My Soapbox Arguement

Discrimination Against Disabilities

Picture this: you are a person in a wheel chair and you need a new dress for a date that you have. You decide to shop at Fred Meyer. All of the dresses in your size are in the middle of all of the other racks in the women’s department. There is only about a two and a half foot clearance between the racks. How are you going to get to the dresses? You actually will not be able to without help. The crowded racks limit where and how you are able to shop, hence, you are unable to pick out your own clothing because you are in a wheelchair. People without these disabilities can get to the rack because the can maneuver around the obstacles but, you can’t. This is a problem not just for you but for all disabled people with mobility issues. An entire group of people are being discriminated against because, the American Disability Association
I am a daughter of an amputee and because of this I see obstacles as whether it is accessible or not. Many public places are not accessible to people with disabilities. The American Disability Association (ADA) has been working with the Federal Government to try to change the problems of discrimination and lack of accessibility but making changes has been an up hill battle all the way. I was under the miss-guided assumption that, there were regulations for all public facilities. However this is not true. After hours of research I found only some buildings constructed after certain dates have to comply with the new federal building codes. Because there is not a regulation in place for all public buildings, concerning access and maneuverable space, then crowded shopping aisles, at any public shopping venue should be considered a form of discrimination.
I was always under the assumption that if a building was accessible to all of the public, then it was regulated by the ADA. However, this is not the case. Aisles, bathrooms, checkout counters, parking spaces, golf courses, amusement park ramps are all regulated by the ADA, but racks at department stores are not regulated. If the structure is not fixed in place then it is not regulated. If Federal Legislation and the ADA can regulate the space between check out counters and bathroom stalls, then the ADA should change the standards. The legislation should be rewritten to include regulation of space between clothing racks, remodeling bathrooms without sufficient room, and remodeling buildings without elevators.
Just because a building or business has a handicap sticker indicating that they are handicap accessible does not mean that they are in compliance with the ADA and state codes. Places like Jo-Anns Fabrics actually get in trouble for not being in compliance with the ADA and Federal building codes. They were forced to close and remodel in order to be in compliance. This should set the standard for all businesses. Any business that is not in compliance should be shut down until they address the issue because discrimination should not be tolerated.
Some would argue that employees of businesses are there to help people with any problems they may have, including, if they are disabled and that is why the businesses do not consider the inaccessibility issue as discrimination. Unless the store has a person waiting in all access areas, during all hours of operation, specifically assigned to helping people with disabilities, then accessibility is an issue that needs to be addressed. I know from experence, getting help in any department store difficult, but for a person with disabilities it is exceptionally difficult.
Former President Bush adjusted some of the legislation pertaining to the ADA. However, upon reviewing his adjustments I did not find anything dealing with access. The new legislation that was put into effect dealt with discrimination in the work place and in the hiring process. Now that President Obama is in office, there is an amendment to the Disabilities Act as part of his agenda. Perhaps with all the changes that we can make under his leadership, the regulations for public buildings too can change. It is a time to look past discrimination for everyone. “Yes We Can” provide equal access to shopping for people with disabilities. We can address these issues in Fred Meyer and other department stores.

