Workshop: Skincare Dilemma

Posted on March 6, 2023 by davidbdale

The Dilemma of the Skincare World

The cosmetic industry has been struggling to regulate harmful ingredients from the market in the past and even in the modern-day. Skincare items with dangerous ingredients should be identified as drugs due to their excessive amounts of side effects and future problems they have caused consumers to go through. Drugs can be absorbed by the skin, swallowed, injected, and even sprayed to enter the human body. As a comparison skincare products are also absorbed into the skin. According to Joseph C. DiNardo and Craig A. Downs writes more on the statistics that the Centers of Disease Control states, “97% of the people tested have oxybenzone present in their urine.” What seemed like an industry producing harmless products just showed how much of an effect these creams, essence, and makeup products have on our body internally.

In the article, “Dermatological and environmental toxicological impact of the sunscreen ingredient oxybenzone/benzophenone-3” from the Wiley Online Library discussed the concern that “personal care products containing oxybenzone must be raised and compared with the potential negative health and environmental effects.” Everyday products that consumers use to protect their skin from the harmful rays of the sun are known as sunscreens that in many cases, in fact, contain harmful ingredients that have been “reported to produce contact and photo contact allergy reactions.” Not only are these products leading to concerning allergic reactions but also have been linked to causing “Hirschsprung’s disease.” The ingredients that are being put into skincare are in fact causing us to face health problems and are still not considered to be associated with drugs which are shocking. 

The FDA seems to get away with not regulating skincare ingredients since they have limited power from the legislation. It has been proven, “thirteen thousand chemicals that are used in cosmetics only 10%” are tested for safety before being placed onto shelves. The FDA clearly does not have strict enough regulations for products that most women and men use on a daily basis. 

The idea that drugs have a specific definition that is not altered is frightening. Technology is advancing every single day and there are new ingredients being used in cosmetics. Consumers tend to lack education when it comes to cosmetics but rely on what influencers and trends communicate to them. Being exposed to these harmful cosmetics can result in allergic reactions, chemical burns, and even unrecoverable side effects that can be detrimental.  The author of this journal Morgan G. Egebers writes how the  FDCA, on the other hand, defines drugs as, “articles intended for use in the diagnosis, cure, mitigation, treatment, or prevention of disease.” Even though these might be good categories that drugs fall into there should be subcategories. When we think of drugs we think of not only medications but narcotics, certain types of foods, and alcohol. Even though these so-called “drugs” are not used to cure a disease or prevent it they are still considered drugs by the government that in fact have very harsh regulations. When thinking of narcotics I think of injections, snorting, absorption by the skin, and oral usage. Cosmetics that are aborted by the skin and have harmful or even more detrimental ingredients in them still are not considered to be at the same level as drugs and should be. 

Both drug store cosmetic companies such as L’Oreal and other higher-end big names such as NARS have been reported to contain lead in their products which has been vocally expressed to the public for years and is still not resolved. People are still buying these harmful products since they have trust in the FDA that in reality was never there to make an impactful effect on the industry’s regulations. The fact that we know that our most favored cosmetic companies contain harmful ingredients shows a lack of transparency from big-name companies. In the article, “COSMETICS: A Dermatologist Looks to the Future: Promises and Problems,” Albert M. Kilgman explains how people using these cosmetics have a lack of education with “No premarketing proof of efficacy or safety is required.” Manufacturers are also able to make any claims they desire and still be placed on the market. This shows how lousy regulated the cosmetic industry is even in a day and age where everything seems to be doubled-checked and approved. 

People are simple creatures that love to spend money on anything until they experience any negative effects in skincare for example allergic reactions or even health problems in some cases is a beginning for consumers to get concerned. It takes countless products and negative side effects for a consumer to start getting interested in the ingredient list of cosmetics which shows how corrupt the cosmetic industry has been. 

The regulations placed by the United States compared to Europe also differentiate. In the article, “Analytical Challenges and Regulatory Requirements for Nasal Drug Products in Europe and the U.S.,” from the MDPI website, I realized how intricate and precise regulations are placed on the production and testing of nasal sprays and drops. A nasal spray is considered a drug even though it is absorbed by the skin. The skincare industry does not have nearly as much testing and regulations for products that will be released and also for the fact that they are absorbed by the skin. Things that are taken into consideration when producing a nasal spray include, “droplet size distribution (DSD), plume geometry, spray pattern and shot weights of solution nasal sprays.” These small details are all necessary to make sure a product works accurately and has limited faults. On the website Science Direct the article, “COSMETICS: A Dermatologist Looks to the Future: Promises and Problems,” it is stated that there is no “proof of efficacy or safety” in topical products that are said to be antiaging and brightening. This statement alone explains how the cosmetic industry is so large and developed, yet still has no intentions to advance its procedures for safety and order to prevent toxic ingredients that are marketed from getting approved. 

