Friday, April 26, 2013
Work Cited (Johnny Bennett)
Howard, Lydia. "The Stigmatization of St. Francis." UNC Courses, n.d. Web. 20 Apr. 2013.
http://www.unc.edu/courses/2005spring/engl/012/051/lkhoward/FinalPage.html
"Diego Rodriguez De Silva Velázquez (Velásquez)." The Worldwide Art Gallery. N.p., n.d. Web. 20 Apr. 2013.
http://www.theartgallery.com.au/arteducation/greatartists/velazquez/about/
"Vicente Carducho." The Getty Museum. N.p., n.d. Web. 20 Apr. 2013.
http://www.getty.edu/art/gettyguide/artMakerDetails?maker=3408&page=1
"What Is Baroque." Art in the Picture. N.p., n.d. Web. 20 Apr. 2013.
http://www.artinthepicture.com/styles/Baroque/
Thursday, April 25, 2013
Influences on Federico Barocci's "The Annunciation"
Nicholaus Mills
Bibliography:
http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/53730/Federico-Barocci
http://www.stltoday.com/entertainment/arts-and-theatre/st-louis-art-museum-rediscovers-federico-barocci/article_482ea530-9ac9-5f83-9873-8dd2a823efce.html
http://www.marginalia.co.uk/journal/05cambridge/miles.php
http://www.artgallery.nsw.gov.au/collection/works/6716/
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/art/9877309/Federico-Barocci-a-poisoned-picnic-changed-this-Old-Masters-life.html
http://www.pbs.org/empires/medici/renaissance/counter.html
Nicholaus Mills
Bibliography:
http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/53730/Federico-Barocci
http://www.stltoday.com/entertainment/arts-and-theatre/st-louis-art-museum-rediscovers-federico-barocci/article_482ea530-9ac9-5f83-9873-8dd2a823efce.html
http://www.marginalia.co.uk/journal/05cambridge/miles.php
http://www.artgallery.nsw.gov.au/collection/works/6716/
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/art/9877309/Federico-Barocci-a-poisoned-picnic-changed-this-Old-Masters-life.html
http://www.pbs.org/empires/medici/renaissance/counter.html
Lari Pittman's Untitled #30
Works Cited:
Frank, Peter. "A Review of Lari Pittman." Art Commotion. N.p., n.d. Web. 25 Apr.
2013. <http://www.artcommotion.com/Issue2/VisualArts/index4.html>.
Kushner, Rachel. "Surface Tension." LA Times Magazine Online. LA Times, Sept.
2010. Web. 25 Apr. 2013. <http://www.latimesmagazine.com/2010/09/
surface-tension.html>.
"Pittman." PBS. N.p., Aug. 2013. Web. 25 Apr. 2013. <http://www.pbs.org/art21/
artists/lari-pittman>.
Storr, Robert. "Lari Pittman." Contemporary Art Daily. N.p., 25 Oct. 2010. Web.
25 Apr. 2013. <http://www.contemporaryartdaily.com/2010/10/
lari-pittman-at-regen-projects/>.
Thursday, April 18, 2013
The Often Unnoticed, Negative Effects of Afternoon Naps
By: Veronica Krieg
Works Cited
Jason , Leonard. "Rapid Improvement in Insomnia Following Self-Monitoring." Journal of Behavior Therapy and Experimental Psychiatry. 6.4 n. page. Web. 25 Mar. 2013.
Kerkhof, Gerard A. Human Sleep and Cognition, Part 1: Basic Research. Oxford, UK: Elsevier, 2010. eBook. 25 Mar. 2013
Muzet,
A., Nicolas, A., Tassi, P.., Dewasmes, G. and Bonneau, A.
“Implementation of napping In industry and the problem of sleep
inertia.” Journal of Sleep Research. 4.s2 (1995):n. page Web. 25 Mar. 2013.
Napping May Be More Beneficial Than You Think
By: Nicholaus Mills
Bibliography
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1388245798000030
http://www.nature.com/neuro/journal/v6/n7/full/nn1078.html
http://link.springer.com/article/10.1007%2Fs004210050392?LI=true
By: Nicholaus Mills
Bibliography
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1388245798000030
http://www.nature.com/neuro/journal/v6/n7/full/nn1078.html
http://link.springer.com/article/10.1007%2Fs004210050392?LI=true
Tuesday, March 5, 2013
Uncovering anonymous identities really is as difficult as it sounds
Imagine discovering a person’s entire genetic identity by typing a few digits into your calculator, solving some equations, and creating a complicated algorithm that gets the job done every single time. A scientific breakthrough this large could create numerous medical advantages as well as generating the accompanying disadvantages. Using DNA to discover a persons identity then becomes an extreme ethical concern, especially when regarding the research studies’ subjects. With most research studies using anonymous subjects, uncovering a subjects identity can breach the confidentiality and trust that the subjects hold with the scientists. Although new studies have led to the uncovering of previously anonymous research participants’ identities, this discovery should not cause major concern to the public and scientific community due to the fact that only a small percentage of the population is capable of this discovery, those partaking in research studies are aware of the possible risks when they choose to participate, and there are United States genetic privacy laws protecting and maintaining participants confidentiality.
As you can imagine, a task such as sequencing DNA is not a simple one. The Personal Genome project, an ongoing research study that enables scientists to use DNA and create a road map for an individual's genetic sequence, was started a number of years ago in hopes of making breakthrough medical discoveries. Since the start of the research project, many different teams took it upon themselves to experiment with the project as well. As stated in the Nature article on Genetic Privacy, one team of scientists at the Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research in Cambridge, Massachusetts has used genetic processing to come to the conclusion that it is possible to discover an anonymous person’s identity through genome sequencing, and this discovery causes the scientists to fear that anonymous research participants could suffer a loss of genetic privacy. (http://www.nature.com/news/genetic-privacy-1.12238.) Genetic processing and sequencing is a way of looking at one’s DNA and being able to determine his or her biological traits. Complete genetic processing gives scientists access to information such as someone’s susceptibility to get certain diseases, traits inherited from family members, and all internal information that adds up to make someone unique. The discovery of this information is a violation of genetic privacy because anyone’s genes can be read and manipulated to reveal information that is extremely personal. While the team discovered the identities of some research subjects, it is also vital to note that the team is composed of the most qualified scientists in the country and in the world. “Whitehead Institute is a world-renowned non-profit research institution dedicated to improving human health through basic biomedical research… Whitehead scientists run pioneering programs in cancer research, immunology, developmental biology, stem cell research, regenerative medicine, genetics, and genomics” (http://wi.mit.edu/about.) The Whitehead Institute is an incredible scientific research facility that has made numerous breakthroughs and discoveries that continue to improve the health and well-being of people all over the world. There is a prestigious acclaim associated with the Whitehead Institute, and the common public does not have the ability or resources to make discoveries of this caliber; namely unraveling someones genetic identity. The ethical concern is that with the discovery of individuals’ identities, people with access to public records will be able to use their findings with malicious intent. Being that genetic sequencing is not yet widely understood, the ethical concern is nearly eliminated due to the fact that only highly esteemed scientists are capable of making such a discovery.
