Saturday, December 25, 2010

Drive by Incubus

Drive


"The lyric is basically about fear, about being driven all your life by it and making decisions from fear.  It's about imagining what life would be like if you didn't live it that way." -- Quote-- Brandon Boyd, Lead Singer, Incubus --

Lyrics:

Sometimes, I feel the fear of uncertainty
stinging clear.
And I can't help but ask myself how much I
let the fear take the wheel and steer.


It's driven me before and it seems to have a faint
haunting mass appeal.
But lately, I am beginning to find that
I should be the one behind the wheel.


Whatever tomorrow brings, I'll be there,
with open arms and open eyes, yeah.
Whatever tomorrow brings, I'll be there,
I'll be there ...


So if I decide to waiver my chance to be
one of the hive,
Will I choose water over wine and
hold my own and drive?


It's driven me before and it seems to be the way
that everyone else gets around,
But lately, I am beginning to find that
when I drive myself, my light is found.


Would you choose water over wine,
hold the wheel and drive...

Monday, December 6, 2010

Essay 4 - Final Draft

Why Not Buy An Electric Vehicle?
            Many people don’t realize that electric vehicles have been around since the early 1900’s and when they were first introduced they were serious competitors with the steam and combustible engine vehicles of their day (Anderson).  Experimenting with EV (electric vehicle) technology took a back seat with the onset of the depression and then World War II; and with the prosperous post-war economy, Americans were not focused on saving energy.  In the 1950’s, the U.S. interstate highway system was created and electric cars could not meet the needs of distance travelers, especially since oil and gasoline were so abundant and inexpensive at the time.  It wasn’t until after the mid 20th century that people began to think about electric cars again as a possible solution to the growing concern over air quality, then again around the new millennium when air pollution’s role in global warming became evident (Anderson).  Recently, the oil crisis and more federal money made available to sponsor EV and hybrid technology research has brought the long awaited arrival of electric cars being produced and sold by major automobile makers and purchased and driven by the general public – a present day reality.      
            Despite the many profound technological advances in EV technology, many people are still hesitant to invest in an electric car.  Meanwhile, the hybrid vehicle, a seemingly more marketable option, has become a growing trend.  Electric vehicles do have a following, however.  Some forward thinking consumers who have the environment’s best interest in mind have gone electric and the concept has been catching on across the U.S. and even more so in other countries round the world, primarily in Europe.  Despite the myths, the electric car is an up-and-coming, feasible alternative to the gas-powered vehicle.  Unbeknownst to most American consumers, there are many advantages of owning a modern electric vehicle including their contribution to a healthier planet, convenience, overall cost effectiveness, and even great style – definitely an option worth serious consideration when shopping for a new vehicle these days.
Perhaps the biggest argument against EV technology has been the convenience factor, including limited range and power and the lack of an infrastructure that supports the public’s access to charging an EV battery.  Admittedly, the biggest challenge facing the EV industry has always been the limited distance some electric cars can be driven before their batteries need to be recharged, compared to gasoline-powered cars and even hybrid vehicles that only need a fill-up once or twice a week.  Commuter cars such as the Honda Civic can go for an average of about 330 miles before the gas tank hits the empty mark (2011 Honda), and the Chevy Aveo can go for about 350 miles (2011 Chevy).  While it’s true that Nissan’s new EV, the LEAF, requires recharging after traveling about 100 miles (Nissan), the cost to charge its battery three or four times to travel the same 350 miles would still only be a fraction of the price of the gas, and can be as simple as plugging in overnight while everyone is asleep, just like a cell phone.  Some high end EV models, such as the Tesla Roadster, can go for 245 miles per charge (“Go Electric”).
Europe is the leader in providing infrastructure to support electric vehicles so far (Williams), but the idea is catching on here in America too.  In Houston, Texas, for instance, NRG Energy recently introduced a network of 150 public charging stations at various retail and business locations throughout the city and suburbs (Knepp).  People can top off while shopping at Walgreens or Best Buy.  A third of the stations are capable of fully charging an EV in 30 minutes.  Others may choose to charge up while at work.  NRG Energy is offering its customers a deal – for just $49 per month, on a 3-year contract, the company will provide a 240-volt home charging station plus unlimited access to network stations and includes unlimited electricity (Knepp).  In Michigan, over 5,300 charging stations will be installed, some solar powered, with the release of the new Chevy Volt; and Chevy plans to open 1,500 new charging stations at Chevy dealerships across the U.S (“Michigan”).  With other cities across the country following in their footsteps, a more solid infrastructure is on its way.
Unlike a gas-powered vehicle, the battery in an electric car is the sole source of power for all of the EV functions including heating, cooling, and driving, and many people would argue that a gas-powered engine has more power.  However, current electric cars use lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries which are fully capable of keeping a car moving at highway speeds while maintaining the right temperature and providing all the power needed for the same modern conveniences a gas-powered car offers (“Electric”).  The batteries used in today’s electric cars are more compact and lightweight, more powerful, and very efficient.  In fact, each cell is about the size of a 5” x 7” photo frame, weighs less than 1 pound, and stores up to twice the power of a similarly sized nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) battery used in a hybrid vehicle (2011 Chevy).  Chevy’s Web site states that “Li-ion is superior in terms of power density, energy density, and cycle life.”  Cold weather and other less-than-ideal road conditions can quickly consume EV battery power, reducing the EV range as much as 38%, but the same is true for gas-powered vehicles.  Therefore, the old myth that electric cars are inconvenient and less powerful can now be dispelled.    
            All auto makers are placing a higher priority on being more environmentally responsible these days, whether gas-powered, electric, or hybrid; and many consumers want to know which type of car will do the least damage.  While all of the recent technological advances have lead to tremendous improvements in the electric car, internal combustion engine (ICE) and hybrid car makers have also made changes to improve their emissions output, narrowing the gap somewhat.  The problem is, however, according to Lynne Mason, an electric car expert and enthusiast and EV information Website author from Washington state, is that “Whether ‘peak oil production’ arrives with a bang or just sort of sneaks up on us, it is highly unlikely that ten years from now there is going to be enough liquid fuel to power all the world’s cars, trucks, buses, planes, trains, and boats.  We don’t have a choice but to find a more efficient alternative” (Mason).  Even though 70% of Americans drive less than 40 miles a day (Nissan), the U.S. consumes about 146 billion gallons of gas per year (Anderson).  Since electric cars don’t use any gasoline or produce any tailpipe emissions, electric cars are still the obvious answer when searching for the most earth-friendly alternative in automobiles. 
Some concern has also been raised about the toxicity and recyclability of the EV battery, but according to the Environmental Defense and Ecology Center of Ann Arbor, Michigan, it is estimated that “Li-ion batteries have the least potential of the three major battery types to do environmental damage” (“Electric”).  Li-ion batteries are made from less toxic materials than other types of car batteries.  The lead-acid batteries in gas-powered vehicles and NiMH batteries in hybrids become toxic waste when not recycled (Anderson).  When Li-ion batteries are deemed too worn out for driving, they still have up to 80 percent of their charge left.  They can then be used to store power to help sustain the grid (the system of power stations which provide electricity to a large area) or keep other energy sources that aren’t steady on an even keel, like wind or solar power that ebb and flow with the weather (“Electric”).
            Some argue that too much energy would be needed to charge all the electric cars if they were to catch on worldwide and many people wonder how using energy from a power plant is any better than using gasoline.  EV critics claim that charging EVs from coal plants will increase greenhouse gases significantly.  However, although half the country uses coal-fired plants for its electricity, EVs recharging from these facilities are predicted to produce dramatically less carbon dioxide than ICE vehicles (Mason).  According to the World Resources Institute, “EVs recharging from coal-fired plants will reduce CO2 emissions by at least 17 to 22 percent” (Mason).  This is due to the fact that moving power from batteries through an electric motor to the wheels is twice as efficient as burning liquid fuel through an internal combustion engine and transmission (“Electric”).  EVs can also be charged using renewable energy sources such as hydroelectric, solar, wind, and geothermal (Mason).  In a study conducted by the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, EVs were cleaner over the course of 100,000 miles than ICE cars, producing less than 100 pounds of pollutants compared to 3,000 pounds from ICE vehicles (Mason).  The bottom line is that electric cars simply pollute less and conserve energy (Anderson).
The initial higher cost to purchase an electric vehicle can be a deterrent, but purchase cost is not the only thing to consider, financially, when shopping for a new car.  In the long run, electric cars cost less to charge and to maintain and federal tax credits are available to those who purchase an EV.  Conversion car kits may be another option to consider, where a standard, gas-powered vehicle can be converted to run on electric power.  These cost substantially less than any brand new vehicle, averaging around $9,000 (Mason).  Most people are not mechanically gifted enough to be able to install one themselves, though; So for the vast majority of the general public, looking into the new EVs that all the major auto makers are introducing currently or in the very near future would be advisable. 
Nissan and Chevy are just a couple of the many car companies who are venturing out into the world of EV technology, offering new, sleek, competitive models to the middle class consumer.  The new Nissan LEAF is currently selling for $32,780.  A $7,500 tax rebate brings that down to $25,280 (Nissan).  The new Chevy Volt is currently selling for $41,000, or $33,500 with the $7,500 tax rebate (2011 Chevy).  The Volt also comes standard with an impressive 8-year/100,000 mile battery warranty (2011 Chevy).  Even with the tax rebates, though, these prices might seem a bit steep for some consumers.  New technology is always more expensive initially, as has been the case with HDTVs, PCs, and cell phones, for example; However, if there is enough demand for these products in the near future – and experts are predicting that there will be (LaMonica) – the production volume will go up and the prices will eventually come down (“Electric”).  In addition to the tax credits and rebates, other common EV incentives may include free parking and unrestricted access to high occupancy commuter lanes on major roadways (“Go Electric”).
When it comes to the cost of running an electric car vs. a gas-powered car, there is no contest.  Electric cars are cheaper to run, averaging about twice the distance on each dollar spent (Anderson).  With gas prices tripling between 2006 and 2008 (Anderson) and the current average price for a gallon of gas in our local area holding steady at around $3.00, it’s no wonder people are eager to find a more affordable alternative.  With the average American paying less than 12 cents per kilowatt hour for electricity, charging an EV would cost approximately $1.50 per day, compared to filling up a 30-mile per gallon ICE sedan which would cost about $3.50 per day (Chevrolet).  The cost of maintenance for an EV would be less than a gas-powered car as well.  An EV has about 70% fewer moving parts, which means no oil changes or replacing items such as filters, fuel pumps, alternators, etc. (Anderson). 
The modern day electric cars have come a long way from their predecessors, which were all very similar to the Smart Car.  In the new millennium, no one has to sacrifice style, functionality, or the joy of a good driving experience if they also want to stay true to their conscience and buy a car that is ecologically sensible.  There are already lots of different EV options out there for every type of buyer – from the little Nissan LEAF for commuters to the very luxurious and sporty Tesla Roadster for the more affluent consumer (“Go Electric”), and everything in between.  “People don’t want to sacrifice anything, including style, to own an efficient car,” says Franz von Holzhausen, Chief Designer of the Tesla Model S Roadster (“Go Electric”).  In his book, Electric and Hybrid Cars, A History, Curtis Anderson said it best when he said that cars have been “interwoven into our society … and both support and are shaped by the energy industry,” and that this is “an exciting time for developing new, cleaner technology for a positive approach to transportation and energy.”  It is clear that there is still much work to be done, but electric vehicles have a promising future.  The development of modern EV technology has finally produced a feasible alternative to the standard gas-powered vehicle that is efficient, convenient, cost effective, and stylish.  Once people learn what the EV revolution is really all about and how much it can benefit them, even the skeptics might just be won over.



