Finding New Resources in Deep Space CC#2

 

    A recent article written by Irene Klotz and posted on Yahoo News dated Wednesday, January 23, 2013, informed  readers about a new company intending to mine asteroids in deep space for raw materials. This expository article, entitled "Into deep space:  second U.S. firm takes aim at mining asteroids" is very informative about the possibilities of retrieving resources from a source outside the limitations of our planet.
     Ms. Klotz reports that a team of entrepreneurs and engineers presented their plans for a space mining company that intends to find nearby asteroids and tap them for their raw materials.  The first mission is planned for 2015, and would send a small spacecraft called "Firefly" on a six-month trip to evaluate a suitable asteroid.  It is stated that "the 55-pound satellite, about the size of a laptop computer would be launched aboard a commercial rocket carrying a communication satellite and robotic probe."
     Mr. David Gump is the founder of the company called Deep Space Industries which is based in Santa Monica, California.  Mr. Gump has also co-founded three other space and technology companies, "including Astrobotic Technology, which is focused on exploration and development of lunar resources."  These companies plan to collect gases and metals from asteroids which can be turned into fuel and used in three-dimensional printers to make components for building solar cells in space.  His goal is to build a fleet of robotic ships to pull resources for fuel and to mine valuable minerals from asteroids that can then be used on Earth.
      John Mankins, a former NASA Jet propulsion Lab manager, who attended the presentation states that, "the technology may not have been used in space for the exact purposes that we propose, but the fundamental technologies are really at hand."  Although the technology exists to go forward with these missions, the cost is another factor.  "The cost of a Firefly mission would be about $20 million," half expected to come from government and research institute contracts and half from sponsors.
     I find this type of research and information fascinating because it proves that our technology is becoming so advanced that we will be able to accomplish amazing things in the near future both on and off our planet.  It is obvious that if we cannot make the necessary changes to the way we currently treat our Earth, we will be forced to explore finding our resources elsewhere.  This article informs us that there are people who are actively paving the way for future generations to find necessary resources in space.  This is an area of exploration that greatly expands our current limits. 

What is your American Dream

     From a young age I have always wanted to be successful in life, to be wealthy and live a good life.  Any American, any human, would want that for themselves.  As I have grown up, my dreams for what I want to be have changed into more realistic things.  I no longer dream the stereotypical child's dream to be a superhero.  My ideas for the American dream for myself and how to achieve those dreams have been defined to me by four simple rules; work hard, always have a goal, stay focused, and have patience.  These four rules have shaped my mind so as to make me one hundred percent dedicated to achieving my goals, whatever direction they take me.
     Although I am just a Junior in High School, I have a good idea of what course I want my life to take.  I know what goals I have set for myself to pursue.  With the knowledge I have gained from studying history, books and documentaries, I have been surprised to realize that business is extremely intriguing to me.  I feel confident that finance is the field I am most excited to become a part of.  The branch I find most interesting is investing, such as in stocks and bonds.  Having invested some of my own money into stocks already, I find watching the numbers change and fluctuate throughout the vast scope of investments to be alluring and fascinating. 
     The college where I would love to study business and attend school is Stanford University in California.  My research shows that the school is ranked sixth best college in the United States.  Stanford offers a wide range of academic and extracurricular courses and activities to the students who attend there.  Stanford University offers every possible type of business focus from simple to complex to dual degrees.  I am excited to explore the courses available for me to choose from to help me shape my future.
     I know that when I graduate from college and have earned my degree, my rule of "having patience" will be very important to me.  I will need to be able to find employment to support myself, but be selective in my job search to be able to place myself in the best position to achieve my goals for the future.  I may not find my dream job for a while.  I may be faced with difficult personal choices to be able to follow my dream.  I will most likely need to start at the bottom and work my way up to the position I want.  I understand that college is just a starting point in my plan for myself and that joining the work force is a huge step to take toward fulfilling my dreams.
     In conclusion, I can see myself achieving my dreams, due to the drive and determination I have to see myself succeed.  One day I hope to see myself in an executive chair and look back on the past, congratulating myself on what I have worked so hard to accomplish.