Along with the low probability of an unaccredited individual being capable of processing DNA, there is strong indication that research participants’ confidentiality is protected through consent agreements that are provided to all participants. Upon agreeing to participate in a research assignment, whether it is a simple research survey or a more intensive study, there are terms and conditions that must be read and understood by all participants. The main point of research studies is to gain important information that can be helpful to the general public and the scientific community; therefore, the findings of the research projects are usually published and able to be viewed by the public. The consent forms provided for research studies are required to outline the risks to all participants, and since all information is provided, it becomes a personal decision to outweigh the risks and benefits. “The HapMap informed-consent protocol does not unambiguously guarantee anonymity or confidentiality of participants' genetic information. On the contrary, it even mentions the risk of tracing identity through publicly available HapMap data” (www.nature.com/nrg/journal/v9/n5/full/nrg2360.html.) Informed consent procedures are in place when genetic studies are completed, and these consent procedures explain to all participants the fact that there is a chance that individuals’ identities may be discovered and that complete confidentiality is not disclosed. Risk factors being identified and readily available to all research participants aid in easing the focal issue regarding the high risk of unfair exposure.
In addition to participants being fully informed before entry into a research study, genetic privacy laws are in place across the country that ensure the confidentiality of all research participants. According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, a majority of the states go through great measures in order to protect their citizens. “The majority of state legislatures have taken steps to safeguard genetic information beyond the protections provided for other types of health information… Twenty-seven states require consent to disclose genetic information” (http://www.ncsl.org/issues-research/health/genetic-privacy-laws.aspx.) Abiding by all laws that are set in place is necessary for the operation of research facilities and the success of their endeavors; therefore, privacy laws will not be violated by any research facility, and according to the laws, consent is required to disclose genetic information, information about an individual’s DNA and biological traits, and said consent is given when an informed subject chooses to participate in a research project.
With any discovery there are ultimately risks. The important aspect to consider is whether the benefits outweigh the risks. If putting research subjects in confidential danger is a strong risk, new research concepts would need to be developed; however, this is not the case. Great measures are taken to protect individuals’ identities and keep all wanted information private. Few discoveries have been made that led to the identification of anonymous subjects, and these few discoveries do not represent a demographic that can apply to the entire population. Laws set in place by the state are created with the sole purpose of protecting individuals’ identities, and a participant’s consent is required in order to participate in any type of research study. Ethics and science often have concerning overlapping factors, but enough protection is provided that there is no direct concern associated with the discovery of anonymous research participants’ identities.
Works Cited
Congressional Research Service, . "Genetic Privacy Laws." National Conference of State Legistures (2008): n.pag. NCSL, StateNet. Web. 16 Feb 2013. <http://www.ncsl.org/issues-research/health/genetic-privacy-laws.aspx>
"Genetic Privacy." Nature International Journal of Weekly Science. 493.7433 (2013). Web. 7 Feb. 2013. <http://www.nature.com/news/genetic-privacy-1.12238>
Lunshof, Jeantine, Ruth Chadwick, Daniel Vorhaus, and George Church. "From Genetic Privacy to Open Consent." Nature Reviews. (2008): n. page. Web. 7 Feb. 2013. <www.nature.com/nrg/journal/v9/n5/full/nrg2360.html>
Reuters, Thomson. "About Us." Whitehead Institute of Biomedical Reasearch. (2009): n. page. Web. 19 Feb. 2013. <http://wi.mit.edu/about>
Veronica Krieg
 |
| Some rights reserved by ἀλέξ |
As you can imagine, a task such as sequencing DNA is not a simple one. The Personal Genome project, an ongoing research study that enables scientists to use DNA and create a road map for an individual's genetic sequence, was started a number of years ago in hopes of making breakthrough medical discoveries. Since the start of the research project, many different teams took it upon themselves to experiment with the project as well. As stated in the Nature article on Genetic Privacy, one team of scientists at the Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research in Cambridge, Massachusetts has used genetic processing to come to the conclusion that it is possible to discover an anonymous person’s identity through genome sequencing, and this discovery causes the scientists to fear that anonymous research participants could suffer a loss of genetic privacy. (http://www.nature.com/news/genetic-privacy-1.12238.) Genetic processing and sequencing is a way of looking at one’s DNA and being able to determine his or her biological traits. Complete genetic processing gives scientists access to information such as someone’s susceptibility to get certain diseases, traits inherited from family members, and all internal information that adds up to make someone unique. The discovery of this information is a violation of genetic privacy because anyone’s genes can be read and manipulated to reveal information that is extremely personal. While the team discovered the identities of some research subjects, it is also vital to note that the team is composed of the most qualified scientists in the country and in the world. “Whitehead Institute is a world-renowned non-profit research institution dedicated to improving human health through basic biomedical research… Whitehead scientists run pioneering programs in cancer research, immunology, developmental biology, stem cell research, regenerative medicine, genetics, and genomics” (http://wi.mit.edu/about.) The Whitehead Institute is an incredible scientific research facility that has made numerous breakthroughs and discoveries that continue to improve the health and well-being of people all over the world. There is a prestigious acclaim associated with the Whitehead Institute, and the common public does not have the ability or resources to make discoveries of this caliber; namely unraveling someones genetic identity. The ethical concern is that with the discovery of individuals’ identities, people with access to public records will be able to use their findings with malicious intent. Being that genetic sequencing is not yet widely understood, the ethical concern is nearly eliminated due to the fact that only highly esteemed scientists are capable of making such a discovery.
 |
| Some rights reserved by JohnGoode |
In addition to participants being fully informed before entry into a research study, genetic privacy laws are in place across the country that ensure the confidentiality of all research participants. According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, a majority of the states go through great measures in order to protect their citizens. “The majority of state legislatures have taken steps to safeguard genetic information beyond the protections provided for other types of health information… Twenty-seven states require consent to disclose genetic information” (http://www.ncsl.org/issues-research/health/genetic-privacy-laws.aspx.) Abiding by all laws that are set in place is necessary for the operation of research facilities and the success of their endeavors; therefore, privacy laws will not be violated by any research facility, and according to the laws, consent is required to disclose genetic information, information about an individual’s DNA and biological traits, and said consent is given when an informed subject chooses to participate in a research project.
