So tis' the season to be jolly? hm. Why be jolly when you can be absolutely ecstatic? I went through my presents today and was smiling broadly at the items I have received. Articles of clothing one could ONLY find in Nigeria! I cannot wait to strut around my room with that thing on. Bright blue with intricate designs on the front. I also got some cologne! not just any cologne, but success cologne! It smells really nice. Now I'm enjoying running through my music library and making beats to use later in garageband. If you all got something nice, share it! especially if it's something you've been waiting on for a long time. speaking of which... i should upload a wishlist on here. just in case I get lucky.
The thought for the day. Carpe Diem.
A latin phrase, i think, that means "seize the day". If there's any day you should seize, it is today! today? today! as in xmas today!
more to come. in the meantime, enjoy your holidays :)
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Thursday, December 18, 2008
The Immortal Photographer (3)
Chewing on some jerky taken from the panic room, Marcus looked down the stairwell at the body of the security guard. The guard’s body had shifted position slightly. He slowed and listened intently for any sign of pursuit. His instincts, a built in mechanism in all organisms, could never be dulled out by his unusual biology. His hairs stood on end while his heart began hammering. The blood flowing through his body carried the juices of fight-or-flight and kept Marcus’s eyes fixed on the body.
Making sure that his weapons were loaded, he took out the old man’s cell phone and flipped through the options. He smirked when he found the music player. He set the volume at the maximum and selected a song.
Metal music, from decades ago, blared from the tiny device and turned the cramped quarters of the stairwell into a concert hall. The sudden change in atmosphere excited the pursuers. They began advancing with ravenous speed.
With his suspicions confirmed, Marcus began taking four steps at a time up the stairwell.
“Status on pick up?”
Three flights from the roof, he tossed the phone down the well. The music slowing began to dull as it accelerated to the bottom floor. Perhaps that would throw the infected off for a little while.
“They left base about 12 minutes ago, ETA is approximately 8 minutes. You on the roof?”
He crashed through the door and ran to the opposite side of the roof, guns trained on the door.
“Listen, I’m out here. It’s almost dawn.”
He peeked over the edge towards the closest building hoping to find a soft place to land should he have to jump. He hated pain, even when he knew it would go away. He turned his attention back to the door and began to wonder if the infected would pursue him if he dove.
Making sure that his weapons were loaded, he took out the old man’s cell phone and flipped through the options. He smirked when he found the music player. He set the volume at the maximum and selected a song.
Metal music, from decades ago, blared from the tiny device and turned the cramped quarters of the stairwell into a concert hall. The sudden change in atmosphere excited the pursuers. They began advancing with ravenous speed.
With his suspicions confirmed, Marcus began taking four steps at a time up the stairwell.
“Status on pick up?”
Three flights from the roof, he tossed the phone down the well. The music slowing began to dull as it accelerated to the bottom floor. Perhaps that would throw the infected off for a little while.
“They left base about 12 minutes ago, ETA is approximately 8 minutes. You on the roof?”
He crashed through the door and ran to the opposite side of the roof, guns trained on the door.
“Listen, I’m out here. It’s almost dawn.”
He peeked over the edge towards the closest building hoping to find a soft place to land should he have to jump. He hated pain, even when he knew it would go away. He turned his attention back to the door and began to wonder if the infected would pursue him if he dove.
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Skype! of the future
Skype has been out now for a good while. I first encountered this program while on vacation in Cape Town. The device allows you to call anyone anywhere with the same program. You can have video chats and simple chat. I also found that, after a fixed purchase, you can make calls to any cell phone! download it! use it!
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Yeats Vs Joyce
Joyce & Yeats on Irish Nationalism
Two of Ireland’s most respected writers, Joyce and Yeats, were one of the most influential voices to ever integrate into British literature. Though both were respected for their work, they had different ways of introducing Ireland and its culture. One congratulates her fighters, while the other dramatizes the corruption and other immoral behaviors that reside within her.
