Stage Eight: Comment on a colleague’s work #2 (POST TO BE GRADED)
I really like the editorial that Leah at In-Formation has put together for her readers. Most importantly, it is written in a way that will keep the attention of her target audience, young college kids, and readers who appreciate a sarcastic tone. I also really enjoy her comparison of the senators to that of children, and bickering adults. It’s really quite clever. Additionally, her presentation is clear and concise, and her conclusion does a great job of reconnecting her whole idea, and directly addressing the audience, something I like to do in my writings as well. My only gripes with the editorial are just a few little grammar and punctuation issues that required me to re-read a few areas, as well as a double-typed word, however despite these, Leah gets her message right across.
A congrats goes out to Leah for a great piece, and personally Leah I agree with you, I feel bad that I was not tracking In-Formation prior to this!
-Derek Rider at Journey to the Center of US Government
Friday, May 14, 2010
Friday, May 7, 2010
Over 573,000 new US employees in four months.
Stage Seven: Original editorial or commentary #2(POST TO BE GRADED)
Recent economic statistics have shown that during the month of April, employers around the US hired roughly 290,000 new employees last month. James O’ Sullivan said “This is unambiguously a strong report for growth implications”. Additional statistics published by the Department of Labor show that there have been over 573,000 jobs filled over the past four months. President Barack Obama had a few things to say after hearing the report, “very encouraging, steady growth in the economy is starting to give businesses the confidence to expand.” However, he also said that “it’s going to take time to achieve the strong and sustained job growth that is necessary.”
Unfortunately, despite all of these new jobs there are still noticeable amounts of problems in the housing industry, financial markets, big budget deficits, as well as a general loss of wealth in households. Most economists describe this not as a large sprint forward, but an increase in momentum for an already stable situation. Additionally, the unemployment rate of the nation actually rose to 9.9%, however, officials explain this is because “When jobless people do not look for work, they are not counted in the official unemployment rate.” That essentially means that there is a higher increase in unemployment, because there are now more people trying to get jobs, and not succeeded, unless citizens are not looking for a job, they are not counted in the statistics.
Another statistic worth notice is that, in April, 45.9% of all unemployed people had been jobless for 27 weeks or more, a record high, says the Labor Department.
On a personal note I found this new report to be very inspirational, especially since I am one of the new employees from last month, after nailing my first job working at Culver’s, for well above minimum wage, and I am very happy with it. This looks to be very promising news of an economy that has always bounced back from a hard spot. I just hope all of the American people can make the right choice, and continue to move us forward.
-Derek Rider
Reference Article
Recent economic statistics have shown that during the month of April, employers around the US hired roughly 290,000 new employees last month. James O’ Sullivan said “This is unambiguously a strong report for growth implications”. Additional statistics published by the Department of Labor show that there have been over 573,000 jobs filled over the past four months. President Barack Obama had a few things to say after hearing the report, “very encouraging, steady growth in the economy is starting to give businesses the confidence to expand.” However, he also said that “it’s going to take time to achieve the strong and sustained job growth that is necessary.”
Unfortunately, despite all of these new jobs there are still noticeable amounts of problems in the housing industry, financial markets, big budget deficits, as well as a general loss of wealth in households. Most economists describe this not as a large sprint forward, but an increase in momentum for an already stable situation. Additionally, the unemployment rate of the nation actually rose to 9.9%, however, officials explain this is because “When jobless people do not look for work, they are not counted in the official unemployment rate.” That essentially means that there is a higher increase in unemployment, because there are now more people trying to get jobs, and not succeeded, unless citizens are not looking for a job, they are not counted in the statistics.
Another statistic worth notice is that, in April, 45.9% of all unemployed people had been jobless for 27 weeks or more, a record high, says the Labor Department.
On a personal note I found this new report to be very inspirational, especially since I am one of the new employees from last month, after nailing my first job working at Culver’s, for well above minimum wage, and I am very happy with it. This looks to be very promising news of an economy that has always bounced back from a hard spot. I just hope all of the American people can make the right choice, and continue to move us forward.
-Derek Rider
Reference Article
Friday, April 23, 2010
Text response to the new nuclear warfare treaty.
Stage Six: Comment on a colleague’s work #1 (POST TO BE GRADED)
First of all Kalpana I just wanted to say that this is a great article you’ve made here, and it is very well formulated.
I have to agree with you that I am glad that President Obama is initializing this new treaty. No matter how many lives a successful nuclear attack can save of the launching country, there is simply no justification for nuclear warfare. Especially after what has happened to those living in Japan in the past, as well as those who are still suffering from its effects today.
I feel that Russia has always been a very significant player in the community of countries in the world. While most of their land is rather worthless, their knowledge and technology are invaluable, this is a great step forward to rebinding a long lost friendship.