References

Egeberg, M. G. (2020). Beauty is Pain: An Analytical View of the American Beauty Industry and the Effects of Regulation on Consumers. Redirecting… Retrieved March 5, 2022, from https://heinonline.org/HOL/Page?collection=journals handle=hein.journals%2Fqhlj23&id=325&men_tab=searchresults 

DiNardo, J. C., & Downs, C. A. (2017, October 31). Dermatological and environmental … – wiley online library. Wiley Online Library . Retrieved March 5, 2022, from https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/jocd.12449 

Trows, S., Wuchner, K., Spycher, R., & Steckel, H. (2014, April 11). Analytical challenges and regulatory requirements for nasal drug products in Europe and the U.S. MDPI. Retrieved March 5, 2022, from https://www.mdpi.com/1999-4923/6/2/195/htm 

Liu, Y., Krueger, L. D., & Nguyen, H. P. (2020, December 6). Regulation of skin lightening agents in the United States and implications for public health. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology . Retrieved March 5, 2022, from https://www.jaad.org/article/S0190-9622(20)33151-0/fulltext#relatedArticles 

Posted in davidbdale, Lectures | 32 Comments

Definition Rewrite–G00dSoup

Posted on March 4, 2023 by g00dsoup

Animal Crossing Helped People Through Lockdown

We need social interaction. Even the introverts who can go days without it. We’ve found ways to entertain ourselves during lockdown by finding something creative to do, but perhaps we all felt the need to socialize with someone…ANYone. But the fact most of us have most likely gone weeks, possibly months without socializing with the outside world might be a little terrifying. Beyond the creative aspect, Animal Crossing: New Horizons also offers a sense of community. The game allows players to visit other players’ islands, trade items, and interact with each other’s villagers. This social aspect has been particularly important during the COVID-19 pandemic, as players are able to connect with others and form friendships in a safe and virtual environment. The one thing we craved the most during the lockdown was most likely social interaction, and this video game – a video game! – gave us the chance to have the feeling of being with friends all over the world. Birthdays, graduations, proms, and even weddings were celebrated within the world of Animal Crossing.

Within many players, Animal Crossing: New Horizons has given them a sense of autonomy. In Andrew Z.H. Yee and Jeremy R.H. Sng’s article, “Animal Crossing and COVID-19: A Qualitative Study Examining How Video Games Satisfy Basic Psychological Needs During the Pandemic,” they claim, “Participants recounted that ACNH offered a feeling of escape and distraction from the restrictions and stresses of the pandemic and day-to-day life, provided a platform with the freedom to artistically express oneself, and enabled them to set and fulfill their own goals.” During the pandemic, many people have experienced significant changes in their daily routines and lifestyles. With the sudden shift to remote work and social distancing, many individuals found themselves struggling to adapt to the new normal. Especially so suddenly!

One of the main appeals of Animal Crossing: New Horizons is its ability to offer some sense of normalcy during a time that is anything but normal. The game allows players to create their own virtual, fantasy world and escape from the stress and anxiety of what we experienced at its beginning.
In the midst of this interesting time, Animal Crossing: New Horizons provided players with a much-needed sense of escape from the stresses of the world we were all experiencing. Whether it was through exploring a virtual world or engaging in a lively multiplayer battle by making a make-shift wrestling ring and shoving the other players out of the “ring.” The game allowed players to forget their worries and immerse themselves in a new and exciting environment. In short, the game offered a valuable source of entertainment and connection during a challenging period in human history.

The game is almost like starting a new life. You’re on a desert island—that you can turn it into whatever you’d like!—with new faces. Though these “new faces” might be anthropomorphic animals, they still add some sense of socialization to the game. Everything in the game is ultimately up to you. If you want to get to know your new in-game neighbors, you can. Much like real life, the more you talk to these villagers, the more you know about them. The relationship between you, the player, and these villagers may not seem like much. Yes, because they are fictional characters, but when it felt like we were trapped indoors…these villagers were probably our only means of social interaction. I personally loved getting to know my villagers. I’ve met a ninja rabbit who is obsessed with working out and always brags about how he’ll be the first animal to get a 12-pack. I’ve met a friendly dog who loves sharing book recommendations and who always gives me fruit in the mail. The relationships with these villagers (much like the relationships you make with those in real life) will only increase with your effort put into them.

The social aspect of Animal Crossing: New Horizons is not the only thing that helped people get through the gloomy days of being indoors. The game has special features built in that reward you for playing the game. Players get rewarded with Nook Miles, an in-game currency that enables the player to receive rare items and unlock new features. Not only are the rewards valuable for the players, but they feel a sense of accomplishment while playing the game. Sure, Animal Crossing is not as violent as Call of Duty. It’s not even the calming story mode action game of Legend of Zelda. Animal Crossing is moreso of an open-ended game…but this allows players to still set goals. Goals not set by the creators of the game, but for themselves.

