Reflection Essay

The learning outcomes for this class were very well designed. They were created so that one could achieve them all by simply following the assignment directions. I have achieved every single one of the outcomes, and I have done so by carefully writing each and every essay/post for this class.

Identify implicitly and/or explicitly one's intentions as a writer.

In the writing Wikipedia style post, I discovered how simple it is to explicitly present information. The text is factual and plain, and it simply presents the information to the reader. There is not much that one can do to alter the style or voice, since the facts and content is already set. The only way to improve this expository piece is to organize and think about which information to keep and which to omit. 

While writing the assignment about integrating voice into expository genre, I learned how effective implicit content is. Adding my own personal touch and voice to factual information has become by far my style of writing. In my case, I wrote about my memories in Mexico and how they relate to the all-inclusive resorts available there. I used my own experience to educate the reader about the all-inclusive experience through implicit writing.

Define implicitly and/or explicitly the audience for a particular piece of writing. 

Defining audience is quite difficult to do effectively in the contents of a paper. Right off the introduction, the reader should know who the writing is directed at, and why. The best example of doing this successfully in this class would be the "Rewriting the news" assignment. I chose to rewrite a science article, and I am positive that any reader will realize from the introduction that the article is about science. I have implicitly presented the topic to my audience (the science interested crowd) by starting off talking about new technology. 

Apply appropriate style, tone and format to the writer's purpose and audience.

The one assignment which really required appropriate voice was the process analysis essay. I had to craft the voice in my essay to be informative and professional, while still being interesting and connecting with the reader. Writing about moving to a new home, I used a more personal voice. I made my paper sound like steps of guidance that perhaps a friend would be giving. I really wanted to connect with my audience so that they feel sure in what they are reading. The whole point of a process analysis essay is for it to be effective in teaching, and I feel like my tone and format really aided that cause. 

Use rhetorical formats conventional to expository writing.

When I wrote my essay on what heroism means, I used a classic rhetorical format. I included examples of heroism and then expanded upon those ideas in my paragraphs. This was the most conventional method to use for this essay as it is easy to maintain and keep clean of any bias. I was simply identifying some forms of heroism and giving examples to prove them. This kind of expository writing, where one must provide a long definition of something generally seen as simple, is made easier when writing in my format. Structure and organizations are vital for this form to work and become truly persuasive and informative. 

Demonstrate objectivity towards one's own writing.

I demonstrated objectivity towards my writings throughout the entire quarter. Because the class was structured in a way which forces students to go back and revise their writing, I was able to look upon all of my work objectively. Using the aid of my classmates and teacher, I was able to successfully revise all of my writing for the better. Taking advice from others is important, but it's even more important to think about that advice. What will it improve, how will it improve it, and why does it need improvement? These questions branch out from our revising workshops, and allow me to objectively look towards my writing.

Demonstrate practical uses/applications for expository writing beyond the college classroom.

For me, the most practical use of the expository genre was seen in the process analysis essay, and the classification essay. These assignments are very realistic and plausible in future work environments. Everything in life is a process and the process analysis essay is the perfect way to document it. As for the classification essay, many professions require differentiating between various subjects. The format of the paper is very practical when attempting to do this. I feel like I will be using these formats in my near future, since I am interested in the field of science and mathematics, where there are countless things to process and classify. 

Conclusion

It has been a great quarter and I have learned a lot. From writing two pages about one word, to explaining how to move out of your home, this class has remained true to its title. The expository genre is truly different than anything I have written in before, and I feel lucky to have experienced it.

Different Kinds of Bears (Revision)

Bears are some of the most famous mammals on our planet. These creatures have been depicted in movies, commercials, fairy tales, and every other form of media available. Often seen as symbolizing strength and courage, the bear is treated with respect and fear, and is seen as a majestic creature. With over 50 species of bears on our planet, it is hard to talk about bears in general. The polar bear, the grizzly bear, and the giant panda bear are three very distinctive species of bears which are known by the entire world.


Polar Bears
The polar bear (or in Latin, Ursus maritimus, meaning sea bear) evolved 200,000 years ago from its brown bear ancestors. These white giants are superbly adapted for surviving the temperatures in the Far North. Polar bears generally range throughout the Arctic in areas where they can hunt seals and other fish at openings in sea ice called "leads". There are five nations which meet the requirements of a polar bear habitat, and those are namely Russia, the USA (Alaska), Canada, Greenland, and Norway. 