Malian City Bombed by the French CC#1

A recent article posted on Yahoo news called "French jets bomb major Malian city in north" written by Rikmini Callimachi and Baba Ahmed described how the French bombed rebel targets in Mali's north on Sunday, demolishing many key areas used by the Al-Qaida linked Islamists who control the area. 

French president Francois Hollande authorized four hundred French troops to attack the towns of Konna and Mopti, which are both currently controlled by the rebels.  This decision was made after the rebels started to push further south to extend their control of the country.  Many believe that if the Isalmists seize Mopti, the potential outcome would be "A terrorist state at the doorstep of France and Europe," according to French Defense Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian. 

The Islamists, which are made up of three separate rebel groups, are well armed and well trained and seized control of the territory in the north in March, 2011.  Mali was once a stable nation who gained it's independence from France in 1970.  The country is now suffering from poverty and unrest, which makes it a perfect target and nesting place for Al-Qaida linked groups.  "They obtained from Libya modern, sophisticated equipment, much stronger and more efficient than we had imagined," a French presidential aid stated. 

Oumar Ould Hamaha, a rebel commander, confirmed that the French fighter jets had hit training camps and depots.  He called them cowards and said, "The French attack has only heightened the rebels desire for jihad."  Hamaha went on to explain that, "Our elements are constantly on the move." "France is going to reap the worst consequences possible from this.  Now no French person can feel safe anywhere in the world." 

The French are asking for help from the United States and Europe in the fight against these terrorist rebels in Mali.  These terrorists impose their very strict form of Islam which is a form of religious fanaticism and oppression.  Terrorists fight for control of people all over the world, mostly in impoverished countries similar to Mali.

This article shows us how the French are taking the steps to exterminate terrorism from the country of Mali.  This should make us think about the fight for human rights everywhere in the world. 

Marijuana Recreationally Legalized in Seattle, WA

Yahoo News recently published a story on the recreational legalization of marijuana written by Steve Gorman.  This expository article describes the events that took place the night of Thursday, December 6, 2012.  Marijuana was legalized in Seattle, WA, making history by becoming the first state in the nation to legalize the drug for adult recreational use. 

Although the citizens knew the law forbid them from "lighting up" outside of the privacy of their own homes, many people gathered at the bottom of the landmark Space Needle to smoke cannabis and celebrate the legalization without being cited.  There were no law enforcement officers at the scene to stop the mass "blaze," no citizens were fined. 

 The new law sets the state up for future trouble with the federal government.  US Attorney Jenny Durkan in Seattle stated that the US Justice Department position that growing, selling or possessing any amount of marijuana remained a federal crime, regardless of any changes in state law. 

The Washington law legalizes possession of up to 16 ounces of solid cannabis-infused goods - like brownies or cookies - and up to 72 ounces of weed in liquid form.  Colorado also chose to legalize pot for personal recreational use.  Both states are among 18 that have already removed criminal sanctions for medical use of marijuana.

I disagree with the recreational legalization of marijuana because it will only make our country lazier and make everyone want to work even less than they already do.  Some of my friends have told me of instances when they smoked marijuana, and they have explained that the feeling they get is of laziness and not wanting to do anything but relax.  That feeling isn't wrong in all aspects, but when all one wants to do all day everyday is get high and do nothing, that could have a devastating effect and further plummet our country into disaster.

Book Review #2

"You are normal, Vladimir.  A perfectly normal, healthy teenage vampire.  Some people are vegetarians, you drink blood---it's not weird or bizarre or abnormal in the least.  You're just different from the rest of this town." 

Eighth Grade Bites:  The Chronicles of Vladimir Todd, is book one of five, written by Heather Brewer.  This series is about the life of a teenage vampire named Vladimir Todd.   "Different" doesn't begin to describe Vlad's situation.  Being in eighth grade is hard enough by itself, but it's even worse when you're dealing with the grief of losing both parents.  To add to his problems he lives with an over-protective aunt and is trying to act more human, which is almost impossible.  Heather Brewer's style of writing was engrossing and kept me on the edge of my seat throughout the entire book. 

The book is a fictional thriller whose theme is based around first impressions.  It proves that one should use the old saying "don't judge a book by it's cover."  This point is brought home to Vlad after he meets his strange and awkward substitute teacher named Otis Otis, who turns out to be his own uncle. 

