For my final project.

Just an excerpt. This is in the voice of the old woman.

I graduated from Indiana University in 2012. That was fifty years ago.  At that time, IU and other universities in the Midwest were emerging as leaders in renewable energy. While some people at the time denied the immediacy of the threat of global climate change, I was inspired to make a difference. I earned a B.S. in Biology with a focus on environmental studies, and I moved to New York City to work for  Wilson Green Power, helping other universities in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic make the change over to renewable sources of energy. During my 7 years with Wilson, we raised solar panels, improved insulation, and installed geothermal heat pumps in 72 universities from Maryland to Vermont.

But about 40 years ago, the most extreme heat wave to date devastated the Central and Southern United States. Over 50,000 people across the nation died of heat-related deaths—mostly the very young, the very old, or the very sick. Stroke. Dehydration. Crops failed and conflicts arose over precious water sources. Then, two years later, coastal cities experienced extensive flooding during one of the wettest spring seasons in ten years.

It was now about 8:45 am. Behind the wheel of my BioFuel-powered car I thought about far we had come since I started working with Wilson after college. My husband James was working in the yard as I pulled into the driveway. We retired to Vermont last year. “Tell me you’re healthy,” he said with a smile, the well-defined creases around his eyes and mouth revealing a lifetime of smiling.

Some things change, and some things don’t.

It's Fun to Run.

Well, not ALL the time, but when the race involves breakfast obstacles or a zombie apocalypse it can be. Since my college soccer career ended, I've mostly been running to stay in shape. I enjoy it on most days, but on others going for even a three mile run seems like such a daunting task. This morning, I came across this article "Crazy Races that are Fun to Run." Now I have heard of the Tough Mudder and other obstacle course races, but these ones were pretty wild. They seem like they would be a blast! I think I'll have to add one of these to my bucket list. Maybe this one: Run For Your Lives.

A glimpse of the future.

I've included an excerpt from the free-writing I have been doing for my final paper. The outline is this: A man is giving a speech at a science convention, describing advances in medicine, efforts that have been made to curb the effects of global climate change, etc. Simultaneously, I tell the story of an old woman--a day in her life. The goal is not to present a "dooms-day" view of the future, but to point out that things will change and give a glimpse of what could be. What I want to demonstrate is that we will eventually find ways to mediate the consequences of global warming, we may even find a way to stop it, but it is very likely that with things as they are now, we can experience significant changes in our world within our lifetimes. I want to make people aware of the immediacy of the problem. Here is what I have so far, though I have not yet gotten to illustrating the effects of climate change:

“Good afternoon leaders, innovators, and esteemed scientists. Welcome to the 12^th Annual Conference of the International Academy of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. For over half a century, technology has advanced at an ever-increasing rate. Due in part to this exponential improvement in technology, the past 50 years have seen remarkable advances in all fields of scientific study. Rapid drug development and testing, targeted gene therapy, and stem cell transplants have revolutionized the treatments for many cancers, neurodegenerative diseases, and immune disorders. Breakthroughs in the delivery and control of RNA interference has allowed us to keep up with rapidly-evolving viruses. For the first time we can say, with confidence, that a cure for HIV/AIDS is on the horizon. Every newborn child can have their genome sequenced and examined for genetic predispositions to cancer, high blood pressure, psychiatric disorder, and this list goes on. We have the power to fight disease before it can begin to take hold of us. We are now exploring avenues in medicine that were previously unimaginable, and the future of biomedical research is bright. Our children can look forward to healthy futures, unencumbered with the burden of disease.”

I arrived at the medical examination center at 8:00 am, just in time for my mandatory annual health exam. I walked into Individual Exam Room 1. On the back wall of the small room was a wide, flat glass screen with a glass podium in front of it. “Please insert Personal Identification Device,” said the voice. I took out my phone—well it was so much more than that now—and placed it into a rectangular groove on the glass podium. Immediately, my information appeared on the screen before me. Name. Age. Medical History. Financial History. Family. Everything you needed to know about me. “Please step onto platform and look straight ahead.” I stepped onto the small platform at the foot of the podium. There was a soft whirring sound, and my hair stood on end. It always does when I know I am being scanned. In an instant a new set of numbers was on the screen. “Please press left your left index finger into the elliptical groove on the left side of the podium.” I did, and I felt a small prick. “Thank you for providing us with your blood sample.” You’re welcome. A new set of numbers. I did everything I was told, provided every sample I needed to provide. “Thank you, (NAME), your updated medical information has been uploaded to your Personal Identification Device and sent to your physician. You will be contacted if there are any abnormalities. In the meantime, consider adding supplemental calcium and iron to your diet. Your next appointment has been made for March 12, 2063 at 8:00 am. Thank you and have a healthy year.” I grabbed my phone from the podium, and the screen went black. As I was leaving the exam room, another man arrived for his appointment. It was 8:15 am.

