Explain how this debate impacts your topic for Life: The Book. Be sure to address your topic from more than one perspective, as you have six different authors to discuss!
Finally, discuss what you believe. Aim for a thoughtful explanation of your beliefs.
In the course of this blog post, please quote at least once from each article.
The first two articles talk about how health care is too expensive because the amount of money people will be paying is too much. It is already shown that the ratio of working people to retired old people is that there are more old people, and the working amount of people is slowly declining. "In the 43 years since America decided that health care for the elderly would be paid for by people still working, the ratio of workers to seniors has steadily declined. And the number of seniors living long enough to have five or more chronic conditions -- 23 percent of Medicare beneficiaries -- has increased." They say the government is already in debt and the plans for Obama's health care is already messed up. "And even if you put aside the demerits of a government-run health system, Obama’s health-care “funding” plans are completely falling apart. Not only will Obama’s health program cost at least twice as much as his $650 billion estimate, but his original plan to fund the program by auctioning off carbon-emissions warrants (through the misbegotten cap-and-trade system) has fallen through."
The next two articles argue that health care is not expensive. They talk about how we are already paying for universal health care with taxes, so it would not make a difference if we made it nation-wide health care. "We now have the worst of both worlds: we are paying for universal health coverage, but not getting it. In fact, we pay more for health care in taxes than countries that provide universal coverage. Then we pay more than that amount again in private coverage. Additionally, what we have now in the U.S. is nowhere near a free market in health care." They say that what we are already pay in taxes goes to more than just health care. It is implying that if we had health care we would actually be paying less. " The U.S. health care system is typically characterized as a largely private-sector system, so it may come as a surprise that more than 60% of the $2 trillion annual U.S. health care bill is paid through taxes, according to a 2002 analysis published in Health Affairs by Harvard Medical School associate professors Steffie Woolhandler and David Himmelstein. Tax dollars pay for Medicare and Medicaid, for the Veterans Administration and the Indian Health Service. Tax dollars pay for health coverage for federal, state, and municipal government employees and their families, as well as for many employees of private companies working on government contracts."
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Blog #16: Opposing viewpoints & your topic for Life: The Book
Explain how this debate impacts your topic for Life: The Book. Be sure to address your topic from more than one perspective, as you have six different authors to discuss!
The topic that I chose for my genetic engineering research paper is Transgenic Animals. Personally, I don't think that Transgenic Animals are even in the same ball park as America's health care plan, but studies show that advances in this field hold promising results in medical studies.
Finally, discuss what you believe. Aim for a thoughtful explanation of your beliefs.
I believe that universal health care would greatly improve the quality of life for many of Americans underprivileged citizens. Many homeless people have to live their lives on the cold, hard streets because of medical bills that they couldn't afford to pay for. Over 62% of all bankrupcies are the result of medical debt, which is striking because the majority of european countries figured out that by giving all of its citizens equal rights to health care.
The topic that I chose for my genetic engineering research paper is Transgenic Animals. Personally, I don't think that Transgenic Animals are even in the same ball park as America's health care plan, but studies show that advances in this field hold promising results in medical studies.
Finally, discuss what you believe. Aim for a thoughtful explanation of your beliefs.
I believe that universal health care would greatly improve the quality of life for many of Americans underprivileged citizens. Many homeless people have to live their lives on the cold, hard streets because of medical bills that they couldn't afford to pay for. Over 62% of all bankrupcies are the result of medical debt, which is striking because the majority of european countries figured out that by giving all of its citizens equal rights to health care.
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Blog #15: Life: The Book & American History
Describe the types of health care problems Americans face, and the government's role in seeking solutions.
One main problem that America faces is the amount of people who cant afford insurance. America contains the largest amount of uninsured people than any other country. One way that the government is trying to fix this is by the Affordable Care act which gives Americans new rights and benefits, including helping more children get health coverage, ending lifetime and most annual limits on care, and giving patients access to recommend preventive services without cost-sharing. This is one new law that Obama is using to try and help fix our corrupt Health Care system.
1. Using a specific example, describe what makes a compelling character in narrative nonfiction or literary journalism.
A compelling character must have a deep underlying connection with the reader and must have goals that the audience wants to see get fulfilled. They should have conflict, motifs and be relevant to the target audience. You want the characters to add importance to the writing. The characters in Open Channels knew what they were talking about and they also had a character with the disease that was the main focus of the article.