The Polar bear is the world's largest on-land predator, weighing anywhere from 750lbs. to 1,200lbs. Females weigh significantly less, however they tend to even out with males during maternity. These predators control the Arctic food chain and prey mainly on ringed seals. Mothers usually bear two cubs, but it is not unusual to see single cubs or triplets depending on the condition of the mother. Cubs generally stay with their mothers for two to two and a half years after being born.


Global warming has hugely effected these majestic creatures. Not only is their literal land being reduced, but there is also a huge increase in poisonous methane and CO2 gasses in their air. The population condition of these creatures is rapidly declining, and if nothing is done we could lose them completely by 2080. 

Grizzly Bears
Grizzly bears are found in a variety of habitats, from dense forests, to sub-alpine meadows and arctic tundra. Often seen as the "main type" of bear, this creature has been labeled as dangerous and frightening. Human encroachment has forced the remaining brown bear populations to move to rugged mountains and remote forests that are undisturbed by humans.


Grizzly bears are omnivorous and will eat both vegetation and animals. Anything from grass and berries, to birds and fish is fair game. In some areas, these predators will even eat larger mammals such as moose, caribou, and elk. A grizzly bear's diet varies greatly depending on what foods are available during each particular season. A grizzly bear's life is quite a bit different than their bulkier white cousins. Grizzlies live solitary lives except during breeding, cub rearing, and in areas with abundant food supplies such as salmon streams. Also, these bears hibernate during the winter for five to eight months, enclosed in dens which they dig in slopes to ensure good snow cover.

The current threat to these historic predators is quite high. The once common grizzly bear population in America has been reduced to only two percent of its historic density. Climate change is destroying the higher elevation sources of food, which is forcing the bears to search for food in lower elevation inhabited by humans. Humans poach the bears for their fur, and thus become the main threat to the livelihood of these creatures.

Panda Bears
Giant pandas live in a few mountain ranges in central China, Sichuan, Shaanxi, and Gansu provinces. They once lived in lowland areas, but farming, forest clearing, and other developments forced them to the mountains. These beautiful bears live in broadleaf and coniferous forests with a dense bamboo understory, generally found in high elevations. The climate is dominated by torrential rains and dense mists, often shrouded in heavy clouds.

What is really unique about this famous type of bear is its coat. The black and white pattern is seemingly designed for camouflage purposes. The fur coat is also thicker than average, allowing the bear to stay warm during the rains of the broadleaf forests. Panda bears have exceptionally strong molar teeth and jaw muscles, created to crush tough bamboo - their exclusive source of food. Not nearly as large as the previous two bears, the panda bear usually does not exceed 250lbs. However, its lighter weight does not exclude it from being dangerous to humans.

Panda populations are rapidly declining, and there are only 1,600 left in the entire world! The main reasons for their endangerment is their low reproductive rate, shortages in bamboo for both food and habitat, and human poaching. While scientists are attempting to breed pandas in zoos, it will hardly be enough to stop the destruction of their living environments, and the poachers who take their furs for money.

In Foresight
Bears are fascinating creatures, and while remaining distant and dangerous they offer a sense of joy and tranquility to our natural environment. With their populations declining so fast, the next few generations might see the last few remaining bears in the world. However, the three famous types of bears discussed above will be remembered forever as distinct and beautiful creatures.

Different Kinds of Bears

Bears are some of the most famous mammals on our planet. These creatures have been depicted in movies, commercials, fairy tales, and every other form of media available. Often seen as symbolizing strength and courage, the bear is treated with respect and fear, and is seen as a majestic creature. However, there are too many different species of bear for one to be able to talk about bears in general. The three most distinctive and well known types of bears are without doubt the polar bear, the grizzly bear, and the giant panda bear. 


Polar Bears
The polar bear (or in Latin, Ursus maritimus, meaning sea bear) evolved 200,000 years ago from its brown bear ancestors. These white giants are superbly adapted for surviving the temperatures in the Far North. Polar bears generally range throughout the Arctic in areas where they can hunt seals and other fish at openings in sea ice called "leads". There are five nations which meet the requirements of a polar bear habitat, and those are namely Russia, the USA (Alaska), Canada, Greenland, and Norway. 


