1. ‘Ride-Hailing Could Cost You More Than Owning a Car, Analysis Finds’
A recent analysis of ride-hailing costs in 20 cities carried out by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety found that ride hailers often spend almost double the cost of owning a car by finding a ride to work every day, even when factoring in the expenses that come with owning a car.
The problem presented here is that many people who often believe that these are cheaper alternatives are misled and are spending twice the amount that they could be spending to get to work every day. This may stem from the idea that many people can’t afford to pay large sums at once but would rather pay $10 every single day instead of $300 a month.
The people who have the problem are those who often believe that they can’t afford a car, and that finding a ride is a cheaper alternative.
2. Annual East Village Halloween Dog Parade Canceled Due to Lack of Funds
A lack of funding has caused a dog parade that’s been a part of the East Village community for the past 28 years is being discontinued this year due to a lack of funding to cover the insurance and liability policy. The strongest supporters of this parade have created a GoFundMe to try to raise money and hold the event.
The problem presented in this case is the loss of a parade that has been a part of the community for almost three decades.
The people experiencing this problem include the community of the East Village in NY, as well as those non-locals who gather in the East Village to experience this annual event.
3. Connecticut Cops Exposed to White Powder During Drug Raid
Officers were exposed to a mixture of what is believed to be fentanyl and heroin during a drug raid in Connecticut. This occurred when someone inside the residence attempted to throw the package out of a closed window, where the impact caused the bag to explode and expose all officers inside to the powder. All officers were decontaminated, but some were sent to the hospital while others remained monitored.
The problem presented in this article is the exposure of what could be potentially very dangerous drugs to unsuspecting officers.
The people experiencing the problem are the officers who are now being monitored for any signs that the drugs had a negative effect on them, as such drugs have caused deaths in the past.
4. Vornado Reissues Recall for Space Heaters Following Death, Reports of Fires
Vornado issues its second recall of its personal space heaters, the VH101, after the report of the death of a 90-year-old man in Minnesota, along with another 19 fires caused. This product was sold in many major retailers since 2009, and have seen similar issues in the past.
The problem presented here is the inability of Vornado to fix a problem that they’ve had with their product in the past. Although it may be a more affordable heater, it isn’t safe, and that is a dangerous trade off.
The person experiencing this problem is both the consumers who have to worry about their heater catching fire and potentially killing them, as well as Vornado, who now has to spend a large amount of money redesigning this product, as well as returning money to their original buyers.
5. NYC Starts Work on Flood-Prone Queens Street, Then Ditc
A sewage issue in Middle Village has caused serious flooding during any given storm, as the water is unable to drain. Although the city had allocated $22M in the past to fix this issue, the construction has halted after workers discovered lead in the soil. Now that another $8M must be allocated, the city is acting slow and residents are fed-up. Construction is claimed to get started by the end of the year, however residents are pessimistic.
The problem presented in this article is the flooding that is causing damage to cars, appliances, and family heirlooms. This flooding is unavoidable and occurs after any given storm because of the storm drains that don’t actually drain the water, which is the root of the issue.
The people affected by this problem include all of the residents of Middle Village, who have to deal not only with the flooding itself but also the damage caused by this flooding.
Hi Max,
ReplyDeleteI am honestly really sad to read about that dog parade. It sounds like a true tragedy in that community. I think you found some really great articles to examine. They all have a clear problem and clear victim that you identified. Do you think these are all problems that could be solved with a new idea? Or do you see these as more situational? Either way I think you did a wonderful job summarizing these!
Wow, tragedy strikes in article 2. The dog parade NEEDS to happen. That is an important event to East Village, NY and I think the city should find a way to put funding towards that parade. I also found your article selection on hailing rides versus owning a car to be interesting. I am a frequent user of Uber and Lyft, and I always wonder if I would just be better off owning a car instead. However, I feel like this article applies more to people who live in more urban cities and rely on these rides for transportation around a city on a daily basis.
ReplyDeleteMax,
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed reading your article especially the ones focused in New York, New York is where I was born and raised and I have actually been to the dog parade in prior years. It is so sad to hear that they won't be having it this year. I also first hand witness street being flooded during the two hurricanes that took place in NY. I think the flood prone streets should be applied everyone. As you can see from the things going on in the Carolinas with Hurricane Florence
Hello Max,
ReplyDeleteI was intrigued by your first article. Today, especially around college campuses, everyone makes Uber out to be the best thing that has ever happened. Personally, I have always preferred driving myself and in my own car than riding with anyone else, so I have never tried Uber. At times, I have wondered what the difference in prices would be between using Uber and owning my car. Knowing that driving myself daily instead of calling an Uber saves me money is definitely good to know!
Taeler
wow maxwell this is amazing i truly loved your focus on vornado and their faulty heaters. it is mystifying why they would release a faulty product and yet they still do. your focus and clarity explaining this concept are well done. however i would further explain the drainage problem as it relates to the people of middle village. and how the lead comes into play would also aid the reader.
ReplyDeleteMax,
ReplyDeleteThe sewage issue you spoke about ocurring in Middle Village, is truly devastating especially when there are plenty of natural disasters happening near our country. These floods set back a community's goals and can negatively affect a person's daily routine. When flooding occurs, so many worries arise regarding your cars, pets, home, and family. Especially since these floods aren't coming from a natural disaster, there must be action taken soon because these problems can be fixed by people, unlike a hurricane.