Final Blog Post Assignment

    My writing has greatly improved since the beginning of the semester; due to the time I spent learning in this English 1010 class. Something that was beneficial was how we were required to write a blog thus, we were able to receive a lot of practice writing. The informative paper also helped me learn to write a flowing essay. Often times, I find that my weakness in writing is that I can’t completely consolidate all my ideas into one cohesive thought on paper. With the blog I was able to learn to research a topic and then properly formulate a summary paragraph. Being able to write proper paragraphs improved my writing immensely. And finally with the many lessons in class and practice with the assignments; I was able to write a proper argumentative essay.  I found that because of new background knowledge that it was easier for me to write my final essay. All of the skills I have acquired in this class will help me with my future college essays.

    Exploring Big Ideas was the title of the blog I wrote for this semester. I took a risk making my topic very broad, but it allowed me to review all kinds of interesting materials. This assignment was effective because it required us to write twice every week. Everyone knows that the best way to get better at something is to practice; this blog was my constant practice. One of my first posts was titled, “Why I should be President.” I began with this topic because it reviewed one of my biggest ideas. I discovered while writing this entry, that I could write about how I perceive a vision or a dream in a way that was entertaining or interesting to read. We learned in class about using attention getters so that the reader would be hooked or interested in what we had to say. I tried to use many of the literary devices we researched about in class to make it more interesting and creative. Also the literary devices such as: allusion and metaphor where helpful in formulating a deep idea. These literary devices helped me learn how to convince a reader, that what I had to say would provide insight and value.

    For the informative paper I based my topic with an overall scientific view, on the question of; where big ideas come from? Something I discover to be to my disadvantage is the large topics I pick for my essays. I learned in a class discussion that topics are like a box that all of our topics within our writing must fit. For an example I will use the topic sentence for my informational essay titled, Origins of Influential Thought. “Unintentionally the misconceptions have been made, that big ideas easily come only to the naturally intelligent from random thoughts. In reality big ideas can come to anyone who has a personal drive to put forth effort by using specific techniques. Drawn from the lives of great scientists and inventors, this essay will explore the truth of where big ideas come from.” I have outlined in my thesis or claim all of the materials that will be reviewed in my essay. I talked about identifying misconceptions, discovering where big ideas come from, and about the insights found in the lives of scientists and inventors. By consolidating what I am going to talk about I then had a road map to help me write my essay.

Picking a topic for my argumentative essay was the most difficult part of this assignment. I originally was going to write about the issues with teaching the Big Bang Theory in schools; but I found the topic too hard to initially research and understand let alone find enough solidified evidence to write about. I finally chose to write about somewhere along the lines of the difficulties surrounding the Common Core State Standards. However, because I now had limited time and allot of miscellaneous evidence articles, I in a way wrote this essay backwards. Instead of starting with my introductive paragraph I started by separating out the evidence and then writing specific isolated paragraphs. After I had all my evidence written and separated into different arguments; I then tied them all together for an argument against the Common Core. By going backward I knew exactly what my thesis statement needed to contain in order to properly write about the issue. The added advantage I discovered about this unconventional form of writing is that I had more than enough to write about. I didn’t have to worry about having enough to argue about, and was able to unintentionally exceed the seven page goal.

Through the course of the semester my writing has improved within my ability to write proper fluent thoughts, flowing essays, and concise ideas. Thank you Professor for a great college class!

Thanksgiving History

In the spirit of Thanksgiving, I watched History Channel's documentary, "The Real Story of Thanksgiving." Though the story of the first Thanksgiving at Plymoth rock is not completely accurate; the idea of Thanksgiving as a day of gratitude is. Sarah Josepha Hale lobbied for the holliday as her lifes work. She believed that the fouth Thursday of the November month should be a national holiday. A day to show gratitude was encouraged by Abraham Lincoln. And many years later was made a official holiday by the White house. So, there is a bit of Thanksgiving history.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=73kSacgBoQw

Anthem Summary

Overall three things stood out to me in the novel. One, the natural drive to know more. I love this emphasis because man does need to know more. A man should never be content with what he knowledge he currently knows. He should always pursue more knowledge. Two, the discovery of the word I. Knowing about the power of the individual is important. And three, how the Prometheus decides to take upon himself he responsibility to initiate change of the wrongs within his old society. What I still don't fully understand was pretty much the purpose of the authors novel. Ego, in my mind is a negative. In the context of, I have a ego. Pride can be good and bad. That is not eh context the author ment though. Society should not have citizens that reach the same standard. A great society embrasses the individual differences while noticing the similarities of its citizens.