Nuclear war is a heartless, cold, ruthless and lacks any and all honor. As cruel and horrible war is, something as large scale as nuclear warheads are simply unacceptable, the wrong people get hurt in the worst possible way.
First of all Kalpana I just wanted to say that this is a great article you’ve made here, and it is very well formulated.
I have to agree with you that I am glad that President Obama is initializing this new treaty. No matter how many lives a successful nuclear attack can save of the launching country, there is simply no justification for nuclear warfare. Especially after what has happened to those living in Japan in the past, as well as those who are still suffering from its effects today.
I feel that Russia has always been a very significant player in the community of countries in the world. While most of their land is rather worthless, their knowledge and technology are invaluable, this is a great step forward to rebinding a long lost friendship.
Nuclear war is a heartless, cold, ruthless and lacks any and all honor. As cruel and horrible war is, something as large scale as nuclear warheads are simply unacceptable, the wrong people get hurt in the worst possible way.
Friday, April 9, 2010
Healthcare Reform takes a turn for the worse in Congress
Stage Five: Original editorial or commentary #1 (POST TO BE GRADED)
The recent healthcare reform is beginning to take a turn for the worse for members of Congress. There have been a reported 42 threats toward members just within the first three months of this year, as opposed to a total of 15 threats made throughout all of 2009.
Senate Sergeant-at-Arms Terrance W.Gainer said that these instances have ranged from harmless vulgar threats to death threats. “The ability to carry them out is another question and part of an investigation to determine what, if any, appropriate steps to take.” Gainer also said that nearly all of the threats are made against supporters of the recent healthcare reform, and that there have been significant more made toward House members than senators.
Just for an example House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has had dozens of calls to her houses and her husband’s office in San Francisco by Gregory L. Giusti, who has already been arrested for the threats.
Rep. Dan Lungren of California put this whole situation into perspective best though, “Normally, we don’t give publicity to this,”. Normally these types of threats go particularly unnoticed and rarely get publicized, but with a number this immense, so early in the year, there is a lot to be talked about. Contrary to what you would think though, most of the members are still going about their regular routines, and aren’t taking any noticeable precautions while going out to attend different schedule activities.
Maybe we are the only ones really blowing this out of proportion? But wait, there’s more.
Although, unlike most of the threats, which have been verbal, done through either phone calls or emails, there have been a few physical acts conducted. A gas line had been cut last month in the house of Rep. Tom Perriello’s brother after a self-identified “tea party” activist posted his address online. This, as well as a brick being thrown through the window of Rep. Louise M. Slaughter’s office in the Niagara Falls district, and someone also left her a voice mail saying that “the children of health care supporters would be targeted by snipers.”
These types of threats are absolutely ridiculous. While someone may have an issue with health care, either being a radical going for it, or someone who is radically against it, it is going way overboard to get to a physical threat against someone’s life, especially their friends and family. I’m sure that any sane individual, for or against the bill, would say that this is completely uncalled for, and insane.
I generally try to keep things humorous and light-hearted here at Journey to the Center, but this is how people get hurt.
-Derek Rider
Supportive Article
The recent healthcare reform is beginning to take a turn for the worse for members of Congress. There have been a reported 42 threats toward members just within the first three months of this year, as opposed to a total of 15 threats made throughout all of 2009.
Senate Sergeant-at-Arms Terrance W.Gainer said that these instances have ranged from harmless vulgar threats to death threats. “The ability to carry them out is another question and part of an investigation to determine what, if any, appropriate steps to take.” Gainer also said that nearly all of the threats are made against supporters of the recent healthcare reform, and that there have been significant more made toward House members than senators.
Just for an example House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has had dozens of calls to her houses and her husband’s office in San Francisco by Gregory L. Giusti, who has already been arrested for the threats.
Rep. Dan Lungren of California put this whole situation into perspective best though, “Normally, we don’t give publicity to this,”. Normally these types of threats go particularly unnoticed and rarely get publicized, but with a number this immense, so early in the year, there is a lot to be talked about. Contrary to what you would think though, most of the members are still going about their regular routines, and aren’t taking any noticeable precautions while going out to attend different schedule activities.
Maybe we are the only ones really blowing this out of proportion? But wait, there’s more.
Although, unlike most of the threats, which have been verbal, done through either phone calls or emails, there have been a few physical acts conducted. A gas line had been cut last month in the house of Rep. Tom Perriello’s brother after a self-identified “tea party” activist posted his address online. This, as well as a brick being thrown through the window of Rep. Louise M. Slaughter’s office in the Niagara Falls district, and someone also left her a voice mail saying that “the children of health care supporters would be targeted by snipers.”