Katie Allen
Ms. Cook
Writing 122
20 January 2009
Hiking Alone: Is it a Bad Idea?
Cougars are, by definition, large and powerful tawny brown cats, sometimes also called mountain lions. The term also refers to lascivious middle aged women out on the prowl for boy toys, but we’ll return to that later. For now, I’d like to discuss the wonderful pastime of hiking, and how potential threats, including malevolent people, bad weather conditions, getting lost, and yes, cougars, might strike fear in the hearts of young women such as myself. Such specters are even more frightening when considering the plight of a hiker alone. But I believe, and hope to convince you that although hiking alone may not be a good idea for everyone, making informed decisions and adhering to safe and sensible guidelines particular to your hike will greatly increase your chances of a successful hike.
I am by no means antisocial. However, by my own choosing or not, it seems that most of the ventures I undertake are solo hikes. I find hiking alone to be more satisfying. I don’t have to worry about keeping pace with a less avid pal, or about holding back a more seasoned mountaineer. I can venture onto as many tangent paths as I like, and choose my starting point and destination with no argument. If I set out with an attitude of common sense and an understanding of my surroundings, I believe that this solo mode of hiking is alright for me. I think that the unlikely specters mentioned previously are no reason to quell my desire to explore the great outdoors.
That being said, let’s get down to specifics. There are a number of precautions one should take when on a hike, alone or not. Some of these may seem obvious to you, reader, but I think it best to outline them anyway, since common sense is not always as common as it might be.
First, there are things you should do before you even set off. Know your area. Consult a map if needed. Have a set point of destination. Keep someone whom you trust informed of your whereabouts, including letting them know when you’re expected at your set destination. Do not attempt a hike if you are seriously ill, or have any broken bones. This is not going to be good when you fall down. A self defense class couldn’t hurt. In fact, I’m sure it’d do a body good, all told. If you’re comfortable with guns, by all means, show up packin’! I’ve spoken with many people who cite the uselessness of something like jiu jitsu in the face of a firearm, so I suppose that getting comfortable and familiar with a gun in the interest of self defense is a wise idea, albeit not one to take lightly.
Here’s another good idea: Get a dog! Aside from being dopily adorable, dogs are fiercely loyal, and quick to defend their owners against the Johnny Q. Rapists of the world. An added bonus: Who wouldn’t want to see man’s best friend take down a cougar? Can you say “Awesome?”
As for supplies, carrying a flashlight has always been a must for me. A fire source is a good thing to have as well. Cell phones are smart, although they may be out of range on some trails. Food and water- both excellent choices. Some sort of first aid kit is a good idea, too. Once you are on your hike, no matter how crystal clear and tempting it may be, do not drink water from an unfamiliar source, and no matter how ripe and robust looking those berries are, please don’t eat them.
Picture a single hiker who has made ample preparations for her day hike over Tillamook Head. She’s researched a map, packed a lunch, has plenty of water, and a Leatherman. She’s got a lighter and matches, a flashlight, she’s dressed appropriately and has informed friends as to her whereabouts. Perhaps most importantly, she’s hiked this trail many times.
Now picture two female hikers from out of town (let’s call them Cordelia and Myrtle) setting out on this same hike. They’re in their shorts and t-shirts, and have a mountain dew and a sixer of Heineken. They don’t know the area. This is just whimsy for them. When Cordelia falls down and sprains her ankle, how is Myrtle, in her buzzed and frantic state, going to call anyone for help? They don’t have cell phones. I guess they’ll have to wait for that nice single lady with all the great hiking gear to come along.
Of course, these are silly, hypothetical situations, at least the one involving Cordelia and Myrtle. When prepared and knowledgeable like my first hiker, two heads are better than one. There are certain ventures that would be just plain stupid to attempt alone. I would never climb Mt. Hood alone, or even with a group. Three men froze to death up there in 2006, so give me an actual climbing expedition team on that one, and let’s do it in high summer. I don’t have a death wish. Any night hike requires a partner, particularly one with whom you can share a sleeping bag. Always consider location. Clatsop County has a sparse population whose main degenerate interests are drugs and alcohol, not violent crime. If I were hiking in a metropolis, I’d feel a lot better stumbling upon a malevolent hobo with a friend at my side.
Some will argue that even after having taken the greatest of care in these ventures, it’s still not completely safe to hike alone. These people are absolutely right. Several hiking websites even site this as their number one rule. Safety in numbers is a very sound concept, and one which I am not wholly trying to refute.
What I am saying is that nothing is a total guarantee of safety. I do not delude myself into thinking I’m not taking a risk when I hike alone. I suppose what I’m trying to do here is explore when and where it might be more acceptable to do so, and highlight some precautions one might take when out on a trail, alone or in a group. Whatever situation you find yourself in, be as prepared as possible, look before you leap, and don’t be overconfident. I think that hiking has been a good medium for discussing these things.
Reader, if I haven’t convinced you of my woodsy savvy, I hope I’ve at least provided you with an adequate explanation as to why I feel safe enough to hike solo in certain circumstances. I hope you find me informed and cautious enough that my risk for peril is somewhat lessened. After all, looking back at that sexy cougar from page one, I know I’d like to keep myself alive long enough to someday be one. Wouldn’t you?

