Video

Final Video Presentation

Persuasive Outline

Here's my preliminary research. I'll post more tonight!

Most everyone has a cell phone these days.  Chances are that if they do, they know what text messaging (SMS) is.  It is widely accepted that texting is a great way to communicate with others.  It’s cheaper than talking on the phone, less of a disruption or inconvenience, and most would argue that it’s probably easier than calling someone.  Text messaging receives issue when paired with doing other things – driving being the most prominent and controversial to date.  Ever since texting became popular in the early 2000’s, research has been conducted on the dangers of doing so and whether or not it impairs the operator of the vehicle.  Each study performed has been relatively constant and unwavering, yielding the same results as each of its predecessors; the only difference being the ever-increasing number of injuries and fatalities due to texting-related accidents.  The statistics are there and support the idea that cell phone usage while driving should be made illegal.

1.       Various studies have shown that texting and driving is more impairing than being illegally intoxicated.

2.       For every 6 seconds of drive time, a driver sending or receiving a text message spends about 4.6 of those seconds with their eyes OFF the road; making texting the most distracting of cell phone related tasks.

3.      As much as  81% of American drivers admit to using their cell phone while behind the wheel of a car.

Essay 4 Topic

The topic I chose for the persuasive essay is that the government should make texting and driving illegal. I realize that there are already certain states that have laws prohibiting the use of cell phones, but it is not yet nationwide. I will be writing to persuade the reader that texting and driving severely impairs driving abilities and reaction times, all the while increasing car-related injuries and fatalities. This topic sparks controversy among it's viewers, as many (mostly kids our age) will argue that it should not be banned or made illegal. Any feedback would be appreciated, as well as critique on how I could maybe improve the topic. I will post my first draft soon. Thanks!

Essay 3 Sources

"About the Century Foundation — The Century Foundation." The Century Foundation. Web. 08 Nov. 2010. <http://tcf.org/about>.

"Bono: Biography from @U2." U2 Home Page: @U2 - U2 News, U2 Lyrics, U2 Photos and More! Web. 08 Nov. 2010. <http://www.atu2.com/band/bono/>.

"Bono Biography." Biography.com. Web. 08 Nov. 2010. <http://www.biography.com/articles/Bono-16257407>.

"Bono Biography." Entertainment News | Entertainment Photos | Entertainment Video | Starpulse.com. Web. 08 Nov. 2010. <http://www.starpulse.com/Music/Bono/Biography/>.

Oprah Winfrey Biography -- Academy of Achievement." Academy of Achievement Main Menu. Web. 08 Nov. 2010. <http://www.achievement.org/autodoc/page/win0bio-1>.

"Oprah Winfrey Biography - Life, Family, Childhood, Parents, Name, Story, History, School, Mother, Young, Book, Old, Information, Born, College, Movie, Contract, House, Time, Year." Encyclopedia of World Biography. Web. 08 Nov. 2010. <http://www.notablebiographies.com/We-Z/Winfrey-Oprah.html>.

Oprah Winfrey - TIME." Breaking News, Analysis, Politics, Blogs, News Photos, Video, Tech Reviews - TIME.com. Web. 08 Nov. 2010. <http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1187226,00.html>.

"Barack Obama Biography." Biography.com. Web. 08 Nov. 2010. <http://www.biography.com/articles/Barack-Obama-12782369?part=1>.

Barack Obama Biography. Web. 08 Nov. 2010. <http://barackobamabiography.org/>.

"President Barack Obama." The White House. Web. 08 Nov. 2010. <http://www.whitehouse.gov/administration/president-obama>.

Cause/Effect Revised

Everyone is familiar with “rags to riches” stories – they are inspiring, uplifting, and create the idea that the dream of coming from poverty to prosperity can be reality.  This idea, however, is based on false pretenses.  A recent study conducted by The Century Foundation found that children born into poverty are more likely to stay in or near poverty (“Century Foundation”).  Of course, there are exceptions in which people have been able to overcome these odds.  Bono, Oprah Winfrey, and Barack Obama all came from humble beginnings, yet were able to surpass their hardships and become powerful and influential people today.  These high profile examples represent a small portion of the population that used their humble beginnings as inspiration to gain wealth and power, ultimately leading them to become positive influences.