W.B Yeats’ shifting view of Irish Nationalism
W.B. Yeats loved his homeland. He often wrote poems about Ireland, but the poems that really stand out are his contemporary perspectives on Irish nationalism. In Easter 1916 Yeats is confronted with the reality of using violence to become a martyr. He uses imagery to mention some of the nationalist leaders he knew. The second stanza mentions the woman, Constance Gore-Booth, and various other leaders in various images of pride. A “winged horse” and “harriers” are both powerful images because they not only embody the person Yeats is speaking of, but these images also help refer to other actions of courage or bravery. Yeats strongly used imagery, according to Hutchinson, to continually nurture and support “the national spirit”. He wanted Ireland to become strong in social and political dealings with its neighbors, and he believed that it was his role, as a writer, to help spur this into action (Hutchinson 15). However, we can see, in the text of “Easter 1916”, that he abhors the use of violence to fulfill such actions. Stanza five remarks the futility of committing violent acts, since it breeds more violent behavior. “Too long a sacrifice/ Can make a stone of the heart./O when may it suffice?”. Then continues on with a final bout of pride mixed with some humility. “Wherever green is worn, are changed, changed utterly: a terrible beauty is born.” Yeats says, “a terrible beauty is born” many times at the ends of various stanzas, but the final one stands out more to me because it integrates beauty with martyrdom. To some, it may very well appear as beautiful, but to others (perhaps Yeats at times) it presents more futile behavior that is only notable because of his personal knowledge of those involved.
Analysis of W.B. Yeats view
According to Jonathan Allison, author of “The attack on Yeats”, Yeats compared his writing to blood sacrifices for Ireland. Though these “blood sacrifices” weren’t really bloody, they were described this way because of how they mimicked traditional Irish custom. Each generation, blood was spilled to “secure immortality for those who died for Ireland”. Comparatively, Yeats wrote many works on or supporting Irish nationalism, which further supports his non-violent approach to securing a strong Ireland (63). According to D.G. Boyce, Yeats wanted to use nationalism as “the stalking horse” in English literature. The stalking horse can be attributed to death, an inevitability, to describe how it is destined for Irish ways to fully integrate itself in modern literature. He did this by using Irish techniques, taken from strong Gaelic backgrounds, and fully incorporating them into his works. Yeats used Irish culture and political strife to help put his Ireland “on the map” so to speak, in the world of British literature. His views were not the only ones being expressed though.
Joyce’s view/ background
James Joyce was repulsed and embarrassed by Ireland. He scorned the idea of Irish nationalism, describing that Ireland was “dead” in some of his texts. His strong criticism of Ireland can be seen in Dubliners. Each story within Dubliners is reflecting some aspect of Irish life that he saw as unfit. For example, in “The Dead” the main character is confronted with the fact that his wife is mourning the loss of a young love, which makes him question his own mortality. The imagery used in the last bit of the story uses ambiguous language to help expand the emotions that other people may have about Ireland. Each story of Dubliners is filled with some sort of corruption, misleading, manipulative, and even perverse behavior. James Joyce felt so strongly about Ireland in this way that he exiled himself from it, wanting nothing to do with it, and explicated his thoughts in Dubliners.
Yeats and Joyce’s differences and similarities in Irish texts
Yeats focused on the nationalistic movement that was going on in Ireland. He often referred to his writings as “spilt blood” which help immortalize the heroes that have fought and died for Ireland. He looked down and questioned the use of violence to communicate a point, often referring to the deed as a “Terrible Beauty”. To further “immortalize” those heroes of Ireland, he uses Gaelic techniques and culture to successfully integrate Ireland into British literature. Joyce, however, did the very same thing but with a different perspective. Though he was not fond of Ireland, he wrote about it in more “realistic” terms. The characters he described were not glorified in any way but often depicted as pathetic or clueless. Though the two authors have their obvious differences about their homeland, they both used literature to communicate and immortalize certain aspects of her.
Works Cited
Allison, Jonathan. The Attack on Yeats 1990
Boyce, David G., NetLibrary, Inc. Nationalism in Ireland [electronic resource] 2003
Howes, Marjorie E., NetLibrary, Inc. Yeats's nations [computer file] : gender, class,
and Irishness 1996
Hutchinson, John. The Dynamics of Cultural Nationalism: The Gaelic Revival and the
Creation of the Irish Nation State. London: Allen & Unwin Ltd, 1987
Nolan, Emer, NetLibrary, Inc. James Joyce and nationalism [electronic resource]
1995
Potts, Willard, NetLibrary, Inc. Joyce and the two Irelands [electronic resource] 2000
Two of Ireland’s most respected writers, Joyce and Yeats, were one of the most influential voices to ever integrate into British literature. Though both were respected for their work, they had different ways of introducing Ireland and its culture. One congratulates her fighters, while the other dramatizes the corruption and other immoral behaviors that reside within her.
