The End is Here (Blog Assignment #8)

I struggled in the class initially. I felt it was necessary to check for new assignments about fifty times a day! It was ridiculous, I know. It was the first Internet class that I had ever taken. But, eventually, I became acclimated to the more relaxed format and used it to my advantage. I believe that is was a great online class to begin my new experience with. The course work was not unbearable. And the independent research required to complete some of our blogs has helped me to become more investigative in my searches.

I came into the class knowing that I enjoy writing. I just always wondered if I would be able to write for a deadline. I have a problem of writer’s block. It can be difficult to power through. For this class “writing when inspiration comes over me” was not always an option. I was forced to chisel out my work and submitted it by the deadline. It conjured up stress, anxiety and frustration. All in all, I feel like I’ve been able to conquer writer’s block. It has also become clear to me that journalism may not be my strongest field.

One thing about the class that really worked for me was how well the syllabus spelled out the professor’s expectations. It was nice to see the list of blogs and articles. It was easy to keep in mind all the tools necessary for writing a good article or great blog. Also, it was very helpful to receive emails from the instructor reminding us to check out the D2L page for changes in the syllabus or new blog topics.

I suppose that the only real aspect of change I could see for the class was a little bit more forewarning as to what the next blog topic would be. I tend to like to mull over possible angles and phrases—giving myself time to experiment with thoughts, and allowing for minimal brain freezes. It would have been nice to have at least the two weeks time prior to the next blog for accomplishing our writing. Instead, it seemed that a lot of the assignments were officially given to us with about 4 or 5 days to complete them. This left a week or so of potential research untapped. But outside of that, the class moved very fluidly.

It is hard to believe that we have come to the end of the semester. I have really enjoyed this class—people’s thoughts, blogs, and comments. The encouragement and feedback that I have received from everyone has allowed me to grow more self-confident. This class has been wonderful.

Recycled Air (Blog Assignment #7)

My mind has been circling the drain over this entire "Climate-Gate" situation. It has sparked my interest—offering an opportunity, at times, to roll my eyes. In general, I suppose I have been evaluating conspiracy theories. Whether it is the JFK assassination, or the falsified moon landing; whether it is the world’s demise in 2012, or the fact that some people believe that the events of 9/11 were an “inside job.” I feel like I am surrounded by conspiracy theories all the time. I never know what to believe. “Climate-Gate”, of course, doesn't help me. But, if these accusations and emails are true, then what? People are right and there is no global warming (or at least humans are not to blame for it)?

Back when I was born, there was a horrendous blizzard that day. Minnesota was equivalent to a piece of Siberia in America. Always "dreaming of a white Christmas," I can remember white Thanksgivings and white Halloweens. Granted some of those were rare, but famous Minnesota winter storms. It just doesn't seem that cold anymore and there doesn't seem to be as much snow. Perhaps it is the romantic effects of looking back to life the “way that it used to be,” but something is strange . . .

I am uncertain as to how much I subscribe to thoughts of global warming. But, even if all the "Climate-Gate" scandal is true (and not fabricated and manipulated itself), who really cares? So, because there may be evidence that global warming may not be entirely accurate, does that mean there is not a sliver of truth in there at all?

Our world is covered over 70% with water. Of the continental crust, humans are but a tiny portion of that. Flying in an airplane and looking out the window is humbling experience. A person is overcome with the reality that they are puny in a global perspective. Have you ever “jumped the pond”? Even flying at speeds over 500 mph, it seems like the water will never end.

I am not a Republican, and I am not a Democrat. But, we shouldn't use "Climate-Gate" as an excuse to keep living the way that we are and not accept a few changes. Copenhagen’s summit to talk about cutting CO2 emissions is wonderful. Al Gore’s film “An Inconvenient Truth” talked about the rise of CO2 gas in our atmosphere. Perhaps it would be in our best interest to discontinue our deforestation of the rainforests or filling in salt marshes. Allow nature to do what it is so good at and find balance. Photosynthesis is a remarkable phenomenon. Yet, in the United States, housing developers buy up land to create housing projects. Build for building’s sake. In a time of ridiculously high foreclosures, what is the sense of having so many vacant buildings?

We should not be afraid to become more eco-friendly. I'm not a hippie—not by any means. One of my favorite leisure activities is driving in my car listening to the “Back in the Day Buffet” on B96. But I do believe that we could at least try to be happy with the resources that we have—be it much or little. Take care of the world that we live in. There is no need to forever deface the world's surface to feed our own selfish ambitions. “Climate-Gate” should be no excuse to not fight for a cleaner and healthier future.