Blogging

I enjoy blogging with Blogger I did get frustrated with some of the technology but nothing major. I did have trouble posting pictures other than that Blogger was easily to use. I like how easily it was for me to gain access to my blog whether I was at school,work or home. Overall blogging on Blogger was fun since I never blog before it was enjoyable to read the blogs and the comments. Writing at least 250 words every entry was a little difficult for some of the topics.

Meeting the entry deadline was not difficult because we only had class one day a weekand the deadline was Tuesday the following week. I think that was enough time to get it done. Should there be a deadline I think yes because we need entry done on time so we could comments. If there was no deadline many students would not bother to do the blogs on time since we got points for doing them on time the deadline made sense. For the comments I like that people was respectful when they made comments on other students blogs. I for one appreciated whtever comments was left on any of my posts.

Blogging was different from other kinds of writing that I have done before I did not have to worry about grammar and the topics was interesting. I learn a lot about how to live green. I now have a better understanding of what it means to live green. Reading some of the blogs that my classmates wrote was interesting. I was impress with the information some was able to find I also like the visual affects some people post on their blogs. I hope to continue blogging after this class if my schdule permits it.

Christmas has become all about retail so every year a bunch of nonsense goes on sale cheap and many people who don’t know better or can afford anything better buy these craps. That should never have been made. I think the Christmas holidays need a face lift especially since everyone decided that they all needed flat screen television at the same time that a man lose his life. I can never understand what all the fuss is about Christmas has become about excess for adults and kids. During christmas a lot of useless gifts pop up for instance why was this product made men don't need a wallet to put in front of their pants instead of the back.What will someone do with a mouse playing piano a dancing dog. All of these gifts are priced either from 19.95 to 29.95 and comsumers are sucker into buying these craps that no one will use. That is why we Americans have so much waste we spend our money on nonsense.

Awesome Blog

http://www.practicalenvironmentalist.com/

I think the blog Practical Environmentalist is awesome because of it contents are related able. I love the blog on bottle caps because I always wonder what and how some items are recycled. This blog does not focus on one environmental problem or tell you what you should or should be doing. I also loved that there are pictures accompanying the blog entries.

I love the blog written on November 1st, 2008 under the heading Bottle caps and recycling---are they recyclable? I love this entry because it explains the process that goes on what your garbage reaches these recycling plants. I also love that ideas are given on what to do with items that are not recyclable. I loved that show pictures on what to do with bottle caps I might try some of these things.

The blog is awesome because it is very informative and well written. I don’t feel preach to just facts and ways to improve the environment. The section 21 Practical Ways to Help the Environment gives good suggestions on how to live green by changing simple things in your life. I am going to try some of their suggestion especially the one about fixing leaks in your home and the thermostats.

I hope this blog is awesome to others but for me it is awesome because I will be able to follow some of their suggestions without having to spend money. I used to believe to live or go green I would have to change everything in my life. Change is really hard but reading some of this blog suggestion I can go green by taking baby steps and still make a difference.

Blog on Group Presentations

It was really nice to learn about other people’s religion and how environment plays a role. It was nice to learn that Islam is a one of most peaceful religion since many people and the media believe otherwise. I think if as a people we take time to learn others religions beliefs we might have a better understanding of each other. I especially like how most of the religions that were discussed have respect for the environment and the animals.

As humans we tend to treat animals very cruel by invading their space and destroying their homes for your own selfish needs. It was nice to learn that most of these religions forbid mistreating animals. One of the teachings of Islam that I found interesting is that they believe that nature should be seen as a mirror which reflects the power beauty, wisdom of its creator. Which I totally agree with God created the earth and as humans we should be thankful and respectful.

I also enjoy learning about the World of Daoism with ying and the yang I believe in that belief about that balance can’t have love without hate. The simplicity of which most of these religions teach their followers to live their life is good for the environment.

From these presentations I was able to come away with a better understanding of these religions. I think other religions should tried be more environmental friendly which would make a better world for all of us. Since most people live and believe in what their religions say is right.

My research topic is how illegal timbering, the world needs for logs and Indonesia’s government has destroy half of they country forests, putting the country wildlife and some tribes out of their homes.

