Does obesity reshape our sense of taste Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Does obesity reshape our sense of taste - Essay Example ng to the results, the average-weight mice were able to taste the sweetness unlike the overweight where only a few from the sample had few taste cells hence their reaction was very weak (Hacker 1). However, not all the overweight mice gave a response to the sweetness. The results from the mice experiment clearly shows that obesity changes a person’s relation to food but it still does not explain how this happens. Relatively, Kyle goes a step further to explore this aspect by referring to past studies that analyze how obesity leads to alterations of brain and nerves that control the tongue and cells of tasting in the human system. The article states out that most of the studies consider all the above factors but none has ever discussed widely about the tongue cells; those that interact with what people eat (Hacker 1). Based on this argument, Kyle puts to light that the taste cells are the first to encounter the effects of obesity, which is evident from the findings from the journal that the overweight mice had minimal taste cells affecting their response. As part of the conclusion, the article states out that the explanations given from most of the studies lack clarity on how changes in taste embolden obesity; however, one clear thing is th at most overweight people have an extreme craving for sweet and salty food yet average or slim people detect the stimuli of such food better. Largely, a cause for this might be the fact that the overweight mice consume more sweets than the average weight mice to get an equal satisfaction of the sweetness. Resolutely, the article encourages a study of the topic because establishing a clear relationship between sense of taste, plumpness and desire for food would form a good platform for coming up with new strategies that encourage healthier diets (Hacker 1). Additionally, an utter comprehension on how the taste cells increase or decrease creates an opportunity to reverse the process or even treatment especially due to the factor

IT Project Management Approaches Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

IT Project Management Approaches - Coursework Example It narrows down from the above two and looks at some of the specific applications in the information Technology field by looking at the Software development life cycle approach that is part of the traditional approach. It goes further in the agile approach to look at specific applications of the approach to the field of information technology. The paper also compares the two approaches by looking at their strengths and weaknesses and the type of projects to which they can be used/ applied and why they will or will not work. 1. The traditional/phased approach to project management The traditional approach to project management involves very well-organized and deliberate planning and control methods. In this approach there are distinct project life cycle stages or phases which are easily recognizable as one leads directly to another. Tasks are completed in in an orderly sequence, one after the other and this necessitates that a significant part of the entire project is planned before t he process begins (Hass, 2007,pp1-8). This model assumes that all events affecting the entire project are predictable and that the tools and the tasks undertaken by each individual are well understood. With this approach it assumes that once a phase is complete it will not be revisited, which is not the case for many projects especially IT projects. This model is forms the basis for the phased methodology used in many projects. The approach has taken many dimensions especially in the field of information technology with various sub models coming up from this traditional/phased model (Hass, 2007,pp1-8). The advantage of this approach is that it sets out the phases for development and stresses the importance of requirements for each stage. On the other hand the limitation is that projects rarely follow the sequential flow and many stakeholders find it difficult to define all the requirements for a project at the beginning(Hass, 2007,pp1-8). The approach has the following distinct stag es: initiation, planning and design, execution and construction, monitoring and controlling systems and finally the completion stage. It is important to note that not all projects will go through all the stages mentioned above some may be terminated before they get to the completion stage. 1.1. The Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) In information technology projects, this phased approach can be compared to the software development life cycle approach (SDLC). This approach is composed of the following distinct stages that must be followed to come up with working software: planning, requirements definition, design, development, integration and testing and finally installation and acceptance (Radack, 2009, pp1-7). The planning stage aims at establishing a bird’s eye view of the proposed software product and uses this to form the basic project organization, assess feasibility and risks associated with the project and define suitable management and technical approaches. The m ost critical part concerning this stage is the listing of goals of the project and this is done before anything else (Radack, 2009, pp1-7). The requirement definition stage begins immediately the goals in the planning stage are identified. Each of these goals is then refined into a set of requirements which define the major functions of the proposed application and also define the initial data entities.

