So I thought this topic was really broad and I really wasn't sure what the write about. "Energy", does that mean the different kinds of energy? Like kinetic, potential, thermal, electromagnetic, chemical, nuclear, and mass energy?
Well if so there you have it. These forms of energy have all "been defined to explain all known natural phenomena".
Energy can be converted into different forms, but it can never be created or destroyed.
Honestly, I hated chemistry and physics in high school, so I don't really want to discuss energy in those aspects. There are tons of equasions and such. Thats all boring to me. I do know that all living organisms rely on energy. Its the source of all life. So yeah, its a pretty big deal.
We need to find new sources of energy, I can tell you that much, in order to save the environment! That would be cool.
Yeah, as you can probably tell, I had no idea what exactly I was supposed to be getting at with this blog. But I hope it makes some sense?
website:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Energy
Monday, December 3, 2007
Sunday, December 2, 2007
Technology in the Classroom
More and more schools and universities are beginning to incorporate new and advanced technology as a part of the curriculum. With advances in technology, Professors are able to record their entire lecture as a pod cast and post it online where students who missed the class are able to listen to it online. The development of the “smart classroom” incorporates a number of technological features in the class that leave the old chalkboard and eraser behind. Now smart boards replace chalkboards, videos replace textbooks, along with a myriad of other technological devices. Teachers and Professors are typically encourages to incorporate technology into the classroom as well. Assignments can be placed online as well as grades, readings, practically the entire class.
But some Universities are saying that that is encouraging students to skip classes knowing that they can merely listen to the lecture at their convenience, or visit the class’s website to check for any assignments. Is the “smart classroom” secretly ruining classic teacher-student education? Either way you look at it, it is certainly changing the way we become educated.
website:
http://education.qld.gov.au/smartclassrooms/
But some Universities are saying that that is encouraging students to skip classes knowing that they can merely listen to the lecture at their convenience, or visit the class’s website to check for any assignments. Is the “smart classroom” secretly ruining classic teacher-student education? Either way you look at it, it is certainly changing the way we become educated.
website:
http://education.qld.gov.au/smartclassrooms/
Monday, November 26, 2007
The Simpsons: Just Your Average Family?
The Simpsons television show has been showing since 1989 depicts a crazy, lovable, and somewhat dysfunctional family comparable to those ideal families on sitcoms at the time. So why in the world would anyone consider this so-called “non-traditional” family actually be the typical American family?
To begin, we take a look at the family as a whole: a father, mother, and two point five children, that is one boy, girl, and a baby. So far it sounds like the average American family. Each family member has their own stereotypical roles that they fulfill: the father brings home the money, the mother cooks and cleans, the son makes mischief, and the daughter is mature and studious.
When Americans think of the “typical American family”, they tend to idealize it. It is true that more families in America act and live, to some degree, like the Simpsons as opposed to an idealized depiction of the American family such as the Cleavers from Leave it to Beaver. The Simpsons show American families as they truly are: imperfect. It’s just a fact that there is no “perfect family”. Sure siblings will argue with one another, parents disagree, there could be times of hardship or prosperity; and that is exactly what the Simpsons are showing.
Now obviously they do not portray the exact definition of an “American family”. Most families are probably not nearly as ridiculous as they are; however, they are also cartoons, and what would be interesting about them if they didn’t get into some sort or crazy trouble. Some things are exaggerated as well in the Simpsons, like the personalities of the family members; but that is because the show is a satire on the typical American family. But in the end, the Simpsons seem to be one of the closest portrayals of an American family on televisions today.
http://www.snpp.com/other/papers/ea.paper.html
To begin, we take a look at the family as a whole: a father, mother, and two point five children, that is one boy, girl, and a baby. So far it sounds like the average American family. Each family member has their own stereotypical roles that they fulfill: the father brings home the money, the mother cooks and cleans, the son makes mischief, and the daughter is mature and studious.
When Americans think of the “typical American family”, they tend to idealize it. It is true that more families in America act and live, to some degree, like the Simpsons as opposed to an idealized depiction of the American family such as the Cleavers from Leave it to Beaver. The Simpsons show American families as they truly are: imperfect. It’s just a fact that there is no “perfect family”. Sure siblings will argue with one another, parents disagree, there could be times of hardship or prosperity; and that is exactly what the Simpsons are showing.
Now obviously they do not portray the exact definition of an “American family”. Most families are probably not nearly as ridiculous as they are; however, they are also cartoons, and what would be interesting about them if they didn’t get into some sort or crazy trouble. Some things are exaggerated as well in the Simpsons, like the personalities of the family members; but that is because the show is a satire on the typical American family. But in the end, the Simpsons seem to be one of the closest portrayals of an American family on televisions today.
http://www.snpp.com/other/papers/ea.paper.html
Money Helps You Have Faith
Benny Hinn is a well-known televangelist who produces the television show “This is Your Day” where he markets and sells his books, videos, CDs, and bibles. Benny Hinn uses ideas based on the “word-faith movement” along with “prosperity gospel”. These two ideas teach that through ones’ faith they can obtain anything they desire such health, wealth, or success. He has even stated that “by sowing a sufficient monetary seed into his ministry—that person will be granted divine physical healing.” Many Christian groups have actually criticized him for preaching the “Prosperity Gospel” and even misinterpreting scriptures multiple times. Hinn refuses to join the “Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability” which is a council that “is the leading accreditation agency that helps Christian ministries earn public’s trust through adherence to seven standards of accountability.” Sounds to me like Benny Hinn is not that credible of a “faith healer”; it sounds more like he is just after money.'
website:
http://www.apologeticsindex.org/h01.html
website:
http://www.apologeticsindex.org/h01.html
Monday, November 12, 2007
Oh George.
