Unsupportive Claims

https://www.reference.com/technology/mobile-phones-good-bad-1b1c6fa5bfaf9707

  On my previous blog I wrote a summary of an article I read about how cell phone use could potentially lead to brain cancer. The article had credible sources and included actual studies used to analyze the cell phone's influence on the brain. The article I have in this blog however, may not be of the same topic concerning cell phones, but talks about the influence of phones nonetheless. However, the difference between the earlier article and this article is the use of credible sources to back up their claims.

  Sure, you can see this Reference article includes "Studies show", "Scientists believe", and also "The Federal Communications Commission", but it is only for two points the writer makes. And "studies show" is not a reliable or credible source to back up anxiety and depression from phones. There are about ten unsupportive claims in this article. These claims may be common knowledge, or we have read, heard, and seen many sources regarding cell phones and we "just know it", however, when trying to answer a question, especially in written form (and online) evidence is needed for support. 

  With everything on the Internet right now, people are able to say whatever they want to, whether it is false or not. Nowadays, at least for me, I hear a lot of people saying "You can't trust what's on the Internet" or a sarcastic "Oh, since it's on the web it HAS to be true". People can post any claim they want, do not use sources, yet claim everything they say is true, this goes for much of the Internet population that likes to post unsupportive claims. Without sources of statistics, studies, credible authors and thinkers, how are the rest of us to know what they say is actually true? If everyone just starts to believe it and then start saying it all the time? No. We need evidence and proof. Give me facts with evidence to prove the point, not facts "you think you know because you heard it from somewhere else".

Summery "Cell Phones and Cancer Risk Factors"

  "Cell Phones and Cancer Risk Factors", composed by the senior leaders of the National Cancer Institute website was last updated May 27, 2016. The article transitions from the concerns of cell phone use to radio frequency, and finally how phone use can contribute to the formation of cancer.

  The article first reviews the three top concerns: the emission of radio waves, the increase of overall cell phone users, as well as the increase of the amount of time using wireless phones. Then, diving right into radio frequency, the article explains radio waves are a form of electromagnetic radiation and its energy can be measured on the frequency of the radiation. High frequency radiation (high energy), such as x-rays can cause cancer, however there are inconsistent studies of low frequency radiation (low energy), such as microwaves and cell phones, causing cancer on the human body. The article goes on to explain the studies done on effects of radio frequency energy might affect glucose metabolism, but scientists concluded there are no established or consistent results.

  Providing three epidemiology experiments, the article explains how the studies analyze the possible correlation of radio frequency energy and malignant brain tumors. Interphone is the first case-control study analyzed questionaries from study participants and concluded there was no substantial increase in brain or central nervous system cancers in people who devoted most of their time to their phones. The Danish Study, a cohort study, connected billing information to the phone subscribers with brain tumors; the end result was a lack of association between the two. Finally, The Million Women Study used questionaries from study participants as well and determined there was also no association of increased cancer from exposure of cell phone radiation energy. Ten other studies were briefly exposed, all of which said there was either no association, no increase of brain tumors, results were inconsistent, and brain cancer may be due to cell phone use at an early age.

  According to the article, the results of the studies previously explained are inconsistent due to five possible reasons. When a participant provides information after their diagnosis of a disease, they may remember their cell phones differently than someone who has never had brain cancer, meaning their information lacks verifiable data and leads to recall bias. Inaccurate reporting is the result of a participant's inability to provide accurate data of themselves because they do not remember how much they really have been on their phone. There is also morbidity and morality among the participants with brain cancer; the participants who have survived may be impaired and not able to recall information correctly, otherwise those who have died will have family members may not provide the accurate amount of use of the participant that is deceased. Also participation bias, those with brain cancer may enroll in studies more regularly than those with no cancer, may lead to inconsistent data. Finally, there are changes in technology and methods of use, such as digital technology and texting; with texting, there is no reason to bring the phone up to the head and expose the brain to the radio frequency energy.

  Through the findings and information from other credible sources, the article explains what experts conclude on all the experiments conducted. The experts said the information was inconsistent, there are possible malignant effects on the brain, more research needs to be conducted, and the scientific evidence is lacking. However, according to the article, there are studies underway, a cohort study named COSMOS began in 2010, enrolled almost 300,000 participants 18 and up to answer questionaries. The study will analyze their health conditions over the next decades.

  The article proceeds to the question of if children are at higher risk due to their developing nervous system and smaller heads (the radio frequency energy can reach more are inside the brain). Studies were performed on children between the ages of 7 and 19 diagnosised with brain cancer, but there was no association between phone use and cancer. To be on the safe side though, the article provides ways to reduce radio frequency exposure, such as limiting phone calls on wireless phones or wearing wireless headsets to prevent bringing the phone to the head.

  Lastly, the article concludes with providing another source of information if one wants to further their knowledge on cell phone radio frequency energy. The article also explains brain cancer is not that common, the rates have stayed consistent over the years but the risk does increase with age.

