More on Schooling

Senior makes compelling points about the high school environment itself. While the neurological and psychological causes of adolescence are prominent factors in why the high school experience is so lasting, the school system itself also contributes to it. As we have discussed some of the flaws of the school system and its repression of students' individuality, the school environment itself can be harmful.
 One of the most interesting points is the age divisions. School is traditionally broken up into grades by age divisions and in some uncommon cases, students are able to stay back a year if needed. Maturity ranges widely and just because some has reached a certain age doesn't mean they are suited for the academic and social aspects of high school. As Senior says, high schoolers are grouped by the general category of age but seldom are similar or have much in common.
This age division also separates students from adults. The high school biosphere creates a certain type of homogeneity, distinct from the outside world. Most students are isolated from adults in a social setting and grow up in a school system largely unable to communicate with anyone other than their peers. Abolishing of child labor laws enforced school have helped to foster a generation gap.
From a sociological standpoint, it's also an interesting concept that high school is a box like any other. That is, it is a microcosm, a community, which like any other social group, degenerates into certain parts. High school is more noted for the cliques, aggression, and drama because of hormonal and neurological processes at this time in an adolescent's life. High school breaks down into primeval  displays of superiority and power. Generally, popularity is gauged on basic things such as material possessions, physical strengths, attractiveness and the ways of perception dictate the social pattern.
As in any other microcosm, that which is different is seen as a threat. So nerds and weirdos get filtered to the side. As the article points out, this is common in high school however, similar principles apply outside of this bubble, but these people just find separate niches.
Overall, the school system itself and inevitable traits of human nature contribute to the formative high school experience.

Patriot Perspective

Can I just put it out there? Whether you agree with it or not, the full acronym "USA PATRIOT" Act is the single most clever thing ever. Okay, glad that's out.

Racial profiling, airport security, and a fear of terrorist attacks are commonalities of a post 9/11 world. I'm a frequent flyer and remember, from my own experience and comments from my parents, how easy traveling used to be. I remember when we could walk through airport security without worrying about shoes or shampoo bottles, and I even remember a time when you could send someone off by walking all the way to the gate with them. The increased security, xenophobia, suspicion and other inconveniences are now something we all grumble about though mostly accept.
I feel like I had somewhat of a grasp on the pre-9/11 world though after reading the articles, the thing that became even more apparent was the sense of fear it created. Every reactionary measure and every argument on either side has been crafted by fear.There is the obvious kind of fear, that of another terrorist attack. The government scrambled for control, however futile, in hopes of creating preventative measures to counteract terrorism. Racial profiling and government surveillance were fear reactions.
The less obvious or perhaps less thought of fear is the fear of a loss of rights. Minority groups are irritated or scared to walk through airport security and the essay against the Patriot Act would have us believe that free thought and creativity are stifled by possible government surveillance.
Either way, it is clear that the aftermath of 9/11 is fear based for all those involved. While these essays written soon after 9/11 are reactionary and many many believe that these are only temporary cautionary measures, I think, unfortunately, this culture of fear is more lasting.

Annotated Bibliography

I am researching the environmental effects of coal and supposed “clean coal.” I will look into the process of extraction, processing and burning and examine the possibility that coal can be converted into a clean, environmentally viable option.

Conniff, Richard. "The Myth of Clean Coal." Yale Environment 360. Yale University, n.d. Web. 09 Nov. 2012. <http://e360.yale.edu/feature/the_myth_of_clean_coal/2014/>.

This is an opinion piece though contain facts and examples against clean coal. It especially examines the propaganda created by coal companies. 

"Bixby Energy Systems Introduces Revolutionary Process for Converting Coal Into Energy with   Minimal Carbon Emissions." Prnewswire.mediaroom.com. PR Newswire, n.d. Web. Nov. 2012. <http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/bixby-energy-systems-introduces-revolutionary-process-for-converting-coal-into-energy-with-minimal-carbon-emissions-97295724.html>.
This article describes a process Bixby Energy’s system of creating clean coal. It is not especially specific but provides other sources. 