Direct Service Staff Turnover in Supported Living Arrangements Essay

Direct Service Staff Turnover in Supported Living Arrangements - Essay Example There were not any of the agencies that collected data on the number of workers that served Montana's disability population. However, employees are derived from workers performing various occupations: social and human service assistants, home health aides, nursing aides, orderlies and attendants, physical therapy aides, and home care aides. The turnover rate is also contributed to the following: voluntary quits, terminations, promotions, uncontrollable events, and layoffs. Several other factors contributed to the high turnover as well: lack of management and/or coworker support, inadequate wages and/or benefits, inadequate training for handling challenging situations, poor working conditions (stress, ambiguous roles, inadequate consumer care), lack of career advancement opportunities, and other factors (risk of injury, fear of liability lawsuits, etc.). Hatton, C., Emerson, E., Rivers, M., et al. (2001). Factors associated with intended staff turnover and job search behavior in services for people with intellectual disability. Journal of Intellectual Disability Research, 45, 258-270. Zeynep Ton and Robert S. Huckman examined the employee turnover rate and its association with operating performance. Most retailers do operate with high levels of employee turnover. Thus, the focus of the research study is a major retail chain. Ton and Huckman surveyed several factors within the retai... Larson, S. A. & Lakin, K. C. (1999). Longitudinal study of recruitment and retention in small community homes supporting persons with developmental disabilities. Mental Retardation, 40, 267-280. "Managing the Impact of Employee Turnover on Performance: The Role of Process Conformance" Zeynep Ton and Robert S. Huckman examined the employee turnover rate and its association with operating performance. Most retailers do operate with high levels of employee turnover. Thus, the focus of the research study is a major retail chain. Ton and Huckman surveyed several factors within the retail chain. Does the high employee turnover rate affect the overall job performance Is employee turnover voluntary Is it caused by decreased job performance The study found that the high employee turnover rate did not ultimately affect the overall job performance. Actually, the increased motivation and ideas that new employees bring to the chain are good. On the other hand, employee turnover is, often times, voluntary and contributes to the decreased job performance of a chain. However, employee turnover does not affect chains in which employees are conforming to the rules of the chain as much as chains in which employees are not conforming. The performance of the chain is affected more negative in chains where employees are not conforming to the rules of the chain. The overall result of the survey was that the high turnover rate is associated with the decreased job performance at a chain. Managers of the chains that have the high turnover rate of employees could decrease the turnover by imposing the rules of the chain in a more disciplinary way. Robert S. Huckman, Harvard University and NBER, and Zeynep Ton, Harvard University, March

Examining The Study Of Rational Choice Theories Criminology Essay

Examining The Study Of Rational Choice Theories Criminology Essay Within the Criminal Justice field, the goal is to reduce crime by utilizing methods that may deter offenders from committing a heinous act. The aspects that are going to be explored in this manuscript will explain how Rational Choice Theory and crime prevention techniques refer to one another. Situational Crime Prevention (SCP) techniques will focus on different types of offenders, their crimes and the success rate of prevention in different levels of criminal activity. Furthermore, some case studies have been reviewed to give a comparison of preventive techniques of crime and its effects. The following research will discuss negative effects and its alarming concern for SCP techniques. Examining the study of rational choice theories and how useful it can be in crime prevention Academic Scholars, along with law enforcement officials review criminal activity in the event to develop methods for which crime may be prevented. Having an understanding of the theory reviewed will further explain the approach investigators take when apprehending perpetrators, interviewing witnesses, and interacting with victims. The research will explore many different views of scholars and the differences in crimes that can be committed. The theory that has been discussed is Rational Choice Theory. Rational Choice Theory is a perspective that criminality is a conscience choice that predicts that individuals choose to commit crime for the sole purpose of the benefits outweighing the cost of the crime (Schmalleger, 2006). This manuscript will provide information on the examination of Situational Crime Prevention (SCP) and how the examples of the methods given have been successful. Literature Review Verma (2007) wrote an article that discusses the approach of situational crime prevention and how it pertains to mass casualties. His article, with assistance of I.K. Mackenzie (1982) recommends a five stage action plan that may dissolve mass casualties before they start (to be discussed later). Verma argues that enforcement officials should work harder on strategies to better leadership skills in the event of a riot. Vance and Trani (2008) focus on crime prevent in white collar crimes. Many individuals in our society believe that white collar crime is not as heinous an act as other crimes. The issue Vance and Trani want to address is that white collar can be a larger issue if overlooked. Schmalleger (2006) is one of the many scholars who have developed books on criminology and its success in