Chris's Blog

Truthfully, I think Massive Attack's critically acclaimed 1998 album Mezzanine is one of the best albums I own.  Very dark, very sexy, very relaxing.  Do yourself a favor and buy it.

Well, as promised, here is my review and hopefully somewhat decent commentary on The Fountainhead by Ayn Rand.  Disclaimer:  I haven't finished the book yet but I'm damn close.

First order of business:  "The Fountainhead"?  Really?  I think this book should really be called "The Life and Times of Celebrated Sociopaths".  Peter Keating is a heartless manipulator who uses others to climb the ranks of Francon & Heyer, and you know what?  You oddly still sympathize with the young go-getter for the first part of the book.  It's not until he becomes a mindless drunk that I began to think this guy was a total douche.  But who can blame him?  Look at his wretched mother!  She works hard to get him through Stanton, something that seems to have been advertised too the public a little too much to be considered appropriate.  Then, because she can't bear to tell her son anything besides the fact that he's so great people should be honored to smell his farts, it makes him think he's so awesome he deserves to manipulate others.  His mother soon becomes overly preoccupied with Peter's fame and fortune and becomes nothing more than an annoying hag.  Meanwhile, Peter is romantically linked with Katie, Toohey's niece, from the beginning of the novel.  Katie represents a youthful ambition to be altruistic, which is completely utilized by her Uncle Ellsworth to his advantage.  It's almost vile how much she worships her uncle (more on that later).  She's the most mindless human in the book, but yet she's the one you feel the most sympathy for because you feel her and Peter truly did love each other, only Peter backed out on marrying her and instead opted for Dominique Francon.  However, Katie later admits to feeling anger towards those she helps, and a selfish pride in knowing she helped those considered helpless, something entirely selfish and therefore undermines her entire purpose.  I won't really go into any more detail on the characters (yes I know I left out the big ones).

I found the most amusing thing about this novel was how excellently Rand lampoons the general public.  She truly encapsulates how the public has no mind of their own.  In the novel, people just ate up anything the critics said.  It reminded me immediately of how Pitchfork plugs some "hot new indie band" and immediately their sales shoot up 900%.  The same thing happens in The Fountainhead, just replace Pitchfork with The New York Banner and the hot new indie band with some new architect or building.  Now, I'm going to sidetrack a little and ask a serious question I kept asking myself while reading:  Why the fuck do so many people give a shit about architecture?  Is this something that was period to the 20s and 30s and I just wouldn't understand no matter how hard I try?  I mean, I took an Art History class and I studied my fair share of architecture and I still don't go around quoting architecture critics, reading articles on it, or even really look at architecture too much when I'm out in the world.  Why would a bunch of aristocrats devote so much time to reading articles about architecture?  And another thing, this book truly highlighted the bull shit of art criticism.  Ellsworth Toohey babbles about buildings promoting the proletarian struggle.  It's deja vu from my art history class!  I find it so hard to believe that theres so much thought in architecture that some guy is sitting at his drafting table going, "Oh, and then the windows together represent a collective class of workers struggling against the dominance of the traditional walls.  YES! YES! This is perfect!"  But I digress, maybe I'm just cynical and maybe I just "don't get it."

The New York Banner reminded me of publications such as The National Enquirer, except the Banner seems to have a little more legitimacy.  Such publications never made sense to me, just like other celebrity gossip.  Ever since I  was little I can remember going, "Balls!  I don't care what those people do, I care about what I do!'  Perhaps this is simply something else I'll never get:  why do people content themselves with such garbage?  It's clearly garbage.  Is there something essentially human that we can't help but worship those who made it in the world and are famous and wealthy?  Why do we want to see them get taken down?  Can we not accept the fact that some people are better?

In the end, this book is one of my favorites, if only for one reason, I'd choose the fact that it made me feel the same frustration I feel in life:  the frustration of knowing that the masses are sheep led astray by smart people who should never have a chance to lead sheep.  And I'd say anything that you read that makes you feel the same as you do in the world is successful.  Oh, and according to Ayn Rand we can do anything we want because it is the best thing we can do with our precious life if we live it to our fullest instead of squandering our wealth to equalize with others, which is interesting.

Hey all you anonymous readers out there in the InterWeb.  I'm planning on writing a comprehensive and possibly insightful review of Ayn Rand's classic, The Fountainhead, soon.  So, you know, watch out for it.

100. WHAT’S YOUR MYSPACE SONG & WHY?
I don't have a song; in fact, I only go on MySpace maybe once every other month.

99. DO YOU HAVE A JOB? IF SO WHAT IS IT?
When I'm at school I am all RSP!  At home, I don't have a job right now, PLEASE GET ME ONE!

98. MIDDLE NAME
Peter, after my father.

97.DO YOU HAVE A CRUSH ON SOMEONE?
Yes and no, difficult to say.

96. LIED IN THE LAST 24 HOURS?
Not that I can think of.

95. BEST BREAK UP SONG?
I don't really listen to music to associate with break-ups.

94. WHERE WAS THE LAST PLACE YOU TOOK A PLANE TO?
St. Thomas, eight years ago.  But hopefully I take a plane to Europe next summer!

