The advancement of science and medical technology always comes with an ethical discussion attached. In previous years it has been embryonic stem cell research and human cloning. As the field of genetic engineering makes significant strides, the discussion of ethical application of scientific knowledge will only get more difficult.
Genetic engineering is the practice of cutting and splicing genes and DNA from different sources. A gene for color blindness could be replaced with one for normal color vision, and a gene that causes cystic fibrosis can be replaced with a "good" gene. Scientists have already created everything from higher yielding plants to glow in the dark monkeys! However, the practice leads to some interesting questions. Should genetic engineering be used on humans? There may not be a right or wrong answer.
One worry is that if genetic engineering is used on humans, it may bring about the discrimination of said individuals. This is a valid point, because even 45 years after the Civil Rights act, we still deal with discrimination pertaining to race. Also, just as someone who is sick can be discriminated against by their employer, genetic engineering could lead to discrimination due to being too healthy! Another issue surrounding genetic engineering is the ability to use it for selective breeding purposes. Should parents be able to custom build a baby from the genetic traits they want? Picking gender is already allowed in some in vitro fertilization clinics. How about a baby with blue eyes, or perfect teeth? This is sounding a bit too close to Adolf Hitler's quest for a perfect race for my comfort. But, what if the parents want to avoid the baby inheriting a genetic defect for the disease they carry? For an individual with an inherited genetic disease, this could mean they could have children without fearing passing on the disease.
The issue of genetic engineering is a very personal one for me. I have a condition called a primary immune deficiency. A primary immune deficiency occurs when a person is born without their immune system or their immune system doesn't function properly. (See this article for more details.) These diseases are caused by genetic defect and most often leave people with an increased susceptibility of infections. In my case, not only does my body not produce enough of one type of antibody, but there is a hidden piece of the puzzle they can't seem to figure out that makes me not respond to the normal treatment very well. My immune deficiency has a very limiting effect on my life, and my best hope is if they can someday perfect adult gene therapy.
Although I do realize that the usage of genetic engineering doesn't come without serious questions, I believe that it will someday benefit us all. And who knows, maybe it will save your life.
Friday, July 10, 2009
Monday, April 20, 2009
The Economic Recession: Why the Stock Market Isn't a Good Idea
Sometimes I just don't know where the time goes... well, I do. If you haven't figured it out yet, I've got a lot of health problems. Most of my time has been spent in doctor's offices or traveling to them.
This piece is (possibly) one in a series of pieces looking at different sides of the economic recession. I know that the Recession has been extensively covered by the news media, but I feel that they have left out or chosen to ignore some very important factors that have greatly contributed to it.
Today's topic? The stock market.
Now, for those of you that don't know, here's the best explanation of the stock market I could put together: A stock is the capital (money) raised by a corporation through the issue of shares entitling holders to an ownership interest. (equity) Now here's one of the crazy things: A stock actually has two factors that determine price: What you can buy it for (Your bid), and what you can sell it for. (Your ask) Both are the "real price," because buyers and sellers each have a price in mind. When they match, a sale is made. Basically, you want to buy low, sell high. Could they make it any more confusing?
Anyways, one of the big problems with this approach is the fact that the stock buyer's emotions can run the stock up or down. Take GM for example. News comes out that it's not doing well and may fail. What's the stock buyer's first thought? Sell, sell, sell! This drives down the cost of GM's stock, and adds to the hysteria that GM may fail. This drives more people to sell their stocks. Quite the vicious cycle.
The other main problem with the stock market is the fact that it is used as an icon of economic stability. How on earth can it be used as a basis for economic stability if it's run by emotions? Has anyone looked at some long term numbers rather than short term? Or have all of these people gone absolutely mad?
-Meredith
Questions or Comments? Contact purplepineappletown@hotmail.com
This piece is (possibly) one in a series of pieces looking at different sides of the economic recession. I know that the Recession has been extensively covered by the news media, but I feel that they have left out or chosen to ignore some very important factors that have greatly contributed to it.
