Our Moral Duty in Iraq

As a person who is very much against this war and eagerly awaiting the withdrawal of our troops in Iraq, this article really got me thinking. Many of the points that Powers argues are definitely ones to think strongly about and he brings up logical points, however, some of the things he states make me feel as if he refuses to look at it from both ends. I feel as if he is leaving out why exactly we entered this war in the first place. Things like capturing Osama Bin Laden or finding weapons of mass destruction, if any even exist. These are 2 things we have not accomplished since being in Iraq. Although he argues that this war is helping many people in Iraq, many other innocent Iraqis are dying every single day as well as US troops. Not to mention the money we spend on this war during a time in which the economy is down right scary. I feel that although he provides strong points to why we should stay in Iraq, there are also many points as to why we should not stay in Iraq.

Army's War Game Recruits Kids

After reading this article, I am torn. I feel that although the Army is using a remarkable marketing tactic to capture the attention of the demographic they appeal to, it is not all exactly fair. I feel as though it is somewhat tricking these kids into thinking that war is fun and thrilling. War kills people. When you die in the game, you can restart and try again. You do not get that chance in real life. Also, I would have to agree with psychologist Susan Linn when she states that there should be different standards when marketing to children. She states that the judgment part of your brain does not fully develop until your 20's. Kids are not understanding the magnitude and seriousness, they think it is just a game. I want kids to join the Army and serve our country with pride, just not because they see what it may be like in a video game.

The Butterfly Effect

I, for one, am a huge fan of the idea that is the Butterfly Effect. The article states that butterfly effect, in plain terms, are tiny changes within a complex system that lead to results that are impossible to predict. They use the example of a butterfly's wings creating tiny changes in the atmosphere that lead to violent weather conditions elsewhere on the planet. I find the Butterfly Effect fascinating. The fact that something so tiny in one part of the world, could eventually lead to huge events elsewhere is insane to me. I have heard of the Butterfly Effect before, mostly because of the movie starring Ashton Kutcher and Amy Smart some years back, but have never really applied it to science or what is going on in the world today such as the atmosphere and weather. The whole idea is absolutely fascinating to me!

DNA Test Gives Students Ethnic Shocks

I really liked this article because I can relate to it. I grew up believing I was 100% Puerto Rican. But, my grandfather immigrated from Spain, which means that there is some part of me that isn't Puerto Rican. These type of things have always confused me. Even when I was little, I always believed that I was 100% Puerto Rican. Then, as I got older my mom would tell me stories of how her father came to New York City from Spain before she was born. I have also learned of other different types of blood that runs through my family and our history. I've been told I have the blood of some native indians and other cultures. If I was given the chance to take this test like these students were, I would definitely not turn the option down. I believe it can help a lot of students, and even other people learn about the history of their families & where their families came from.

Eugenics in 21st Century

I believe this article touched on a lot of sensitive subjects having to deal with eugenics. I think I liked this article and was so interested because this is an on going issue in our country and is becoming more and more important everyday in our country.  I myself am not sure how I feel on the subject of cloning and stem cell research. When it mentions the part about parents nervous about their kids inheriting "undesirable traits" I get nervous and scared, because for me, I don't know if I would be able to handle such a serious thing in my life. But at the same time, I also believe the way you raise your own kids is how they'll know you. No matter what type of traits your kids inherit whether they're yours or not, your kids will always know you as you and noone else.

Response to "Facebook: Why I Hate It.."

After reading Facebook: Why I Hate It, I actually find it quite comical and sad how much I can relate to the article. Everything that Sarah wrote in this article is true for so many young Americans today. Facebook has definitely become somewhat of an addiction within the last few years. In the article when Sarah says the first thing she does in the morning is check her Facebook, I immediately related. I sometimes find myself sitting at my desk for hours on end trying to motivate myself to do some homework or studying, but instead I somehow make my way towards Facebook. I check my friend's statuses and their photos on a daily basis. As much as Facebook distracts me from my work at times, I have to admit there is a huge part of me that really appreciates Facebook. It helps me to stay connected with my family who mostly live in New York City. It also helps me to stay connected with friends from high school who decided to go to school somewhere far away in the country or just friends I don't get to talk to very often. It does distract me a lot during my time at school, ironically, it is distracting me as I type this. But, as much as I complain about all the distractions and other things about Facebook that drive me crazy, I do have to admit I enjoy Facebook very much and how it keeps me connected with almost everyone I know.