My ink.

2007-11-28T09:33:00.001-08:00

I wrote 2 paragraphs. Tomororw i will spend time from 1pm-2pm writing.

Is it bad that i don't like writing?

2007-11-28T08:50:00.000-08:00

I am very preoccupied with things right now, so I'm going to draft 2 paragraphs or so that aren't in the correct order of my paper, but it's an easy section i can get done today. So, that's what i'm doing.

drafting goal for 11/26

2007-11-26T08:42:00.000-08:00

i planned to add another solid paragraph or 2 to my paper. My goal was accomplished. For my drafting session tomorrow, I plan to find one more better source and then add another 2 paragraphs or so.

And the Writing Begins- Thesis and Outline

2007-11-19T08:50:00.000-08:00

Thesis:
Animal testing seems so unproblematic and distant from the eyes of everyday people that we fail to recognize it's happening and killing many innocent animals yearly. Many organizations are fighting for animal rights and for regulations to be put onto animal testing.

Outline:
- introduction
- What animal testing is
- What the problem is needed to be addressed
- My point of view
- Arguments
- claims from supporters of animal rights
- what is importance behind animal testing (claims of naysayers) and alternatives
- why animals testing shouldn't be performed
- regulations
- conclusion

Revision Plan for Annotated Bib

2007-11-14T09:23:00.000-08:00

First, I will finish annotating my sources. I only did half because I wasn't sure I was doing them correctly, so I thought to stop and get feedback before I did them all incorrectly. I will then review the APA format to fix my bibliographic format. I want to review my central focus again and make sure my sources reveal the significance in an understanding and apparent way.

Annotated Bib Intro

2007-11-11T21:10:00.000-08:00

The main research question that guides this research project is: What are the ethical considerations dealing with animal testing and what kinds of rights should and do animals possess? I am writing this paper for those who are seeking a profession in the chemist field, doing studies in the laboratory on animals, similarly done for large companies and manufacturers. The sources I have gathered will most likely surprise them in the sense that there are many groups and organizations out there who are fighting for the "liberation" of these animals along with defining the ethical boundaries of such a practice. Most experimenters do not consider the rights and lives of the animals, but the sources I have found will open up their eyes and show them the whole other side.

The sources I have consulted are, for the most part, against animal testing and are for making new laws and regulations to prohibit, or at least moderate animal testing. The sources all pretty much come to a general concensus that animal testing is a bad practice and animals deserve more rights than what is already given to them. The body of my research paper will focus on those who are fighting for the rights of animals and where the lines are drawn around the ethical boundaries. There is still yet to be a source that shows support to such a thing. I will depict the outcomes of such organizations against animal testing to make others aware of what is happening around the world and hopefully one day stop this animal cruelty.

Annotated Bibliography

2007-11-04T16:54:00.000-08:00

Tatchell, Peter. (2004, August 4). Why animal research is bad science. EBSCOhost, 18-19. Retrieved November 1, 2007,
http://proxy.elmhurst.edu/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=a9h&AN=14027536&site=ehost-live.

The main reason for this research paper is to question the moral and ethical considerations of animal testing and to what extent do animals really have rights. This article is attacking the government in its allowance of animal testing. Certain products and drugs being put out on the market for human use are not at all suitable for humans even after showing no side effects on animals. Just because specific animals do not show any signs of reaction does not mean the same for humans. If animal testing doesn't even prove to be accurate, why must companies continue on with the animal cruelty? "A majority of the diseases we suffer are unique to our species. Cures are most likely to be found by studying the physiology of human beings, not other animals."
This article was written within the past five years so it is rather relevant and its author is from a credible company. This source will help me in my paper to build a stronger argument against animal testing and create a firm anti-testing side.

Pocha, Jehangir S. (2006, November 13). Comparative Advantage. EBSCOhost, 76-78. Retrieved November 1, 2007,
http://proxy.elmhurst.edu/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=a9h&AN=22979015&site=ehost-live .

