Shale Gas-Squeezing More Oil Out of Ground--Journal Entry #5

It is very scary thinking about the "what if's" and the problems that may occur with drilling here in the states.  Although I feel strongly about conserving and saving our environment and the life in it, I think the pro's out-weigh the con's of drilling and "shale gas".  As stated in the 60 Minutes video, America has the equivalent of two Saudi Arabia's of natural gas.  Why are we depending on foreign countries for oil and gas when we have it in our own backyard?  Yes, there are risks in doing so, but aren't there risks to everything we do in our daily lives? The drilling of a dense rock formation-shale is not the same as deep in our oceans. Yes, shale drilling has its mishaps but they are mainly caused my human error which can/should be improved.  Overall, the shale is a smarter route in my opinion because it will increase America's independency of other countries, provide more work and a better economy, and it will help in decreasing our carbon emissions!  It was also really cool reading about out nature creates the oil from dead microorganisms and vegetation over a period of time.  With technology maturity, this field is hoped to allow us to utilize our land more safely and efficiently.  Although it is costly, horizontal drilling with use of steam and pressure is a large step in the United States' progress.  The only question that always and still remains is how to drill our shale rock and land while avoiding wastefulness and pollution to the environment and those that live in it. 

Untold Stories of Fort Myers-Journal Entry #4

These videos were very informational and I found myself easily able to relate to this beautiful town. My grandparents, parents, and I were born and raised in Southwest Florida.  My grandma and father always tell me stories about how the city, beaches, and roads have changed because of the population growth and technology. I would not want to live anywhere else except right here in this city. My whole family is here local and I could never be away from this weather and the beautiful beaches! I do, however, feel ashamed in a way because I did not really feel obligated to learn much about the city's history. I really enjoyed the natives share their stories about downtown, Thomas Edison, war bases, and the growth that they have witnessed. Growing up here all my life made me feel "at home" while viewing the videos. I remember the stories my grandma told me about the $0.10 movie theatre tickets. It is really interesting to see how people started this town and how much it has evolved. I never knew that the city of Fort Myers was named after a Colonel in the war. Living only about 2 minutes from Downtown Fort Myers make me feel so fortunate because it truly is the heart of Fort Myers. I have attened St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church all of my life and have driven down McGregor Blvd. countless times before. I also take pride earning my Associates Degree at Edison State College because it was the first college in the area. I have enjoyed many plays in the Barbara B. Mann theatre and truly enjoyed listening to Barbara Mann speak about her childhood. I even know one of the speakers "Frank Pavese"; he and his family are distantly related to mine: D'Alssandro. I can even look back in the Pre-K and cherish the class trip we took to the Imaginarium. Fort Myers is an awesome city and I really enjoyed hearing about its growth and change in this documentary!!