“Our strides in medicine have been matched by great leaps in environmental management, conservation, and alternative energy. Fifty years ago, some refused to believe that human activity was accelerating the pace of global warming—that our robust industry and rapid advances in technology came at a devastating cost. Forty years ago, it was undeniable. Global climate temperatures had increased by 1.6 degrees Fahrenheit. China’s increasing use of coal-burning power plants and the melting of the permafrost released greenhouse gases into the atmosphere at an alarming rate. But we, as a global community, chose to do what was necessary to stave off the menacing threat of climate change, to save our planet. We chose life.”

My legs don’t move like they used to. Medical advances in artificial cartilage and joint replacements still can’t prevent aging or stop me from feeling it. I used to fly up stairs, skipping every other step, like they were falling out from underneath me as I climbed upwards. Now, it is a struggle, and each stair is a mountain of its own. Then again, things just aren’t what they used to be—old people always say that. I am old now. I can feel the eleven-o-clock sun beating down on the back of my neck as I walk inside to escape it. You can’t be out in the afternoons anymore.  

Every night I go to bed. I try to remember my life—what I’ve done, the people I’ve known, the joy, the sadness, the love I’ve felt. I think about how the world has changed around me as I’ve moved through life, changing in many ways myself. And I fall asleep thinking about what tomorrow will bring.

Had to share.

Someone posted this photo and I had to share it, since it relates somewhat to what I've been talking about on my blog. Enjoy!

Escape the heat.

In 2003, a record heat wave claimed 35,000 lives in Europe. Thirty-five thousand lives! Temperatures soared to 104 degrees Fahrenheit and remained unusually high for two weeks. In France alone, 14,000 lives were lost to the scorching temperatures.

99% of Texas suffers from severe drought conditions.

Unfortunately, the weather does not seem to be providing any relief in the near future. In fact, temperatures will likely continue to rise, and the number of extremely hot seasons experienced per decade will increase. August of 2003 was the hottest August on record in the northern hemisphere, but Texas just experienced its hottest summer on record in 2011. At the same time, drought conditions become all the more dire.

Heat waves have been called "silent killers." They claim more lives each year than hurricanes, tornadoes, and floods combined, often taking the elderly, the very young, or the chronically ill. Some predict that the worldwide annual death toll from climate change will reach 500,000 people per year by 2030. That's half a million!

Increasing temperatures are, in part, the result of human activity. And to escape the heat, people will resort to air conditioners, releasing even more greenhouse gases into the atmosphere...

What if we can't stop it? Instead of spending summer afternoons on the beach, at the park, at the pool--outside-- we will probably have to go indoors during the hottest part of the day. Instead of a welcome friend after a cold winter, the summer sun will become a threatening menace.

On a more personal note.

Senior year (in high school or college) is probably one of the happiest, exciting, stressful, terrifying years of your life. You are caught in a strange place between looking forward to your future and trying desperately to hold on to the present--to live in the moment, to enjoy the last precious months-weeks-days in college you have left. 

I am planning on staying in school. I want to earn my PhD, which means I have a long, painful, fun, exciting, who-knows-what-to-expect road ahead of me. The tough part now is deciding where I want to go. I am fortunate enough to have been offered admission to very good schools, and I have narrowed my choices down to two. But choosing where I will spend the next 5-7 years of my life has been very overwhelming. One school is top-tier. Everyone has heard of it. It seems like the obvious choice. After being accepted I almost cancelled my last interview. 

But then I visited the second school. And I just had a good feeling. The school is good. The students do good science and the program is well-funded. Still, most people outside of science haven't heard of it, and those in science agree that it is not ranked as highly as my first option. But while I was there I was able to picture the life I could have outside of school, and I was happy with it. The problem with the first school is that I don't know what to expect. It is in a new city, slightly farther from home. Housing will be more difficult to find, and I am nervous about meeting new people. I tend to be very shy. Still, is fear a reason to turn down such a good opportunity?

This isn't an easy decision. It has been hard to focus on everything else with it hanging over my head. Still, I have managed to get my school work done and enjoy senior year with my good friends. It's just in the next couple weeks I have to make my decision (April 15), I have to give several presentations in classes and at outside conferences, and I have to register for senior week and start to really think about graduation. 

I have heard writing is therapeutic. So I thought I would give it a shot. And maybe sharing my experience will be a comfort to others who are going through something similar.

Scenes from our Future: Georgia Savannas

Image from  http://www.georgiamtnrentals.com/

The image above is taken from the mountains of Northern Georgia, which are presently dominated by red oaks, rhododendrons, pines and mountain laurel. However, if climate change continues Georgia may experience permanent drought by 2030, with a decrease of 20% in annual rainfall.

The consequence? The northern forests of Georgia may be reduced to grasslands, similar to those in Florida. And Florida may be a barren desert, with much of its coast slipping under rising sea levels. Right now Georgia boasts a diversity of wildlife, but much of this will be lost as the habitat is destroyed. Streams like the one in this picture will be reduced to a trickle.

If climate change continues, the landscape of the world as we know it will change dramatically. The sites we are familiar with--the coast line, lush forests, roaring rivers--may no longer exist. It is frightening to imagine such a drastically different world, but this is the world we may leave to our children and grandchildren. This may be the world we grow old in. What steps can we take now to prevent it?