With any discovery there are ultimately risks. The important aspect to consider is whether the benefits outweigh the risks. If putting research subjects in confidential danger is a strong risk, new research concepts would need to be developed; however, this is not the case. Great measures are taken to protect individuals’ identities and keep all wanted information private. Few discoveries have been made that led to the identification of anonymous subjects, and these few discoveries do not represent a demographic that can apply to the entire population. Laws set in place by the state are created with the sole purpose of protecting individuals’ identities, and a participant’s consent is required in order to participate in any type of research study. Ethics and science often have concerning overlapping factors, but enough protection is provided that there is no direct concern associated with the discovery of anonymous research participants’ identities.
Works Cited
Congressional Research Service, . "Genetic Privacy Laws." National Conference of State Legistures (2008): n.pag. NCSL, StateNet. Web. 16 Feb 2013. <http://www.ncsl.org/issues-research/health/genetic-privacy-laws.aspx>
"Genetic Privacy." Nature International Journal of Weekly Science. 493.7433 (2013). Web. 7 Feb. 2013. <http://www.nature.com/news/genetic-privacy-1.12238>
Lunshof, Jeantine, Ruth Chadwick, Daniel Vorhaus, and George Church. "From Genetic Privacy to Open Consent." Nature Reviews. (2008): n. page. Web. 7 Feb. 2013. <www.nature.com/nrg/journal/v9/n5/full/nrg2360.html>
Reuters, Thomson. "About Us." Whitehead Institute of Biomedical Reasearch. (2009): n. page. Web. 19 Feb. 2013. <http://wi.mit.edu/about>
I mean, if college kids are doing it...
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| http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3257/2668692943_1d8a94cf4e_m. |
As society progresses and expands in all aspects, namely
science, the use of cognitive enhancing drugs becomes more prevalent. The question then arises, is all progress for the benefit of society? The main issue of boundaries becomes apparent with the implications of cognitive enhancing drugs. Studies have found that as many as five to fifteen percent of all American college students illegally use cognitive enhancing drugs on a regular basis (Nature 1). Although many argue for the use of cognitive enhancing drugs by the healthy, the negative impacts on society that would stem from this occurrence outweigh the positive societal implications.
Cognitive enhancing drugs are an amazing innovation, which are readily available - the most common types are Ritalin, Adderall, and Vyvanse - to any person with attention deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD); promising to solve their issues with focusing and restore their cognitive abilities despite the hyperactivity of their brain. Cognitive enhancing drugs work by releasing stimulants into the body that slow down the release of the “attention” chemicals by the brain, increasing a person's ability to concentrate as well as their focus/energy level (this basic description hopefully saved you from having to decode some medical jargon). So what will happen when a healthy person without ADHD takes the medication? It allows them to focus more intensely for a longer period of time with few side effects (Springer). A focal point of the argument for the use of cognitive enhancing drugs by the healthy is the fact that the effects of the drug are so potent in increasing a person’s cognitive fortitude. There is evidence that as many as 36% of a student population at a certain college (Springer) is utilizing these drugs, and this fuels the argument; if so many kids are taking this drug, then it must be fine for use by the rest of society.
science, the use of cognitive enhancing drugs becomes more prevalent. The question then arises, is all progress for the benefit of society? The main issue of boundaries becomes apparent with the implications of cognitive enhancing drugs. Studies have found that as many as five to fifteen percent of all American college students illegally use cognitive enhancing drugs on a regular basis (Nature 1). Although many argue for the use of cognitive enhancing drugs by the healthy, the negative impacts on society that would stem from this occurrence outweigh the positive societal implications.
Cognitive enhancing drugs are an amazing innovation, which are readily available - the most common types are Ritalin, Adderall, and Vyvanse - to any person with attention deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD); promising to solve their issues with focusing and restore their cognitive abilities despite the hyperactivity of their brain. Cognitive enhancing drugs work by releasing stimulants into the body that slow down the release of the “attention” chemicals by the brain, increasing a person's ability to concentrate as well as their focus/energy level (this basic description hopefully saved you from having to decode some medical jargon). So what will happen when a healthy person without ADHD takes the medication? It allows them to focus more intensely for a longer period of time with few side effects (Springer). A focal point of the argument for the use of cognitive enhancing drugs by the healthy is the fact that the effects of the drug are so potent in increasing a person’s cognitive fortitude. There is evidence that as many as 36% of a student population at a certain college (Springer) is utilizing these drugs, and this fuels the argument; if so many kids are taking this drug, then it must be fine for use by the rest of society.
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| http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8516/8436514405_f1b18bfd77_m.jpg |
An accompanying argument for the drugs is the “lifestyle argument” that states that cognitive enhancing drugs are appropriate for everyday use because they enhance the lives of their users; allowing them to “be all they can be” in their everyday lives. This argument is supported by research that displays the minimization of the side effects of these drugs as the science progresses. Those who support the utilization of these drugs by the healthy state that there are few valid oppositions to their cause despite the commonplace “morality” argument because, after all, using these drugs without a prescription is illegal (Nature 1). But even this argument seems ambiguous in todays society where morals always appear to be relative and where there are fewer and fewer examples of true right. However, there are a multitude of valid reasons for the opposition of this issue; they are just not easily visible in the argument as portrayed in the public sphere due to the lack of extensive research and the prominence of the public opinion over facts.
The opposition to the healthy using cognitive enhancing drugs is not as straightforward as the proponent's platform pertaining to said issue. One major point of opposition is the negative side effects that cognitive enhancing drugs will have on society if used on a mass scale. The use of cognitive enhancing drugs over an extended period of time causes an individual (those with ADHD included) to become monotonous over time, possibly experience a loss of unique identity, and develop a self-focused viewpoint (Lanclet) - this is basically implying that the individual becomes a “zombie,” for lack of a better word. If these side effects were to become apparent across society then the overall societal composition would change and interactions would shift as individuals began to become “less” in the social sphere. Cognitive enhancing drugs being widely utilized by the healthy would have a negative impact of unknown proportions on society, displaying the need for more research to be done and the public sphere properly informed of the negative implications.
