Ocean News 9.27.11

Was this famous 1968 carcuss, not a sea serpent, but a pipefish?

• Reconsidering British Columbia's sea serpent, the Cadborosaurus Scientific American
• Don't forget your pillow: Sleepovers at Alcatraz proposed Curbed SF
• Pew Environment Group and Ocean Conservancy: Arctic should have more oil-drilling protection Bloomberg
• Psychology solves a 70-year-old WWII shipwreck mystery NPR
• "Plankmobs" protest shark finning in Hong Kong Metro
• San Francisco State study: Rising sea levels could take economic toll on California Los Angles Times

Week 06: Victoria, Canada

Victoria Harbour

Tu 9.27
Read: HARM—p. 163-208; eR—“In U.S., Concerns About Global Warming Stable at Lower Levels” (Gallup), “Warming Oceans and Human Waste Hit Tuvalu's Sustainable Way of Life” (The Guardian)
Class: Reading discussion; Presentations; Lecture—“Easy Fixes: 10 Grammar Rules to Know”

Th 9.29
Read: HARM—p. 209-268
Class: Lecture—“The Sea on Film: Titanic, Jaws, Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World, The Hunt for Red October, and others”
Due: REFLECTION 3

Fr 9. 30
Read: HARM—p. 163-268; eR—“In U.S., Concerns About Global Warming Stable at Lower Levels” (Gallup), “Warming Oceans and Human Waste Hit Tuvalu's Sustainable Way of Life” (The Guardian)
Class: Reading discussion; Presentations; Lecture—“The Sea on Film: Titanic, Jaws, Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World, The Hunt for Red October, and others” and “Easy Fixes: 10 Grammar Rules to Know”
Due: REFLECTION 3

UPCOMING:

Week 7
Tu 10.4
Read: HARM—p. 269-288
Class: Watch—Ocean of Fear: Worst Shark Attack Ever (2007)

Th 10.6
Class: Reading discussion; Lecture—“The Fundamentals of Rhetoric;” Assignment—Persuasive essay

Fr 10.7
Read: HARM—p. 269-288
Class: Reading discussion; Presentations; Lecture—“The Fundamentals of Rhetoric;” Watch—Ocean of Fear: Worst Shark Attack Ever (2007); Assignment—Persuasive essay

Ocean News 9.22.11

No longer considered a planet, Pluto may still boast underground oceans

• Does Pluto hold subterranean oceans under its icy shell? New Scientist
• Champion surfer fatally attacked by tiger shark in Indian Ocean Yahoo!
• Be an extra in a Santa Cruz-set surfing film San Jose Mercury News
• A"gigayacht": When a "superyacht" just won't do CNN
• Russia signs off on underwater tunnel connecting it to Alaska The Inquistr
• Deep-sea squid sex: Bisexual and in the dark New York Times

Reflection 03: Boxed In—Marine Mammals and Captivity

A new Humane Society report says orcas should not be captive

Recently, marine parks and resorts in the United States, and around the world, have come under increased pressure to release their captive marine mammals, particularly those that participate in "swim with dolphins" programs or aquatic shows. Proponents argue that the presence of dolphins and whales in these parks and resorts is integral, and serves not only as entertainment, but raises public awareness and encourages oceanic conservation. Indeed, orca and dolphin shows have been a mainstay of the these parks and resorts for decades, often reaping greats profits. Animal rights activists argue that these are not only highly intelligent animals, sometimes surprisingly so, but very often dangerous predators. Thus, their captivity sets the stage for potentially perilous situations—for both the humans and the animals. Sadly, we were reminded of this in 2010, when a SeaWorld orca killed its trainer. Is the captivity of these animals for primarily entertainment purposes appropriate? What is our responsibility as consumers? Does our participation in these shows or programs signify our approval?

Include at least two of the following in your discussion:

• "So Wrong, But Thanks for All the Fish" (San Antonio Current)
• "Activist Sursara Sends Message to SeaWorld: Captivity is Not Conservation" (Examiner.com)
• "Report Outlines Why Orcas Shouldn’t be Captive" (Orlando Sentinel)
• "In Defense of SeaWorld" (Pressruns)

Above located in the eR.