Works Cited
“2011 Chevy Aveo Compact Car Family / Hatchback & Sedan / Chevrolet.com.”  2011 Cars, SUVs, Trucks, Crossovers & Vans / Chevrolet.  Web.  21 Nov. 2010. <http://www.chevrolet.com/pages/open/default/family/aveo.do>.
“2011 Honda Civic Coupe Overview - Official Site.”  Honda Cars - New and Certified Used Cars from American Honda.  Web.  21 Nov. 2010.  <http://automobiles.honda.com/civic-coupe/>.
Anderson, Curtis D., and Judy Anderson.  “The Birth of the Automobile Industry.”  Introduction. Electric and Hybrid Cars:  a History.  Second ed.  Jefferson, NC:  McFarland, 2010.  3. Print.
“Chevrolet Dealer Locator Is a Seattle Chevrolet Dealer and a New Car and Used Car Seattle WA Chevrolet Dealership.”  Chevrolet Dealer Locator / Local Area Chevrolet Dealers.  Web.  19 Nov. 2010. <http://www.chevydealer.com/MiscPage_D?cs:a:i=lslp_banner_
            chevyvolt&gclid=CLeJsPu8raUCFQo65Qodc1X5aw>.
“Electric Cars:  Planet Green - Features.”  Planet Green:  Sustainable Living, Energy Conservation, Earth Day.  Web.  22 Nov. 2010.  <http://planetgreen.discovery.com/
            feature/electric-cars/>.
“Go Electric.”  Tesla Motors / Premium Electric Vehicles.  14 Oct. 2010.  Web.  19 Nov. 2010. <http://www.teslamotors.com/>.
Knepp, Rex.  “NRG Energy Announces Electric Car Charging Network for Houston - Houston Energy Industry / Examiner.com.”  Detroit Examiner.com.  19 Nov. 2010.  Web.  19 Nov. 2010.  <http://www.examiner.com/energy-industry-in-houston/nrg-energy-announces-electric-car-charging-network-for-houston>.
LaMonica, Martin.  “Survey Hints at Strong Demand for Electric Cars / Green Tech - CNET News.”  Technology News - CNET News.  14 Jan. 2010.  Web.  06 Dec. 2010. <http://news.cnet.com/8301-11128_3-10434801-54.html>.
Mason, Lynne.  “How Are Electric Powered Cars Fueled with Coal Better than the One I’m Driving?”  Electric Cars Are for Girls.  Web.  04 Dec. 2010.  <http://www.electric-cars-are-for-girls.com/electric-powered-cars.html>.
Michigan to Get 5,300 Charging Stations for Electric Cars.”  PhysOrg.com - Science News, Technology, Physics, Nanotechnology, Space Science, Earth Science, Medicine.  13 Oct. 2010.  Web.  22 Nov. 2010.  <http://www.physorg.com/news/2010-10-michigan-5300-stations-electric-cars.html>.
“Nissan LEAF Electric Car.”  Nissan Cars, Hybrid, Trucks, Crossovers, SUVs / Year-End Sales Event / Nissan USA.  Web.  19 Nov. 2010.  <http://www.nissanusa.com/leaf-electric-car/index#/leaf-electric-car/index>.
Williams, David.  London ‘to Become Europe’s Electric Car Capital’ - Telegraph.”  Telegraph.co.uk - Telegraph Online, Daily Telegraph and Sunday Telegraph - Telegraph.  9 Nov. 2010.  Web.  22 Nov. 2010.  <http://www.telegraph.co.uk/motoring/green-motoring/8120310/London-to-become-Europes-electric-car-capital.html>.