The opposition to the healthy using cognitive enhancing drugs is not as straightforward as the proponent's platform pertaining to said issue. One major point of opposition is the negative side effects that cognitive enhancing drugs will have on society if used on a mass scale. The use of cognitive enhancing drugs over an extended period of time causes an individual (those with ADHD included) to become monotonous over time, possibly experience a loss of unique identity, and develop a self-focused viewpoint (Lanclet) - this is basically implying that the individual becomes a “zombie,” for lack of a better word. If these side effects were to become apparent across society then the overall societal composition would change and interactions would shift as individuals began to become “less” in the social sphere. Cognitive enhancing drugs being widely utilized by the healthy would have a negative impact of unknown proportions on society, displaying the need for more research to be done and the public sphere properly informed of the negative implications.
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| http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5303/5632183884_eba4c0253c_m.jpg |
Though the major argument that the widespread use of cognitive enhancing drugs could negatively alter society asserts validity, the main concern over this topic should be in the subtle issues that will accompany its implementation. One such issue that will become apparent is the issue of access. Once these drugs are available to society as a whole, society will have to decide if it is fair to exclude those that cannot afford these drugs while those who can afford this innovation are enjoying the benefits (Lanclet). If this conclusion is reached, then this may create a vicious cycle of “cognitive oppression” where those who cannot afford the drug are unable to attain the societal level of those who can afford the cognitive enhancing drug. Yes, this possiblity is unimaginable, but it is logical when viewed in the scope of history; examples of similar occurrences are the previous need to own land to be a citizen or, more recently, the growing need for a college education in today's job market - just some food for thought on this discussion’s wide implications.
A second subtle yet revealing implication of cognitive enhancing drugs permeating society is the loss of societal value that will occur (Lanclet). When all of society is able to function at a high cognitive level, natural talent will be indistinguishable and its value left unappreciated. This will result in the shift of the nature of society as we become more dependent on innovations - that could be considered crutches - to complete moderate tasks and, eventually, to simply survive. The potential widespread use of cognitive enhancing drugs by the healthy is accompanied by subtle yet important implications that are strong indicators of the negative impact that this implementation could have on society.
An interesting philosophical issue that will become apparent is the definition of medicine; is it acceptable for medicine to not solely cure but to enhance a person (BMJ). This is not an issue of major concern but a commentary on the cultural nature as a whole pertaining to the influence level innovations will have on society in the future. This issue also delineates the far-reaching, possibly history transcending, implications that this decision could have on the progressive aspects of culture.
Cognitive enhancing drugs are an innovation that is the companion of the progressive nature of the scientific community; it is the decision regarding their use by the healthy that is the important discussion. The many advocates of the use of cognitive enhancing drugs by the healthy focus their argument on the wide improvements this drug could make in peoples lives as well as the lack of credible research opposing this issue. Although these issues are valid, the many negative implications of this action - societal side effects, unequal distribution, loss of societal value, and larger cultural issues - outweigh the benefits of the widespread use of cognitive enhancing drugs by the healthy.
Bibliography
Enhancing, Not Cheating (Nature 1)
Bard, Imre, and Ilina Singh. "Enhancing, Not Cheating."Nature. 450.320 (2007): n. page. Web. 5 Feb. 2013. <http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v450/n7168/full/450320a.html>.
Cognitive Enhancement Causes Ethical Concerns (Lancet)
Butcher, James. "Cognitive Enhancement Causes Ethical Concerns." Lancet. 362.9378 (2003): 132-133. Web. 5 Feb. 2013. <http://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(03)13897-4/fulltext.
The use of methylphenidate among students: the future of enhancement? (BMJ)
Outram, Simon. "The use of methylphenidate among students: the future of enhancement?." Journal of Medical Ethics. 36. (2010): 198-292. Web. 5 Feb. 2013. <http://jme.bmj.com/content/36/4/198.full>.
Cognitive Enhancement, Lifestyle Choice or Misuse of Prescription Drugs? (Springer)
Forlini, Cynthia, and Racine Racine. "Cognitive Enhancement, Lifestyle Choice or Misuse of Prescription Drugs?." Neuroethics. 3.1 (2010): 1-4. Web. 5 Feb. 2013. <http://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s12152-008-9023-7?LI=true>.
Towards responsible use of cognitive-enhancing drugs by the healthy (Nature 2)
Greely, Henry, Barbara Sahakian, et al. "Towards responsible use of cognitive-enhancing drugs by the healthy." Nature. 456. (2008): 702-705. Web. 5 Feb. 2013. <http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v456/n7223/full/456702a.html>.
A second subtle yet revealing implication of cognitive enhancing drugs permeating society is the loss of societal value that will occur (Lanclet). When all of society is able to function at a high cognitive level, natural talent will be indistinguishable and its value left unappreciated. This will result in the shift of the nature of society as we become more dependent on innovations - that could be considered crutches - to complete moderate tasks and, eventually, to simply survive. The potential widespread use of cognitive enhancing drugs by the healthy is accompanied by subtle yet important implications that are strong indicators of the negative impact that this implementation could have on society.
An interesting philosophical issue that will become apparent is the definition of medicine; is it acceptable for medicine to not solely cure but to enhance a person (BMJ). This is not an issue of major concern but a commentary on the cultural nature as a whole pertaining to the influence level innovations will have on society in the future. This issue also delineates the far-reaching, possibly history transcending, implications that this decision could have on the progressive aspects of culture.
Cognitive enhancing drugs are an innovation that is the companion of the progressive nature of the scientific community; it is the decision regarding their use by the healthy that is the important discussion. The many advocates of the use of cognitive enhancing drugs by the healthy focus their argument on the wide improvements this drug could make in peoples lives as well as the lack of credible research opposing this issue. Although these issues are valid, the many negative implications of this action - societal side effects, unequal distribution, loss of societal value, and larger cultural issues - outweigh the benefits of the widespread use of cognitive enhancing drugs by the healthy.
Bibliography
Enhancing, Not Cheating (Nature 1)
Bard, Imre, and Ilina Singh. "Enhancing, Not Cheating."Nature. 450.320 (2007): n. page. Web. 5 Feb. 2013. <http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v450/n7168/full/450320a.html>.
Cognitive Enhancement Causes Ethical Concerns (Lancet)
Butcher, James. "Cognitive Enhancement Causes Ethical Concerns." Lancet. 362.9378 (2003): 132-133. Web. 5 Feb. 2013. <http://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(03)13897-4/fulltext.