2. Using a specific example, describe what makes an interesting plot in narrative nonfiction or literary journalism.
In narrative nonfiction and literary journalism, a good plot consists of having a unique character that overcomes a significant obstacle throughout his journey. The journey itself is the plot and should consist of five parts: Introduction, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action and Resolution. The plot should be relevant to the readers life so they can make text to self connections.
3. What specific steps do authors take to write non-jargon-based scientific writing?
Authors can have their writing critiqued by people who are not familiar with scientific jargon and replace the words that the audience might not understand. Another way is by using analogies to explain different processes involved in biology. Comparing the way DNA unwinds to a zipper on your jacket that unzips similarly.
4. What specific steps do authors take to encourage their readers to connect with their stories?
A tactic that authors use to help readers deeply connect with the story in to invent a character that is lovable and somewhat of an underdog. If the reader feels pity towards the protagonist then they are likely to continue reading to find out what happens to him.
One main problem that America faces is the amount of people who cant afford insurance. America contains the largest amount of uninsured people than any other country. One way that the government is trying to fix this is by the Affordable Care act which gives Americans new rights and benefits, including helping more children get health coverage, ending lifetime and most annual limits on care, and giving patients access to recommend preventive services without cost-sharing. This is one new law that Obama is using to try and help fix our corrupt Health Care system.
1. Using a specific example, describe what makes a compelling character in narrative nonfiction or literary journalism.
A compelling character must have a deep underlying connection with the reader and must have goals that the audience wants to see get fulfilled. They should have conflict, motifs and be relevant to the target audience. You want the characters to add importance to the writing. The characters in Open Channels knew what they were talking about and they also had a character with the disease that was the main focus of the article.
2. Using a specific example, describe what makes an interesting plot in narrative nonfiction or literary journalism.
In narrative nonfiction and literary journalism, a good plot consists of having a unique character that overcomes a significant obstacle throughout his journey. The journey itself is the plot and should consist of five parts: Introduction, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action and Resolution. The plot should be relevant to the readers life so they can make text to self connections.
3. What specific steps do authors take to write non-jargon-based scientific writing?
Authors can have their writing critiqued by people who are not familiar with scientific jargon and replace the words that the audience might not understand. Another way is by using analogies to explain different processes involved in biology. Comparing the way DNA unwinds to a zipper on your jacket that unzips similarly.
4. What specific steps do authors take to encourage their readers to connect with their stories?
A tactic that authors use to help readers deeply connect with the story in to invent a character that is lovable and somewhat of an underdog. If the reader feels pity towards the protagonist then they are likely to continue reading to find out what happens to him.
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Blog #14: Life: The Book & Humanities
1. Post the stage of life that you will write about and a relevant element of genetic technology that interests you. Feel free to work with Brandon to understand this step.
The stage of life that I am most interested in writing about would probably have to be adulthood, though any stage would be acceptable. My relevant genetic engineering topic is transgenic animals, animals whose genome has been purposely altered in order to produce eccentric effects that would not normally occur in nature.
2. Describe at least one relevant government agency that works in this area. Describe the current news related to your topic & this government agency and embed a minimum of one news story (print, tv, audio, etc.) in your description.
Genetic Mutation Turns Tot into Superboy
This article talks about a genetic mutation found in a young boy in germany. DNA testing proved that the boy underwent genetic mutation that promotes muscle growth. As a result, the boy's strength has reached near super-human levels. Scientist predict that his condition can lead to scientific breakthroughs in the field of genetics.
3. Describe at least one relevant historical, cultural, economic, geographical, or literary example or concept that relates to your ideas for your article. Include at least two relevant links to evidence and further research in your writing. Strive for detail & evidence in your connections.
4. Please repeat all of the above steps... This time, focus on a different aspect of genetic technology and/or different humanities content.
The stage of life that I am most interested in writing about would probably have to be adulthood, though any stage would be acceptable. My relevant genetic engineering topic is transgenic animals, animals whose genome has been purposely altered in order to produce eccentric effects that would not normally occur in nature.