Monday, November 22, 2010

Essay 4 Rough Draft So Far ... Not complete

Why Not Buy An Electric Vehicle?
            Many people don’t realize that electric vehicles have been around since the early 1900’s and when they were first introduced they were serious competitors with the steam and combustible engine vehicles of their day (Anderson).  Experimenting with EV (electric vehicle) technology took a back seat with the onset of the depression and then World War II; and with the prosperous post-war economy, Americans were not focused on saving energy.  In the 1950’s, the US interstate highway system was created and electric cars could not meet the needs of distance travelers, especially since oil and gasoline were so abundant and inexpensive at the time.  It wasn’t until after the mid 20th century that people began to think about electric cars again as a possible solution to the growing concern over air quality, then again around the millennium when air pollution’s role in global warming became evident (Anderson).  Recently, the oil crisis and more federal money made available to sponsor EV and hybrid technology research has brought the long awaited arrival of electric automobiles being produced and sold by major automobile makers and purchased and driven by the general public – a present day reality.      
            Despite the many profound technological advances in EV technology, many people are still hesitant to invest in an electric car.  Meanwhile, the hybrid vehicle, a seemingly more marketable option, has become a growing trend.  Electric vehicles do have a following, however.  Some forward thinking consumers who have the environment’s best interest in mind have gone electric and the concept has been catching on across the U.S. and even more so in other countries around the world, primarily in Europe.  Despite the myths, the electric car is an up-and-coming, feasible alternative to the gas-powered vehicle.  Unbeknownst to most American consumers, there are many advantages of owning a modern electric vehicle including their contribution to a healthier planet, convenience, overall cost effectiveness, and even great style – definitely an option worth serious consideration when shopping for a new vehicle.
Perhaps the biggest argument against EV technology is the convenience factor, including limited range and power and the lack of an infrastructure that supports the public’s access to charging an EV battery.  Admittedly, the biggest challenge facing the EV industry has always been the limited distance some electric cars can be driven before their batteries need to be charged, compared to gasoline powered cars and even hybrid vehicles that only need a fill-up once or twice a week.  Commuter cars such as the Honda Civic can go for an average of about 330 miles before the gas tank hits the empty mark (2011 Honda), and the Chevy Aveo can go for about 350 miles (2011 Chevy).  While it’s true that Nissan’s new EV, the LEAF, requires recharging after traveling about 100 miles, the cost to charge its battery three or four times to travel the same 350 miles would still only be a fraction of the price of the gas, ,and can be as simple as plugging in overnight while everyone is asleep, just like a cell phone.  Some high end EV models, such as the Tesla Roadster, can go for 245 miles per charge (“Go Electric”).
Europe is the leader in providing infrastructure to support electric vehicles so far (Williams), but it is catching on here in America too.  In Houston, Texas, for instance, NRG Energy recently introduced a network of 150 public charging stations at various retail and business locations throughout the city and Houston suburbs (Knepp).  People can top off while shopping at Walgreens or Best Buy.  A third of the stations are capable of fully charging an EV in 30 minutes.  Others may choose to charge up while at work.  NRG Energy is offering its customers a deal – for just $49 per month, on a 3-year contract, the company will provide a 240-volt home charging station plus unlimited access to network stations and includes unlimited electricity (Knepp).  In Michigan, over 5,300 charging stations will be installed, some solar powered, with the release of the new Chevy Volt; and Chevy plans to open 1,500 new charging stations at Chevy dealerships across the U.S (“Michigan…”).
Paragraph 3.  Opponent argument.  Refute.
Section 2 – Earth Friendly:  1) Battery recycling (refute).  2) Coal burning to provide electricity (refute w/still less pollution/global warming effect than gas). 3) New gas car technology closing gap and improving their emissions output etc (refute w/limited fossil fuels available and dependence on foreign oil).
Paragraph 1.  Opponent argument.  Refute.
Paragraph 2.  Opponent argument.  Refute.
Paragraph 3.  Opponent argument.  Refute.
Section 3 – Cost-Effectiveness:  1) High initial cost (refute).  2) Cost to charge (refute).  3) Cost to maintain (refute).
Paragraph 1.  Opponent argument.  Refute. 
Paragraph 2.  Opponent argument.  Refute. 
Paragraph 3.  Opponent argument.  Refute. 
Section 4 – Style.  1) Look (refute).  2) Joy/Speed (refute).  3) Functionality for work & play (refute). 
Paragraph 1.  Opponent argument.  Refute.
Paragraph 2.  Opponent argument.  Refute.
Paragraph 3.  Opponent argument.  Refute.
Conclusion Paragraph.  “This an exciting time for developing new, cleaner technology for a positive approach to transportation and energy” (Anderson).  Cars have fascinated us since the 1800’s and have been used for work, leisure, prestige, and entertainment (Anderson).  Cars have been “interwoven into our society” and “both support and are shaped by the energy industry” (Anderson).  “Styles reflect personality and the versatility of our functional needs.”