Summary of Great Inventions

Lusted, Marcia Amidon. "(Some Of) The Greatest Inventions." Appleseeds 15.8 (2013): 18. MasterFILE Complete. Web. 13 Nov. 2015.

    The article “(Some of ) the Greatest Inventions,” Marcia Lusted reviews some of the most prominent inventions in history. She begins by asking the reader to imagine the world without man made inventions. Some of these great inventions she discussed were: the light bulb, telephone, TV, cars, computers, ipod, and cell phone. Specific inventors creates some amazing products such as; Thomas Edison who is credited with the creation of the first working incandescent light bulb. Also, Alexander Graham Bell who in 1876 built a device to allow sound to travel over a wire. Many past inventions added up to create new ones, like the cell phone where the same technology used on a regular phone is transmitted by radio like towers.  Then there is Tony Fadell with modern day Apple who created the storage of music files onto an Ipod. Many inventions however were formed by the efforts of multiple people. Charles Babbage, and Konrad Zuse both created inventions with formed together as the first computer. One interesting fact was that the first laptop sold to consumers weighed 25 pounds. Some inventions are inspired by past ideas. Karl Friedrich Benz may have created the first gas engine car, but Leonardo da Vinci had drawn out designs for a horseless mode of transportation first. And of course everyone's favorite, the TV. Television works by transforming images into electrical signals, which can then be projected. First successful TV showing was in 1927. Through time man has become more and more innovative in order to progress.

Big Bang Theory: Article Summary #2

NADIS, STEVE. "What Made The Bang So Big?." Discover 36.1 (2015): 16-17. Vocational and Career Collection. Web. 13 Nov. 2015.

In the research article “What Made the Bang so Big,” author Steve Nadis explains the background to the discovery of the Big Bang Theory. Referring to man’s hardest question, “How did it all begin?” Physicist Alan Guth created the theory in 1979, based on the idea that the universe is expanding at a slower rate than when it was created. In summary explanation of the Big Bang, imagine 10 seconds a spot where all of the matter in the universe is contained and they dramatically expands at an astounding rate. This is called inflation, the universe is still expanding only slower. Slow enough that everything cooled down and elements were created to build everything living. Now being able to prove this theory is a daunting task, almost impossible to prove. Until 1997 when a group of five physicists discovered a way to prove Guth’s theory. If light was able to be distorted by remaining inflation gravity then the Big Bang could be seen as plausible. In 2019-2012 the BICEP2 telescope was monitored the sky above Antarctica for inflation light patterns. The team led by John Kovac took a year studying results. They pronounced in 2014 that they had captured images that came from the first second in the histories universe. This momentous discovery is so grand that it is almost too big to accept. Much skepticism has followed the discovery, questioning the accuracy of the findings. However the theory still stands as one of the best explanations for the beginning of the universe.

Big Bang Theory: Article Summary

 So I am currently doing research for a argumentative essay on the Big Bang Theory. I am looking more around the lines of the incompleteness of the theory, rather the controversial beliefs surrounding it. Here is a summary of one of the first articles I read about the idea of how the universe was created.

    In “The Myth of the Beginning of Time,” Gabriele Veneziano explores many of the problems to the commonly accepted Big Bang Theory. Beginning with arguing whether the Big Bang was what triggered the beginning of the Universe? Stating the idea that the universe existed before it. The author is very careful on making her case; at no time does she state the Big Bang didn’t happen, she simply explains the flaws within the theory. After all  tackling the question of the beginning of time, universe, and life is so large and almost incomprehensible that ignoring these flaws can be fatal to human understanding. She asks many other questions about the past generations of life, and the where society is heading regarding science. Quoting Aristotle she expresses a philosophy that something can not come from nothing. This is logic which raises the question where did matter come from before the Big Bang, or has it always just been there. Acknowledging that scientist have confirmed that the universe is expanding, thus supporting the theory. The author discusses the issue of how that, “time cannot extend back indefinitely.” Singularities are created with this in mind, which points out the flaw of how matter was suppressed into the smallest space, before it was violently expanded. Ending the author discusses the release of microwave background radiation. This radiation relates to the distance between galaxies and if the Big Bang Theory is consistent with different galaxies. Overall, there are too many questions that have not been addressed by the Big Bang Theory. 

Veneziano, Gabriele. "The Myth Of The Beginning Of Time." Scientific American 311.(2014): 78-89. Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection. Web. 13 Nov. 2015.

The Vision of the Conductor of the Philaharmonic

Zander, Benjamin. "The Transformative Power of Classical Music." TED. Feb. 2008. Ted Talk. Web. 13 Nov. 2015.

