Pizzzaaa Sticks!

Soft, squishy, melt in your mouth goodness. Dough that feels like heaven in your mouth. Covered in a tasty pizza seasonings. Sprinkle some parsley flakes, bacon bits, and of course a layer of tasty cheese. Creating your very own tasty and amazing pizza sticks. Then create the dipping sauce of your choice and you have the perfect concoction.

So this one day we were invited to eat at my aunt and uncle’s. To this day I still don’t know what the strange salad was that they made. All I know is that my cousins all loved it and wanted us all to try it; they assumed we’d love it as much as them. However, our whole family waited till we were driving home that night before we all went off on how extremely awful that salad was, and we all had our unique ways of describing how torturous it was to eat it with a smile all the while pretending we liked it.

My history of food is a strange one. I went through crazy phases. I began life being a ridiculous food fanatic. I was a little garbage disposal eating everything in sight. Then as the years passed on I became pickier and pickier. Till eventually my mom would snap and send me to my room saying “I’m not running a restaurant!!!!”, and normally she added something about starving kids in Africa. Since coming down to school my taste buds have again changed drastically. I find myself eating all these foods I never used to eat: tomatoes, peppers, onions, broccoli, blueberries, and even zucchini. I also have been eating soup something I hated eating at home. I now love snacking on blueberries and bananas both fruits which used to make my gagging reflexes sky rocket! Another food that I tried since coming down to school is pumpkin pie. My mom was so upset when she heard I tried it down here and loved it when my whole life growing up I would never touch her pumpkin pie.

Sorry but there really isn’t any research on pizza sticks. So i’ll just say that having tested many numerous kinds my research has proven that my mom’s are the best. :D

Week 12-Food is good.

Food is a wonderful thing. It can be associated with good or bad memories, people, occasions, etc. As I was growing up there are a few key foods that I will always remember. The first is bananas doing the hula, my brother made it up when he was little. We had this every Sunday for a long period of time when I was younger. It is a ring of pineapple with a half of a banana stuck in the middle…it looks like a banana doing the hula, hence the name. Another one is clam chowder, mmm yummy! Every year since I can remember we have clam chowder for dinner on Christmas Eve. It is always so good and I never get sick of it because we only have it once a year. We also have eggs benedict for breakfast every Christmas morning, but that is a newer tradition. It’s still amazing though! I can’t really recall any foods that marked turning points in my life. I have never really been a picky eater…except I HATE mushrooms! They taste funny and have a weird texture. Plus they are technically a fungus, why would anyone want to eat that? I have tried to like them and I just can’t do it. I am also not very fond of peppers or onions but I will eat them if they are in a certain food. If I were to name my favorite food it would definitely be my brother’s pasta. He went to Italy on his mission and learned how to cook really well! And he would always make us amazing Italian meals! One night he made us Pasta Primavera which has penne pasta, mozzarella cheese, sausage, olives, zucchini, tomatoes, and olive oil in it. It is so delicious and now we make it all the time! I just love food and cooking! Food brings people together, especially families and I am grateful that it has been a big focus of our family to have dinner together when I was living at home. Just altogether, food is good!

I didn't really make any drastic changes from my first draft. I just moved some sentences around and edited the organization and sentence structure a little bit. I also added some more details and information.

Week 11

So in all my research I have found it to be true that the images in magazines of unrealistically thin girls is harmful to college aged girls' self image of themselves.

However...it can be counter argued that the media is actually having a somewhat positive effect in doing this. A reason for this could be that the advertising of extremely skinny and beautiful girls is causing other girls to want to look this way. And as we all know, America is disgustingly overweight, so maybe it is good motivation for women to lose weight because they want to look like the models. I also know that the diet industry brings in about 30 billion dollars a year because of everyone trying to lose weight. They will literally try anything. So it is definitely having a positive effect on the income of the diet industry. And of course women will want to lose weight when they see how thin these models in magazines are...so maybe this is a positive effect that the advertising industry is creating. Therefore we solve the obesity problem, atleast among women.

That's not a very good counter argument, but that's what I could come up with as a counter argument for my issue.