With regards to the issue on “torture”, your current leader, President George W. Bush, does not seem to make a definite statement. Although while meeting with John McCain and John Warner on the issue, Bush wanted to “make it clear to the world that this government does not torture and that we adhere to the international convention of torture, whether it be here at home or abroad.”
Although Bush’s statement may seem to suggest that he is against torture, his plan regarding interrogation seems to suggest otherwise. When Warner suggested the bill stating that “bars classified evidence if not shared with the defendant, as well as evidence obtained by torture or inhumane treatment; extends constitutional protections against inhumane treatment to terrorism defendants.” Bush says that this bill could shut down many important CIA interrogations. He said “In order to protect this country, we must be able to interrogate people who have information about future attacks. I will resist any bill that does not enable this program to go forward.”
Bush’s plan on the matter “keeps classified evidence from defendants; allows evidence obtained by ‘coercive’ methods; defines inhumane treatment as ‘severe physical or mental pain.’”
This proposal for interrogating suspects would “essentially rewrite the 1949 Geneva Conventions and invite other countries to weaken the treaty's ban on humiliating, cruel and degrading treatment of prisoners.” Thus your President, America, is a man who does not let his country torture; the CIA however, well, they can do what they please, but its all to keep our country safe, right?
sources:
http://www.usatoday.com/news/washington/2006-09-14-bush_x.htm
http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2005/12/20051215-3.html
Although Bush’s statement may seem to suggest that he is against torture, his plan regarding interrogation seems to suggest otherwise. When Warner suggested the bill stating that “bars classified evidence if not shared with the defendant, as well as evidence obtained by torture or inhumane treatment; extends constitutional protections against inhumane treatment to terrorism defendants.” Bush says that this bill could shut down many important CIA interrogations. He said “In order to protect this country, we must be able to interrogate people who have information about future attacks. I will resist any bill that does not enable this program to go forward.”
Bush’s plan on the matter “keeps classified evidence from defendants; allows evidence obtained by ‘coercive’ methods; defines inhumane treatment as ‘severe physical or mental pain.’”
This proposal for interrogating suspects would “essentially rewrite the 1949 Geneva Conventions and invite other countries to weaken the treaty's ban on humiliating, cruel and degrading treatment of prisoners.” Thus your President, America, is a man who does not let his country torture; the CIA however, well, they can do what they please, but its all to keep our country safe, right?
sources:
http://www.usatoday.com/news/washington/2006-09-14-bush_x.htm
http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2005/12/20051215-3.html
Thursday, November 8, 2007
Pythia: the Oracle at Delphi
In ancient Greece, there was said to be a priestess known as Pythia who was said to be the Oracle of Apollo. Pythia was said to produce prophecies in a "frenzied state induced by vapors rising from the ground, and that she spoke gibberish which priests reshaped into the enigmatic prophecies". Though these "vapors" were actually a drug, many of her prophecies were written down and actually came true.
One example was in 630BC when the King of Thera brought a gift to the oracle. When he did so, she told him "that he should found a city in Libya". The king did not know where Libya was, and so he did nothing. When he returned to Thera, it did not rain for a long time and so he decided to go back to the oracle to ask her what could be done. She told him "if they...would make a settlement at Cyrene in Libya, things would go better with thelm". The king decided to follow this advice and so he sought out Libya with help from the Cretans. When he finally established a city in LIbya, things were still going poorly for the colony. So he went back to the oracle and she said, "know you better than I,fair Libya abounding in fleeces? Better the stranger than he who has trod it? Oh! Clever Therans!" And so the Therans aked to local Libyans where they should establish a city and thus the city prospered.
Another example occured in 401Bc when the oracle told the Spartans that "Sure though thy feet, proud Sparta, have a calre, a lame king's reign may see thee trip--Beware! Troubles unlooked for long shall vex thy shore, and rolling Time his tide of carnage pour" Shortly after this warning, Agesilaus, the king of Sparta at the time who acceeded the Lysander, began taking on too many battles, and inticed teh Thebans to fight. For the first time the Spartans were defeated by the Thebans.
website: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Famous_Oracular_Statements_from_Delphi
One example was in 630BC when the King of Thera brought a gift to the oracle. When he did so, she told him "that he should found a city in Libya". The king did not know where Libya was, and so he did nothing. When he returned to Thera, it did not rain for a long time and so he decided to go back to the oracle to ask her what could be done. She told him "if they...would make a settlement at Cyrene in Libya, things would go better with thelm". The king decided to follow this advice and so he sought out Libya with help from the Cretans. When he finally established a city in LIbya, things were still going poorly for the colony. So he went back to the oracle and she said, "know you better than I,fair Libya abounding in fleeces? Better the stranger than he who has trod it? Oh! Clever Therans!" And so the Therans aked to local Libyans where they should establish a city and thus the city prospered.