The use of methylphenidate among students: the future of enhancement? (BMJ)
Outram, Simon. "The use of methylphenidate among students: the future of enhancement?." Journal of Medical Ethics. 36. (2010): 198-292. Web. 5 Feb. 2013. <http://jme.bmj.com/content/36/4/198.full>.
Cognitive Enhancement, Lifestyle Choice or Misuse of Prescription Drugs? (Springer)
Forlini, Cynthia, and Racine Racine. "Cognitive Enhancement, Lifestyle Choice or Misuse of Prescription Drugs?." Neuroethics. 3.1 (2010): 1-4. Web. 5 Feb. 2013. <http://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s12152-008-9023-7?LI=true>.
Towards responsible use of cognitive-enhancing drugs by the healthy (Nature 2)
Greely, Henry, Barbara Sahakian, et al. "Towards responsible use of cognitive-enhancing drugs by the healthy." Nature. 456. (2008): 702-705. Web. 5 Feb. 2013. <http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v456/n7223/full/456702a.html>.
Unit 1 Project
Mary Madison Albright
English 105. 951
March 5, 2013
Unit 1 Project
Establishing Whaling as a Quota Market
Gliding through the gray, frigid waters in the Southern Ocean, a family of whales approaches trouble nearing a whaling boat off the coast of Japan. These whalers, sitting on commercial ships equipped with machinery to take down a mammal weighing over 180 metric tons, have seen their prey. Without warning, the whales are gruesomely attacked, slaughtered and sold off in lifeless parts to consumers. Whaling, a practice once taken root in tradition, is now becoming an epidemic. Despite the 1986 bans placed by the International Whaling Commission making whaling an illegal practice, whale population numbers continue to rapidly decline. As an observer to the issue, new strategies must be employed to protect the species and preserve their sensitive ecosystem. But will tampering with the whaling epidemic in order to create positive change ultimately consequent negatively?With the dire situation at hand, three Environmental Science and Management professors Christopher Costello and Steven Gaines of the University of California at Santa Barbara, and Leah Gerber of Arizona State University proposed a whale quota system where conservationists and whalers can bid on quotas. Best-case scenario results in profit for whalers who sell quotas to conservationists and conservationists walking away, saving potentially more whales than before. Although seemingly a golden plan, the scheme is flawed, prohibiting effectiveness and success. If proposed trading quota becomes enforced, the new institution could cause higher demand for whales, disagreement over the stressed economic factor rather than ethical issue, and overall ambiguity of the plan, with no specific details how the plan will be carried out (http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v481/n7380/full/481114a.html).
Adapting one market scheme into another market proposal is the first noticeable flaw. The sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide quota market has favorably reduced overall emissions and costs, but carrying the same basic outline for whales fails to run smoothly in the fine details. Whaling, a separate practice than chemical emissions, translates different outcomes when implementing a quota scheme. Potentially, the quota creates high risk for increased demand concerning commercial marketing whale parts and products. Deriving the economic basic law of demand, when a price of a product decreases, product demand increases. Therefore, when a new market enters as a legal entity such as whaling, product demand, in this case whale meat and oil, would rise. Due to the enlarged demand, whalers seeking opportunity enter the business, if not already before, for potential profit (http://www.onearth.org/article/save-the-whales-by-hunting-them). Adding those whose culture traditionally whales, and the overall whale population killed increases. Ultimately, higher demand causes higher whale market entry, resulting in the killing of more whales than before.
From an ethical standpoint, the quota scheme causes concern. The environmental marketers are viewing the whaling issue through an economic viewpoint rather than a moral one. Essentially, allowing whales for sale marks a price on a mammal conservationists consider invaluable. The situation seems highly unlikely for conservationists to morally back down from strong viewpoints as well as whalers recognizing the profitable gain in selling whale quotas. An economic price on a sensitive product causes species and environment troubles. Due to low whale population and ecological damage whaling causes marine ecosystems, optimally whale meat is not reasonable to consume (http://news.discovery.com/earth/selling-whales-to-save-them-120117.htm). As well, whale commercialization could spark other risk animal markets, turning focus from conserving to exploiting endangered creatures. As marine biologist Taryn Kiekow states, “You cannot save whales by legalizing their slaughter.” Protecting a species, versus commercializing, should hold top priority of any government funded or protection group (http://www.onearth.org/article/save-the-whales-by-hunting-them).
Lastly, vague details surround the projected plan; there is no indication to explain how quotas are divvied, monitored, or distributed. The proposal contains little explanation of quota distribution between government, conservationists, and whaling groups http://news.discovery.com/earth/selling-whales-to-save-them-120117.htm). One must question whether quotas are distributed equally or based off various economic or moral factors. Are country governments where the whaling takes place the sole leader in monitoring safe trading practices? Or does the International Whaling Commission supervise the transactions? One specific, an estimated whale fin pricing over $85,000, shows no clarification how said amount was chosen and if there are different price considerations due to size or type (http://news.discovery.com/earth/selling-whales-to-save-them-120117.htm). Multiple questions and obscurity should cause major concern when implementing a huge change in a delicate market. If environmental marketers were to take on such a large risk administering the idea, there should be clear, detailed, and specific laws producing far less risk for potential negative consequences.
With recent controversy over extreme conservationist groups implementing dangerous tactics, struggle between conservationists and whalers continues in this ever-prevalent issue marked in our waters. Although Costello, Gaines, and Gerber create a seemingly productive whale trading quota, risks outlying the plan are far too chancy to be considered a viable option. Higher demand for whales, disagreement over stressed economic factor rather than ethical issue, and ambiguity of the plan cause concern that whaling may be a topic of argument, and unfortunately unsolvable situation, in the years to come.
Flickr Photo By: Yeimaya
Works Cited:
Barcott, Bruce. "Save the Whales By Hunting Them?" OnEarthMagazine.com. Natural
Resources Defense Council, 11 Jan. 2012. Web. 06 Feb. 2013. <http://www.onearth.org/article/save-the-whales-by-hunting-them>.
"Conservation Science: A Market Approach to Saving the Whales." Nature. Nature
Publishing Group, 11 Jan. 2011. Web. 5 Mar. 2013. <http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v481/n7380/full/481139a.htm>.
"Good Whale Hunting." The Economist. The Economist Newspaper, 14 Mar. 2012. Web. 06 Feb. 2013. <http://www.economist.com/blogs/whaling>.
Mulvaney, Kieran. "Selling Whales to Save Them?" Discoverynews.com. Discovery
Communications, 17 Jan. 2012. Web. 06 Feb. 2013.