Works Cited
"EPRI-NRDC Definitive Study: PHEVs Will Reduce Reduce Emissions If Broadly Adopted." California Cars Initiative for Plug-In Hybrids. Ed. Healther L. Hansen and Clay Perry. 19 July 2007. Web. 15 Nov. 2010. <http://www.calcars.org/calcars-news/797.html>.
Knepp, Rex. "NRG Energy Announces Electric Car Charging Network for Houston - Houston Energy Industry | Examiner.com." Detroit Examiner.com. 19 Nov. 2010. Web. 19 Nov. 2010. <http://www.examiner.com/energy-industry-in-houston/nrg-energy-announces-electric-car-charging-network-for-houston>.
Anderson, Curtis D., and Judy Anderson. "The Birth of the Automobile Industry." Introduction. Electric and Hybrid Cars: a History. Second ed. Jefferson, NC: McFarland, 2010. 3. Print.
"Nissan LEAF Electric Car." Nissan Cars, Hybrid, Trucks, Crossovers, SUVs | Year-End Sales Event | Nissan USA. Web. 19 Nov. 2010. <http://www.nissanusa.com/leaf-electric-car/index#/leaf-electric-car/index>.
"Chevrolet Dealer Locator Is a Seattle Chevrolet Dealer and a New Car and Used Car Seattle WA Chevrolet Dealership." Chevrolet Dealer Locator | Local Area Chevrolet Dealers. Web. 19 Nov. 2010. <http://www.chevydealer.com/MiscPage_D?cs:a:i=lslp_banner_chevyvolt&gclid=CLeJsPu8raUCFQo65Qodc1X5aw>.
"Go Electric." Tesla Motors | Premium Electric Vehicles. 14 Oct. 2010. Web. 19 Nov. 2010. <http://www.teslamotors.com/>.
"2011 Honda Civic Coupe Overview - Official Site." Honda Cars - New and Certified Used Cars from American Honda. Web. 21 Nov. 2010. <http://automobiles.honda.com/civic-coupe/>.
"2011 Chevy Aveo Compact Car Family | Hatchback & Sedan | Chevrolet.com." 2011 Cars, SUVs, Trucks, Crossovers & Vans | Chevrolet. Web. 21 Nov. 2010. <http://www.chevrolet.com/pages/open/default/family/aveo.do>.
Williams, David. "London 'to Become Europe's Electric Car Capital' - Telegraph." Telegraph.co.uk - Telegraph Online, Daily Telegraph and Sunday Telegraph - Telegraph. 9 Nov. 2010. Web. 22 Nov. 2010. <http://www.telegraph.co.uk/motoring/green-motoring/8120310/London-to-become-Europes-electric-car-capital.html>.
"Michigan to Get 5,300 Charging Stations for Electric Cars." PhysOrg.com - Science News, Technology, Physics, Nanotechnology, Space Science, Earth Science, Medicine. 13 Oct. 2010. Web. 22 Nov. 2010. <http://www.physorg.com/news/2010-10-michigan-5300-stations-electric-cars.html>.

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

Essay 4 - More links for sources / research

Tesla web site / info about electric cars and the environment:

http://www.teslamotors.com/goelectric/environment


to refute argument of "why not buy a hybrid vehicle instead?"

http://www.teslamotors.com/goelectric/efficiency



Incentives for going electric:

Common EV incentives include tax credits, rebates, free parking, and unrestricted access to high occupancy commuter lanes on major roadways.
http://www.teslamotors.com/goelectric/incentives


"People don't want to sacrifice anything, including style, to own an efficient car."  Franz von Holzhausen, Chief Designer, Tesla Model S Roadster

http://www.teslamotors.com/models


Tesla Model S Roadsters starting price $101,500.00!!!  Woah!!!!!

https://www.teslamotors.com/own


A more down-to-earth model:  The Chevy Volt
starting price $33,500 -- definitely more reasonable!!:

"Electricity is an extremely affordable way to power a car - the average American pays less than 12 cents per kilowatt hour. Most people can commute gas-free and tailpipe emissions-free for about $1.50 of electricity per day.3 And that can add up to big savings."

http://www.chevydealer.com/MiscPage_D?cs:a:i=lslp_banner_chevyvolt&gclid=CNjf_8yTqKUCFQo65QodpCjO7Q


2011 Chevrolet Volt


A book on electric and hybrid cars found on google books  "Electric and Hybrid Cars, A History, 2nd Edition":

http://books.google.com/books?id=vfZceT8LpYoC&pg=PA1&lpg=PA1&dq=electric+cars&source=bll&ots=bVMUGQflv-&sig=ama7zyvKONpQp8FmP_rxB3XeLaQ&hl=en&ei=7PLjTOWFK8X6lweqkdy8DQ&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=18&ved=0CIIBEOgBMBE#v=onepage&q&f=false

p. 10 paragraph 2 -- summary of history of electric cars 20s to milleneum

Monday, November 15, 2010

Essay 4 Preliminary Outline & Questions

Why Not Buy An Electric Car?
Intro Paragraph:  Electric cars, once thought to be an idea for the future, have become a present day reality.  The fossile fuel crisis and concern for the environment have forced automobile makers to seek alternatives to gasoline and diesel-fueled cars.  Many countries are implementing charge stations and electric car purchases are increasing (***); however, many people are still hesitant to invest in an electric vehicle.  It’s too different.  Hybrids have become trendy.  Many people think of the electric car as ….; however, the electric cars of today are greatly improved….  Thesis Statement:  If consumers are interested in doing their part to help the environment, the electric car is an alternative that is environmentally friendly, convenient, and cost effective, despite the myths.
Section #1 - Paragraph #1:  Range/Charging/Convenience – Opponent’s viewpoint. 
Section #1 - Paragraph #2:  Refute.
Section #2 - Paragraph #1:  Pollution – Opponent’s viewpoint. 
Section #2 - Paragraph #2:  Refute.
Section #3 - Paragraph #1:  Cost (Initial cost/cost to charge/cost to maintain) – Opponents viewpoint. 
Section #3 - Paragraph #2:  Refute. 
Section #4 - Paragraph #1:  Don't have to sacrifice style & speed & joy of driving - Opponents viewpoint.
Section #4 - Paragraph #2:  Refute.
Conclusion paragraph.