Fighting Traffic

  Bikes and buses can save the day. In the video Mayor of Bogota on Public Transportation, Enrique Peñalosa explains the problem with traffic is due to the number of vehicles, not the size of the road. With that conclusion, he took action. Bus routes, with an efficient way to pay, were built and bike paths were paved, nicer than some of Bogota's pot hole infected roads. Peñalosa limits parking although his citizens are not happy about the restriction. The people protest, proclaiming parking is a right, but in all actuality, parking is not a right, according to Peñalosa. 

  This shift in transportation aided those impoverished, they had no car but refused to bike because before the shift, Colombians saw bike riding as a sign of poverty. After the paths have been paved though, biking became more "mainstream", as many people, rich or poor, began to cycle around the city more and more.

  Watching this video, I felt inspired. It seemed the Colombian citizens were pretty cooperative with the slight change and it made me wonder why this is not more pronounced in the United States. I know there are buses and bike paths laid out alongside the roads however, even with the restricted parking in the city the traffic is so congested and chaotic, one would not have thought the alternative transportation was effective.

  As I think about limiting vehicle transportation I realize how beneficial it would be for the earth as well. Less cars means less gas used and less toxic chemicals floating in the air that cause pollution. I feel this would let the earth breath again, if only a little bit but nonetheless breath. Having people bike more often to the places they need to get to can increase their physical activity and get them outside more often. Now, I know there would be many difficulties for some people traveling to the city that need a car, either because they need a lot of room for objects, have a large family, or coming from far away, but that does not mean that alternative transportation should not be attempted for awhile.

  All in all, I thought the increase in alternative transportation is a beautiful idea and action to partake in especially because it is another step ahead in "going green" or simply helping the earth. Cars today are widely used, I know this just by looking out my window or going someplace and seeing hundreds upon hundreds of cars in one day. Even I use a car since that is the normal way to transport and I would feel uneasy letting it go, as hypocritical as that sounds, so I imagine others would be very hesitant with an alternative transportation movement. However, just because something may be out of our comfort bubble, does not mean that we should not try it. We adjust to change all the time, so I'm sure if a large enough amount of people wanted to find a way to make buses, trains, or bikes more widely used, the shift in transport would eventually become normal. Everything takes time and a lot of effort and failing along the way. Our problem today is we want everything right away and give up the first time something does not go our way, but that is a problem for another blog.

side note: I found the video on my college writing professor's blog (thanks for posting it Dr. K, I really enjoyed it!!)

Microtheme Forces Internal Reflection

Through this course, and maybe especially through the work of writing your microtheme, what are you learning about yourself as a writer? More broadly, what are you learning about yourself, in general?

Looking at a microtheme paper and then reflecting about yourself may seem far fetched but I actually learned a lot about myself during a fifteen minute free write in my College Writing II class. I may not have gotten to the point right away but I just let my mind spew words into my pen and I wrote, so here it is...

"Writing assignments for College Writing II so far have been a challenge. However, most papers I write are difficult, as I am not the greatest writer. Every paper though, I slowly develop new skills and reach out of my comfort zone, striving for excellence whether it be content, fluency, or organization.

There are many aspects about my writing I still have to work on but I am trying to do the best I can and work with what I have (my intelligence and writing abilities). At first I always dislike teachers that place me out of my little comfort bubble, but eventually I suck it up and accommodate to the different wishes of each teacher. That being said, with every teacher I encountered, the more skills I develop and improve.

Working on my microtheme, I found it to be difficult, like with every paper I start, but after the feeling of being overwhelmed and finally beginning the assignment, I realize I can do it. Simple as that, I can do it. So now, as I sit here, I think to myself, if I can focus my attention on one very specific problem, get down to the nitty gritty, what else can I do if I put effort and time into it? The answer: practically anything I want to do and I realize that this what always happens to me. Every time I want something I do it myself and put my heart into it and eventually the outcome comes out perfect.

The key to doing anything desired is to involve yourself, but more importantly, keep going even when it seems impossible or is pushing you back. No one improves without going through hard times because if life is great all the time, would there be a reason to strive, overcome, reach out, reflect, and solve problems? No, probably not. So as much as I hated the first steps to writing that microtheme I am glad I got through it because now I have that wonderful feeling of satisfaction after completing it. And I learned a new style of writing and thinking that will for sure benefit me in my future.

Improving and learning are the most important ideas or concepts to me. Without them, I would never gain new knowledge or insight into myself and others, with how they think and learn. My brain feels lifeless if I don't continue to push and better myself."

--------------------------------------------------------

So basically my free write took the microtheme and saw how challenging it was but I was able to overcome it through time and a good amount of hard work. When I understood that was how I got through the assignment, I kept thinking and saw that throughout my entire life everything that was challenging, I completed because I focused my mind and gave it my all. I learned how determined I really am and how I refuse to create anything less than average, I actually strive to be perfect, with papers, grades, art, or any other activities. I am determined, and persevere through it all because I want the best and want to do my best, I feel I have a strong mentality and really do have a bright future ahead of me.