[In] Kelsey Guenther’s article, “Can Animal Crossing make you happier?,” [s]he discusses how Animal Crossing can give people a sense of accomplishment. A video game can, in fact, do this! I am telling you that donating fifteen different specimens to a developing museum is an accomplishment. No matter how ridiculous it sounds.

“Even though these accomplishments are happening in a virtual world, this goal-attainment can still positively impact mental health. Specifically, by producing positive feelings, these games improve life-satisfaction and enhance players’ general well-being.”

Completing my museum exhibits brought me so much joy, I couldn’t even describe it. Some people can find excitement from finishing the furniture catalog. Whatever goals the players set for themselves, big or small, completing a rigorous in-game task will leave the players feeling satisfied.

The real appeal to Animal Crossing is that there is always something new happening every day. Animal Crossing is set in the time that we are experiencing. One day, there may be a character selling mysterious carpet and wallpaper for your home. Another, there could be a fishing tournament where you can make a lot of money in the end. Mechanics like these keep the players engaged and encourage them to log on again the next day to see what the game has in store for them.

Fans of the game series were excited by Animal Crossing’s arrival since it was so conveniently timed. It sparked interest in people who were seeking a sense of accomplishment. This game is unique in that it may be played anyway the user sees fit. It increases their sense of authority.

Animal Crossing was the perfect diversion for anybody who wished to “escape” from the real world. Animal Crossing is a game that is suitable for all ages. Although it may not be obvious to everyone, the game’s minor nuances and open-ended structure may provide players hours of fulfillment and pleasure.

References

Guenther, K. (2020, October 31). Can Animal Crossing make you happier? ScIU. https://blogs.iu.edu/sciu/2020/10/31/can-acnh-make-you-happier/

‌Yee, A. (2022, April 1). Animal Crossing and COVID-19: A Qualitative Study Examining How Video Games Satisfy Basic Psychological Needs During the Pandemic (J. Sng, Ed.) [Review of Animal Crossing and COVID-19: A Qualitative Study Examining How Video Games Satisfy Basic Psychological Needs During the Pandemic]. Frontiers. https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.800683/full

‌

Posted in Definition Rewrite, G00dSoup | 6 Comments

Definition-G00dSoup

Posted on March 4, 2023 by g00dsoup

Everyone was frantically searching for something, anything, that will help pass the “two weeks” we spent at home, isolating ourselves from others. Many of us felt the need for activities to fill the days. Some have turned to hobbies they’ve always meant to try, or they have decided to tackle that project they’ve been putting off for months, or they have even started online classes to learn a new skill or language. Others have been savagely searching the internet to purchase a Nintendo Switch so they can play the new Animal Crossing game that has been all over the place for the past few months to pass the time along.

Regardless of what people did, it’s clear that everyone was looking for ways to stay busy and entertained during the time of isolation we faced. With so many people stuck at home, it’s no wonder that the Nintendo Switch has become such a hot commodity. It offers a way to escape reality and immerse oneself in a completely different world, even if only for a little while. Animal Crossing: New Horizons is no exception to this.

Animal Crossing: New Horizons is a video game that was developed and published by Nintendo for the Nintendo Switch console. It is the fifth main series title in the Animal Crossing series and was released worldwide in March of 2020. The game takes place on a deserted island and allows players to build and decorate their own homes, fish, catch bugs, and interact with various animal characters. The game has received critical acclaim for its relaxing gameplay and charming graphics, making it a popular choice for gamers of all ages.

What makes this game so fascinating? What is it about living on an abandoned island with unique, anthropomorphic animals that is so intriguing due to its open-ended nature?

One of the main appeals of Animal Crossing: New Horizons is its ability to offer some sense of normalcy during a time that is anything but normal. The game allows players to create their own virtual, fantasy world and escape from the stress and anxiety of what we experienced the pandemic at its beginning.

In addition, the open-ended nature of the game allows for a unique and personalized experience for each player. From designing and decorating their own homes to creating their own fashion and interacting with a variety of characters, players have the freedom to create their own story within the game. Overall, Animal Crossing: New Horizons offers a much-needed escape from reality and a chance to be creative and express oneself in a safe and enjoyable way. It’s no wonder that the game has become such a sensation during these challenging times.

Let’s take a closer look at Animal Crossing and what makes it so captivating. The game begins with the player arriving on a deserted island with few villagers, each with their own personality. To start, you must improve the island’s appearance to gain a good approval rating. Once achieved, the rest of the game is up to you. You can create a metropolis-style town, a quaint cottage village, or fill the island with unique, zany objects and only have rabbit villagers without upgrading facilities. The possibilities are endless.