Another example occured in 401Bc when the oracle told the Spartans that "Sure though thy feet, proud Sparta, have a calre, a lame king's reign may see thee trip--Beware! Troubles unlooked for long shall vex thy shore, and rolling Time his tide of carnage pour" Shortly after this warning, Agesilaus, the king of Sparta at the time who acceeded the Lysander, began taking on too many battles, and inticed teh Thebans to fight. For the first time the Spartans were defeated by the Thebans.
website: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Famous_Oracular_Statements_from_Delphi
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
The Devil lives in New Jersey. [no suprise there]
The "Jersey Devil", sometimes referred to as the "Leeds Devil" is a creature described as a "flying biped with hooves" that lives in the Pine Barrens of southern New Jersey. The legend began in the 18th century when a woman from England moved to New Jeresy to live with her husband, Mr. Leed. She had given birth to 12 of his children and by the time she became pregnant with the 13th, she declared that she would rather give birth to the Devil's children. Apparently her wish was granted and the child was born with hooves, claws, and a tail. This devil child then ate the Leeds, and their children, and escaped through their chimney.
Over the years, several encounters of this creature were claimed. Commodore Stephen Decatur, a naval hero, during the 1800's, was in the Barrens to test cannonballs when he claimed that he hit a "strange, pale white creature winging overhead." The creature, most likely the devil of course, continued flying unfazed.
The devil was also blamed for several livestock killing over the years in which were "accompanied by strange tracks and unearthly screams."
Perhaps the biggest recording of witnessing the Jersey Devil was in 1909 when thousands of people reported to seeing the devil during the week of January 16-23.
website:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jersey_Devil
Sunday, October 28, 2007
Ghost Investigations of the Payne-Gentry Mansion
According to the Missouri Ghost Hunters Society, an official organization mind you, the historical Payne-Gentry Mansion Bridgeton, Missouri is haunted with spirits. The team of ghost hunters had heard claims of people seeing spirits of children playing near a tree in the backyard and front porch of the mansion. Their goal was "to record spirit energy in and around this home." and they were "not disappointed" apparenlty with their findings.
After teaming up with the Ghost Hunters of St. Louis, the two teams decided to both take separate readings and compare. Both teams took measurements of the "Geo and Electromagnetic fields" surrounding the mansion in order to compare. The teams then worked together to search for any nearby cemetaries in order to determine who these children ghosts were. "To their amazement" they discovered a small unmarked cemetary near the tree in the backyard which had several children burried in it.
After they finished the investigation outside, the teams moved to the attic, naturally, since thats where ghosts hang out, right? In the attic they waited for something to happen for about fifteen minutes when a member of the team detected a "cold spot" moving up the stairs accompanied by the sound of "someone unseen" walking up the stairs. One of the team members who was standing on the stairs said he could "feel the vibrations of the footsteps" as they walked on the step he was standing on.
When all was said and done, the teams took out their handy digital cameras to take pictures in and around the mansion, of course, since that is the best way to see a ghost. They came back with about 336 pictures of the mansion, filled with photographs of "orbs", also known as spirits apparently. Looks like any other ghost investigation if you ask me.
website:
http://www.ghosthaunting.com/html/payne-gentry_mansion.html
After teaming up with the Ghost Hunters of St. Louis, the two teams decided to both take separate readings and compare. Both teams took measurements of the "Geo and Electromagnetic fields" surrounding the mansion in order to compare. The teams then worked together to search for any nearby cemetaries in order to determine who these children ghosts were. "To their amazement" they discovered a small unmarked cemetary near the tree in the backyard which had several children burried in it.
After they finished the investigation outside, the teams moved to the attic, naturally, since thats where ghosts hang out, right? In the attic they waited for something to happen for about fifteen minutes when a member of the team detected a "cold spot" moving up the stairs accompanied by the sound of "someone unseen" walking up the stairs. One of the team members who was standing on the stairs said he could "feel the vibrations of the footsteps" as they walked on the step he was standing on.
When all was said and done, the teams took out their handy digital cameras to take pictures in and around the mansion, of course, since that is the best way to see a ghost. They came back with about 336 pictures of the mansion, filled with photographs of "orbs", also known as spirits apparently. Looks like any other ghost investigation if you ask me.
website:
http://www.ghosthaunting.com/html/payne-gentry_mansion.html
Tuesday, October 9, 2007
Crop Circles
Are aliens visiting our planet and landing in our wheat fields? Although many have catagorized these formations from naturalistic to paranormal, it is highly unlikely that these were formed by visitors from another planet. Especially since the majority of "crop circles", as they are called, have been discovered to be man-made hoaxes. In a study done in 2000, it concluded that 80 percent of UK circles were definitely man-made.
Two men from Southampton, England admittedto having created crop circles before and described the tools and techniques that came along with them. Tehy stated that they used a four foot long plank attached to a rope to stomp on the crops and create circles with an eight foot diameter. The two eventually designed more tools to help make more complex designs. They figured out how to create straight lines within the crops as opposed to just simple circles.
Eventually the two men had to turn themselves in when the wife of one of them discovered a high amount of mileage on their car. She accused him of cheating on her, and he eventually had to confess to her what he had been doing.