Scenes of Our Present: The Plastic Vortex

Image from http://tigerpapers.wordpress.com/tag/trash-vortex/

Is this a site you would want to see on a regular basis? 

Approximately 300 million tons of plastic are produced each year, only about 10% of which is recycled. Much of the rest makes its way to the ocean by tides and rivers. The result is the Plastic Vortex, a mass of plastic material floating in the middle of the Pacific Ocean between Hawaii and the mainland. The mass is estimated to weigh approximately 4,000,000 tons and is twice the size of Texas! Unfortunately, the Pacific Plastic Vortex is not the only one. Plastic has also accumulated in the Atlantic and Indian oceans, which have their own set of currents. 

One of the biggest problems with the Plastic Vortex is that it is “out of sight, out of mind.” Because it is out in the ocean, most people do not know that much about it. However, it kills marine life, enters our food chain, and endangers public health. As the Vortex grows each day, so do these concerns. 

This image is not an image from the future--what could happen if we keep using plastic as we do--it is an image from the present. The Plastic Vortex already exists. Unfortunately, if our wasteful habits continue, this could be an image visible from the coast of some of our favorite beaches or the banks of our major rivers. 

Not a very pretty sight, is it?

Less school, more play.

While doing research a for lab report, I stumbled across this article. I couldn't use it for the paper I was writing, but I was caught by the title, and e-mailed it to myself to read at another time.

We would like to think of history as progress, but if progress is measured in the mental health and happiness of young people, then we have been going backward at least since the early 1950s. The question I want to address here is why.

In the article, entitled "The Dramatic Rise of Anxiety and Depression in Children and Adolescents: Is It Connected to the Decline in Play and Rise in Schooling?", Boston College professor of psychology Peter Gray argues that our society's shift toward an external locus of control and extrinsic goals has been caused by an increased emphasis on adult-directed learning and activities and has resulted in higher rates of depression and anxiety among adolescents. The article was very interesting, and made a convincing argument for substantial educational reform. After all, can we really say that we as a society have progressed if our young people are unhappier now than ever?

Profile of EO Wilson.

Through his fascination with some of Earth’s tiniest insects, Wilson made a number of sizable contributions to the field of evolutionary biology. But more importantly, he developed a love for life—that is, the life that exists in all of the living creatures on Earth’s surface—and dedicated much of his life to saving it.

I've just posted a profile of EO Wilson,  a renowned  biologist, theorist, conservationist and author. Comments are welcomed :)

A "Planetary Emergency."

I recently read an article by Richard M. Miller in Commonweal magazine entitled "'Global Suicide Pact' Why Don't We Take Climate Change Seriously?" [Read the full article here.]

Every year I am more and more concerned about the immediate consequences of climate change. I have tried to change my behavior in some ways: I walk to school when I can, I turn the lights off when they don't need to be on, I try to unplug appliances when they are not being used. But the fact of the matter is that it is not enough. The Earth is warming at an increasing rate, and humans are the major cause of it.

Miller's article was provocative because he paints a picture of the world his children may grow up in--the consequences of global warming could be felt within the next 20 years. It is frightening to imagine half of the country as a dustbowl, facing water and food shortages as population continuously increases.

An increase of 0.8 degrees Celsius has already caused significant changes in weather patterns. While 2010 was one of the hottest years on record, places like Nashville, Brazil, France, Australia, and Northern Pakistan experienced massive flooding. The economic consequences have already been felt in crop losses.

For the second half of the semester, I think I would like to do something on the climate crisis we currently face. Part of me would like to do a creative piece, creating a dystopian society that was unable to stop climate change, but I am not sure I will be able to pull it off (creative writing is not my strong suit). Or I can write and essay that describes the crisis from different points of view, proposes some new clean energy alternatives, or calls my peers to action. I want to write something that makes people care.

Thoughts?

The Privilege and Responsibility of the College Athlete.

A teammate recently posted this video, and I could not help but admire the way Michigan State quarterback Kirk Cousins recognizes the privilege and responsibility that goes along with being a college athlete. As an athlete myself, listening to this speech was a humbling experience.

My Meeting With E.O. Wilson.

I sat eagerly, on the edge of my seat, waiting for my subject to arrive. For the past 50 years or so, E.O. Wilson has been one of the most prominent men in biology. A myrmecologist by training, his studies on ants paved the way for new avenues in biology, including island biogeography, chemical biology, and sociobiology. Sociobiology was the extension of Darwinian evolution to explain social behaviors in vertebrates and, notably, humans. His biologically-based theories on the evolution of human behaviors, which reeked of the much-opposed concept of genetic determinism, placed him in the center of one of the biggest controversies of the last century.

I couldn’t wait to ask him about how he handled the critics of sociobiology. What was it like to have his lectures protested because of his views? What was it like to have water dumped on his head at the 1978 meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of Science?