            More affectionately known as “Bono,” Paul David Hewson was born on May 10^th, 1960 in Dublin, Ireland.  He grew up as the second child of a middle class Irish family, living in the typical three bedroom house.  As lead singer of one of the most popular and influential rock bands in history, Bono used his humble beginnings as motivation and influence to become the rock star that he was, and eventually the respected, admired, multi-faceted figure that he is today (“@ U2”).  Because of the respect and wealth that he’s gained through his music, he is able to use his celebrity to generate influence and awareness outside of the music scene.  Over the course of his career, he has met with countless world leaders and politicians, constantly supporting many global causes such as debt relief in third world countries, world poverty, and AIDS awareness among many others (“Bio”).  Maddy Fry, a well-renowned and respected writer for U2’s number one fan site on the internet had this to say about Bono: “His rare ability to effectively straddle the spheres of both entertainment and politics remains rivaled by few in the realm of popular culture, and his determination to change the world for the better continues to inspire millions on both sides of the political divide.” (“@ U2”)

            Oprah Winfrey was born to an unwed teenage mother on January 29^th, 1954.  During the course of her early life, she was abused and emotionally devastated, eventually being sent away to a juvenile detention home (“Academy of”).  Moving past her rough childhood, Oprah was able to use her difficult early years as inspiration to become the respected and influential benefactor that she is today.  She used her hardships to become the richest self-made woman in America, and then proceeded to use her wealth to garner support for many global causes, specifically focusing on AIDS awareness in South Africa among many other things (“Encyclopedia of”).  Like Bono, she used her humble beginnings to motivate her to help change the world in any way that she can.  Former United States Secretary of State, American politician, diplomat, and author Condoleezza Rice said this regarding Oprah: “I believe influence is the union of power and purpose. As a TV star, magazine founder, businesswoman and celebrity, Oprah Winfrey certainly has power. But most important, she has purpose—an abiding commitment to the principles of goodness and generosity that transcend any one individual.” (“TIME”)

 Born on August 4^th, 1961, Barack Obama had what many would consider an unstable childhood.  Growing up without the presence of his biological father, he and his family moved often until settling with his grandparents during his teen years (“Bio”).  A graduate of Columbia University and Harvard Law School, Obama was elected Illinois State Senator in 1996, United States Senator in 2004, and President of the United States in 2008.  Now known as the 44^th and current President of the U.S., he is also the first African American to hold office (“Barack Obama”).  Obama, like Bono and Oprah, used his humble beginnings as motivation to become influential.  He uses his power and influence to govern, reform, and enact laws that help people in the U.S. and all over the world.  This statement was taken from the White House’s official website about Barack Obama: “His story is the American story — values from the heartland, a middle-class upbringing in a strong family, hard work and education as the means of getting ahead, and the conviction that a life so blessed should be lived in service to others.” (“White House”)

            As can be seen, Bono, Oprah, and Obama all share the same theme within their stories.  Starting out with humble beginnings, they used their hardships and experiences as inspiration to become the influences that they are today.  Instead of abiding by the standard, these examples wanted to be different and make a difference in the world.

Works Cited Reliability

Sources used in essay 3.

Works Cited

"#2 Warren Buffett - The World's Billionaires 2009 - Forbes.com." Forbes.com - Business News, Financial News, Stock Market Analysis, Technology & Global Headline News. Web. 23 Oct. 2010. http://www.forbes.com/lists/2009/10/billionaires-2009-richest-people_Warren-Buffett_C0R3.html>.

Forbes proves to be a reputable source for this paper because they have proven their credibility over years of existence. They also publish a magazine which contains many lists of today’s “top” people. There is not only one writer for this article; however, it provides relevant information for the paper as well as an established track record.

