Naomi Klein

Naomi Klein on Motherhood, Geoengineering, Climate debt, and the Fossil Fuel Divestment Movement

Notes

• Naomi Klein is an Activist
• Where can we get the money to do the transition away from fossil fuels? We can get the money from Financial transaction tax, cutting back military spending, billionaires tax, carbon dioxide tax and so many more. It can easily add up to a couple trillion dollars. 
• The issue is not the money is not there, we have politicians not going after the money! The money is in the wrong places, politicians are not willing to go after the money that is STUCK in the economic pyramid.
• There are so many movements that we can do to defend the public's fear
• Climate change is delayed in response. Coal has been being burn since the Industrial Revolution, building in up in the Atmosphere
• It took a while for the WORLD to talk back and now its roaring and that is Climate Change.

I can incorporate Naomi's topics into my presentation by being an activist myself! I will share my thoughts and knowledge to my fellow students about my topic (overpopulation). 

My topic: Overpopulation

What is overpopulation?

- Overpopulation is a number of existing humans that exceeds the carrying capacity of the earth.

Overpopulation is one of biggest issue in our environment and it is getting worse over time. It is an issue not many people are aware about, but as humans, we need to take to notice. Human species are getting bigger and bigger each year. In due time, the earth will not have enough space for us to live in. Overpopulation is one of the main reasons why today's environmental status is in such poor condition. People think it may not affect them today, but as our population continues to grow, big changes in our planet will unexpectedly occur and it will not be easy to resolve. Overpopulation is not only a problem in our country but all over the world! I believe overpopulation is a problem that needs to immediately slow down.

What makes overpopulation bad?

- Over 1 billion people do not have enough food or safe water to drink.
- As human species reproduces, we will keep using our resources more and more each day. Such as coal and oil, which will lead to global warming.
- People are living in unsafe places, as we speak today. People worldwide have died from their living conditions.
- Creating new environments means cutting down our natural resources. In the U.S alone 2.2 million acres of farmlands, forests, and ranchland were destroyed every year for our selfish needs.




Resource #1

Resource #2

Global Warming: What is it?

 The last century the planet's tempertature has been unusual, scientist believe that is is human activity that is driving the temparatures up, causing global warming. Ever since the industrial evolution began, factories, power plants, and eventually cars used alot of fossil fuels such as coal and oil. Huge amount of carbon dioxide and other gases has release into the atmosphere, trapping heat in to earth. Researches predict that the temparature will continue to increas by the end of the century. Effects of global warming will rapidly show such as: rising sea levels that can cause flood, wheather changing that can create hurricanes, and animals unable to adapt that will lead to extinction. We can help by saving energy and drive our cars less, these changes can help the earth cooler in the near future. 

Link for YouTube

Hi Class!

Hello!

My name is Darlene Cabatu. My previous posts from this blog were from English 102 Fall Semester 2013 with Mr. DeWit.. (So try not to get confuse) Since Mr. DeWit is my English professor again for this semester, it only make sense to post all my work on here. For those who do not know me from last semester, I'll give a brief introduction about myself! I'm 20 years old turning 21 on January 20. My hobbies are: hiking, working out, or doing  anything outdoors. I'm not a mother yet, but a child's smile or laughter makes me happy! Also a part-time student and employee. I'm truly excited for this class and I can not wait to get to know everyone. Don't hesitate to come talk to me, I'm very friendly :) That's all for now. Bye!

Re-Vise Exam ( Never Graded )

Darlene Cabatu

English 102 : Tom DeWit

According to the quote from the book by Mr. Smiley and Mr. West, the poor is paying the price for America’s damage done by the Great Recession. Which has plenty of people having a hard time to survive. The Great Recession has impacted families all over America, what started in the late 2000’s is currently happening today.  Low-income and unemployment are the major causes of today’s homelessness and debt in America. The poor should not live life underwater. Families who are becoming the “new poor” are having a difficult time getting out. There are solutions to end this destruction. There is hope to get out of Poverty and help our Country.

        Poverty is not a recent issue for people in America, it has been around for many years.  We may have gotten out of The Great Depression, but the poverty line is increasing. There are people living with low-income making $23,000 a year. Minimum wage is $7.50-$8.00 an hour, which cannot feed a family of four! Families who are living over the poverty line are living pay-check to pay-check with bad credit. Due to having bad credit, it is difficult for people to purchase anything that includes having loans. It is making it impossible for people to purchase a car or a house because of low-income! People are finding themselves unable to support themselves and their families without any income.