Beyond the creative aspect, Animal Crossing: New Horizons also offers a sense of community. The game allows players to visit other players’ islands, trade items, and interact with each other’s villagers. This social aspect has been particularly important during the COVID-19 pandemic, as players are able to connect with others and form friendships in a safe and virtual environment. The one thing we craved the most during the lockdown was social interaction, and this video game – a video game! – gave us the chance to have the feeling of being with friends all over the world. Birthdays, graduations, proms, and even weddings were celebrated within the world of Animal Crossing.

Within many players, Animal Crossing: New Horizons has given them a sense of autonomy. In Andrew Z.H. Yee and Jeremy R.H. Sng’s article, Animal Crossing and COVID-19: A Qualitative Study Examining How Video Games Satisfy Basic Psychological Needs During the Pandemic, they claim, “Participants recounted that ACNH offered a feeling of escape and distraction from the restrictions and stresses of the pandemic and day-to-day life, provided a platform with the freedom to artistically express oneself, and enabled them to set and fulfill their own goals.” During the pandemic, many people have experienced significant changes in their daily routines and lifestyles. With the sudden shift to remote work and social distancing, many individuals found themselves struggling to adapt to the new normal. Especially so suddenly!

In the midst of this interesting time, the game provided players with a much-needed sense of escape from the stresses of the world we were all experiencing. Whether it was through exploring a virtual world or engaging in a lively multiplayer battle by making a make-shift wrestling ring and shoving the other players out of the “ring.” The game allowed players to forget their worries and immerse themselves in a new and exciting environment. In short, the game offered a valuable source of entertainment and connection during a challenging period in human history.

No one can claim to have been happy during the lockdown, when we were unable to be with our loved ones. Who could be? Personally, I was deeply upset by the situation. The release of this game, so conveniently released, too, brought a sense of excitement within fans of the franchise. It brought curiosity to those needing something to do. Kelsey Guenther’s article, Can Animal Crossing make you happier?, She discusses how Animal Crossing can give people a sense of accomplishment. A video game can, in fact, do this! I am telling you that by donating fifteen different specimens to a developing museum is an accomplishment. No matter how ridiculous it sounds.

Guenther claims, “Even though these accomplishments are happening in a virtual world, this goal-attainment can still positively impact mental health. Specifically, by producing positive feelings, these games improve life-satisfaction and enhance players’ general well-being. In addition, accomplishments in video games occur regularly, are often very achievable and have immediate rewards, whereas accomplishment in real-life can often be infrequent, difficult to achieve, and might go unnoticed.”

There may be numerous occasions where you put so much effort into something and anticipate receiving so much appreciation for it. You don’t feel too hot, though, when you don’t receive it. Villagers, Special Characters, and even the game itself congratulates you on these achievements inside the game’s rules. The “Nook Miles” you earn by completing tasks are an in-game currency. You spoke to the seagull that washed up on your beach and helped him find his Communicator? You get rewarded with Nook Miles. You planted all five types of fruit trees on your island? You get rewarded with more Nook Miles. You spoke to all the villagers on your island, cleaned up the weeds and planted flowers, and crafted and placed furniture outside to make your island look somewhat appealing? You can receive more Nook Miles. You may buy a variety of in-game things with these Nook Miles as compensation for the service of playing the game. Just by turning on your Nintendo Switch and enjoying another day of Animal Crossing, you are continually showered with rewards. As you play more, you’ll begin to take pride in how far you’ve come in the game.

References

Guenther, K. (2020, October 31). Can Animal Crossing make you happier? ScIU. https://blogs.iu.edu/sciu/2020/10/31/can-acnh-make-you-happier/

‌Yee, A. (2022, April 1). Animal Crossing and COVID-19: A Qualitative Study Examining How Video Games Satisfy Basic Psychological Needs During the Pandemic (J. Sng, Ed.) [Review of Animal Crossing and COVID-19: A Qualitative Study Examining How Video Games Satisfy Basic Psychological Needs During the Pandemic]. Frontiers. https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.800683/full

‌

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Definition Rewrite-rowanstudent6

Posted on March 4, 2023 by rowanstudent6

A Surfer’s State of Mind

Seagulls are squawking for food, the ocean smells like a salty tuna sandwich from two weeks ago, and the hoards of people flocking to the beach make the search for a parking spot feel impossible. These are all indicators of a harsh truth: you are at a beach in New Jersey. While New Jersey is rarely a sought after surf destination, it should be. It is the home of the best surf break in the world; the Jersey Shore.

