Mar 9 hw (chapter 6 response)

The dreaded topic we all know as research. It comes with many known limits and rules. In the past I haven’t had that huge of a problem conducting research and finding viable sources to get information from, but know that I am in college I realize that the bar is even higher for me to be able to formulate research questions and be able to support all my ideas with it. And with a research paper it always seems to me that I write them at my best when I am clear on what I am arguing, because when I go through the whole process of research and writing, the rest of it seems to sort of fall right into place. In chapter 6 of CDA, on pg. 150 the book states: “In doing research, it is important to be as obvious as possible”. It later goes on to say that when we all get straight to the point, that our papers become more focused and well organized. I feel like that couldn’t be more true, because at least for me when I write and sometimes stray off what point or idea I want to get across, then I do not do as well on the paper because I get lost with a lot of the process, because of a lack of focus in the paper. Teachers for the most part, seem to stress this idea a lot, so it must be important right? This idea from chapter 6 is what I believe to be the most important because it basically sets you up for success when writing your paper.

Mar 4 hw (Mercury News response)(solar power)

I read an article about a new proposal for being able to use solar power being utilized at city maintenance yards, which would be the largest of such in San Jose. They are trying to make it easier for business and vendors to utilize solar energy through a plan that doesn’t make them pay a big cost in the beginning stages of conversion and tech costs. If these proposals pass by March 2, then it would apparently be enough power to power about 750 homes. This would be the first large scale solar array on this cities property, which could mean the start of something better if this really helps us save on energy costs.
I believe that this seems like a good idea, since it seems solar energy is becoming more popular and the community would save a lot of money if many homes, businesses’, and other properties were converting their electricity use to solar energy. It seems to at least try alternatives to this energy crisis were in, because nowadays were trying to stretch every dollar to save money, and especially if it can be healthier for the environment, that’s a plus. It’s not really clear how much the city would save if some major areas started using solar power, because the plan is still in its beginning phase, but in the past, for some it has been good to start utilizing solar power because we save on electricity. Hopefully if this plan passes we can see some good come out of it.