W.B Yeats’ shifting view of Irish Nationalism
W.B. Yeats loved his homeland. He often wrote poems about Ireland, but the poems that really stand out are his contemporary perspectives on Irish nationalism. In Easter 1916 Yeats is confronted with the reality of using violence to become a martyr. He uses imagery to mention some of the nationalist leaders he knew. The second stanza mentions the woman, Constance Gore-Booth, and various other leaders in various images of pride. A “winged horse” and “harriers” are both powerful images because they not only embody the person Yeats is speaking of, but these images also help refer to other actions of courage or bravery. Yeats strongly used imagery, according to Hutchinson, to continually nurture and support “the national spirit”. He wanted Ireland to become strong in social and political dealings with its neighbors, and he believed that it was his role, as a writer, to help spur this into action (Hutchinson 15). However, we can see, in the text of “Easter 1916”, that he abhors the use of violence to fulfill such actions. Stanza five remarks the futility of committing violent acts, since it breeds more violent behavior. “Too long a sacrifice/ Can make a stone of the heart./O when may it suffice?”. Then continues on with a final bout of pride mixed with some humility. “Wherever green is worn, are changed, changed utterly: a terrible beauty is born.” Yeats says, “a terrible beauty is born” many times at the ends of various stanzas, but the final one stands out more to me because it integrates beauty with martyrdom. To some, it may very well appear as beautiful, but to others (perhaps Yeats at times) it presents more futile behavior that is only notable because of his personal knowledge of those involved.
Analysis of W.B. Yeats view
According to Jonathan Allison, author of “The attack on Yeats”, Yeats compared his writing to blood sacrifices for Ireland. Though these “blood sacrifices” weren’t really bloody, they were described this way because of how they mimicked traditional Irish custom. Each generation, blood was spilled to “secure immortality for those who died for Ireland”. Comparatively, Yeats wrote many works on or supporting Irish nationalism, which further supports his non-violent approach to securing a strong Ireland (63). According to D.G. Boyce, Yeats wanted to use nationalism as “the stalking horse” in English literature. The stalking horse can be attributed to death, an inevitability, to describe how it is destined for Irish ways to fully integrate itself in modern literature. He did this by using Irish techniques, taken from strong Gaelic backgrounds, and fully incorporating them into his works. Yeats used Irish culture and political strife to help put his Ireland “on the map” so to speak, in the world of British literature. His views were not the only ones being expressed though.
Joyce’s view/ background
James Joyce was repulsed and embarrassed by Ireland. He scorned the idea of Irish nationalism, describing that Ireland was “dead” in some of his texts. His strong criticism of Ireland can be seen in Dubliners. Each story within Dubliners is reflecting some aspect of Irish life that he saw as unfit. For example, in “The Dead” the main character is confronted with the fact that his wife is mourning the loss of a young love, which makes him question his own mortality. The imagery used in the last bit of the story uses ambiguous language to help expand the emotions that other people may have about Ireland. Each story of Dubliners is filled with some sort of corruption, misleading, manipulative, and even perverse behavior. James Joyce felt so strongly about Ireland in this way that he exiled himself from it, wanting nothing to do with it, and explicated his thoughts in Dubliners.
Yeats and Joyce’s differences and similarities in Irish texts
Yeats focused on the nationalistic movement that was going on in Ireland. He often referred to his writings as “spilt blood” which help immortalize the heroes that have fought and died for Ireland. He looked down and questioned the use of violence to communicate a point, often referring to the deed as a “Terrible Beauty”. To further “immortalize” those heroes of Ireland, he uses Gaelic techniques and culture to successfully integrate Ireland into British literature. Joyce, however, did the very same thing but with a different perspective. Though he was not fond of Ireland, he wrote about it in more “realistic” terms. The characters he described were not glorified in any way but often depicted as pathetic or clueless. Though the two authors have their obvious differences about their homeland, they both used literature to communicate and immortalize certain aspects of her.
Works Cited
Allison, Jonathan. The Attack on Yeats 1990
Boyce, David G., NetLibrary, Inc. Nationalism in Ireland [electronic resource] 2003
Howes, Marjorie E., NetLibrary, Inc. Yeats's nations [computer file] : gender, class,
and Irishness 1996
Hutchinson, John. The Dynamics of Cultural Nationalism: The Gaelic Revival and the
Creation of the Irish Nation State. London: Allen & Unwin Ltd, 1987
Nolan, Emer, NetLibrary, Inc. James Joyce and nationalism [electronic resource]
1995
Potts, Willard, NetLibrary, Inc. Joyce and the two Irelands [electronic resource] 2000
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Human Made Nature
The recent advancements in scientific technology have allowed us to manipulate nature in more ways than ever before. We use massive machinery to cultivate and fertilize land, to collect and care for animals, to process foods, and to engineer cars. Today, our machines can do all that, and now, more complex chores. More specifically, we can genetically modify nature to further suit our needs and wants. What are the potential consequences of purposeful tampering with the genetic code of the creatures around us? Would these man-made beings even be considered animals? Why bother being more intrusive, and is it worth it?