Since I began surfing in 2016, I have been searching for the best wave and while many professional surfers look to the North Shore of Oahu, Southern California, or Western Australia for the world’s best wave, I plan to set my sights on the garbage and needle-ridden shores of New Jersey. I believe that the Northeast of the United States does not receive the attention it deserves as it provides a unique set of difficulties that provide the surfer with an opportunity to grow and overcome the obstacles that they face. New Jersey is the best surf destination in the world due the ever-changing breaks, summer crowds, and the challenges of seasonal surfing which provide the surfer an overwhelming sense of satisfaction when they overcome these obstacles.

While the “best” wave is often subjective based on the preferences of the critic, I am going to clear the water. The best wave is the wave that pushes the surfer to their limits, mentally and physically. The best wave allows for the surfer to improve their technique through overcoming adversity whether that be avoiding other surfers on a crowded day or by paddling into double over-head conditions.

New Jersey provides the conditions for a surfer’s growth due to the adversity that is present in the water and on the beaches. Many look to the Banzai Pipeline on the North Shore of Oahu as the best wave in the world due to its difficulty. However, I disagree because the Banzai Pipeline is too easy. The waves may exceed twenty feet and break onto a solid reef while also creating some of the hollowest barrels on the planet, but it does not provide the challenges that the Jersey Shore produces.

The first obstacle of New Jersey surf is dredging. Each winter, the breaks change which means that a surfer must relearn his home break each summer. That means that the ideal paddle out spot, the perfect place to sit in the lineup, and the place to smash an end-section turn have all changed between seasons leaving the surfer clueless during his first session of the summer. A recent study was conducted by DanaRose Brown and the US Army Corps of Engineering which examined how dredging and beach nourishment affected surfability in the area. DanaRose Brown states, “Short-term results indicate that surfability was reduced within the nourishment area for at least one month post-nourishment with smaller surf zone widths and less sandbars than before the nourishment.” While many think of this as reason to avoid the Jersey Shore, many locals see this as an opportunity to thrive. Surfing requires the mind to remain fluid and adaptable as situations in the water can change on a dime. A surfer in New Jersey will already be in this headspace as they must be prepared to adapt to a new break each season. The mastery a new break each season gives the New Jersey surfer a sense of well-deserved accomplishment.

Another challenge of New Jersey surf is the crowds. Summer surfing in New Jersey draws crowd from all around the Northeast which leads to packed lineups. Surfline, the world’s leading surf forecast site, stated, “New Jersey spots can be very crowded — just try to get a set wave at Manasquan Inlet or off the jetty at Broadway Beach in Cape May during the peak of a hurricane swell.” As someone who frequently surfs Manasquan during the summer I can attest that not even a hurricane is needed for lineups to become cramped. On a sunny day in August, the lineup can attract upwards of twenty people even if conditions are mild or subpar. The crowds add another layer of difficulty because you have be aware of the hierarchy in the water as well as aware of those paddling out while you are on a wave. A priority mistake can lead to a physical confrontation in the water and on the beach while a collision with a fellow surfer while on the wave can lead to physical injury and damage of equipment. This added challenge creates a necessity for surfers to be clear minded and ready for any obstacle that is put before them. However, this contributes the courage and triumph of the New Jersey surfer. Despite the risk of physical injury and destruction of an expensive surfboard, surfers will paddle out nonetheless in hopes of succeeding in these hazardous conditions. The reward for navigating these treacherous lineups is a clean face (of the wave that is) and a fun ride.

While surfing in the summer may have its challenges, the oncoming winter provides challenges of its own. The beaches and lineups clear up while the waves improve, but the water temperature becomes bone chilling as winter sets in. According to Surfline’s guide to Jersey Shore surf, “water temperatures can reach as high as seventy-five degrees in the summer, but can drop to low thirties in the peak of winter.” This requires the purchase of wetsuits which help prolong time spent in the water, but regardless the cold pierces through the five millimeters of protection. The cold creates a mental battle as surfers struggle to stay warm and loose in the water as larger sets roll through. However, it is this battle with mother nature that makes New Jersey surf so special as it creates a sense of triumph after the session is over.

Surfing is hard. It requires mental and physical perseverance in order to improve which is why New Jersey is the best surf location. The best surf allow for a new set of obstacles each time a surfer enters the water which will provide them an opportunity to overcome adversity and improve. Whether it be changing breaks, crowds, or the cold; New Jersey surf provides obstacles that only allow for physically stronger surfers, but mentally as well.

References

“An Evaluation of the Short Term Impacts of Beach Nourishment on Surfability in Long Branch, New Jersey” Stevens Institute of Technology. 2020. 4 March 2023.

