Pulled Quotes

A recent USA Today piece entitled, The shape of lights to come? Not everyone’s buying it, was perhaps the most informative newspaper article I have ever read. I will even go as far as to say the article was too informative. 

The writer started with percentages of the U.S. light bulb market in the second sentence and continued the number trend throughout. Some of the figures presented, such as comparison prices of CFL and regular bulbs, were useful to readers who were looking for basic facts about compact fluorescent bulbs. Many of the numbers presented, however, seemed extraneous, such as the measly amount of mercury found in each bulb. By including nonessential numbers and repeating the same figures multiple times the writer made the article feel redundant and hard-pressed to fill the dedicated space. 

Despite the article’s unnecessary components it was still successful. The goal of the article, as I perceived, was to inform readers about the difference between traditional incandescent and more energy-efficient CFL light bulbs. To make the information efficient the author included a diagram explaining how the bulbs work, a graph comparing costs and a bullet list of tips for using the bulbs in addition to the actual written article. These supplements help in guiding reader’s eyes through the large amounts of information in a sensible, manageable way while holding their attention. 

Another key element in the article’s success was the inclusion of both sides of the issue. The author made sure to present the arguments for and against CFL bulbs, touching on both the most common complaints and how to get over them.  The tone of the article was very clear: yes, the bulbs have their problems (and here they are) but they are also better than the alternative (and this is why). 

Before reading the article I knew that CFL bulbs are better for the environment and can save consumers a pretty penny, but I did not have any idea why. After reading the article, though, I feel comfortable in my knowledge about the mechanics, the advantages and the drawbacks of CFLs. The author presented the material in an efficient manner and successfully fulfilled her goal of informing clueless consumers like myself. 

For us Floridians, the weather never seems to be a major issue. However, for those in the north and mid-western states, 20 inches of snow seemed to put a damper on those spring break plans.

Airports close, roads are down, there is so much snow you can barely see out your windows. It is surprising that the gusts of mother nature can create the worst for some and still sun and heat for others.

This article, entitled Ohio whipped by record snow; Maine feels strain, left me with a few questions. The article stated people were killed due to the massive snow storm, but did not mention where or when the accidents occured. We know the storm was deadly, but just how deadly? All these homes were left without power, but for how long? How long did the storm last and when did things begin to go back to order for these states across the nation? Weather stories are always fascinating because they state all the destruction and devastation that mother nature sweeps in with her power, but what about the excitement of no school and work?