Week 11

Tobacco use appears in 40% to 80% of popular teen and youth-rated movies while 50% to 95% show the use of alcohol. (Longacre, Par. 1). Is there any wonder why their is a growing rise in the over use of alcohol and tobacco with teens. One of the greatest ways to learn is through example or by observing. What are we allowing teens to learn by having such a great amount of tobacco and alcohol use being waved in front of them? Some tests have been done with teens and the effects of watching smoking in films showing that teens who are more restricted from watching films with smoking exposure the less likely to try smoking (Sargent, Par. 17). “Adolescent smoking increased with decreased parental restriction from viewing R-rated movies, with the impact being greater in nonsmoking families than in smoking families” (Sargent, Par. 15). These results go to show that parents need to be more aware of whether or not this is an issue to them. They need to consider whether or not it’s a problem to them if their child has a higher risk of smoking. There are many factors that affect whether or not a teen will initially begin smoking, but it is wise to remove instances that enhance the risk. The MPAA rating system has acknowledged that smoking, alcohol, and violence are strong factors influencing youth and has said they will work at implementing the following into their ratings (Longacre, Par. 2).

However, many would argue that it is unlikely to completely remove the viewing of films with smoking from our children. This can be described by a common cliche: Ignorance is bliss. Many would agree that this utterly and completely false in this circumstance! This is one of those situations where you want your child to know the consequences, yet keep them from watching many movies that involve the use of tobacco. Being ignorant to the effects of smoking does not prepare your child or teen for a situation in which they may be asked to join in in a group of young smokers. It is easy to agree with this argument; nonetheless, this opinion needs to recognize that there is a line you want your child to know the negative side effects of smoking, but that doesn’t mean now that he has been taught this he now has free reign over all movies involving the extensive use of it.

Week 11 - Music Pirating...helpful for bands?

Using P2P (peer-to-peer) programs such as limewire can cause the music industry to lose a significant amount of money.

However, using programs like limewire can cause bands to be advertised to the public at a much faster rate. This P2P sharing program's true intentions are clearly legal, it allows people to publicly share files through the web (this is partially why they haven't been busted yet). Underground bands could raise in popularity (like the game rockband) by allowing people to record their work and let it spread. Artist Bruce Springsteen was the one of the top singers bootlegged that have caused sales to sky-rocket to 25 million copies sold for his album Titanic. The band Nirvana have benefited greatly from the norm of pirating increasing in society. Nirvana was a very influential band group that shifted the eighties style of music to the nineties. Without the assistance of P2P, that musical transition could have occurred at a much later time period. Songs that are spread on the web help build a reputation for the band in areas both rich and poor.

When bands become increasingly popular, the music industry can potentially profit from their talent once word gets out in who is the next hottest band. The music industry has lost some money in the process, but they could raise revenue when they join various record companies that would assist musician's solidify their career. Another advantage to peer-to-peer networks is that it allows files to be exchanged from people to people without a central server to “mediate” the exchange and doesn’t take any storage space to contain. Many people may consider this as a minor advantage, but even though online storage has an unlimited storage capacity, the mediating process of having an elected official to monitor what comes in and out is rather obnoxious and many would rather do it themselves.
This is up to your own person ethics. This issue holds many moral perspectives that it depends on each individual's perspective whether or not obtaining songs through the web is legal.

Week 11 - E-books Opposition

Although e-books and e-book readers may provide and attractive alternative to lugging around textbooks while allowing students to research and discover more information more effectively, they’re grasp and understanding of that information may be significantly hindered. Heavy, deep reading is still reserved for print books because they are so much more manipulatable. My AP English Language teacher always emphasized the importance of highlighting, and note taking within the book itself to really dig deep into the text and help us study it later. Both the note taking, highlighting, and searching capabilities are limited or completely lacking in e-book readers. So, what’s the point of investing in e-books and their readers if they only allow for basic skimming, or as my Book of Mormon professor says “only seeing the black words on the page.” Can this really be called valuable studying and reading?