        Unemployment rate in America is increasing, having people in debt and homeless. Since we are now living in the future, technology has took over worldwide. Many people today do not have jobs because of how fast pace technology is going. Since 2000, automation and manufacturing jobs have been out seas. Large companies are making money by paying other countries to make their products at low rate. It is cheaper and easier for large companies to produce their products overseas but bad for the economy. Because of outsourcing, plenty of jobs are taken away, causing people to be unemployed. We need to get manufacturing jobs back in America in order to get out of poverty.  

The Government is ignoring the poor instead of helping them out. Poverty is not talked about in the media quite often, which is why America is not aware of the crisis we are in. People are suffering because America is not taking notice. If the Government gives us the help we need we can get out of poverty easily. But instead, the Government is teaming up with the 1% which are the most powerful and riches in the country. They ignore the poorest people in the bottom, and continue to side with the 1% to create campaigns. Campaign’s money are being distribute to politicians to spend money as much as they want. When we can spend that same money on creating jobs and helping the poor.

Final exam

Darlene Cabatu

English 102: Tom DeWit

May 27, 2014

Final Exam

Hey Uncle George!

How have you been? Its been 3 years since I last seen you. I wish I had the time and money to come visit you in Texas! Your wife and kids misses you every single day. I visit them from time to time when I get the chance. Aunt Jenny wishes you were here to watch your kids growing up. Three years has been a long time Uncle George, your kids Jay and Janeen are getting taller and wiser every minute! Jay’s birthday is coming up, the family especially grandma wishes you were here to celebrate it with us. It is unfair you are in prison for a crime you had nothing to do with! It frustrates me how you can’t be with your family for another 5 years.

Uncle George, I wish the night of the crime never happened. I truly believe you were in a situation at the wrong place in the wrong time. If I could go back in time, I wish I could of told you to stay home instead of going out to the bar with your friends. They were drunk and foolish when they decided to take advantage of a woman walking home. I still couldn't believe the phone call I received from aunt Jenny saying you were put to jail. I didn't think of it as anything serious, until she said you were charged with rape and  first degree murder. I was in shocked and confused. I knew my Uncle George who taught me how to play softball and who treated me out for ice cream for every A I got in class, was not capable of doing those accusations. At that very moment I wanted to find out the truth. I didn't care about what others had to say, I only wanted to hear from you.

I know you are innocent uncle George, I know you tried and stop your friends from hurting that woman. But with how justice works now a days, it is hard to prove yourself guilty. I believe justice judges people based on the lies society is feed off of.  I mean, you can be telling them the truth the entire time, but there will be no justice because society will reflect on the people you were with that night and used that on you. Yes, you could of walked away from the situation right then, but instead you chose to stay and help the woman from your drunk friends.  You tried to take action despite of 3 grown men you were out with. How do we reach out to justice when its no longer there? So many people have died for hope with justice just like you have. Justice is suppose to help people find themselves in a positive way. Justice should serve peoples rights and codify what is fair in every situation. A fairness in justice has to apply balance between responsibility and damage. Someone like you who is accused of damage, is a victim of our societies justice. No matter what, It is up to society to to decide whether or not you should pay the price. Things happens when we least expect it, and in  every situation has a cause and effect. It is not your fault Uncle George, you should stop blaming yourself. Your justice was not treated fairly. You are not the criminal, justice was the crime in in this case.  

I'm here for you Uncle George, you are never alone. I would like to take this moment to share with you some books and quotes I've  recently read that I believe relates to what you have been going through.  In the book “The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian” by Alexie Sherman, the main character Junior taught me how important it is to chase after your dreams. No matter how small or big they are, it is worth taking a risk to do something you love to do. Not everyone is going to support your dream, whatever people say or think it is your own choices in life that will only matter. Changing your life to pursue your dream is the first step, it is the challenges you phase and decisions you make to take you there. Junior has lost a lot of people throughout his journey, but he learned to cope with his lost and only found his strength. Everyone has a purpose in life, there is reason for our life being. Junior is a good example of someone who believed in himself and fought his way out of his fears. His determination and motivation was what lead him to keep going and eventually achieve the goals he set for himself. So never give give up Uncle George. Life will get better for you as long as you stay positive.