93. WHAT IS THE LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED?
Bowling for Columbine on Surf The Channel; Iron Man in theaters.

92. WHAT MAKES YOU MAD?
Hmm, there's a lot of things, but I'll rattle off a list of things:
-Having to repeat myself.
-Being interrupted.
-When someone tells me they'll call or meet up with me and don't or don't do it on time.
-People who use the word "ignorant".  Coincidentally, these people almost always use it incorrectly.
-People who are altruistic for reasons that, unknown to them, are selfish and therefore undermine their core values and objectives.
-People who only have opinions based on what others say.
I could really go on and on, but there's many things that make me happy so why don't I list some of those to balance things out, eh?
-Reading a really well-written, intellectually stimulating book.
-Looking out at the stars at night, at trees blowing in the wind, thunderstorms, or nature in general.
-Having a good, long talk with a friend that noticeably brings the two of you closer.
-Going out with friends, getting a little drunk, and at the end of the night when everyone's just sitting around, the party has died, everyone's tired and still a little drunk, and either everyone is silent or everyone's just joking around and everyone just realizes that they just had a memorable, great night with people they really appreciate.
-Classical music and jazz, or good music in general but primarily classical music and jazz; coincidentally, also finding people who actually enjoy classical music and jazz as well.
-Realizing you have an idea of where you want to go in life, and also realizing that you're making remarkable improvements upon your life.

91. WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO BE WHEN YOU GROW UP?
Political Analyst for the government or a think-tank.  I also wouldn't mind being a professor, but perhaps I'd do that later on in my life.  Oh, and of course I would like to be a husband and father.

90. WHAT'S YOUR NAME?
Chris...methinks this should have been the first question, no?

88. DO YOU HAVE A FRIEND OF THE OPPOSITE SEX YOU CAN TALK TO?
Yes, I have a few.

87. DO YOU HAVE ANY SIBLINGS?
Yep, Nicole, who is older.

86. WHERE ARE YOU NOW?
In my room, in my house, in Greenlawn.  All of these locations are followed by "unfortunately."

85. FAVORITE COLOR?
White and then gray.  OK, they're technically not colors, if you're going to be picky about it then I'd have to say blue.

84. WHAT DOES THE 7TH MESSAGE IN YOUR INBOX SAY ON YOUR PHONE?
"No water!!!  If I catch u with a hang over or anything when I call u out of ur pokeball tomorrow I'm gonna smack ya!!  Than no more battles 4 ya!  Howd" - Nisha
Haha, that's too wrought with inside jokes to be understandable probably.

82. WHAT IS SITTING TO THE LEFT OF YOU?
My lamp and CD tower.

81. WHERE IS YOUR DAD RIGHT NOW?
In my parents room, sleeping.

80. DO YOU HAVE ANY KIDS?
No, but someday in the future I'd like to have kids.

79. WHO IS THE 5TH PERSON YOU GOT A MISSED CALL FROM?
LT.

78. CLOSEST BLACK OBJECT?
My phone.

77. CLOSEST SILVER OBJECT?
My laptop.

75. DO YOU SING IN THE SHOWER?
Nope, my showers are remarkably un-theatrical.

74. DO YOU OWN ANY PETS?
Three cats:  Buddy, Jack, and Bailey; or as I call them:  Chubs, Jaybird, and Bail.

72. LAST TIME YOU LISTENED TO COUNTRY MUSIC?
Last night, if Neko Case counts, which I think it should.

69. WHAT ARE YOUR FEARS?
Driving, insects, letting down the people who have put so much faith in me.

68. WHAT CAN YOU HEAR NOW?
The wind blowing outside.

67. HOW MANY DRUGS ARE IN YOUR SYSTEM NOW?
None that I know of.

65. WHAT ARE YOU WEARING?
Jeans, boxers, white t-shirt, and cologne.

64. LAST PERSON TO COMMENT YOU?
I'm gonna assume this means Facebook, in which case it was Anna.

63. DO YOU SING?
Infrequently, and usually when I'm alone.

62. SCREAMO OR COUNTRY?
Country, so long as it's real country and not Wal*Mart country music; otherwise I'd shut the radio off.

61. ROCK OR RAP?
Depends on which rock and rap we're considering, but more likely than not I'll choose rock...it's a tricky choice though.

59. WHO DID YOU LAST CALL?
Tom.

58. WHO LAST CALLED YOU?
LT.

57. WHAT JEWELERY DO YOU WEAR DAILY?
I don't wear jewelry.

56. WHAT ARE YOU DOING NOW?
Filling out this survey, that's it.

55. WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU HUGGED?
Oh man, somebody from Brittany's get-together from Friday, could it have been Lauren?  Hmm, no way to tell.