E-books provide only a paltry substitute for the physical presence of well worn, highlighted, dog eared, marked up book. They lack character and significance; all they really are are black words on a white screen. E-books may even be said to defeat the purpose of books: to bring new ideas to life, because they themselves are so flat and lifeless. To rob the literary world of paper based book is to steal an intrinsic component that could very well cripple it. Comparing e-books and print is much like comparing genuine Italian pasta to boxed pasta or Macaroni & Cheese. In short, there is no comparison.

Week 11

There certainly can be something done about the bona fide issuance of non-FDA-approved products into the public.

However, that probably wouldn't be the simplest thing to accomplish. Yes, a drug may not exactly be government approved. But a business is a business, regardless. The FDA obviously doesn't oversee solely drug production, hence its name (Food AND Drug Administration). There are many other food/ingestive products that aren't necessarily safe. Consider the sale of alcohol or cigarettes. Both can endanger your health, even more so than an unapproved medication. Smoking can commonly lead to lung cancer and alcohol could give you liver cancer. To say that these substances lead only to cancer would be a great understatement. It's quite peculiar why people are content with beer and cigarettes in the markets, yet so many of those people are extremely against unapproved products being there. Also, one of the biggest ways these products get through to the public is via media, otherwise known as a variety of advertisements. Though many people are continually supporting the ban of unapproved products and their respective advertisement, they must be mindful of the fact that banning any type of advertising violates one's freedom of speech, according to the First Amendment. If a company wants to sell a product, they have every right to speak their mind and exercise their freedom of speech. With all of this is mind, it would behoove those who are against unapproved medicine to look at the bigger picture and realize the severity of the situation, which is seemingly minuscule. Having a hidebound state of mind will potentially exacerbate a social issue into an even bigger problem.

Week 11-Is Television Really The Main Culprit?

Television and video games are the main culprits for making America’s children obese, however there are most certainly other culprits as well that may be more prevalent than many may think. Parents and peers are the two most influential people in the lives of American children today, meaning that they will follow their examples without much consideration of the consequences. Parents are the ones who drive kids to the fast food places, parents are the ones who choose what their children eat for dinner, and parents are the ones who control how much television their children watch. It's not the television that we need to control, it is the amount of discipline that parents use on their children. So what should we do about it? Should all parents have to be governed on what to do for their children before they have them? I think the best option would be for parents to be given counsel on the amount of television that is healthy for their children to watch, and the importance of keeping to this amount. Television is slowly killing our future generation, so if parents would step in and take some control of their children's lives, then a lot of lives could be saved and children would lead much more wholesome lives.

Peers also affect children in their choices of what to eat and how much television to watch. Since most children want to feel included and be in the "popular" crowd, they will eat what the popular kids eat and do what the popular kids do. Unfortunately fast food and processed foods are becoming very common in this "popular diet" as well as a new trend to follow certain t.v. shows and play certain video games. So is there any way to harness this trend? Somehow we need get kids to become advocates for health, rather than walking McDonalds commercials. Something that could really help this would be to put more commercials on television advocating making healthy choices, and less fast-food commercials. These will slowly, but surely get into the heads of children in one way or another, and in this way they can influence one another to make good, healthy choices rather than negative, destructive choices.

Week 11 - The US is dependent on phones; however....

The United States has grown a dependence on phones that is borderline obsessive HOWEVER this is not such a bad thing after all. Cell phones have made our daily life in many ways easier and are constantly evolving and getting better. Phones, at their basic level, are great to get into contact with people when you are on the move. No longer are you stuck to only be able to make calls in your home off a wired telephone which is great. Thanks to cell phones I have been able to get in direct contact with my parents after school to let them know I needed to pick up and that saved me long waits numerous times back when I did not have a car. Texting has also proved a vital form of communication amongst my circle of friends. When I wanted to let a bunch of people know I was having a movie night the following weekend all I would have to do is send a mass text to everyone and that saved me so much time on planning. Another good thing about texting is that it gives you a quicker way of getting a hold of someone. While voicemail is always an option, text messages just make contacting someone easier.