I suppose this is one more way to prove that aliens do not exhist.
website:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crop_circles#Creators_of_crop_circles
Two men from Southampton, England admittedto having created crop circles before and described the tools and techniques that came along with them. Tehy stated that they used a four foot long plank attached to a rope to stomp on the crops and create circles with an eight foot diameter. The two eventually designed more tools to help make more complex designs. They figured out how to create straight lines within the crops as opposed to just simple circles.
Eventually the two men had to turn themselves in when the wife of one of them discovered a high amount of mileage on their car. She accused him of cheating on her, and he eventually had to confess to her what he had been doing.
I suppose this is one more way to prove that aliens do not exhist.
website:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crop_circles#Creators_of_crop_circles
Tuesday, October 2, 2007
Y2K Bug
The Y2K Bug, also known as the Year 2000 Problem, was due to a computer program that was supposed to operate incorrectly for dates and times after January 1, 2000. Supposedly, the computers would not be able to store data from the date “00”, that being “2000”, because they would think that it was the date “1900”. This scare caused people to fear that huge industries and government functions would not be able to work once the bug was in effect.
The public became almost obsessed with the idea of “Y2K”The problem. Some would stock up on supplies, believing that once the virus took hold of the computers, they would not be able to get their essential every day items.
The bug was eventually put into place when computer programmers realized their mistake. Apparently the “Y2K” bug was not going to crash the computer systems at all. In fact, the whole problem had been blown out of proportion in one epic mass hysteria.
website:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Y2k
The public became almost obsessed with the idea of “Y2K”The problem. Some would stock up on supplies, believing that once the virus took hold of the computers, they would not be able to get their essential every day items.
The bug was eventually put into place when computer programmers realized their mistake. Apparently the “Y2K” bug was not going to crash the computer systems at all. In fact, the whole problem had been blown out of proportion in one epic mass hysteria.
website:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Y2k
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
NASA hides the true colors of Mars!?
NASA is apparently tampering with the images brought back from Mars changing blue to a red color. According to the article I came across, The original colors on the tabs of the sundial on the craft that was sent to Mars was pictured as blue on Earth. However, once photographed on Mars, the same tab is shown as a red. This being said, the artcle justifies its' claim by stating that if the blue was taken out of the photographs, then "all green elements in the copmlete picture have changed into orange, andall blue elements have changed into red" thus explained by basic color theory.
The article also claims that NASA has tampered the pictures to make the photographs from Mars look "smoggy" and dusty. The photograph presented by NASA gives a good example of this. However, the article states that the smog and dust can easily be made by tampering with the photo by using "the raw RGB (red, green, blue) data provided by JPL to create the same picture." This picture, however, showed a greater amount of detail than the one sent out by NASA.
So who knows, maybe NASA is tampering with the photographs from Mars. Or maybe it is the JPL members, the "good guys" as stated int he article, that are the ones tampering with the colors. After all, their entire point was stated the fact that it would be easy for NASA to alter the colorations in the photographs, there is no reason that JPL can't do the same.
I guess we will just have to wait and see.
website:
http://www.libertythink.com/totalinformation/BlueMars.htm
The article also claims that NASA has tampered the pictures to make the photographs from Mars look "smoggy" and dusty. The photograph presented by NASA gives a good example of this. However, the article states that the smog and dust can easily be made by tampering with the photo by using "the raw RGB (red, green, blue) data provided by JPL to create the same picture." This picture, however, showed a greater amount of detail than the one sent out by NASA.
So who knows, maybe NASA is tampering with the photographs from Mars. Or maybe it is the JPL members, the "good guys" as stated int he article, that are the ones tampering with the colors. After all, their entire point was stated the fact that it would be easy for NASA to alter the colorations in the photographs, there is no reason that JPL can't do the same.
I guess we will just have to wait and see.
website:
http://www.libertythink.com/totalinformation/BlueMars.htm
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
Know Thyself-my shortened version
Know Thyself
How does anyone come to form an opinion on an issue? Choosing a side on a debatable topic can say a lot about a certain persons’ morals and beliefs, thus explaining why it is so important to become as informed upon an issue as possible. In terms of the issue, it is important to look at all sides before developing an opinion on the subject; a person should be well informed on the issue at hand in order to develop an opinion that is not ignorant. While facts are important, so are parents, teachers, and other mentor figures shape the views of those who look up to them. On an issue like the death penalty, every detail is important to shaping an opinion. One must look to concrete facts and evidence, which contribute to each argument and speak to surrounding significant members of society in order to develop an opinion.
When first developing an opinion on the issue of the death penalty, I wanted to make sure that I had my facts right. The media can report a lot of often contradictory, “facts”; it is important that one obtains the right information. Faulty information from the media misleads people into believing false things. I managed to look at specific articles that were credible sources on both sides of the issue. I made sure to look at every angle on this issue before forming an opinion, taking both sides into consideration. If a person chooses only to become well informed on one side of the issue, he or she is being ignorant. Without knowing “all the facts”, one can never develop a credible opinion. I can see both sides of the issue at hand, but in the end, the idea behind wanting to take a person’s life for committing a crime like this seems illogical. Both sides of the argument make valid points on the matter, but it seemed to me as though there were fewer points that were pro-death penalty. However, it is important that I did take the time to learn and understand both sides of the issue; had I not done so, my opinion would be completely disregarded in society as uninformed.