    The Ted Talk “The Transformative Power of Classical Music,” Benjamin Zander expresses the potential he sees for everyone to love and connect to classical music. Explaining that classical is not a dying idea, rather it is a glorious opportunity to share music with people. He separates people into three sections; those who love classical music, another who don’t mind classical music, and those who don’t pursue classical music. However, he expresses that he can’t talk to three different kinds of people. In other words by the end of this talk he will have everyone falling in love with classical music. As a leader he exudes confidence that his vision will be accepted and internalized by the crowd. With joy and humor the conductor of the Philharmonic expresses in a short amount of time the magic of music. The effect music has on the soul, and how music can have an impactful effect on the lives of all people. He gave the audience  the opportunity to have the experience of feeling and visualizing emotions that connect to music. He expressed this to a crowd simply by playing a piece of music. Music truly does have power. 

 https://www.ted.com/talks/benjamin_zander_on_music_and_passion?language=en

Anthem Book Summary: Introduction

I found a great book with various new philosophical ideas in it. Called Anthem by Ayn Rand, I will throughout reading the book post chapter summaries each week. Showcasing the different perspectives and situations that occur within the book.

Introduction

      In Ayn Rand's "Anthem", the introduction discusses how and why she wrote this book. Over the years of when she wrote it in 1938, Anthem has become an American classic. Ego was to be the original title for the book; it would have been a simple title that would be used with its exact meaning. The author explains, " I did not mean a symbol of self-but specifically and actually Man's Self." She wanted the title to express man's values and instinctive attributes. It keeps with her characteristics with many of her characters.

      While she was writing Anthem she was working on her novel, Fountainhead. These two books share similar plots, and they share similar ethic points. She explained Anthem as "the preliminary sketches which artists draw for their future big canvases." Using an idea that she received from childhood; never assuming that she would use the idea as a novel.

      When asked to state her own philosophy for publicity she states, "To make my life a reason unto itself. I know what I want up to the age of two hundred. Know what you want in life and go after it. I worship individuals for their highest possibilities as individuals, and I loathe humanity, for its failure to live up to these possibilities..." What I learned and took away from this introduction about the author was about her characteristic. Ayn Rand is not afraid to share her knowledge.  I respect how she always spoke very forward, "without purple adjectives", her honesty always came out throughout her writing.

Anthem (Caldwell, Idaho: Caxton,1946) Centennial ed., New York: Signet, 1961.

Power of Words

I would like to honor the great poets and writers throughout history. They understood, studied, and expressed the power of words. They have the talent to explain what they mean, feel, and need to say. The greatest events in time began with an idea, which was written on paper, and then shared. Some of the greats were revolutionaries, thinkers, and artists. William Shakespeare can be considered a man out of time. Phillis Wheatly was determined for her thoughts to be heard. Thomas Paine spread the word of Common Sense. Hemingway abstractly expressed his view on humanity. Great Powerful WORDS. Words create sentences, which shape stories, causing ideas to form, making people take action. Words formulate big idea.

Using words I wrote a poem with hidden meaning to me, allowing me to remember my past.

Times Hidden Meanings 

I was born in Colorado
At the end of May
My dads allergic to Avocados
I want to go and play

Country cows
Home to cats
What should I write now?
I really hate rats

In the Valley of snow
I really loved the flute
And to cook pie dough
I thought that guy was cute

Purple Hills full of money
I felt foreign to its halls
Band had a couple dumb bunnies
Camouflaged painted walls

Home of the tigers they proudly exclaimed
But who would know
My chef  coat often got stained
Oh and how it would blow

I feel my brain grow
Pursuing an American dream
I'm so grateful for what I now know
Unexpected friendly faces gleam

The day begins
Arise again
Buttons four
Greens a bit thin

Marveling at passing time
This poem seams unclear
Many memories I've climbed
These thoughts I hold quite dear

Informational Essay: Origins of Influential Thought

Origins of Influential Thought

Falling from the sky on a bright sunny day was the apple destined to spark one of the greatest notions of mankind. A beautiful humble apple orchard is the setting for this great event. Stepping upon this stage is young Sir. Isaac Newton, he takes his place underneath an apple tree. He is pondering the wonders of nature when suddenly his train of thought is interrupted. Dramatically descending from the tree above an apple hits perfectly on the center of Newton’s head. At that precise moment a realization comes to Newton; that whatever is pulling the apple to the ground is the same force holding celestial planets together in orbit (Gefter). Thus, an apple is attributed to inventing the birth of Gravitational theory. Many in the right mindset would sit back for a moment and say, “Wait the apple didn’t discover gravity?” This is one hundred percent true. So, why has it been accidentally perceive that it was an apple that caused this great idea? The answer lies in being aware of the false perception that Newton had never before pondered the existence of an invisible force. Rather, when the apple randomly fell previous knowledge is what allowed Newton to receive the idea of gravity. That is just one example of a common misconception made about the origins of great discoveries. Unintentionally the misconceptions have been made, that big ideas easily come only to the naturally intelligent from random thoughts. In reality big ideas can come to anyone who has a personal drive to put forth effort by using specific techniques. Drawn from the lives of great scientists and inventors, this essay will explore the truth of where big ideas come from.

