http://www.time.com/time/health/article/0,8599,1902361,00.html
Competitive Altruism: Being Green in Public
John Cloud examines the new phenomena from political angles and from the standpoint of an everyday worldly citizen in his piece on the environment. He is analyzing how humans make decisions regarding environment-friendly products. The article starts with a questioning tone as the author pauses to examine the new environmental phenomena. “Conservatives do so partly because they believe pursuing self-interest in the form of material pleasures is necessary for the proper functioning of markets. Liberals do so because they believe rampant materialism can distort the proper functioning of democracies (and because "Yes We Can" T shirts don't need dry cleaning anyway). But what if environmentalism didn't really involve sacrifice in the first place?” The author examines the ‘image’ that is created by green-friendly citizens. By linking the green persona to the political factions of our nation, he is making the ‘green cycle’ more relatable. This is an appeal to ethos and pathos as the author continues. He says “And as the aphorist Publilius Syrus wrote a couple thousand years ago, "A good reputation is more valuable than money." The author quotes Syrus to make the readers think and branch into his main argument about the inherent quality of human character.
The article has an informal style due to Cloud’s frustration, and presents compelling arguments using highly developed vocabulary, inconsistent syntax (he goes from what should exist to the present), and effectively displays Cloud’s point, and his desperate attempt to change society for the better.
Cloud presents a story in his article examining the economic and moral effects of a green culture. He is effectively examining why members of society ‘Go Green’ and why people buy the ‘green products’ if they don’t really care. He presents Griskevicius’s study to signify his boiling and frustrated view. He has ideas, he wants ‘green life’ to become more easily accessible without causing burdens on the wallets of Americans.
The article consists of two major sections. What exists in today’s society as far as the environment is concerned-and what could exist. The author uses inflated vocabulary to bolster his opinions but takes a concerned and active tone in his article. “Griskevicius and his colleagues recommend that companies find a way to publicize the fact that celebrities buy green products. They might also consider keeping those products at a higher price, since penniless people can't afford to indulge in status-seeking and others will pay a premium for it. We may all be selfish and petty, but there's no reason the planet can't benefit from those shortcomings.” The author quotes Griskevicius and suggests multiple ideas that he has on the environment. He is responding to the environment in a clever way. He is using his written work in effect, to influence the decisions of Americans. He is attempting to inspire change.Cloud states “Those who read the status-priming story were far more likely to pick the green product than the luxury product. They were also more likely to pick the green product than another control group that read neither of the priming stories.” Society is inherently flawed as he points out, and often is inspired by ‘control’. However society has a heart, and a mind for their wallets. Cloud’s suggestions are cleverly laced within the text of his article, and it demonstrates his fuming passion to help cause an environmental change.
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Hip Injuries Bringing more athletes to therir knees
Hips are bringing more athletes to their knees is about the increase in hip injuries over the past couple of years. More specifically it’s about labral tears, which occur when the head of the femur does not fit correctly in the hip socket. The article goes through the possible causes if this sudden increase and adds up all the factors that might be contributing to it. One doctor points out that within the past few decades’ kids have been participating in sports at way younger ages. Over use is said to be a huge factor. Another opinion is rooted specifically in the field of Major League Baseball. One doctor states that, “The sudden prominence of hip injuries comes a year after an unusual number of baseball player’s sustained strained oblique muscles, which run from the ribs to the abdomen.” This statement alone defiantly ties the whole article together, reinforcing the idea that hip injuries are causing knee injuries and vice versa. The tone of this article is very informative and is trying to spread awareness of this growing epidemic in athletes today. An example of this would be the ending line to the article when Kelly explains that “with the hips, nothing is said. There is nothing done to try and prevent damage from being done.” Although the article trying to give awareness while also having a matter of fact type of tone it does not give any possible solutions to the problem, which is what many athletes are in such dyer need of.