The Polar bear is the world's largest on-land predator, weighing anywhere from 750lbs. to 1,200lbs. Females weigh significantly less, however they tend to even out with males during maternity. These predators control the Arctic food chain and prey mainly on ringed seals. Mothers usually bear two cubs, but it is not unusual to see single cubs or triplets depending on the condition of the mother. Cubs generally stay with their mothers for two to two and a half years after being born.


Global warming has hugely effected these majestic creatures. Not only is their literal land being reduced, but there is also a huge increase in poisonous methane and CO2 gasses in their air. The population condition of these creatures is rapidly declining, and if nothing is done we could lose them completely by 2080. 

Grizzly Bears
Grizzly bears are found in a variety of habitats, from dense forests, to sub-alpine meadows and arctic tundra. Often seen as the "main type" of bear, this creature has been labeled as dangerous and frightening. Human encroachment has forced the remaining brown bear populations to move to rugged mountains and remote forests that are undisturbed by humans.


Grizzly bears are omnivorous and will eat both vegetation and animals. Anything from grass and berries, to birds and fish is fair game. In some areas, these predators will even eat larger mammals such as moose, caribou, and elk. A grizzly bear's diet varies greatly depending on what foods are available during each particular season. A grizzly bear's life is quite a bit different than their bulkier white cousins. Grizzlies live solitary lives except during breeding, cub rearing, and in areas with abundant food supplies such as salmon streams. Also, these bears hibernate during the winter for five to eight months, enclosed in dens which they dig in slopes to ensure good snow cover.

The current threat to these historic predators is quite high. The once common grizzly bear population in America has been reduced to only two percent of its historic density. Climate change is destroying the higher elevation sources of food, which is forcing the bears to search for food in lower elevation inhabited by humans. Humans poach the bears for their fur, and thus become the main threat to the livelihood of these creatures.

Panda Bears
Giant pandas live in a few mountain ranges in central China, Sichuan, Shaanxi, and Gansu provinces. They once lived in lowland areas, but farming, forest clearing, and other developments forced them to the mountains. These beautiful bears live in broadleaf and coniferous forests with a dense bamboo understory, generally found in high elevations. The climate is dominated by torrential rains and dense mists, often shrouded in heavy clouds.

What is really unique about this famous type of bear is its coat. The black and white pattern is seemingly designed for camouflage purposes. The fur coat is also thicker than average, allowing the bear to stay warm during the rains of the broadleaf forests. Panda bears have exceptionally strong molar teeth and jaw muscles, created to crush tough bamboo - their exclusive source of food. Not nearly as large as the previous two bears, the panda bear usually does not exceed 250lbs. However, its lighter weight does not exclude it from being dangerous to humans.

Panda populations are rapidly declining, and there are only 1,600 left in the entire world! The main reasons for their endangerment is their low reproductive rate, shortages in bamboo for both food and habitat, and human poaching. While scientists are attempting to breed pandas in zoos, it will hardly be enough to stop the destruction of their living environments, and the poachers who take their furs for money.

In Foresight
Bears are fascinating creatures, and while remaining distant and dangerous they offer a sense of joy and tranquility to our natural environment. With their populations declining so fast, the next few generations might see the last few remaining bears in the world. However, the three most known types of bears discussed above will be remembered forever as distinct and beautiful creatures.

Moving to a New Home (Step-By-Step Guide) (Revised)

Moving to a new place is never an easy task. There are just so many factors which alter the difficulty of the move. For instance, how far your new home is, or how big your old home was. Regardless of any physical difficulties though, moving will always have a mental and emotional toll. By reading the following procedures, you can be sure that moving will become an easier task, which is all about organization and planning.

First step: Plan Ahead
A very common mistake many people make is to start moving out too late. If you are moving from an apartment (or any other place where you pay rent), things can get quite difficult if you are not ready by the time your contract runs out. To avoid this, you must plan at least a month ahead. A few things to keep in mind are the amount of belongings you will need to transport, how you will transport them, how many days will the move take, and how many people you will need. Most importantly, you need to establish if the new home has living necessities. This includes running water, electricity, heating, and lighting. If it does not meet your requirements for life, you must focus on achieving them before any other planning. Once the planning is developed (writing it down helps as well) you are ready to start moving!