Brewing up Dollar Signs By Krista

An Italian business owner named Luigi Bezzera in 1903 made the first espresso.  The Italian term "espresso" translates to "fast" in English.  Bezzera wanted to introduce coffee that brewed faster and tasted better.  Now more than a hundred years later a large portion of the population fits a trip or multiple trips to the coffee shop in one day.  Hard earned money goes further when consumers focus more on their needs rather than their wants; the materialism, and feelings of requirement when focusing on coffee shop coffee has overpowered far too many.

I don't think I'm alone when I say I don't agree with the large growing industry of over-priced coffee drinks.  Purchasing coffee shop joe seems to be draining wallets more than ever.  The prices are simply always on the rise.  The charges are hardly noticeable so nothing seems so dramatic until you take the time to analyze the situation.  For example say you favorite drink is a 10 oz sugar free French vanilla latte with soy, extra hot and no foam.  The price was $3.45 and now it is $4.45.  Suddenly you are paying an extra dollar for the same drink.  You continue to  buy that drink once a day for a typical five day workweek.  Suddenly the cost increases adds up t o$25 a month, and $300 a year.  After a five-year period you have spend over $1,000 on numerous cups of coffee you enjoy for approximately twenty minutes.  Unfortunately the price listed above is not reflected with a tip, most coffee goers tip once dollar per cup, I'll let you do the math. 

Recent studies have shown many coffee goers feel that having a latte or a mocha in their hand serves as a sense of security for the person.  somehow the person doesn't feel complete without holding that non-recyclable cup to be polluted into the environment for thousands of years.  Also it seems espresso drinks are a prim problem from the materialistic point of view.  I work at an 8-5 job with several people who spends a significant amount of time focusing on: when they will get their next coffee, who will go, who is paying, what to get, and on and on.  I see what I would assume to be around an eighty dollars being distributed to the three surrounding coffee shops everyday.

I've been an employee of U.S. Bank for about fourteen months now.  I have worked full-time at two branches and have filled in at a couple others.  I have seen many people come in seeking help with their account.  the customers come to me with hope and anticipation I can solve all of their problems.  Personally this past December was the most frustrating month yet.  I wold be down right shocked when customers would come to my desk, an espresso in one hand, and a printout of their recent transactions, a teller had given them, in the other.  I listen patiently as they proceed to tell me one story after another about how they can't afford these overdraft fees and would continue to include remarks such as, "thanks to you my child won't get a Christmas," or "what, did you not expect me to feed my child?"  I would respond by sitting at my desk keeping a permanent smile on my face , just like I was trained.  I would bite my tongue from saying, "well if you don't have any money to feed your kids why on earth do you have that espresso drink?"  Then I look at the printout and see where all their money went, straight to the busy tills of the twenty-five coffee shops between the Cannon Beach junction and the east side of Astoria.

I'm guilty of being hypercritical to the practice.  I do enjoy a good cup of coffee in the morning, brewed for approximately fifty cents, in my own kitchen.  I know my boundaries with money and learned to consider specialty coffee drinks as treats rather than a routine.  I focus on the savings I could accrue by not wasting my money on overpriced coffee and similar products I don't necessarily need.  I remind myself of a scenario that happened a couple weeks ago.  I got my hair cut and ran across the street to the Astoria Coffee House.  I had my dad with me, I offered to buy him a coffee, and then a text came in from my mom with her orders.  Suddenly I'm up to three coffees, but wait here comes my best friend.  Of course she doesn't turn down the opportunity.  Before I know it I've spent nearly $20.00 with a tip.  I could have used that money for nearly three weeks of gas.  While researching and expressing my opinion with others I get the impression I come off as "tight" with my money.  I like to break down the facts to be sure I'm making wise choices to live the best life I can.  I won't fall the materialistic latte growing trend nor will I put a significant part of my paycheck toward indulging in an outrageous priced up of java.  I'm anxious to see what the future holds for those addicted to coffee while battling this tough economy.