I really enjoyed this piece because I could relate to it having suffered many injuries myself. I have also witnessed many knee injuries such as the tearing of the ACL. These types of injuries tear athletes apart, specifically my own teammates, and have ended seasons and even some careers. The point is people need to be more aware of how to take care of their bodies and without the acknowledgement of the problem nothing will ever get done. I believe this article does capture this point.
I really enjoyed this piece because I could relate to it having suffered many injuries myself. I have also witnessed many knee injuries such as the tearing of the ACL. These types of injuries tear athletes apart, specifically my own teammates, and have ended seasons and even some careers. The point is people need to be more aware of how to take care of their bodies and without the acknowledgement of the problem nothing will ever get done. I believe this article does capture this point.
Alex-Final Draft
http://blog.newsweek.com/blogs/thehumancondition/archive/2009/06/01/is-the-recession-making-americans-fatter.aspx The article "Is the Recession Making Americans Fatter?" from Newsweek was an automatic put-off for most. Many people who see the article (generally adults who read Newsweek) would be overweight, according to the article. They see this and think "Yeah I know I'm a little bit... plumper than I should be, but I'm going to the gym tomorrow and I'm eating salad tonight..." and they flip away from the article. No one wants to be called fat. The thing is, what the article describes is probably true. The recession is causing a lot of stress on everyone, and stress does tend to cause over-eating or eating foods high in fat and calories. Cheaper food, like McDonald's Dollar Menu, are a seemingly good pick for those trying to save money. Again they think "I know its bad for me, but its just this once, I never eat it, I’m going to the gym later…”
There are quotes from a health specialist, Leslie Heinberg. She babbles on about obesity and its risk factors, such as diabetes, heart disease, and health care burdens. Nothing we haven’t heard before. BMI (Body Mass Index) is also discussed in the article. It is well known, however, that BMI is not a reliable way to tell if the person is obese. A person could be extremely muscular and weigh 150 pounds from all the muscle and be 5.1’. The BMI would say the person is obese even though he or she really isn’t. So why put information like this into an article about a growing obesity problem?
The word choice is average. Nothing special about it. There are very few complex words, nothing that would confuse the reader. The only thing I don’t like is the tone. If someone, anyone, were to read this article aloud, there would probably be a steady monotone with an increase in pitch at some of the more surprising facts like “obesity rates have jumped up 1.5% since the recession started.” The rest is just plain depressing. Like one would ask himself “Well what am I supposed to do about this? I’m powerless.” I don’t know about anyone else, but I hate reading articles about things that are bad, like terrorists killing innocent children in some foreign country or global warming. It makes me feel bad, like I can’t do anything to stop it. This article would be an example of one of them.
I think it is important to know about obesity and how to prevent it. Everyone should know not to have pancakes piled high with butter and syrup for breakfast, then McDonald’s Big Mac and a Coke for lunch, and then 100,000,000 pound turkey accompanied by double helpings of mashed potatoes and don’t even get me started on dessert. It just shouldn’t be done. Awareness is important. I just don’t think people need to read articles about this, that makes them feel depressed. Everyone knows Americans are fat. Land of the free, home of the brave and bulges. Its just how it is. So to make long story short, and not to bum everyone out with sad facts about the human race: Obesity is a problem among Americans, especially during times when money is short. Be sure not to be hooked into the Dollar Menu bait at McDonalds, get enough exercise, and only eat when you’re hungry. End of story.
There are quotes from a health specialist, Leslie Heinberg. She babbles on about obesity and its risk factors, such as diabetes, heart disease, and health care burdens. Nothing we haven’t heard before. BMI (Body Mass Index) is also discussed in the article. It is well known, however, that BMI is not a reliable way to tell if the person is obese. A person could be extremely muscular and weigh 150 pounds from all the muscle and be 5.1’. The BMI would say the person is obese even though he or she really isn’t. So why put information like this into an article about a growing obesity problem?