educating future scholars. He introduced to other scholars what situational Crime Prevention (SCP) truly means and how understanding crime better could assist in understanding the criminals. The debate that Schmalleger has with other scholars is the difficulty in which criminals are subject to become repeat offenders. Cullen and Agnew (2006) comprised a reading text called Criminological theory: past to present, 3rd edition. It discusses the comparison made by Clarke and Cornish of classical theory and economic theory and the strong connection these theories have to rational choice theory. Furthermore, the text continues to process this choice by defining two major stages that are important to know about rational choice theory. Ratcliffe (2006) developed a manuscript on video surveillance in public places that may deter criminal activity; in which he provided information about a closed circuit television (CCTV) surveillance system. He explains what CCTV is and how it was developed to prevent crime and also how the development of this system brought unintended consequences. A chart, established by Clarke outlined 25 techniques (Center for Problem Oriented Policing, 2010) that may be useful in the SCP theory. The chart is broken down into five categories and examines different parts of criminal activity. Clarke further breaks down the categories into subsections to explain the techniques correctly in accordance with the category. Several other studies have been reviewed and analyzed to provide information or examples of Clarke ¿Ã‚ ½s SCP techniques (Center for Problem Oriented Policing, 2010). The crimes that will be incorporated with this study in further depth are the security needs of passenger on public transportation (Smith, 2008), closing off opportunities for crime with alley-gating (Bowers, Johnson, and Hirschfield, 2004), and crime in libraries incorporating all five of Clarke ¿Ã‚ ½s SCP techniques (Cromwell, Alexander, and Dotson, 2008). For the entire criteria of Clarke ¿Ã‚ ½s 25 techniques, see Appendix A. Discussion There are many different ways to explain Rational Choice theory and how it is incorporated to Situational Crime Prevention (SCP). Schmalleger (2006) defined SCP as a social policy that looked to develop a greater understanding of crime and with strategies concerning the organizational and environments that make crime possible. Other academic scholars go on to state that Rational Choice Theory is a choice process that occurs in two stages; First, the criminal will need to decide if he wants to engage in crime to satisfy his needs and second is when the decision is made to engage in criminal activity, what particular offense will he commit (Cullen, and Agnew, 2006). However, the best or most innovative explanation was developed by Clarke with his twenty-five techniques of situational crime prevention (Vance and Trani, 2008). The techniques in the chart give examples of SCP and how each category and sub sections apply to a criminal act. The categories of the chart are divided in to five groups, which are: increase the effort. Increase the risk, reduce the rewards, reduce provocations, and remove excuses. This manuscripts main focus is to discuss the two categories that are connected to rational choice theory and situational crime prevention. The first category happens to be increasing the efforts, which has a subsection of target hardening and deflecting offenders and the second category is increasing the risks, which has a subsection of extend guardianship and strengthening formal surveillance. Increase the Effort The Situational Crime Prevention (SCP) subsection category of deflecting the offender is applied by creating a separation for men and women in public surroundings, which in turn does not give offenders the opportunity to create a  ¿Ã‚ ½hot spot ¿Ã‚ ½ for their victims (Innes, 2003). For example, most sex offenders have a tendency to victimize certain women that appear to be vulnerable or less aggressive then they are. There was a study performed on several sex offenders and the process they go through in order to hunt their victims. The study discussed the rational choice the perpetrators make so that the outcome of the assault gives them pleasure. The starting point of the crime is where the offenders seek to benefit themselves by their criminal behavior; that this involves the making of decisions and of choices, however rudimentary on occasion these processes might be; and that these processes exhibit a measure of rationality (Beauregard, Rossmo, and Proulx, 2007). The separation that has been made for men and women in public places are the development of men and women restrooms and changing areas in department stores. With these adjustments, crime in public still occur but committing assault is in public would appear to be more difficult and offenders would have to make more of an effort to assault their victims. Everyone in America can remember what they were doing or where they were at the time of the September 11 attacks. Since the attack, transportation in this country and around the world has experienced some form of target hardening. When a passenger steps into an airport, bus or train station, the passenger is checked almost from head to toe. This policy is more abundant in airports but in major cities, passengers on a train or bus are still checked in an attempt to prevent another major attack since 9/11. There was an article by M. J. Smith (2008) that addressed the needs of women passengers taking public transportation. Smith goes on to address four key elements for analyzing the security need of women passenger, and they are: (1) women ¿Ã‚ ½s reported victimization, (2) issues related to calculating the risk of being a crime victim, (3) the rationality of women ¿Ã‚ ½s fear of crime and disorder, and (4) the need for effective and comprehensive crime prevention measures to address those