Questions:
  • A brief history / interesting facts regarding electric cars of the past?
http://books.google.com/books?id=vfZceT8LpYoC&pg=PA1&lpg=PA1&dq=electric+cars&source=bll&ots=bVMUGQflv-&sig=ama7zyvKONpQp8FmP_rxB3XeLaQ&hl=en&ei=7PLjTOWFK8X6lweqkdy8DQ&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=18&ved=0CIIBEOgBMBE#v=onepage&q&f=false
  • Any major auto makers currently producing electric cars?  Which ones?
EVs:  Nissan Leaf, Chevy Volt, Tesla (high end), ..........
Populary Hybrids:  Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, and some SUV's like Toyota Highlander, Chevy Tahoe
  • How much do they cost to buy?
Tesla starts at $101,500.  Chevy Volt $33,500.  Nissan Leaf $27,280.

http://www.nissanusa.com/leaf-electric-car/index#/leaf-electric-car/index

http://www.chevydealer.com/MiscPage_D?cs:a:i=lslp_banner_chevyvolt&gclid=CLeJsPu8raUCFQo65Qodc1X5aw

http://www.teslamotors.com/
  • What is the average cost to maintain (maintenance/repairs/charging)?
Maintenance:  70% fewer moving parts, which means less maintenance = less cost.  "No oil changes or replacing items such as filters, fuel pumps, alternators, and the like."  (book).
Chevy Volt offers 8 yr/100000 mi battery warranty.
Charging:  $1.50 per day electric / no gas. (***).  From Tesla web site:

  • Are there other incentives (taxes, etc)?
Yes.  Rebates.  Tax credits.  HOV lane access. (***)
  • How are they charged?  Is it inconvenient/not feasible?
***
  • What is the distance and speed an electric car can go once fully charged?
  • Do electric cars really help reduce pollution and America's dependency on foreign oil / fossil fuels?  Evidence/Research?
  • Can the batteries be recycled?
  • What do modern day electric cars look like?  Are they still tiny and ugly like they used to be?

Why buy an electric car?

Exploring the topic of buying an electric car ... still a new concept, but one definitely worth looking into.

Found a link with some info to research (as a starting point) ...

http://planetgreen.discovery.com/feature/electric-cars/

http://gas2.org/2010/01/12/11-practical-reasons-to-buy-an-electric-car/

Monday, November 8, 2010

Essay 3 Revision: Schizophrenia

Melodi L. Haller
Dr. Ken Kerr
EN101-5
November 4, 2010
Schizophrenia
            Mark Vonnegut, the now 63-year-old son of Kurt Vonnegut, a renowned 20th century American writer and artist (Reed), is a pediatrician and Harvard Medical School graduate (Gatehouse).  He is married with children and has just completed his latest memoir, Just Like Someone Without Mental Illness Only More So (Gatehouse), where he discusses how he has coped with his illness and reveals details of his childhood and telling genetic history.  Mark was diagnosed with Schizophrenia in 1971 when he was just 23 and is one of the rare individuals who has managed to live a relatively productive, successful, and happy life despite his condition (Gatehouse).  Not everyone diagnosed with schizophrenia is as fortunate as Mark.  Typically diagnosed in early adulthood, schizophrenia is a severe and debilitating mental illness with little known cause, the symptoms of which can go undetected or unreported for years.  Without an early diagnosis or proper and consistent treatment, Schizophrenia worsens over time, often leading to repeated, potentially dangerous mental breakdowns, homelessness, or suicide.
            Early signs of the condition may seem mild at first which makes early diagnosis and intervention difficult.  Initially, family members, friends, or co-workers might notice unusual behavior such as the loss of friends, poor grades in school, trouble trusting people, or odd ways of communicating (“Schizophrenia/Disorders”).  The person hearing voices or hallucinating may be afraid to tell anyone.  While symptoms usually increase over a period of 3 to 5 years, sometimes they begin suddenly over the course of only a few weeks (Zieman).  The affected individual may begin to have paranoid delusions, think that he has some type of special status such as Martians talking to him for example, or may see or feel objects or people that are not there (Zieman).  The symptoms are terrifying and can cause the afflicted to become unresponsive, agitated, and withdrawn (“Schizophrenia/Disorders”).  In its initial stages, symptoms of the disease affect how one thinks and feels and quickly spills out to observably odd behavior.
            If not treated, the disease can interfere with the individual’s day-to-day functioning and lead to the loss of one’s job, relationships, and dignity.  People with schizophrenia have trouble distinguishing reality from fantasy, expressing and managing normal emotions, and making decisions.  According to the National Alliance for Research on Schizophrenia and Depression, paranoid schizophrenics usually have “feelings of extreme suspicion, persecution or grandiosity, or a combination of these” (“Schizophrenia/Disorders”).  Disorganized schizophrenics have incoherent thoughts but are not necessarily delusional.  Catatonic schizophrenics withdraw and isolate themselves.  Residual schizophrenics simply tend to lose their motivation or interest in life (“Schizophrenia/Disorders”).  Other symptoms of schizophrenia include:  psychomotor problems such as clumsiness, unusual mannerisms, or repetitive actions; inability to initiate or follow through on plans; neglecting personal hygiene and grooming; and problems with attention and memory (“Schizophrenia/Disorders”).  A psychotic episode or suicide attempt may land them in the hospital or in police custody.  Multiple relapses and remission cycles are common (“Schizophrenia/Disorders”).  While there is no cure for schizophrenia, it is treatable and manageable with medication and psychotherapy, especially if diagnosed early and treated continuously.  However, many patients aren’t consistent in taking their medication due to the long list of negative side effects, which can eventually have severe and tragic consequences.
Inpatient hospitalizations, homelessness, and suicide are all sadly prevalent outcomes of the disease when untreated.  People with schizophrenia may not be able to hold onto a job or pay a mortgage, resulting in homelessness.  According to Treatment Advocacy Center in Alexandria Virginia, in 2004, approximately 200,000 individuals with schizophrenia or manic-depressive illness were homeless in the U.S., about one-third of the total homeless population, and approximately 90,000 were in hospitals receiving treatment (“Facts”).  It is estimated that approximately 10% of people with schizophrenia commit suicide in the first 10 years of the illness (“Schizophrenia/Disorders”).  Depression, which may also lead to drug and alcohol abuse, is also very common in schizophrenics; this makes the disease more difficult or impossible to treat.  However, research is being done to find markers, such as abnormal brain scans, that can help detect the disease early, allowing for quicker interventions (“Schizophrenia/Disorders”) and providing some hope to those affected.  In his interview with Mark Vonnegut, Jonathan Gatehouse reports “Vonnegut sees progress.  In the public sphere, society has become more accepting of mental illness in the decades since he wrote his first memoir” (Gatehouse); and “he hopes for more improvement.”  Vonnegut says “One positive change would be taking the focus off hair-splitting diagnoses and putting it on patient care.”
            Schizophrenia is almost always a lifelong disorder (Zieman), and “going crazy is … a destructive process” says Vonnegut.  Schizophrenia is a complex and devastating disease that researchers are working toward curing.  Physicians and scientists have made great strides these past few years in learning more about the causes and effects of the disease using PET scans and MRIs to detect abnormalities in the brains of schizophrenic patients (Zieman).  The bottom line is that if patients are diagnosed early enough and are consistently receiving the proper treatment, it is possible for them to lead relatively stable and productive lives. 