Instead of constantly fighting physically, people can fight with despair and and learn to live the the world with a loving heart. In the book “Tattoos of the Heart” by George Boyle, has reminded me so much of what you've been going through.  I know you have lost every hope in the world, but there is hope and a brighter future for everyone. No matter how how difficult the situation may be, you will only get stronger to pass through the hard obstacles. Sometimes life challenges us to only know what we are capable to do for ourselves. We can overcome our shame and  stay faithful despite of our failure.  Everyone makes mistakes and perfect doesn't exists. Life has more to offer than living it with regrets.  There will be no more sunrises, no minutes, hours or days. It will not matter what they owned or who they were trying to represent themselves as. ​Ready or not, some day it will come to an end. We have to live and love life as if there is no tomorrow. You see, in this book there are gang members who were in and out of prison. Some did not make good decisions and others didn't have a choice. At the end of the day what will matter is what they brought not what they built. What will matter is not success but their significance. People who have been in the gang learned to have a title and get respected around the streets. Although, they were not taught how life can end so easily. At the end of day what will matter are not the people they call their “homies”, but how many people they love and protect will feel once they are gone.  It is never to late to change. Life doesn't happen by chance and or an accident. It is not a circumstance but a matter of choice. It is wiser to choose to live life that matters than have it vanished quickly. Uncle George, you were not in prison by choice. One day you will be out of prison and be in your family’s arms once again. It is important to have patience to rescue yourself from the darkness.

What makes a good essay?

 A good essay focuses on a well develop thesis. It is important to have a strong thesis that has an idea or evidence on the text. The thesis should capture the reader and be interested on the topic. Every evidence from the thesis should have supported examples, facts, reasons, arguments, or personal experience to create paragraph. Each paragraph should also be organize and be related to to the thesis. A good essay should have correct grammar, punctuation, sentences, and spelling in order for the reader to have a better understanding. Finally, the conclusion should state back to the thesis. The conclusion should have a clear be of what the essay was about.

Alexie Essay

Our lives are full of unexpected surprises we do not tend to plan. We can not predict our future but only wonder about it. That is the beauty of life! We wake up not knowing what the day will bring. Life may not come easy, because of the challenges it brings. Facing these challenges with courage and providing them with hope is one way to overcome them. In order to not sink in the sea with struggles pulling us down, we need to learn how to swim with our hopes and dreams helping us to rise above it. This is the method Junior Spirit uses in the book “The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian” by Alexie Sherman. Learning how not to drown by opening himself up to the world with different perspectives. Thinking more optimistic about one’s future, as life had so much to offer. Junior was motivated to go beyond his expectations.

Junior decided to take a difference in his life when he realizes what his destiny can end up to be. He was raised in an environment filled with  lust and full of fear. He grew up at a Spokane Indian Reservation, where people had already lost their hopes and confidence towards life. The Rez accepted what their future was “supposed to be” as the younger generation were expected to follow their parents footsteps. ( Parents from the Rez were not giving good examples for their children. ) “The only thing you kids are being thought is how to give up” (42). Not Junior, Junior did not want to be like the rest of the people from the Rez; constantly wasting their money on boosts and going to casinos everyday. He created a dream for himself. Junior took the risk to do something different. His first step of action is getting a better education. He left his high school in the Reservation to attended an all-white school. “I want to go to Reardan,” I said again. I couldn't believe I was saying it” (46). Once he took that risk, his life changed dramatically. People from the Rez saw him as a traitor, someone who went against them. Junior was also obligated to “fit in” his new school. The difficulties Junior faced from moving to a new school gained him courage and self control . No matter what people said or thought about him, he trusted himself from his own decisions and further choices with life.

Junior’s journey to move from an all-white school symbolizes the “tree” scene. The bottom of this tree represented the struggles and process of achieving his dreams. This scene took place when Junior and his best friend Rowdy were only 10 years old. When Junior decided to switch schools, Rowdy distant himself away from him. “My heart broke into fourteen pieces, one for each year that Rowdy and I had been best friends” (54). This scene of climbing the tree was his way of reconnecting for his desperate loneliness from Rowdy. Junior remembers the time he went to Turtle Lake with Rowdy to climb a 150 ft tall tree ( the tallest tree in the Reservation ). “Other days, yeah, I’m terrified of falling [...] But I wasn't scared of gravity that day. Heck, gravity didn't even exist” (220). This memory of climbing the tree signifies his decision to go to an all-white school. He was timid and anxious to make a big transition. His courage to defeat his fear  lead him to be where he was destined to be. Being unaware of the outcome of the climb, was like being introduced to a frontier outside the Reservation. It involved fear. Without  fear he would not have built the strength to believe in himself.