"52 Must Read Quotes from Legendary Investor – Warren Buffett." Investing School. Web. 26 Oct. 2010. <http://investing-school.com/history/52-must-read-quotes-from-legendary-investor-warren-buffett/>.

Investing School proves to be a reputable source as it is a non-profit organization established for no other reason than to disclose information that could help investors. The author is an investor that wanted to start a site that allowed other people and investors to make smarter investing decisions. Though it has credibility, this site was used for nothing besides finding quotations to use in the paper.

"Why Is Warren Buffett the Most Successful Investor?" Associated Content - Associatedcontent.com. Web. 26 Oct. 2010. <http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/2764916/why_is_warren_buffett_the_most_successful.html>.

Associated Content is a reputable source of information for this paper because they also have established a credible track record over years existence. Powered by Yahoo, this site provides information on virtually every topic. The writers use other reputable sources to provide the most reliable information possible.

"Billionaire Warren Buffett Signs on as Schwarzenegger's Economic Advisor. | North America United States from AllBusiness.com." Small Business Advice and Resources from AllBusiness.com. Web. 23 Oct. 2010. <http://www.allbusiness.com/government/elections-politics-politics-political-parties/10376234-1.html>.

This source is also credible as the publisher and publication date are advertised at the top of the page right under the title of the article. They too, have a long record of providing credible information over a long period of time. Though this source is credible, it was used minimally in the paper.

"The Breakthrough Institute: Gandhi the Modernist?" The Breakthrough Institute: Home. Web. 23 Oct. 2010. <http://www.thebreakthrough.org/blog/2008/06/gandhi_the_modernist.shtml>.

This source is recognized as a blog; however, the publisher lists her name and the date of publication before getting into any information. Though this is a blog and anyone could have posted it, the information within it seems credible (as backed up by other reliable sources).

"Interesting People - Mohandas Gandhi." Harley Hahn Web Site. Web. 23 Oct. 2010. <http://www.harley.com/people/mohandas-gandhi.html>.

Though cited incorrectly in the paper, this website is also credible because it was published by the best-selling internet author of all-time. It provides reliable information (as checked with other sources) at no cost.

Compare/Contrase Revision!!

Once again I saw it necessary to completely start over again...

Everyone needs an escape sometimes.  Some people meditate; others listen to music, read a book, play sports, or even skydive.  For many, there is no better way than to hop in their car and just ride.  Often times, this type of person is sincerely interested in their vehicle’s power and performance.  Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, and BMW all make viable options for any car enthusiast; however, not everyone has the money to afford those cars.  For the budget-conscious enthusiast that wants luxury, reliability, safety, performance, or a good balance of all these aspects, Audi and Subaru each make more economy-friendly options in the S4 and WRX models.  Though both vehicles share many of the same characteristics, the Subaru WRX is the clear choice for the budget-conscious consumer because it provides everything at a much more affordable price.

            Ever since their beginning in 1910, Audi has been recognized as a symbol of great stature.  They have the ability and resources to produce automotive excellence in all of their vehicles (Auto QHD).  Known for their performance and safety, every model in their lineup of cars is engineered with the highest attention to detail and perfection.  The Audi S4 is no exception.  Created to be the ultimate mix of performance, handling, luxury, and safety, the S4 has brought pure inspiration and joy to car enthusiasts all over the world ever since its conception in 1991.  Between 2000 and 2002, the S4 was powered by a twin-turbocharged V-6 engine that produced 250 horsepower (Internet Autoguide).  After a 2 year hiatus in production, Audi then revised the S4 to have a V-8 engine that produced 340 horsepower (Internet Autoguide).  No matter the source of power, Audi is able to give the S4 superior drivability under any road conditions. The S4’s greatest strength is its superb German engineering; however, it does come at a cost.  At their best, Audi’s are known for their luxurious styling and more refined aura; but they have also built a reputation for costly scheduled maintenance plans, repairs, and replacement parts (Audi Chats). 