security-related issues. These concerns and policies have made transportation more equipped with metal detectors, more uniformed and plain clothes officer stationed in subways, airports, and train stations, along with additional baggage tagging and inspections. Increase the Risks Strengthening the observations of society may help in preventing individuals from becoming a victim. For example, many crimes happen during the holiday season and for good reason because individuals get wrapped up in the three P ¿Ã‚ ½s, which are: presents, parties, and planning. Families are planning to go on vacations for the holiday season, friends are picking out outfits for all the parties they will be attending and presents will be exchanged among co-workers before the end of business day. The crimes that are more common during the holiday season are burglary and theft. Kane (2008) suggest that being aware of your surrounding and recognizing motivated offenders will help prevent individuals from becoming a victim during the holiday season. That does not mean taking matters into your own hands; it means to practice being alert when out enjoying the festivities of the holidays. One way to being more alert is to ask a neighbor or a friend to house sit for you while you are off on vacation. You can direct this individual to check on your house once a day or every other day in order to give off the impression that someone is home. If you live in a community with police patrol, you can ask for the officer or security to check on your home in your absence. Or you can develop a form of prevention that closes off opportunities for crime. Bowers, Johnson, and Hirschfield (2004) studied a recently introduced prevention technique in Great Britain that involved fitting a gate to several alleyways along the back of terraced properties to restrict access to local residents and reduce the offender ¿Ã‚ ½s opportunity to commit a crime. The study was performed on homes that were narrow in space and could be connected to other dwellings for the purpose of the experiment. The alley-gates could secure an entire block and all the houses within this radius. The gate will be a ccessible with a key for which only the residents will have and there will be a limit to the number each household can acquire. This study demonstrated that a small gated community had reduced its burglary attempts in comparison to communities that were not gated. Video surveillance is one way police can deter offenders from committing crimes. By upgrading the performance of surveillance, it is less likely that a criminal will want to commit a crime because of the risk of apprehension. When using the method of strengthening surveillance, one of the most employed surveillance technologies is closed-circuit television (CCTV). CCTV is a number of cameras connected to a loop or closed circuit, with images produced being sent to a monitoring station (Ratcliffe, 2006). Using this type of surveillance is predominately for large groups of people that congregate in areas that are too wide for regular patrol. For example, college ¿Ã‚ ½s campuses, sports arenas, department stores and major club venues are the kinds of establishments that CCTV systems are employed. The cameras are placed in locations that may be more prone for criminal activity which will allow the individual operating the camera access to see what the actual crime has or will be committed. There has even been an incident or two where the individual operating the cameras has given a warning to other individuals making them aware that they can be seen committing some type of foul play on camera. The primary g oal of utilizing video surveillance is to increase the perceived risk of capture in the hope that any measure of the offenders improprieties will have them reconsidering to commit a crime (Ratcliffe, 2006). SCP Application Among the Situational Crime Prevention (SCP) examples stated above, there have been several other studies that represented SCP and its effects on the prevention of crime. One study discussed the situational crime prevention approach when dealing with mass causalities or riots. This research suggested that riots could be prevented by aligning practical guidelines and theoretical considerations by a recommended five-stage action plan. The stages incorporated are: (1) attempt to identify, isolate and remove those individuals who precipitate the incident before the crowd begins to organize, (2) break the crowd into smaller groups to disrupt communications, (3) quickly deal with the crowds leaders and remove from the spot, (4) create diversions in other places, so there is no focus, and (5) do not let the crowd gain strength in numbers (Verma, 2007). In the article, Crime and Incivilities in Libraries, Clarke ¿Ã‚ ½s five SCP techniques are explored and further examined to uncover how crimes such as theft, vandalism, and assault have reared its head into the library. Cromwell, Alexander, and Dotson (2008) conclude that the crimes mentioned above, along with problems with disruptive patrons can be substantially reduced by the implementation of SCP strategies and a well-conceived security plan for staff training. The research discussed more incivilities that could occur while at or in a library, however they were not addressed in this manuscript. Unintended Consequences With any research or study, there are concerns that are discussed that will possibly bring about some negativity towards any technique, theory or experiment. Situational Crime Prevention (SCP) is not perfect and it has its concerns with an issue of displacement. Ratcliffe (2006) describes displacement as offenders moving their offending to a place that has less risk of being caught. For example, an offender may not want to rob a jewelry store if he can see that there is a camera system set in place to identify him. This is a concern for the perpetrators because in