Works Cited
Fact and Statistics.” Schizophrenia.com, In-depth Schizophrenia Information and Support. 2004. Web. 28 Oct. 2010. <http://www.schizophrenia.com/szfacts.htm>.
Gatehouse, Jonathon. “Escaping the Strait Jacket.” MAS Ultra - School Edition. EBSCOhost, 18 Oct. 2010. Web. 26 Oct. 2010.  <http://http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?
direct=true&db=ulh&jid=MAC&site=src-live>.
Reed, Peter. "Kurt Vonnegut." Vonnegut.com -- The Official Website of Kurt Vonnegut. 2007. Web. 26 Oct. 2010. <http://www.kurtvonnegut.com/artist.asp>.
“Schizophrenia / Disorders / NARSAD.” Narsad / The Brain and Behavior Research Fund. Sept. 2010. Web. 26 Oct. 2010. <http://www.narsad.org/?q=node/9/disorder#fragment-2>.
“Schizophrenia.”  Columbia Encyclopedia. EBSCOhost. Web. 16 Oct. 2010. <http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=umh&AN=IXBschizoph&site=src-live>.
Zieman, Ph.D., Gayle. Schizophrenia in Children and Teens. Publication no. 36255587. EBSCOhost. Web. 26 Oct. 2010. <http://search.ebscohost.com/login.
aspx?direct=true&db=hxh&AN=36255587&site=src-live>

Monday, November 1, 2010

Checking the Credibility of Sources Workshop (for Essay 3)

Monday, November 1st - Class Workshop - Checking the Credibility of Sources
Directions: 
  1. Determine the credibility of each source (i.e., author identified, publication date, sponsoring organization biased or balanced?, primary or secondary source).
  2. Explain why.
  3. Will you keep this source?

Works Cited
Fact and Statistics.” Schizophrenia.com, In-depth Schizophrenia Information and Support. 2004. Web. 28 Oct. 2010. http://www.schizophrenia.com/szfacts.htm.
This source is probably not a good primary source but probably is credible.  The author of the specific page/information listed is not identified.  There is no specific publication date listed.  I am unsure if the sponsoring organization is biased or balanced.  It seems balanced because it is a nonprofit organization that provides the reader with information and statistics to inform them about schizophrenia (its main purpose) and they use "good sources of scientifically accurate materials relating to schizophrenia and frequently consult with an ever growing group of schizophrenia researchers who act as unofficial advisors to the site" and "schizophrenia researchers who help on an unofficial basis by answering our questions and occasionally providing feedback on different areas of the site."  This source is a secondary source with almost all of its information coming from other sources (which are listed/linked).  It seems to be a good place to start for general information where I can go directly to the sources they use which are probably primary sources.  I would keep this as a source for my essay, but should not quote it.
 
Gatehouse, Jonathon. “Escaping the Strait Jacket.” MAS Ultra - School Edition. EBSCOhost, 18 Oct. 2010. Web. 26 Oct. 2010.  http://http//search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=ulh&jid=MAC&site=src-live.
This is a good credible primary source, although I cannot get to the article by clicking on the link provided since I found it on EBSCOhost which is a database that you need to provide a password for to get into.  I don't think I cited it correctly.  The author is identified (Jonathon Gatehouse).  A publication date is given (October 18, 2010).  The magazine that it was originally published in (McLean's) is apparently a well known news magazine in Canada, then published on-line in the EBSCOhost database, which is an unbiased source.  It is a primary source since it is an interview with the individual who is the subject of the article and who is highlighted in my essay.  I would keep this as a source for my essay, but I need to figure out how to properly cite it in my paper.

Reed, Peter. "Kurt Vonnegut." Vonnegut.com -- The Official Website of Kurt Vonnegut. 2007. Web. 26 Oct. 2010. http://www.kurtvonnegut.com/artist.asp.
This source is not a primary but still a credible source.  The author is identified.  The publication date is not identified.  I am unsure of whether or not the sponsoring organization is biased or unbiased.  It provides information about the subject of my essay, but the information I used on the web site was actually reprinted from another article, the source of which is cited on the web site; so I suppose that makes this a secondary source, not a primary source.  I would keep this as a source for my essay or look up the primary source given and use that instead.

“Schizophrenia / Disorders / NARSAD.” Narsad / The Brain and Behavior Research Fund. Sept. 2010. Web. 26 Oct. 2010. http://www.narsad.org/?q=node/9/disorder#fragment-2.
This is probably a credible source, but not a primary source.  The author is not identified.  The publication date is not identified.  The sponsoring organization is likely biased since they are trying to raise funds for their research - which is the research/information they provide on the web site.  I would keep this as a source, but recognize that it may be biased.

“Schizophrenia.”  Columbia Encyclopedia. EBSCOhost. Web. 16 Oct. 2010. http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=umh&AN=IXBschizoph&site=src-live.
This is a good credible primary source, although I cannot get to the article by clicking on the link provided since I found it on EBSCOhost which is a database that you need to provide a password for to get into.  I don't think I cited it correctly.  The author is not identified.  The publication date is identified (October 16, 2010).  The sponsoring organization is unbiased since it is a research database.  It is a primary source.  I would keep this as a source in my essay.