Organizing a Moving Group
Many people attempt to move their whole household alone. This is possible, but unnecessarily overwhelming. Try to stay away from taking on all tasks by yourself, and ask some friends or family for help. Moving generally involves heavy lifting, and numerous trips back and forth between your old and new homes. These physical tasks need a lot of manpower. If you attempt to do this alone, not only can it be excruciatingly hard, but it can also cause damage to you and your property. Around 6 strong men should be able to accomplish the task with ease. Remember that your friends are doing you a huge favor. Call them ahead of time, be respectful, and most of all - be ready to help them in their time of need.

If you are moving to a far away place, where you do not know absolutely anyone, it would be impossible to get your friends to come in order to help. In that case, it is easiest to hire professional movers. While it is a lot more expensive than asking your friends, it is necessary and much more organized.

Separating Belongings Into Two
As a person who has recently moved, I advise you wholeheartedly to combine the moving process with a cleaning out process. It is literally the same road, so you do not waste any time or much extra effort. The easiest way to do this is to physically create two piles in the room you are preparing (which will most likely be your own, assuming you are living with a family). As you are going through your belongings, think about the last time you used or thought about the object, and any possible future scenarios where you might need it. If you find yourself thinking "I don't even remember owning this", toss it in the "unneeded pile" for later recycling/donation. After you have finished preparing the room, you will have two organized piles. The point of this is to make the moving of physical objects easier, reduce the number of trips it will take, and of course to avoid hoarding your new house with useless junk.

Transporting Your Belongings
By far the easiest way to accomplish this task is to rent a moving truck. U-Haul is the best example of a truck rental company in America. If you rent the truck and return it the same day, it should not cost you above $75. Compare this price with the cost of making countless trips with your car, and you will see that it is the right choice. With your moving group, carry everything out of the old house, and into the truck. A good idea is to have one person in the truck arranging the objects, in order to achieve maximum truck capacity. After everything has been loaded, drive the truck to your new home. Upon arrival, prepare two work teams. One will unload from the truck and carry to the house, while the other waits at the door and brings objects inside (to their corresponding rooms). The purpose of doing this is to avoid bringing dirt from outside everywhere in your new home. If there is a garage, try to store most of the smaller furniture there for the time being, as it is something that can be done after moving in.

The Final Steps
After you return the truck and say goodbye to your moving group, arrange the items necessary for living (most importantly, a bed). Remember that decorations and small repairs can come later - the rush is over. After having a few weeks to settle in, invite the people who helped you move for food and drinks.

As you can see, moving is a tedious task which involves stress and physical toil. However, by following the above steps you can eliminate many of the hardships of moving, and make the process much more efficient. As one mover to another, enjoy your new home!

Moving to a New Home. (A Step-By-Step Guide)

Moving to a new place is never an easy task. There are just so many factors which alter the difficulty of the move. For instance, how far your new home is, or how big your old home was. Regardless of any physical difficulties thought, moving will always have a mental and emotional toll. By reading the following procedures, you can be sure that moving will become an easier task, which is all about organization and planning.

First step: Plan Ahead
A very common mistake many people make is to start moving out too late. If you are moving from an apartment (or any other place where you pay rent), things can get quite difficult if you are not ready by the time your contract runs out. To avoid this, you must plan at least a month ahead. A few things to keep in mind are the amount of belongings you will need to transport, how you will transport them, how many days will the move take, and how many people you will need. Most importantly, you need to establish if the new home has living necessities. This includes running water, electricity, heating, and lighting. Once the planning is developed (writing it down helps as well) you are ready to start moving!

Organizing a Move Group
Many people attempt to move their whole household alone. This is possible, but unnecessarily overwhelming. Try to stay away from taking on all tasks by yourself, and ask some friends or family for help. Moving generally involves heavy lifting, and numerous trips back and forth between your old and new homes. These physical tasks need a lot of manpower. If you attempt to do this alone, not only can it be excruciatingly hard, but it can also cause damage to you and your property. Around 6 strong men should be able to accomplish the task with ease. Remember that your friends are doing you a huge favor. Call them ahead of time, be respectful, and most of all - be ready to help them in their time of need.