But as the door opened and E.O. Wilson stepped into the room, I could hardly believe that this man had ever been involved in such a heated controversy at all. He was tall, sure, but age and countless hours of field work had taken a toll on him. He was slender, with a full head of white hair, and a gentle, closed-mouth smile. I shook his hand, and he sat down in the chair across from me, leaning back and cocking his head slightly to one side. His eyes were focused, trained from years of investigating the slightest details on some of the smallest creatures. They were not judging, not stern, but they took everything in. And behind them lived the mind that formulated some of the most revolutionary ideas of his time.

Because I had forgotten where I wanted to start, I asked him about his childhood. As he spoke of inspecting fire ants around the docks of Mobile, Alabama and his encounter with a five foot poisonous cottonmouth moccasin, he spoke with the Southern geniality of the home he grew up in. He talked about how throughout college evolution came to explain the natural world better than the Southern Baptist tradition he grew up with, leading him from theism to secular humanism. He talked about his love of all of Earth’s creatures and his fascination with nature, inevitably leading to his most recent passion—preserving the declining biodiversity on Earth today. As we talked about human destruction of ecosystems, Wilson spoke with the strength and urgency of a man half his age. “The forces destroying the Earth’s biodiversity can be summed up with the acronym HIPPO,” he said. “H is for habitat destruction, which includes climate change, I is for Invasive species, the first P is for Pollution, the second for Population, and finally O is Overharvesting.” But, he went on, humans also have the power to change the course of destruction. I thought to myself that such optimism must have carried him through the uproar following his publication of Sociobiology.

“Dr. Wilson,” I interrupted. “How did you handle the controversy surrounding Sociobiology and the criticism you received for your views? And how have you handled current criticism from your colleagues regarding your challenge to Kin Selection theory?” He smiled and reiterated the words of Arthur Schopenhauer. “All ideas pass through three stages. They’re first ridiculed, then violently opposed. And then, they are accepted as self-evident.”

The above interview did not actually take place. Quotes from E.O. Wilson were obtained from the following sources:

E.O. Wilson and Elizabeth Kolbert video

Neyfakh, L. (April 17, 2011). Where does good come from?

E.O. Wilson on Human Nature.

At the end of one of his great books, Sociobiology: A New Synthesis, E.O. Wilson suggests that the Darwinian rules that govern social behavior in animals may be applied to humans, as well. This suggestion refueled old concerns about genetic determinism and eugenics and ignited a new major controversy. In response, Wilson published On Human Nature to more fully explain the evolution of human social behavior, quieting the controversy to some extent. The book won him his first Pulitzer Prize for General Non-Fiction.

To be honest, On Human Nature does reflect the idea of genetic determinism--that is, the belief that all aspects of human nature are the result of preexisting instructions contained within our genes. Human beings are not special, though we have intelligence, reason, aesthetic appreciation, and other qualities that some claim make us distinctly human. Wilson argues that human beings are simply vessels for carrying our genes, which perpetuate in the world. The goal of the human mind is to survive and reproduce, and reason is one of the tools it uses to do so.

In philosophy, genetic determinism is generally thought of as the opposite of free will. If life is determined by our genes, which program all our behaviors, how can we make our own choices. Wilson responds as follows:

“We have at last come to the key phrase: genetic determinism. On its interpretation depends the entire relation between biology and the social sciences. To those who wish to reject the implications of sociobiology out of hand, it means that development is insect-like, confined to a single channel, running from a given set of genes to the corresponding single predestined pattern of behavior…The channels of human mental development, in contrast, are circuitous and variable. Rather than specify a single trait, human genes prescribe the capacity to develop a certain array of traits. In some categories of behavior, the array is limited and the outcome can be altered only by strenuous training—if ever. In others, the array is vast and the outcome easily influenced.” (55-57)

In short, Wilson argues that genes encode the capacity to learn certain behaviors. For instance, he argues that aggressive behavior is genetically programmed, but the society in which an individual is raised largely determines what type of aggressive behavior, if any, is expressed. The genes do not instruct any one single outcome. And the interactions between genes and the environment are too complex for humans to understand or predict. In this sense, though our genes determine the types of behavior we express, to some extent we still retain free will. Another distinction that Wilson makes here is that the mind of a newborn is not a blank slate (tabula rasa) as many behaviorists would argue. Instead, genes encode a certain set of possible outcomes, which are shaped by the environment.

I do not know if Wilson's depiction of human nature is satisfying--it leaves very little room for the idea that humans exist for a purpose beyond simple biology--but it is nonetheless interesting, and eloquently argued in his prize winning book, On Human Nature.

Life on the Red Planet.

The fact is this: the human population on Earth is rapidly increasing. In response, E.O. Wilson pleads to humanity to preserve biodiversity and become good steward's of Earth's natural resources. Others, however, have started looking for new places that could support human life. As our closest neighbor, Mars has been explored as a potential new home for human beings.

The first step is determining whether life exists, or has ever existed, on Mars. On Nov. 26, 2011, The Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) launched its newest spacecraft, Curiosity, with the most advanced technology to date to examine the existence of life. During its mission, Curiosity will analyze air composition and test rocks for the organic compounds necessary for Martian life, such as amino acids.

