Blogging has been an interesting experience. When I first started, I was apprehensive. I did not want my thoughts on display for the world to see. I was afraid future employers, friends, and strangers of all kinds would take offense to my opinions, or that I would say something idiotic and regret it later. As I continued blogging and began participating in class, I started to feel more open about sharing my opinions. I realized that if I truly become knowledgeable in a subject area I was plenty comfortable sharing my thoughts. I had never done so not because I was neutral on every issue, but because I was too ignorant and too shy to take a public side.
Blogging and Issues class in general were good choices for me. I now know how to follow something I am passionate about, become knowledgeable beyond talking points, take a stand, and then argue my side with more than just opinions; with strong proof and meaningful contentions. By doing this, I finally feel like I am taking advantage of my right to free speech, a right that many still do not possess. This was the feeling the founding fathers must have wanted citizens of the United States to have: one of comfort and pride in one's opinions, and a freedom from fear when sharing them openly.
Sunday, May 20, 2012
After Dolly: A Review
Ian Wilmut's After Dolly: The Uses and Misuses of Human Cloning is a wealth of information presented as wittily and with as much enthusiasm as possible. Wilmut argues for advancement in cellular biology, cloning, and embryonic studies (among countless others), while trying to calm the misinformed masses who fear their replacement, or worse, their superior "self" is just around the scientific corner.
That being said, After Dolly is a book on stem cell research and Ian Wilmut's involvement with and thoughts on the subject. Parts of the book are clever and even entertaining (such as the section on dolly's fame) and others thought provoking and intriguing (such as the early section on exact human clone justifications or the later chapter on genetic diagnostics and therapy). On the other hand, parts of the book are simply dull.
For an introduction to the issue and the science behind it, the book was a good choice. I would recommend it to anyone who must research stem cells or cloning or development of embryonic studies. I would also recommend it to anyone with a genuine fascination with the topic as Wilmut makes it easily digestible and amusing along the way. That being said, if you do not particularly hold an interest in the issues of cloning, stem cell research, etc. After Dolly could be a long and grueling read, as it was for me. While I enjoyed reading about the controversies, media, and issues surrounding scientific advancement, the actual stories of this that and the other scientist, cell or mammal were less than enthralling. The resounding message, however, is one that I believe Americans ought to take to heart. Close to the end of the book, Wilmut phrases his argument the most eloquently. He states that "it is critical that we do not allow our fear of misuse of new knowledge to curb our exuberant creativity" (274). In other words, we ought not let the potential for things to go wrong from discouraging innovation and progress. This is a lesson not confined to the realm of scientific research and controversy, but it certainly applies.
While the pursuit of knowledge in this field is bound to lead (and already has lead to) serious ethical concerns, it is possible that the benefits to future generations will outweigh our growing sense of paranoia.
That being said, After Dolly is a book on stem cell research and Ian Wilmut's involvement with and thoughts on the subject. Parts of the book are clever and even entertaining (such as the section on dolly's fame) and others thought provoking and intriguing (such as the early section on exact human clone justifications or the later chapter on genetic diagnostics and therapy). On the other hand, parts of the book are simply dull.
For an introduction to the issue and the science behind it, the book was a good choice. I would recommend it to anyone who must research stem cells or cloning or development of embryonic studies. I would also recommend it to anyone with a genuine fascination with the topic as Wilmut makes it easily digestible and amusing along the way. That being said, if you do not particularly hold an interest in the issues of cloning, stem cell research, etc. After Dolly could be a long and grueling read, as it was for me. While I enjoyed reading about the controversies, media, and issues surrounding scientific advancement, the actual stories of this that and the other scientist, cell or mammal were less than enthralling. The resounding message, however, is one that I believe Americans ought to take to heart. Close to the end of the book, Wilmut phrases his argument the most eloquently. He states that "it is critical that we do not allow our fear of misuse of new knowledge to curb our exuberant creativity" (274). In other words, we ought not let the potential for things to go wrong from discouraging innovation and progress. This is a lesson not confined to the realm of scientific research and controversy, but it certainly applies.
While the pursuit of knowledge in this field is bound to lead (and already has lead to) serious ethical concerns, it is possible that the benefits to future generations will outweigh our growing sense of paranoia.
Wednesday, May 9, 2012
Time Enough At Last
Though I do love the old Rod Serling Twilight Zones, the title is about all this post has in connection with them. It seemed fitting, though, as I'd like to talk about reading.