In regards to my research topic, this article fits right in. In the United States, there are several regulations and guidelines that must be followed when companies are attempting animal testing. In this day and age, it is not as easy for companies to get away with testing products on animals due to protestors and and organizations influencing the government. In this article, the author is suggesting to transfer all tests to China, where they are freely able to test on animals because in China, there will not be people in the way of it. This rises up the issue about morality. If it is such a great problem here and we know it is morally wrong, then why should we send it some place else when the poor animals will still be treated in a harmful manner? Although US agents will monitor what happens to the animals in Chinese labs, it is still happening.
This article was written just last year so the information provided is rather credible and relevant. It was written by a pharmaceuticals company. It pertains to my topic in that it will create contrast between the different boundaries of right and wrong and help support different sides of the argument.

Let's try these links again.

2007-11-02T09:13:00.000-07:00

http://proxy.elmhurst.edu/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=a9h&AN=14027536&site=ehost-live

http://proxy.elmhurst.edu/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=a9h&AN=9512194362&site=ehost-live

http://proxy.elmhurst.edu/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=a9h&AN=22979015&site=ehost-live

http://www.hsus.org/web-files/PDF/ARI/ARIS_An_Overview_Of_Animal_Testing_Issues.pdf

http://www.scu.edu/ethics/publications/iie/v1n3/cures.html

Research Tactics

2007-10-29T09:04:00.000-07:00

For my primary source, I am going to try to contact and set up an interview with the head of the theology department (I forgot his name). From what I've heard he knows a lot about animal rights etc. and would be very beneficial in my research. I can also research actual laws and regulations made by the government that apply to animals. These would be primary as well.
I will email the theology guy and set up appointment times, or just contact by email and I can research on the web for the laws and regulations.
Questions:
1) What laws/regulations are already in existence now?
2) Do you think it is fair to treat animals poorly because they are not humans?
3) What kind of ethical considerations are taken into consideration when making these laws/animal testing?
4) Who decides on these regulations?
5) Do animals essentially have a voice?

Progress Report

2007-10-26T08:40:00.000-07:00

I need to set up an interview with someone (man from the theology department O'Rourke directed me to) who is familiar with animal rights/ethics etc. That would be a good place to start for a primary source. I am going to research animal rights and different laws out there that protect animals and examine the ethical consideration of animal testing. Are there alternatives? Who is okay with this form of animal cruelty and who is not? Why do we have the right to perform these things on animals when we ourselves would not want to do it on other humans? It's injustice! I've found a good amount of websites that offer information, but I need to find some more "scholarly articles" that relate to this topic.

My research role:
Analytical Thinker Positioned in a Critical Conversation

Research Websites

2007-10-25T22:36:00.000-07:00

http://www.hsus.org/animals_in_research/animal_testing/

http://www.navs.org/site/PageServer?pagename=ain_pt_testing_main

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Animal_rights

Research Sources

2007-10-23T08:48:00.000-07:00

-wikipedia
-specific companies--those who do and don't animal test
-consumers?
-the web

keywords
-animal testing
-cosmetic testing animals
-animal rights
-ethics of animal testing

My Research Strategy

2007-10-19T08:49:00.000-07:00

The audience for this paper would be more of those concerned with animal rights and activists. It is a topic that many will pass off and not care about. It will take someone who truly cares about animals and their "voice" that would read this paper and take something from it.

My purpose in writing this paper will be to examine the rights of animals, or the lack there of. I will make people aware of the fact that this is happening and harming animals. I want to open up the eyes of those ignorant to harming animals and bring forth the idea that if they are not willing to be tested on, why should animals be subjected to it. I want to emphasize the importance of abolishing animal cruelty and giving animals a "voice."

Strategy:
read articles, look into certain companies that may or may not animal test, read about certain legislation

Exploring Research Topics

2007-10-17T08:38:00.000-07:00

(So I added another possible topic...)
What are the ethical considerations of product animal testing?

Part I.
1. Animal testing happens frequently in this day and age and can be very harmful to the animals. Is it fair that we test products on them?
2. I am an Earth advocate...I think that kind of sums it up.
3. I am STRONGLY against testing on animals. It's cruel.
4. What kinds of products are tested on animals? Are there alternatives? Why do people think it's ok to test on animals when they themselves don't want to be tested on? I don't really know much about this topic right now, but I'm willing to learn more and fight for the rights of the animals! They have feelings too...
5. I could contact the company of a product that practices testing on animals.
Part II.
Are the restrictions made on cosmetic animal testing enough and what kinds of rights do animals have compared to humans?