<http://news.discovery.com/earth/selling-whales-to-save-them-120117.htm>.
"Whales for Sale." Nature. Nature Publishing Group, 11 Jan. 2012. Web. 5 Mar.
2013. <http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v481/n7380/full/ 481114a.html>.
Unit One Project
Johnny Bennett
February 25, 2013
English 105. 951
The Threats to Innovation
The ground shook beneath their feet as the foundation dangerously swayed. Within less than an hour waves reaching heights of ten story buildings rushed the Japanese shore. March 2011 marked a month of disastrous magnitude nine earthquakes and fifteen meter tsunamis, only aftermathing in three core reactor power plants in Fukushima, Japan melting. This event marked the first triple nuclear meltdown to occur, affecting citizens and the environment alike (http://www.world-nuclear.org/info/fukushima_accident_inf129.html).
Despite the threats nuclear power plants have imposed on our society, development in this field has not ceased. In the last year there has been discussion of using new uranium enrichment technology to produce nuclear energy. This innovative technology is meant to produce cheaper and cleaner energy, but comes with the threat of another nuclear disaster and increased threat of more powerful nuclear arms. Further development in the nuclear field poses a significant threat on non-proliferation efforts. International treaties, such as the 1970 Non-Proliferation Treaty, which aims to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons and technology along with the objective of future nuclear disarmament, have little teeth when it comes to prohibiting countries from using nuclear technology for weapons (http://www.fas.org/nuke/control/npt/). The new laser technology requires less electricity and physical space to operate than traditional nuclear methods. Thus for nuclear countries using the uranium enrichment techniques, they have little chance of being detected. Although nuclear technological innovations might be viewed as progress, alleviating our society’s dependence on gasoline, the drawbacks, which include nuclear proliferation, potential accidents, depletion of resources and nuclear waste, should be considered severe enough to cease all further nuclear development (http://ehis.ebscohost.com/ehost/pdfviewer/pdfviewer?sid=06c64f99-8f01-43ec-90ed-bcd7daf26f6b%40sessionmgr114&vid=4&hid=101).
If the new technology is approved, non-nuclear countries are preparing to outsource the development of uranium enrichment to current nuclear states. For example, the United Arab Emirates, a small Arab country on the Persian Gulf, plans to outsource the construction of eight new nuclear power plants to nuclear countries. The spread of innovative technologies will advance the world in some areas, but will create a problem when countries use the idea and resources to create weapons. The same resources are used to create nuclear weapons as in nuclear electricity. Nuclear activity is currently detected using satellites. Satellites are easily able to do this because of the mass amount of space and electricity required to operate the equipment. The advanced technology produces fuel with notably less room and power, thus nuclear activity of all types will prove significantly more difficult to uncover and whether the energy is going towards homes for electricity or weapons of mass destructions could remain a mystery (http://ehis.ebscohost.com/ehost/detail?sid=121019e9-80dd-4439-af37-5bbb6d46f038%40sessionmgr110&vid=4&hid=8&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWhvc3QtbGl2ZSZzY29wZT1zaXRl#db=a9h&AN=44713926). There are over fifteen thousand nuclear reactors in the world, making it impossible to keep record of all their activities. The fact that all nuclear products can be easily turned into bombs, new nuclear technology imposes a major threat to the non-proliferation effort (http://ehis.ebscohost.com/ehost/pdfviewer/pdfviewer?sid=06c64f99-8f01-43ec-90ed-bcd7daf26f6b%40sessionmgr114&vid=4&hid=101).
Cheaper energy has been stated as one of the benefits to the uranium laser technology. There has been speculation if the technology were used on a global scale, it would save the average American household a significant amount of money in electricity payments. However, two independent studies conducted discovered this accusation is false. Both found an average American household would save less than ten dollars a month. Furthermore, if the technology began to be operational in other countries, it would reduce the already slim savings due to the diminishing supply of uranium http://ehis.ebscohost.com/ehost/pdfviewer/pdfviewer?sid=06c64f99-8f01-43ec-90ed-bcd7daf26f6b%40sessionmgr114&vid=8&hid=101). Further investigation into this issue has uncovered uranium resources have been overestimated in the past. In the future miners will have to resort to uranium ores with lower concentrations, which demands more energy and higher costs (http://ehis.ebscohost.com/ehost/detail?sid=06c64f99-8f01-43ec-90ed-bcd7daf26f6b%40sessionmgr114&vid=13&hid=101&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWhvc3QtbGl2ZSZzY29wZT1zaXRl#db=a9h&AN=45725956). As the world’s supply of uranium decreases, the prices producers and consumers with have to pay will increase, thus eliminating the benefit of the new technology. If the uranium enrichment technology starts to become operational, we will be going down the same path as we are with oil currently. People originally turned towards nuclear energy because of rising fuel prices and its dwindling supplies, hence is it worth continuing the movement towards nuclear power with current concerns of uranium reserves and threats of increased prices?
For a little over sixty years, nuclear power plants have been operational, but over time period a proper method for disposing the radioactive waste has yet to be agreed upon. Though nuclear reactors produce minimal greenhouse gases, their environmental impact comes from their radioactive nuclear waste. The Uranium Mill Tailings Control Act of 1978 requires government committees to clean up uranium’s waste byproducts but this has proven to be a difficult task given the lack of proper disposal technologies. Approximately 85 percent of radioactivity in the uranium is carried over to the waste which has been linked to causing various types of cancer. Currently, there are two disposal methods, which are both costly and not equipped to handle large amount of waste accumulating. Since disposal methods are still under scrutiny and over 25 million tons of uranium waste still sit in inactive uranium power plants, it would be unwise to proceed with the implementation of new technology and vast new power plants until a proper solution is created (http://ehis.ebscohost.com/ehost/pdfviewer/pdfviewer?sid=98a32a6c-bfb4-4391-82c4-5af10e0dc06a%40sessionmgr113&vid=5&hid=101).