The word choice is average. Nothing special about it. There are very few complex words, nothing that would confuse the reader. The only thing I don’t like is the tone. If someone, anyone, were to read this article aloud, there would probably be a steady monotone with an increase in pitch at some of the more surprising facts like “obesity rates have jumped up 1.5% since the recession started.” The rest is just plain depressing. Like one would ask himself “Well what am I supposed to do about this? I’m powerless.” I don’t know about anyone else, but I hate reading articles about things that are bad, like terrorists killing innocent children in some foreign country or global warming. It makes me feel bad, like I can’t do anything to stop it. This article would be an example of one of them.
I think it is important to know about obesity and how to prevent it. Everyone should know not to have pancakes piled high with butter and syrup for breakfast, then McDonald’s Big Mac and a Coke for lunch, and then 100,000,000 pound turkey accompanied by double helpings of mashed potatoes and don’t even get me started on dessert. It just shouldn’t be done. Awareness is important. I just don’t think people need to read articles about this, that makes them feel depressed. Everyone knows Americans are fat. Land of the free, home of the brave and bulges. Its just how it is. So to make long story short, and not to bum everyone out with sad facts about the human race: Obesity is a problem among Americans, especially during times when money is short. Be sure not to be hooked into the Dollar Menu bait at McDonalds, get enough exercise, and only eat when you’re hungry. End of story.
Cameron Black-Post 1
http://www.time.com/time/arts/article/0,8599,1902022,00.html
"It takes a powerful magic to keep Brits quiet on a Saturday night — just ask the nation's beleaguered police. Yesterday evening pubs and clubs fell silent as 20 million people tuned into a TV show to see a question of global significance finally resolved." This is the enthralling opening sentences to Catherine Mayer’s news article, describing the illustrious finale to Britain’s Got Talent. This introduction succeeded in captivating me (an avid denouncer of reality television programs). I was immediately intrigued to learn more about Britain’s Got Talent, and how this show could pacify one fourth of Britain’s population. The Author did an awesome job here describing the melodramatic state that Britain was in, and it really helped catch the interest of the reader.
In addition I liked how the author brought in outside opinions to fortify her writing. For example this quote struck me as being particularly interesting. "How good it is we have something that takes the world's eyes off our greedy bankers and corrupt politicians," This little excerpt helped formulate the premise for why so many people were interested in this show. Because people were tired of hearing about corrupt politicians and greedy bankers so they decided to direct their money and attention to this TV program. It is an effective and creative way of saying, this program achieved in placating our population and we are happy for this.
Furthermore the author used a marvelous technique called characterization. This quote in particular helped me understand the way characterization helps people perceive Susan Boyle. “The final of Britain's Got Talent wasn't just about whether Susan Boyle — Scotland's least processed export since steel-cut porridge oats — would triumph.” This quote helped me in visualizing the raw talent of Susan Boyle, and how she is such a devote Scotsman. Also it makes the situation seem much more dramatic and adds a suspenseful question to the end of it that makes you want to read more. Also the humor behind this statment adds to the excitment of reading this article.
Moreover the use of adjectives in this piece contributed to the creative flare that this article was discharging. For example the author gave an interesting twist to a background of a reporter by saying he was salacious. This spicy word adds a cryptic background to the piece and makes you crave reading the rest of the article. Not only that but using adjectives to describe someone gives a personal perception, and helps the reader understand the significance of introducing a character.
This work of Creative Nonfiction was very successful in portraying its true meaning. This meaning was that even in today’s modern world, with all the madness that seems to be transpiring we can still find ways to find serenity. I thought it was a positive message and reading it was so elementary that you flew through the article in a second. This is a perfect example of what the elusive genre of Creative Writing can do to people it captivates and makes reading fun.
"It takes a powerful magic to keep Brits quiet on a Saturday night — just ask the nation's beleaguered police. Yesterday evening pubs and clubs fell silent as 20 million people tuned into a TV show to see a question of global significance finally resolved." This is the enthralling opening sentences to Catherine Mayer’s news article, describing the illustrious finale to Britain’s Got Talent. This introduction succeeded in captivating me (an avid denouncer of reality television programs). I was immediately intrigued to learn more about Britain’s Got Talent, and how this show could pacify one fourth of Britain’s population. The Author did an awesome job here describing the melodramatic state that Britain was in, and it really helped catch the interest of the reader.