What makes a person intelligent? Is it based on a person’s IQ score, or by how many equations someone can solve in their head? By determining what makes a person smart, it can be determined who is smart.  First, it’s important to clarify the differences between intelligence and creativity. Intelligence is the ability to fill the mind with useful and important information; there is no limit to gaining intelligence. Intelligence is the act of learning whereas, “Creativity is the ability to connect knowledge” (Jesper). Someone who is considered very creative may be seen as an abstract thinker simply because; their mind has a stronger capacity to connect information. Thus, creativity and intelligence are directly linked in the process of generating ideas. On a scientific level the mind is constantly working to solve problems. Inside the brain you have a left side for logic, and a right side for imagination. Both sides have a creative storage location called the Superior Temporal Gyrus. Within the white matter of the brain there are dendroids pulling information into that portion of the brain. This allows for new connections to be discovered from information kept throughout the brain (Jesper). Being a muscle the brain must be strengthened by continuous exercise through education. The more information the brain absorbs the faster it can think or improve memory. This is the process of Neural Plasticity, or the ability to grow (Krauss). Everyone has the natural innate capability to strengthen the mind. Which makes intelligence a universal trait; meaning that everyone can formulate ideas.

That light bulb moment, where the solution suddenly presents itself, and all is made clear is considered a burst of random thoughts. Just like when the apple landed on Newton’s head all minds are capable of receiving incite at the unlikeliest of times. Random thoughts in the mind occur when the mind wanders. A wandering mind is caused by less resistance over the traveling thoughts through the Frontal Lobe. Allowing for the mind to make more connections. Relaxing the mind or shutting off the frontal lobe means that the mind is no longer controlling the entering and exiting thoughts (Jesper). Daydreaming can be considered as a form of letting the mind wander. Making more connections in the mind means that we often can receive insight. This however, doesn’t occur frequently, or at least it does not always create usable ideas. Random thoughts are purely based on what you already know. So, to suggest that ideas only can occur randomly is simply not logical. The mind must at times be encouraged to pursue ideas. Meaning that if the mind is empty of any background knowledge solutions cannot be created.

        Now that it is understood as to where ideas come from; it is now necessary to know how individuals increase the availability of new ideas. In-vision a man anxiously pacing in a stuffy room. He is dressed in a crumpled unbutton suit with a crooked tie. His hair is messy from constantly caressing figures over his sweaty forehead. Eyes twitching, pulse pounding, and brain straining, the man scribbles on papers. Failed equations of crushed papers litter the floor. Pencil shavings and eraser bits cover the top of an old worn desk. Days on end he repeats this process with vigor to create his Theory of Relativity (Walter). This specifically depicts the relentless efforts of Albert Einstein. Einstein is an excellent example of the hard work it takes to generate an idea. His most famous theory of relativity took eight years just to be solidified. It then took another two years for it to be tested and verified by the scientific community (Walter). These many years Einstein pushed forward amidst personal trails, and many failed attempts. There are many who suggested that maybe Einstein’s brain was physically bigger which made him somehow smarter. Years after Einstein’s death, his brain was examined by scientists to test this theory. They discovered that his mind was indeed larger and more developed in areas, but this does not mean he was born this way. What’s amazing is not the fact that his brain was physically bigger; it’s the fact that he made it bigger. He exercised his mind so much that it literally expanded (Cort, How Smart Can We Get). Through persistent rigorous labor, and many different strategies; Einstein was able to push his mind to new limits of a capacity to produce ideas.

Following along the lines of the idea, “that what you do determines who you become” (Halsman). The conclusion can be made that the habits of character or academic study determine what ideas one will create. Some characteristics found in intelligent people include: accepting consequences to problems and learning from mistakes. One cannot progress with an idea if one is not willing to accept past failures. Progress can also be achieved by admitting you don’t have all the answers. Great idealists are incredibly resourceful and able to reason well. This makes an individual more adaptable, creative, and a good problem solver (Halsman). Another way to increase ideas is by using thought experiments or brainstorming. Thought experiments allow the thinker to ponder many possibilities in different situations. Using the five senses, one can visually hypothesize outcomes (Brown & Robert & Fehige, Yiftach). Einstein was famous for his thought experiment about the free falling man. Imagining a man falling from a building it occurred to Einstein that the man wouldn’t be feeling his own weight. Instead he would experience the force of gravity accelerating or in other words free fall. With this idea he was able to create his Theory of Relativity (Einstein Thought Experiments). Another useful technique to increase the availability of ideas is to relax the mind through music. Einstein explained, “The theory of relativity occurred to me by intuition, and music was the driving force behind that intuition.” Many Practices have been used throughout history to better produce influential thoughts.