Though it is unlikely that human beings will colonize Mars within our lifetime, it is exciting to hear that space exploration still goes on. Some, though, are against it, questioning whether it is necessary to spend millions and millions of tax dollars to explore a planet that ultimately may not be able to support life at all. What happened to fervor over space exploration that existed during the Cold War? Do you remember when the United States sent a man to the moon? When John Glenn became the first American to orbit the Earth? The 50th anniversary of Glenn's feat is right around the corner.

At some point in the future, it may be necessary to look for another home planet. We do not want to start exploring when it is already too late. Space exploration is not a lost science. It is still necessary, and currently making new advances. Curiosity will land on the surface of Mars and begin its exploration for signs of Martian life late this summer.

E.O. Wilson on Biodiversity.

E.O. Wilson, a self-proclaimed secular humanist, believes that human beings are fundamentally inclined toward preservation of the natural world. As he explains in his book The Creation, people are naturally inclined to care deeply about nature, but unable to articulate what preserving nature means to them personally. Wilson makes an argument that human beings depend on nature, on the Creation, for their physical and spiritual well being. The bottom line is this: "The fate of the Creation is the fate of humanity."

Biodiversity refers to the number and variety of the species in a given ecosystem, biome, or even a whole planet and is often an indicator of how well an ecosystem functions. We are fully dependent on functioning ecosystems that are rich in biodiversity to filter our water, enrich our soils, and produce the air we breathe. Wild species provide food and resources, including a number of antibiotics and pharmaceuticals.

Unfortunately, the number of species on the Earth is rapidly declining. At the same time, the number of people on the planet is rapidly increasing. In his book, The Diversity of Life, Wilson says that a birth rate of 2.2 children per woman (the current rate is 2.6 per woman) would yield a population of 12.5 billion by the year 2050. Currently, the population is about 8 billion people and already putting considerable strain on Earth's natural resources. To provide every human being on the plant with the same amount of land, food, water and energy consumed by individuals in the United States would require an additional two planet Earths.

The increasing human population is causing the rapid extinction of many of Earth's species. As humans, however, we are aware of our place in nature and the impact we may have on it. Moreover, we are in a position to do something about it. E.O. Wilson has dedicated much of his time and effort into educating people on the impact humans are having on the Earth. He appeals to both science and religion in an effort to accomplish one goal: Save Creation. Preserve biodiversity and allow for the perpetuation of life on Earth.

The Mall Crowd.

Saturday afternoon I went shopping with my sister and her friend. We went to Garden State Plaza, a good-sized mall with a lot of foot traffic. Around lunch time on a Saturday, though, it is VERY crowded, with an interesting mix of people from all over northern New Jersey.

She wore black, closed-toed shoes with a small heel, black patterned stockings, a black mini skirt, and a red sweater. All of the employees at Victoria's secret were wearing the same colors. While she looked put together, I thought her skirt was a little too short for work. Still, she carried herself with pride and confidence. Had I looked at her face and posture first, I probably wouldn't have noticed the skirt.

He was tall, bald, with glasses. I guess he was there with his daughters, waiting in line to pay while they were off somewhere else. He looked around casually, quietly. He wasn't smiling, but he wasn't frowning either. I wonder if he was happy to be spending the days with his girls, or whether he thought it was a chore.

I was waiting in line to try on a few shirts--a long line. A girl in a puffy purple winter jacket walked up to the girl in front of me and started to wait in line next to her. The size of her coat made it seem like I had just been cut by four other people. I don't like waiting in lines to begin with, and I resented her and her jacket for making me wait longer. It was way too hot in the crowded store to be wearing an insulated jacket, anyway.

Her pace was quick. She wore running sneakers, black leggings, and a hooded sweatshirt. Her hair was pulled pack tightly into a pony tail. Clearly, she was at the mall simply running errands, looking straight forward as she swiftly passed people by.

A little boy sat on a bench, a huge smile on his face as he ate a big cup of frozen yogurt, complete with sprinkles and chocolate syrup. I thought it was ironic that he was also bundled up from head to toe, his mother taking care to see that he was protected from the cold. Ice cream is always in season!

Viewpoints: Capitalism

The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal are two of the most respected newspapers in the nation. I've always known that the Times has a liberal spin to some of its stories, while the Journal tends to be more conservative. I did not realize how pronounced those differences were until this past week, when I was assigned to compare two Op-Ed articles with different viewpoints on a similar issue.

For my assignment, I chose an article issued in The Wall Street Journal entitled "What the Bible Teaches About Capitalism" by Rabbi Aryeh Spero, president of Caucus for Amerca, a Republican political organization which urges the continuation of those values and policies that preserve historic American civilization and promote America's strong, unique culture. In it, Spero uses Biblical references to build a case in favor of capitalism on religious, moral, and patriotic grounds. He argues that capitalism is the basis for America's historic prosperity and builds the qualities of responsibility, accountability, and ingenuity its citizens. I compared this with "At Davos, Debating Capitalism's future," an article issued in The New York Times by Ed Miliband, a member of the British Parliament and leader of the Labour Party. In it, Miliband describes capitalism as a flawed economic model that is unsuitable for promoting long-term economic recovery and success in the 21st century. He argues that capitalism is a system which promotes the predatory behavior of opportunistic investors and widens the gap between the rich and the poor.