Separating Belongings Into Two
As a person who has recently moved, I advise you wholeheartedly to combine the moving process with a cleaning out process. It is literally the same road, so you do not waste any time or much extra effort. The easiest way to do this is to physically create two piles in the room you are preparing (which will most likely be your own, assuming you are living with a family). As you are going through your belongings, think about the last time you used or thought about the object, and any possible future scenarios where you might need it. If you find yourself thinking "I don't even remember owning this", toss it in the trash pile. After you have finished preparing the room, you will have two organized piles. The point of this is to make the moving of physical objects easier, reduce the number of trips it will take, and of course to avoid hoarding your new house with useless junk.

Transporting Your Belongings
By far the easiest way to accomplish this task is to rent a moving truck. U-Haul is the best example of a movers company in America. If you rent the truck and return it the same day, it should not cost you above $75. Compare this price with the cost of making countless trips with your car, and you will see that it is the right choice. With your moving group, carry everything out of the old house, and into the truck. A good idea is to have one person in the truck arranging the objects, in order to achieve maximum truck capacity. After everything has been loaded, drive the truck to your new home. Upon arrival, prepare two work teams. One will unload from the truck and carry to the house, while the other waits at the door and brings objects inside (to their corresponding rooms). The purpose of doing this is to avoid bringing dirt from outside everywhere in your new home. If there is a garage, try to store most of the smaller furniture there for the time being, as it is something that can be done after moving in.

The Final Steps
After you return the truck and say goodbye to your moving group, arrange the items necessary for living (most importantly, a bed). Remember that decorations and small repairs can come later - the rush is over. After having a few weeks to settle in, invite the people who helped you move for food and drinks.

As you can see, moving is a tedious task which involves stress and physical toil. However, by following the above steps you can eliminate many of the hardships of moving, and make the process much more efficient. As one mover to another, enjoy your new home!

What is Heroism?

“Heroism is not only in the man, but also in the occasion.” – Calvin Coolidge. What is heroism exactly? Is it a feeling, or a condition? If one were to look up the official definition, they would find that heroism is simply heroic conduct especially as exhibited in fulfilling a high purpose or attaining a noble end. However, there are so many ways that heroism can be executed, and even more reasons why heroism is awakened in people. To me, heroism is a feeling which can be provoked by the urge to protect, and the urge to prove one’s self to others.

            Many contemporary authors base their books around one specific hero (especially fiction books). The hero usually has a goal, which is to defeat somebody else, or to live through some hardships. Every single one of these stories contains a moment, where the hero actually becomes heroic, and saves the situation. The urge to protect a loved one, or a place that is cherished, can easily awaken one’s inner hero. Heroism is simply the act of putting that inner hero to action. In real everyday life, there are heroes who are just like us. They eat and sleep, and have fun. However, their jobs endanger them in order to protect many others. Namely firemen and policemen, these people show true heroism (even though it sounds and seems much less downplayed than for example, medieval heroism), and protect the lives of everybody else. Just like most other feelings (since heroism is a feeling awakened by certain situations), heroism can arise in anybody willing to protect. It doesn’t necessarily have to be jumping in the way of a bullet for somebody. However, it also cannot be something small, like swatting a mosquito which is about to make its way onto your friend’s body. Heroism has a certain border, where an everyday act of human kindness crosses into a heroic act which one can even boast about. This leads to the next major situation which can inspire heroism.

            Picture yourself in the middle of a knight’s duel. The public is cheering for you, despite the extreme size of the enemy. You had heard a rumor that he has defeated over 100 men. However, you entered the competition in order to win the hearts of the princess, the king, and all of his people. The moment you realize that you need to prove yourself to such a prestigious audience, you concentrate harder, and a sudden sense of heroism allows you to defeat your enemy. This example shows how another famous situation can awaken heroism in one’s mind. The pure presence of heroism can allow a person to do amazing things. This cause, of course, is a lot less noble than the previous, since it is for one’s own gain. Still though, it is a perfect example of heroism. Just like in the scenario of one person protecting others, this scene has its limits. One cannot be called a hero for winning a game of cards, or a hot dog eating contest. The atmosphere must be grand, and the result – unmatchable. A good contemporary example is a sport championship, where a victory can mean fame, money, and/or better. A player can shine, knowing inside that this one specific match must be won. A modern day “hero”, who aspires to win for their (and their team’s) success, often does so in a heated moment where the line between average and heroic is crossed.