Possible Research Topics

2007-10-15T08:53:00.000-07:00

- Should prayer (mandatory or voluntary) be allowed in public schools? (theologists)

- Should there be restrictions on sources used to better conserve our planet? (environmentalists)

- Should we abolish the death penalty? (sociologists)

Summary of Source One

2007-10-03T07:25:00.000-07:00

It was 1996, a year to rememeber in history. It was one of the greatest years for female athletes, where they dominated both events and worldwide recognition in the Olympics. It happened to be one of the first years where women were fully benefitted from Title IX. This stated, "no person in the U.S. shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, or denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any educational program or activity receiving federal aid (Kemp)." Although females have had such a recent success, they are the first to be torn apart and picked on by politicians and those who want to cut down funds. Fighting against the reactions of critics, women are emerging in athletics, both as athletes and coaches. The professional women's basketball team is surging through society, fighting for recognition and equality. For once, female athletes will be heard. Because of Title IX, anybody is able to participate in sporting events. I mean, afterall, we are equal.

Women's Sports Progress Under Title IX; Women's Basketball Goes Pro. October 1996. National Times. October 1, 2007 <http://bb.elmhurst.edu/webapps/portal/frameset.jsp?tab=courses&url=/bin/common/course.pl?course_id=_1876_1.>

Sources

2007-10-03T07:22:00.000-07:00

http://www.now.org/nnt/11-96/wosports.html

http://www.womenssportsfoundation.org/cgi-bin/iowa/issues/history/article.html?record=769

http://www.questia.com/googlescholar.qst?docID=5002191166

I Met A Comma named Terry

2007-09-30T18:48:00.001-07:00

As the human race progresses into the future, more and more high-tech things emerge, altering our way of life. Technology happens to be something that sky-rockets. Many new technological advances appear year after year. Nowadays, computers are a regular. We use them at home, at work, at school, and every place in between. The question now is, are computers something that should be readily available for students in the classroom setting? Are they truly important and necessary or do they create a hindrance of learning? In an essay written by Clifford Stoll called "Who Needs Computers," he argues computers for educational purposes "often do more harm than good (Stoll 1)." Through research and studies, Stoll found that the use of computers enables students to shut off their brain, and stare at screens rather than be interactive with a teacher and stimulate different emotions through learning. It is important that through learning, we gain the ability to inspire confidence and trust, something that would be very difficult to accomplish with computer screens. The internet cannot teach us to stand up and speak in front of others, make tough decisions on our own, and teach confidence. At first glance, one would think the use of technology for educational purposes should be limited, but surprisingly, even the higher authorities such as the president has been urging to "wire up" schools across the nation. Stoll also noted how easily students could copy and paste others' work and commit the plagiarism crime. Technology is rapidly advancing, however, Stoll believes it is something that needs to stay away from education.In another essay written by David Shaffer called "Video Games and the Future of Learning," Shaffer takes on a different approach to the advancement of technology. He claims video games in the school setting "have the potential to change the landscape of education as we know it (Shaffer 11)." According to Shaffer, video games engage the players in new worlds, inhabiting and becoming these characters. This is something that could otherwise not occur. Players are able to understand complex concepts and develop situated understanding while gaining a knowledge of shared values that are essential in life. This outlook on video games has already made an impact on special groups of people. The U.S. Army has taken these ideas and incorporated them into their training, using military games to introduce civilians to military ideology. The only obstacle standing in the way of using video games for educational purposes in the classroom are those who are stuck in the "old fashioned" way, those who see it only as a hindrance and distraction, similarly to Stoll. With the growing age of technology, will computers and video games make an important impact on schooling or will they only create more controversy and distractions?It is hard to say which side is the "correct" side. On one had, having computers readily available for students is very important because of the vast exploration and research opportunities. There are innumberable websites and learning devices that could be found on the web that greatly aid in learning. Also, the easy mode of communication between professors and students makes connecting much easier. I believe the internet should be available to students, but in a modified manner. In other words, the internet can be very beneficial to the education system. There are however many distractions associated with the internet that could take away from a student's learning. In moderation, the internet is important. As far as video games, I feel these should be part of the moderation that we "moderate." In my eyes, video games are for pure leisure and are something kids glue their eyes to the screen when they arrive home from school. Most games that kids engage in are the bloody, gory kind that have no educational value at all. If schools begin telling children to go play these video games, what are they going to think? It will be defacing education and we will see a major decline in the quality of education. Essentially, I am arguing that technology in small amounts is good for students. Yes, we are living in a world filled with grand technological advances, but let's try to keep the educational system free of it, at least for as long as possible.