When Subaru first began operations in 1917, they did not even produce cars.  Instead, their main focus was on aircraft and scooter engines.  Since then, Subaru has developed into a full-fledged automobile manufacturer (Subaru Global).  Originally, the Japanese automaker prided themselves in the safety and reliability of their vehicles, which was unparalleled at the time. Focus on producing performance-oriented vehicles like the WRX wasn’t a main consideration.   It wasn’t until 2002 that Subaru released the WRX, which was engineered in order to compete with cars like the Audi S4.  Since its beginning, the WRX has possibly been one of Subaru’s most successful and popular vehicles.  Powered by a turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, the WRX boasts anywhere from 227 to 265 horsepower, depending on the year (Auto Channel).  By combining ultimate performance, handling, safety, and reliability all in a single and complete package, the WRX continues to be a car enthusiast favorite. 

Although the Audi S4 has the significant horsepower advantage over the WRX, both vehicles are comparably fast.  This is because of the power to weight ratio in each car.  The Audi has historically been heavier than the Subaru, however, the WRX is able to accelerate just as fast as the S4 and change direction even faster.  Because the WRX is lighter, it holds the clear advantage in the areas of acceleration and handling (Inside Line).  Although the Subaru is lighter than the Audi, it does not compromise safety.  While both vehicles hold five-star safety ratings, the WRX is able to provide this at a much cheaper price (IIHS).  That is not the extent of the WRX’s advantages however.  The Subaru is not known for being as luxurious or refined as the Audi, but the Japanese manufacturer is able to produce extremely safe and reliable cars (Consumer Reports).  Reliability and repairs have been a reoccurring problem with Audi, subjecting owners to high maintenance and repair costs.  Since the WRX does not carry the same price tag as the S4, it is able to cater to a much broader audience.

 Everyone needs a break once and a while, and for those that turn to driving for this escape, the Audi S4 and Subaru WRX are excellent options.  Both provide performance and high levels of safety – all at a reasonable price.  Each car has its advantages, but because of its ease of maintenance, reliability, and ability to provide all of this in a complete package, the Subaru WRX has become the preferred choice of vehicle for car enthusiasts (Associated Content). 

Works Cited

"Audi Cars." Auto QHD. Web. 16 Oct. 2010. <http://www.autoqhd.com/Top Cars/Audi Cars.html>.

"2001 Audi S4 Specifications - View New Audi S4 2001 Specs & Data at InternetAutoGuide.com." New Cars & Research | Used Cars For Sale, Classifieds, & Auto Sales. Web. 16 Oct. 2010. <http://www.internetautoguide.com/car-specifications/09-int/2001/audi/s4/index.html>.

"2004 Audi S4 Specifications - View New Audi S4 2004 Specs & Data at InternetAutoGuide.com." New Cars & Research | Used Cars For Sale, Classifieds, & Auto Sales. Web. 16 Oct. 2010. <http://www.internetautoguide.com/car-specifications/09-int/2004/audi/s4/index.html>.

"Are Used Audi's Reliable?" Audi Chats - Repairs, Maintenances, Mods and Blow Ups! Web. 16 Oct. 2010. <http://audichats.blogspot.com/2009/11/are-used-audi-reliable_21.html>.

"From ConsumerReports.org on Yahoo! Autos." New Car Pictures, Prices and Reviews - Yahoo! Autos. Web. 16 Oct. 2010. <http://autos.yahoo.com/consumerreports/article/best_and_worst_used_cars.html>.

Top 10 Most Popular Tuner Cars, Page 2 of 4." Associated Content - Associatedcontent.com. Web. 16 Oct. 2010. <http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/2591581/top_10_most_popular_tuner_cars_pg2.html?cat=27>.

"SUBARU | History." SUBARU GLOBAL. Web. 16 Oct. 2010. <http://www.subaru-global.com/history.html>.

"Subaru Impreza WRX Sedan (2002)." Car Comparisons, New Car Buyers Guide, Used Car Buyers Guide - Premium Content on The Auto Channel. Web. 17 Oct. 2010. <http://www.theautochannel.com/vehicles/new/reviews/2002/russ0113.html>.