Phones now a day’s do even more than just call as you already know. They can check for the nearest and cheapest gas station, allow you to email your professors and so many other functions and the list continues to grow and grow. Without cell phones life would slow down, a whole lot. Business people in general would find it tough to keep track of the entire goings on in the company had they no mobile phones or anything to keep track for them. With cell phones we are granted automatic connections with anyone with a phone and this provides users the comfort that wherever they are they can get a hold of someone. If all phones were to shut off today, there would most likely be a pandemic and things would get ugly, but that does not mean that phones are crippling us, it just goes to show how vital a phone is in this modern day. It is too late to go back now.

The Internet

The Internet is a tool that is often abused and used excessively. However, the Internet is also a valuable research tool and source of information used in everyday life. Students use it on a regular basis to complete homework assignment, study, and keep in contact with friends and family. Businesses and corporations use it as they complete market research, search for future employees, and research new products and management techniques. Mothers use it as they look up new recipes, search for remedies for common ailments, and check out the week’s sales at the local supermarket. Stockholders use it as they search for financial statements on businesses, and review the latest rises or drops in the stock market. Pharmacists access the Internet to research drugs and reactions that may occur among various medications . Real estate agents use the Internet to post listing and to search for properties and homes for their clients. Stores use it to create websites and to generate more money through online shopping. As you can see, the Internet is used by virtually everyone in completing both everyday tasks and responsibilities associated with their careers or roles in society. Whether you are a student, or a lawyer, the Internet is a useful tool. Think about your day. What do you use the Internet for? Personally, when I start my day, getting on the Internet is one of the first things I do. I get online and check the daily weather report so I know how to get dressed. As students at Brigham Young University we check our e-mails, register for classes, apply for scholarships, search for jobs, check our bank statement, use Mapquest to get directions to wherever we may need to go, etc. We also often use the Internet to purchase things. Think about the last thing you bought. Did you purchase it at a store or online? Think about the last time you tried to sell something. Where did you advertise? The Internet has revolutionized our lives and has led to significant advancements in our society. Life without it wouldn’t be impossible, but it would be difficult.

Week 11 - Let em' watch it!

Television has the potential to affect children in many negative ways. Too much of it can cause children to be obese, act out aggressively, have troubles developing mentally, and even distort their sense of reality. Parents need to regulate the amount of time their children spend watching television, as well as be wary of what sort of television content their children are being exposed to.

However, there could be a ton of other possible explanations why children these days are more obese, aggressive, socially incompetent and so on. Who is to say that television can cause all of this? It sounds a little ridiculous. Children could be more obese these days because of the fast food industry, which is bigger now than it ever was. All that MSG and fat really add up when you eat fast food three or more times a week, which is becoming more and more common for the average American family. As for aggression goes, there have been some studies done that show that there is absolutely no correlation at all between television violence and actual violence in children. The things that children see on television—especially violence—does not affect them to act out aggressively in real life situations. In fact, it has been hypothesized that children who watch more television are actually better off than those who hardly watch any at all. The constant onslaught of new information, pictures, colors etc that television provides actually helps to increase the rate of brain development, thus causing television-viewing children to be more cognitively adept than their average peer.

With all of these positive things that can come from allowing children to watch television, it is a shame that some parents limit its use in the home. Perhaps schools should consider using television more as a means of helping children progress in their education. After all, there are a lot of programs and educational videos on the market that are available for the purpose of educating children. Do you want a super-genius for a child? Try giving television a try, and see for yourself what happens! You won’t be disappointed.

Week 11- It's All Up to You!