“New Jersey Travel and Surf Guide” Surfline. 2023. 4 March 2023

Posted in Definition Rewrite, Portfolio RowanStudent6, rowanstudent6 | 8 Comments

Definition-rowanstudent6

Posted on March 4, 2023 by rowanstudent6

Seagulls are squawking for food, the ocean smells like a salty tuna sandwich from two weeks ago, and the hoards of people flocking to the beach make the search for a parking spot feel impossible. These are all indicators of a harsh truth: you are at a beach in New Jersey. While New Jersey is rarely a sought after surf destination, it should be. Not only does it have a rich history, but it also represents surfing in a way that no other destination truly does.

Since I began surfing in 2016, I have been searching for the best wave and while many professional surfers look to Hawaii, California, or Western Australia for the world’s best wave, I plan to set my sights on the garbage and needle-ridden shores of New Jersey. I believe that the Northeast of the United States does not receive the attention it deserves as there is a unique surf culture that many in the area resonate with. New Jersey is the best surf destination in the world due the ever-changing breaks, summer crowds, and the challenges of seasonal surfing.

While the “best” wave is often subjective based on the preferences of the critic, I am going to clear the water. The best wave is the wave that pushes the surfer to their limits, mentally and physically. The best wave allows for the surfer to improve their technique through overcoming adversity whether that be avoiding other surfers on a crowded day or by paddling into double over-head conditions.

New Jersey provides the conditions for a surfer’s growth to the adversity that is present in the water and on our beaches. Many look to the Banzai Pipeline on the North Shore of Oahu as the best wave in the world due to its difficulty. The waves can reach up to twenty feet as they break over a solid reef, but can also produce some of the cleanest barrels in the world. However, it does not produce the same difficulty that New Jersey surf produces.

Each winter, dredging occurs offshore in New Jersey which creates a vastly different surf break every summer. A recent study was conducted by DanaRose Brown and the US Army Corps of Engineering which examined how dredging and beach nourishment affected surfability in the area. DanaRose Brown states, “Short-term results indicate that surfability was reduced within the nourishment area for at least one month post-nourishment with smaller surf zone widths and less sandbars than before the nourishment” (Brown). This research explains that after nourishment, which occurs annually, the surf breaks change as sandbars disappear and the surf zones become smaller. This adds another layer of difficulty to New Jersey surfing as not only is each wave surfed different, but surf breaks themselves are different from the year prior. This creates a need to surfers to adapt each year to the changing conditions which help them become better. Surfing is all about reaction to nature and changing with the circumstances around you. As the wave changes so does the surfer which is why a annually changing surf breaks creates better surfers as it allows them to stay in this fluid mindset.

Another challenge of New Jersey surf is the crowds. New Jersey is in between three major US cities; Philadelphia, Washington DC, and New York City which draws hoards of tourists to the area. On top of the locations adjacent to these major metropolitan hubs, is the fact that New Jersey is a beautiful summer destination for many in the Northeast. This results in beaches and lineups becoming cramped and overcrowded during the summer. Hurricanes also draw huge crowds of surfers as they produce the best surf during the summer. Surfline, the world’s leading surf forecast site, stated, “New Jersey spots can be very crowded — just try to get a set wave at Manasquan Inlet or off the jetty at Broadway Beach in Cape May during the peak of a hurricane swell” (Surfline). As someone who frequently surfs Manasquan during the summer I can attest that not even a hurricane is needed for lineups to become cramped. On a sunny day in August, the lineup of attract upwards of twenty people even if conditions are mild or subpar. The crowds add another layer of difficulty because you have be aware of the hierarchy in the water as well as aware of those paddling out while you are on a wave. This added challenge creates a necessity for surfers to be clear minded and ready for any obstacle that is put before them.

While surfing in the summer may have its challenges, the oncoming winter provides challenges of its own. The beaches and lineups clear up while the waves improve, but the water temperature becomes bone chilling as winter sets in. Water temperatures can reach as high as seventy-five degrees in the summer, but can drop to low thirties in the peak of winter (Surfline). This requires the purchase of wetsuits which help prolong time spent in the water, but regardless the cold pierces through the five millimeters of protection. The cold creates a mental battle as surfers struggle to stay warm and loose in the water as larger sets roll through.

Surfing is hard. It requires mental and physical perseverance in order to improve which is why New Jersey is the best surf location. The best surf allow for a new set of obstacles each time a surfer enters the water which will provide them an opportunity to overcome adversity and improve. Whether it be changing breaks, crowds, or the cold; New Jersey surf provides obstacles that only allow for physically stronger surfers, but mentally as well.

References

“An Evaluation of the Short Term Impacts of Beach Nourishment on Surfability in Long Branch, New Jersey” Stevens Institute of Technology. 2020. 4 March 2023.