“Full Test: 2002 Subaru Impreza WRX." Inside Line: News, Road Tests, Auto Shows, Car Photos and Videos. Web. 17 Oct. 2010. <http://www.insideline.com/subaru/impreza-wrx/2002/full-test-2002-subaru-impreza-wrx.html>.

"IIHS-HLDI: Subaru Impreza." IIHS-HLDI: Crash Testing & Highway Safety. Web. 17 Oct. 2010. <http://www.iihs.org/ratings/ratingsbyseries.aspx?id=349>.

Cause/Effect Essay (using original Essay 2 topic)

I still need to implement quotes...

Money is defined as a medium that can be exchanged for goods and services. Power is defined as the possession of control, authority, or influence over others. Money and power each has its own distinct meaning; however, they are closely associated with each other. People are perceived to have of money because they are powerful just as they perceived to be powerful because they have money. The relationship between the two works both ways. Money creates power just as power creates wealth. There is no shortage of high profile examples that support the idea that money creates power. Warren Buffett, Bill Gates, Oprah Winfrey, and Bono name just a few high profile people that had wealth and attained power because of their wealth. Conversely, Mohandas Gandhi and Barrack Obama demonstrate that money can be obtained through the development of power. There is an unspoken notion that money and power go hand-in-hand which is often times true, because one can be used as a stronghold to gain the other.

Today, Warren Buffett is thought to be one of the most successful investors in history. In 2009, Forbes ranked him as the second richest person in the world with a net worth of $37 billion (“Forbes”). Needless to say, he is extremely wealthy. He is also thought to be rather powerful. Despite the fact that Buffet has never run for a position in office, the U.S. government sought his help regarding financial decisions during the economic recession in the late 2000’s. Obviously, with the success he received from his investments, he was perceived to be a reputable source of help when it came to the U.S. economy’s well-being. Although Buffett never had any actual government authority, his wealth pinpointed him as a powerful individual. In 2003, California’s Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger even named him as senior economic advisor (“AllBusiness”). As can be seen, his money served as a catalyst for his power and influence, even though that may not have been his original intention.

The money-power relationship works both ways, however. While Warren Buffett is a prime example of how money was translated into power, Mohandas Gandhi is a key example of how power was translated into money. Over the course of his lifetime, Gandhi did many things to be recognized as a leader, visionary, and very powerful individual. He pioneered in the way of civil disobedience and non-violence, gaining huge amounts of respect from everyone he came in contact with (“Harley Hahn”). He was able to persuade and guide public response without the influence of wealth. He gained his power through his words and actions, not through his money. In fact, the power and respect that he earned by means of his virtuous lifestyle later translated into money – even though he chose not to use it for his own satisfaction (“Breakthrough Institute”). Although money and power are normally very closely associated, Gandhi was able to demonstrate that wealth is not necessary in order to be powerful or influential.

From the examples presented, it is obvious that money and power have a very close association. In Warren Buffett’s case, his wealth and actions fabricated his ability to be influential and powerful. In Gandhi’s case, his actions and public influence eventually produced wealth, even though he chose not to use it for himself. In essence, money and power create a repetitive cycle; if one is obtained, it acts as a stronghold to gain the other. So in fact, the public affiliation that the two have today really isn’t far off from reality.

Power

Just ideas for a paper?

What is power?
How is it used?
Why is it associated so closely with money today?
Is there an actual meaning/definition associated with power?

Money

I used this as my revised essay topic. Hunger strikes didn't work out too well for the first assingment...........

What is money?
Why was it started?
What was used prior to money?
What does it mean today in our society?

Hunger Strikes Info

WHAT: A hunger strike is defined as a deliberate refusal to eat, undertaken in protest against imprisonment, improper treatment, objectionable conditions, etc. (dictionary.com)

HOW: They usually start as an act of protest in order to achieve a specific goal, such as policy change or provoking feelings of guilt or embarrassment in others; mainly government officials or other powerful people. 

WHY: Even going way back in history, people would use fasting (hunger strikes) in order to induce guilt in their wrongdoers so that they would be publicly embarrassed into finding an agreement or solution.