54. WOULD YOU DIE FOR SOMEONE?
For some, yes.

53. LATEST THING YOU’VE RECENTLY LEARNED?
Ayn Rand's take on socialism, selfishness, and individualism.

52. ARE YOU COLD NOW?
Nope, I'm completely comfortable.

51. WHAT DO YOU SMELL?
Fresh air.

50. IS ANYTHING BOTHERING YOU RIGHT NOW?
Three things:  (1) I don't have a job.  (2) I don't have my driver's license.  (3) I don't have my own apartment.

48. WHAT ARE YOU DOING TOMORROW?
So far, nothing.  I guarantee I will read and play some Call of Duty 4 though.

47. IF YOUR EX WANTED YOU BACK, WOULD YOU TAKE THEM BACK?
Nope.

44. BED SHEET COLOR?
Light blue, dark blue, and tan.

43. DO YOU LOVE SOMEONE NOW?
Nope.

42. CAN YOU SWIM?
Yes, although not extremely well, enough to get by I guess.

37. FAVORITE SMELL?
The smell of fresh air.

36. EVER GONE A WHOLE DAY WITHOUT EATING?
Many times.

35. UNITED STATES OR CANADA?
This is a preposterous question, I refuse to answer it.

33. WHAT WOULD YOU DO IF YOU FOUND OUT YOU WERE PREGNANT?
Sell myself to science for a very high price.

32. JEANS OR SWEATPANTS?
Jeans.

29. DO YOU HAVE SOCKS ON?
Nope, thankfully.

28. DO YOU OWN BIG SUNGLASSES?
Nope.

27. HAVE YOU CRIED SO HARD YOU MADE YOURSELF SICK?
Nope.

23. HAVE YOU RECENTLY TALKED TO YOUR EX?
Yes.

19. FAVORITE TV SHOW?
It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia.

18. DO YOU LIKE 80’S MOVIES?
Depends on the movie I suppose.  Most likely no.

15. WHAT KINDA MUSIC DO YOU LIKE?
If I were to be presumptuous I'd say eclectic.  I'd say impartial is a less offending term to say--I like many genres of music and many bands, I don't limit myself to one area of music.

13. BEST CITY YOU’VE VISTED?
Boston.

12. BEEN TO LONDON?
No, but I'd like to!

10. FAVORITE SUBJECT AT SCHOOL?
So far, definitely Philosophy.  However, Art History made me appreciate art more and certainly gave more breadth to my knowledge of the fine arts so it deserves recognition for that.  Plus, on the last day of recitation my teacher had "Heroin" by The Velvet Underground playing which was absolutely splendid.

9. BEEN TO COLLEGE?
I've finished my first year only a few weeks ago.

7. FAVORITE TIME OF DAY?
Late at night, between 1 and 7 in the morning.

6. EVER LICKED SOMEONES CHEEK?
I'm sure I have, but I can't seem to recall a specific occurrence.

5. SEEN ALL THE SPIDERMAN MOVIES?
Nope, I didn't see the third one because I found the second one to be mediocre.  Never was terribly interested in Spiderman anyway.

4. WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO?
Getting a job, getting my license, getting out of the house, getting out of college, getting my dream job, getting married.  It all involves getting somethings and getting out of places.

3. EVER GOTTEN LOST IN THE DARK?
Not so much lost, per se, but I've been disoriented in my house at night.

2. DO YOU SNORE/TALK/WALK IN YOUR SLEEP?
Infrequently, I think.

1. ARE YOU AFRAID WHEN YOU'RE HOME ALONE?
Nope.

This paper was a research paper written for my WRT (Writing) 102 class, Intermediate Writing Workshop.  It was completed on December 7th, 2007.  This was one of my favorite research papers I had created to date despite its glaring defects.   

Ever since humanity has come to question the world around it, one force, the universe, has dominated all others.  Although for centuries it seemed the cosmos were out of our reach, the twentieth century ushered in a new era of exploration.  Many experts agree that an important step in space exploration begins with the colonization of our planetary neighbor, Mars.  However, there exists a major debate between scientists regarding whether or not it is feasible to attempt such a feat today.  Although sending humans to Mars and creating a colony may appear to be a critical objective in science today, we simply do not yet have the technological or economical ability to perform such a mission; therefore we are better off using the money for other astronomy/physics projects and experiments.

            One major problem for the colonization of Mars is the sheer technological scale of the project.  Creating a colony on Mars would require an unheard-of amount of advanced technology that is currently beyond our ability to create.  NASA already has schematics for the next generation of spacecraft that they say will become an important step towards having a colony on the Moon, and in turn complete one step towards colonizing Mars.  These craft include a twenty-five ton Crew Exploration Vehicle and a hundred ton Heavy Lift Vehicle (Powell).  Before the supposed benefits of such craft are even examined, we must analyze its cost.  As Nature journalist Kendall Powell explains, this “means deferring other programmes, such as future research on the International Space Station and lunar-base development, until the new space vehicles come online” (Par. 5).  Not only does NASA’s recent plan take away from other, more established programs, but Powell also describes the project as “go as you can afford to pay.”  Furthermore, this project completely contradicts former NASA administrator Daniel Goldin who stressed the importance of the International Space Station as an important part of space research and exploration (Goldin 27).  The fact that NASA cannot seem to make up its mind as to what projects are more important and deserve funding should upset the scientific community.  If our species has any hope of reaching Mars, the foremost space program in the world must have a more solid plan, which is something NASA doesn’t seem to have at this point in time.