In addition I liked how the author brought in outside opinions to fortify her writing. For example this quote struck me as being particularly interesting. "How good it is we have something that takes the world's eyes off our greedy bankers and corrupt politicians," This little excerpt helped formulate the premise for why so many people were interested in this show. Because people were tired of hearing about corrupt politicians and greedy bankers so they decided to direct their money and attention to this TV program. It is an effective and creative way of saying, this program achieved in placating our population and we are happy for this.
Furthermore the author used a marvelous technique called characterization. This quote in particular helped me understand the way characterization helps people perceive Susan Boyle. “The final of Britain's Got Talent wasn't just about whether Susan Boyle — Scotland's least processed export since steel-cut porridge oats — would triumph.” This quote helped me in visualizing the raw talent of Susan Boyle, and how she is such a devote Scotsman. Also it makes the situation seem much more dramatic and adds a suspenseful question to the end of it that makes you want to read more. Also the humor behind this statment adds to the excitment of reading this article.
Moreover the use of adjectives in this piece contributed to the creative flare that this article was discharging. For example the author gave an interesting twist to a background of a reporter by saying he was salacious. This spicy word adds a cryptic background to the piece and makes you crave reading the rest of the article. Not only that but using adjectives to describe someone gives a personal perception, and helps the reader understand the significance of introducing a character.
This work of Creative Nonfiction was very successful in portraying its true meaning. This meaning was that even in today’s modern world, with all the madness that seems to be transpiring we can still find ways to find serenity. I thought it was a positive message and reading it was so elementary that you flew through the article in a second. This is a perfect example of what the elusive genre of Creative Writing can do to people it captivates and makes reading fun.
Louis Priore post 1
http://www.economist.com/science/displaystory.cfm?story_id=13726738
Louis Priore-Post 1
As I was looking for a good article for out project in creative writing, I stumbled upon an article called Good Game. I clicked the link and decided to read a little bit. As I started reading it, I continue to read it unlike the other articles that I read. It stated that video games could make a person a better person, unlike many reports that video games cause violence and make a person worse. The article is very straight forward and they have tested the theory with numerous kids on different types of video games and some of the results showed that not all kids become violent and change for the worse, but become a lot more nice and change in a good way. That, however, is starting to change. Two studies showing that video games have a bright side as well as a dark one have been carried out recently.
Video games usually get a bad wrap because of all the violent video games that the chidlren play every day for a long time. They assume that all video games are bad, but they do not see the other side of it. Some video games are good such as mario sunshine, a vidoe game that helps clean up the city from pollution and stuff like that. In this article they show both sides of the story, and experiment with many different children playing violent and good video games. The results were as respected, the chidlren that played the good video games became a better person and tired to help, but the chidlren who played the violent video games became more violent and got more hatred inside of them.
The authors styel was very staright forward and to the point. There was no big words, and it had a good flow. He started off by saying the ovious that video games get a bad wrap, but then went on to say that they may be wrong. Many people would want to read on to see how, espically people who are into video games, or paretns who have teens that are into video games. The author also states how the study might not be one hundred percent right, and explains the flaws that are in the experiment. “These two, later, parts of Dr Gentile’s study might, of course, just be proving that nice people prefer pro-social games.”
In conclusion the author brings up a point that many people belvie in the opposite way. He dared to write about something that many people would not be able to because they would be to scared. The authors article was straight forward and to the point. Tbere was a good flow to it and everybody will be able to read it no matter how old or young the child is. He used many different experiments on children to see what kind of effectes they have on children. The violent video games have a negative effect on children, while the good ones have a positive effect on choldren. He also states the flaws in the video games. He gives to sides to the story and the experiment and keeps it fair and honest.