Zieman, Ph.D., Gayle. Schizophrenia in Children and Teens. Publication no. 36255587. EBSCOhost. Web. 26 Oct. 2010. http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=hxh&AN=36255587&site=src-live.
This is a good credible source and I would keep it as a source for my essay.  I may need to correctly cite it.

Essay 3: Schizophrenia

Melodi L. Haller
Dr. Ken Kerr
EN101-5
October 28, 2010
Schizophrenia
            Mark Vonnegut, the now 63-year-old son of Kurt Vonnegut, a renowned 20th century American writer and artist (Reed), is a pediatrician and Harvard Medical School graduate (Gatehouse).  He is married with children and has just completed his latest memoir, Just Like Someone Without Mental Illness Only More So (Gatehouse), where he discusses how he has coped with his illness and reveals details of his childhood and telling genetic history.  Mark was diagnosed with Schizophrenia in 1971 when he was just 23 and is one of the rare individuals whom as managed to live a relatively productive, successful, and happy life despite his condition (Gatehouse).  Not everyone diagnosed with schizophrenia is as fortunate as Mark.  Typically diagnosed in early adulthood, schizophrenia is a severe and debilitating mental illness with little known cause, the symptoms of which can go undetected or unreported for years.  Without an early diagnosis or proper and consistent treatment, Schizophrenia worsens over time, often leading to repeated, potentially dangerous mental breakdowns, homelessness, or suicide.
            Early signs of the condition may seem mild at first which makes early diagnosis and intervention difficult.  Initially, family members, friends, or co-workers might notice unusual behavior such as the loss of friends, poor grades in school, trouble trusting people, or odd ways of communicating (Schizophrenia / Disorders).  The person hearing voices or hallucinating may be afraid to tell anyone.  While symptoms usually increase over a period of 3 to 5 years, sometimes they begin suddenly over the course of only a few weeks (Zieman).  He or she will begin to have paranoid delusions or think that they have some type of special status, “like Martians talking to them” (Zieman).  The affected individual may see or feel objects or people that are not there (Zieman).  The symptoms are “terrifying to those afflicted and can make them unresponsive, agitated or withdrawn” (Schizophrenia / Disorders).  In its initial stages, symptoms of the disease affect how one thinks and feels and quickly spills out to observably odd behavior.
            If not treated, the disease can interfere with the individual’s day-to-day functioning and lead to the loss of one’s job, relationships, and dignity.  People with schizophrenia have trouble distinguishing reality from fantasy, expressing and managing normal emotions, and making decisions.  Paranoid schizophrenics usually have feelings of “extreme suspicion, persecution or grandiosity, or a combination of these” (Schizophrenia / Disorders).  Disorganized schizophrenics have incoherent thoughts but are not necessarily delusional.  Catatonic schizophrenics withdraw and isolate themselves.  Residual schizophrenics simply tend to lose their motivation or interest in life (Schizophrenia / Disorders).  Other symptoms of schizophrenia include:  psychomotor problems such as clumsiness, unusual mannerisms, or repetitive actions; inability to initiate or follow through on plans; neglecting personal hygiene and grooming; and problems with attention and memory (Schizophrenia / Disorders).  A psychotic episode or suicide attempt may land them in the hospital or in police custody.  Multiple relapses and remission cycles are common (Schizophrenia / Disorders) and, while there is no cure for schizophrenia, it is treatable and manageable with medication and psychotherapy, especially if diagnosed early and treated continuously.  However, many patients aren’t consistent in taking their medication due to the long list of negative side affects, which can eventually have severe and tragic consequences.
Inpatient hospitalizations, homelessness, and suicide are all sadly prevalent outcomes of the disease when untreated.  People with schizophrenia may not be able to hold onto a job or pay a mortgage, resulting in homelessness.  According to Treatment Advocacy Center in Alexandria Virginia, in 2004, approximately 200,000 individuals with schizophrenia or manic-depressive illness were homeless in the U.S., about one-third of the total homeless population, and approximately 90,000 were in hospitals receiving treatment (“Facts”).  It is estimated that approximately 10% of people with schizophrenia commit suicide in the first 10 years of the illness (Schizophrenia / Disorders).  Depression, which may also lead to drug and alcohol abuse, is also very common in schizophrenics which makes the disease more difficult or impossible to treat.  However, research is being done to find markers, such as abnormal brain scans, that can help detect the disease early, allowing for quicker interventions (Schizophrenia / Disorders) and providing some hope to those affected.  In his interview with Mark Vonnegut, Jonathan Gatehouse reports “Vonnegut sees progress.  In the public sphere, society has become more accepting of mental illness in the decades since he wrote his first memoir” (Gatehouse); and “he hopes for more improvement.”  Vonnegut says “One positive change would be taking the focus off hair-splitting diagnoses and putting it on patient care.”
            Schizophrenia is almost always a life long disorder (Zieman), and “going crazy is … a destructive process” says Vonnegut.  Schizophrenia is a complex and devastating disease that researchers are working toward curing.  Physicians and scientists have made great strides these past few years in learning more about the causes and effects of the disease using PET scans and MRIs to detect abnormalities in the brains of schizophrenic patients (Zieman).  The bottom line is that if patients are diagnosed early enough and are consistently receiving the proper treatment, it is possible for them to lead relatively stable and productive lives. 


Works Cited
Fact and Statistics.” Schizophrenia.com, In-depth Schizophrenia Information and Support. 2004. Web. 28 Oct. 2010. <http://www.schizophrenia.com/szfacts.htm>.
Gatehouse, Jonathon. “Escaping the Strait Jacket.” MAS Ultra - School Edition. EBSCOhost, 18 Oct. 2010. Web. 26 Oct. 2010.  <http://http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?
direct=true&db=ulh&jid=MAC&site=src-live>.
Reed, Peter. "Kurt Vonnegut." Vonnegut.com -- The Official Website of Kurt Vonnegut. 2007. Web. 26 Oct. 2010. <http://www.kurtvonnegut.com/artist.asp>.
“Schizophrenia / Disorders / NARSAD.” Narsad / The Brain and Behavior Research Fund. Sept. 2010. Web. 26 Oct. 2010. <http://www.narsad.org/?q=node/9/disorder#fragment-2>.
“Schizophrenia.”  Columbia Encyclopedia. EBSCOhost. Web. 16 Oct. 2010. <http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=umh&AN=IXBschizoph&site=src-live>.
Zieman, Ph.D., Gayle. Schizophrenia in Children and Teens. Publication no. 36255587. EBSCOhost. Web. 26 Oct. 2010. <http://search.ebscohost.com/login.
aspx?direct=true&db=hxh&AN=36255587&site=src-live>

Monday, October 18, 2010

Essay 3 Pre-Writing Process

Possible topic for Cause/Effect Analysis Essay (Essay #3):

Going along with the word "fear" from the song:  How Schitzophrenia manifests itself - from before symptoms arise to becoming a condition that completely interferes in one's life.