            Heroism is a grand idea. It can be interpreted in many different ways, the same way that love and art can be interpreted. To protect somebody, or to prove one’s self to others are prime examples of moments when heroism occurs. Heroism is felt everywhere during that time: in the person harnessing its power, in the situation which draws it out, and in the atmosphere at the location. Part of feeling contemporary heroism is knowing about heroes during the times of knights and in fantasy tales. Relating to other heroes can often bring out the hero in each and every one of us. Heroism is a feeling achievable to anyone willing to succeed in an important situation.

Why All-inclusive Resorts Are the True Way to Vacation (Revision)

For the last four vacations of my life, I have gone to a place where I have had to go out with family and purchase groceries in order to have dinner. Or rather a choice between that and to go out to an overpriced restaurant which leaves you starving after a 100$ meal. This year I decided to take a different route and take the “All-inclusive” approach.

What really sets all-inclusive resorts apart from other five star hotels (besides the obvious price boost) is the level of comfort and relaxation at the guests’ disposal. With overall rising prices around the world, people tend to take less and less vacations unless absolutely necessary. The last thing someone would want is to escape work and go to a place where you have to work even harder than back home.

When last year I went to Hawaii, there were no all-inclusive resorts available. My family and I stayed at a nice little resort on Maui, and the place had everything. From a large swimming pool, to a gorgeous view. However, when it came time to sit down for dinner, my parents ended up having to cook, as well as drive to the nearby supermarket to purchase groceries. I definitely do not consider that a vacation!

In 2009, it was reported that every single hotel on the hotel strip at Cancun, Mexico, offered an all-inclusive service. This, along with other factors, is a clear reason why Mexico is one of the biggest tourist hotspots in the entire world. Nobody wants to go on vacation on some exotic beach and spend half the day cooking. The American islands of Hawaii clearly rely more on natural beauty than guest services in order to attract tourism.

A few years ago, I took a weeklong vacation with my family and a group of friends in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. I received every second of relaxation and enjoyment that I (my parents) had paid for. While the all-inclusive service does cost considerably more than the traditional lodging price, it is completely worth it. Considering that an average person will pay more to go out every night and eat, than is included in the all-inclusive price.

Money is also not the only important factor here. The whole concept of a vacation is for a person to go somewhere else and relax, without having to worry about little things such as where to eat, and how much money to carry around. All-inclusive resorts take care of all this trouble by providing food and every service imaginable to the guest.

From my Cabo experience, I can vouch for all-inclusive being the best way to vacation. Sitting at one of the six hotel restaurants and ordering whatever I feel like without having to worry about the cost. Spending a few hours by the pool where friendly waitresses bring you any drink which comes to your head – free of charge of course. There is no way that this experience can compare to the one I had in Hawaii, where cooking and shopping were a necessity.

With the decreasing economy around Latin countries, it is very important for Mexico to maintain its constant flow of tourists. A little less than 10% of the country’s GDP comes from tourism! Also, about 10% of the country’s employment is in the hotel and resort business.

Aside from the economy problems, a huge issue in Mexico is the current drug wars. When Americans, and frankly anyone, hear about drug shootings and tourists being held hostage, they don’t want to visit the place. And that is just common logic. Why go to a place with such high potential dangers. A study shows that despite heavy discounts, most resorts report only up to 80% occupancy. A sad, but very real truth.

I, for one, will not stop visiting Mexico for my vacations, partly because of what I saw last time. The entire resort was guarded by a large number of armed guards. Security was at a maximum. After visiting such a great place, where you can eat and drink all you want for a week straight, there is no way I can go back to a hotel experience where the cost is the same, but the labor is high.

Why All-inclusive Resorts Are the True Way to Vacation

For the last four vacations of my life, I have gone to a place where I have had to go out with family and purchase groceries in order to have dinner. Or rather a choice between that and to go out to an overpriced restaurant which leaves you starving after a 100$ meal. This year I decided to take a different route and take the “All-inclusive” approach.

What really sets all-inclusive resorts apart from other five star hotels (besides the obvious price boost) is the level of comfort and relaxation at the guests’ disposal. With overall rising prices around the world, people tend to take less and less vacations unless absolutely necessary. The last thing someone would want is to escape work and go to a place where you have to work even harder than back home.

When last year I went to Hawaii, there were no all-inclusive resorts available. My family and I stayed at a nice little resort on Maui, and the place had everything. From a large swimming pool, to a gorgeous view. However, when it came time to sit down for dinner, my parents ended up having to cook, as well as drive to the nearby supermarket to purchase groceries. I definitely do not consider that a vacation!