the rational choice theory, a criminal wants to seek the benefits from the act with the least amount of punishment. The turnout for unintended consequences are not high, however the concerns still prove that displacement can occur and using current SCP may reduce a higher percentage in the future. Conclusion Without the hard work performed by researches, investigators, and academic scholars the study of rational choice theory and its assistance in situational crime prevention (SCP) may not have been explored. SCP is an important and useful tool in the prevention of crime. The research and studies mentioned in this manuscript on the prevention of crime have been reviewed in all types of criminal offenses. The SCP techniques have assisted in giving steps to maintain order in riot situations, white collar crime and women passenger travel using public transportation. These SCP techniques may prevent criminal activity in places that offenders deem easier to victimize individuals but it does not deter criminals from seeking pleasure in other venues that are not affected by preventive solutions. References Beauregard, E., Rossmo D. K., Proulx, J. (2007). A descriptive model of the hunting process of serial sex offenders: A rational choice perspective. Journal of Family Violence. 22(6). 449-463. Retrieved October 20, 2010 from ProQuest database. Bowers, J. K., Johnson, D. S., Hirschfield, G. F. A. (2004). Closing off opportunities for crime: An evaluation of alley-gating. European Journal on Criminal Policy and Research. 10.285-308. Retrieved on October 15, 2010 from ProQuest database. Center for Problem Oriented Policing (2010). Twenty five techniques of situational prevention. Retrieved January 12, 2010 from http://www.popcenter.org/25techniques/. Cromwell, P., Alexander, G., Dotson, P. (2008). Crime and incivilities in libraries: Situational crime prevention strategies for thwarting biblio-bandits and problem patrons. Security Journal. 21. 147-158. Retrieved July 18, 2010 from ProQuest database. Cullen, T. F., Agnew, R. (2006). Criminological Theory: Past to present, 3rd edition. Los Angeles, CA: Roxbury Publishing Company. Innes, B. (2003). Profile of a criminal mind: How psychological profiling helps solve true crimes. Pleasantville, NY/Montreal: Reader ¿Ã‚ ½s Digest Association, Inc. Kane, M. (2008). A Guide for a Safe and Crime-Free Holiday. Thrive Journal. Retrieved October 17, 2010 from Mountain State University. Ratcliffe, J. (2006). Video surveillance of public places. Washinton D. C.: U. S. Department of Justice. Schmalleger, Frank (2006). ¿Ã‚ ½ Criminology today: An integrative introduction, 4th edition. ¿Ã‚ ½ Columbus, OH: ¿Ã‚ ½ Prentice Hall. Smith, M. J. (2008). Addressing the security needs of women passengers on public transport. Security Journal. 21. 117-133. Retrieved July 18, 2010 from ProQuest database. Vance, N. Trani, B. (2008). Situational prevention and the reduction of white collar crime. Journal of Leadership, Accountability and Ethics. 9-18. Retrieved September 18, 2010 from ProQuest database. Verma, A. (2007). Anatomy of riots: A situational crime prevention approach. Crime Prevention and Community Safety. 9. 201-221. Retrieved September 20, 2010 from ProQuest database.

Ecocriticism and Frankenstein Essay -- Literacy Analysis

Given the deep ties to nature that Mary Shelley explores within Frankenstein, the principles and methodology of ecocriticism can be applied in many different ways. The interaction of humanity and nature is a concept explored throughout the novel, relating directly to a core tenet of ecocriticism, "directly relat[ing] who we are as human beings to the environment" (Bressler 231). Being as there is no "single, dominant methodology" (235) within ecocriticism, the extent to which we can use ecocriticism to interact with Frankenstein contains considerable depth. However, I will look to a few main methodologies of ecocriticism to look at Frankenstein in detail to uncover how the novel deals with the changing attitudes of humanity and nature in early 19th century England. Beginning with first wave ecocriticism, the focus on 19th century literature positions Frankenstein right in the radar of the early period of American "nature writing" as well as British writers dealing with humanity and nature as an effect of Romanticism, such as William Wordsworth, John Keats, Samuel Taylor Coleridge among others. Mary Shelley directly quotes Wordsworth and Coleridge through the voice of what could be considered the most "human" of the main characters within Frankenstein, Victor. While lamenting over the loss of his friend Clerval, Victor refers to a passage from Wordsworth's "Tintern Abbey" to express the high value he holds for his departed friend, highlighting important interactions between human interests and nature. Many of the images of beauty expressed through Wordsworth's lines shows the appreciation for nature and its importance over human concerns, and an examination of the deep connections between humanity and nature that ideally should b... ... may result in the imbalance of that which sustains us and our subsequent destruction. While Victor can control nature and bend it to his will in unnatural ways, once confronted with the natural elements, none of his science and ingenuity can save him. Throughout the novel Victor goes to nature for solace, expecting nothing but return, and expects the same throughout the novel, right to his own demise. This lesson is not only applicable to when Frankenstein was written, at an explosively progressive period during the Industrial Revolution, but also to all generations and their relationship with human progression and nature preservation. Works Cited Bressler, Charles E. Literary Criticism: An Introduction to Theory and Practice. 5th ed. New York: Longman, 2011. Print. Shelley, Mary. Frankenstein. Ed. Paul Hunter. 2nd ed. New York: Norton, 2011. Print.