The people I surround myself with also have a huge influence on forming my opinion. It is important to develop an opinion on the matter, but it is almost impossible to be completely uninfluenced by parents, teachers, peers, or anyone else. When first asked about the issue, I took my parent’s side, and decided the death penalty was unjust. They have had a big impact on shaping my opinions on debatable issues and I have come to respect their opinions. I then look towards my peers for influence, most of whom were for the death penalty. Their inability to look at the other side of the argument seemed to completely turn me off to even considering the opinion that the death penalty can be justified. I believe it is not a good thing to be completely close-minded on a subject like this. Mentors, such as coaches and teachers, whom I highly respected, also influenced me. I took into account those whom I admired and what their thoughts on the subject are.
However, both factors really contribute to one another in forming my opinion. I cannot seem to look at one without taking the other two into consideration. By looking at these factors, I try to get a look at the complete issue. In terms of the death penalty, I make sure that I have looked at all of the facts before applying a biased opinion formed by my mentors. By doing this I am able to form my own opinion on the matter.
How does anyone come to form an opinion on an issue? Choosing a side on a debatable topic can say a lot about a certain persons’ morals and beliefs, thus explaining why it is so important to become as informed upon an issue as possible. In terms of the issue, it is important to look at all sides before developing an opinion on the subject; a person should be well informed on the issue at hand in order to develop an opinion that is not ignorant. While facts are important, so are parents, teachers, and other mentor figures shape the views of those who look up to them. On an issue like the death penalty, every detail is important to shaping an opinion. One must look to concrete facts and evidence, which contribute to each argument and speak to surrounding significant members of society in order to develop an opinion.
When first developing an opinion on the issue of the death penalty, I wanted to make sure that I had my facts right. The media can report a lot of often contradictory, “facts”; it is important that one obtains the right information. Faulty information from the media misleads people into believing false things. I managed to look at specific articles that were credible sources on both sides of the issue. I made sure to look at every angle on this issue before forming an opinion, taking both sides into consideration. If a person chooses only to become well informed on one side of the issue, he or she is being ignorant. Without knowing “all the facts”, one can never develop a credible opinion. I can see both sides of the issue at hand, but in the end, the idea behind wanting to take a person’s life for committing a crime like this seems illogical. Both sides of the argument make valid points on the matter, but it seemed to me as though there were fewer points that were pro-death penalty. However, it is important that I did take the time to learn and understand both sides of the issue; had I not done so, my opinion would be completely disregarded in society as uninformed.
The people I surround myself with also have a huge influence on forming my opinion. It is important to develop an opinion on the matter, but it is almost impossible to be completely uninfluenced by parents, teachers, peers, or anyone else. When first asked about the issue, I took my parent’s side, and decided the death penalty was unjust. They have had a big impact on shaping my opinions on debatable issues and I have come to respect their opinions. I then look towards my peers for influence, most of whom were for the death penalty. Their inability to look at the other side of the argument seemed to completely turn me off to even considering the opinion that the death penalty can be justified. I believe it is not a good thing to be completely close-minded on a subject like this. Mentors, such as coaches and teachers, whom I highly respected, also influenced me. I took into account those whom I admired and what their thoughts on the subject are.
However, both factors really contribute to one another in forming my opinion. I cannot seem to look at one without taking the other two into consideration. By looking at these factors, I try to get a look at the complete issue. In terms of the death penalty, I make sure that I have looked at all of the facts before applying a biased opinion formed by my mentors. By doing this I am able to form my own opinion on the matter.
Know Thyself-my "wordy" original
Know Thyself
How does anyone come to form an opinion on an issue? Choosing a side on a debatable topic can say a lot about a certain persons’ morals and beliefs, thus explaining why it is so important to become as informed upon an issue as possible. On an issue, such as the death penalty, every detail is important to shaping an opinion. In terms of the issue, it is important to look at all sides before developing an opinion on the subject; a person should be well informed on the issue at hand in order to develop an opinion that is not ignorant. Although facts are important, so are the people that are around you: parents, teachers, and other mentor figures shape the views of those that look up to them. Regardless of whether or not a person is aware of it, they are being influenced to believe a certain thing some way or another. However, even with the persuasion of others, it is always important to look at one’s own personal beliefs before debating an issue. One must look to concrete facts and evidence, which contribute to each argument, speak to surrounding significant members of society, and look at personal morals and beliefs and see where they fit in terms of the issue.
When first developing an opinion on the issue of the death penalty, I wanted to make sure that I had my facts right. The media can say a lot of different, and often contradictory, “facts”; it is therefore vital to be certain that you are getting the right, accurate information. Faulty information from the media tends to mislead people into believing something that may not, in fact, be true. I managed to look at specific articles that were credible sources on both sides of the issue. I made sure to look at every angle on this issue before forming an opinion, taking both sides into consideration. If a person chooses only to become well informed on one side of the issue, they are being ignorant. Without knowing “all the facts” so to speak, one can never develop a strong, credible opinion. I can see how wrong it is to commit the crime of homicide, I can understand that those people are not deserving of a life of their own. I can see both sides of the issue at hand, but in the end, the idea behind wanting to take a person’s life for committing a crime like this seems illogical and faulty. Both sides of the argument make valid points on the matter, but when it came down to it, it seemed to me as though there were a lot less actual points in terms of keeping the death penalty in my opinion. However, it is important that I did take the time to learn and understand both sides of the issue; had I not done so, my opinion would be completely disregarded in society as uninformed.