In 2009, it was reported that every single hotel on the hotel strip at Cancun, Mexico, offered an all-inclusive service. This, along with other factors, is a clear reason why Mexico is one of the biggest tourist hotspots in the entire world. Nobody wants to go on vacation on some exotic beach and spend half the day cooking. The American islands of Hawaii clearly rely more on natural beauty than guest services in order to attract tourism.

A few years ago, I took a weeklong vacation with my family and a group of friends in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. I received every second of relaxation and enjoyment that I (my parents) had paid for. While the all-inclusive service does cost considerably more than the traditional lodging price, it is completely worth it. Considering that an average person will pay more to go out every night and eat, than is included in the all-inclusive price.

Money is also not the only important factor here. The whole concept of a vacation is for a person to go somewhere else and relax, without having to worry about little things such as where to eat, and how much money to carry around. All-inclusive resorts take care of all this trouble by providing food and every service imaginable to the guest.

From my Cabo experience, I can vouch for all-inclusive being the best way to vacation. Sitting at one of the six hotel restaurants and ordering whatever I feel like without having to worry about the cost. Spending a few hours by the pool where friendly waitresses bring you any drink which comes to your head – free of charge of course. There is no way that this experience can compare to the one I had in Hawaii, where cooking and shopping were a necessity.

With the decreasing economy around Latin countries, it is very important for Mexico to maintain its constant flow of tourists. A little less than 10% of the country’s GDP comes from tourism! Also, about 10% of the country’s employment is in the hotel and resort business.

Aside from the economy problems, a huge issue in Mexico is the current drug wars. When Americans, and frankly anyone, hear about drug shootings and tourists being held hostage, they don’t want to visit the place. And that is just common logic. Why go to a place with such high potential dangers. A study shows that despite heavy discounts, most resorts report only up to 80% occupancy. A sad, but very real truth.

I, for one, will not stop visiting Mexico for my vacations, partly because of what I saw last time. The entire resort was guarded by a large number of armed guards. Security was at a maximum. After visiting such a great place, where you can eat and drink all you want for a week straight, there is no way I can go back to a hotel experience where the cost is the same, but the labor is high.

Government Aims to Build a ‘Data Eye in the Sky’

Social scientists are currently attempting to create a technological wonder which has never before been seen. They are trying to collect massive data from the Internet and the digital trails left by cell phones, in order to mathematically and psychologically predict the future. 


The more optimistic scientists believe that all the data will for the first time reveal a pattern in human nature, which will turn the population into a predictable movement - similar to chemical or physical changes in science. Thomas Malone, the director of the Center for Collective Intelligence at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, states that “we have vastly more detailed and richer kinds of data available as well as predictive algorithms to use, and that makes possible a kind of prediction that would have never been possible before.”


The government is fully in support of the whole operation. This summer, a small intelligence agency began scanning the Internet in over 21 Latin countries looking for "big data". These first steps of the three year project are being funded by the Intelligence Advanced Research Projects Activity (IARPA), which is part of the office of the director of national intelligence. This automated data engine will focus on collecting its information from public data sources such as Web search queries, blog entries, Internet traffic flow, financial market indicators, traffic web cams, and changes in Wikipedia articles.


So far there have only been small attempts at digging through social media. For example, HP researchers used Twitter in order to predict box office revenues for Hollywood movies. The results were accurate. Later that year, the National Science Foundation approved funds for this kind of research in order to predict earthquake damage in real time. “Big data allows one to move beyond inference and statistical significance and move toward meaningful and accurate analyses,” said Norman Nie, a political scientist who was a pioneering developer of statistical tools for social scientists.


There are however some scientists who are skeptical towards the whole idea. Remembering the Pentagon’s ill-fated Project Camelot in the 1960’s, which was cancelled due to widespread criticism by scholars. Project Camelot involved collecting information in Chile, looking for any violent changes. However, the unethical collection of data led to an uproar among the social scientists, which claimed that the process went against their beliefs.


Recently there have been fewer and fewer scientists opposing the idea. The ones who are accepting the project claim that the new technologies will have a positive effect. “The result will be much better understanding of what is going on in the world, and how well local governments are handling the situation,” said Sandy Pentland, a computer scientist at the M.I.T. Media Laboratory. “I find this all very hopeful rather than scary, because this is perhaps the first real opportunity for all of humanity to have transparency in government.”