Required:

• MLA Style
• Must be exactly two-full pages in length

Due: Th 9.29 (Sec. 6) / Fr 9.30 (Sec. 43)

Week 05: Ha Long Bay, Vietnam

Kim Quay Grotto

Tu 9.20
Read: HARM—p. 39-90; eR—“In Their Own Words: The Republican Presidential Field on Climate Change” (The Hill), “Al Gore: Climate of Denial” (Rolling Stone)
Class: Reading discussion; Presentations

Th 9.22
Read: HARM—p. 90-162; eR—Clip from “Two Days Before the Day After Tomorrow” from South Park (Comedy Central), “The Climate Crisis Hoax” (Forbes), “Why on Earth Do We Listen to Those Who Cry Wolf?” (OnEarth)
Class: Reading discussion; Watch: “Two Days Before the Day After Tomorrow” from South Park (2005)
Due: EDITORIAL ESSAY

Fr 9.23
Read: HARM—p. 39-162; eR—“In Their Own Words: The Republican Presidential Field on Climate Change” (The Hill), “Al Gore: Climate of Denial” (Rolling Stone), Clip from “Two Days Before the Day After Tomorrow” from South Park (Comedy Central), “The Climate Crisis Hoax” (Forbes), “Why on Earth Do We Listen to Those Who Cry Wolf?” (OnEarth)
Class: Reading discussion; Presentations; Watch: “Two Days Before the Day After Tomorrow” from South Park (2005)
Due: EDITORIAL ESSAY

UPCOMING:

Week 6:

Tu 9.27
Read: HARM—p. 163-208; eR—“In U.S., Concerns About Global Warming Stable at Lower Levels” (Gallup), “Warming Oceans and Human Waste Hit Tuvalu's Sustainable Way of Life” (The Guardian)
Class: Reading discussion; Presentations; Lecture—“Easy Fixes: 10 Grammar Rules to Know”

Th 9.29
Read: HARM—p. 209-268
Class: Lecture—“The Sea on Film: Titanic, Jaws, Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World, The Hunt for Red October, and others”
Due: REFLECTION 3

Fr 9. 30
Read: HARM—p. 163-268; eR—“In U.S., Concerns About Global Warming Stable at Lower Levels” (Gallup), “Warming Oceans and Human Waste Hit Tuvalu's Sustainable Way of Life” (The Guardian)
Class: Reading discussion; Presentations; Lecture—“The Sea on Film: Titanic, Jaws, Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World, The Hunt for Red October, and others” and “Easy Fixes: 10 Grammar Rules to Know”
Due: REFLECTION 3

Ocean News 9.17.11

• Arctic ice at near-record lows NPR
• Murderous: Bottlenose dolphins killing porpoises off California coast San Francisco Chronicle
• Ocean junk today, shampoo bottle tomorrow Wall Street Journal
• The new stage for Chinese-Indian competition: Oceans Times of India
• A close call: Surfer has run-in with shark in Humboldt Bay Press Democrat
• What happened on Captain Sir John Franklin's famous fatal expedition? BBC News

Assignment: Editorial Essay

For decades, oil rigs have dotted our coast along Santa Barbara

In an era of climbing gas prices, record unemployment, and increasing public skepticism of climate change, calls for oil drilling off the California have never been louder. In fact, a poll released this month by Yale University found that majorities of Democrats, Republicans, independents, and Tea Partiers support expanding offshore drilling for oil and natural gas. Drilling advocates argue that not only would it help our nation's energy independence, it is also an issue of national security. Opponents, on the other hand, point to last year's disastrous BP oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico as evidence that California's coastal ecosystem deserves special protection. What do you think? In your view, is it time to reconsider drilling off our waters ? Or should the option of drilling in California waters remain off the table? Who are the winners and losers if and when we drill for oil off our coast? In a concise editorial, explain your position on this issue. Cite evidence from the articles below, as well as one article you find on your own, to support your thesis:

• “Poll: Californians Say No Nukes, But Maybe Oil Drilling” (Oakland Tribune)
• “Republicans Push Drilling Off California Coast; Democrats Say No” (McClatchy)
• “The BP Oil Spill, One Year On: Forgetting the Lessons of Drilling in the Gulf” (Time)
• “Oil Spill No Reason to Stop Offshore Projects in California, Local Industry Says” (Bakersfield Californian)
• “Weighing the Benefits and Costs of Offshore Drilling” (Reason)
• “Editorial: U.S. Needs Offshore Drilling and Tougher Safety Rules” (Dallas Morning News)
• “California Oil Drilling: Congress Considers Offshore Drilling” (Huffington Post)
• “Gas Prices Spur Move to Open Offshore Drilling in California, Alaska, East Coast” (Los Angeles Times)
• “Can Offshore Drilling Really Make the U.S. Oil Independent?” (Scientific American)
• “Op-Ed: Why Offshore Drilling Can Bridge Gap to U.S. Energy Future” (Popular Mechanics)
• “West Coast Senators Push Pacific Shore Drilling Ban” (Los Angeles Times)

Requirements:

• MLA Style, including parenthetical citation and works cited
• 3-page minimum
• Cite at least four articles, plus one article you find on your own

The best papers:

• Have a title that articulates its point of view
• Stay within the parameters of the subject matter
• Have a concise thesis which clearly outlines a position
• Are written in a voice that is casual, yet informed
• Clearly support their thesis with solid evidence and a logical structure, citing specifics from the articles above
• Cite a minimum of four articles, plus one other
• Conclude with a summation of the argument
• Properly cite evidence using MLA's parenthetical citation method
• Are in compliance with MLA Style

Sample editorials from the New York Times:

• "Eggheads and Blockheads" by Maureen Dowd
  
• "Where the Jobs Aren't" by David Brooks
• "Is It Weird Enough Yet?" by Thomas L. Friedman
• "In Honor of Teachers" by Charles M. Blow
• "It's Still the 9/11 Era" by Russ Douthat

Due: Th 9.22 (Sec. 6) / 9.23 (Sec. 43)

Week 04: Stockholm, Sweden

Skeppsbron

Tu 9.13
Read: eR—“Poll: Californians Say No Nukes, But Maybe Oil Drilling” (Oakland Tribune), “Republicans Push Drilling Off California Coast; Democrats Say No” (McClatchy), “The BP Oil Spill, One Year On: Forgetting the Lessons of Drilling in the Gulf” (Time), “Oil Spill No Reason to Stop Offshore Projects in California, Local Industry Says” (Bakersfield Californian), “Weighing the Benefits and Costs of Offshore Drilling” (Reason), “Editorial: U.S. Needs Offshore Drilling and Tougher Safety Rules” (Dallas Morning News)
Class: Reading discussion; Lecture—“MLA and Works Cited;” Assignment—Editorial essay

Th 9.15
Read: eR—“California Oil Drilling: Congress Considers Offshore Drilling” (Huffington Post), “Gas Prices Spur Move to Open Offshore Drilling in California, Alaska, East Coast” (Los Angeles Times), “Can Offshore Drilling Really Make the U.S. Oil Independent?” (Scientific American), “Op-Ed: Why Offshore Drilling Can Bridge Gap to U.S. Energy Future” (Popular Mechanics), “West Coast Senators Push Pacific Shore Drilling Ban” (Los Angeles Times); HARM—p. xv-38
Class: LITERARY ANALYSIS/SHORT ANSWER RESPONSE
Due: REFLECTION 2