While I generally believe in the Capitalist system, I found Miliband's article quite persuasive. Perhaps we do not have to do away with Capitalism completely, but we need to make changes to the system that can address the chasm between rich and poor that has grown over recent years. I believe that Capitalism produces a competitive market which keeps quality of products high and cost low. It also supports the innovative and creative efforts of entrepreneurs. However, the current system has, perhaps unfairly, rewarded some people for their labor and risk taking more than others.

I was not particularly moved by Spero's argument in favor of capitalism. I think the main reason was that Spero selectively used biblical texts in his argument. He often references the Old Testament, but he rarely addresses the teachings of Jesus in the New Testament. Another religious official could examine the New Testament text and conclude that Jesus would have stood against Capitalism. In short, Spero's argument relied heavily on interpretation.

The differences between the opinion pieces issued in The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal were markedly different. These opinions may be evident in news articles as well. This article in Forbes discusses how the political views of newspaper editors and staff members may leak into their hard news stories. Readers must be wary of the political spin on stories they read and consider this in developing their own opinions.

Better Coffee, Better World.

I am sitting in the Burlington airport. Out the window to my right I can see the Green Mountains in the distance. To my left is a kiosk, selling Green Mountain Coffee, a staple in Vermont.

OK, so I don't actually like the taste of coffee, and I RARELY drink it. I'm not sipping on it now, but I did stumble upon this article from the New York Times about how coffee certifications are improving the lives of coffee workers and preserving the wildlife in the areas in which the coffee is farmed. The goal of Green Mountain Coffee is "to create truly inspired coffee that's environmentally sound, socially just, and undeniably delicious." Starbucks also issues a certification that requires, above all, high quality coffee and includes measures of social responsibility and environmental leadership. It is interesting to think about how certifications, such as the one issued by Starbucks, is improving the way the coffee industry operates and paving the way for a better world.

Maybe the taste of coffee will grow on me. When it does, I know that I can make a conscious choice to buy good coffee that is improving the lives of the workers that make it and the environment in which it is grown. It makes me wonder, in what other ways can my consumer decisions affect a better world?

What have I gotten myself into?

By Tuesday, I will have completed three graduate school interviews in seven days. Though I am very excited about where my life is headed, I know that it is not going to be easy. This comic is from a site, PhD Comics, by graduate students for graduate students. It is great to know that other people out there are going through the same thing that I will be. It is also good to know what I am diving head first into--no matter how hard it will be. Plus, it's pretty funny! Enjoy!

E.O. Wilson

E.O. Wilson is currently one of the world's leading biologists.

Known for his research on the social behavior of ants, Wilson is often recognized as the "father of sociobiology." But his extensive work as a biologist, conservationist, theorist, and author makes him one of the leading public intellectuals of our time. As made plain in the video above, Wilson is passionate about preserving the biodiversity of life on Earth and conscious of the destructive role that humans have played.

Recently, Wilson has shaken up the evolutionary biology community by discrediting the well-believed and well-studied concept of kin selection to explain eusociality, an extreme form of altruism where some individuals in a population give up their own fertility to assist reproducing members of the population, in animals. Furthermore, Wilson has received criticism from other prominent biologists, such as Stephen Jay Gould, for his views on sociobiology.

Wilson's immense body of work, including the Pulitzer Prize for General Non-Fiction (twice!), and his controversial ideas make him a fascinating individual to study.

I've included some interesting reading about E.O. Wilson for your reference:

The Diversity of Life. In this book, Wilson describes how life evolved, how life became diverse, and why the diversity of life faces an enormous threat today.

The Creation. Wilson appeals to science and religion to help save life on Earth.

A Brief Communication in Nature. A letter co-signed by hundreds of scientists challenged Wilson's argument against inclusive fitness theory (kin selection).

Intelligent Evolution. Essay in which Wilson draws on his experience in science and his study of the great Darwinian texts to present his view on the unanswered questions surrounding the evolution-intelligent design debate.

Three Things.

A car accident. A photo board of individuals who are suffering from the effects of spinal cord injury. A ticking clock. These are the things that have recently made me stop in my tracks.