Computers? Yes? No?

2007-09-25T13:10:00.000-07:00

As the human race progresses into the future, more and more high-tech things emerge, altering our way of life. Technology happens to be something that sky-rockets. Many new technological advances appear year after year. Nowadays, computers are a regular. We use them at home, at work, at school, and every place in between. The question now is, are computers something that should be readily available for students in the classroom setting? Are they truly important and necessary or do they create a hindrance of learning? In an essay written by Clifford Stoll called "Who Needs Computers," he argues computers for educational purposes "often do more harm than good (Stoll 1)." Through research and studies, Stoll found that the use of computers enables students to shut off their brain, and stare at screens rather than be interactive with a teacher and stimulate different emotions through learning. It is important that through learning, we gain the ability to inspire confidence and trust, something that would be very difficult to accomplish with computer screens. The internet cannot teach us to stand up and speak in front of others, make tough decisions on our own, and teach confidence. At first glance, one would think the use of technology for educational purposes should be limited, but surprisingly, even the higher authorities such as the president has been urging to "wire up" schools across the nation. Stoll also noted how easily students could copy and paste others' work and commit the plagiarism crime. Technology is rapidly advancing, however, Stoll believes it is something that needs to stay away from education.
In another essay written by David Shaffer called "Video Games and the Future of Learning," Shaffer takes on a different approach to the advancement of technology. He claims video games in the school setting "have the potential to change the landscape of education as we know it (Shaffer 11)." According to Shaffer, video games engage the players in new worlds, inhabiting and becoming these characters. This is something that could otherwise not occur. Players are able to understand complex concepts and develop situated understanding while gaining a knowledge of shared values that are essential in life. This outlook on video games has already made an impact on special groups of people. The U.S. Army has taken these ideas and incorporated them into their training, using military games to introduce civilians to military ideology. The only obstacle standing in the way of using video games for educational purposes in the classroom are those who are stuck in the "old fashioned" way, those who see it only as a hindrance and distraction, similarly to Stoll. With the growing age of technology, will computers and video games make an important impact on schooling or will they only create more controversy and distractions?
It is hard to say which side is the "correct" side. On one had, having computers readily available for students is very important because of the vast exploration and research opportunities. There are innumberable websites and learning devices that could be found on the web that greatly aid in learning. Also, the easy mode of communication between professors and students makes connecting much easier. I believe the internet should be available to students, but in a modified manner. There are many distractions involved with the internet that could take away from a student's learning. In moderation, the internet is important. As far as video games, I feel these should be part of the moderation that we "moderate." In my eyes, video games are for pure leisure and are something kids glue their eyes to the screen when they arrive home from school. Most games that kids engage in are the bloody, gory kind that have no educational value at all. If schools begin telling children to go play these video games, what are they going to think? It will be defacing education and we will see a major decline in the quality of education. Yes, we are living in a world filled with grand technological advances, but let's try to keep the educational system free of it, at least for as long as possible.

Synthesis

2007-09-24T01:05:00.000-07:00

Statement
In both articles concerning computers in the classroom setting, the authors argue that the presence of computers do not help the advancement of learning.

Outline
Benefits of computers
-Communication between students and teachers
- Make research fast and vast
- Aid in assignments

Disadvantages of computers
- Plagiarism
- Very "robotic". no life is put into it
- Aid in many distractions

Both Stoll and Ohmann are opposed to computers in the classroom. Their arguements are similar in that they do not like the use of technology for educational purposes. The two essays have very closely-related passages even though their reasoning is slightly different. Both authors understand that it is inevitable that technology is going to appear in the classroom, however, they want teachers to limit how much is used and available to the students.