Educating Myself: Reasons Why I’m Worth It by Cristine

My husband and I were never in a financial position to save for our children’s education. It was a burden that grew heavier the closer they came to finishing high school. However, when my father passed away suddenly two years ago, he provided for our children’s futures what we could not. When the time came to send our daughter off to college we enrolled her, bought her books, paper and pencils, and she was off. Three terms later, after four failed classes, she proclaimed college wasn’t for her. We were shocked and didn’t understand because we had been talking about how important college was since her first day of kindergarten. I, too, had blown off my opportunity for college when I was her age, but I had also come to regret that decision. I am constantly reminded that without a college education I cannot move from administrative support into the higher paying professional areas of the companies that have employed me. Since our daughter does not want the opportunity to go to college, I decided to use my father’s money to complete my own education because a college education is important to me. Hence, I’m the better investment, moreover, with a college degree I can offer her another opportunity later.

Although I’ve struggled with the decision, using my father’s money for my own education just makes sense. I have a desire and passion for education that my daughter does not possess. I want to sit in class and take notes, even if it’s boring. I want to write paper after paper on topics that I don’t really understand. I want to stay up late reading chapter after assigned chapter until my eyes hurt. I want it. She does not. So why do I agonize about allowing myself this opportunity?

Although I always thought of it as my daughter’s college money, the truth of the matter is that the money came to me from my father’s estate. My husband and I did the responsible thing and set sufficient money aside to provide for both of our children’s education. It is disappointing that our daughter turned it down, and I would give up all of my dreams to ensure a bright future for her, but it is out of my hands now. I’ve earned the right to pursue my dreams of an education and career in a writing-related profession.

My primary goal is to complete my college education, which makes me the better investment. I’m more reliable and I have a proven track record for being able to follow through when I commit to a class. I’ve been taking night classes on a regular basis for many years and have a GPA of 3.44.

Statistics show that a person with a college degree has a greater earning potential than one without. As I progress through each degree level my ability to provide another opportunity for education for our daughter will also increase. I may not be able to pay for her education 100%, but I will be able to lessen the financial burden on her later.

Some may argue that I’m being selfish, that I should leave the money alone until she decides what to do with her life. How many of us knew exactly what we wanted to do right out of high school. What if she decides next year that she wants to return to school? We will just have to address that possible if it comes. I cannot put my life on hold while she figures out what to do with hers.

Another important consideration in this decision is that I cannot work full-time and go to school full-time. I will have to quit my job or work part-time in order to commit to school full-time. I have a good government job with good benefits, and I have a family to support. Quitting or working part-time would affect my health and life insurance and my pension enormously. On the other hand, my husband has health insurance available, albeit at a much higher rate than I pay, and we have other retirement investments in place. Let’s not forget that my increased earning potential (after my degree) means the ability to pay for insurance and to make larger contributions to our retirement in the future.

All things considered, I will use the money set aside for our daughter’s college education to pursue my own educational goals. I have a passion for education proven by my continued attendance at night school for many years. I am more reliable as evident by my GPA. I am the better investment knowing what I want and possessing the desire to achieve it. It is a gift to be able to pursue my dreams and my family will be better off no matter what the outcome because I will be better able to provide for them.

Meh

Anyone else struggling with the copy and paste feature?

Obama Mama

I'm the teacher of this wonderful CC night class. Their writing gives me hope! And, yes, I'm high on Obama, which, for today anyways, affects my mood about as much as my delightful and opinionated toddler Izi. Yes, frequent waking in the night is part of my mental profile. If you read carefully, you can find me named by name; however, for now, following my president's leave, I'm going to leave my name mostly out. There's nothing I would like better than for my students to change my mind. I'm open to persuasion, attracted to good storytelling, and a stickler for great titles and introductions. I'm also a retired essayist myself (with an MFA in Creative Nonfiction) from a few years back, which, now seems like a lifetime away. Now I teach. Now I parent. Now I make ends meet, as a single Mom with a mortgage a little too big for one income and childcare expenses. I suppose I'm a poster child for many Americans minus my fabulous healthcare. I got a chiropractic massage this morning (lucky me), and I sure hope that doesn't go away in the national costcutting fiesta to come.

I am just me..Adina

Hey to all of you out there! I am currently going to Clatsop Community College and am working on my AAOT. I will transfer and go on to becoming a teacher.

I am really excited about taking WRT 122. I was born to argue. When I went to visit my grandparents we would have long discussions and sometimes I would take the opposing side even if I didn't agree with it. I would like to believe that I am very open-minded and believe that everyone is entitled to his or her own opinion.