To Research:

-Definition of Schitzophrenia.
-How Schitzophrenia directly relates to "fear."
-Statistics/facts about Schitzophrenia and/or someone's story/case study.
-Early symptoms of Schitzophrenia.
-Causes of Schitzophrenia.
-Steps/process one goes through when he/she has Schitzophrenia.
-What is the end result / what does Schitzophrenia do to a person's life when fully manifested?


Outline:

Intro Paragraph & Thesis:  Facts about Schitzophrenia (statistics).

Body Paragraph #1:  Define Schitzophrenia.  Explain how relates to fear.  Before symptoms begin / Predispositions / Causes.

Body Paragraph #2:  Early symptoms.

Body Paragraph #3:  Obvious symptoms and outcomes of Schitzophrenia.

Conclusion Paragraph:  Ultimate result of Schitzophrenia in someone's life.  Restate 3 points.  Closing remarks.

Wednesday, October 6, 2010

Essay 2: Driving Your Own Car to Work vs. Carpooling

Driving Your Own Car to Work vs. Carpooling
            For many Frederick County residents, commuting 1-2 hours a day to get to and from their DC area jobs is the norm.  According to one Washington Post poll, “Washington-area residents spend nearly twice as long getting to work as people in the rest of the nation. They also get stuck in traffic jams three times more often than commuters in the rest of the country” (Ginsburg).  Yet, most commuters in our area still prefer to drive themselves to work.  When weighing the option to either drive yourself to work or carpool, it would be smart to consider the benefits and drawbacks of both, as well as to take an inventory of how each option fits your priorities, goals, and preferences. 
            A carpool is made up of two or more people who share a ride.  The obvious benefits of carpooling include reduced traffic congestion and improved air quality; while some of the more personal benefits of carpooling are:  being able to relax or read while someone else drives, saving on the cost of gas, reducing wear and tear on your vehicle, and obtaining possible discounts on auto insurance (“Transportation Options”).  It is also most likely to be faster, cheaper, cleaner, and less crowded than public transportation (Zimmerman).  Recently, the Internet has made it easier to connect with locals that want to share a ride.  Disadvantages of carpooling may include:  having to ride with strangers (or putting yourself out there and making the effort to meet new people), not having the freedom to run errands on the way home if needed, and having to remember carpool etiquette (Zimmerman).  People sharing rides typically live and/or work near each other and have a similar work schedule – which could be difficult to arrange (Yeager).  One disadvantage of being a carpool driver is the potential legal action from passengers in the case of an accident.  Although most metropolitan area carpool organizations these days offer a “guaranteed ride home” service of some sort (“Transportation Options”), you would need to find alternate transportation on a day when your carpool driver is sick or on vacation.
            Driving one’s own vehicle, the preferred method of getting where you need to go for decades now, has plenty of its own advantages and disadvantages of course.  Advantages of driving yourself include:  being in control of where you go and at what speed, the ability to have a conversation on speaker phone (hands-free, mind you) without having to worry about annoying or offending other passengers, and the ability to listen to your own music at whichever volume you desire.  An article on Associated Content, a news Website for Yahoo, suggests that drivers may also choose their car over ride sharing because of conflicting schedules, unpredictable overtime, long hours, sudden demands and unexpected deadlines (Nyholm).”  One of the biggest disadvantages of commuting in your own car is the cost.  The average cost of owning and operating a vehicle in 2009 was 54 cents per mile, or over $14,000 per year, according to AAA’s 2009 Edition of Driving Costs as listed on the Commuter Connections Website (“Transportation Options”).  Even so, owning and driving a vehicle is somewhat of an American standard and a right of passage.  Driving is a responsibility people take on with a sense of pride.  Edward McDonagh, a Sociology professor who served as dean of the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences at Ohio State University, was once quoted as saying “The car has become a secular sanctuary for the individual, his shrine to the self, his mobile Walden Pond” (“Driving Quotes”).  People love their cars so much that they are willing to keep on driving despite the expense, the high volume of traffic, and the adverse effects it may have on the planet.    
            Carpooling is definitely more earth-friendly, while driving is obviously more self-satisfying for a multitude of reasons.  It is important to think about where your priorities lie – whether or not you want to make more of an effort to go green, help reduce rush hour congestion, or save a little money and wear and tear on your car; or whether your life dictates that you have the freedom to come and go as you please.  When deciding whether or not carpooling is right for you, it makes sense to explore each option, to compare all of the advantages and disadvantages of both driving yourself and carpooling, and to think about which best fits your lifestyle. 


Works Cited
"Driving Quotes, Sayings about Automobiles, Cars, Traffic, Carpooling, Etc." The Quote Garden - Quotes, Sayings, Quotations, Verses. 9 Sept. 2010. Web. 06 Oct. 2010. <http://www.quotegarden.com/driving.html>.
Ginsburg, Steve and Morin, Rich. "Poll: Washington-Area Commuting Conditions." The Washington Post. Washingtonpost.com, 14 Feb. 2005. Web. 4 Oct. 2010. <http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A17451-2005Feb11.html>.
Nyholm, Christine B. "U. S. Government Statistics: Most Americans Commute to Work Alone." Associated Content - Associatedcontent.com. 11 July 2007. Web. 06 Oct. 2010. <http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/302451/u_s_government_statistics_most_americans.html>.
"Transportation Options: Carpool / Vanpool." Commute Connection. Web. 06 Oct. 2010. <http://www.commuteconnection.com/carpool.htm>.
Yeager, Jeff. "Jeff Says: Slugs Invade Nation's Capital - Planet Green - On TV." Planet Green: Sustainable Living, Energy Conservation, Earth Day. Discovery Channel, 7 July 2008. Web. 06 Oct. 2010. <http://planetgreen.discovery.com/tv/g-word/gword-jeff-blog-slugs.html>.
Zimmerman, Malia, and McWilliams Jay, eds. "Analysis: Carpooling Not Without Drawbacks." Hawaii Reporter. 14 Sept. 2003. Web. 6 Oct. 2010. <http://www.hawaiireporter.com/analysis-carpooling-not-without-drawbacks-2>.