Linden, Henry R. "Engineering Challenges." NAE Website. National Academy of Engineering, n.d. Fall 1999, Web. 09 Nov. 2012. <http://www.nae.edu/Publications/Bridge/EngineeringChallenges/AlternativePathwaystoaCarbon-Emission-FreeEnergySystem.aspx>.
While written in 1999, this article does concisely outline certain possibilities for clean energy. It offers reasonable analysis and information with other sources. 

http://www.coal-is-clean.com/#
And then I found this website. One of my favorite quotes is “It is our god-given right to burn coal.” Should be interesting to look into. 

McKibben, Bill. "Global Warming's Terrifying New Math." Rolling Stone Sept. 2012: n. pag. Web.

This article explains causes of global warming and provides figures which relate coal companies' future burning to carbon dioxide and the warming of the planet. 

Garber, Kent. "Why Clean Coal Is Years Away." US News. U.S.News & World Report, 17 Mar. 2009. Web. 15 Nov. 2012. <http://www.usnews.com/news/energy/articles/2009/03/17/why-clean-coal-is-years-away>.
This article is written from a reliable source with adequate numbers and facts to back it up

Research Paper

This has been saved as a draft for quite a while and just didn't post it. sowwy. 


With growing controversy over energy sources and stigmas surrounding words such as “coal” and “oil”, the concept of “clean coal” has seeped into political policy as the solution to our energy problems. Clean coal itself is an oxymoron and, simply put, a figment of the imagination. Clean coal does not exist despite the fact that it has come up in political debates and cited as an option for ending our dependence on foreign oil. For my research paper, I would like to explore the effects of clean coal, the environmental impact and the possibility of the creation of actual “clean coal.”

I realize that this topic will most likely me deeply scientific, however, the environmental implications interest me. I have recently been fretting over the energy crisis and possible alternatives. I have a few books primarily about climate change  which discuss coal which I can use for sources. From some brief investigation, it seems that there is a significant amount of research surrounding the topic of coal and several movements around stopping coal companies and divesting from coal.

I’m a little worried that this topic will be too broad however I am willing to narrow it down to coal’s contribution to carbon emissions and the possibility of creating “clean coal.”

What is happiness?

Happiness isn't happiness without a violin playing goat.

Senior Project Update

I like to tell people that my senior project is done. It's not a flat out lie considering that it mostly is done. Aside from the research paper, I've really set out to do what planned to accomplish in my letter of intent. My hours are conveniently finished, no mess no fuss, and the my Wake Up presentation is finished. While I still need to jump through some hoops. I just recently learned that we need to pick out our mentor and get an interview in a little over a week. While I was irritated that I wasn't notified sooner, I already have an unofficial mentor and this requirement shouldn't be too difficult. So, from what I can tell so far, the remainder of my senior project time will be spent tying up loose ends and meeting certain requirements.

However, while I may be able to eek by and pass the senior project without doing much more work, I plan on doing more. I'm hoping to do more work with the group that attended the Wake Up and hopefully do more events such as a World Cafe (an open space for small group conversation) and perhaps another longer Wake Up. I would also like to do presentations at the other high schools and possibly middle schools if I have time. 

At this point, I feel like my senior project is what the original intent was supposed to be; I actually enjoy my project and want to do more with it, not just the bare minimum.

Response to "Drugs"

America is a country based on Puritan ideals so of course the legalization of drugs, all drugs as Vidal proposes, seems ridiculous. And it is. This doesn't mean that I disagree with Vidal's point of view. As someone who has seen addiction and the catastrophic affects of drugs, I'm slightly hesitant to give drugs to OK, but from what I've read and the rational arguments in favor of legalization, I'd like to agree with the rationale. Prohibition didn't work, and while it would be silly to put drugs and alcohol on the same plane, the same general rules apply. The decriminalization of drugs makes them even more dangerous.  I support the end of the War on Drugs which has turned Latin America into a violent crime ring and has had largely negative and ineffectual results. I even have a sticker from the Drug Policy Alliance which promotes the legalization of marijuana. I'm not pro drugs but I see the value in legalization.
However, I don't think that the legalization of drugs will come in the near future, a thought that Vidal ominously closes with. It's simply too much of a radical ideal. Marijuana, a gateway drug with minimal addictive qualities and some actual health benefits, may sneak by in my life time.