            Independent researchers have also provided convincing data that supports the idea that Mars colonization is beyond our technological reach.  Robert J. Gustafson, Professor in the Food, Agricultural, and Biological Engineering Department at Ohio State University lays out an interesting plan for a gradual colonization of Mars that could potentially reach a population of ten thousand by 2090.  His meticulous attention to detail includes everything, including how much space would be required for seemingly arbitrary things, such as recreation and entertainment (Gustafson 1254).  However, his projections also show that by the year 2040 there would be have to be 176,779 kilograms of total infrastructure mass (Gustafson Table 4).  Considering the cost of propelling a single kilogram into low-Earth orbit is ludicrous enough at $22,500, the notion that in the next thirty years we can bring such a large amount of equipment safely to Mars seems just beyond the technological capabilities of our civilization.

            Other researchers understand that a colony on Mars is out of our reach.   Dr. Theodore C. Loder III, a member of the Institute for the Study of Earth, Oceans, and Space and professor at the University of New Hampshire explains that “the three major areas of technology that must be developed include transportation needs, energy generation needs, and communication needs” (Loder 1199).  This makes sense since major problems in space travel include how to transport cargo effectively, the need for extra space for fuel, and, especially in areas as remote as Mars, the time gap between radio communications between spacecraft and mission control on Earth.  Loder recognizes that present technology is not sufficient to carry on a Mars colonization project and he brings up the idea of using “outside-the-box” technologies.  If we hope to reach Mars and planets beyond, we must research not only obvious technologies already present but also these outside-the-box technologies that Loder names, such as electrogravitic thrust.  Since we do not currently have the technology deemed necessary for such a project, we must not try to carry out a manned flight to Mars today or in the near future.

            One idea that has gained significant scientific support over the years has been planetary engineering, or turning a planet into a habitat well-suited for humans.  Arthur L. Robinson, a respected writer for Science reported in the journal in 1977 that scientists at NASA hope to engineer Mars to be suitable by growing bacteria that would take in carbon dioxide and produce oxygen through photosynthesis (Robinson).  This idea removes the technological element almost entirely and is a natural solution to the harsh environment on the red planet.  However, this option carries with it a heavy price tag in the form of time:  about 100,000 years (Robinson).  Although this amount of time seems astounding to us humans, it is a mere blink of an eye on the scale of the universe.  Even still, will humans even last that amount of time to enjoy a green, water covered Mars?  According to Dr. Richard Gott III from Princeton University, it is possible.  Using the Copernican Principle that is based on “just one bit of data, how long something has lasted already; and on one assumption, that there is nothing special about the particular moment that you’re observing this phenomenon,”  Gott estimated that the human race will last between 5,100 to 7.8 million more years (Tierney 2).  However, with threats such as asteroid collisions, nuclear war, and deadly viruses, among others, one may find it hard to believe we would last long enough for an engineered Mars to be completed.  Therefore, one must question whether or not we should pour so much of our resources into a project that could possibly outlast our species and never be completed.

            Closely related to the technological problems associated with the colonization of Mars are the economic requirements for such a project.  As previously stated, the cost to propel the smallest masses into just near-Earth orbit is still fairly high.  With such high costs today, how can we hope to send the large amounts of equipment required for a colony to Mars?  With this question, we discover the paradox of space exploration:  we want to colonize space but it is far too expensive, yet developing cheaper technologies requires so much trial and error and wasted money.  Loder states in the beginning of his paper on future space exploration that “human exploration and, ultimately, colonization of low earth orbit, the moon, asteroids, and other planets will never ‘get off the ground’ with the present costs of technology” (Loder 1199).  Therefore, the premise of having an established colony on Mars is not only beyond our technological abilities but also outside of the realistic boundaries of our economy.  The question of whether or not we should spend so much money on a Mars colonization project is a particularly thorny issue among both sides of the argument.

Should we invest such a huge amount of money into a project that may or may not succeed and that may not even do much for the good of our species?  Absolutely not.  The money that would be dumped into such a reckless project could be used for more important needs, such as finding a cure for AIDS and cancer or finding and developing a more reliable, green energy source.  Former NASA administrator Daniel Goldin seemed confident that putting money into the International Space Station would be more economically sound (Goldin 27).  Perhaps for the time being it is more economically and scientifically viable to focus on achieving a broader set of scientific goals rather than chase a single pipedream.

Despite the technological and economic problems that would plague a mission to colonize Mars, many experts still support the idea.  Former NASA administrator Daniel Goldin feels that with a collaborative, international community, space exploration could be feasible and successful (Goldin 28).  Dr. Gott, who used the Copernican Principle to predict the lifespan of the human species states that it is absolutely imperative that we colonize Mars within the next forty-six years or else we risk never getting there, utilizing the same principle to predict the lifespan of the space program (Tierney 2).  Without expanding our reach, Dr. Gott feels we are doomed to die off on Earth, a fate he thinks is common among civilizations throughout the universe. 