Another huge influence on my decision on the death penalty is the people that I surround myself with. It is important to develop your own opinion on the matter, but it is almost impossible to be completely uninfluenced by the people you come in contact with, whether it be parents, teachers, peers, or anyone else you have daily social contact with. Coming from a private, conservative prep school with two very liberal teachers as parents helped shape my opinion on the subject matter. When first asked about the opinion, it was natural for me to immediately take the side of my parents. They have had the greatest impact on shaping my opinions on debatable issues more than any other source, and I have come to respect their opinions. I then look towards my peers for influence, most of who were strictly for the death penalty. Their inability to look at the other side of the argument seemed to completely turn me off to even considering the opinion that the death penalty can be justified. Narrow-minded people have a tendency to anger me either way, even if they have the same beliefs I do, it is never a good thing to be completely close-minded on any subject. I also was influenced by other mentor-like figures, such as coaches, and teachers that I highly respected, when making my opinion. I took into account those whom I admired and what their thoughts on the subject are. I figured that since I had so much respect for them, their opinions were some of the most important things to consider.
The final factor I used to determine my opinion was considering my own morals and beliefs. Although I stated earlier that it is important to take into account what others believe, it is also important to uphold your own values. When it came to an issue such as the death penalty, even being uninformed and without being completely bias, I always went back to my beliefs that killing another human is always considered wrong, no matter the context. I personally cannot understand why anyone would want to kill another human being, no matter the situation; and that is what helped form my opinion that the death penalty is wrong. I would never want to jeopardize my own beliefs based on what other people had to say about an issue; I have no problem respecting their thoughts, and taking them into consideration, but I always have to consider my own morals on the subject. The same goes for anyone else: without considering personal beliefs, your opinions will not truly be your opinions. They will just be opinions based on facts and the thoughts of others, not necessarily personal and not actually reflecting the person that you are. My own personal beliefs are always what end up determining where I stand on any issue in the end. If I feel something is wrong because of what I believe, regardless of what it is, I will probably always feel that I must take my own feelings into consideration before deciding which side to take on the matter.
However, all three factors really contribute to one another in forming my opinion. I cannot seem to look at one without taking the other two into consideration. If I am looking at hard evidence for an opposing view point, I always have to consider in the back of my mind what my own morals and beliefs say on the issue as well as what my peers and mentors would say. And if I attempt to form an opinion based strictly on fact or based on the opinion of another, then is it really my opinion? It cannot be because it does not reflect my own personal morals and beliefs. By looking at all three of these factors, I try to manage to get a complete and total look on the issue. In terms of the death penalty, I make sure that I have looked at all of the facts before applying a bias opinion formed by my mentors. I also make sure to keep in mind my values on the subject: no matter how much a person may “deserve” to die, that does not necessarily make it right. My personal beliefs have always taught me that killing is wrong. The three work hand in hand to help determine an opinion.
There are many ways a person can go about forming their own opinion on an issue. For me, I always make sure to use credible information to look at both sides of the issue in order to make sure I fully comprehend each side. I also make sure to consider what my peers and mentors have to say on the issue. If I respect a person, then their opinion is very important to me. Finally, I make sure to take my own morals and beliefs into consideration and see where they fit in terms of the issue. By combining these three factors, I manage to consider all options and sides of the debatable question without forgetting my own beliefs, and I am therefore able to form my own personal opinion on the matter.
How does anyone come to form an opinion on an issue? Choosing a side on a debatable topic can say a lot about a certain persons’ morals and beliefs, thus explaining why it is so important to become as informed upon an issue as possible. On an issue, such as the death penalty, every detail is important to shaping an opinion. In terms of the issue, it is important to look at all sides before developing an opinion on the subject; a person should be well informed on the issue at hand in order to develop an opinion that is not ignorant. Although facts are important, so are the people that are around you: parents, teachers, and other mentor figures shape the views of those that look up to them. Regardless of whether or not a person is aware of it, they are being influenced to believe a certain thing some way or another. However, even with the persuasion of others, it is always important to look at one’s own personal beliefs before debating an issue. One must look to concrete facts and evidence, which contribute to each argument, speak to surrounding significant members of society, and look at personal morals and beliefs and see where they fit in terms of the issue.