Today's topic? The stock market.
Now, for those of you that don't know, here's the best explanation of the stock market I could put together: A stock is the capital (money) raised by a corporation through the issue of shares entitling holders to an ownership interest. (equity) Now here's one of the crazy things: A stock actually has two factors that determine price: What you can buy it for (Your bid), and what you can sell it for. (Your ask) Both are the "real price," because buyers and sellers each have a price in mind. When they match, a sale is made. Basically, you want to buy low, sell high. Could they make it any more confusing?
Anyways, one of the big problems with this approach is the fact that the stock buyer's emotions can run the stock up or down. Take GM for example. News comes out that it's not doing well and may fail. What's the stock buyer's first thought? Sell, sell, sell! This drives down the cost of GM's stock, and adds to the hysteria that GM may fail. This drives more people to sell their stocks. Quite the vicious cycle.
The other main problem with the stock market is the fact that it is used as an icon of economic stability. How on earth can it be used as a basis for economic stability if it's run by emotions? Has anyone looked at some long term numbers rather than short term? Or have all of these people gone absolutely mad?
-Meredith
Questions or Comments? Contact purplepineappletown@hotmail.com
Thursday, April 2, 2009
It's been a long time... but we're back!
Hello Everyone! I'm happy to announce that Purple Pineapple Town is back after the long hiatus! I've had a bad 6 months with my health and had to focus on the necessary things. I'm very happy announce though that I am back, with (hopefully) more regular postings, as I've got a lot of topics I want to cover. I've also got big plans as far as the layout and design of the site goes, so you're in for a bit of a surprise! I'd like to thank the readers that have stuck around, I really appreciate it. Hopefully I can pay you back a bit with some interesting content.
My friends at Crew Creative Advertising asked me to put up a piece on a new show coming up on Animal Planet, called River Monsters. The details:
The show tackles such legends as: Did a large catfish attack a teenager in a German Lake? Did a school of piranha eat flesh down to the bone of a busload of passengers that crashed in an Amazonian river? Host, biologist, and extreme angler Jeremy Wade travels worldwide to solve these freshwater mysteries, to debunk these myths and to track down these harrowing tales. Each Sunday, he'll come face-to-face with fear and try to understand these mysterious predators with a taste for human flesh, putting his life on the line to find truly monster sized fish while globetrotting through Germany, Australia, Brazil, and even the state of Texas. River Monsters premieres Sunday, April 5 at 10PM (ET/PT) and 9pm central on Animal Planet.
It seems like it could be interesting- I wonder if he'll take on the Loch Ness monster mystery? Here's a sneak preview picture- that's a huge fish!
Keep an eye out for new content and a new site design!
-Mer
My friends at Crew Creative Advertising asked me to put up a piece on a new show coming up on Animal Planet, called River Monsters. The details:
The show tackles such legends as: Did a large catfish attack a teenager in a German Lake? Did a school of piranha eat flesh down to the bone of a busload of passengers that crashed in an Amazonian river? Host, biologist, and extreme angler Jeremy Wade travels worldwide to solve these freshwater mysteries, to debunk these myths and to track down these harrowing tales. Each Sunday, he'll come face-to-face with fear and try to understand these mysterious predators with a taste for human flesh, putting his life on the line to find truly monster sized fish while globetrotting through Germany, Australia, Brazil, and even the state of Texas. River Monsters premieres Sunday, April 5 at 10PM (ET/PT) and 9pm central on Animal Planet.
It seems like it could be interesting- I wonder if he'll take on the Loch Ness monster mystery? Here's a sneak preview picture- that's a huge fish!
-Mer
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Veteran's Day 2008
Today is Veterans Day, and I would like to use this opportunity to thank all of those who serve and have served in the military.
