Tow #24 A Better Student

Since the begging of time, humans have been challenged with the chill of the first ice age, the thirst of the first drought, and the heat of the first scorching drought, yet, they have found ways to survive through these times; to obtain greatness in the time of ultimate failure. Once Mount Everest was determined to be the highest summit on earth, it was only a matter of time before humans had decided that Mount Everest needed to be climbed. As Jon Krakauer stated, "That's the human race for you- tell them that something is impossible, and they're only going to try harder to attain it. Still, this is a battle unlike any ever fought." The structure of this book creates suspense and astonishment as to how some individuals went about conquering this battle.
By Jon going into flashbacks while talking about the story, it only created a third dimension to the book. All of which, allowed us to thoroughly see through his perspective, truly taking you onto the summit. The story in its gruesome and descriptive entirety, was very great in capturing every second of the adventure.
The parts that truly captured me was the amount of gruesome descriptions and the true rawness of the book. Having done research on Mountain Everest in the past, the research is nothing compared to the story. It's one thing to tell the factual aspects of the mountain and another to include an objective view. As I am a writer myself, I appreciate details and in-depth thoughts that provokes an imagine that is entertaining and thought provoking to the audience. Because of this book, Into Thin Air, it has inspired me to write and also to read more, something that I had struggled with in the past. APELC has also contributed to inspiring me. Yes, it surely has been a rough, stressful, and emotionally draining road but, it ultimate has made me a much better student. And every time I pick up a book, pencil, or pen, I'll remember that. It's been a great trip APELC, thank you.

Tow #23 Cow Urine

American's are known for having a large amount of love for their cow steak/hamburgers, but is the United Kingdom for cow urine? According to Mid-day articles, "Plastic bottles filled with cow urine, which had been marked for '"religious purposes" were found in several London stores which also happen to be selling food" in close proximity of the cow urine. Although not a lot of native UK people are requiring these products, most Southern Asian Hindu's that happen to live in London are demanding this product. Because it is illegal to consume cow urine in England, the article states their unknowing as to whether it is illegal to have cow urine put on the external body; as they explain how the "Hindu's come to buy it, if a baby is born it may be used during religious ceremony for good luck" and for other external purposes, letting the audience know what kind of religious actives that it could be used for. By first introducing the product and the unusual demand for it to American's it allows others, who aren't living in the UK or aren't Hindu, to understand along with imaging a visual (not that all people would like to imagine others consuming/being covered in urine for religious/everyday events.) And if people were wondering who came up with the religious idea, the author goes even deeper in telling when and who had created the religious action," A Hare Krishna temple in Watford, Bhaktivedanta Manor....sad the temple had been selling cow urine since the early 70's". Once the background is covered, they take a step back about go back to the real issue at the hand; selling these bottles of urine next to food. As the FSA, Foods Standards Agency, said although it is illegal to sell the urine for human consumption, when applied externally it would not be considered food - although it could be subject to other legislation." Now that they doesn't necessarily go cause any illegal consequences when consumers, the court could still charge the stores for having the product particularly close to the premises of the food which would expose them to harmful disease. By picking apart the article one by one, and eventually going into depth then back to the original question, it allows the readers to understand the material easier.

Tow #22 WNS vs Zika

If you think having Zika was bad for humans, can you only imagine what disease animals are going through. To be more specific, what disease bats are now experiencing? March is known for St. Patricks day, but it's also known for having National Bat Day! The Discovery News helps bring some light to bats during this month. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, FWS, announced in late March that a bat was found with the deadly disease, white nose syndrome (WNS). This is extremely bad news and very important as this is now the first time the condition had been seen in western North America. While reading this article the author, Discovery News mentions, "It robs them of energy they need to survive, as their fat reserves are prematurely drained. It can lay waste to entire colonies of bats," including the major consequences of this disease. After mentioning the affects of the disease, it includes the previous history of this disease and its whereabouts. This helps the audience see the statistics behind it, besides Dan Ashe, A Wildlife Service officer, mentions his experience in seeing this disease. Towards the end of the article it goes into further detail about the disease stating, "WNS is caused by the fungus Pseudogymnoascus destructans, which infects bats while they hibernate, harming their nose, ears, and wings." Now this includes a visual for the audience. By first starting in very general terms and getting more detailed, also called deduction, it allowed the audience to understand the text and not be overwhelmed. Because the author used that style of writting it was very effective towards their purpose; slowly making the audience aware of the horrible disease that is going to gradually affect the population of the small brown bats, (Myotis lucifugus).