Any idea is virtually useless without a personal drive to pursue change. Ideas after all are made in order to accomplish or solve a specific task. Without determination to discover any great advancement in the world would never have materialized. Louie Pasture is an amazing individual accredited with the invention of three major medical discoveries. He established that germs are the major source of what makes people sick. Created vaccines against rabies were first introduced by him. Last of all he presented the system of Pasteurization which is used in the food industry today. The nature of these great accomplishments was motivated by the death of three of his daughters, to the typhoid fever. After this great personal lost Pasture became passionate about finding cures to terrifying diseases (Pasteur, Famous People). Society has been greatly affected by this great man who used a hardship, to be the driving force behind the solving how to heal and better the lives of others. Another strong driving force of ideas is the need to answer a question. Galileo is an example of doing whatever it takes to find the answer that is one completely true. The question arose in Galileo’s mind, was the Earth the center of the universe? Through much sky gazing though his special telescope. Galileo concluded that the Earth rotates around the Sun. Many times his findings went against popular religious beliefs which endanger his safety (Zax). He was passionate about discovering truth which he knew would greatly benefit mankind.

Imagine that apple before it fell from the tree. Before it fell it had to grow and mature until it was ripe enough for its eventful harvest. Ideas are very similar to this apple; just like the apple ideas have to develop and then fall meteorically from our minds. All minds have the same potential to be filled with knowledge. Knowledge which then builds into creative networks of possible random ideas waiting for the right questions to be asked. This is shown within science and the lives of famous intelligent people; who mastered the secrets of being better prepared to produce ideas.  Ideas do not only easily come by chance to a certain group of people. Ideas are created by everyone who labors for knowledge. While exploring big ideas a pattern of determination, hard work, passion, and vast knowledge has fueled some of the greatest intuitive thoughts.

Works Cited

Brown, James Robert and Fehige, Yiftach, "Thought Experiments", The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy (Fall 2014 Edition), Edward N. Zalta (ed.), URL = <http://plato.stanford.edu/archives/fall2014/entries/thought-experiment/>.

Cort, Julia, prod. "How Smart Can We Get?" NOVA ScienceNOW. WGBH Educational Foundation. 24 Oct. 2012. NOVA. Web. 28 Oct. 2015.

"Einstein Thought Experiments." NOVA (1997): n. pag. 9 Sept. 1997. Web. 28 Oct. 2015.

Gefter, Amanda. "Newton's Apple: The Real Story." Culture Lab (2010): 1-2. New Scientist. Web.                    28 Oct.            2015.

Jesper. "Inside Your Brain: When You Get A Creative Idea." Web log post. Come To Know. N.p., 17 June 2013. Web. 28 Oct. 2015.

Krauss, Susan. "Building a Better Brain: Strengthening Your Mental Muscle." (n.d.): n. pag. Psychology Today. 6 Apr. 2010. Web. 28 Oct. 2015.

"Louis Pasteur." 2015. The Famous People website. Oct 30 2015, 08:58

Tobak, Steve. "10 Behaviors of Smart People." Entrepreneur 16 Apr. 2015: n. pag. Web. 28 Oct. 2015.

Walter, Isaacson. "How Einstein Reinvented Reality." Scientific America 313.3 (2015): 38-45. Web.      28 Sept. 2015.

Zax, David. "Galileo's Vision." Smithsonian. SMITHSONIAN MAGAZINE, Aug. 2009. Web.                30 Oct. 2015.

A Different Perspective on Newton

Sir. Isaac Newton was an intelligent man, full of mystery. He lived a life hesitant to share his discoveries for fear of opposition. Yet, he thought of some of the most influential scientific discoveries in history. Discovery of Gravity, Written Laws of Motion, and a theory of the separation of white light. This Documentary depicts a different perspective on the man that has been so revered, as he should be for centuries.