As shown in Japan two years ago, the risk of accidents associated with power plants is ever present and unpreventable. Although safety features and backup systems have improved, large events such as earthquakes can hinder those elements of the power plants from working effectively (http://ehis.ebscohost.com/ehost/detail?vid=9&sid=98a32a6c-bfb4-4391-82c4-5af10e0dc06a%40sessionmgr113&hid=101&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWhvc3QtbGl2ZSZzY29wZT1zaXRl#db=a9h&AN=82103446). When the earthquake in Japan occurred it shut off the plant’s electric power which immediately stopped the cooling of the reactors. The high temperatures caused the reactors to melt, giving off fatal levels of radiation (http://www.theatlanticwire.com/global/2011/07/meltdown-what-really-happened-fukushima/39541). With large numbers of reactors in operation, the probability of human error increases which further puts employees and surrounding residents in harms way (http://ehis.ebscohost.com/ehost/pdfviewer/pdfviewer?sid=98a32a6c-bfb4-4391-82c4-5af10e0dc06a%40sessionmgr113&vid=10&hid=101). The severity of the Fukushima meltdown is also attributed to human error. The regulators of the plant were accused of poor regulation over the equipment and failing to take proper safety measures prior to and following the earthquake. Specifically, the employees “failed to correctly develop the most basic safety requirements, such as assessing the probability of damage, preparing for containing collateral damage from such a disaster, and developing evacuation plans for the public in case of a serious radiation release” (f. reactors meltdown). It is estimated that one thousand people will die due to the radiation produced from this disaster. As stated under the Price-Anderson Act, nuclear power plants are not held accountable for any accidents or deaths they cause, so those one thousand individuals are being held responsible (http://www.thebulletin.org/web-edition/columnists/kennette-benedict/the-banality-of-death-nuclear-power).
All of these concerns limit the potential for nuclear energy to replace oil and coal as our primary sources for electricity. After the Fukushima accident, China, Belgium and Germany initiated a plan for the phase out of their nuclear power plants (http://ehis.ebscohost.com/ehost/detail?vid=15&sid=98a32a6c-bfb4-4391-82c4-5af10e0dc06a%40sessionmgr113&hid=101&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWhvc3QtbGl2ZSZzY29wZT1zaXRl#db=a9h&AN=82103448). The rest of the world should follow suit. Although the benefit of low levels of greenhouse gases produced is significant, it does not outweigh threats we face from the spread of proliferation, diminishing our resource supplies, polluting our ground and endangering residents in the area.
Flickr Photo By: S@ilor
A Blast of the Past-Nuclear Power Plant in Fukushima
Work Cited:
Abbott, Derek. "Limits to Growth: Can Nuclear Power Supply the World’s Needs?"Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists. N.p., Sept. 2012. Web. 1 Mar. 2013. <http://ehis.ebscohost.com/ehost/pdfviewer/pdfviewer?sid=06c64f99-8f01-43ec-90ed-bcd7daf26f6b%40sessionmgr114&vid=4&hid=101>.
Bast, Andrew. "The U.A.E. Pulls the Fuel out of the Fire." The Daily Beast. N.p., 22 Oct. 2009. Web. 01 Mar. 2013. <http://www.thedailybeast.com/newsweek/blogs/wealth-of-nations/2009/10/22/pulls-the-fuel-out-of-the-fire.html>.
"Fukushima Accident 2011." World Nuclear Association. N.p., Feb. 2013. Web. 01 Mar. 2013. <http://www.world-nuclear.org/info/fukushima_accident_inf129.html>.
McNeill, David, and Jake Adelstein. "Meltdown: What Really Happened at Fukushima?"The Atlantic Wire. N.p., 02 July 2011. Web. 01 Mar. 2013. <http://www.theatlanticwire.com/global/2011/07/meltdown-what-really-happened-fukushima/39541/>.
"Stop Laser Uranium Enrichment." Nature. N.p., Mar. 2010. Web. 01 Mar. 2013. <http://ehis.ebscohost.com/ehost/pdfviewer/pdfviewer?sid=06c64f99-8f01-43ec-90ed-bcd7daf26f6b%40sessionmgr114&vid=8&hid=101>.
Sweet, William. "Unresolved: The Front End of Nuclear Waste Disposal." Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists. N.p., n.d. Web. 01 Mar. 2013. <http://ehis.ebscohost.com/ehost/pdfviewer/pdfviewer?sid=98a32a6c-bfb4-4391-82c4-5af10e0dc06a%40sessionmgr113&vid=5&hid=101>.
"Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons [NPT]." The Nuclear Information Project. N.p., n.d. Web. 01 Mar. 2013. <http://www.fas.org/nuke/control/npt/>.
Thursday, February 7, 2013
Citations
Citing is crucial because it gives credit to the author for their interpretation of information, research or opinion on a matter. It acknowledges the author’s words as valid and makes our writing more credible. The reader can interpret our words based off of the original work of others; choosing not to cite is a prime example of plagiarism. If citation is not enforced within our blog then the quality of the information that we post is as good as invalid.
For our blog, citations will be included for any interviews that we document and additional resources that we use to support our arguments. We want to pull in other peoples’ opinions in order to make our arguments clear and strong. When we cite our resources, we will provide an internal citation right after the sentence or phrase from the outside source, and the full citation will be listed at the bottom of each blog post when necessary. We plan to use formal MLA citations which follow the basic format shown in the example below:
Lastname, Firstname. Title of Book. City of Publication: Publisher, Year of Publication. Medium of Publication.
For additional citations of online articles, encyclopedias, or books with multiple authors, we will use library resources and websites such as http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource to get the proper format for our citations.
Our group decided to use a bibliography of MLA citations in companion with posting hyperlinks as in-text citations. MLA is simple and easy to understand for readers as well as maintain a certain amount of credibility as a blogger. The simplicity of the hyperlinks allow our readers to click and have direct access to the information while the formal citations at the end keep up a professional appearance. The combination of MLA style citations and hyperlink citations will provide the best experience for our readers.
Thursday, January 31, 2013
Intro Post
Ah, the freshman experience. We all go through it or will in the future, with a sense of awe, curiosity, and slight awkwardness. Each adventure is specific to the individual, but there is a common bond that unites all “freshies” in the college world.This blog immerses the reader into the lives of four freshman, wandering through the academic and social life at a big town university with personal accounts, sound advice, and educational information all provided. Although our freshman lives are inherently busy, we will strive to provide our unique perspectives on various topics in the areas of humanities, natural sciences, social sciences throughout the year. Now, you may be wondering why college freshmen who have much better things to be doing are writing a collective blog, and that is a valid question. The honest answer? Its an english class assignment. Therefore, because this is an academic blog of sorts, ending with a quote seems appropriate. “To be a freshman is to be in possession of a wonderful thing: time. There is time to figure out what you want to do with your life, time to figure out what classes you want to take, what books you want to read. There is time to make friends. With four promising years ahead of you, time sits around like huge clumps of clay, waiting for you to shape them in whatever way you please.” Now it’s time, fellow bloggers, to take a peek into the lives of Mary Madison, Johnny, Nick, and Veronica, and our take on this beautiful place we call Chapel Hill.