Louis Priore-Post 1
As I was looking for a good article for out project in creative writing, I stumbled upon an article called Good Game. I clicked the link and decided to read a little bit. As I started reading it, I continue to read it unlike the other articles that I read. It stated that video games could make a person a better person, unlike many reports that video games cause violence and make a person worse. The article is very straight forward and they have tested the theory with numerous kids on different types of video games and some of the results showed that not all kids become violent and change for the worse, but become a lot more nice and change in a good way. That, however, is starting to change. Two studies showing that video games have a bright side as well as a dark one have been carried out recently.
Video games usually get a bad wrap because of all the violent video games that the chidlren play every day for a long time. They assume that all video games are bad, but they do not see the other side of it. Some video games are good such as mario sunshine, a vidoe game that helps clean up the city from pollution and stuff like that. In this article they show both sides of the story, and experiment with many different children playing violent and good video games. The results were as respected, the chidlren that played the good video games became a better person and tired to help, but the chidlren who played the violent video games became more violent and got more hatred inside of them.
The authors styel was very staright forward and to the point. There was no big words, and it had a good flow. He started off by saying the ovious that video games get a bad wrap, but then went on to say that they may be wrong. Many people would want to read on to see how, espically people who are into video games, or paretns who have teens that are into video games. The author also states how the study might not be one hundred percent right, and explains the flaws that are in the experiment. “These two, later, parts of Dr Gentile’s study might, of course, just be proving that nice people prefer pro-social games.”
In conclusion the author brings up a point that many people belvie in the opposite way. He dared to write about something that many people would not be able to because they would be to scared. The authors article was straight forward and to the point. Tbere was a good flow to it and everybody will be able to read it no matter how old or young the child is. He used many different experiments on children to see what kind of effectes they have on children. The violent video games have a negative effect on children, while the good ones have a positive effect on choldren. He also states the flaws in the video games. He gives to sides to the story and the experiment and keeps it fair and honest.
Julie-Post 1 ( a chilling but true tropic)
http://www.abcnews.go.com/Primetime/story?id=1596778
Yes it s true and horrible but is the truth. In this article there is a great deal of emotion. The writer shows the pure fear and loathing both girls, on how they forced to degrade them selves to stay alive. I have know about this true but terrible subject for a while now, but never had a read an article with such emotion such as this. I actually have but of younger girls who were just 5 yrs.l when they were taken. This girls around my age, had lost all their childhood Innocent in a blink of a eye. The author of this, was so determined to show how he felt, by this subject that, he placed his own human emotion,into his writing.
What made this article amazing. Well it is because the author put a pinch of his emotion, and a cup of the girl's emotions, mixed it together and made a "Delicious cake". This article you can vividly picture how those girls live and what they went through, you feel the fear as if it was a small spider crawling up your arm.. You want to read more on this subject also, since you can feel the emotion of the Victim's mentioned, you wonder how many more will go through this. Thus throwig out that lovely little lure you wanna take a bite at.
Yes it s true and horrible but is the truth. In this article there is a great deal of emotion. The writer shows the pure fear and loathing both girls, on how they forced to degrade them selves to stay alive. I have know about this true but terrible subject for a while now, but never had a read an article with such emotion such as this. I actually have but of younger girls who were just 5 yrs.l when they were taken. This girls around my age, had lost all their childhood Innocent in a blink of a eye. The author of this, was so determined to show how he felt, by this subject that, he placed his own human emotion,into his writing.
What made this article amazing. Well it is because the author put a pinch of his emotion, and a cup of the girl's emotions, mixed it together and made a "Delicious cake". This article you can vividly picture how those girls live and what they went through, you feel the fear as if it was a small spider crawling up your arm.. You want to read more on this subject also, since you can feel the emotion of the Victim's mentioned, you wonder how many more will go through this. Thus throwig out that lovely little lure you wanna take a bite at.