We Love Technology

2007-09-23T21:18:00.000-07:00

As we progress further and further into our future, new, more modern things emerge into our vision. We look back 50 years ago and think it would have been impossible to send a message via cyber space, now it being a regular thing. Technology is advancing so rapidly and taking other realms with it. The education system is now beginning to depend more and more on the use of computers and the internet. Richard Ohmann argues in his essay "Computers and Technology" that computers in the school setting can have positive effects, but at the same time create problems. Yes, computers make assignments and communication between professors and students more accessible, but they also make way for easy distractions, and even bigger problems, plagiarism. It is inevitable that technology will keep appearing more and more in schools, but how much is too much?

Richard Ohmann brings up valid points about computers interefering with education. I believe it is important for students to have access to computers and the world wide web for research purposes and communication. The web is a boundless place filled with room for immense exploration and I myself enjoy using Google to search various topics. It is very useful in aiding with school assignments. However, I also agree with Ohmann that there are also many wrong doors students can enter on the web. This day and age there are so many sites such as MySpace, Facebook, and AOL that can take away from the classroom focus. Perhaps having certain availability to specific sites could help this situation. In the end, it is important students have computer access.

"Hidden Intellectualism"

2007-09-12T08:52:00.000-07:00

Gerald Graff believes that we have underestimated many of our fellow human beings. In his essay "Hidden Intellectualism" he contests that students apathetic (and seemingly hopeless) in the classroom will flourish in a setting where their personal interests and skills are used to cultivate their academic potential. To go even further, these apathetic students may contain a wealth of knowledge and skills that may not be present in the more classically bookish student. Graff illustrates this through a personal experience when he says, "It was in these discussions with friends about toughness and sports, I think, and in my reading of sports books and magazines, that I began to learn the rudiments of the intellectual life." Inspired by his life outside of school, he fine-tuned his ability to argue academically. Furthermore, when students lack interest in a topic, they'll only produce bland, uninvolved work. The test of a true intellectual is to bring life to even the least highbrow subject. Graff proposes that schools will benefit from providing this gateway between students' personal interests and future academic ventures.

Double-Sided Tape

2007-09-09T16:29:00.000-07:00

pg. 38 Ex. 2

#1 According to David Zinczenko, fast-food restaurants are to blame for the increasing obesity problem in America. He made this clear in "Don't Blame the Eater" where he questioned "where consumers, particularly teenagers, were supposed to find alternatives." Clearly, he forgot to take into consideration that America is booming with all sorts of eating establishments. Yes, fast-food makes up a large percent of these restaurants, but one cannot slip away from the fact that these are not the ONLY places to satisfy one's hunger. Zinczenko claims the availability and costliness of healthier eating hinders consumers choices and nudges them towards fast-food. Have we forgotten all together about home-cooked meals? And when was the last time a double cheeseburger, super-size fries, and large pepsi was cheaper than a simple frozen dinner from the grocery store? The last time I checked, there was a Jewel or some other type of grocery store in every town, just as there are McDonald's. From there, it is up to the consumer as to which way they'll go.

#2 In "Don't Blame the Eater," by David Zinczenko, fast-food restaurants are to blame for the youthful obesity. They do not provide the proper health information for each item on the menu, and if there happens to be any, it is rather deceiving, tricking the consumer into thinking they're eating fewer calories when actually it is doubled. With these fast-food chains popping up all around America on every corner of the street, and with their extreme availability and cheaper prices, consumers, teenagers especially, are drawn to them. This is a serious problem indeed, however, bringing lawsuits against these companies doesn't seem to be the proper solution. In the end, it is the people's choice where they eat. No one is forcing them to go the unhealthy path. Although the restaurants are rather luring in their advertisements, they do not control the decisions consumers make...that is unless they are using subliminal messaging. That's a whole other story.

They Say...but...I Say This.

2007-09-05T09:16:00.000-07:00

http://www.tennessean.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070905/OPINION02/70904033/1053

Cole James, a senior at Antioch high school wrote a letter of opposition to the writer of an article titled "Pro athletes not being good role models." He felt it was not fair to lable all professional athletes as not adequate role models because of three football players who made wrong decisions. To bring down every professional athlete because of three players is wrong. The writer of the article was creating a false stereotype.
I agree with Cole in his response to the author. In fact, I believe professional athletes in general are great role models for younger people because they can see what hard work and dedication can do.