1) I picked this topic because Indonesia forest has been declining at an increase rate which threatens communities and the environmental implications will be devastation.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2006/oct/07/indonesia.pollution

2) Illegal activities by the government and others have destroyed most of Indonesia forest. Causing landslide, floods and even fires yes some people start fires leaving parts of the country in thick smog.
http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2005/04/0426_050426_indonesia.html
http://www.globalforestwatch.org/english/indonesia/forests.htm
http://news.mongabay.com/2006/1015-indonesia.html


3) How foreign corporations are destroying Indonesia forest and putting the citizens of this country in danger. The world needs for wood is to blame for some of the illegal activities that destroy Indonesia’s forest.
http://multinationalmonitor.org/hyper/issues/1990/10/halesworth.html
http://www.enn.com/top_stories/article/6915
http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/SIN344348.htm

I will be adding and researching this topic in full extent for now this is what I have.

DUMPSTER DIVING

I think dumpster diving is a little extreme. I know that as a nation we have a lot of waste but diving into dumpster. Are you for real? I do believe that some people do throw away things that many people can use. With that being said boycotting all corporation because they are all about profits is not realistic. We all as humans at one time or another have to whether we want to or not support some form of corporations. In one of the piece I read that some dumpster divers got fed up because no matter what they do they ending up supporting a corporation well duh. Of course corporations make things that we need to survive. I know many people will like to say they don’t watch TV or a microwave is not necessary. I however came from a country where we didn’t have some things that we now have and life is much easier. Can I live without some of the things that make my life easier yes.

I am also fed up with the waste that is created by people throwing out things that can be repair or restored. I am guilty of this practice yes I am proud of it no but it is something I am trying to work on. It is hard because every time I watch TV read a newspaper I see commercials with things that make me say oh I need that when in reality I don’t. After reading some of things about dumpster diving. I realize that I should try to take things and get them repair instead of just throwing them away.

TV SHOPPING AND SURFING INTERNET


Watching too much TV is something I feel that I do a lot of I am trying to cut back. On average I watch say maybe 8 hours a week of TV. I don’t know maybe less since most of my time is now spending doing school work mines or my kids. But TV is something I do and wish if I could find something else to entertain me. When I get home from school or work after I finish my chores I will just turn on the TV and watch home improvement shows, cooking or Disney with my kids.

Surfing the internet I do a lot of when I am at work. Since I work at the Library when I am supposed to be working I am usually surfing the internet. Soon as I go into work first thing I do is go on the internet to read some mindless gossip about celebrities. I also love to surf the internet at work to shop for clothes, shoes or anything else that interest me. Since I work in such slow environment I only surf the internet when I am at work I spend about maybe 10 hours a week on the internet because I always on go many times during the day. I usually don’t use the internet at my house.

Shopping is something I love to do whether it is on the internet or in stores I love a good sale. It is not as if I have a problem like some people who maxed out all of their credit cards. I tried to never use my credit cards to buy clothes which most of the time I can do with out. It is just something to do instead of watching TV and surfing the internet. I shop mostly whenever I see a sale and believe that this is such a good bargain I can pass up.

When I think of some of my leisure activities I would love to give up watching TV. I love to spend more time going places with my children. It is something I am trying very hard to do instead of staying home and watching TV I would love to just take the train and go to a museum. What is stopping me you ask after I worked a 35 hours a week job and go to a 9 hours a week school I am tried and just wants to relax. Unfortunately TV does that but I am trying to get my priorities straight and make that a reality.

I really don’t have a leisure time schedule I used to read two books a week but don’t anymore that is something I would love to do more of. Shopping and surfing the internet brings me the joy because for two hours or more I get to forget about life and its problems and just focus on if that jeans will fit or on some nonsense that I am reading on mediatakeout.com. Most of all spending time with my children brings me the most joy I just have to find more meaningful activities to do with them. Instead of surfing the internet for gossip and clothes maybe I can look up for things to do with my family that does not cost a lot of money.

Scary weather

I feel that severe weather is one of the worst problems that are caused by global warming. Since severe weather is considered to be thunderstorms, hurricanes and tornadoes or any kind of phenomenon event. I am most concerned because these storms cause a lot of property damage and many lives are also lost. Even if there is no human casualty these storms leave many people displaced. I always wonder how people find the strength to go on when every thing they own is lost within a couple of minutes. Yeah I know at least they survived but I know it must take an emotional toll on many people.

I think that with hurricanes hitting landfall more frequently and with stronger and heavier rainfalls something needs to be done. Usually scientists’ will say that hurricanes only will hit tropical climates or certain parts of the world but all of that changed when a hurricane hit Brazil in 2004. I think over the years severe weather has hit places that many people thought a tornado or a hurricane will happen. Many people associated certain weather like tornadoes to happen only in the Midwest or South but over the years mild tornadoes have touch down in Brooklyn New York.

