Thursday, September 7, 2017

Identifying Local Opportunities

1)    Title: “Pet owners need a plan; rescue groups say”


Description: This article stresses the importance of keeping your pets as a part of your planning during hurricane Irma, and storms in general. They should come with you if you evacuate, and they should be microchipped in case they get separated from you. Also, the article states that local shelters in Alachua county will be waiving some adoption fees so that they can hopefully clear out room for stray animals during the storm.

Problem: The problem presented in this article is that sometimes people abandon their pets during natural disasters and times of stress, when really they should be prioritizing them just like any other family member. Furthermore, sometimes stray animals are sadly left in the natural elements due to the fact that the shelters don’t have enough room to take them in for the storm.

Who has the problem: The families who fail to plan for their pets have the problem, as well as the pets who are neglected and/or stray.


2)    Title: “US nuclear dump running out of room”


Description: This article stresses that the United states is urgently running out of room to store its nuclear waste from experimental bomb making and nuclear power plants. And even worse, they are quite behind on the plans for building a new expansion facility to store more waste.

Problem: The problem presented in this article is quite clear, and it is that the united states government is running out of room to store their highly radioactive waste. And on top of that, they haven’t made any plans in the near future to expand their facilities. This could be catastrophic in the event of a nuclear war, or if more advanced bombs are needed.

Who has the problem: The united states government has the problem

3)    Title: “Hurricane Irma: Superstorm creates army of fleeing road warriors”


Description: This article discusses the thousands of people from palm beach who are evacuating because of hurricane Irma and the traffic it causes. Many people state that they would rather be safe than sorry, which is obviously understandable. However, since so many people are thinking the same thing, the roads are clogged with cars and it is making going anywhere a struggle.

Problem: The main problem presented in this article is the amount of traffic and backup on the roads in Florida, thus making the trips to anywhere extremely lengthy, but also necessary for some.

Who has the problem: Anyone trying to evacuate from the hurricane.

4)    Title: “Bill aims to pump brakes on Suffolk’s red-light camera program.”


Description: This article describes why Suffolk county legislators on long island are considering ending the red light camera program. Suffolk county is my home county, and I have noticed that Florida does not have red light cameras. Basically, if you run a red light or don’t completely stop before turning right on red, a camera flashes and you will be billed a ticket.

Problem: These red light cameras are potentially dangerous, as I have experienced first-hand due to the fact that they cause drivers to stop extremely short to avoid potentially having to risk running a red light. Although it is a good idea in theory, I and many others feel they may cause more harm than good sometimes.

Who has the problem: Anyone driving in Suffolk county, as well as the legislators since they must decide what to do about this program.

5)    Title: “Environmentalists: E. Quogue golf resort will pollute water”


Description: This article discusses a common issue among environmentalists today, and that is water pollution. On eastern long island, individuals are worried that maintaining a local golf course may possibly contaminate their water supply with pesticides and other chemicals.

Problem: the problem is that the pesticides used to treat the golf course may seep into the ground water supply and make it extremely dangerous to drink.

Who has the problem: East Quogue residents have the problem, and anyone who receives water that may receive runoff from the golf course.


7 comments:

  1. Very well written post. You're third article especially stood out to me. The chaos that seems to always ensue the minute a hurricane or other natural disaster is announced is frankly insane. People in general don't feel the need to prepare until the last minute. I think that if people started preparing sooner, their would not be such chaos. I think you made some good points regarding this idea. Solid work and as always, hope to see more in the future!

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  2. Hey Ben,
    another very well written post! The first article discusses something that really bothers me. It is heartbreaking to hear the stories of families that are evacuating their homes and leave their pets to face the wrath of a hurricane. There have been many viral videos of good Samaritans on boats rescuing dogs that were left behind by their owners when evacuating from Hurricane Harvey. As for your second post, I was completely unaware of that problem but, nonetheless, it is very concerning. One would think that, in current times, when it seems like a nuclear war could break out any day between the U.S. and North Korea, our nuclear waste and stockpiles would be of high concern to the government.
    Great post!

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  3. Hey Ben,

    Thank you for sharing your thoughts in the first article. I cannot stress the fact that people to this day still leave their pets at home during a hurricane. It is inconsiderate and is animal abuse. How can animals survive on their own at home with no water and food fed to them everyday? Sure that animals can adapt to conditions like this, but they are lonely and need attention. Thank you for bringing up this matter!

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  4. Hey Ben, I liked the opportunities you chose. The first article really pulled at my heart strings. It's so sad to see all the animals who are left behind when people evacuate for natural disasters. It's really disappointing that so many people don't think of a plan for their pets. Even if a person can't take their animal with them, they should still consider other options for that pet, such as giving it to a shelter.

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  5. Great post Ben!

    I found that your first article was very interesting and actually sad to hear. I am a dog owner and I couldn't imagine leaving her behind in a time when she would be depending on me the most. I feel that there is definitely an opportunity to raise awareness to those who have pets in times there is a disaster.

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  6. Hey Ben, your first article definitely caught my eye. It is crazy that some people don't even stop and think in a time of chaos to take care of their pets alongside their family. I saw a video recently of a man leaving a dog in the middle of nowhere just to get rid of it before Hurricane Irma. Great job!

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  7. Ben,

    I like the articles you choose, and I really enjoy reading these articles. I didn't even know that the relationship between the golf resort and the environment until I read your last article about the golf and water pollution. The pesticides using is a big issue if it threats the water safety, and people definitely need to pay more attention on this problem.

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