Though seemingly unconnected, all of these things have made me stop and consider the fleeting nature of time and life. When I saw the car accident, I was speeding down the Merritt Parkway South, heading home for winter break. When I looked to my left and saw that car wrapped around a tree, I thought about how in my rush to get home just a few minutes earlier, that car could have easily been mine. I saw the photo board during a graduate school tour. “She was a gymnast,” said my tour guide, pointing to one of the photos. “When she broke her neck, she came immediately here.” He then explained that the photos were there to remind the scientists at the W.M. Keck Center for Collaborative Neuroscience why their work is important, to inspire their work and creativity, and to accelerate their productivity. Spinal cord injury is a traumatic and sudden event that permanently changes the life of the person who suffered the injury, as well as the lives of his or her friends and family. In an instant, nothing can ever be the same. It was amazing to see how close to heart the researchers at the Keck Center took their mission—to improve the lives of individuals with spinal cord injury—and how much they valued the lives of the people they were trying to help. I noticed the steady tick-tick-tick of the clock on the wall in my friend’s apartment. It was the first time it had been quiet enough for me to hear it. I stared at the clock for a whole minute, watching the second hand touch each hash mark as it went from 12 to 12 again. I was struck by how long a minute seems.

As I stared at that clock, I couldn’t help but think of the other two events. How many car accidents occurred during that minute? How many people suffered a life-changing spinal cord injury? So much can happen in a minute. Yet, how is it that time flies by so quickly? I think the reason these events struck such a chord with me is because I am graduating in the spring, and I can remember my first day of college so vividly. I’m looking with excitement towards the future, but still wish it would come just a little slower. How is it that time is so fleeting when a minute in silence seems like forever?

State of the Union.

Like every other speech President Obama has given, his State of the Union address on Tuesday night was nothing short of good, poetic even, and filled with the patriotic rhetoric that would help Americans look hopefully toward the future. All in all, President Obama is an outstanding speaker.

But how much of his words will translate into action? In his address, he outlines an innovative policy agenda, wrought with the hope and promise of a bright future. He outlines a plan to become the America that is within our reach. It was hopeful to hear that America has managed to create over 3 million jobs. As a graduating senior with student debt, I support his initiatives to make higher education more affordable and to reduce the burden of student loans. I was also encouraged by the removal of our troops from Afghanistan and Iraq.

However, I was not persuaded by President Obama’s agenda to help small businesses succeed. Earlier in his presidency, President Obama proposed a healthcare bill that required businesses, including small businesses, to provide health insurance to their employees or to pay a fine. My aunt and uncle, who own a pizza place, feared that the added expenses would put them out of business. I suppose, though, additional tax relief for small business owners who are creating jobs is a step in the right direction.

The purpose of President Obama’s agenda is clear and in many ways promising, but will he be able to put it into action this year? And are his solutions to all of America’s problems really the best answers? I’m not sure, but I was inspired by the improving State of the Union, as President Obama described it, and I hope that his efforts are successful.

Bioethics: Laboratory-Engineered Bird Flu Strain Raises Bioterror Fears

In trying to determine the mutations that allow the bird flu to be passed to humans, researchers in the Netherlands and at the University of Wisconsin engineered a potentially more deadly form of the disease that was easily passed among ferrets, the mammal model used in flu vaccine research most closely related to humans.

The laboratory-engineered strain has raised concerns that the virus could escape the lab and infect millions of people or wind up in the hands of terrorists. Furthermore, questions were raised about whether the research should be published and whether it should be conducted in the first place. The New York Times published an article stating that the research was halted for 60 days to address these concerns.

The potential dangers associated with this research are evident. The benefits, however, need to be made clear. The research has the potential to determine the factors that allow viruses to be spread from animals to humans, become transmissible, and cause pandemics. Publication of such research could accelerate the rate of flu vaccination research. But, should we really publish a blueprint for creating a deadly virus? This is one of the few times in history that publication of biomedical research has been delayed. In this case, however, such a delay is necessary. Scientists must be aware of and consider the potential consequences of their work.

In my opinion, the research should be conducted in a Biosafety Level 4 laboratory [rather than a BSL3 lab where it is currently carried out], with greater security and oversight, and the potential risks need to be addressed immediately. That is, can the vaccine infect human cells? Furthermore, publication of the research methods should be limited. The two most prominent scientific journals, Science and Nature, are already taking these steps.

Is flu vaccine research necessary? Yes. Are there vital concerns which must be addressed? Absolutely. Is there need for complete public panic? Not yet. At what point is it it unethical to continue dangerous research? As of right now, it remains to be determined.

What do you think?

Julian Baggini: Is there a real you?

In this short lecture, Julian Baggini raises several interesting questions regarding "What makes you, you?" He challenges the commonly held belief that there is a central core, an essence to you that remains true and unchanging throughout your life. Instead, he suggests that YOU are simply the sum of your parts--the summation of all your life experiences, thoughts, desires, beliefs, values, sensations, etc--that are intertwined and interpreted by the brain in such a way that gives you a self.

I believe that in many ways Mr. Baggini is correct. For me, it is difficult to imagine that there is a central essence to each individual person completely unconnected from the body [though sometimes it seems equally difficult to imagine there isn't one]. We are constantly molded and changed by our life experiences, and the thought that we can direct our personal development, in some ways, is, indeed, liberating, as Mr. Baggini says.