Clearly, while both sides of the debate have strong points, colonizing Mars ultimately is outside of our technological and economic capabilities of our time.  While we may not be able to land a man or woman on the red planet in this decade, that certainly doesn’t mean we shouldn’t look towards that goal down the line when we have developed more as a civilization and can perform such a task without worrying about the repercussions of a possible failure.

Works Cited

Goldin, Daniel S. “Human Quest:  The International Space Station and Mars

Exploration.”  Harvard International Review 21. 2 (Spring 1999):  26-8. Opposing Viewpoints Resource Center. Thomson Gale. Stony Brook U. Lib., Stony Brook, NY. 20 Nov. 2007 <http://find.galegroup.com/ovrc/start.do?prodId=OVRC&user

GroupName =sunysb>.

This article discusses the importance of the International Space Station and remarks how an international collaboration is necessary to space and, in particular, Mars colonization.  Goldin, who is the former administrator of NASA,  describes many hardships Mars colonization faces, such as the negative effects of prolonged exposure to space on astronauts.  Ultimately, Goldin concludes once again that without the help of the global community, such a task will never be completed.

Gustafson, Robert J., et al. “A View of Future Human Colonies on Mars.” AIP  

 Conference Proceedings 654 (2003):  1250-1257. Academic Search Premier.

EBSCOhost. Stony Brook U. Lib., Stony Brook, NY. 7 Nov. 2007 <http://search.

epnet.com>.

Gustafson is Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and Student Services and Professor in the Food, Agricultural, and Biological Engineering Department at the Ohio State University.  His seniority in this field makes him a reliable source for what would be needed to sustain a colony on Mars. This article summarizes a conceptual view of a colonization attempt on Mars.  It follows the plans for a 100 person colony that could be developed by 2090 and a 10,000 person colony that could be developed by 2090.  It goes into how the colonies would be arranged and what types of activities would be performed in the colonies.  Also mentioned is the sheer volume of material needed for such a colony and how people would need to be sent to ensure the sustainability of the colony.

Loder III, Theodore C. “Implications of Outside-the-Box Technologies on Future Space

Exploration and Colonization”. American Institute of Physics 654.1 2003:  1199-

1203.  Academic Search Premier. EBSCOhost.  Stony Brook U. Lib., Stony

Brook, NY.  8 Nov. 2007< http://search.epnet.com>.

Loder is a member of the Institute of the Study of Earth, Oceans, and Space at the University of New Hampshire.  Being a member of this institute at a university, especially since he has his Ph.D. makes him a reliable source about space colonization.  This article details on certain unconventional technologies, such as anti-gravity devices that could facilitate the colonization of space.  The author goes into detail about how important it is to develop and use these technologies for transportation, energy generation, and communication.  Without these technologies, the author finds colonization of Mars difficult and perhaps beyond our technical capabilities.

Powell, Kendall. “NASA Draws Up Blueprint for Craft to Reach Moon and Mars.”  

Nature 436 (2005):  895-895. Academic Search Premier. EBSCOhost.  Stony Brook U. Lib., Stony Brook, NY.  8 Nov. 2007< http://search.epnet.com>.

Kendall Powell graduated from William and Mary in 1997 with a B.S. in Biology and has a M.S. in Biomedical Sciences from UC San Diego.  She has published several articles that revolve around academia and post-graduate studies.  Because she is young and doesn’t have a degree in physics or astronomy, she isn’t completely reliable but this is compensated by her experience in reporting science news.  This article is a brief news piece about NASA’s announcement that they are beginning to draw up plans for the successor of the space shuttle.  This successor will come in two variants, a 25 ton Crew Exploration Vehicle and a 100 ton Heavy Lift Vehicle.  Together, these vehicles will help facilitate the construction of a lunar base and therefore help perform a vital step towards colonizing Mars.  However, this project will draw money from other NASA projects and will be performed on a “go as you can afford to pay” basis, leading some to believe that it will be a long time until these spaceships are ready to fly.

Robinson, Arthur L. “Speaking of Science:  Colonizing Mars:  The Age of Planetary   

Engineering Begins.”  Science 195.4279 (1977):  668.  JSTOR.  Stony Brook U. Lib., Stony Brook, NY. 12 Nov. 2007.  <http://jstor.org>.

Robinson has written a total of 209 articles for Science, leading one to believe that his sheer volume of work for the journal means that he consistently wrote quality articles about the sciences.This article is a news article that summarizes the idea of planetary engineering that was a novel idea at the time of publication.  Essentially, this means that scientists are considering making Mars hospitable for humans by using bacteria to create oxygen through photosynthesis.  Unfortunately, as the author points out, this process would take about 100,000 years.  The author then explains that scientists hope to genetically engineer bacteria to become super-producers of oxygen, yet this would still take 10,000 years to make the planet hospitable to humans.