“New Jersey Travel and Surf Guide” Surfline. 2023. 4 March 2023

Posted in Definition, Portfolio RowanStudent6, rowanstudent6 | 1 Comment

CLAIMS-Miliwawa

Posted on March 4, 2023 by miliwawa

CREDIBILITY CLAIM: This is a credibility claim because it gives credit to the person who made a claim. 

 “Hofstra professor Motta says, while a simple Google search [of the research] would tell you that the children of traumatized people have problems, the VA doesn’t wanna spend the money. Even with veterans, they try to say, ‘Well, you really had a preexisting condition.’ It would cost millions upon millions to treat the people affected. They just don’t want to foot the bill.” 

COMPARATIVE CLAIM: VVW has safe houses where people feeling episodic can go too, which is better than going to the VVW parking lot and sleeping in their trucks.  

“it’s better than just driving to VVW’s parking lot and sleeping in their trucks.”

ATTRIBUTIVE CLAIM: The author is passing a message along about how every vet needs therapy, but the author can’t verify that claim; therefore used Danna’s claim  

“She tells me that VVW’s No. 1 priority has always been helping vets figure out how to get their benefits. “Money has to be first. You can’t breathe without it.” But it takes more than that. “She,” Danna says, meaning the wife—nearly all the vets around here are men—”NEEDS therapy.”

EVALUATIVE CLAIM: This claim involves judgment of the characteristics of secondary trauma by saying wether itll be acknowledged as a form of hell. 

“It may take years for the verdict to come in on whether secondary trauma will be officially acknowledged as its own unique form of hell.”

Posted in Author, Miliwawa, PTSD Claims | Leave a comment

White Paper – anonymous9845

Posted on March 1, 2023 by Anonymous

Working Hypothesis – In my paper, I will be researching why getting rid of letter grades will improve student engagement, learning, and confidence. I’ll mainly focus my research to studies and schools that might have already made this switch.

Source 1: https://www.learningliftoff.com/schools-change-grading-system-drop-letter-grades/

This article highlights the most used arguments against the letter grade system. A student’s final grade doesn’t fully reflect their comprehension of the subject. It’s usually the average score of multiple assignments, so an incomplete project or missed homeworks can severely impact the letter grade.

Source 2: https://www.insidehighered.com/advice/2017/11/14/significant-learning-benefits-getting-rid-grades-essay

This essay looks at this problem on the psychological side, when stating that good letter grades don’t truly motivate students. This lack of motivation leads to the minimax principle, where students try to do as little as possible for the best grade. Not because they’re motivated for the higher letter grade, but because they feel like they have to.

Source 3: https://www.npr.org/local/309/2020/02/28/810325384/public-schools-try-ditching-a-to-f-letter-grades

This article focuses on “progressive schools”, or some schools that are working on changing up it’s grading system and changing the way students perceive school and learning. These schools are slowly transitioning into these new ways, so they give out frequent progress reports that gives students, and parents a better understanding on what is going on in the classroom.

Posted in Anonymous9845, White Paper | 1 Comment

White Paper – cherries267

Posted on February 28, 2023 by cherries267

Working Hypothesis – For my research paper i will be researching why certain mental and physical illnesses have the option of assisted suicide and others don’t. My research will be in what medical professionals believe is valid for assisted suicide and what that can mean for others with those conditions.

Source 1: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1752928X13002916

Background : This article goes into the legality of assisted suicide in Italy and Switzerland for mentally ill individuals.

How i intend to use it: I would use the examples they gave of patients with mental illnesses such as major depressive disorder and bipolar disorder who were living in agony everyday and how they were evaluated for this type of process

Source 2 : https://www.psychiatrist.com/read-pdf/20371/

Background : This article goes into how mental illness is a large reason for suicides. Even though people with physical ailments who request assisted suicide who have gotten better psychiatric assistance have been proven to be greatfull for not having died

How i intend to use it : It shows that suicidal ideation is very tied into mental health and that having physical ailments should not automatically make you qualify for assisted suicide.

Source 3 : https://ps.psychiatryonline.org/doi/full/10.1176/appi.ps.201700013

Background : In the United States only terminal illnesses are considered for assisted suicide. Canada is considering whether to extend the practice to encompass intractable suffering caused by mental disorders, and the question inevitably will arise in the United States. Legitimate concern exists that assisted death could serve as a substitute for creating adequate systems of mental health treatment and social support.

How i intend to use it : To see how it has been implemented in other places around the world and using that information to see if it could work in the US. If assisted death can be used with conditions that won’t end up killing them in the end, and if those people still have a good quality of life in non life threatening conditions.

Posted in Cherries, White Paper | 1 Comment

Claims – SortableElms

Posted on February 25, 2023 by sortableelms

Section 11

“Brannan gave the packet to Katie’s kindergarten teacher, but thinks the teacher just saw it as an excuse for bad behavior. Last fall, she switched Katie to a different school, where she hopes more understanding will lead to less anxiety.”

