Friday, May 4, 2018

   Home Is Where the Heart Is
Figure 1: Chip and Dale

There once was 2 chipmunks that lived in a beautiful forest. One named Chip the other Dale they were brothers, always looking out for each other and having each other’s backs. They had a routine set up Chip would get the food and Dale would prepare it. At the end of each everyday they would sit down and have dinner. One day while at the dinner table they noticed their neighbors tree had completely disappeared, while remembering the loudness humans were making last night while they were sleeping.

Image result for selective cutting
Figure 2: Selective Cutting 

The next day they noticed more of their neighbors homes were missing, whole tree chopped down. After that it stopped for a couple days until Chip went out to gather food but when returning their tree has disappeared as did Dale. Luckily one of the workers had dropped plans for the forest.

Stage 1: Selective Cutting: Selecting specific trees to get chopped down, for the new generations of trees.

Figure 3: Clear Cutting
Trying to not freak out about Dale, Chip knew what we had to do, there was a place him and his brother would always go to whenever they were scared, the old oak tree where they use to live with their mom and dad. Just like that Chip was off to the old oak tree. Hearing the loud crash of trees slam to the ground only made him run faster. Until he ran into stage 2.

Stage 2: Clear Cutting: Similar to selective cutting but on a much better scale. Instead selecting specific trees to cut down, they focus on the area as a whole

Sprinting through the eyesore of the forest. He makes it to the other side shedding a tear for what was once his favorite part of the forest, the park he grew up in. He didn't have the time to reminisce in the old days so he began running again. With each step to the ground increasing his worry for his brother and his safety hoping that he's there. After running for what seemed like forever Dale began to get hungry, his mouth started to water as he thought about the food Chip would make. Rubbing his stomach he could smell the food and almost taste it. But he snapped out of it when the burning smell came about, and a school of birds flying in the sky.
Image result for slash and burn
Figure 4: Slash and Burn

Stage 3: Slash & Burn: The most dangerous and harmful to the wildlife and everyone else. This method involves burning all trees within one area. Which can alter the natural order of things such as streams, animal life and air quality.

Luck was one his side cause he was furthest from the burning fire and only a couple side from the old oak tree.

Safe and reunited at the old oak tree they watched what they called home burn to the ground. Chip pulled out the paper if to see if any other stages were to come next but there was nothing. Dale realized it was writing on the back that read "Today marks the day of regrowth it what was once a beautiful forest in 2-3 years we shall all witness that beauty again only this time 10 times better." 
Image result for beautiful forests
Figure 5: New Plans for Forest


Virtual learning




Cam the computer?
Meet Cam the computer who will take you on a adventure of a different world of education. Cam will teach you all about virtual schooling. Cam will tell you how virtual schooling is different from regular schooling that a lot of kids your age go to. How virtual schooling is not a bad things to do, Also how cam can give you an education in your learning way then how regular schooling works.
Figure 1: Cartoon Computer [Web Image]. (2013, November 4,)
Cam is an awesome computer that will make it easy for you to see more ways to learn. Cam can be used by your laptop, desktop, smart phone or even ipad and that's the great thing about cam because he can be with you through your every path of learning. Cam is awesome and so is learning about another way of learning.

Lets go on an adventure together on virtual schooling 
Have you ever wondered how some kids your own age or your friends you know learn from home? How some kids do not go to regular school as you do? Well your parents at the beginning of your first steps think about what school or form of education path they want you to go down. You parents want to make a decision that they think is best for you. Choosing your child's education path is not a easy thing for your parents because your parents wants the best for you. Your parents decide if they want you to go to regular school or stay at home and do your schooling.

So what is virtual schooling anyway?
Virtual schooling is what you as students would use cam for using the internet or also known as technology that you kids today use for playing cool games everyday when you get home either on cam the computer, smartphone or ipad. Cam can be used anywhere you go from a friends house or even in a car.