If movies, then, can have such an impact on the mind, then is not possible for books to have the very same effect? The answer is they can.
However, many could disagree with this statement. One could argue that it is your choice to allow the images to come to your mind. Not everyone is the same; therefore, certain descriptive words in books can not affect the minds of individuals. It all could depend of the mind of the person who is reading it. If a person has a strong mind and does not allow words and images to penetrate it, then certain descriptions could have no effect upon the mind. It could also be argued that when one is watching a movie, they are seeing live people perform actions. When one is reading a book, they are simply reading black and white words and creating people doing the actions in their minds. So while one is actually seeing something take place in a movie, when they are reading, they are making it up in their heads. It is the difference in seeing something live and having someone describe it to you. It just is not the same. When people see something live, it is possibly easier to remember than if someone just described it to you. A description does not have the same effect upon you than if can see the object before your eyes. People could also argue that if one thinks that the book will affect them, then they do not even have to read the book. What one reads is their choice. They do not have to subject themselves to reading a book they think will have a negative impact on their mind. This assertion, in essence, could all be based upon the choice of the individual; whether the individual is strong minded, or whether they care if what they read may impact them, it is all their choice. One could argue that individual choice is the basis of the effect of books upon the mind. If one chooses to read the book, then chooses to let the images described seep into their minds, then in all reality, it is their fault that the book had such an effect upon their minds. Just remember, what you read and take in is all your choice.

I must assert now, that I don’t believe wholly in this; this is just what others may think of.

With the Internet becoming the dominant site for reading and writing, especially among young people, some scholars predict that eventually only a small "reading class" will ever read novels, book-length nonfiction texts or serious magazines. They agree that reading is a vital skill needed in the 21st century. However many others do not agree with their views, believing instead that basic skills such as the memorization of multiplication tables, long-division algorithm,making change, and state capitals were only useful to past generations because they did not have any handy and speedy way to look them up. They believe that communication is also a basic skill, and once all books are recorded, the Web reads itself [aloud] and every child and adult has a text scanner in his or her cell phone that can read any printed text aloud, they wonder if all those years should still be spent teaching kids phonics. What is the use? If these skills are taught and never used it would be better and more practical to not teach them at all, instead focusing on internet and technology instruction that will be far more useful in the student's lives. They argue that schools are not effective in teaching these skills to students in the classrooms and that the time is wasted on memorizing information that is easily accessible online, leading to redundant and impractical learning inside the classroom.

Week-11 Opposite Day- Campaign Finance Laws Rock My Socks!!!!

Campaign finance laws are bad because they restrict valuable information, are limiting on free speech, and cause a lessening of citizen awareness and lower voting rates. However, without campaign finance laws elections would be mostly controlled by huge mega corporations like Wal-Mart and McDonalds. Campaign Finance Laws such as BCRA (Bipartisan-Campaign Reform Act) control the amount that corporations can donate to candidates. First, these corporations would have a huge amount of power because they would be able to donate so much that they could swarm the air with campaign ads and drown all other opponents out. Second, the politicians would know this so they would constantly be trying buddy up with these big companies, they would vote how they want them to vote and probably even sneak in side favors to give those companies advantages over their competitors. Third, because there would be so much money in politics corruption would skyrocket. Politicians would do anything they can do for extra cash in order to stay on top of super competitive elections. They will be pulling side favors left and right. (No pun intended) These guys will open up the treasury doors to these companies to all gobble up their share of America's money. Worst of all, campaign ads would be covering TV day and night. Because of competitive elections these ads will probably get really negative. It will get so bad that many people will get turned off from politics all together. This will cause even lower voting rates and the power will slip farther and farther to the huge mega corporations. The Supreme Court is on a bad trend in nullifying our valuable campaign finance laws that keep our elections fair. These ruling are on the pretense that these laws hinder "free speech." These laws however do nothing to inhibit speech. They simply regulate money in order to stop corruption. People are still free to say whatever views they want. It is "free" speech so you shouldn't needs loads of money for it. Also even if it was the case that money=speech, both sides have to abide by the same rules. Candidates may be able to buy less campaign ads but his or her opponents will have to abide by those same rules causing no unbalance to elections.
Well that's the opposite of my paper so don't get mad at me if you disagree with some of this stuff.

Week 10

Dear Mom,

I just wanted to write you and thank you for restricting me from watching all kinds of movies. As I have done research I have realized that many factors influence movies and their ratings systems. I have discovered many interesting facts about the effects of watching movies with high ratings. Did you know that people of all ages who watch movies with sexual content, abuse, and drugs have been shown to view rape as a more trivial offense, and dwell more on female victimization. These facts are seen with adults, and not just children and juveniles. This showed me that it doesn’t matter how old or mature you are movies with high ratings can still have a negative effect on you.