These types of threats are absolutely ridiculous. While someone may have an issue with health care, either being a radical going for it, or someone who is radically against it, it is going way overboard to get to a physical threat against someone’s life, especially their friends and family. I’m sure that any sane individual, for or against the bill, would say that this is completely uncalled for, and insane.
I generally try to keep things humorous and light-hearted here at Journey to the Center, but this is how people get hurt.
-Derek Rider
Supportive Article
Friday, March 26, 2010
A Critique on Gregg Levine’s "Our National Nightmare is over…”
Blog Stage Four: Substantial commentary or criticism #2 (POST TO BE GRADED)
A Critique on Gregg Levine’s "Our National Nightmare is over…” by Derek Rider
Friday, March 26th, 2010
Yesterday evening, Gregg Levine over at Fire Dog Lake posted a new editorial about the amended reconciliation bill passed only a few hours before.
He successfully lays out the facts in an easy to read fashion, which is important for those who have not been following the health care situation very closely, to grasp what is going on. It is important to note that everything is structured in a way, that topics stay clear and concise, and there are no paragraphs just rambling, apart from his goofy introduction. His choice of an image of Nancy Pelosi preparing to strike her hammer, with a determined face adds strength of the editorial and adds serves as a great visual aid in portraying his message.
I also think that it’s worth noting how Levine mentioned the educational system in his last paragraph.“Meanwhile, and with all the “excitement” I almost forgot, it should be noted that this reconciliation bill does contain a progressive victory. . . one that would not have likely happened without the efforts of many in this community.” Again he brings in a sarcastic tone, but of the similar articles I saw while browsing, this is the only where that mentioned this educational portion of the bill. Maybe several other editors forgot about it as well…
While Mr. Levine does crack a few jokes, and manages to slide in a sarcastic tone, it’s in good taste, and makes the reading more lighthearted, and allows the tension to be dropped. This is most notable in the comments section located below the article.
I was unable to track the extent Mr. Levine’s history with FDL, but going through his archive, I found dozens of articles with the number of comments close to or exceeding 100, most of which were very positive and constructive, and it’s easy to see that he has quite a fanbase adding to his credibility.
Thank you for the article Mr. Levine, well made.
A Critique on Gregg Levine’s "Our National Nightmare is over…” by Derek Rider
Friday, March 26th, 2010
Yesterday evening, Gregg Levine over at Fire Dog Lake posted a new editorial about the amended reconciliation bill passed only a few hours before.
He successfully lays out the facts in an easy to read fashion, which is important for those who have not been following the health care situation very closely, to grasp what is going on. It is important to note that everything is structured in a way, that topics stay clear and concise, and there are no paragraphs just rambling, apart from his goofy introduction. His choice of an image of Nancy Pelosi preparing to strike her hammer, with a determined face adds strength of the editorial and adds serves as a great visual aid in portraying his message.
I also think that it’s worth noting how Levine mentioned the educational system in his last paragraph.“Meanwhile, and with all the “excitement” I almost forgot, it should be noted that this reconciliation bill does contain a progressive victory. . . one that would not have likely happened without the efforts of many in this community.” Again he brings in a sarcastic tone, but of the similar articles I saw while browsing, this is the only where that mentioned this educational portion of the bill. Maybe several other editors forgot about it as well…
While Mr. Levine does crack a few jokes, and manages to slide in a sarcastic tone, it’s in good taste, and makes the reading more lighthearted, and allows the tension to be dropped. This is most notable in the comments section located below the article.
I was unable to track the extent Mr. Levine’s history with FDL, but going through his archive, I found dozens of articles with the number of comments close to or exceeding 100, most of which were very positive and constructive, and it’s easy to see that he has quite a fanbase adding to his credibility.
Thank you for the article Mr. Levine, well made.
Friday, February 26, 2010
A Critique on Sunil Sharan's "The green jobs myth"
Blog Stage Three: Substantial commentary or criticism #1 (POST TO BE GRADED)
A Critique on Sunil Sharan's "The green jobs myth" by Derek Rider
Friday, Febraury 26th, 2010
Sunil Sharan released a new editorial (NOTE: The Washington post requires an user registration to view this article, more information at the bottom of my post.) today concerning what he calls “the myth of green jobs”, and just as he is, I am left in the middle of road, unsure which side to fight for.
One part of the editorial that stood out most for me, was in the presentation, it is very easy to see that this article is intended to spark constructive thinking in not only those in favor of going green, but also those against it. It supplies both sides with some excellent ammo for striking up arguments. Sharan himself, being a director of the Smart Grid Initiative at GE from 2008 to 2009, show’s that he has a lot of credibility, and his editorial shows that he is actively trying to figure out exactly how to tackle this idea of going green considering his line of work. Sharan presents a very well formulated argument, and does an excellent job of not biasing, which I applaud him for. Sharan claims that while it is good for our nation to start moving toward a green style of living, especially since it will create current jobs, at the same time, in the future, with the automation of going green many will also lose their jobs. Sharan has taken the time out to give mathematical statistics showing exactly what kind of a temporary change going green could make for our country, and equally so, labels out exactly what could happen once “our installation process” has completed.