There is one veteran who is indeed close to my heart, and that is my grandfather. My grandfather has been my hero since I was a very young girl. For as long as I remember, he has been a pillar of quiet strength and support in my life, and as a kid growing up with health problems, I admired that greatly.
He served in Korea with the Army, with Battery B of the 99th Field Artillery Battalion, 1st Cavalry Division. It is not often that he talks about the war, but when he does, I have always been amazed at the conditions that they served in, and how unprepared they were for the extreme cold. He received 2 Purple Hearts and a Bronze Star. He was one of the lucky ones who came home, and for that, I am forever grateful, because my life would be so empty without him.
On this day of honoring our veterans, I hope you will take the time to think about these brave men and women who have fought and are fighting for us today. Let us learn from their actions and their courage. If you know a veteran or a currently serving member, please take the time to tell them "Thank You."
Please feel free to add to the comments a veteran or current military member's story that you think that others should know about. For within them all, there lies courage.
~Dedicated to my Grandfather, and all who have served, and in memory of those missing and those that never made it home.~
~Meredith
purplepineappletown@hotmail.com
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
ELECTION DAY 2008!!!!
Well, the day has finally arrived. After nearly two years of campaigning, political ads, numerous news articles and blogs, America will now choose it's new president. For those of you in other countries, (and in America), I've added a poll to the blog. Tell me who you'd vote for if you could vote in this election!
I really apologize for the lack of updates. As you may have realized by now, I have some health problems that get in my way once and a while. As of now, they haven't been able to figure out what is going on. I'm going to try to push for a twice monthly update, but I hope you will understand if I am unable to put them up.
I really apologize for the lack of updates. As you may have realized by now, I have some health problems that get in my way once and a while. As of now, they haven't been able to figure out what is going on. I'm going to try to push for a twice monthly update, but I hope you will understand if I am unable to put them up.
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Nuclear... Peace?
Well, what can I say. Between vacation, working, summer, and writer's block, I haven't written for a month and a half.
So, some of you may or may not know that the Atomic bomb was voted the second-worst invention of all time. But without it, would we be where we are today? Enter the phrase... Nuclear Peace. Now, I know what you're most likely thinking. "OK, she's crazy if she thinks that nuclear weapons can assist with peacekeeping."
I'll be the first to say that I have a very unique standpoint on the issue of nuclear power and nuclear weapons. I believe that every country has the right to pursue nuclear energy as well as nuclear weapons. Other than Fat Man and Little Boy, nuclear weapons have not been used against any nation, and I don't expect any country to be expected to disarm when the United States is holding onto theirs.
I'm not going to lie and say that nuclear weapons don't have serious consequences and lethal killing power, as well as the power to maim generations due to radiation exposure. But at the same time, after WWII, nuclear weapons have become a "You bomb us, we bomb you." situation. They are certainly still something that we should be aware of, but I think that the threat of a global "nuclear apocalypse" is almost little to none at this point. This may not be the case always... but for now, there does seem to be "Nuclear Peace."
~Mer Questions or Comments? E-mail: purplepineappletown@hotmail.com
So, some of you may or may not know that the Atomic bomb was voted the second-worst invention of all time. But without it, would we be where we are today? Enter the phrase... Nuclear Peace. Now, I know what you're most likely thinking. "OK, she's crazy if she thinks that nuclear weapons can assist with peacekeeping."
I'll be the first to say that I have a very unique standpoint on the issue of nuclear power and nuclear weapons. I believe that every country has the right to pursue nuclear energy as well as nuclear weapons. Other than Fat Man and Little Boy, nuclear weapons have not been used against any nation, and I don't expect any country to be expected to disarm when the United States is holding onto theirs.
I'm not going to lie and say that nuclear weapons don't have serious consequences and lethal killing power, as well as the power to maim generations due to radiation exposure. But at the same time, after WWII, nuclear weapons have become a "You bomb us, we bomb you." situation. They are certainly still something that we should be aware of, but I think that the threat of a global "nuclear apocalypse" is almost little to none at this point. This may not be the case always... but for now, there does seem to be "Nuclear Peace."