When first developing an opinion on the issue of the death penalty, I wanted to make sure that I had my facts right. The media can say a lot of different, and often contradictory, “facts”; it is therefore vital to be certain that you are getting the right, accurate information. Faulty information from the media tends to mislead people into believing something that may not, in fact, be true. I managed to look at specific articles that were credible sources on both sides of the issue. I made sure to look at every angle on this issue before forming an opinion, taking both sides into consideration. If a person chooses only to become well informed on one side of the issue, they are being ignorant. Without knowing “all the facts” so to speak, one can never develop a strong, credible opinion. I can see how wrong it is to commit the crime of homicide, I can understand that those people are not deserving of a life of their own. I can see both sides of the issue at hand, but in the end, the idea behind wanting to take a person’s life for committing a crime like this seems illogical and faulty. Both sides of the argument make valid points on the matter, but when it came down to it, it seemed to me as though there were a lot less actual points in terms of keeping the death penalty in my opinion. However, it is important that I did take the time to learn and understand both sides of the issue; had I not done so, my opinion would be completely disregarded in society as uninformed.
Another huge influence on my decision on the death penalty is the people that I surround myself with. It is important to develop your own opinion on the matter, but it is almost impossible to be completely uninfluenced by the people you come in contact with, whether it be parents, teachers, peers, or anyone else you have daily social contact with. Coming from a private, conservative prep school with two very liberal teachers as parents helped shape my opinion on the subject matter. When first asked about the opinion, it was natural for me to immediately take the side of my parents. They have had the greatest impact on shaping my opinions on debatable issues more than any other source, and I have come to respect their opinions. I then look towards my peers for influence, most of who were strictly for the death penalty. Their inability to look at the other side of the argument seemed to completely turn me off to even considering the opinion that the death penalty can be justified. Narrow-minded people have a tendency to anger me either way, even if they have the same beliefs I do, it is never a good thing to be completely close-minded on any subject. I also was influenced by other mentor-like figures, such as coaches, and teachers that I highly respected, when making my opinion. I took into account those whom I admired and what their thoughts on the subject are. I figured that since I had so much respect for them, their opinions were some of the most important things to consider.
The final factor I used to determine my opinion was considering my own morals and beliefs. Although I stated earlier that it is important to take into account what others believe, it is also important to uphold your own values. When it came to an issue such as the death penalty, even being uninformed and without being completely bias, I always went back to my beliefs that killing another human is always considered wrong, no matter the context. I personally cannot understand why anyone would want to kill another human being, no matter the situation; and that is what helped form my opinion that the death penalty is wrong. I would never want to jeopardize my own beliefs based on what other people had to say about an issue; I have no problem respecting their thoughts, and taking them into consideration, but I always have to consider my own morals on the subject. The same goes for anyone else: without considering personal beliefs, your opinions will not truly be your opinions. They will just be opinions based on facts and the thoughts of others, not necessarily personal and not actually reflecting the person that you are. My own personal beliefs are always what end up determining where I stand on any issue in the end. If I feel something is wrong because of what I believe, regardless of what it is, I will probably always feel that I must take my own feelings into consideration before deciding which side to take on the matter.
However, all three factors really contribute to one another in forming my opinion. I cannot seem to look at one without taking the other two into consideration. If I am looking at hard evidence for an opposing view point, I always have to consider in the back of my mind what my own morals and beliefs say on the issue as well as what my peers and mentors would say. And if I attempt to form an opinion based strictly on fact or based on the opinion of another, then is it really my opinion? It cannot be because it does not reflect my own personal morals and beliefs. By looking at all three of these factors, I try to manage to get a complete and total look on the issue. In terms of the death penalty, I make sure that I have looked at all of the facts before applying a bias opinion formed by my mentors. I also make sure to keep in mind my values on the subject: no matter how much a person may “deserve” to die, that does not necessarily make it right. My personal beliefs have always taught me that killing is wrong. The three work hand in hand to help determine an opinion.
There are many ways a person can go about forming their own opinion on an issue. For me, I always make sure to use credible information to look at both sides of the issue in order to make sure I fully comprehend each side. I also make sure to consider what my peers and mentors have to say on the issue. If I respect a person, then their opinion is very important to me. Finally, I make sure to take my own morals and beliefs into consideration and see where they fit in terms of the issue. By combining these three factors, I manage to consider all options and sides of the debatable question without forgetting my own beliefs, and I am therefore able to form my own personal opinion on the matter.
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
I have found the cure for cancer online!
Apparently there is a cure for cancer, and it comes in a drug that is cheap and has the ability to kill most cancers. What is this miracle drug? Dicholoroaetate (DCA) is a “relatively safe” drug that reawakens the mitochondria in cells, which causes them to die. Apparently when the mitochondria is “turned off, hey become “immortal”, outliving other cells in the tumor and so becoming dominant." The article then claims that once the mitochondria are reactivated by the DCA, they “order the abnormal cells to die” by reactivating apoptosis.
But back to this idea of being “relatively safe”, I can’t imagine what that means. According to the article, “DCA can cause pain, numbness and gait disturbances in some patients, but this may be a price worth paying if it turns out to be effective against all cancers” Where is the proof that this works on “all cancers” though? I do not see a reason why someone with cancer would want to use this potentially harmful treatment when it have only been experimented on rats and human skin cells. So perhaps we these scientists should reconsider making such a bold statement as “cures all cancers” without doing all of the research first.
website:
http://www.newscientist.com/article.ns?id=dn10971
But back to this idea of being “relatively safe”, I can’t imagine what that means. According to the article, “DCA can cause pain, numbness and gait disturbances in some patients, but this may be a price worth paying if it turns out to be effective against all cancers” Where is the proof that this works on “all cancers” though? I do not see a reason why someone with cancer would want to use this potentially harmful treatment when it have only been experimented on rats and human skin cells. So perhaps we these scientists should reconsider making such a bold statement as “cures all cancers” without doing all of the research first.
website:
http://www.newscientist.com/article.ns?id=dn10971
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
"History's Big Lie"...apparently.