Having finally finished Dante's Inferno (part 1 of the three part Divine Comedy), I feel two things: first is accomplishment, I did finish the book, and it was as incredible as I thought it would be. (Seriously, if you have a few days, sit down and read the Inferno, it's downright cool). Second is a kind of disappointment. It's almost the end of the school year for me, and I've only read one book that wasn't required by school.
It seems between the extracurriculars, the college apps, the music and the precious time with friends and family, we've neglected to leave time for reading.
Curling up with a good book is comforting, it's escapism at it's finest with the added bonus of a larger vocabulary and a solid exercise in imagination. So why don't we read anymore? That's easy, because we have no time. I miss the days in elementary/middle school (gee, never thought I'd say that!) when there was time to simply plop down on a library bean-bag and read something fun.
Part of the joy of summer, for me, is having, at last, enough time to get to the things I miss during the school year; things like travel, quality time with friends and family, a healthy input of vitamin D, and catching up on my reading. But summer is still a few weeks away, so until then, I'll keep my list. . .
Next up: The rest of the Hunger Games trilogy, and then more classics! Any recommendations?
Having finally finished Dante's Inferno (part 1 of the three part Divine Comedy), I feel two things: first is accomplishment, I did finish the book, and it was as incredible as I thought it would be. (Seriously, if you have a few days, sit down and read the Inferno, it's downright cool). Second is a kind of disappointment. It's almost the end of the school year for me, and I've only read one book that wasn't required by school.
It seems between the extracurriculars, the college apps, the music and the precious time with friends and family, we've neglected to leave time for reading.
Curling up with a good book is comforting, it's escapism at it's finest with the added bonus of a larger vocabulary and a solid exercise in imagination. So why don't we read anymore? That's easy, because we have no time. I miss the days in elementary/middle school (gee, never thought I'd say that!) when there was time to simply plop down on a library bean-bag and read something fun.
Part of the joy of summer, for me, is having, at last, enough time to get to the things I miss during the school year; things like travel, quality time with friends and family, a healthy input of vitamin D, and catching up on my reading. But summer is still a few weeks away, so until then, I'll keep my list. . .
Next up: The rest of the Hunger Games trilogy, and then more classics! Any recommendations?
Friday, May 4, 2012
Peter and The Wolf
Orchestra rehearsals these days have taken an interesting turn as we play Sergei Prokofiev's Peter and the Wolf. Not your ordinary symphonic work, Peter and the Wolf is a piece intended expressly for young listeners, mainly small children. Unlike a more conventional composition, Prokofiev's piece actually tells a story beyond that of the music.
The characters are the different instruments:
Peter: Violin
Grandfather: Bassoon
Bird: Flute (That's me)
Wolf: Horn
Duck: Oboe
Cat: Clarinet
Hunters: Trumpet
Narrator: Conductor
The piece goes along like this:
The conductor will introduce the scene, saying something like "Peter played in the meadow" and then will cue the violins, playing Peter's theme sprightly and cheerily. Or perhaps, "the bird and the duck argued" and the oboe and flute will have a duet. The listener can follow each scene by not only listening to the conductor, but by hearing the different qualities of each of the characters (expressed by the timbre of the instruments) as they interact within the music.
The general plot is the story of Peter, who defies his grumpy old grandfather by playing in the meadow and proclaiming himself "not afraid of wolves." Peter interacts with the wildlife around him, listening to the bird, letting the duck out of the gate accidentally, watching the cat stalk the bird and duck etc. But meanwhile, the hungry wolf is prowling the area, ready to snatch up Peter and his friends...
The whole process reminds me of sitting in the back of my parent's sedan, listening to Peter and the Wolf of cassette tape (remember those?). The parts are wicked, and so is the nostalgia.
Curious? Come see and hear the DHS Orchestra play Peter and the Wolf on Thursday, May 17, 2012 in the auditorium. This concert is to be broadcast on the radio as well! Tune in to Chicago's classical station WFMT 98.7 over the summer to hear the Prokofiev and more!
The characters are the different instruments:
Peter: Violin
Grandfather: Bassoon
Bird: Flute (That's me)
Wolf: Horn
Duck: Oboe
Cat: Clarinet
Hunters: Trumpet
Narrator: Conductor
The piece goes along like this:
The conductor will introduce the scene, saying something like "Peter played in the meadow" and then will cue the violins, playing Peter's theme sprightly and cheerily. Or perhaps, "the bird and the duck argued" and the oboe and flute will have a duet. The listener can follow each scene by not only listening to the conductor, but by hearing the different qualities of each of the characters (expressed by the timbre of the instruments) as they interact within the music.