Humans have been taking advantage of the genetic traits of animals for hundreds of years. The domestic breeding of dogs, cats, cattle, and goats are a few examples of this. Dogs have been bred differently to satisfy a specific look or ability. Dachshunds were bred to hunt and pursue badgers down burrows, and sheep dogs were bred to herd sheep. The Maasai, a tribe in Eastern Africa, pick and choose cattle to use in ceremonies and as a sort of currency, the fittest and largest being highly prized. One well-known form of this breeding, known as “selective breeding” a form of genetic manipulation, is practiced by Belgian cow breeders. They are known as Belgian blues. Breeders choose the more muscled offspring to breed with other muscled cows. The result is a cow that appears to have been shot up with incredible amounts of steroids and other growth hormones. Their large appearance is completely natural, and companies pay top dollar for these walking meat houses (National Geographic). But selective breeding isn’t as intrusive as the GM, genetic manipulation, of today. Today we are able to take the gene from bioluminescent jellyfish and coral, and insert it into other creatures. The most notable version of this manipulation is the Glofish. The Glofish is a Zebra Danio that displays the “glow” gene. The fish glows brightly under bright light and even more so when put under a UV light. The fish are sold as pets. An immediate problem with this type of manipulation is the environmental effect it could have on the ecosystem. Katie Kaczmarek, a genetics researcher, says that, “If genetically altered organisms were released into the wild, it could dramatically affect the ecosystem”(prgh 9).
“Only the strong survive”, the Darwinian tagline, is a phrase we’ve heard over and over. What if this statement could be applied to a man-made organism? Suppose the creature is “weak”, or dependent on humans, and expires soon after being released into the wild. There is not much cause for alarm in this specific situation, because no real damage was done to the ecosystem. On the other hand, suppose the organism is not only independent, but overwhelms its own environment. It would, for a lack of a better word, conquer it. This has been seen in history before. When rabbits were brought to Australia, they multiplied and nearly decimated indigenous plant life. The animals that inhabited the continent were brought to near starvation because the rabbits did not have a natural enemy. Today, rabbits are considered the number one pest and are illegal to own. This is just a small taste of what introducing a foreign organism to a foreign ecosystem can do. Imagine the consequences of introducing an organism with man made abilities or qualities. To stop any sort of environmental damage, their genetic code could go on for a generation or two, and then become infertile. This set-up effectively turns the organism into a product that must be purchased from a distributor.
While selective breeding has been done to magnify a quality of an organism, GM allows us to construct an organism with a given purpose. The potential of GM organism, in theory, is practically limitless. GM animals could have dozens of applications to help us with the problems of today. Global warming, hunger, and healthcare are a few problems that GM animals could help with.
Global warming is caused by the build-up of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. What if a plant could be genetically manipulated to perform photosynthesis in a faster, more productive fashion? Pulling in massive amounts of carbon dioxide and putting out just as much oxygen could be an interesting solution to put into action. However, the application of such plants may become an environmental problem in itself. Let’s say that the process worked, but all too well. The output of oxygen may eventually become too great and the world would be doomed to not global warming but oxygen poisoning or maybe a scorched earth, since oxygen feeds fire.
World hunger has always been a serious problem and the solutions never seem to satisfy. What if a plant could be genetically modified to sustain more people? Corn could grow faster and larger. A single stalk could have the potential to feed a couple dozen people. A tomato could be sliced into 20 sandwiches, or diced into four 16oz cans. The problems that arise from this are addressed from a nutritional perspective. GM foods have been found to have a negative impact. The researchers who specialize in soy products, and upload their findings on soyinfo.com, comment on the potential hazards of GM foods. During an experiment they found that “GM foods can, when fed to animals, cause very gradual organ damage and immune system damage” (soyinfo). Though it is still in its early stages, the gain from such foods can be gratifying to those who hunger for a solution.