Even the idea of a person that does not believe in the Holocaust seems absolutely ridiculous, hence the reason I was so surprised to come across a myriad of articles claiming that it was history’s “biggest lie”. In the article I read, it began with by using the “logic” that “how could Hitler kill 6,500,000 Jews although they were only 3,450,000 in German occupation?” Perhaps the author of this article should check his facts before making such a bold statement. While there may have been only 3,450,000 Jews in Germany at the time, the Nazis did not stay put in Germany alone, thus ending the credibility of his argument before the article is even read.
However, to help his argument, the author attempts to justify that these other Jews fled the country before the war even began, “Jewish migration to the Soviet Union, therefore, reduces the number of Jews within the sphere of German occupation to around 3.5 million” But where exactly is he getting this evidence from? It almost seems like he pulled random numbers out of a hat and decided to prove his case upon them. It seems somewhat illogical.
Another piece of evidence that the author tries to use is the fact that “Hitler was killing all, not Jews especially” Although it is true that Hitler was not focused specifically on the Jews, he also killed homosexuals, mentally disabled, etc., he was not killing “all”.
All in all, the pieces of evidence that the author uses are not logical, nor are the completely accurate. Before anyone would even have to consider his point, he would have to revise his claims to match the evidences he provides; however, that would be seemingly impossible since neither his claims nor his evidence are accurate.
article:
http://www.resistance.jeeran.com/holocaust/index.html
However, to help his argument, the author attempts to justify that these other Jews fled the country before the war even began, “Jewish migration to the Soviet Union, therefore, reduces the number of Jews within the sphere of German occupation to around 3.5 million” But where exactly is he getting this evidence from? It almost seems like he pulled random numbers out of a hat and decided to prove his case upon them. It seems somewhat illogical.
Another piece of evidence that the author tries to use is the fact that “Hitler was killing all, not Jews especially” Although it is true that Hitler was not focused specifically on the Jews, he also killed homosexuals, mentally disabled, etc., he was not killing “all”.
All in all, the pieces of evidence that the author uses are not logical, nor are the completely accurate. Before anyone would even have to consider his point, he would have to revise his claims to match the evidences he provides; however, that would be seemingly impossible since neither his claims nor his evidence are accurate.
article:
http://www.resistance.jeeran.com/holocaust/index.html
Tuesday, September 4, 2007
ALIENS EXIST...or so they say.
After coming across the ABC article on proof that aliens exist, I was rather disappointed. The article begins by trying to justify the following arguments with evidence from what may seem to be a reliable source: “President Carter, who said, ‘I saw one, but I don’t know where’…astronaut Gordon Cooper, who says he saw ‘this typical saucer shape”. By using these two “witnesses”, the writer hopes to convince the audience that UFO believers can “weed out the wackos and present credible witnesses.” But who credible are President Carter and Gordon Cooper? After all, they are just regular humans, built no differently than the rest of us. Where are these “credible sources “ then?
The article then moves to attempting to claim more evidence through what is supposed to be fact, “hundreds and possibly thousands of people…reported seeing an array of lights and enormous delta-shaped craft.” However, this “fact” does not seem very credible in that there is not enough hard evidence to prove this point. It is just a bunch of people making a claim that in itself it unjustified by any real evidence.
Descriptions of these aliens and saucers are scattered throughout this article as well as if to attempt to help justify the words coming out of the Former President’s mouth. These descriptions seemed somewhat similar in their claim, “what appeared as a triangular craft.” However, these descriptions are lacking, like the rest of the claims in this article, hard evidence.
article: http://www.abcnews.go.com/Nightline/story?id=3349575
The article then moves to attempting to claim more evidence through what is supposed to be fact, “hundreds and possibly thousands of people…reported seeing an array of lights and enormous delta-shaped craft.” However, this “fact” does not seem very credible in that there is not enough hard evidence to prove this point. It is just a bunch of people making a claim that in itself it unjustified by any real evidence.
Descriptions of these aliens and saucers are scattered throughout this article as well as if to attempt to help justify the words coming out of the Former President’s mouth. These descriptions seemed somewhat similar in their claim, “what appeared as a triangular craft.” However, these descriptions are lacking, like the rest of the claims in this article, hard evidence.
article: http://www.abcnews.go.com/Nightline/story?id=3349575
I don't understand this belief!
Ultimate Frisbee is a popular game played among College and High School Students alike. Honestly, I have never really understood why. Don't get me wrong, I'm glad that my fellow peers can find something that they enjoy so much, but I just don't get why they like it. I have tried my hand at playing the game, and quite frankly, running around trying to catch a flying disk just doesn't appeal to me. Even those who are not good at Frisbee seem to enjoy the game. What exactly am I missing? When I played it seemed like nothing but utter chaos and confusion. Is that what my peers are enjoying these days? I don't know. One thing is for sure, there must be something I am not seeing regarding this popular recreational activity.
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