Johnny Bennett
Hey Everyone! I am currently a freshman at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Growing up I remember telling myself “3, 2, 1...years until I go to college and escape my parents,” I was desperate to get out on my own. But even given that, I had no idea where I wanted to go. On literally the last day the deposit was due, I made my decision to come to Carolina and have never regretted it. It is true what people say, even at my second semester in college, I would give anything to go back and relive that first half of the year. I am aspiring to be a business major, but who knows how that will turn out. I consider myself a pretty adventurous person from skydiving to studying abroad, I am willing to give it a shot! From the people I have met, to classes and greek life, I love every minute of college (maybe excluding the countless hours in the library). I am eager to share with all of y’all my experiences from my first semester and hope it can serve as some guide as well.
Mary Madison Albright
I made it. Finally. After thirteen years (remembering to include my rigorous academic year in Kindergarten), I have graduated. A moment of pure bliss, only to be followed by the gut wrenching truth: I am now a freshman again. I came to Chapel Hill with these thirteen years of preliminary knowledge but absolutely no college academic or social experience. So what better way to meet these freshman obstacles than post it publicly? My name is Mary Madison Albright, eighteen years of age, lover of Chipotle, pop culture, and Italy. After almost two decades of getting to know myself, I can say with confidence I am outgoing, sarcastic, accepting, and curious. I’m majoring in undecided, which in simple terms means I have no idea what I am doing or who I am going to become. Instead of stressing over the uncertainty of where my life is headed, I attribute it to what the freshman experience is about; discovering what I love to do and honing in those talents. I’m eager to share a glimpse into my academic endeavors as well as my take on what it means to be a freshman.
Nick Mills
Everyone wants to be a college freshman, but once you become a college freshman you have the chance to live the life you have been dreaming about; and that is where I am right now. However, instead of just living the experience, I decided to share; I am going to portray the lens of my freshman life through this blog. So, if you are also wondering who this college freshman is, I will try and paint a mental picture. I would classify myself as a “professional recreational basketball player” despite the fact that I had played soccer my whole life until I came to UNC this year. I enjoy my geology class and occasionally ride my scooter to Wendy’s at three am. My current aspirations include: being accepted to the UNC business school, making it to the gym twice a week, and staying out of trouble,. Also, in the nature of full disclosure, the main inspiration behind this blog adventure is that it is a mandatory English assignment.
Veronica Krieg
I’m Veronica Krieg and I am a first year student at UNC Chapel Hill. Even though I pretty much mastered learning the ropes throughout my high school, I had no real expectations coming into my first year of college at UNC Chapel Hill. Coming from a small town in South Charlotte, the atmosphere is a total change from what I was used to at home, and I never really understood the whole concept of going to a big school that still feels like a small community until I got here. Not a day goes by where I don’t see a different face or a familiar face. Beyond the people and the new living space, all of my experiences in classes and with homework, exams, and projects are far beyond what I ever expected. Being a first-year at UNC cannot really be defined until you gain the full freshmen experience, which is what I have done first semester and what I’m still in the midst of doing now. One thing is for sure, I have learned not only about subjects such as science, economics, and history while being a Tarheel, but I have learned most about myself and hope to share that information with all of you so that you can have a better understanding of what being a freshman really is.
Johnny Bennett
Hey Everyone! I am currently a freshman at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Growing up I remember telling myself “3, 2, 1...years until I go to college and escape my parents,” I was desperate to get out on my own. But even given that, I had no idea where I wanted to go. On literally the last day the deposit was due, I made my decision to come to Carolina and have never regretted it. It is true what people say, even at my second semester in college, I would give anything to go back and relive that first half of the year. I am aspiring to be a business major, but who knows how that will turn out. I consider myself a pretty adventurous person from skydiving to studying abroad, I am willing to give it a shot! From the people I have met, to classes and greek life, I love every minute of college (maybe excluding the countless hours in the library). I am eager to share with all of y’all my experiences from my first semester and hope it can serve as some guide as well.
Mary Madison Albright
I made it. Finally. After thirteen years (remembering to include my rigorous academic year in Kindergarten), I have graduated. A moment of pure bliss, only to be followed by the gut wrenching truth: I am now a freshman again. I came to Chapel Hill with these thirteen years of preliminary knowledge but absolutely no college academic or social experience. So what better way to meet these freshman obstacles than post it publicly? My name is Mary Madison Albright, eighteen years of age, lover of Chipotle, pop culture, and Italy. After almost two decades of getting to know myself, I can say with confidence I am outgoing, sarcastic, accepting, and curious. I’m majoring in undecided, which in simple terms means I have no idea what I am doing or who I am going to become. Instead of stressing over the uncertainty of where my life is headed, I attribute it to what the freshman experience is about; discovering what I love to do and honing in those talents. I’m eager to share a glimpse into my academic endeavors as well as my take on what it means to be a freshman.Nick Mills
Everyone wants to be a college freshman, but once you become a college freshman you have the chance to live the life you have been dreaming about; and that is where I am right now. However, instead of just living the experience, I decided to share; I am going to portray the lens of my freshman life through this blog. So, if you are also wondering who this college freshman is, I will try and paint a mental picture. I would classify myself as a “professional recreational basketball player” despite the fact that I had played soccer my whole life until I came to UNC this year. I enjoy my geology class and occasionally ride my scooter to Wendy’s at three am. My current aspirations include: being accepted to the UNC business school, making it to the gym twice a week, and staying out of trouble,. Also, in the nature of full disclosure, the main inspiration behind this blog adventure is that it is a mandatory English assignment.Veronica Krieg
I’m Veronica Krieg and I am a first year student at UNC Chapel Hill. Even though I pretty much mastered learning the ropes throughout my high school, I had no real expectations coming into my first year of college at UNC Chapel Hill. Coming from a small town in South Charlotte, the atmosphere is a total change from what I was used to at home, and I never really understood the whole concept of going to a big school that still feels like a small community until I got here. Not a day goes by where I don’t see a different face or a familiar face. Beyond the people and the new living space, all of my experiences in classes and with homework, exams, and projects are far beyond what I ever expected. Being a first-year at UNC cannot really be defined until you gain the full freshmen experience, which is what I have done first semester and what I’m still in the midst of doing now. One thing is for sure, I have learned not only about subjects such as science, economics, and history while being a Tarheel, but I have learned most about myself and hope to share that information with all of you so that you can have a better understanding of what being a freshman really is.
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