Healthcare is another important problem to address. People who require a heart or a set of lungs are typically added to a very long waiting list. GM has been taking steps to help with this problem. “Pigs have hearts similar to humans in size, shape and function ”(line 69). So the idea of growing a pig with human organs sounds like an interesting puzzle for scientists (Fiona Macrae). The pigs would be born and grow with human hearts, lungs and intestines. The idea is to have a wide variety of organs ready for transplant for those who require it. The obvious remark one could make about that it is cruel animal treatment, but these pigs are no longer pigs. Rather, they are considered medical tools, like a scalpel or syringe, and are kept in a clean environment like a medical tool. They are recognized this way because they are born sterile and have a given purpose in life.
Genetically modified organisms are just another form of innovation on the horizon for the human race. They are created with a given purpose, whether it’s to feed, clean, heal, or entertainment. The term “product” will become stretched in its definition and laws will have to be written to fit their existence into society. We would still be using nature the way we have always been, but it will become more intrusive and interconnected. Selective breeding has proven to be a safe and manageable way to manipulate the genetic material of animals. Breeders of all types herald the method as a way to better human way of life. Scientists could say the same, with GM, but the risks have been observed as potentially destructive. But the theoretical potential for success would save many lives and make the world a better place to live in.
Also, check out GM pig promo on youtube
Works Cited
GM animals: do the ends justify the means. Gene Watch, June 2003.
www.genewatch.org
This article leaves an open-ended question of whether it is worth having genetically altered animals in the world. They may have some economic value and perhaps strong medicinal purposes. Perhaps animals have become something more than just a beast we catch, kill, and eat. The article addresses some of the GM animals of today, some for novelty, others for economy.
Health Hazards of Genetically-Manipulated Foods, http://www.soyinfo.com
The foods of GM plants have been tried and tested on animals and have shown to have a degrading effect on tissue and immune systems. Using this information will help my audience understand that though GM has good applications and intentions, it is not an exact science. The researchers are supporters of soy products and have conducted experiments where they have manipulated foods, and fed them to animals. Their observations are an important controversy to address.
Kaczmarek, Katie. To Uplift or Not To Uplift: The Ethics of Genetic Manipulation
http://serendip.brynmawr.edu/biology/b103/f00/web1/kaczmarek.html
Uplift is defined as the ability of an organism to survive in a given ecosystem. GM toys with this idea because the product that is created is not natural but came about of science and recombination of genes. This article addresses the potential environmental effects of a GM animal. Since the animal doesn’t have a natural set-up, but a rather convoluted genetic make up, would it be capable of sustaining itself in an ecosystem? This is an important topic for the essay as it addresses a possible environmental impact GM could have.
Macrae, Fiona. Winston backs breeding 'designer pigs with hearts for humans'.
http://www.mailonsunday.co.uk
This article addresses some ethical issues associated with GM pigs. It gives details about the anatomy of pigs and how similar they are to our own. The application of GM pigs is also identified, they can carry lungs as well as other vital human organs. Since the pig’s anatomy is similar to humans, why not engineer a pig that grows human organs? The idea is simple and could have hundreds of benefits for those waiting for transplants. Using this article will be a driving force in my perspective of GM products.
National Geographic. Produced by Chad Cohen. Meet the Super Cow.
www.youtube.com.
Super cow is an example of selective breeding, which is a non-intrusive form of GM. The term GM comes from genetic manipulation, and in this video the example given is the way that Belgian blue cows are bred. The cows have significant increase in muscle mass, and this was achieved through selecting only the “beefiest” of cows and bulls. The market for such meat is highly prized. These cows have a purpose and it is clearly indicated.
The Independent, UK. 5-Animals: Risk of GM animals is worth it, say scientists
http://news.independent.co.uk/
This article effectively identifies a coupe of risks associated with GM. They also include benefits such as economic benefitting and social benefit. The risks are not ignored but are rather juxtaposed with the reward that may present itself should research and testing continue without halt. They mention trial and error and the importance of continuing based on a preferred goal rather than stunt progress because of an ethical question. Theology is addressed in that,“GM is nothing more than selective breeding (something humans have practiced for centuries) accelerated.”