Advocates of privacy rights argue that public data and the related methods developed in IARPA’s new project will ultimately turn into clandestine “total information” operations. "These techniques are double-edged," said Marc Rotenberg, president of the Electronic Privacy Information Center, a privacy rights group based in Washington. "They can be used as easily against political opponents in the United States as they can against threats from foreign countries." 


Aside from the various skeptical social scientists, there are also the computer specialists. Many of them are in doubt that the Web search engines will be able to provide the needed data to support the whole operation. They argue that while searches collect information from everywhere, they do not improve the information. In a study where scientists tried to predict the flu, what was found on the web was nothing more than what was already present in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.


Ultimately, scientists would like to discern behavioral laws that match the laws of physical science. But to many, this idea seems far away from our technological grasp.

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/10/11/science/11predict.html?pagewanted=2&_r=1&ref=science

About Coca-Cola's History, Production, and Social Influence

Coca-Cola is a carbonated soft drink sold in stores, at restaurants, and in various vending machines in more than 200 countries worldwide. The drink, which is produced by The Coca-Cola Company of Atlanta, Georgia, was initially patented as a medicine when it was created in the late 19th Century by John Pemberton. Coca-Cola (or Coke) was bought out by a salesman named Asa Candler, who transformed it into the dominant soft drink of the 20th Century market.

The company produces concentrate, which is then shipped to all the licensed bottlers around the world. These bottlers mix the concentrate with filtered water and sweeteners, after which they package and ship out the finished product in bottles and cans. Aside from selling to retailers and restaurants, the bottling companies also sell to soda fountains.

The Coca-Cola company has expanded the brand by bringing in new flavors and drinks. Such products are Diet Coke, Cherry Coke, Vanilla Coke, and Coke Zero.

History
Coca-Cola was discovered on May, 1886, by Doctor John Pemberton – a pharmacist from Atlanta, Georgia. The formula was mixed in his three legged brass kettle, placed in his backyard. The doctor decided upon the name Coca-Cola with the help of his bookkeeper Frank Robinson. Robinson also used his excellent penmanship to script the Coca-Cola logo which is still used today.

By the 1960’s, nearly everyone in the United States had enjoyed Coca-Cola, whether at a local soda fountain, or at an ice cream shop. As the bottling industry increased, and Coke began shipping out in bottles and cans, the soda fountain at local pharmacies rapidly lost popularity. Instead, fast food restaurants became the fad – where one could eat while drinking their favorite soft drink.

On April 23, 1985, the secret “New Coke” formula was invented. With this formula, the Coca-Cola Company continued to dominate the soft drinks market worldwide. Today, Coca-Cola’s products are consumed at the rate of more than one billion drinks per day.

Health Concerns

Because studies have shown that “soda and sweetened drinks are the main source of calories in the American diet”, nutritionists recommend that Coke and other sodas can be dangerous if consumed excessively. Regular soft drink users tend to have a lower intake of calcium, magnesium, ascorbic acid, riboflavin, and vitamin A. The drink has also caused controversy because of its high caffeine levels, which according to doctors can cause physical dependence.

Since 1980 in the United States, Coca-Cola has been produced with high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) as an ingredient. Initially it was mixed with the more expensive cane-sugar, but after the 1984 formula, the drink was built up entirely of HFCS. Nutritionists caution against the intake of HFCS as it aggravates obesity and type-2 diabetes more than cane sugar.

In 2008, the Ig Nobel Prize (a parody of Nobel Prizes) in Chemistry was given to Sheree Umpierre, Joseph Hill, and Deborah Anderson, for discovering that Coca-Cola is an effective spermicide. The prize was also awarded to C.Y. Hong, C.C. Shieh, P. Wu, and B.N. Chiang for proving that it is not an effective spermicide.

Political Relevance

Coca-Cola is highly identified with the United States, being considered to be an “American Brand” or even representative of America. This identification with the spread of American culture has led to the pun “Coca-Colanization”. There have also been consumer boycotts of Coca-Cola in Arab countries due to Coke’s investment in Israel during the Arab League boycott of Israel. As a result of this, Mecca cola and Pepsi (competitors to Coca-Cola) have been successfully integrated into the Middle East.