This is an evaluative claim. The packet given to the teacher can be easily backed with a bit of research. The teacher decided to just blame it on bad behavior even with the packet.

“Katie is sorry—God, is she sorry, you can see it in her face and guilty shoulders, but she seems to feel like she can’t help it.”

This is an illustrative claim. They are illustrating her face and you can imagine the look on her face and the way her shoulders are.

Posted in PTSD Claims, SortableElms | 1 Comment

Claims – Anonymous123

Posted on February 19, 2023 by anonymous123

Section 12

  1. “By this point, you might be wondering, and possibly feeling guilty about wondering, why Brannan doesn’t just get divorced.”
    • This is a moral claim because they are saying that Brannan should just get divorced because of the situation she is in.
  2. “And she would tell you openly that she’s thought about it.”
    • This is an attributive claim because they are changing direction to what Brannan has said herself.
  3. “Everyone has thought about it,” she says.”
    • This is an attributive claim because once again they quote her in a claim she has made.
  4. “And a lot of Kateri’s eight-year-old son now counts the exits in new spaces he enters, and points them out to his loved ones until war or fire fails to break out, and everyone is safely back home.”
    • This is an evaluative claim because this involves judgement of situations by Kaveri’s eight year old son.
  5. “In the wake of Vietnam, 38 percent of marriages failed within the first six months of a veteran’s return stateside;”
    • This is a factual claim as it tells us that 38% of marriages have failed within 6 months of a veterans return. This is telling us that facts based of marriages in those circumstances.
  6. “the divorce rate was twice as high for vets with PTSD as for those without.”
    • This is a numerical or quantitive claim as they are evaluating the divorce rate of vets with ptsd and how it has doubled those those without ptsd making it also comparative.
  7. “Vietnam vets with severe PTSD are 69 percent more likely to have their marriages fail than other vets.”
    • This is a factual claim because it has been researched with people that has severe ptsd and their marriages compared to other vets which also makes this comparative.
  8. “Army records also show that 65 percent of active-duty suicides, which now outpace combat deaths, are precipitated by broken relationships.”
    • This is a factual claim because it can be proved that 65 percent of active duty suicides are by broken relationships.
  9. “And veterans, well, one of them dies by suicide every 80 minutes.”
    • This is a numerical claim as it evaluates one vet dying from suicide every 80 minutes which makes it not factual because it doesn’t have evidence to it. It just is being told to us in an evaluative way using numbers.
  10. “But even ignoring that though vets make up 7 percent of the United States, they account for 20 percent of its suicides ”
    • This is a factual claim because it can be proven
  11. “or that children and teenagers of a parent who’s committed suicide are three times more likely to kill themselves, too”
    • This is a casual and numerical claim as it states consequences to children who’s parent commits suicide. And is numerical as it claims they are three times more likely to
  12. “or a whole bunch of equally grim statistics, Brannan’s got her reasons for sticking it out with Caleb.”
    • This is an attributive claim as they state that Brannan has her own reason for sticking it out with Caleb which refers a claim made by Brannan
  13. ““I love him,” she says.”
    • This is attributive as they refer to Brannan saying she loves him.
  14. “Brannan fully supports any wife—who feels that she or her children are in danger, or in an untenable mental-health environment, or for whatever reason—who decides to leave.”
    • This is a credibility claim as they state the evaluation of a situation that Brannan has said.
  15. “She’s here, through Family of a Vet, to help those people. But she’s also there for those FOV users who, like her, have decided to stay.”
    • This is an ethical claim as it states that Brannan is there to support people and help them through hard times.
  16. ““I have enormous respect for Caleb,” she explains if you ask her why”
    • This is an attributive claim as they signaling Brannans claim by using, “she explains I you ask her why.”
  17. ““He has never stopped fighting for this family. Now, we’ve had little breaks from therapy, but he never stopped going to therapy. I love him,” she repeats, defensively at times.”
    • This is an attributive claim as they refer to a claim that Brannan has made by using, “she repeats, defensively at times.”
  18. “He is her friend, and her first love, and her rock, and her lifeline, her blossoming young daughter’s father, her ally, and her hero, she tells Caleb when he asks.”
    • This is an attributive claim as they refer to a claim that Brannan has made by using, “she tells Caleb when he asks.”
  19. “Because the person who most often asks Brannan why she stays with her husband is her husband.”
    • This is an attributive claim as they say that her husband is the person who most often asks her why she’s still with her husband the most. It is a claim that cannot be verified so they said her husband is the one who’s says that to pass along that claim to her husband.
Posted in Anonymous123, PTSD Claims | 2 Comments