Memorable Vacation

Are you in the mood to relax, take in the sun, and have people treat you incredibly well? If so, you should take my advice on a great place to visit. Last summer on a family vacation I went to Aruba. â€Å"Vacation is a respite or a time of respite from something : intermission; a scheduled period during which activity (as of a court or school) is suspended; a period of exemption from work granted to an employee; a period spent away from home or business in travel or recreation; an act or an instance of vacating† (vacation). A vacation is a time of relaxation. I really enjoy vacation because I don’t think about school or any other problems. Almost everyone likes to take time out from a world of work and relax once in a while. One way of relaxing that has become popular amongst the people of today’s society is to take a vacation. This action has taken off with the people of today’s society. However, a vacation can mean several different things to several different people. For some people a vacation might be a chance to relax, while to others, a vacation might mean to leave their professional work for a while, only to do another different kind of work. An example of what a vacation is to me is a trip. The trip is a chance to get away from everything and see new sights. Vacations take several shapes, but the main purpose is to relax stays constant. Taking a vacation is a good way to break the monotony of everyday life. Everyone loves getting away and going somewhere new. Seeing new things is great, but if you only have a few days to get away, you must have a plan in order to see as much as possible. We planned our next vacation in advance, not only did save us money, but it also saved us time. In planning a vacation is obviously choosing when and where to go. Vacation time is quality time for you and your family. You must figure out when your family will have the maximum amount of time to spend away. Choosing when you are going first should help determine where you want to go, due to the seasons and the weather. If your vacation is in December and it’s twenty degrees outside you probably don’t want to go and spend the weekend at the lake. Choose a destination which is compatible with the season. We are only able to go away during the summer because it is not our busy season, so we planned our trip for July. Vacations should be a time for relaxation and solitude. Everything should be easy and stress less. However, n some cases vacations can turn into stressful times away from home. In an effort to make your next vacation as stress free as possible. Most stressful vacation scenarios arise because of reservations that have fallen through, flights that have been cancelled, or baggage that has been misplaced. To avoid situations such as these make sure to plan ahead as well as possible. Be sure to relax and remember that you are on vacation. If you are a person easily upset by small things try extra hard to let them go while on vacation. Do not let your kids get to you. Children can be anxious when it comes to vacations especially on the way there. Do not worry about things back home. When you are planning your vacation make sure not to schedule too many activities into one day. Although it is tempting to see as much as possible while on vacation, you should keep in mind that you do not want to tire yourself out after one day. â€Å"The vacations that prove to be disastrous, expensive, or simply not fun are those thrown together at the last minute. However, by spending a little bit of time, you can compare prices, check out many different destination options, and end up with a wonderful vacation that you will never forget. The following six tips are just a few that you could consider when planning the perfect vacation. 1. Options – The first tip to planning the perfect vacation is to keep your options open. Instead of zeroing in on a particular destination, think of the type of environment you are most interested in, as well as activities and culture. 2. Finances – Be realistic about the amount of money you can afford for the perfect vacation. Unfortunately, many people will go on vacation knowing they are spending way over their means, only to return home and find themselves in a financial mess. 3. Travel Agency – If you are unsure where to start in planning the perfect vacation, consider working with a reputable travel agency. 4. Pet Care – Some people will kennel pets or have someone pet sit while on vacation but today, we see a growing number of individuals who want to include this important member of the family in the vacation. 5. Traveler’s Checks – Altho ugh you would likely carry some cash on your perfect vacation, we strongly recommend that you purchase American Express traveler’s checks, which are accepted just about anywhere. 6. Travel Insurance – Typically, people traveling within the United States do not purchase travel insurance but you might consider it† (Warren). A memorable vacation is one that you can never forget. Sometimes it is even hard not to stop thinking about it. Many of the places I have been include Florida, Chicago, Bahamas, Jamaica, Grand Cayman, and Mexico. All these places are great but each has a non forgettable memory that I store in my head and in my heart. I have had several vacations that have brought good memories, but one that I will never forget was my trip to Aruba in 2009 with my family. There are plenty of other attractions besides the beach that make this place great. If you are into water sports such as windsurfing, skiing, fishing, or jet skiing they have these accommodations offered at most the hotels. If you are one who likes to snorkel or scuba dive, this is the place to be. There is a great variety of fish with bright exotic colors, and through a pair of goggles you can see a whole lot due to the clean water. I highly recommend going to this tropical island. The beaches are really cool; bright white sand, crystal clear water and extremely hot weather surrounds you. Since most of the islands income is through tourism, the hotel employees treat you like a king. The beaches in Aruba are not only a place for entertainment, food and shopping, but they are also an ideal place to watch the sunset. As we drove down to the beach, my nose picked up the salty scent of the sea breeze. I looked ahead and saw the gleaming beach in the far distance. As I stepped out of the car and walked towards to the beach, I saw that the shoreline went on for miles and miles. I immediately saw the ocean with beams of sunlight shining upon it and watched as the waves crashed upon the beach. The sun shining down on the water made it look like there were thousands of diamonds placed upon the surface of the water. Almost everyone likes to take time out from a world of work and relax once in a while. One way of relaxing that has become popular amongst the people of today’s society is to take a vacation. This action has taken off with the people of today’s society. However, a vacation can mean several different things to several different people. For some people a vacation might be a chance to relax, while to others, a vacation might mean to leave their professional work for a while, only to do another different kind of work.

