English 421Y: Technical Writing Online

For my second research blog, I decided to cover the information that was contained in a May 2008 Popular Mechanics article titled Rebuilding America Special Report: How to Fix U.S. Infrastructure. This article is also available online here . Popular Mechanics is a monthly circulating magazine that focuses on current topics in technology and science.

This article discusses some of the problems that currently plague the United States power infrastructure along with some issues that are expected in the near future. Of these problems, some of them are inherent with the design of the current power infrastructure. It is suggested that smaller and more frequent power plants be added to the grid. In order to do this, the article suggests that wind power be implemented to help supplement the current infrastructure. This article also suggests that the United States’ power demands are expected to increase by 40 percent over the next 25 years. This will only increase the amount of problems with the current infrastructure if nothing is changed.

Just like the first blog that was posted, the information will be used to help establish the need for alternative methods of providing power. Since wind turbines are a very applicable alternative this will be relevant. Since this article does not focus on just one solution to the current restrictions with the power grid, including its information will help ensure that there is very little bias in our white paper. In addition to other solutions, the shortcomings of wind power are also discussed which will help eliminate bias in our white paper.