Starting to climb this tree, Junior starts to forget about his fear. “The branches would not break. Rowdy and I climbed and climb and climb” (226). Once he put the distractions aside, Junior was eager to reached the top. He was fighting for his life. Despite the hardships he went through, he only got stronger and stronger. He wanted to climb this tree they way he wanted to achieve his goals. “I was scared, sure terrified… but it was also fun, you know?” (226). The climbing of this tree represented his hope for his own future. He was not going to fail, he saw too many people fail before him. He wanted to prove people from the Reservation, including Rowdy, wrong. There can be a better life for them outside the Reservation. Junior wanted to succeed, no matter how long it took him. Climbing the tree showed his determination and strong will. He was not going to give up without trying. Reaching for the top of tree symbolizes the meaning of life, finding the value of it.

Junior and Rowdy saw a different vision on top of the tree. In their own eyes, they have never seen the Reservation so beautiful. They were so admired by it. “Its pretty.” Rowdy said. “I've never seen anything so pretty” (226). The view of the Reservation, made them feel serenity of their home. They have appreciated the Reservation by its true beauty. “And our entire world, at that moment, was green and golden and perfect” (226.) Being on top represented his accomplishments and determination. Getting on top was beautiful but not easy. Just like the challenges Junior faces throughout his life. He has experienced so many unexpected deaths of his loved ones: his grandma, his dad’s best friend, and his only sister. After all he had been through, Junior kept pushing forward. His moments in life suddenly had a purpose. He knew if he did not fight to get to the top, he would not been able to achieve his dreams.

In conclusion, Junior has made big changes in his life. He gave life a meaning. Being able to become something more, he was encourage to chase after his dreams. He has grown to accept himself and disregard anyone else’s opinions. Learning how to cope with the struggles in his  life, was where he found his strength. His passions for drawing and basketball was what kept him grounded. Without expanding and exploring the new world, he would have been locked in his identity. Better things in his life has yet to come for his hard work and positive attitude towards life. Junior will not drown because he has set high hopes and dreams for himself.

Sample #1 Essay

 The essay was boring. I did not want to read it any further when I read the introduction because it was not capturing to me at all. Although, I figured I would give this essay a chance. The introduction was messy and unclear. I could not tell what the thesis was. It jumped on from topic to topic. I did not like how the writer introduced the book nor the characters. The conclusions of each paragraph was not establish well enough, it should have matched each topic sentences. There was not much evidence for each topic sentences either. There are too many quotes from the book. The writer should of had at least had quote explaining more to how it relates to the thesis. I noticed this writer also uses the word "that" a lot. This essay was not convincing. Overall, I thought this essay could be better if it was more organized.

Convincing a teenage boy to read Alexie's book

Hey Kiddo!

How have you been? I know I have not had the chance to talk to you or seen lately like we used to. I'm sorry, I got so caught up with school and work lately, I hope you understand. Speaking of school, are you doing well in school? I hope your passing all your classes. It feels like yesterday when I went to your middle school promotion, and now your about to be a sophomore in high school! CRAZY how time flys huh? I thought I'd share with you this book I recently read. It reminds me so much about you.

This book I read is called The Absoloutly True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie. I know you are going to through some changes in your life right now, especially now that you have entered the world of High School. So was the main character of this book, a 14 year old boy named Arnold Spirit who is an Indian American. Your probably asking yourself, "How can this Indian-American relate to me?" Trust me, after reading this book I felt Arnold is at the same stage of your life at this moment. As a teenage boy he felt insecure about himself, unsure where he should fit in, and at times lonely. I mean of course he would feel this way, after all he lived in a Spokane Indian Reservation with a small population who struggled with variety of medical problems. He was also poor who came from a poor family, but he wanted a better education. That is what motivated him to leave the Reservation and to attend an all-white school. Transitioning to a different school was tough for him. He dealt with acceptance. He was not accepted from his new school because he was Indian nor his own people because they saw him as traitor, someone who was going against them. Don’t laugh, but he also went through some hormones as well, which he was much open about.