Bush's final farewell
http://theater2.nytimes.com/2009/02/06/theater/reviews/06ferr.html?scp=1&sq=your%20welcome%20america&st=cse
This article is about how Will Ferrel protrays our 43th president, Mr George W Bush. Will Ferrel truly outdone himself in this show, and in my belief truly captured Bush's personna. I went to go see it on broadway not to long ago, and at first I wasnt really sure what to expect. Good ole Will didnt disapoint, as the entire show was hilarious. But what made it so funny was because alot of what he made fun of was true! If anyone really followed Bush's career theyd be peeing their pants after the first 5 minutes. This article really does a good job describing Ferrels role, and showing a funny yet downright stupid side of our late president that I have to say is spot on.
This article is about how Will Ferrel protrays our 43th president, Mr George W Bush. Will Ferrel truly outdone himself in this show, and in my belief truly captured Bush's personna. I went to go see it on broadway not to long ago, and at first I wasnt really sure what to expect. Good ole Will didnt disapoint, as the entire show was hilarious. But what made it so funny was because alot of what he made fun of was true! If anyone really followed Bush's career theyd be peeing their pants after the first 5 minutes. This article really does a good job describing Ferrels role, and showing a funny yet downright stupid side of our late president that I have to say is spot on.
freddy post 1
http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,1902477,00.html
The title of this article, "Pregnant Brit gets life sentence for drugs in Laos" seems rather appealing to anyone reading over news titles on the lookout to find an interesting one. As this is what happened to me, the title just jumped out, and i wondered what the hell did this women do. The author of this article Hannah Beech begins her introduction very well, opening with a joke and background summary of the story. "It sounds like the plot of a bad movie. A young British woman goes on holiday to Laos, but she lands in jail on drug-smuggling charges that could result in execution." Hannah unleashes her views and opinions on this story and also backs it up with facts pertaining what has occured in this event. Twenty year old Samantha Orobator was arrested in an airport in Laos with traficking and possessing 680 grams of heroin. Awaiting her courtdate Samantha was placed in jail and there is where she became pregnant, and yesterday was handed a life sentence. After the author Beech distributes the facts on her article she then discusses her view on the well known drug country, Laos. Talking about how the pizzas and other foods in this country are laced with marijuana or other drugs. Believing that this conviction will start the crackdown of opium distributing and prevent any other drugs from being easily accessed. Beech then sums up the article with another joke, "With Orobator's sentencing, perhaps the pizzas in Laos will taste a little less happy in the future." I really like the approach she used in writing this article, beginning with a joke and describing her feelings and views on this topic to connect and relate to the reader in the opening paragraph. Then summarizing the event and telling the reader every fact that is important and interesting so the story is understood and enjoyed. The final paragraph is again based on her opinionated details and approach, which i believe was a great way to attract the reader and sell the article.
The title of this article, "Pregnant Brit gets life sentence for drugs in Laos" seems rather appealing to anyone reading over news titles on the lookout to find an interesting one. As this is what happened to me, the title just jumped out, and i wondered what the hell did this women do. The author of this article Hannah Beech begins her introduction very well, opening with a joke and background summary of the story. "It sounds like the plot of a bad movie. A young British woman goes on holiday to Laos, but she lands in jail on drug-smuggling charges that could result in execution." Hannah unleashes her views and opinions on this story and also backs it up with facts pertaining what has occured in this event. Twenty year old Samantha Orobator was arrested in an airport in Laos with traficking and possessing 680 grams of heroin. Awaiting her courtdate Samantha was placed in jail and there is where she became pregnant, and yesterday was handed a life sentence. After the author Beech distributes the facts on her article she then discusses her view on the well known drug country, Laos. Talking about how the pizzas and other foods in this country are laced with marijuana or other drugs. Believing that this conviction will start the crackdown of opium distributing and prevent any other drugs from being easily accessed. Beech then sums up the article with another joke, "With Orobator's sentencing, perhaps the pizzas in Laos will taste a little less happy in the future." I really like the approach she used in writing this article, beginning with a joke and describing her feelings and views on this topic to connect and relate to the reader in the opening paragraph. Then summarizing the event and telling the reader every fact that is important and interesting so the story is understood and enjoyed. The final paragraph is again based on her opinionated details and approach, which i believe was a great way to attract the reader and sell the article.
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