WHO: As stated earlier, they were used to induce guilt in individuals.  Because they were normally used in order to achieve a policy change etc., they were often aimed at higher-ups (especially goverment officials) because they had the superiority to reach an agreement.

DURATIONS: There are many different versions of hunger strikes or fasting.  They are used for many things and can last anywhere from a couple of hours to about 100 days (or however long the body can live off of itself).

SOLUTIONS: Instead of letting the strikers die in captivity, many people or prisons resorted to force-feeding, which entails a rubber tube being inserted down one's throat into their stomach.  Force-feeding was prohibited in 1975, but recent records and information show that the military used this on about 1/5th of the prisoners at Guantanamo Bay up until a few years ago.

GOALS: As you can infer from the rest of this information, these hunger strikes are usually employed in order to achieve a specific goal.  They are still very alive today and are used to protest some sort of policy or in order to induce guilt in individuals.

> Some of this information was taken from time.com, in a recent article giving a brief history on hunger strikes.

Hunger Strikes

What are hunger strikes?
How do they start?
Why do they start?
Who do they affect?
Durations?
Solutions?
Goals?

K'Naan - Take A Minute

K'Naan - Take A Minute

And any man who knows a thing knows
He knows not a damn, damn thing at all
And every time I felt the hurt
And I felt the givin' gettin' me up off the wall

I'm just gonna take a minute and let it ride
I'm just gonna take a minute and let it breeze
I'm just gonna take a minute and let it ride
I'm just gonna take a minute and let it breeze

How did Mandela get the will to surpass the everyday
When injustice had him caged and trapped in every way?
How did Gandhi ever withstand the hunger strikes and all?
Didn't do it to gain power or money if I recall

It's to give, I guess, I'll pass it on
Mother thinks it'll lift the stress of Babylon
Mother knows, my mother she suffered blows
I don't know how we survived such violent episodes

I was so worried and hurt to see you bleed
But as soon as you came out the hospital you gave me sweets
Yeah, they try to take you from me

But you still only gave 'em some prayers and sympathy
Dear mama, you helped me write this
By showing me to give is priceless

And any man who knows a thing knows
He knows not a damn, damn thing at all
And every time I felt the hurt
And I felt the givin' gettin' me up off the wall

I'm just gonna take a minute and let it ride
I'm just gonna take a minute and let it breeze
I'm just gonna take a minute and let it ride
I'm just gonna take a minute and let it breeze

All I can say is the worst is over now
We can serve the hard times, divorce, it's over now
They try to keep us out but they doors is open now
My nigga, Akon is gettin' awards and covers now

This is K'naan and still reppin' the S
Comin' out of Mogadishu and still draped in the mess
And no matter how we strong, homie
It ain't easy comin' out of where we from, homie

And that's the reason why, I could never play for me
Tell 'em the truth is what my dead homies told me
Ooh yeah, I take inspiration from the most heinous of situations
Creating medication out my own tribulations

Dear Africa, you helped me write this
By showing me to give is priceless

And any man who knows a thing knows
He knows not a damn, damn thing at all
And every time I felt the hurt
And I felt the givin' gettin' me up off the wall

I'm just gonna take a minute and let it ride
I'm just gonna take a minute and let it breeze
I'm just gonna take a minute and let it ride
I'm just gonna take a minute and let it breeze

Nothing is perfect man, that's what the world is
All I know is I'm enjoying today
You know 'cause it isn't every day that you get to give

And any man who knows a thing knows
He knows not a damn, damn thing at all
And every time I felt the hurt
And I felt the givin' gettin' me up off the wall

I'm just gonna take a minute and let it ride
I'm just gonna take a minute and let it breeze
I'm just gonna take a minute and let it ride
I'm just gonna take a minute and let it breeze

I got nothin' to complain about
You know where I'm from
You know where I'ma last, so
You know I was flyin' high

I'm just gonna take a minute and let it ride
I'm just gonna take a minute and let it breeze
I'm just gonna take a minute and let it ride
I'm just gonna take a minute and let it breeze