Mcguinness, E. (2009). City Eyes

McGuinness, E. (2009). City eyes garbage crackdown. The Hamilton Spectator. Nov 2, 2009.

The main purpose or intent of McGuinness's (2009) article is to point out that Hamilton has missed its goal of diverting 65% of city waste from landfills by requiring composting and recycling.

The key questions being asked include the following. Why hasn't the city of Hamilton been able to reach its goal? Who are the main culprits in excessive waste creation or ineffective waste disposal? What can the city do to meet its waste reduction goals? How can big box retailers, shopping malls, and other large-scale culprits be held more accountable?

The most important information in the article is that Hamilton has set ambitious goals in reducing waste but that not enough is being done to ensure that such goals are being met. "Too many recyclables and food scraps are still being thrown in the garbage" in spite of the one-container limit, according to McGuinness (2009).

McGuinness (2009) infers that the currently proposed waste reduction program is a feasible one, and that consumers are able to reduce their waste accordingly.

5. The writer's point-of-view is critical of the city for not being able to meet its goals and also critical of consumers and businesses who are not fulfilling their responsibilities to reduce waste. The tone of the article is neutral, but McGuinness (2009) describes the "crackdown" that the city is now proposing.

Dreschel, A. (2009). It's time to talk about licensing cyclists. The Hamilton Spectator. Oct 9, 2009.

1. The main purpose of Freschel's (2009) article is to demand more accountability on the part of bicyclists in Hamilton. The solution to unsafe riding, says Dreschel (2009), is to require all cyclists to carry a license.

2. The key questions being asked include the following. Why does law enforcement often ignore bicyclists who violate traffic rules? Why does the city spend so much on cycling infrastructure such as bike lanes without expecting a high degree of personal responsibility for safe riding in exchange? How can Hamilton follow the successful models of European cities in encouraging bike-friendly but safe roads?

3. The most important information in the article is that cities like Hamilton that hope to become bicycle-friendly should also require cycling education or a licensing program. Bicyclists in Hamilton are blatantly violating traffic rules, according to Dreschel (2009). Law enforcement officials are looking the other way, issuing only 11 tickets, compared to almost thirty thousand given to motorists in violation of the law.

4. The inferences that Freschel (2009) are mainly generalizations about bicyclists in Hamilton. Freschel (2009) seems to be arguing on behalf of a small number of cyclists of disobey traffic rules or who ride aggressively.

5. The writer's point-of-view is obvious because of the author's tone, style, and diction. Dreschel (2009) claims that cyclists "flout the rules of the road every single day without fear of probable consequences or concern for the safety of others." Freschel (2009) writes with an irritated tone because of what he sees as dangerous or simply rude riding habits.

Reilly, E. (2009). City to hike bus fares, starting Jan 1. The Hamilton Spectator. Nov 12, 2009. Retrieved Nov 12, 2009 from http://www.thespec.com/News/Local/article/671134

1. The main purpose of the article is to inform the public about the impending rate increase for bus fares.

2. The key questions being asked and answered in Reilly's (2009) article is how much the fares are increasing and for which passengers. Reilly (2009) also asks how the public and city officials are reacting to the fare increases, and which politicians supported it.

3. The most important information in the article for most readers will be how much the rate increase will be: 15 cents more for all but seniors. However, the information about which politicians voted for the rate increase might have an impact on voters next election.

4. Reilly (2009) infers that the rate increase will be a hot political topic for the next municipal elections.

5. Reilly's (2009) point-of-view is neutral, evident by the way the writer shows both points-of-view. Reilly (2009) quotes both city council members who opposed the rate increase, and also quoted Mayor Eisenberger as claiming that a 20 cent increase was really needed but that they settled for 15 cents.

Benzie, R. (2009). No HST on your coffee or newspaper. The Hamilton Spectator. Nov 12, 2009. Retrieved Nov 12, 2009 from http://www.thespec.com/News/Local/article/671440