Microtheme Revision

original paper

It seems there is always another task to complete every time I need to do something else. Attempts at time management seem futile because I can never get everything done. I imagine others suffer through this predicament as well. Why is time management so difficult?

  One possible reason time management is difficult is because we may want a break or relax. Our lives may become very hectic from everything we need to get done and doing nothing may seem easier than doing something. Also, organizing a to-do list or checking the list off may seem overwhelming or undesirable to us so we may just avoid the task altogether. Another cause of poor time management may be due to distractions such as phones, television, or people. It may be difficult to manage responsibilities on top of desires and may lead to wasted time. Moreover, not understanding how to prioritize may be a possible cause of failed management and not completing what needs to be done. 

  If we could begin to understand the causes leading to unsuccessful time management, we might be able to navigate around lost time from distractions or relaxing. We might realize how our skills may not be as great as they could be and could potentially improve them. Also, recognizing there is a problem with managing time may lead us to understand how to prioritize in order to get all desired tasks completed.

--------------------------------------------------------------

  Rewriting this person's paper made me realize exactly what I must do to my own in order write an accurate microtheme. It was a lot easier to take someone else's ideas and turn it into my own words without having to think too hard of the focus at hand. 

  Since I was able to take the ideas and form them into the experience, causes, and full public awareness, I have more confidence going into my rough draft and not as apprehensive. Revising someone else's paper other than my own makes it easier to find what is wrong and how to fix it. Using this mindset it will not be as difficult to correct mine as I will act like my paper is not mine. By doing that I will be able to focus on the specific problem and not get carried away by the general ideas.

Microtheme Challenge

  "Write a one page paper,"she said."It will be easy," I thought.

  Microtheme. A one page paper narrowing down the focus so much it is possible to forget what was the subject. For some reason I am having a very difficult time starting the process as well as revising. My first (and only right now) draft was a failure to some extent; it is evident in the draft that I had no idea what I was doing, at least with the beginning and ending. This project has deemed itself incredibly challenging, I hate copying other's formats and always strive to be original but that may not be the greatest idea for me right now.

  One aspect I have going for me in my writing is I know what the possible consequences are for constantly staring at a phone. I had many examples that I may have to compress or only say what is really important. Making sure every sentence has a purpose, not fluff, is difficult but when there's only one page to write an experience of a problem, causes/consequences, and what would happen if we became aware of that problem, there's no room for fluff.

  I can see how this assignment can be very helpful in the long term and train our minds to stop seeing general problems, or the big picture, and focus on individual, specific topics. Right now though, I absolutely hate writing it.

  The challenge with completing the paper and doing well is limiting my words, getting to the point, and ending the paper correctly. This may seem easy, read the instructions, read other microtheme papers, and finally write yours to perfection, but like always, it is easier said than done. Also, not including knowledge claims will be nearly impossible, I thought only writing speculative claims would not be a problem, but once again, I was wrong.

  With those challenges in mind I will take it step by step and only work on one task at a time rather than try and fix everything all at once. If I did try and change everything simultaneously I think I may explode from being overwhelmed and frustrated. Looking at other's microthemes may help but can possibly hinder my creativity, at the same time though, I have no idea what I'm really doing. 

  In the end though, I'll complete the assignment and it will be well done, I just need to relax and let the words flow from pen to paper and revise often. Going through that process will be the only thing that keeps my from losing my hair. 

Documentary Impact on Writing

   Documentaries work as great tools in teaching rhetorical knowledge and skill, they are considered rhetoric as well as informational.  Rhetorical materials consist of an ability to persuade or motivate and use language to leave an effective impression upon a group, this is exactly what a documentary attempts to do.  Analyzing a film's purpose, focusing on the director's intended influence on the audience, uncovering strategies and organization, and unveiling the mood, tone, and bias, helps a writer learns how to study rhetorical material as well as use it for their own writing.    

   Working with a documentary can help frame an understanding of exploring good questions and problems by focusing on specific ideas, concepts, or topics that are important in the film.  Training the mind to cover a distinct topic will prevent loading information into a paper may either cover a broad idea or not have any focus at all.  Good questions and problems about a documentary can be discussed in depth and investigated thoroughly; precise evidence, assumptions, reflection, or opinions regarding the questions and problems provide an exact focus for a paper and shows a writer's true understanding of the material at hand.

   There is great value for using a documentary as a tool to teach writing; a film has a story perceived differently by every individual in its audience because of its numerous perspectives and angles.  A writer can reflect heavily on the film or of oneself and provide authentic ideas and opinions that can be expressed in their writing.  Because of its different elements that creates a documentary, it allows various routes of writing styles from one single source and helps expand writing techniques such as a summary, rhetorical, critical, or objective analysis.

   Overall, a documentary can help expand the mind of a writer and forces them to think and write critically about what they watched.