Revolutionizing a Better Era of Technology in the Future of Medicine Essay

Alan Kay states, â€Å"The best way to predict the future is to invent it yourself† (qtd. in Garreau 88). Many Americans ponder what the future might hold. Will technology bring a new era to mankind or will it be the end to all eternity? Ray Kurzweil, inventor of the year by MIT, argues â€Å"he is convinced that medicine is moving sufficiently fast; therefore, any person who can stay healthy for the next 20 years may so benefit from the explosion in biological technology as to be immortal† (Garreau 90-91). With the advancements of medical technology continuing to climb, this quote illustrates that the future will make for a better world. Organizations such as The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency known as DARPA, The Continuous Assisted Performance known as CAP, and The National Science Foundation fund studies that demonstrate how genetic engineering will impact America’s future by developing a bigger, better, stronger individual (Garreau 19-35). Each day as the advancements of technology doubles, the world will soon not worry about diseases and health; everyday gene technology will better our minds, bodies, and most future generations, thus making the â€Å"Heaven Scenario†. In the Article â€Å"Gene Technology and Tissue Engineering† Andree, department of Plastic and Surgery, Freiburg University Hospital, states â€Å"Gene therapy is based on the concept for certain proteins or polypeptides into a cell and, thus, may be used for potential modulation of tissue. Genes can be delivered using either an in vitro approach, and with viral or non-viral vectors. Genes may therefore be stable, or transiently expressed by the cells† (93). This fact illustrates the concept of genetic manipulation and how each cell is expressed. Both Rob DeSalle, Ph.D. in Division of Invertebrates, and Michael Yudell, MPH in Molecular Laboratories, summarize that the study of Genomics will have a major impact in medical services. If doctors knew how to discover someone’s exact diseases, then they can transform and improve those cells to stop in in its act (117-118). With the help from DARPA and CAP and the study and treatments  of Gene therapy, Americans’ will soon find themselves living longer and healthier lives. DARPA funded by Michael Goldbatt, is one of the world’s foremost drivers of human enhancement (Garreau 19). Their vision is to â€Å"accelerate the future into being† (Garreau 21). DARPA help fund the computer mouse, graphics, weather satellites, and many other technologies (Garreau 25). One independent agency that works strongly with DARPA is CAP managed by John Carney (Garreau 28). CAPs advanta ge over DARPA is the laboratory. One idea that they are studying is â€Å"finding an enzyme that appears only in bacteria but not in us. It might exist only for a brief time in the bacteria, but without it, that life form cannot exist. Then you attack it† (Garreau 28-30). Organizations such as DARPA and CAP strive to make unstoppable human beings. For instance, take the well-developed movie Gattaca which came to theaters in 2010 and was about a man that manipulates his DNA to hide his identity to be a more advanced, genetically engineered, human being. No one is capable of stopping him from becoming a better meaningful species to society. Most Americans strive to build themselves up to become the best they can be. Americans’ study the use of DNA manipulation in bodies and cells to help fight off diseases and illnesses such as the common cold or flu. Goldblatt proclaims, â€Å"We do not fear the unknown, and we relish exploring the unknowable† (Garreau 19). Americans should be more like this quote and strive to become the best species that has ever existed. DARPA is studying a vaccine that will help in pain management. Such vaccines will make milestones in terms of medicine. If someone is hurt they will feel the first trigger of pain but the pain will soon subside (Garreau 19-28). This pain vaccine will have many benefits to Americans dealing with diseases and to society. The National Science Foundation believed in the â€Å"Heaven Scenario†: They predicted in 10-20 years the world will evolve much better. Wearable sensors will enhance every person’s awareness of his or her health condition, environment, chemical pollutants, potential hazards, and information of interest about local business, natural resources, and the like. The human body will be more durable, healthy, energetic, easier to repair, and resistant to many kinds of stress, biological threats, and aging process, and technologies will compensated for many physical and mental disabilities and will eradicate altogether some handicaps that have plagues the lives of millions of people. (qtd. in Garreau 112-113) This statement  unveiled a world where technology advancements will mature in a way that Americans are capable of being healthier and happier individuals. The effects of genetic engineering impacts the future by manipulating genes to help Americans live longer. Enzo Russo and David Cove, authors of Genetic Engineering: Dreams and Nightmares, tell a brief story about a little girl that was suffering from a disease called Severe Combined Immune Deficiency. â€Å"She was the first known human being to be treated using gene therapy†¦After two years of therapy, this young girl was able to attend school normally, to swim, dance, ice skate with her family and friends† (117-118). With this example it substantially shows the achievements of Gene Therapy and how Americans greatly benefit from them. Children will have the privilege to go out and play or do whatever else their little imagination wants to do so they can be just like every other child. If doctors had a way to catch or see a disease before it overtakes someone’s body then they would be able to do something about it. Jacobs, consultant genetic counsellor Guy’s and St. Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, believes â€Å"Early identification of individuals with, or at risk of, hereditary disease can make a difference to patients and families in terms of accessing genetic services, early detection and risk-reducing measures. Several clinical guidelines recomm end undertaking family history assessment in clinical setting† (Jacobs, Chris, Christine 38). Jacobs also states that â€Å"Recognizing when off spring may be at risk of genetic condition such as cystic fibrosis, Duschenne muscular dystrophy or Huntington’s disease, can help couples to make choices about prenatal testing and pre-implantation genetic diagnosis. These procedures increase the possibility of a healthy baby and reduce the risk of passing the mutation to future generations† (Jacobs, Chris, Christine 38). With this possibility, think of how it will make a new era to mankind. Parents no longer have to worry about unborn babies and whether they will have the same disease as their ancestors. Another person that was influenced by Gene Therapy is Gregory Stock. Stock, director on Medicine, Technology, and society at the school of medicine of California, proclaims â€Å"In the future Americans will benefit from using ‘Artificial Chromosomes’. Future generations will be able to switch out one or two chromosomes that may be transferring diseases with a stronger chromosome† (qtd. in Garreau 116-117). There are many believers of the â€Å"Heaven Scenario† although all the outcomes  might not be the same. Ray Kurzweil, who was granted the national medal of technology, was the inventor of the â€Å"Heaven Scenario.† He stated â€Å"is there is no problem or challenge that there [is not] an idea to overcome that problem† (qtd. in Garreau 115). This statement argues that no matter how difficult something might proclaim to be, there will always be a new improved way to get thru. In terms of medicine, there will always be new inventions of t echnology and drugs that will make a better advancement then the former. No matter what the statistics say technology will always have an astonishing outcome. If Americans’ had the opportunity to formulate themselves at a higher level of humanity then why not go for it? (Garreau 115) Most Americans’ dream that one day the world will be a heavenly place for all humanity. With the advancements of new medical technology doubling and continuing to climb up this progressive ladder, Americans’ soon will be bigger, stronger, and healthier individuals. The inventions of new drugs, either injected or manipulated into genes, will influence making the outcome of the â€Å"Heaven Scenario† true. If more organizations like previously stated DARPA and CAP continue to find new ways of implementing and then attacking infections and disease: Americans’ will live much longer non-stressful lives. Imagine the outcome of waking up clear headed and pain free with no worries in sight. Future generations will have the knowledge and ability to know when a bad enzyme links on and attacks cells; furthermore, being able to stop the infection before it explodes and travels thru DNA. It will be a new era to mankind. Americans’ will be able to determine and c hoose how their children turn out. Children will be healthier and live longer lambent lives. Like my opening quote â€Å"the best way to predict the future is to invent it yourself.† Negative controversies about technology being the end of mankind should not influence Americans’ into not believing in the â€Å"Heaven Scenario,† thus sit back and watch the never ending achievements and outcomes of Gene therapy transmute the world into a better brighter norm. Works Cited Andree, C., et al. â€Å"Gene Technology and Tissue Engineering.† Minimally Therapy & Allied Technologies 11.3 (2002): 93-99. Academic Search Premier. Web. 18 March 2014. DeSalle and Michael Yudell. Welcome To The Genome: A User’s Guide to Genetic Past, Present, and Future. Canada: John Wiley & Sons. Inc., 2005. Print. Garreau, Joel. Radical Evolution: The Promise and Peril of Enhancing Our Minds, Our Bodies- and What It Means to Be Human. New York: Random House, 2005. Print. Jacobs, Chris, and Christine Patch. â€Å"Identifying Individuals Who Might Benefit From Genetic Services And Information.† Nursing Standard. 28.9 (2013): 37-42. Academic Search Premier. Web. 18 March 2014. Russo and David Cove. Genetic Engineering: Dreams and Nightmares. Oxford New York Tokyo: Oxford University Press, 1998. Print.