The general plot is the story of Peter, who defies his grumpy old grandfather by playing in the meadow and proclaiming himself "not afraid of wolves." Peter interacts with the wildlife around him, listening to the bird, letting the duck out of the gate accidentally, watching the cat stalk the bird and duck etc. But meanwhile, the hungry wolf is prowling the area, ready to snatch up Peter and his friends...
The whole process reminds me of sitting in the back of my parent's sedan, listening to Peter and the Wolf of cassette tape (remember those?). The parts are wicked, and so is the nostalgia.
Curious? Come see and hear the DHS Orchestra play Peter and the Wolf on Thursday, May 17, 2012 in the auditorium. This concert is to be broadcast on the radio as well! Tune in to Chicago's classical station WFMT 98.7 over the summer to hear the Prokofiev and more!
Tuesday, May 1, 2012
After Dolly: The Pharmer in the Dell
No, that's not a typo you see up there in the title of this post, pharming actually exists. For eons humanity has been selecting genetic attributes in creatures both companionable and consumable to make them more ideal for their purposes in our lives. Wilmut uses the example of dogs, having originated as wolves which now look and act far less menacing in many cases. How the great carnivorous hunter became dainty and totable (or even simply a more friendly or more athletic) breed is all genetic manipulation over generations of breeding for specific trait continuation.
On a much more precise and timely scale is modern genetic manipulation of animals, in this case livestock. Only this time we were not breeding for behavior, but for products. Wilmut discusses how he and his team "wanted to do more than merely improve the performance of farmyard animals. The idea was to give these animals an entirely novel role. . ." (51). From that wish developed the pharming industry. Which, as the name suggests, is a mash-up of pharmaceuticals and farming. In plainer terms, animals as drug factories. By manipulating certain genes (the ability took years and years of trial and error and technological advances to develop) we can, essentially, program animals to make what we need or more of what we can already obtain naturally in the way of pharmaceuticals. For example, pharmed animals can make "the human proteins factor VIII and factor IX to treat hemophilia [a disease that inhibits vital blood clotting] and the enzyme AAT. . . used to treat lung disorders such as cystic fibrosis" (51).
One of the first pharmed animals was Tracy, another famous sheep, who's "milk was rich in the human protein AAT. . . in every liter she made 35 grams" (54).
While the ethical ramifications of genetic tinkering for drugs are suspect (who knows what the animals endure with abnormal genes and if they are affected or unchanged) I must agree with Wilmut that the idea seems simple and effective. It poses little difference from the more archaic forms of genetic manipulation with the exceptions being that it is more accurate and possibly more beneficial today. Stem cell and genetic research is not the work of evil geniuses with a "God complex" but the work of everyday people looking to improve the health and well-being of others. Whatever your opinions on animal drug testing, it cannot be denied that research into stem cells and genetics in general have lead to valuable breakthroughs and have real significance for humanity.
On a much more precise and timely scale is modern genetic manipulation of animals, in this case livestock. Only this time we were not breeding for behavior, but for products. Wilmut discusses how he and his team "wanted to do more than merely improve the performance of farmyard animals. The idea was to give these animals an entirely novel role. . ." (51). From that wish developed the pharming industry. Which, as the name suggests, is a mash-up of pharmaceuticals and farming. In plainer terms, animals as drug factories. By manipulating certain genes (the ability took years and years of trial and error and technological advances to develop) we can, essentially, program animals to make what we need or more of what we can already obtain naturally in the way of pharmaceuticals. For example, pharmed animals can make "the human proteins factor VIII and factor IX to treat hemophilia [a disease that inhibits vital blood clotting] and the enzyme AAT. . . used to treat lung disorders such as cystic fibrosis" (51).
One of the first pharmed animals was Tracy, another famous sheep, who's "milk was rich in the human protein AAT. . . in every liter she made 35 grams" (54).
While the ethical ramifications of genetic tinkering for drugs are suspect (who knows what the animals endure with abnormal genes and if they are affected or unchanged) I must agree with Wilmut that the idea seems simple and effective. It poses little difference from the more archaic forms of genetic manipulation with the exceptions being that it is more accurate and possibly more beneficial today. Stem cell and genetic research is not the work of evil geniuses with a "God complex" but the work of everyday people looking to improve the health and well-being of others. Whatever your opinions on animal drug testing, it cannot be denied that research into stem cells and genetics in general have lead to valuable breakthroughs and have real significance for humanity.
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