Tierney, John. “A Survival Imperative for Space Colonization.” New York Times 17 July   

2007:  F0. Lexis-Nexis. Stony Brook U. Lib., Stony Brook, NY. 20 Nov. 2007 <www. lexisnexis.com>.

This article is about a Dr. Richard Gott III who has used a Copernican Principle to predict that humanity will likely last another 5100 years.  He adds that unless we get to Mars soon, our space program will likely die off in 46 years.  If we don’t get off the planet and begin space colonization, Gott believes we will die off sooner rather than later.  Being a writer for this newspaper means Tierney is a reliable writer who likely has a liberal bias.

            Disclaimer:  This was written for my SSO (Science and Society) 102 class, When Science and Politics Collide.  It was written on March 9th, 2008.  This is not my best work but I like the points I make and someday I would like to develop this more.

            One of the most powerful clashes between two titanic forces in society is between the realms of politics and science.  Among the many times science and politics collide; the issue of energy resources arguably stands out as one of the most important.  One particular question regarding this overlap concerns whether or not governments should fund research on alternative energies.  The government should provide funding for research of this kind because the energy crisis will have far-reaching effects on developing nations, militaries will need fuel to continue operations, and because it promotes environmental conservation.

            One prime reason why the governments of the world should fund research on alternative energy resources is because the energy crisis will lead to devastating effects on developing nations.  There are several adverse consequences of not fixing the current energy crisis.  One result of continued use of oil and other limited resources is that global warming will become an even more pertinent issue.  As a result of global warming, many coastal cities would be flooded by the melted ice caps.  If one considers how many developing nations have overcrowded cities and villages along coasts and also how unprepared these nations are for such a major climate change, then one can see that many lives would be lost and major property damage should the ice caps melt soon.  Another issue that would be caused by global warming would be that due to rising global temperatures, many bodies of fresh water that developing nations depend on for drinking water and other important uses would dry up.  Since water conservation is already becoming a concern due to pollution, the thought of such a large number of people being deprived of their water sources is a scenario politics should strive to prevent. 

            Another reason why the current energy crisis would heavily impact developing nations is due to their economic structure.  Since these nations already have fragile economies, it would be very difficult for them to afford resources such as oil and fresh water as they become even scarcer.  As a result, these nations would experience bouts of devolution and instead of “catching up” with other nations, they would continue to lag behind technologically and eventually fields such as medicine would also plateau.  With the economy in shambles due to such a devastating set of problems, these developing nations would become breeding grounds for political and social instability, which in turn would cause untold amounts of problems for nations such as the United States and other nations who take a large part in “policing” the world.  As such, today’s governments could be saving the world of tomorrow from a great deal of turmoil if they increase funding for research on alternative energy resources.

            Besides the many negative effects the current problem with dwindling natural resources would have on developing nations if the issue goes unresolved, governments must also consider how they will power their militaries.  Current alternative energies such as ethanol, solar power, and electrical power are a step in the right direction for civilian use in transportation methods such as cars and buses but they are simply not robust enough to power military equipment such as planes, tanks, and other necessary combat tools.  Now the governments can choose to continue using oil for powering their militaries, but this option will quickly grow completely cost ineffective and the struggle for the last few barrels of oil will only promote more violence.  As such, it would be in any government’s best interest to heavily fund alternative energy research if they hope to continue to operate their military at maximum efficiency, especially if the previously mentioned political and social instability in developing nations continues to be a problem.

            In addition to the fact that governments need militaries with proper, bountiful energy resources to protect themselves, it would also be in the world’s best interest to fund alternative energy research now because it would promote environmental conservation and potentially avoid many of the detrimental effects of continued reliance on oil would have on the world.  While we cannot completely reverse the effects we have had on the environment and we cannot bring back extinct species of animals and plants, we can work as best as we can to prevent further damage.  It’s no secret that one prime cause of environmental damage is due to our continued reliance on the use of oil as our main source of energy.  If governments provided funding, we could expedite the discovery of a replacement source of energy, or at the very least transition sources of energy that would be cleaner and more environmentally friendly.  Strong support for such funding by the U.S. government in particular would set an example for other governments and also for citizens and would help mobilize others in the fight to conserve the environment.

            Clearly, the current energy crisis will have a strong, negative impact on the world if it continues to be unresolved.  In order to preserve the state of the world, governments should heavily increase funding for research on alternative sources of energy.  Funding should be increased because without the money for research, developing nations will collapse, militaries will be immobilized, and the condition of the environment will continue to worsen.  Indeed, without action now, the world outlook in the next several decades will look very bleak.

trust is the most valued intangible currency our species knows and yet people throw it away as often as they can.

it's funny how conniving people can be without them ever realizing it.  everyone talks to everyone about everything they shouldn't talk about, it's merely inevitable.  the only thing to consider is where you fit in that evolution of truth to something entirely false:  do you stand as the misinterpreter or the misinterpreted?  is there any true benefit to being either, and which would be the "right" one to be?

i have serious doubts regarding the success of humans as social animals as i have found they throw many opportunities to be a cohesive, cooperative unit right out the window and instead opt to pursue useless gossip and everything antithetical of productivity.