I am a more than full time student, part time employee of The Home Depot and single mom of a 20-month angle (most days). I would like nothing more than to make a difference in a world by teaching children. I think that it is very important that children have great teachers, mentors and advocates. You never know when you are going to be that one person that made a difference in a persons life!

Krista; noun, definition follows;

Hey to everyone in my writing 122 class and everyone else brave enough to indulge their time in following this soon to be exciting blog.  This is only my second writing class and I have to say so far so good.  I'm trying to get some general classes done before I go to OSU next year.. Whoop Whoop! :)  I work full time at a bank doing a universal banking position which means I am a teller and a personal banker mixed together creating the perfect position for me.  I enjoy randomness, the smell of fresh cut grass, my car, over sized purses, lingonberry juice from iKea, Super Nintendo, the show Friends, a clean good smelling room, the feeling you get when your laundry is all done, pan-fried top ramen noodles, having a full gas tank, sunny crisp days, and Mac Books.  I dislike the improper use of there, their, and they're, loud sudden noises, Keith Urban, bad haircuts, this poor economy, chipped nail polish, driving in the ice, the first sign of a cold, when a rock gets in my shoe, the contents of hot dogs, dirty dishes, drinks without ice, and mayonnaise.  I like to focus more on the positive things in life rather than the negative, I illustrated that above by making my list of likes larger! =)  My favorite place in the world is Disneyland!  Seriously, I've been twice, both times amazing.  This past summer I went with my best friend, fun, stressful, but above all one of the best experiences of my life and I wouldn't trade it for anything.  The picture is from the Tower of Terror in California Adventure.  I'm on the top row in the white shirt with stripes.  Kelsie, my best friend is the girl with her face buried in my arm scared to death <3.

I am not sure of what kind of major I want to pursue, I change my mind what seems like daily.  I am more interested in finishing my requirements currently while juggling friends and work.  I have learned from my mistakes of not properly prioritizing and balancing the three.  I am now going back slowly in order to make a successful transition next year.  I'm excited to get to know all of you while we spend these Tuesday evenings together and hope I learn skills I can take with me to OSU and to my future career.  I just wish my book would arrive via snail mail!

Cristine

My name is Cristine and I want to be a writer. That was harder than you might think. It has only been recently that I can say that out loud and not worry obsessively about what you think of me. Silly, I know, but I do worry about what others think. The good news is that I’m trying to find the key to remove that particular handcuff that keeps me from reaching my full potential. It isn’t easy but I’ll keep looking.

I have a husband that started the New Year with a heart attack, a daughter that dropped out of college and a son that may not graduate high school this year, but I love them all and life goes on. They are actually very supportive of my desire to become a writer, although they might be rolling their eyes behind my back. (Where the hell is that key?)

I have the next 12 months to figure out what I want to do with my life. You might think that is a long time but it took me 25 years to realize that I want to be writer so wish me luck with that one, or not, I don’t care. (I think I might see that key after all.)

I look forward to meeting with all of you every Tuesday night. I wish you the best and if you are also looking for the key let me know. I’ve looked in a lot of places already and might be able to save you some time.

Katie

Hello, all. My name is Katie and I am a part of Nancy Cook's Writing 122 class. We meet every tuesday evening, which is awesome because at this time of night there is actually parking. For all of my other classes I am forced to park some 3 blocks away, and am forced to run my horrible car into the curb to keep it from rolling down Astoria's notorious hills. (my e-brake dosn't like to work). The primary objective of our class is to become better arguers, therefore better critical thinkers. We write papers. Yes. I like to write, I'm a great fan of the English language, although it has been 6 years since I have been in school, meaning that I havn't done writing in this format for that same amount of time. I look forward to it! School is good. I'm having to force myself to use capital letters as I write this, as e mail has somewhat corrupted my use of them for a while now. haha. Anywho, this is my first post, hello, how's everyone? Hope you're all good. I'm doing well. Aside from being a new student at Clatsop Community College (Go Mascots!) I work at Doogers in Cannon Beach, which I find incredibly amusing, and sometimes lucrative. I enjoy running, hiking, reading, singing, and socializing. I also like food and drink. I don't know what my major it going to be, but I figure that taking some of the classes required of me to fulfill my AAOT requirements will be a good way to find out! I range from bubbly and outspoken to withdrawn and lethargic, so watch out! (ha)