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/physics/newton-dark-secrets.html

Ted Talk by Maysoon Zayid

 

Reflecting back the Ted Talk, “I’ve got 99 problems…palsy is just one of them.” The woman speaker Maysoon Zayid discusses about the nasty stereotypes that come to those through the internet. I enjoyed throughout the whole talk about how she used humor to lighten the mood of the audience; thus increasing the audience's ability to listen for the. She started by explaining a little about her background, her family's religion, how she got cerebral palsy, and how she received a scholarship for the school of her choice. I admired that she started by stating that she didn’t expect or want any pity for her physical limitation. She explained her parents would never allow her to use her weakness as a disadvantage. She learned to walk, because her parents wouldn’t give up on her. Her family tried to change the outlook the public has on Arabs; they did this by starting the New York Arab-American Comedy Festival. Her life is full of humor, struggles, and success.

https://www.ted.com/talks/maysoon_zayid_i_got_99_problems_palsy_is_just_one?language=en#t-584366

Invention of Figure Skating

Non-Traditional Sports

Traditional Sports are not only well known, but often very commonly participated in. Unlike traditional sports, non-traditional sports are not as recognizable. Non-traditional sports usually have six or less players, don’t always have opposing teams, and in most cases are more expensive due to pricy equipment. Traditional sports are not as expensive and can normally have unlimited players with two competitive teams. Some examples of traditional sports are football and baseball. Non-traditional sports however are often more costly; these sports have very specific and pricy equipment like bowling shoes or guns and ammo. Though they do vary in how many people can play the game; all of them customarily have less than or exactly six players. Some non-traditional sports are: golfing, bowling, curling, shooting or archery, and fencing. No matter the differences between traditional and non-traditional sports they are all still very much enjoyed by the masses.

One non-traditional sport I enjoy is ice skating. In my old home town there would be large amounts of snow during the winter, so the sport of choice for me naturally was ice skating.  Winter sports were made so people could still be active during the long months indoors. Ice skating originated from the Dutch, during the 13th century. They would use it to transport messages quicker from one village to another; messengers would skate along systems of trails connecting villages together. When ice skating finally made it across the English Channel the English clubs began by using it for entertainment in artificial rinks. Some avid skaters of the time were Marie Antoinette, Napoleon III, and writer Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe. Ice skating was revolutionized in 1850 when Edward Bushnell from Philadelphia advanced the skates by installing sharp steel blades. The person who gave ice skating its artistic graceful side was Jackson Haines. Living in Vienna he worked and performed with the ballet companies. With this background he was able to give the dancing quality to figure skating that it is known for.  

Though rules for figure skating vary depending on what program the skater is competing in they all follow a similar pattern of criteria. Some of these programs include solo or singles dances, pair skating, and ice dance skating. The pair and solo events include a short and long skating parts to the competition. Short programs consist of required routines, were the performers have to accomplish certain jumps, spins, steps, and combinations. The long program however is a free style dance and judged more on creativity. Ice Dance is similar to pairs except it does not require any flips or jumps. Music is either chosen by the performer or, it has to have a required tempo and rhythm. U.S. Figure Skating is the national governing body in charge or the rules and regulations of this sport. The skaters are scored by a panel of seven randomly picked judges out of nine. Whoever receives the highest overall score is the winner of the competition.

Ice skating is a beautiful graceful sport that has many benefits that come from participating in this sport. Ice skating is a form of exercise that strengthens joint flexibility, tones and builds leg muscles,  and increases the skater’s stamina. Skating improves one's ability to balance and coordination. Overall, this sport is a great form of exercise that is incredibly enjoyable. The only thing I would change with this sport is to increase its availability to the public. Indoor ice rinks during the summer and outdoor rinks in the winter are a great way to serve a community.

This fantastic non-traditional sport has allowed people for centuries to enjoy exercise in the winter. Inventions throughout time altered the sport to what it is nowadays. Figure Skating is a graceful form of dance which benefits ones strength and agility. It is easy to enjoy this sport.

JFK A Great Leader

John F. Kennedy 

       As the thirty fifth President of the United States John F. Kennedy was the perfect leader 

for his time. He led the country through difficult times, by never avoiding difficult problems. He 

had a vision that challenged America, yet he believed it could be achieved. As a leader he was 

charismatic, assertive, and open to communication. All of these traits made him an effective 

        Determination is a trait that Kennedy was often affiliated with. When tensions increased 

between the Soviet Union and the United States, Kennedy was faced with many difficult 

decisions. At this time he was able to make wise and decisive choices.  By having a diverse staff 

and allowing for open communication; Kennedy could hear many points of view in order to 

come to a verdict. What made him a greater leader however, was how he would carry through 

       Kennedy was a visionary. One of his goals for the country was to send a man to the 

moon. Quote, “I believe that this Nation should commit itself to achieving the goal, before this 

decade is out, of landing a man on the moon and returning him safely to earth.” Kennedy said 

this in such a way as to inspire the Nation. This is an example of transformational leadership; 

where the leader motivates followers towards a particular goal. He was constantly encouraging 

the country to do better, and become greater. 