Remember those times when I would whine and complain about how I should be able to watch it it’s only PG-13. Well I now realize I was a little off base. In today’s world movies rating from G to PG 13 make four times as much profit as and R-rated movie. This influence movie producers and effects how they adjust there films to try and get them to fit in a lower rating category. A movie rating does not specifically mean it is the same as the last movie you saw with that same rating. Just because a movie is PG-13 does not mean all children 13 and over should watch it. In one of the articles I read it discussed how smoking in movies effects the audience. It showed that the more movies a child or teen had watched with on going smoking throughout the higher the chance of that child or teen ending up being a smoker themselves.

I know that when it comes movies certain things stick out to you more than others. It is scary to realize that even adults can be affected by watching certain films. In today’s world there are more R-rated movies made than G, PG, and PG-13 movies combined. No wonder we are seeing an increase in violence, murder, and robbery’s in todays world. These movies have negative effects on more than just a young audience. Maybe when parents are watching a movie instead of wondering whether or not they will share this film with their children they should consider whether or not they are benefitting from viewing this film.

I thank you mom for keeping me from watching high rated movies, but still allowing me to learn about the problems and negative aspects of those kinds of movies, so I am not completely wrapped up in my own world and unaware of the troubles going on around me. This world is a crazy place, but I don’t have to watch R-rated movies to discover all the problems in the media.

Love Karlee :)

Week 10-Teenage Body Image

To Whom It May Concern:

I’ll be honest; I spend a lot of time watching TV. I enjoy it. I know it is a huge waste of time, but I do it anyway. I even watch the dumb teenager shows, which probably makes it even worse. While watching these shows I have realized something. All the girls on these shows weigh maybe weigh a hundred pounds and most of them probably have breast implants. Watching these shows could easily make young girls feel like they need to look a certain way, which is an almost impossible way to look.

I know people always talk about the fashion industry and how they have tiny models and their airbrushed photos, but it’s been exposed so much that we know those models are anorexic and that those photos usually aren’t how the girl really works. On the TV shows it is very different. This is a real life girl, walking around, attracting all of the dreamy guys that these young teenage girls would want to attract.

I say it’s time to leave the fashion industry alone and start attacking the TV shows. Movies also have tiny actresses that could make any girl feel fat or ugly. Something needs to be done about these real-life dangers to young teenage girls. When a teenage girl sees someone like that on TV, it is very easy for her body image to change and for the girl to not feel very good about herself. If she is not attracting tons of boys, she might feel like it is because she does not look like the skinny girls she sees on TV and in movies. That is when girls start excessive dieting, or even anorexia. They feel worse and worse about themselves and sometimes suffer from depression and start to hurt themselves, because they aren’t who these girls on TV that they think they should be.

I think it is disgusting that we are putting teenage girls through this. They need TV shows that build them up and make them feel beautiful, because every girl is a daughter of our Heavenly Father and she deserves to feel that way.

Week 10- Cell Phone Use

Dear Friend,

I understand that you are in love with your cell phone but did you know that cell phones are responsible for many negative events in our Nation? Our church always preaches that you need moderation in all things and it is no exception when it comes to cell phone use.

Last week when we were in the car and you were texting your friend at the wheel I got a little nervous, not going to lie. Every year thousands of accidents are caused by this distraction at the wheel and the statistics are a little daunting. Take for example that drivers are four times more likely to get in a serious accident when texting and that driving while texting has the same decreased reaction time as being over the blood alcohol limit: those are some scary numbers. I want to live to at least be 30 years old so next time you think of wiping out your phone to text, please don’t do it while I am in the car.

Cell phones surprisingly are a very new invention contrary to your belief. Compared to the telephone which has been around since the 1870’s, cell phones have only been around for the past 20- 30 years. That is a relatively short time. One would not believe that they are so young if you look at how many people are in possession of them today. It is reported over 90% of United States citizens’ age 18-30 own a phone and boy do they love them. In essence a cell phone is an extension of us. It adds a new dimension of communication, instant media access and so many other tools to use and many people are overly obsessed with this luxury. Did you know there is a cell phone and internet rehab center in WA State for people to overcome your addiction? Just a heads up to not become too dependent on your phone, it is only a piece of plastic and metal.