                                                         Cam in your space?
Figure 2:Cartoon Couch [Web Image]. ( 2017, August, 13)
You always stay home when your sick or don't feel like going to school to learn something new or want to play games all day and have school come to you. Well Cam is what you can play your games on ,watch cool shows that you could watch everyday if school was not interfering, learning and doing it at your pace and in your space. Your Cam will let you learn while you can stay in bed or sit on the couch and watch your favorite show of all time. You get to stay at home and not carelessly worry about getting dressed in school uniforms and getting on a big bumble bee colored bus to a bug six floored building full of books and green or black chalk boards. You sleep, wake up still in your colorful creative cartoon pajamas and just jump right onto your Cam and do your schooling. Learn at your pace and also do the required classes that you would be offered in regular school. 
Day in the life of a virtual school student
The night before you dream of beautiful blue clouds with sheep before school the next day and Cam is charging up. You wake up in your comfy PJ's and enjoys some amazing breakfast your mom made specially for you having no worry about having to leave your comfy house. After breakfast you could use Cam or use Cam later or do whatever else you wanted to in that day and then pick up Cam when your ready to do some learning. Then get on Cam and log into your classes that you need to take and learn in your way and your pace still on the couch or in your PJ's while eating breakfast. You could finish your work due in that day or do it later. Sometimes even virtual schooling involves going to regular school because you may have a project to do and need to go to a regular school to present your very creative project that you took your time at home doing. You go to a regular school to do your project and get a grade for it and then go back home. You get to be at your house everyday all day and little to none of going into a regular school. Not having to worry about being in a uniform 

It is not a bad thing to want to stay home and learn your way, your pace, and in your own space, so do you want to stay at home or go to regular school. Either way every one will still learn.
Is Cam going to help you learn into another dimension?


































(1)  HFCS. “Computer Humor.” Pinterest, 4 Nov. 2013, Retrieved from.www.pinterest.com/pin/356347389237061536/?lp=true. 
(2) Gull. “A Living Room Rich Cartoon.” Hitcounter, Retrieved from, www.gull-manager.com/tag/a-living-room-rich-cartoon/.

United States Modified Persons Community

Figure 1: Captain Steve Rogers before genetic modification
Hello there soldiers, Captain Steve Rogers here to see if you have what it takes to be a part of the highly ranked United States Modified Persons Community(1).We are the most elite task force in the US today, known for fighting the most brutal battles in our nation. Remember those times at recess when the other kids would pick you last, and how coach decided not to choose you for the basketball team because he felt you weren't good enough? They told you that you were too small, not fast enough, and not athletic. Any confidence that you had went out the door in those moments. Don't feel bad, I can relate! I wanted to join the military to fight for our country and was turned down because the same things were thought about me. That was until my chance came when I was chosen for an experimental program, in which I was genetically modified. If you're wondering what that is, I will explain later. Take advantage of every opportunity you have here, lets get a run down of your training.

Basic Training

It is important to love yourself, however many of us have things that we would like to change about ourselves. This may be appearance, physical abilities like strength or speed, and overall health. People have certain traits in their head that they believe good looking people should have. Not having traits like, muscular arms and shoulders, a six pack, and height, leave us wondering why we can't have that. Whatever the case may be, basic training will help you figure out what it is about yourself that you want to be different, and also what steps will be taken to do so. Your physical and mental toughness will be tested! The department of controversy will attack you with reasons why you are wrong about wanting to be genetically modified, how you will not make it, and try to beat you down.Only the strong survive, so don't give up! Remember why you chose to become a part of this amazing community. Basic training will be six weeks in length. Following this training is Advanced Gene Engineering Training.


