Journal #16

In our current situation, is natural gas a good investment or no?

Natural gas would seem to be a great investment for countries like the United States, and all over the world. If there are no problems, natural gas could potentially "save our economy, the environment and promote national security" claims Hal Harvey, author of the article "Natural Gas: Cheap, clean and risky." The title is very accurate for the information written in this article. Natural gas seems like it would help the envirnoment because it is not as bad as coal. However, what most of us are not aware about is that if the gas were to leak as little as 2.5 percent, it would be as harmful to our environment as coal is. In reality, the gas system leaks from about 1.5 percent to 8 percent. This may even do more harm to our environment as coal does. The article states that if these percentages are so high in the U.S, then other countries like Russia could have far worse consequences. This is a valid problem, because the country has to know for sure that there won't be any leakages, and that it stays that way- or else investing in natural gas would not be a good investment. Also, companies have to be extra careful in where they locate. Wells, are said to do damage to gas sites. The earth can be salted by byproducts spilling onto farmlands.
Overall, personally I do not believe natural gas is a good investment in the United States, whether it be in our economy of today, or in better economy. There are far too many risks, such as damages wells do to gas sites, and the long term affect that lies in our hands if there were to be many leakages in the United States, as well as other parts of the world.

Journal #15

If I were the student who undertook the "Amish Project" I would make sure that I had a long list of things to do, before 'unplugging' myself from the media. Being the age that I am now, I think as hard as this project was, it would be significantly beneficial to my studies, knowing that I have no distractions when doing homework or studying. Therefor, I would be focusing a lot more on school, and putting more effort into the work I do. Also, I would focus on my dance classes. Having more free time I would want it to become productive. I would most likely spend more time with my family than I do now. However, the situation would be different if I were challenging myself to this project as an adult. This would mean I'm able to drive, and work. Like studying, I would probably put in more time into my job. I would even bring my work home, because there would be nothing to distract me. Driving would be important because the free time would give me an opportunity to pursue somehting I've always wanted to do. This could involve driving places frequently (somewhere like the library), and with a car it would give me the luxury to do so. Something I personally would want to do is learn more about children who suffer in africa and be able to go on a mission trip of some sort, bringing people bed nets and essentials of that sort. In order to do so, much research would need to be done.