Overall, he felt like an outcast. Have you ever felt like that Kiddo? You know one thing you guys have in common is the love and support your family has. If it was not for his family, he would not have the courage to move from a better school. Unfortunately, his best friend was unsupported about his decision. But he used his best friend as an inspiration. He hoped one day his best friend will follow in his foot steps, which was, to leave the reservation and have a brighter future. You know what amazes me the most about Arnold? Is the strength he had. He may not be the strongest physically, but his strength of determination got him to follow his own dreams. There is nothing wrong with having dreams of your future. No matter how small, big, or stupid it may be, it is a beautiful thing and a natural desire. What do you think Kiddo? Everybody has a dreams, I bet you do too. We have to want it with in ourselves, nothing nor anyone should stop us from chasing our dreams. The only thing that can stop us if we stopped believing in them. That is exactly what Arnold did. He chased after his dreams and proved everybody who doubted him, including himself, wrong. Nothing phased him because he had a talent he wanted to share with the world. His talent of drawing and playing basket ball was the reason he overcame difficult obstacles in his life. He had a talent, which made him had a purpose. That purpose lead him to where he needed to be.  Arnold went through rough times to make him realize how strong he truly was. I am not going to spoil the book for you, but he went though plenty of good-byes and unexpected tragedies in his life.

Don’t worry Kiddo! This book is not all sad stories, its actually humorous how he deals with certain situations. Lets just say he laughs about everything!! I noticed myself laughing along with him while I was reading. I encourage you to read this book whenever you can. You don't even have to buy one, you can always borrow mine for free. haha. Well anyways, I’m off to bed. I’ll see you soon I promise! Love you Kiddo! And remember.. chase after your dreams, you can go so far in life with them.

Love,

         Darlene

Response to Obama's Speech

On Tuesday January 29, 2014 America watched Barack Obama give his State Of The Union speech. After discussing about Obama's speech with my class, a topic he mentioned about minimum wage stood out to me. Obama wants to increase minimum wage from $7.50 an hour to $10.10 an hour. My class and I discussed how the President also wants to help the lower and middle class families out of poverty. By increasing minimum wage, hard working lower and middle class families can benefit from this proposal. I hope this proposal passes through the Congress because families are struggling making $8 hour, It is not enough to support a family of 4. I can relate to this topic because the work I do from my job does not match up to how much I make. These are some changes we need!

State of the Union Speech

1. http://www.cnn.com/interactive/2014/01/politics/sotu-speech-decoded/

2. http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/full-text-of-obamas-2014-state-of-the-union-address/2014/01/28/e0c93358-887f-11e3-a5bd-844629433ba3_story.html

3. http://news.onlineinsider.com/news/headlinealley-breaking-news-and-weather/?source=inputboximagelp&partner=Z5xdm084&subid=bing_events&hc=Obama%20State%20Of%20The%20Union

4. http://www.npr.org/blogs/itsallpolitics/2014/01/28/267939585/inside-the-state-of-the-union-what-the-president-proposed

5. http://www.politico.com/story/2014/01/state-of-the-union-2014-speech-transcript-text-video-102763.html

6. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/01/28/state-of-the-union-speech-2014_n_4590441.html

7. http://www.mediaite.com/tv/president-obamas-2014-state-of-the-union-address-full-transcript/

8. http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2014/01/28/us/politics/what-the-state-of-the-union-means-for-2014.html?_r=0

9. http://www.cbsnews.com/news/obamas-2014-state-of-the-union-address-full-text/

My Blog

Hey There!

My name is Darlene. I am in English 102 because I need this class in order to transfer. I am a full time employee and student, which we all know how difficult it is to balance sometimes. Hard work eventually pays off, so here I am! I turned 20 last week on January 20th, and I spent my birthday week at Washington DC. I was fortunate enough to have family members who lives there and let me stay with them. I am hoping to come back soon because I had such an incredible time!I am passionate about working out and being out in nature. On my spare time I like to go hiking and endure natures beauty. It is my serenity to enjoy what nature has to offer and get away from my "busy life". I guess you can call nature as my happy place. The best part about hiking are the views. I have witness plenty of breath taking views which makes hiking so much worth it. I put a lot of my time on working out. If I have nothing to do or when I'm feeling bored, I go to the gym and sweat. Working out is one my best stress relievers especially when I have so much on my mind.Well, that's all for now! If you have any questions don't hesitate to come ask me. I am very friendly, promise I don't bite. Looking forward to starting this class with all of you :)