However, Mr. Baggini also says that you cannot be anything that you want to be, that in some ways you are limited in what you can and cannot do. As some individuals in the comments suggested, perhaps these limitations are the "real YOU." Your core, your essence, the real YOU is the starting material, including all the limitations, that is shaped over time by experience. Scientists might argue that the starting material is simply our genes, the expression of which can be modulated by experience over time to make us what we are. But that, I'm sure, is another debate.

A Note on Blogs.

(Assignment 1.3)

I’ve only recently begun to explore the world of blogs, but here are a few that I have found particularly interesting.

High Existence http://www.highexistence.com/blog/

Created by Jordan Lejuwaan, this site has a number of contributors that share advice, thoughts, experiences—anything and everything—to help themselves and their readers build a better life, explore the human condition, and promote the general spread of happiness. Furthermore, the site includes a discussion section where members can discuss openly about their ideas and experiences.

Change Your Thoughts, Change Your Life http://www.stevenaitchison.co.uk/blog/

For some reason, I have always been interested in personal development, and I enjoy reading blogs like this one that give really good advice on how to make real changes in your life. This site is full of engaging articles that offer suggestions to help you get the most out of your life and be the best that you can be. Furthermore, the design of the site is as appealing as the content.

You, Me, & Charlie. http://youmeandcharlie.com/

To be honest, the only reason I checked this site out was because it was started by Dianna Agron, a cast member on one of my favorite TV shows, Glee. However, I continue to go back to it every once in a while because I love its mission. The goal of the site is to find beauty in yourself and the world around you, inspire beauty in others, and express it in creative and artistic ways. The site is based on reader contribution, and so, I am not even sure if it is technically a blog. Still, it is wonderful to look through and see the love and beauty others all over the world have been inspired to share.

In a general, a simple blog layout is more appealing to me than a cluttered one. I like to be able to see the most recent post when I open the page. I prefer brighter, lighter colors to darker ones, and images can break up the monotony of text. In my own blog, I would like to incorporate video clips, images, news articles, and other elements to compliment my posts. I also really like when readers can easily participate. The “re-blogging” feature on Tumblr makes this simple. Other blogs encouraged reader participation simply by asking for it. When readers were asked to share their thoughts, videos, pictures, and experiences, they generally seemed more likely to do so. The discussion feature on the site High Existence is another good way to start and continue reader participation.

I generally prefer blogs with some over-arching focus or theme. It makes it possible to search for blogs relating to specific topics. For me, a good blog has an appealing layout, well-written posts, and a general purpose. The purpose of my own blog is to explore different issues relating to politics, religion, science—the human condition, in general—and begin to develop my own opinions on them. As a biology major, I may focus on issues relating to science, medicine, bioethics, and research, but I hope to explore a variety of topics. Through my blog, I want to develop my voice and express my thoughts and opinions clearly to a general audience.

Lions for Lambs.

(Assignment 1.2)

Lions for Lambs is a provocative and inspiring movie. Occurring in a little over an hour and running in real-time, it follows three independent, yet interconnected, stories. A powerful Republican senator meets with a reporter to discuss a new initiative in the War on Terror, with the hope of improving public opinion on the war. The journalist struggles to write the story she is given. At the same time in a California university, a professor of political science meets with his bright, but burnt-out, pupil. He tells the story of two of his former students, who had the potential to make real change in the world. They were men of action, and acting on their beliefs they enlisted in the army rather than enrolling at top graduate institutions. During this time in Iraq, the new initiative in the Middle East is launched, and the two former students are at the front line, separated from their unit and facing imminent attack from the enemy. The major question in each of these stories is the same--The choices and mistakes we have made up to this point have defined us in ways we may or may not have realized, but where do we go from here?

In each situation in the movie, the central characters have reached a point where their past decisions and mistakes have brought them, and they are faced with an uncertain future. The choice to move forward, and how to move forward is theirs alone. The movie was as convicting as it was enjoyable. While watching, I asked myself the same questions the college professor was asking his student. Am I doing all that I can do? Am I capable of making any real change in the world? Am I willing to do what it takes to bring about change? While watching I was forced to look at my life, where I have been and where I want to go. Still, I was inspired because the choices I make from here on out are mine alone, and in some way I have the power to control how I am defined in the future. It is a thought that is both terrifying and empowering, captured in the face of the young pupil who must choose what new direction his academic career, and his life, will take.

A Quick Hello.

I've started this blog as a requirement for my class, Writing With Public Purpose, and I hope to use it to do exactly as it's titled--raise my voice. Up to this point, I regret to admit that I've been mostly apathetic when it comes to politics, though a few political science classes in high school and college ensured that I was never completely uninformed. I am a senior in college, and now, more than ever, I feel like "the issues"affect me directly. I want to educate myself on current issues, affairs, concerns, and policies and develop well-founded opinions on them. Moreover, I want to be able to clearly communicate my views to others and defend them when challenged. I hope that this course and this blog will help me to do that, and I hope that others my age and in my position can do the same.

In addition to completing my class assignments, my goal is to post about a wide range of topics. I am a biology major, however, and many of my posts may be related to science, medicine, research, and bioethics. Still, I hope you enjoy reading, and I greatly appreciate any comments you care to leave.