2. Describe at least one relevant government agency that works in this area. Describe the current news related to your topic & this government agency and embed a minimum of one news story (print, tv, audio, etc.) in your description.
Genetic Mutation Turns Tot into Superboy
This article talks about a genetic mutation found in a young boy in germany. DNA testing proved that the boy underwent genetic mutation that promotes muscle growth. As a result, the boy's strength has reached near super-human levels. Scientist predict that his condition can lead to scientific breakthroughs in the field of genetics.
3. Describe at least one relevant historical, cultural, economic, geographical, or literary example or concept that relates to your ideas for your article. Include at least two relevant links to evidence and further research in your writing. Strive for detail & evidence in your connections.
4. Please repeat all of the above steps... This time, focus on a different aspect of genetic technology and/or different humanities content.
Friday, October 15, 2010
Blog #13: Life—The Book!
1) Genetic Mutations
Genetic mutations can affect all of the stages of life but I would prefer to focus on adolescence.
Science: Genetic Mutations can result in wide variety of after effects including physical abnormalities and mental disorders.
Humanities: Though very rare, genetic mutation affects a select few people every year. Scientists say that studies linked to genetic mutation can lead to breakthroughs in the biotechology industry in the near future.
2) Birth Defects
Science: Birth Defects can be a result of genetic problems caused when one or more genes doesn't work properly or part of a gene is missing.
Humanities: I think that Birth Defects should be a primary concern for all pregnant couples. Parents need to be educated on the causes that lead to birth defects and preventative measures that can help the baby develop properly.
3)Transgenic Animals
Science: An animal in which there has been a deliberate modification of its genome
Humanities: Transgenic Animals have the potential to help improve Human welfare in several ways including agriculture, medicine and industry.
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Blog #12: Beginning the Internship Brainstorm
The internship I had in mind for next January is a position as an apprentice to the KPBS Broadcast Designer/Network Analyst, David Streib. This internship would require me to work on the studio floor of the KPBS building and helping out with various elements of the procedure. I will also have an opportunity to work in the Computer Lab, where most of the graphic design and video editing take place. I think that a quiet indoor working station will be perfect for me to work at independently where I can concentrate on any give task from my mentor.
I skill that I am confident that I could use full-time is definitely geometry. I like solving problems dealing with shapes and formulas. I think that some of the digital graphic design could incorporate some of these concepts and be a fun new challenge for me. I am also hoping to try out some of the more advanced graphic design software and get a feel for what Dave does every day.
During my internship I hope to learn skills in making 3D designs that I can use in the future to make awesome images. It took Dave years to master the art of graphic design and all that practice earned him 16 Emmy nominations. One day I hope to create epic designs with ease and create masterpieces such as this:
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Blog #11: Twitter!
The article I chose to read was the editorial titled: Judge imposes ban on 'don't ask, don't tell' policy on gays in the military. I learned that supporters of the 'don't ask, don't tell' policy believe that banning gays will preserve military readiness, but studies have show the opposite, stating that the policy had a "direct and deleterious effect" on the military. I think that if people are willing to fight for their country and even willing to die for it, then who are we to stop them. I would assume that having gays in the military could get awkward in some situations such as showering and undressing.
Every man has needs. In the military, sex is a luxury and usually only obtained while on shore leave or something. When the soldiers of the military are surrounded by men for the majority of time they serve it leaves little opprutunity to enjoy the pleasures of the flesh. With gays in the military, the situation might be different since they would be surrounded by potential mates. I think this is the reason why the policy was established in the first place and it makes perfect sense. I think that an alternative should be offered for gays in the military as to not complicate the current system, such as allowing them to help distribute equipment or cook the food.
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Blog #10: Dying for Dixie
I think that the root cause for Michael Westerman's death is a misinterpretation of a popular cultural symbol. The black teenagers who saw Westerman's truck adorned with the confederate flag, felt threatened by the flag and determined that violence was the necessary course of action. Without any knowledge of the true origin of the Confederate flag, the teenagers automatically associated the message of the flag with ideas of hatred and bigotry.
"'Let's go whip that dude,' he told his friends, speeding off to recruit others for the brawl."
This quote shows that the teenagers were mostly motivated by peer pressure. Since it was the drivers idea, the remaining passengers were stuck in the car with him, making backing-out not an option.
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