Humans have been taking advantage of the genetic traits of animals for hundreds of years. The domestic breeding of dogs, cats, cattle, and goats are a few examples of this. Dogs have been bred differently to satisfy a specific look or ability. Dachshunds were bred to hunt and pursue badgers down burrows, and sheep dogs were bred to herd sheep. The Maasai, a tribe in Eastern Africa, pick and choose cattle to use in ceremonies and as a sort of currency, the fittest and largest being highly prized. One well-known form of this breeding, known as “selective breeding” a form of genetic manipulation, is practiced by Belgian cow breeders. They are known as Belgian blues. Breeders choose the more muscled offspring to breed with other muscled cows. The result is a cow that appears to have been shot up with incredible amounts of steroids and other growth hormones. Their large appearance is completely natural, and companies pay top dollar for these walking meat houses (National Geographic). But selective breeding isn’t as intrusive as the GM, genetic manipulation, of today. Today we are able to take the gene from bioluminescent jellyfish and coral, and insert it into other creatures. The most notable version of this manipulation is the Glofish. The Glofish is a Zebra Danio that displays the “glow” gene. The fish glows brightly under bright light and even more so when put under a UV light. The fish are sold as pets. An immediate problem with this type of manipulation is the environmental effect it could have on the ecosystem. Katie Kaczmarek, a genetics researcher, says that, “If genetically altered organisms were released into the wild, it could dramatically affect the ecosystem”(prgh 9).
“Only the strong survive”, the Darwinian tagline, is a phrase we’ve heard over and over. What if this statement could be applied to a man-made organism? Suppose the creature is “weak”, or dependent on humans, and expires soon after being released into the wild. There is not much cause for alarm in this specific situation, because no real damage was done to the ecosystem. On the other hand, suppose the organism is not only independent, but overwhelms its own environment. It would, for a lack of a better word, conquer it. This has been seen in history before. When rabbits were brought to Australia, they multiplied and nearly decimated indigenous plant life. The animals that inhabited the continent were brought to near starvation because the rabbits did not have a natural enemy. Today, rabbits are considered the number one pest and are illegal to own. This is just a small taste of what introducing a foreign organism to a foreign ecosystem can do. Imagine the consequences of introducing an organism with man made abilities or qualities. To stop any sort of environmental damage, their genetic code could go on for a generation or two, and then become infertile. This set-up effectively turns the organism into a product that must be purchased from a distributor.
While selective breeding has been done to magnify a quality of an organism, GM allows us to construct an organism with a given purpose. The potential of GM organism, in theory, is practically limitless. GM animals could have dozens of applications to help us with the problems of today. Global warming, hunger, and healthcare are a few problems that GM animals could help with.
Global warming is caused by the build-up of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. What if a plant could be genetically manipulated to perform photosynthesis in a faster, more productive fashion? Pulling in massive amounts of carbon dioxide and putting out just as much oxygen could be an interesting solution to put into action. However, the application of such plants may become an environmental problem in itself. Let’s say that the process worked, but all too well. The output of oxygen may eventually become too great and the world would be doomed to not global warming but oxygen poisoning or maybe a scorched earth, since oxygen feeds fire.
World hunger has always been a serious problem and the solutions never seem to satisfy. What if a plant could be genetically modified to sustain more people? Corn could grow faster and larger. A single stalk could have the potential to feed a couple dozen people. A tomato could be sliced into 20 sandwiches, or diced into four 16oz cans. The problems that arise from this are addressed from a nutritional perspective. GM foods have been found to have a negative impact. The researchers who specialize in soy products, and upload their findings on soyinfo.com, comment on the potential hazards of GM foods. During an experiment they found that “GM foods can, when fed to animals, cause very gradual organ damage and immune system damage” (soyinfo). Though it is still in its early stages, the gain from such foods can be gratifying to those who hunger for a solution.
Healthcare is another important problem to address. People who require a heart or a set of lungs are typically added to a very long waiting list. GM has been taking steps to help with this problem. “Pigs have hearts similar to humans in size, shape and function ”(line 69). So the idea of growing a pig with human organs sounds like an interesting puzzle for scientists (Fiona Macrae). The pigs would be born and grow with human hearts, lungs and intestines. The idea is to have a wide variety of organs ready for transplant for those who require it. The obvious remark one could make about that it is cruel animal treatment, but these pigs are no longer pigs. Rather, they are considered medical tools, like a scalpel or syringe, and are kept in a clean environment like a medical tool. They are recognized this way because they are born sterile and have a given purpose in life.
Genetically modified organisms are just another form of innovation on the horizon for the human race. They are created with a given purpose, whether it’s to feed, clean, heal, or entertainment. The term “product” will become stretched in its definition and laws will have to be written to fit their existence into society. We would still be using nature the way we have always been, but it will become more intrusive and interconnected. Selective breeding has proven to be a safe and manageable way to manipulate the genetic material of animals. Breeders of all types herald the method as a way to better human way of life. Scientists could say the same, with GM, but the risks have been observed as potentially destructive. But the theoretical potential for success would save many lives and make the world a better place to live in.