Fr 9.16
Read: eR—“Poll: Californians Say No Nukes, But Maybe Oil Drilling” (Oakland Tribune), “Republicans Push Drilling Off California Coast; Democrats Say No” (McClatchy), “The BP Oil Spill, One Year On: Forgetting the Lessons of Drilling in the Gulf” (Time), “Oil Spill No Reason to Stop Offshore Projects in California, Local Industry Says” (Bakersfield Californian), “Weighing the Benefits and Costs of Offshore Drilling” (Reason), “Editorial: U.S. Needs Offshore Drilling and Tougher Safety Rules” (Dallas Morning News), “California Oil Drilling: Congress Considers Offshore Drilling” (Huffington Post), “Gas Prices Spur Move to Open Offshore Drilling in California, Alaska, East Coast” (Los Angeles Times), “Can Offshore Drilling Really Make the U.S. Oil Independent?” (Scientific American), “Op-Ed: Why Offshore Drilling Can Bridge Gap to U.S. Energy Future” (Popular Mechanics), “West Coast Senators Push Pacific Shore Drilling Ban” (Los Angeles Times); HARM—p. xv-38
Class: LITERARY ANALYSIS/SHORT ANSWER RESPONSE; Reading discussion; Lecture—“MLA and Works Cited;” Assignment—Editorial essay
Due: REFLECTION 2

UPCOMING:

Week 5
Tu 9.20
Read: HARM—p. 39-90; eR—“In Their Own Words: The Republican Presidential Field on Climate Change” (The Hill), “Al Gore: Climate of Denial” (Rolling Stone)
Class: Reading discussion; Presentations

Th 9.22
Read: HARM—p. 90-162; eR— Clip from “Two Days Before the Day After Tomorrow” from South Park, “The Climate Crisis Hoax” (Forbes), “Why on Earth Do We Listen to Those Who Cry Wolf?” (OnEarth)
Class: Reading discussion; Watch: “Two Days Before the Day After Tomorrow” from South Park (2005)
Due: EDITORIAL ESSAY

Fr 9.23
Read: HARM—p. 39-162; eR—“In Their Own Words: The Republican Presidential Field on Climate Change” (The Hill), “Al Gore: Climate of Denial” (Rolling Stone), Clip from “Two Days Before the Day After Tomorrow” from South Park, “The Climate Crisis Hoax” (Forbes), “Why on Earth Do We Listen to Those Who Cry Wolf?” (OnEarth)
Class: Reading discussion; Presentations; Watch: “Two Days Before the Day After Tomorrow” from South Park (2005)
Due: EDITORIAL ESSAY

Ocean News 9.10.11

• PETA to Philippine town: Release Lolong the 21-foot crocodile Philippine Star
• Tom Hanks remembers September 11th's unsung mariner heroes Huffington Post
• Tanzanian boat capsizes; hundreds feared lost Yahoo!
• Movies from a sea monster's perspective Screened
• Now on display: A great white shark at the Monterey Bay Aquarium Los Angeles Times
• Coming soon: Another La Nina winter Seattle Post-Intelligencer

Reflection 02: Stay Out of the Water—Fears of the Ocean

Chrissie's Last Swim
Jaws — MOVIECLIPS.com

To many of us, the ocean is a place of fun, relaxation, and beauty. However, there are also those of us who view the ocean with dread, a place wrought with danger and fear. In fact, the oceans do touch on many of our most primal fears, including fears of drowning, the unknown, and being out of our element. Which of your fears does the ocean touch upon? What doubts cross your mind, however briefly, as you enter the water?

Include in your discussion at least two of the following:

• "Fitness Guru Pushes Fears Aside to Complete Triathlon" (Naperville Sun)
• "Getting Over Fear of the Ocean" (SurfingHandbook.com)
• "Diver Debunks Sharks' Bad Reputation" (Los Angeles Times)
• "The Most Dangerous Things at the Beach" (LiveScience)

Required:

• MLA Style
• Must be exactly two-full pages in length

Due: Th 9.15 (Sec. 6) / Fr 9.16 (Sec. 43)

Assignment: Research Paper

You might explore endangered or threatened species

Here are the topics for your upcoming research paper:

1. In a 2001 speech, then United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan warned that "competition for fresh water may well become a source of conflict and wars in the future." Others, including environmentalists and economists, have also warned of impending “water wars.” Still, others disagree, calling the prospect of future water conflicts both alarmist and fabricated. Should this be a legitimate concern? Will future wars indeed be fought over water? Investigate the issues surrounding the potential water wars.
2. The ocean is not often given its due as a source of scientific innovations, but from renewable energy technology to everyday applications for deep space exploration, it has provided us with a steady supply of discoveries. Conduct an in-depth analysis of three current ocean-based projects that hold the potential for great scientific progress.
3. While efforts to combat climate change are at an all-time high, so too is climate change skepticism, even fatigue. Scientists tell us we are quickly approaching the point of no return, but will the world get behind serious efforts to combat it, or will other factors, such as economics, derail the fight? How is the future fight against climate change taking shape in America and abroad? Who is leading the charge for new climate change standards—and who is leading the charge against those standards? 
4. In recent years, the lucrative dolphin trade has come under scrutiny. Centered in Japan, but with centers worldwide, it is a multi-million-dollar-a-year venture. However, it has also come at a great cost to dolphin populations around the world. Animal rights activists have also highlighted the participation of American marine mammal parks, including SeaWorld. Who wins and who loses in this venture? Examine the dolphin trade to uncover the details of this lucrative business.
5. From turtles to jellyfish to whales, all over the world, many ocean species face an uphill battle for survival. Profile three threatened or endangered aquatic species, including their chances of both survival and extinction. In your analysis, consider those common factors that might bring these three species to the point of extinction. 
6. Write your own sea-based prompt. Use the above prompts as models. Email me your topic by Sunday, Sept. 10th at midnight.

Requirements:

• A minimum 10 pages in length
• MLA Style, including parenthetical citation
• A minimum of 6 outside sources—at least 3 from peer-reviewed academic texts—listed in a separate Works Cited page

Include in your research paper:

• A clear thesis to guide your examination
• An in-depth analysis of your subject matter
• A conclusion that illustrates an understanding of the subject matter

Week 03: Cape Town, South Africa

The Victoria & Alfred Waterfront

Tu 9.6
Read: COLD—p. 3-132 or MAN—p. 9-63; eR—“Stories from the Gulf, One Year On” (CNN), “Japan Tsunami: 20 Unforgettable Pictures” (National Geographic), “Could 'UFO' on the Ocean Floor Really be the Lost Kingdom of Kvenland? (BigThink), “The Violent Story of Columbus' Forgotten Colony” (Salon)
Class: DIAGNOSTIC ESSAY

Th 9.8
Read: COLD—p. 133-182 or MAN—p. 64-127
Class: Reading discussion; Lecture—“Steps of the Writing Process;” Assignment—Research paper

Fr 9.9*
Read: COLD—p. 70-182; eR—“Stories from the Gulf, One Year On” (CNN), “Japan Tsunami: 20 Unforgettable Pictures” (National Geographic), “Could 'UFO' on the Ocean Floor Really be the Lost Kingdom of Kvenland? (BigThink), “The Violent Story of Columbus' Forgotten Colony” (Salon)
Class: DIAGNOSTIC ESSAY; Reading discussion; Lecture—“Steps of the Writing Process;” Assignment—Research paper

*For Sec 43: Cold Skin is available via Google Books, however it is missing two key chapters. If you'd like a copy of the missing chapters, leave your name and email in the comments section below.

Ocean News 9.3.11

• Kelly Slater via Twitter: How ’bout this, Japan? Dont kill any dolphins this year & I’ll donate $100K to Fukushima relief and raise more Ecorazzi
• Happy the Penguin on his way back home Time
• Jaw-dropping photo of a shark near San Diego surfers KFMB-TV San Diego
  
• Watch out: Orcas, not sharks, top predator in waters off Vancouver Island CTV
• Atlantic City's Steel Pier poised for a comeback The Press of Atlantic City
• To a summer of sharks and sea monsters Toronto Sun

September 1st is Save Japan Dolphins Day

Save Japan Dolphins is an Earth Island Institute campaign with the mission of ending the annual hunt of up to 20,000 dolphins in Japan. Save Japan Dolphins is directed by head activist Ric O'Barry. Go here to see how you can help.