Wikipedia

I think my view and usage of Wikipedia has not changed due to the research I have done with this assignment. I have always seen Wikipedia as a resource where I can find a good outline or general idea of a topic, but I am usually reserved. I do not take it too seriously as a legitimate source even though the information it has is often quite accurate. I still do not have any plans to join the Wikipedia community and contribute to the articles or discussions. This is mainly because there is no topic that I know well enough to edit.

Getting Information

In my personal experiences, the only time I have seen tension or conflict between different types of knowledge and learning was in relation to Wikipedia. I have never before used the discussion portions of Wikipedia, and I did not know they existed until very recently. I find it is more useful to obtain information from authoritative sources because the acquisition of that information is often more straight forward. It makes it easier for me when there is no question as to the origin or legitimacy of the information I am trying to find.

Apologizing for the Exxon Valdez

An immediate verbal apology after the Exxon Valdez oil spill would have accomplished little more than letting the Alaskan people know that Exxon acknowledged the problem. In this situation the most important part of the apology was the action taken to remedy the effects of the spill. Cleaning up the Prince William Sound and other affected areas was the the most important part of making reparations for the accident. An apology from the captain of the ship to the public would not have done much. Yes, it would have shown that he was taking responsibility for the accident but after the spill, there were more pressing matters at hand.

Exxon Valdez

In March of 1989, the oil tanker Exxon Valdez ran aground in the Prince William Sound, Alaska. Initially bound for Long Beach, California, the oil tanker hit the Bligh reef and released an estimated 11 million of the ship's 55 million gallons of crude oil into the surrounding ocean. The spilled oil eventually covered 1300 miles of shoreline and amounted to the largest oil spill in history at that time. The spill was catastrophic to the surrounding ecosystems and had an immense environmental impact. The captain of the tanker, Joe Hazelwood, suggests he was wrongly blamed, and he did not offer an apology until twenty years later, in 2009.

Thinking Critically in Engineering

The classes I have taken within the field of engineering promote and teach critical thinking more so than do classes in other subjects. Mechanical engineering classes cater well to the development of critical thinking skills as the classes are heavily based in problem solving situations. In solving given problems or accomplishing assigned tasks, students are inherently demonstrating aspects of the critical thinking process. In having students problem-solve, engineering classes lead students to ask and, in turn, answer several questions that embody the critical thinking process;

What exactly is the end result I am trying to achieve?

What are the possible means of achieving this result (or parts of it)?

Of these means, which can I employ practically and efficiently?

By facing students with tasks and challenges relevant to the field, the engineering program does a good job of fostering the growth of critical thinking skills in its students.

Reflection

In writing this essay, my views on what the California dream is have not changed in a notable way. I still think of it as a glorious and concentrated version of the American dream. However, the song did bring to mind questions of the actuality of the California dream. I feel as though the song encourages me to look deeper into my local surroundings here in Los Angeles. Rather than only thinking of the fame and extravagance often connected with Los Angeles (and Hollywood specifically), the song kept in my mind thoughts of all the other parts of L.A.-the parts that are not pristine and welcoming. I wonder who in Los Angeles shares the same view as the Decemberists and what has happened to make them believe in such a negative image of the city.

What is Critical Thinking?

I believe the process of thinking critically entails a few specific skills that compliment each other. The first skill or part of the critical thinking process is to fully understand the question or issue at hand. This requires the thinker to define unknown concepts. This step also demands an understanding of the context of whatever is being evaluated and a knowledge of why it is being evaluated. This skill leads right into the second, in which a person must come to know all information relevant to whatever is being thought about. This step is important as it can help lead to an objective view on the subject. If the person is taking all information into account before creating an individual opinion, he can see the subject in an initially objective way. Another skill required in the process is to find out information about the information about the subject. This is crucial because finding background to what something is can lead a person to discover why something is the way it is. People frequently add an additional step in the process-forming an individual opinion. I find this unnecessary in the process. Thinking critically about something does not require the formation of an opinion, although critical thinking does help in creating a well-formed view.

Los Angeles, I'm Yours

I have selected the song "Los Angeles, I'm Yours" by The Decemberists. Lyrics to the song can be found here.

I chose this song primarily because it has a tone unlike most songs about California. When I think of California songs, my mind instantly jumps to the Beach Boys, or songs like "California Love," even "California Gurls". These songs consistently tell of attractive women, beautiful beaches, nice weather, and glamorous living. The Decemberists, however, give a drastically different take on life in southern California. The song's lyrics contain consistently negative words such as "hollowness," "empty," and "decay" that together create an image of a bleak Los Angeles. This song's music intrigues me by using a slow and grim acoustic guitar whereas it is commonplace (among California themed songs) to have upbeat electric guitar or cheerful dance beats. Listening to this song is somewhat depressing, but that is exactly why it interests me-because I am so used to hearing songs that get me excited about California or tell me how great it is to live here. But "Los Angeles, I'm Yours" is unique in that not only does it fail to hype California, but it actually goes in the opposite direction to describe how bad L.A. is.

California Dream(s)

The California dream is an extended and more specific form of the American dream. While both are characterized by new beginnings and opportunity, I believe the California dream lends itself to the individual, whereas the American dream is stereotyped by a happy family. Living the California dream, or an attempt to do so, brings about questions regarding "how can I make it big?" This dream is most clearly defined by an aspiration towards fame, wealth, and glory. However, I do believe that this image of the California dream is tainted a bit by what could be called the LA or Hollywood dream. I believe in an entirely different 'Norcal' dream, defined by free living, health, and even nature. It is impossible for me to synthesize these two ideas into a single coherent dream representative of the entirety of California.