Also, check out GM pig promo on youtube
Works Cited
GM animals: do the ends justify the means. Gene Watch, June 2003.
www.genewatch.org
This article leaves an open-ended question of whether it is worth having genetically altered animals in the world. They may have some economic value and perhaps strong medicinal purposes. Perhaps animals have become something more than just a beast we catch, kill, and eat. The article addresses some of the GM animals of today, some for novelty, others for economy.
Health Hazards of Genetically-Manipulated Foods, http://www.soyinfo.com
The foods of GM plants have been tried and tested on animals and have shown to have a degrading effect on tissue and immune systems. Using this information will help my audience understand that though GM has good applications and intentions, it is not an exact science. The researchers are supporters of soy products and have conducted experiments where they have manipulated foods, and fed them to animals. Their observations are an important controversy to address.
Kaczmarek, Katie. To Uplift or Not To Uplift: The Ethics of Genetic Manipulation
http://serendip.brynmawr.edu/biology/b103/f00/web1/kaczmarek.html
Uplift is defined as the ability of an organism to survive in a given ecosystem. GM toys with this idea because the product that is created is not natural but came about of science and recombination of genes. This article addresses the potential environmental effects of a GM animal. Since the animal doesn’t have a natural set-up, but a rather convoluted genetic make up, would it be capable of sustaining itself in an ecosystem? This is an important topic for the essay as it addresses a possible environmental impact GM could have.
Macrae, Fiona. Winston backs breeding 'designer pigs with hearts for humans'.
http://www.mailonsunday.co.uk
This article addresses some ethical issues associated with GM pigs. It gives details about the anatomy of pigs and how similar they are to our own. The application of GM pigs is also identified, they can carry lungs as well as other vital human organs. Since the pig’s anatomy is similar to humans, why not engineer a pig that grows human organs? The idea is simple and could have hundreds of benefits for those waiting for transplants. Using this article will be a driving force in my perspective of GM products.
National Geographic. Produced by Chad Cohen. Meet the Super Cow.
www.youtube.com.
Super cow is an example of selective breeding, which is a non-intrusive form of GM. The term GM comes from genetic manipulation, and in this video the example given is the way that Belgian blue cows are bred. The cows have significant increase in muscle mass, and this was achieved through selecting only the “beefiest” of cows and bulls. The market for such meat is highly prized. These cows have a purpose and it is clearly indicated.
The Independent, UK. 5-Animals: Risk of GM animals is worth it, say scientists
http://news.independent.co.uk/
This article effectively identifies a coupe of risks associated with GM. They also include benefits such as economic benefitting and social benefit. The risks are not ignored but are rather juxtaposed with the reward that may present itself should research and testing continue without halt. They mention trial and error and the importance of continuing based on a preferred goal rather than stunt progress because of an ethical question. Theology is addressed in that,“GM is nothing more than selective breeding (something humans have practiced for centuries) accelerated.”
Monday, December 1, 2008
Sleeping Beauty
Prologue
The last thing I remember is the light. The light was so bright, and warm. I was sure it would be the last thing anybody would see. I remember how I eyes refused to close, no matter how much I willed them to. It was as if I was retreating further and further into my own body, losing control of all functions. Feeling no pain, no cold, just grateful warmth around me.
They tried their best to keep me comfortable. The doctors I mean. My wife was there. So was mother. Andrew, my son, was holding my hand, but that sensation too came to pass. I knew I was dying. Surrounded by family, and all I could think about was when I’d wake up again.
23 months ago, Marie, my wife, suggested I get a check up. I was feeling a little bit under the weather. So I reluctantly agreed. They took my blood and ran it through a fancy machine, and out of this fancy machine came an un-fancy result.
Cancer.
They gave me 7 months…
Marie tried everything. Experimental treatment. Chemo. Even black magic. In the end I ended up losing 90 pounds, all of my hair, my job, my ability to walk on my own, and all hope. I knew I was dying.
Marie refused to give up though. Before my hearing had abandoned me on that bed, I heard her agreeing to something. Signing something, whimpering and saying, “All I want is for him to live… no matter what. No matter when.”
That’s when she looked over me and whispered into my ear. She told me how I would wake up and everything would be better.
Slowly, she backed away, and that’s when I lost it. I couldn’t hear anything in the room. I looked around frantically and realized how hard it became to breathe. The numbness started in my legs and gradually worked its way up to my face. I didn’t want to say anything. I knew there would be no point. No point in delaying the inevitable. I felt my body expel the last bit of air from my diseased form. That’s when I began to focus on the light. That blinding hospital lamp.