Advanced Gene Engineering Training(AGET)


Genetic engineering is the process of changing a living being's DNA in order to make them have certain characteristics. This is what I was talking about when I mentioned being genetically modified. This process is very difficult and involves many risks, which is why research is still being done to make sure that the process is safe and also affordable for humans. Scientists have done this on animals and other living things, but humans are new to the process. The ultimate goal is to better the lives of our American citizens.  During this part of your training, trained scientists will put you through a series of tests to see if the process can be done. Those who pass will make it to the final two hell weeks, in which your changes will take place! AGET is six weeks in length. These couple of weeks changed my life forever. Dr. Tony Stark performed an operation, injecting chemicals into my body to change my cells. This made me large, very strong, and super fast(2). I finally got to be the soldier that I wanted to be. I am now the best soldier in the military. I now go by Captain America!




So do you have what it takes? Its time to become who you want to be! Lets get started soldiers!

References

  Burns, Mary Beth. “Genetic Engineering: Lesson for Kids.” Study.com, Study.com, study.com/academy/lesson/genetic-engineering-lesson-for-kids.html. 

Captain Steve Rogers before transformation.[Web]. image.
retrieved from http://shipping.wikia.com/wiki/Steve_Rogers
                 

Protecting the Ocean!


What's going on in our ocean?

Many kids might not know, but trash ending up in our oceans is a huge problem! Some things that have been found floating around at the bottom of the ocean floor are:

Ocean with trash floating in it

  • Cans and water bottles
  • Straws
  • Plastic bags
  • Candy wrappers
  • Plastic tubing


With this in mind, do you ever think about what happens to your candy wrapper after you toss it away? First of all, if you don't throw your wrapper in the garbage and instead just throw it on the ground, the wind could just blow your wrapper straight into the water. Many fish are not that smart, and think that the wrapper is food and when they gobble it up, the often do not survive for much longer because the wrapper will block up their tummy.


Sea turtles are known to mistake plastic bags for their natural food, a jellyfish. And when they swoop in to eat them, they are in danger of choking or getting the bag blocked in their system as well. That's why they are asking you for help. . . 



Turtles are calling out for you to help them- yes YOU! They are asking you to take care of your plastic, and make sure to recycle them in a proper recycling bin. Look for the blue bin with the arrows and throw all plastic in there instead of the garbage, or on the ground. Because that way you will be saving thousands of lives and keeping our ocean clean for swimming!!!



References


Exploring the world of VR with Baymax


Image result for baymaxHello, it's me,  Baymax! I am here to talk about this exciting new technology of VR. This technology can make you feel like you are riding on my back flying through downtown San Tokyo, without leaving the comfort of your living room. Here is how...





       The Technology of VR
Related image
With Virtual Reality “VR” it is nearly completely immersive technology. The most recent definition “VR is defined as a computer-generated simulation of a 3-D environment that users can interact within a seemingly real or physical way using special electronic equipment, such as a helmet with a screen inside or gloves fitted with sensors” (Zang and et. 2018). Just like my supper suit can help me fly and protect my marsh mellow body your VR acquirement can make you feel like you have superpowers. 
Image result for playstation vr bundleThis technology primarily only consists of a few items to use it...


  • VR headset 
  • PS4 console 
  • PlayStation controller 
  • Playstation camera 
  • TV

  • How are these world created?
    According to my research that this technology is no simple task as Zhang et al. (2018) have stated “The traditional approach for creating a VE often involves CAD software, which makes the process complicated and time-consuming. With the development of new electronic components, emerging electro-optical technologies, powerful algorithms and data processing tools, improvements in the efficiency of creating a VS are becoming feasible” (p. 141). Using this simple technology creating master peace’s is a breeze. This is exactly the same computer soft wear that is used to make your favorite moves today, like Muana, Cars, and even Me Baymax in my movie Big Hero Six.  Disney used the same material that we use to draw with today, it just takes time and a lot of hard work. With small steps that is exactly how an artist is able to create these worlds today.
    Come and explore new worlds with me and all my friends with the high-tech world. Exchanging new ideas, making new friends and all of using our imagination.
    For more exploration click here  
    New definitions click here  
    References 
    Baymax (Photo 1&2)(2018). Retrieved from: http://movies.disney.com/big-hero-6/baymax 
    Mingshao Zhang, M., Zhou, Z., Yizhe, C., Aziz, E., Esche, S., & Chassapis, C. (2018). Recent Developments in Game-Based Virtual Reality Educational Laboratories Using the Microsoft Kinect. International Journal of Emerging Technologies in Learning, 13(1), 138-159. doi:10.3991/ijet.v13i01.7773

