EPA: Natural Gas Fracking Linked to Water Contamination

The article, EPA: Natural Gas Fracking Linked to Water Contamination, is about the new realization that water pollution was linked to hydraulic fracturing. The EPA came to this conclusion while drilling in Wyoming, attempting to determine if this poses a risk to drinking water and water resources. The contaminating substance is likely to be leaking from gas wells that are used in fracking and with frack fluids. This leads to the direct mixture of fracking fluids with ground water. This determined contamination may help to improve natural gas resources and the safety of the fracking process in the future. Whether or not there is a high risk, researchers hope that the indication of factors may enforce more strict rules and eliminate threats to drinking water. 

It was surprising to read that the head spokesperson of EnCana was denying this issues and called it offensive to the company. Though many reports of foul water have been issued, Hock would not identify the cause or that it had any relation to the company. The EPA investigated and will continue to review the fracking process undergone by this company. 

Visual Rhetoric

Visual rhetoric is a visual image that expresses cultural meaning rather than just aesthetic consideration. This image is part of the WWF's campaign to improve biodiversity protection and sustainable development. The image is of two rhino's in the wild, both is spray paint graffiti on the sides of their bodies. This is a connection to the growing vandalism and spread of human destruction into the wilderness. The image shows how there is no boundary between human effects and the wild animals that are slowly becoming affected. The vandalism is supposed to evoke a feeling of sorrow and guilt in the human population towards wild animals, such as these rhinos. This image is easy to connect to and can be understood by all ages, especially the young adults who are mostly effecting/affected.

Turtle Island #3

"By Frazier Creek Falls"
The theme of this poem is the beauty of nature. It describes to landscape and uses strong imagery to show the complex beauty. Snyder states that we don't need manmade items such as clothes or tools because mankind needs to appreciate and enjoy the wonders of nature. The human race is so small compared to the earth and needs to realize their importance compared to the world as a whole. 

"Without"
The theme of this poem is the energy of nature. It explains the gracefulness and elegance of the power. The  complexity is seen through the silence, but with undeniable power. Snyder states that the power is seen by whatever it passes and there is no end to what it will face. The power moves with ease and grace, showing no pain or difference in strength. 

"No Matter, Never Mind"
The poem's theme is nature's "family". In the first two stanzas, the father is void meaning that he is everything that is not seen. The mother waves, meaning that it is nature and the environment. Lastly, the child is matter, meaning it is everything that comes from the earth. When matter and the environment mix, it creates life and energy. The result of this family is the mind, which is the mentality of the human race. 

Second Reading of Turtle Island

"Steak"
This poem was really unique in the way it discussed the meat industry and cattle raising. It highlighted the differences and transition between the way the cattle live and were raised to the way they are prepared and served in restaurants. It is a very dramatic and somber description of the way cattle are raised for only the benefit of humans and their consumption. These animals' whole lives are for human's gain and in no way humane.

"For the Children"
This poem was really interesting because last time, I read the poem 'For the Poets'. This poem discussed the generation of children and the growth it has created. Snyder discusses how this generation is not as successful as expected and may not last. In order to survive, the newest generation needs to learn how to survive and live with the land, instead of on it.

"Tomorrow's Song"
This poem talks about the future of our world and our environment. It discusses what the humans have done to the earth and how all the other living creatures have no input into how the world turns out. Snyder speaks about the actions we should take to prevent further harm and how to use the resources of the environment. If we do not change our ways, the human race will not survive on the earth.

Class Discussion

The discussion in class consisted mostly of themes of the poems in Turtle Island. We talked about his styles of writing and topics of each poems. He separates the poems into four sections based on the themes of the pieces. Also, Snyder writes his poems in unique styles, like ending them with strange, complicated phrases. I think he does this to add dramatic effect or leave a lasting impression on the reader.
We also talked about the lifestyles and opinions of people in bioregions. In order to change the problems in specific bioregions (overpopulation, pollution, overconsumption, etc), the people and living organisms in each region must change. Whether this be a simple option like more use of public transportation or drastic measures like a completely new life, in a new location. We discussed what effects our lifestyle, like backgrounds and religion. Dr. Taylor asked us to go beyond our current way of life to explore other options and see the world in a different way.

Turtle Island

"Mother Earth: Her Whales"

The theme of this poem is differences between countries. Snyder analyzes countries like Japan, China, Brazil, and the United States and states that they have ruined the natural resources and wildlife of each country. He uses examples like plants (Brazil), whales (Japan), tigers (China), and otters (the United States) to show what animals and natural wildlife is being destroyed due to governments and powerful people. "Standing Tree People! Flying Bird People! Swimming Sea People! Four-legged, Two-legged, people!" (page 48, lines 49-52). He states that all living creatures are all the same and are all people. Snyder tries to emphasize the point that all the useless taking from the Earth needs to be put to an end and that changes need to be made all over the world.

"The Dazzle"

The theme of this poem is the complexity of mother nature. With the use of syntax, Snyder explains the process of a seed growing underground to become a flower. This process is expected and normal, but is complex because it occurs underground where no one can see it or explain it. The "dazzle" is the growing design of the roots of the plants in the soil. 

"As For Poets"

The theme of this poem is the beauty of poetry. Snyder explains the complexity of poetry and the feelings it can create in an individual. Each type of poet he describes is different and shows a more unique side to poetry. Snyder included this poem to show the feelings he hopes to express through his poetry and to show how much poetry has impacted his life.