I feel the balance of power is best described in his conclusion paragraph; “For the purpose of creating jobs, then, a "clean-energy economy" will not offer a panacea. This does not necessarily mean that America should not become green to alleviate climate change, to kick its addiction to foreign oil or to use energy sources more efficiently. But those who take great pains to tout the "job-creation potential" of the green space might just end up inducing labor pains all around.”
Sharan successfully addresses the pros and cons of both situations, and in a matter that leaves both sides at a balance, leaving this topic wide open for discussion.
A very well made editorial Mr. Sharan, I will be looking forward to more of them.
Note continued:
Again, I apologize that the Washington Post requires that you register an account to view this article, I'm sure they will not spam you or anything. Also, I think it would be a wise choice to go ahead and register now, seeing as The Washington Post is a recommended source for our U.S. Government class, and registering now will probably make life easier for you later in the semester.
A Critique on Sunil Sharan's "The green jobs myth" by Derek Rider
Friday, Febraury 26th, 2010
Sunil Sharan released a new editorial (NOTE: The Washington post requires an user registration to view this article, more information at the bottom of my post.) today concerning what he calls “the myth of green jobs”, and just as he is, I am left in the middle of road, unsure which side to fight for.
One part of the editorial that stood out most for me, was in the presentation, it is very easy to see that this article is intended to spark constructive thinking in not only those in favor of going green, but also those against it. It supplies both sides with some excellent ammo for striking up arguments. Sharan himself, being a director of the Smart Grid Initiative at GE from 2008 to 2009, show’s that he has a lot of credibility, and his editorial shows that he is actively trying to figure out exactly how to tackle this idea of going green considering his line of work. Sharan presents a very well formulated argument, and does an excellent job of not biasing, which I applaud him for. Sharan claims that while it is good for our nation to start moving toward a green style of living, especially since it will create current jobs, at the same time, in the future, with the automation of going green many will also lose their jobs. Sharan has taken the time out to give mathematical statistics showing exactly what kind of a temporary change going green could make for our country, and equally so, labels out exactly what could happen once “our installation process” has completed.
I feel the balance of power is best described in his conclusion paragraph; “For the purpose of creating jobs, then, a "clean-energy economy" will not offer a panacea. This does not necessarily mean that America should not become green to alleviate climate change, to kick its addiction to foreign oil or to use energy sources more efficiently. But those who take great pains to tout the "job-creation potential" of the green space might just end up inducing labor pains all around.”
Sharan successfully addresses the pros and cons of both situations, and in a matter that leaves both sides at a balance, leaving this topic wide open for discussion.
A very well made editorial Mr. Sharan, I will be looking forward to more of them.
Note continued:
Again, I apologize that the Washington Post requires that you register an account to view this article, I'm sure they will not spam you or anything. Also, I think it would be a wise choice to go ahead and register now, seeing as The Washington Post is a recommended source for our U.S. Government class, and registering now will probably make life easier for you later in the semester.
Friday, February 12, 2010
~75% of Americans support gays in the military.
Stage Two: Article Introduction (Post to be graded.)
Today, a new article (NOTE: The Washington post requires an user registration to view this article, more information at the bottom of my post.) went up at The Washington Post stating that three-quarters of Americans said that they support openly gay people serving in the U.S. Military. The article, written by Ed O’Keefe and Jennifer Agiesta, stresses the fact that this majority says we should remove the “Don’t ask, don’t tell” policy instilled during the Clinton administration back in 1993, which forbids commanders to ask the sexual orientation of a service member and REQUIRES the discharge of openly gay men and women.
President Obama called for a repeal of the policy during his State of the Union Address last month, as well as the military’s top civilian and leadership expressing personal support for a repeal. Three officials, Robert M. Gates, Carter F. Ham and Jeh C. Johnson are in the midst of conducting studies and are trying to work out the complicated parts of the repeal.
The statistics were formulated by random telephone calls to 1004 adult Americans, both male and female, on both home and cellphone numbers. Men and seniors were about 15% less likely to agree with the repeal, than that of women, and young adults.
This article is significant because it helps to demonstrate just how dramatically our attitudes towards homosexuals has changed in the past 17 years. No matter which side of the fence your on, I recommend checking out the article yourself.
Again, I apologize that the Washington Post requires that you register an account to view this article, I'm sure they will not spam you or anything. Also, I think it would be a wise choice to go ahead and register now, seeing as The Washington Post is a recommended source for our U.S. Government class, and registering now will probably make life easier for you later in the semester.
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