ended questions will often yield complex, unique and interesting responses. These type of questions or prompts require the individual being interviewed to lead the content of the discussion in the direction of their choosing.
In the New York Times interview, "A Conversation With: Joseph Graves; Beyond Black and White in Biology and Medicine," the interviewer asks the open-ended question, "What prompted your interest in race and genetics? "
Background Research
It is impossible to learn too much about the individual being interviewed before the actual interview. Learning about the material to be discussed during the interview will allow you to form questions that ask for the individual's opinions or viewpoints, rather than plain facts.
In the same New York Times interview, the interviewer gives a brief description of the person being interviewed; "In his new book ''The Emperor's New Clothes: Biological Theories of Race at the Millennium'' (Rutgers University Press), Dr. Joseph L. Graves Jr., a professor of evolutionary biology and African-American studies at Arizona State University..."
Goals
You have to have a mission that you wish to accomplish by the end of the interview. Ask questions that relate to your topic, so that you can reach your goal.
In the same New York Times interview, the interviewer asks questions that require the individual being interviewed to explain his opinions while using biological and medical facts to support his claims. "Enalapril, a blood-pressure medication, worked less well for African-Americans than whites. How do you explain that?"
Sunday, February 1, 2009
Questions for Mentor
1. Where were you raised or spent the majority of your childhood?
2. What career did you wish to pursue when you were a child?
3. What college(s)/university(ies) did you attend?
4. How would you describe your college experience?
5. Why did you choose to pursue the field of climate change?
6. Did you have an internship during college?
7. What was your first job after receiving your PhD?
8. How long have you been working at CCSE?
9. Why did you choose to work at CCSE?
10. What is your specific role at CCSE?
11. Describe a couple of your most recent projects.
12. What is your favorite part of your job?
13. What is your least favorite part of your job?
14. How often does your job require you to interact with others?
15. What working habits have you developed while working at CCSE?
16. What are your strongest skills as a worker?
17. How does this workplace environment differ from that of some of your previous jobs?
18. If you could change one thing about your workplace environment, what would it be and why?
19. How does your career choice reflect your personality?
20. What piece of advice would you give to someone who may be planning to pursue a similar career field?
2. What career did you wish to pursue when you were a child?
3. What college(s)/university(ies) did you attend?
4. How would you describe your college experience?
5. Why did you choose to pursue the field of climate change?
6. Did you have an internship during college?
7. What was your first job after receiving your PhD?
8. How long have you been working at CCSE?
9. Why did you choose to work at CCSE?
10. What is your specific role at CCSE?
11. Describe a couple of your most recent projects.
12. What is your favorite part of your job?
13. What is your least favorite part of your job?
14. How often does your job require you to interact with others?
15. What working habits have you developed while working at CCSE?
16. What are your strongest skills as a worker?
17. How does this workplace environment differ from that of some of your previous jobs?
18. If you could change one thing about your workplace environment, what would it be and why?
19. How does your career choice reflect your personality?
20. What piece of advice would you give to someone who may be planning to pursue a similar career field?
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