    Sony - PlayStation VR The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim VR Bundle - White/Black (photo 3)(2018) Retrieved from; https://www.bestbuy.com/site/sony-playstation-vr-the-elder-scrolls-v-skyrim-vr-bundle-white-black/6131108.p?skuId=6131108&cmp=RMX&extStoreId=1794&ref=212&loc=1&gclid=CLGxhZS57NoCFVfYswodCykH8Q&gclsrc=ds

    Recreating Your Best Friend: What is Pet Cloning?

    A family with their pet (2).
    Do you have a pet or have you had a pet? If so, would you consider them as a part of your family? Many adults (and even some children) see their pets as not only their best friends but as their children. When it comes to the delicate time to accept that the pet is not going to live as long as we want them to, some people consider cloning their pets. Thanks to developments in cloning, it's becoming possible to recreate a person's pet. 

    WHAT IS CLONING?
    CLONING is defined as "a number of different processes that can be used to produce genetically identical copies of a biological entity" (1). In other words, it is the copy of an animal that is genetically similar to the original animal. Scientists use a SURROGATE MOTHER as an incubator for the cloned animal. A clone is created by taking the DNA from an animal, of which scientists call the DONOR ANIMAL or merely the original animalThe DNA is then implanted into the empty egg provided by the donor animal. In the diagram below, you can see how the complicated process flows through its system. If you want a more in-depth look at the cloning process, click here to find out just how detailed it is.
    Cloning flowchart (1).
    DETAILS ABOUT PET CLONING 

    Image result for first cloned dog
    Snuppy the Afgan Hound(right),the first dog to be cloned, Sitting
    with his clone (9). 
    Pet cloning became a reality after South Korean veterinarian Dr. Woo Suk Hwang cloned the first dog in August 2005 (3).  Many laboratories have stepped forward to partake in the science of cloning animals. Some facilities are Viagen in Texas, United States, and SOOAM near Seoul, South Korea. For your dog to be cloned at SOOAM, it cost about $100,000 (4). While at Viagen, it costs $50,000 for cloned puppy or puppies, $25,000 for a cloned kitten or kittens, and a little over $1,000 for the company to store the genetic information of your pet (4). To put that into perspective, the average dog adoption from an animal shelter is about $250 (5) and to adopt a dog from a breeder ranges from as low as $150 to $15,000 depending on the distance between you and the breeder (6). 

    EXPERIENCES FROM PEOPLE WHO HAD THEIR PET CLONED
    I spent more than $100,000 to clone my dog
    Figure 4: (In order) Ken, Harvey, and Melvin (4). 
    But people who get their pet cloned say that they find that cloning their pet was worth the economic sacrifice. Veterinarian Dr. Phillip Dupont recalled that his son expressed "At least you are spending your money on something you love" (4). It shows just how much a pet means to a person and what a clone will do for a person. Dr. Dupont trusted SOOAM to clone his dog, Melvin in 2013 (4). In figure four, there is a picture of Melvin and his two clones, Ken and Harvey. The one detail that gives away which one is the original is the gray on the muzzle of the dog on the far right. As you can see, there is little difference between Ken's (left) markings on his muzzle and the others, but Mrs. Dupont reported that her dogs act the same. She said "Melvin used to come over and rest his head on my lap and look up until I started asking what he wanted. When I came to the right question, he would wiggle around, shake and sneeze. ... The puppies do exactly the same thing, and the have the exact bark" (4). This is a way to help cope with the loss of their best friend and family member. A woman from California had her beloved cat, Dylan, cloned after he had padded way suddenly. Of the experience, she said: "Dylan took a piece of me with him. Until now I thought that piece was irreplaceable" (4). Would you explain the relationship with your pet as irreplaceable as Dawn found it? Pet cloning gives people the "missing piece" they feel that they lose when their pet dies. 