Lastly I would like to let you know that I feel distant from you because of your cell phone. Whenever we hang out you always seem to pull out your phone and text away. I am sitting right next to you and still you neglect that. Face to face interaction is 100x better than texting anyways. At least then you can see the person you are talking to and read body language. Talking on the phone is even a little better than texting too because you can hear voice inflection. All I am saying is using your phone cuts you off from what is happening around you. Don’t get too secluded.

I appreciate you as a friend but please don’t let your cell phone control your life. It is not worth it and can only endanger others or yourself. I am not advising you to get rid of your phone, just use it less.

Sincerely,

Alex Holland

Week 10 - Dear Dad

Dear Dad,

A few weeks ago you sent me a pertinent article about how e-books are taking over the literary world and industry. It sparked my interest, especially since I plan to be heavily involved in the book industry. I decided to write my issues paper on whether e-books are a better alternative to traditional print. Personally, I feel that traditional print is superior for sentimental, personal reasons. But through the course of my research thus far I have concluded that on a technical, individual level e-books are more convenient and effective. Overall, e-books are a better alternative in the academic and professional sphere, as well as preferred by public and library patrons when offered the choice, though there are certain drawbacks involved.

The principal advantage that e-books wield over print is their widespread access to information. An article that analyzes the effect of e-books, “The Future of eBooks? Will Print Disappear? An End-User Perspective ,” points out that print books have to be physically sought out, checked out, bought, kept track of and stored while e-books can be accessed anywhere in the world at anytime. Basically, the affect and access to e-books is limitless. The article goes further to profess e-books invaluable contribution to efficient student and professional research: “With e-books you can find relevant content much faster by searching for keywords. You can use them anytime and everywhere, in contrast to library-provided books, which are often not available when you need them (Springer, 2008).”

On the other hand, print books are still considered the primary source for “cover-to-cover” novel reading and “heavy” literary analysis because they are more manipulatable. Another article titled “Beyond the Web: TEI, The Digital Library, and The Ebook Revolution” describes student’s difficulty in finding a particular chapter when “navigating lengthy Victorian novels.” Margin writing and highlighting are highly praised and helpful tools when digging deep into a work and analyzing it. Also, e-book readers have been criticized for ruining the essential creative format of poetry, in which style and structure are often a crucial component in the work as a whole. But although they have certain limits, e-books still allow for that novel and piece of poetry to be read anywhere and at anytime, and at a cheaper cost.

Sincerely,

Rachel

Week Ten-The Constitution

Dear Daddy,

With the election still hanging over our heads, we need to be thinking of what this means to us. With the new members of the senate, and members of the House, they all will try to make laws to their own judgment. Our Constitution, the very thing that holds our country together will be tested.

Our Founding Fathers had different ideas than the people of today when they were forming the thing that would govern our country. They did not think of gay marriage, abortion, or other things that are in the world today. Now that they are gone, and the constitution does not say something about every issue people think it is outdated.

Some argue that we have to fit the constitution to the lives of the people today. They want the document to be interpreted loosely while others want to interpret it strictly, or use the original intent of the Framers. Just like with this health care thing. The House felt that we needed it, but it was considered unconstitutional to force anyone to buy anything. They use the example of car insurance. If you buy a car, you have to buy insurance. The one thing they leave out is that you don’t have to buy the car in the first place. They are forcing people to buy something which in and of itself is wrong. They think that they are doing this for the good of America, but it still does not make it right. Then there is the order of making a bill a law. With the Health Care Bill the House just voted on the Senate’s bill because they could not combine one to fit both of their needs. They went around the true order of things to get it slid in. The Constitution is barely there in some of the decisions that are being made now a days.

Supreme Court judges are supposed to be nonpartisan, but they all have their personal opinions that come into play when they are making decisions of court cases. People cannot interpret something and have it be okay. They will just end up giving themselves more and more power.

~Kenzie