I think that educating people of how to be prepared during severe weathers should be part of the plan to combat severe weather. According to ScienceDaily.com over the last 35 years scientists believe that warming trend in the ocean has and will affects how dangerous hurricanes will become in the future. The ocean has warm 1 degree Fahrenheit allowing more atmospheric water vapor and six to eight percent more rainfall. This means that more than likely we will see more floods and stronger hurricanes. The cause many scientists believe that due to increase in carbon dioxide and greenhouse gases in the atmosphere will only intensifies storms.

I do not believe that there is one plan to help when it comes to severe weather especially hurricanes or tornadoes. For example when hurricane Katrina hit landfall the government and its agencies were not adequately prepared to deal with the aftermath. My plan will be to make sure that the agencies and local government are prepared in advance and have the proper tools to provide the service that people will need after a major storm. We all saw how it took forever for Fema to help people in New Orleans. Many people are still waiting.

I don’t think anything can be done to reduce severe weather people just need to be prepared for any type of weather. I also think the government should pass laws prohibiting people of building homes in low areas that are prone to bad weather. I don’t know severe weather is just part of our lives now and we should all just go out and buy products to make up our emergency packets. And get all types of house insurance if you own a home.


Information taken from sciencedaily.com

blog 2

Since I was a little girl growing up in Guyana my passion was to become a teacher. After high school I went to work for Queens Library and teaching was no longer a passion of mine because I discovered that I really loved reading and doing what librarians do even though the work can be a little boring. But I am not looking for adventure just something that is interesting and what I love. And hopefully pays well. I might later changed my mind and go back to teaching. If all goes well this will be my last semester at LaGuardia and I hope to continue my studies at York College.

Passions change all the time depending on what phase we are in life. I am gratefully to Mr. Gore for making the environment a passion of his because I learned a lot from his book and movie. Since I already work with the public I know that whenever I learned something new I can share with others. Also at work whenever a coworker asks how school going I make sure to share with them what I have learned from this class so far.

I was very impress with Mr. Gore because sometimes when you have to take certain class I always wonders what does this have to do with my major will I ever use this in the real world. For instance I have to take intro to language for liberal’s arts social science humanities degree. I am sure I will never use any of what I learned from that class in real life.
After I saw the movie An Inconvenient Truth and listen to how Mr. Gore took class that had nothing to do with his major and found his passion. I have learned you never know where inspirations can come. For instance I did not want to take this class I was thinking God why I already have sixty credits. I am happy I did because I am learning such interesting things that will only improve how I lived my life.

How will I change or make the world a better place after I leave LaGuardia? I hope to follow Mr. Gore example to first educate my self and then share whatever I learned with others. Caring is sharing is really a true statement because if Mr. Gore did not care he would have just kept what he learned to himself. I know he had to work hard to get the public’s attention but he never give up. I hope to always remember Mr.Gore example to never give up in something you believed in even if people don’t share your views.

As I was brainstorming on what I did today that affects the environment I came up with my morning ritual. Which consists of brushing my teeth, taking a shower, ironing and getting my kids ready. I ask myself do any of these things afffect the environment. My answer was yes while brushing my teeth I do not turn off the facuets . Having all the lights in every room turn on at the same time is a problem I have in my house. Whenever I am getting ready for work or school I have lights on in my room, bathroom and everywhere else which is not necessary. These things that I do in my morning ritual do affect the environment. By not turning off the facuet and having lights on in everyroom I am wasting water and energy. Since there is so much resources available to people in this country we do things that affects the environment without realizing we are harming our environment. Another thing that I came up with that I did today that affects the environment is that I brought a McDonalds value meal and did not litter. I am good about not littering since I hate when people just throw trash anywhere especially when they could walk to a garbage can. Putting trash where they belong affects the environment in a postive way. Trash not properly dispose of polluate the enivornment. The air we breathe is affected by how our trash is dispose of. Our surrounding also benefit because our streets, trains, and subways would look and smell clean. At work I usually make my own tea or sometimes I will use a foam cup. But I now realize that I can take my own tea cup and reuse it everyday. Staying on the topic of work I use a lot of unneccessary paper when I go to print something off the internet. Usually I just need the first page of a articles instead of just selecting to print the page I need I will print everthing which sometimes consists of multiple pages. From this day foreward I will tired to be more conscious when printing articles. The weather is one thing about the environment that troubles me. Whenever I hear or read about how we as humans do selfish things such as building houses too close to the beach or mountains affect the environment negatively. I always think why can we just admire nature from afar instead of invading and polluating it. I am also trouble by how much oil and energy we as humans think we need to survive. Recycling is the only thing that I consciously do to help the environment. I do take public transportation only because I have to. I hope after taking this class I will be able to live more green.