~Mer Questions or Comments? E-mail: purplepineappletown@hotmail.com
Monday, June 23, 2008
Practical Planet: Global Cooling, Global Warming...
So as most of you know, unless you've been living under a rock, the biggest trend right now is "going green." This piece was originally written by me for entry into the Virgin's "Climate Challenge" contest. In the end, I decided not to enter it, but I didn't want this to go to waste. Whether you think the earth is cooling, warming, or, like me, think that we don't really know, I think we can all agree that we need to cut our dependence on oil and other fossil fuels, as well as helping the earth.
2. New Home Guidelines- All appliances must be energy star compliant, fees on non-renewable resources used to build.
3. We MUST try to switch to 50% alternate power, using more Nuclear, Ethanol, Biofuels, Solar, Wind, Water, Wave, and geothermal. Nuclear materials can actually be recycled, reducing the amount of nuclear waste by the plants. The technology is there. Ethanol and Biofuels can both be used to fuel cars. MN State University, Mankato, has one of the earliest and best programs in the country. They are currently working on a converter that allows a regular car to be able to run on gasoline or ethanol, and it takes about 15 min. to install. Solar power can be used in many Southwestern and South Central states, while wind works for the Great Plains. Water and wave power can be used near large bodies of water, and wave power can power coastal communities. Geothermal power can be used where there is volcanic activity. There is an alternative power that fits every part of this country, and even the world.
4. A large part of my plan involves Carbon Dioxide to Oxygen “Air Farms.” Located all over the world, these farms would filter Carbon Dioxide and run it through special chambers filled with growing plants and trees. The plants use photosynthesis to turn the Carbon Dioxide to Oxygen, which is then piped back into the atmosphere. They would strive to be Zero-Emission by using recycled water, compost, and powered by whatever renewable energy source best fits that area. Plants grown can also include edibles, which can be sold as organics to help finance the operations. If we have enough of them all over the world, we can easily remove much of the built up Carbon Dioxide in the atmosphere.
5. We also need to explore methane gas as a fuel source. NASA is working on methane- powered rocket engines. We have the technology to filter the methane out of the air, and we could use that as another alternative fuel source.
6. We must impose MPG minimum requirements on cars- at least 30 MPG. We also must strive to switch to more hybrid cars, as well as making non-idling cars, which are a huge source of greenhouse gas emissions. The average American spends 38 hours a year commuting, and also polluting. Also, we must push more public transportation. Buses, Subways, and Metro Trains should be free to workers registered for a “Ride, Don’t Drive” program. The Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN, offers free bus rides to workers at the clinic.
7. We must step up our recycling efforts, especial with Styrofoam, plastics, and other hard to recycle items. Just because it’s hard to recycle doesn’t mean that we shouldn't recycle them. Citizens of this Earth must make an effort to recycle more, and buy more recyclable products.
8. We should always step up and start compost programs. The heat energy generated by the compost can be captured and used for energy, and the compost can be sold to run the programs.
9. We must phase out harmful chemical cleaners and replace them with environmentally friendly chemicals. Tea Tree Oil sprays can be used to get rid of mildew, while a mixture of baking soda and vinegar can clean your bathroom, as well as kill mold. These natural cleaners also have the added benefit of you’re not breathing in the harmful chemicals, nor are they being introduced to the sewer system.
10. We must have more fuel efficient airplanes, trains, boats, and trucks. Biofuels are a possibility for fueling trains and trucks, both of which ship most everything cross-country. Airplanes, while surprisingly fuel efficient, should step it up one more level. A Boeing 747, filled with 500 passengers, gets about 100 MPG per person. Let’s see if we can make it 200MPG per person. Manufacturers of airplanes, trains, boats, and trucks must step up and make an effort to employ existing technology to build environmentally friendly.