       Kennedy used a Democratic leading style combined with Theory X. This means that he 

held an optimistic view on human nature, and collaborated with others in order to come to the 

most productive solution possible. He is my favorite leader, for his sincere desire to help

Jamie Oliver's Vision

Teach Every Child About Food. Prod. June Cohen. Perf. Jamie Oliver. TED, 2010. Transcript.

In a Ted Talk given by Jamie Oliver called, “Teach Every Child About Food,” America along with other countries receives the hard reality about their societies food systems. Jamie Oliver begins by introducing himself as a simple chef who is passionate about educating the public on how to eat healthy. To promote pathos he asks the audience if they have children, and then proceeded to give the statistic that two-thirds of America is overweight. Within his speech he explains that the majority of death and sickness in this country is due to having a poor diet. He explains that diet can be controlled in order to prevent most diseases. However, he explains that this means that America must be held responsible for its current unhealthy culture. Culture which is surrounded by processed foods, excess sugar, and copious amounts of easily accessible fats. Some of the major places where these problems stem from are in the schools, grocery stores, homes, and along main roads. Schools are where the pattern of unhealthy eating begins. America’s kids get junk food for lunch every day of the year. Giving an example of how kids daily get milk but, now milk has about the same amount of sugar in it as a can of soda. Children do not even receive proper knives and forks which indoctrinates a handheld junk food society. Speaking to the lunch ladies, he expresses the need for them to get outside the box and promote healthier lunches. Educating children on were there food comes from is essential in beginning the healing of this nation's food misconceptions. He also explained how grocery stores now contain large amounts of processed food from big businesses. Also, many of these products have illogical labeling which misinforms the consumer. Inside the homes of the people of America is also an important place to effect change. The home needs to be a place where healthy food is common, along with correct portion sizes. Just like in school the home must teach a child about what is nourishing for their body. Teaching children to cook is a great way of insuring that they will be able to eat healthily. Most prominent in the fast paced society on the road is fast food restaurants. In everyday lives it is difficult to drive past a cheap and convenient fast food restaurant. Fast food stores are not only incredibly too prominent but, they are too commonly acceptable as well. With all of these problems in mind Jamie Oliver when to the unhealthiest city in Huntington, West Virginia to begin change. One way he achieved this was with Huntington’s Kitchen where he taught awareness of healthy fresh fruits and vegetables. Awareness was the key to helping this community change. Through educating the public Jamie Oliver intends to push forward with the vision of a healthier America.

NASA's Mission to Mars

Gertner, Jon. "Sky's the Limit." National Aeronautics & Space Administration 195 (2015): 34-36. Business Source Premier. Web. 14 Oct. 2015.

In “Sky’s the Limit,” Jon Gertner writes about NASA’s future goal of traveling to Mars. Ellen Stofan is the chief scientist and leader of the preparations for the Mars expedition. This article highlights what Stofan’s plans are, and what steps she will help NASA to take in order to accomplish this task by 2035. Stofan first began by separating the mission into separate pieces. Making it seem like sending a man to the moon as more manageable and less daunting. Next is to not worry about changing direction, until technology to complete the task becomes available. She is encouraging NASA to be open and to adjust to new advances in science in order to help move the Mars project further. Due to a decreasing budget NASA is spreading on an international level; in order to receive input and financing from other countries. Other countries want to get involved with Mission Mars any way so support of the program is stable. NASA currently has thirteen space agencies to pursue the exploration deeper into space. All of the countries involved are benefited through their participation with NASA. Stofan plans to use normal curiosity of space in the younger generations to increase the chances of success for the future. Simply by promoting the need to know more about the universe by going outside and looking at the wonders of the night sky. Currently however NASA has three long range goals. One, to monitor the effects of climate change activities. Two, continue looking for any signs of life containing RNA or DNA. And Three, explore as far as they can into the universe. In 2018 NASA is sending a spacecraft into a different depth of space. They hope to be able to begin understanding the question: Are we alone in the universe? Preparations for the Mission to Mars are increasing daily but, until that day NASA will still focus on what can be done now to learn more about the universe around us.

 

 http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/science/science-news/11921070/Nasa-planning-Earth-Independent-Mars-colony-by-2030s.html

Chevy's Self-Driving Car

Callaway, Sue. "Chevy's Self-Driving Muscle Car." FORTUNE 171.6 (2015): 8-12. Business Source Premier. Web. 14 Oct. 2015.