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1. If someone looked ON your bed, what would they find?
My comforter, sheets bundled up at the end, and two pillows.

2. Last person you drove with?
Hmm, I dunno, I think Kaitlin would be the safest bet.

3. Where did you go today?
I went to my classes and the SAC and the gym; I never go many other places...

4. Sleep on your back or stomach?
I sleep in both positions equally.

5. Are you a cuddler?
Yeah, I'm actually pretty fond of cuddling..

6. What would someone find UNDER your bed?
At school:  drawers filled with clothes.  At home:  nothing.

7. Something that happened today that made you angry?
Not remembering a simple formula on my astronomy midterm due to my prof not telling us to memorize it.

8. What were you doing before this survey?
Finishing up some guided reading questions on Descartes' Meditation on First Philosophy and talking to Kaitlin =).

9. What will you do after the survey?
Eventually I will shave, shower, take my shake, brush my teeth, and go to sleep.

10. Last really funny thing you laughed at?
A joke Kaitlin said that I found quite amusing.

12. Do you sing?
Occasionally, it's nothing to get excited about at all.

13. Who will you see the most this weekend besides family?
RSP people.

14. Do you talk about your feelings or hide them?
I hide a lot of feelings but I discuss all of my feelings with certain people.

15. Is there something you regret and wish you could take back?
Only small things regarding school.

16. First thing you do when you wake up?
Turn off my alarm and then take a piss.

17. Ever had surgery?
I had my tonsils removed years ago...my only surgery and I woke up on the table of course.

18. What do you want to be?
I want to graduate with a degree in Political Science with a concentration in International Relations and Comparative Politics and possibly a degree in Philosophy, then I think I want to join the Peace Corps for two years, come back, get my Master's in Political Science and then be an ambassador of some sorts to the country I worked in.

19. What do you think about the person who commented you last?
No one commented me last, let's move on.

20. How long does it take for you to fall asleep at night?
Anywhere from a half hour to five hours.

22. When you shut off your alarm clock, do you tend to fall back asleep?
Rarely.

23. Does anyone like you?
I have a sneaking suspicion this girl Kaitlin might...

24. What are you looking forward to in the next few months?
Seeing Kaitlin, not being cold all the time, earning money, and learning.

25. It's midnight, who are you texting?
Could be anyone, who knows?

31. Who were you with last night?
Studied with Erin in the library and then came back to my suite.

32. What's something you hate?
I dunno, certain things about people can piss me off.

33. You need a new pair of jeans, what store do you go to first?
American Eagle.

34. How do you feel about your hair?
It's OK, I wish it were more straight and more brown though...also I need a haircut.

37. If you could move away, no questions asked, where would you move?
Canada maybe.

38. Last person you talked to on aim?
Kaitlin =).

39. What's the greatest thing that happened to you today?
Probably performing better on my astronomy midterm than I had expected.

40. How many TRUE best friends do you have?
Maybe six or seven.

41. What would you change about your life right now?
That I was in Oneonta visiting Kaitlin =D.

1. What's on your mind right now?
On the bad spectrum of things, I have midterms on my mind.  On the good spectrum of things, I'm thinking about seeing Kaitlin in a few weeks =D.

2. Do you have friends from different schools than you?
Oh yea, all over the country!.

3. Have you ever made out in a basement?
Why yes, yes I have.

4. Which shoe do you put on first?
I don't think I make a habit out of putting any particular shoe on first.

5. What is the status of you and the last person you kissed?
We are actually Facebook AND MySpace official!

6. Do you get distracted easily?
It really depends on my mood, but most of the time I do.

7. What's the last text you received say?
"Isn't it bad if you do that?" or something to that extent.

9. Have you ever kissed anyone who's name started with a K?
Yes.

10. First time you kissed the last person you kissed?
New Years extravaganza.

11. What was your childhood nickname?
I dunno, I never really had one.

12. What would you change about your life right now?
Hmm, I'd say I'm more than content right now.

13. How do you feel about public displays of affection?
I don't get grossed out by PDA but I think it should be kept mildly appropriate.

14. Where is your phone?
On my desk.

15. Have you ever bitten your nails?
Never.

16. Do you live alone?
Unfortunately, no.

17. Who are the people that no matter what you will always have love for?
Family, friends, certain Pokemon.

18. Can you keep a secret?
Absolutely I can.

19. What was the best year of your life?
Oh jeez, I don't think I could pick one for sure.

20. Do you have any strange phobias?
Talking on the phone.

21. Your favorite romantic movie is?
Hmm, I guess Garden State.

22.Are you happy with your living arrangement?
I was but not recently.