I'm going to aim for two updates a week from now on... life has been a bit topsy-turvy for me lately, but I'm going to do my best.
~Mer
Practical Planet- 10 Ways to help the Earth
1. Tax breaks/rebates to inspire people to switch to energy saving technologies. Examples include new hybrid/electric car ownership, and bonuses to Companies that make at least three out of the changes listed next. (switching to at least 75% alt. power, putting good recycling programs in place to recycle everything from paper to Styrofoam cups, water recycling, green lighting, all appliances Energy Star compliant, implementing 5 min. standbys for all computers, and motion sensitive lighting)2. New Home Guidelines- All appliances must be energy star compliant, fees on non-renewable resources used to build.
3. We MUST try to switch to 50% alternate power, using more Nuclear, Ethanol, Biofuels, Solar, Wind, Water, Wave, and geothermal. Nuclear materials can actually be recycled, reducing the amount of nuclear waste by the plants. The technology is there. Ethanol and Biofuels can both be used to fuel cars. MN State University, Mankato, has one of the earliest and best programs in the country. They are currently working on a converter that allows a regular car to be able to run on gasoline or ethanol, and it takes about 15 min. to install. Solar power can be used in many Southwestern and South Central states, while wind works for the Great Plains. Water and wave power can be used near large bodies of water, and wave power can power coastal communities. Geothermal power can be used where there is volcanic activity. There is an alternative power that fits every part of this country, and even the world.
4. A large part of my plan involves Carbon Dioxide to Oxygen “Air Farms.” Located all over the world, these farms would filter Carbon Dioxide and run it through special chambers filled with growing plants and trees. The plants use photosynthesis to turn the Carbon Dioxide to Oxygen, which is then piped back into the atmosphere. They would strive to be Zero-Emission by using recycled water, compost, and powered by whatever renewable energy source best fits that area. Plants grown can also include edibles, which can be sold as organics to help finance the operations. If we have enough of them all over the world, we can easily remove much of the built up Carbon Dioxide in the atmosphere.
5. We also need to explore methane gas as a fuel source. NASA is working on methane- powered rocket engines. We have the technology to filter the methane out of the air, and we could use that as another alternative fuel source.
6. We must impose MPG minimum requirements on cars- at least 30 MPG. We also must strive to switch to more hybrid cars, as well as making non-idling cars, which are a huge source of greenhouse gas emissions. The average American spends 38 hours a year commuting, and also polluting. Also, we must push more public transportation. Buses, Subways, and Metro Trains should be free to workers registered for a “Ride, Don’t Drive” program. The Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN, offers free bus rides to workers at the clinic.
7. We must step up our recycling efforts, especial with Styrofoam, plastics, and other hard to recycle items. Just because it’s hard to recycle doesn’t mean that we shouldn't recycle them. Citizens of this Earth must make an effort to recycle more, and buy more recyclable products.
8. We should always step up and start compost programs. The heat energy generated by the compost can be captured and used for energy, and the compost can be sold to run the programs.
9. We must phase out harmful chemical cleaners and replace them with environmentally friendly chemicals. Tea Tree Oil sprays can be used to get rid of mildew, while a mixture of baking soda and vinegar can clean your bathroom, as well as kill mold. These natural cleaners also have the added benefit of you’re not breathing in the harmful chemicals, nor are they being introduced to the sewer system.
10. We must have more fuel efficient airplanes, trains, boats, and trucks. Biofuels are a possibility for fueling trains and trucks, both of which ship most everything cross-country. Airplanes, while surprisingly fuel efficient, should step it up one more level. A Boeing 747, filled with 500 passengers, gets about 100 MPG per person. Let’s see if we can make it 200MPG per person. Manufacturers of airplanes, trains, boats, and trucks must step up and make an effort to employ existing technology to build environmentally friendly.
I'm going to aim for two updates a week from now on... life has been a bit topsy-turvy for me lately, but I'm going to do my best.
~Mer
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