Before Vlad discovers that Otis is his uncle, he develops a strange dislike towards him.  In class, Mr. Otis assigns research projects to all the students, and strangely enough, Vlad is chosen to research vampires.  This makes him extremely suspicious of Mr. Otis.  Vlad doesn't know how he will ever be able to stand in front of the class to talk about vampires when he IS one.  Especially in front of the school bullies, Tom and Bill.

Vlad's best friend, Henry, knows that he's a vampire and accepts this without a problem.  He protects Vlad from the bullies and even tries to fix Vlad up with the prettiest girl in school when Vlad shows an interest in her.  Henry doesn't judge Vlad for what he is, he likes him for who he is. 

Vlad's Aunt Nelly completely accepts that fact that Vlad is half vampire.  She was his mother's best friend and she even brings blood to him from the hospital where she works.  Vlad is baffled when his Aunt invites Mr. Otis to their home for dinner, since he believes that Otis is the enemy. 

All the main characters have much to learn about trusting others and not making judgements without reason.  Brewer makes the characters come to life in this book.  She is very accurate in her description of Junior High School and the behavior of the teenagers.  This is the perfect setting for the characters to interact and for Vlad to do the research he needs in order to start his journey into learning more about his parents, and the dangers that face him because of who he really is.

I connected with this book because it make the reader believe that it might really be possible to live in this world as a vampire/human.  The author draws you into the story immediately by sparking your interest with captivating details and alluring questions that leave you wanting more. 

Israeli Invasion of Gaza

 Israel bombed dozens of targets in the Gaza Strip on Monday and said that while it was prepared to step up its offensive by sending in troops, it preferred a diplomatic solution that would end Palestinian rocket fire.

 Police said, "Militants in the Gaza Strip fired 110 rockets at southern Israel on Monday, causing no casualties." For the second straight day, Israeli missiles blasted a tower block in the city of Gaza housing international media. Two people were killed there, one of them an Islamic Jihad militant.  Khaled Meshaal, exiled leader of Hamas, said a truce was possible but the Islamist group, in charge of the Gaza Strip since 2007, would not accept Israeli demands and wanted Israel to halt its strikes first. Khaled Meshaal said, “Whoever started the war must end it."
          
Yaalon also said Israel wanted an end to Gaza guerrilla activity in the neighbouring Egyptian Sinai peninsula. Although 84 percent of Israelis supported the current Gaza assault, according to a poll by Israel's Haaretz newspaper, only 30 percent wanted an invasion, while 19 percent wanted their government to work on securing a truce soon. A senior officer close to  Netanyahu said, “Israel is prepared and has taken steps, and is ready for a ground incursion which will deal severely with the Hamas military machine.”

Egypt is acting as a mediator in the biggest test yet of Cairo's 1979 peace treaty with Israel since the fall of Hosni Mubarak. “I think we are close, but the nature of this kind of negotiation, (means) it is very difficult to predict,” says Egyptian Prime Minister Hisham Kandil, who visited Gaza on Friday to show support to its people.

Living on Caffeine

The article written by Veronique Greenwood describes how scientists have recently discovered a bacterium that can derive energy by consuming caffeine, essentially making the phrase, "living on caffeine," literal.

Last month, scientists discovered a new bacterium that possesses the capability to derive energy from caffeine when consumed.  They also use vitamins and minerals found in caffeine that human beings aren't able to extract because we do not possess the correct enzymes needed to break down caffeine.  Scientists theorize that once the entire human microbiome is sequenced during future testing, the discovery of a hidden enzyme possessing the same capabilities of the enzyme found in this newly discovered bacterium could be quite possible.  If an enzyme similar to or the same as the enzyme in this bacterium is discovered inside of humans, scientists may be able to start the process that would allow us to use vitamins and minerals found in caffeine, and essentially make it possible for human beings to live off of caffeine.

Personally, I don't normally drink coffee, or anything caffeinated for that matter.  The chances that I would be affected in any way by having an enzyme discovered that could break down caffeine are very slim, given the fact that I stay away from caffeinated beverages.