23. Have you ever played Twister?
Not in a loooooong time.

24. What are you listening to?
The Bravery.

25. Last thing received in the mail?
A letter about paying the continuing room deposit.

26. What color is your phone?
Silver.

27. Do you like your cellphone or do you want a new one?
I hate my phone and I can't wait to get a new one hahaha.

28. Do you have trust issues?
I dunno, there are very few people I completely trust.  Most other people I take everything they say with a grain of salt.  I wouldn't say I have issues with trust, just that I'm careful with who I trust.

29. Do you use smiley faces on the computer a lot?
Recently I do.

30. Do you tend to rip the paper off water bottles?
No, that actually kind of bugs me haha.

31. Who was the last person you talked to on the phone?
Kaitlin =D

32. Do you like to cuddle?
I actually love cuddling!

33. Have you ever hated someone, but ended up being friends with them?
Yes.

34. Who did you hug yesterday?
No one unfortunately.

35. What was going through your mind during your last kiss?
How I didn't want Kaitlin to go all the way up to Oneonta =(

36. Have you ever hurt anyone when you were mad?
Yep.

37. Is it easier to forgive or forget?
Forgive, definitely.

38. Do you give out second chances too easily?
I don't inform people when they get second chances, it's make or break.

39. What is the most important thing in any relationship?
Definitely would be trust.

40. Kiss with your eyes open or closed?
Closed.

41. Do you have a best friend?
I have a handful of em!

42. What was the last thing you drank?
Dasani water at the Union, only 3 dollars a bottle!

43. Do you trust people easily?
Depends...

44. Would you live with someone without marrying them?
Yeah I could easily do that if the right person was willing to be housemates.

45. Ever had plans and broke them?
I try really hard not to.

46. What's on your To Do List?
Study and take midterms.  Oh and bang out that philosophy paper I have to make up.

47. Do you have a friend of the opposite sex that you can talk to 24/7?
Thankfully I do.

48. Do you remember what you were like a year ago?
Yeah.

49. Have you ever had a dream about people you love dying?
Yep, I get one of those every once in a while.

50. Who was the last person you cried in front of?
I teared up last time I said bye to Kaitlin, and that was like the first time in a long time I remember crying, especially in front of someone.

Have you ever taken a shower with another person?
Nope.

Why was your last relationship ended?
It just wasn't working out at all.

When was the last time you got in trouble with the law?
I don't believe I've ever been in trouble with the law.

What were you doing 15 minutes ago?
Just hanging out.

Are you any good at English?
I'd like to think that I can get by haha.

Do you like Dane Cook?
I used to love him in 8th and 9th grade but I've since started listening to other comedians.  However, I do go back to his albums from time to time.

Do you have any famous ancestors?
I think one of my ancestors was the first to backpack across the US.

Favorite shoes?
Used to be my Adidas, but now they'd have to be my blue Pumas.

Do you know all the words to the song on your myspace page?
Well I don't have a song on my MySpace, but I would if I did!

Where is your mom at?
Home, most likely cooking dinner.

Have you ever kissed in the rain?
Yes, mere days ago actually!

What's one thing you wish to change about yourself?
I guess I would choose to be less shy; I feel like my shyness prevents me from making a lot of friends.

Do you draw your name in the sand when you go to the beach?
Maybe when I was younger but not lately.

What's the most painful dental procedure you've had?
Anything with getting braces in 3rd and 4th grade.

What is outside your back door?
My porch and backyard that DOESN'T have a trampoline and thus is un-fun =(

Do you have any plans for Saturday?
Nothing 100% concrete yet.

How many times did you look at the mirror today?
Once probably.

Do you have a secret crush?
Oh, to quote Jefferson Airplane, "It's No Secret".  In fact, we're FaceBook and MySpace official!

Do you keep in touch with your ex.?
Nope.

Do you dislike anyone right now?
No one in particular is coming to mind.

Something you are excited about?
Definitely Friday when I get to see Kaitlin again!

Are any of your great-grandparents still alive?
I don't think so, if they are I never see them.

When was the last time you spoke in front of a large group?
A week ago at Hall Council.

What kind of winter coat do you have?
Peacoat, or as Lenny says, a sailor's jacket.  Apparently a peacoat is a girl's version of a sailor's jacket.  And he says I'M the gay one...

What are the songs/movies that reminds you of an ex?
Mudvayne reminds me of my first ex.

Can you tie a cherry stem with your tongue?
Hahaha, no and I will probably never be able to.

What did you eat yesterday?
Wolfies' disgusting flat-bread pizza and other school food.

Who is your first best friend?
Joe King was probably my first best friend.

How long was your longest relationship?
Just under three months...

Shortest?
2 weeks...

Who was the last person you ditched class with?
Lenny.

Have you ever snuck out of your house?
I dunno, I mean I have left without telling my parents and KINDA snuck out while doing it but I never left when I was grounded or something like that.

What's the last compliment you received?
Kaitlin called me amazing =D.

Do you wear contacts or glasses?
Always contacts and sometimes glasses.

Which friend lives the closest to you?
LT.

Are you on any medications?
Nope.

What's your favorite thing to do?
I guess out of my hobbies my favorite thing to do is listen to music and think.

What annoys you?
When you can't find those droids you're looking for!