    In the news article, “Chevy’s Self-Driving Muscle Car,” Sue Callaway explains the current technological advances for a future line of cars. Engineers and Designers have been working hard on the Chevrolet-FNR in Fountain Valley, California for several months. They showcased the new car for Chevrolet’s 10th anniversary with the help of Fortune and General Motors in China. At the Shanghai motor show they revealed to the public there vision of what driving would be like fifteen years from now. The autonomous or robotic car was designed to fit a family for a younger generation market. Pan Asia Technical Automotive Center (PATAC) teamed with SAIC motor and helped to develop the electric vehicle as well. Many of the features on the Chevrolet-FNR were created to seam ahead of its time. The wheels were unconventionally designed with larger rims and no hubs. A blue LED light trim on a black carbon fiber exterior helps the vehicle be more aerodynamic as well as give it a sleek ethereal design. Inside the car much work had gone into making it as comfortable and convenient as possible. The seats can read an occupant's body temperature, heart rate, blood pressure, and even mood. This car also has the capabilities to run errands without a passenger such as taking itself to the car wash. Protection technologies like night vision and road condition reports have been programmed in the car as well. GM also is intends on creating this car as the first with the ability to communicate with other cars in order to avoid collisions This innovative car could solve many problems and safety issues that occur on busy roads.. Self-driving abilities of the car could eliminate dangerous traffic congestion on main roads, and overall minimize car accidents. Chevrolet hopes that the experimental car will be on the market and readily affordable by 2030. Even though many of these technologies are yet to be invented the possibilities of this car are astounding.

http://www.extremetech.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/EXT-1.jpg

3D Printers + Smart Phones

3D Printers were a great innovation just by itself, now they tend to reach new heights!

    In the Blog titled “3D Printing Industry” had many different kinds of articles that can be found about the advancements in 3D printing technology. 3D Printers instantly became a sensation! Because, of how they can scan in an object, then separate it into section, and finally print out layers of the identical object through the machine. This revolutionary invention has greatly affected the industrial world. On the blog one article's headline is “PIXELIO Transforms Your Smartphone into a 3D Scanning Planetary Arm.” Overall, highlights the hope for the new advancement of 3D Printing scanners, to connect with Smartphones. Program started in the UK with the Smart 3D Company, Ltd. The new device will be easy to use, hand held, and useful for many different applications such as by:  photographers, architects, and designers. PIXELIO is the software that will be used; by rotating around the scanner will be able to pick out even the finest details within any three dimensional shape. “Virtual Finger” technology will also be installed; it imitates the touch and movements of a human hand, minimizing blurred images. After this, apps such as the Autodesk 123 Catch, can be downloaded on the phone to scan items into a 3D printer. PIXELIO even plans to better the device through the use of a LED lamp and a clock. The company has announced, that the 3D Printer Scanner on a phone will be user friendly and affordable. This new invention has the potential to become the next big thing on the market! 

 

Ślusarczyk, Pawel. "PIXELIO Transforms Your Smartphone into a 3D Scanning Planetary Arm." Web log post. 3D Printing Industry. 3D Printing Industry, 29 Sept. 2015. Web. 05 Sept. 2015. 

Einstein Reinvented Reality

One of the greatest advancements in physics was Einstein's Theory of Relativity! 

 

In “How Einstein Reinvented Reality,” Isaacson Walter explains the steps and personal challenges Einstein took to create his Theory of Relativity. Beginning in 1907, Einstein had the brilliant thought of the falling man. He posed the question; if a man falls, will he feel his weight? The overall goal Einstein created was to describe his theory within two mathematical formulas. On how the gravitational field acts on matter, and how it relates to space-time. He then proceeded to test his thought of the falling man within a closed chamber which simulated free fall. However, the experiment was flawed because of the inability to separate what gravity affected, and what acceleration affected. Einstein thus determined that gravity and acceleration were equivalent. Around this time Einstein had many personal hardships surrounding his difficult divorce. Stress was created by the struggled he had over custody rights for his two sons. Nevertheless, even though his move back to Berlin he was constantly working on his theory. A fellow physicist Hilbert was on track to discovering the same equation; this put pressure on Einstein to finish. Also, pushing him to finish was the Prussian Academy; they had scheduled him for four lectures in order for him to explain his discoveries. Finally, when Einstein rushed to finished he advanced it to the simple mathematical equation E=mc². On November 25, he gave his final lecture and titled it “The Field Equations of Gravitation.” With great pride, Einstein at age thirty six, after eight years of research and testing he achieved his goal. He is now world renowned for his hard work to rethinking reality. 

Walter, Isaacson. "How Einstein Reinvented Reality." Scientific America 313.3 (2015): 38-45. Web.28 Sept. 2015.