Convincing myself that that was the famed light at the end of the tunnel. I knew I was dead.
At least I thought I was. Marie was right. I woke up. Unfortunately she was also wrong, everything was not better.
My name is Vincent Wohl. Born in Virginia 1994. Died in Michigan 2041. Resuscitated in United Nations capital No. 52 formerly known as California 4623.
I am known as “Sleeping Beauty”.
Chapter 1: Rude Awakening
I came into the world slowly. The first thing I remember was the bright light. The light ebbed away to reveal a field of sunflowers. In all directions, just endless fields of sunflowers, and a sky so blue it was as if a painter entered my reality and decided to do some decorating. I was standing. At my feet was a pond and inside the pond was Marie. She was so beautiful. She levitated above the water, lying down on air. Breathing calmly.
I decided to make my way over to her. I took a step and found that the same air holding Marie held me as well. I didn’t know any better really. I thought I was in heaven. And for the sake of my sanity, I let myself believe that.
When I was close enough to her, I laid myself down next to her. She was in nearly transparent sleepwear. Her hair was flowing in the air, suspended by an unseen force. Her head looked like an anemone. I reached out to touch her, to see if she was really there. She was. Her skin was smooth, clean, and warm. Whatever force was flowing through her began to make its way through my fingertips and up into my chest. It felt alive. I could feel it traveling through my system, intricately working itself into all parts of me. That’s when I felt myself take a breath. My chest expanded to three times its normal size, and it held for the longest time. My sigh was matched by Marie’s exhale. She was awake. She sat up to hug me.
That’s when the dream changed. After Marie hugged me, she pulled back and told me how proud she was of me. She told me to live my life. Told me all the things you’d expect to hear before a farewell. I knew I would never see her again. She stood and turned. Before I had any say, she dove into the pond. It was strange… Soon as she was submerged, the pond became an ocean. The ocean was glowing with the same force that occupied my body.
The sky started to turn into night, and I had a strong urge to dive in after her. The uplifting air slowly dissipated, and I was lowered into the water. Like a lobster into boiling water, I tried to fight my way out. I descended to the depths at an alarming rate. All was black. That’s when I heard the applause.
Chapter 2: The Prince
My ears were bombarded with noise. Skin slapping against skin. It was such a foreign sound. I felt cool and comfortable. I opened my eyes. They didn’t take everything in immediately. Yellow petals, multiple suns, and blue outlines. I thought I was in the field again. I heard warbled voices, and saw floating shapes. I thought I was sucked into purgatory or something.
“Vincent Wohl? Can you hear me?”
I turned my head and uttered Marie’s name.
Again, the foreign noise paddled my eardrums. I fell asleep. A dreamless sleep.
When I woke up, I felt fantastic. There wasn’t the throbbing pain of diseased lungs, no more headaches, not even gas. The room I was in was clean, crisp, and cool. I looked down at myself. I looked like I had been going to the gym. My torso was beautifully toned. My hair was cut short, my nails were done, even my toes felt like they had received some treatment. I was beginning to wonder how this all came to be when a man walked into the room. As soon as he made eye contact with me, he shook with glee. A massive smile spread across his face.
“You’re awake. It’s a pleasure to meet you Sir, I’ve been watching your resuscitation period from the moment you were found in that underground lab.”
I gave him a quizzical look. His accent was foreign, from what I could tell. He had brown skin and short black hair. He wore strange black arm gloves that worked into a one-piece suit. He didn’t look like any nurse I’ve seen. I realized I was staring at him, so I spoke.
“Where am I?”
The words came out of a sore throat. It felt as if I hadn’t spoken in a long time. Using my vocal chords again felt like trying to ride a new bike.
Soon as the words came out, he was in awe. Before he could answer me, he rushed out of the room and was gone.
I felt very uneasy. Everything about the room I was in looked foreign, yet somehow familiar. I sat up. All the equipment I was hooked up to was gone. Instead there was what looked like a monitor built into the wall next to me. It glowed with readings, readings that were, I realized, synonymous with my life signs. When I breathed in, I saw a section of what looked like a heart speed up slightly. I didn’t see any electrodes on my body.
“It’s a Life-Monitor. State of the art health surveillance system created just for you. Your immune system is very different from ours, so we have to watch you very carefully.“
The famed “Prince” of the new world, the one who brought me back to life. Her name was Dr. Priscilla Patel. A leading doctor in the UNC 52.
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