    WHAT ARE THE PROBLEMS WITH CLONING YOUR PET?
    As therapeutic, or calming, as it might be, pet cloning has become an issue with animal welfare groups the Humane Society of America and PETA have made statements against pet cloning. The overall concern for these groups, and groups like them, is the efficiency of cloning due to the high chances of failures throughout the cloning process (7). But scientists are hopeful that as technology advances, the failure rate will decrease and have more successful clone births (7). Science is continuously improving its technology and understanding of concepts, who knows what is next in the cloning community?

    Another concern PETA argued that although people want their original pet, it "instead creates a new and different [pet] who had only the physical characteristics of the original" (8). The groups fear that people's emotional state is being taken advantage of by convincing people that they can recreate their pet exactly. This "false advertisement" concern is not a concern for some labs. Genetic Savings and Clone claims that they give their clients "informed consent" where they tell the person what to expect with their clone before they sign any paperwork to agree (7). 

    Image result for animal shelter
    Animal rights groups are concerned about the high
    rates of animals in shelters (11)
    Lastly, animal rights groups are worried about the high rates of animals in shelters. Groups question why people would pay high prices for the pet they already had when there are thousands of available animals in shelters waiting for a home. That was a concern that Rick Eisenberg told the New York Post about. He said that he sent his dog Rusty's DNA to Viagen to hold until he decides if he wants to clone his companion (4). He is questioning cloning his dog since Rusty was rescued from a kill shelter, he wants to help a dog in the same situation (4). He acknowledged that "I could rescue so many other animals" (4). That is the concern for many other people. But in Autumn Fiester's article Creating Fido's Twin: Can Pet Cloning Be Ethically Justified?, she claims that the problem isn't animals that are being "intentionally created" rather its the puppy and kitten mills across the country. A PUPPY MILL is where people breed puppies and sell them. The dogs are typically in horrible conditions and are bred continuously.  (10). Puppy mills along with kitten mills place thousands of animals into shelters numerous times a year. Her argument is the more significant issue, puppy and kitten mills, must be taken care of first before animal rights groups can argue how cloning pets are adding to animals in the shelter. 

    CONCLUSION
    In conclusion, cloning is still a new science that has room to expand. Many people are still wary about spending thousands to recreate their best friend and family member. Cloning your pet may be an idea your family is considering doing. If you are, be sure that they are aware of all the of the factors of cloning and do your research. Discuss cloning your pet or adopting an animal from a local shelter is the best solution for your family's needs and desires. 

    References
    1) Cloning. (2017). In National Human Genome Research Institute. Retrieved April 9, 2018, from https://www.genome.gov/25020028/cloning-fact-sheet/
    2) [A family with their pets]. (n.d.). Retrieved May 4, 2018, from https://blog.petcarerx.com/exploring-the-role-of-pets-in-the-modern-family-dynamic/#
    3) Cyrankoski, D. (2014, January). Cloning comeback. Nature, 505, 468-470
    4) Landman, B. (2015, October 31). I spent more than $100,000 to clone my dog. New York Post. Retrieved from https://nypost.com/2015/10/31/i-spent-more-than-100000-to-clone-my-dog/
    5) Rivera, M. A. (2017, November 21). The average cost to adopt a dog from a shelter. Retrieved from https://pets.thenest.com/average-cost-adopt-dog-shelter-3886.html
    6) How much does buying a dog cost? - CostHelper.com. (n.d.). Retrieved May 4, 2018, from http://pets.costhelper.com/buy-dog.html
    7) Fiester, A. (2005). Creating Fido’s twin: can pet cloning be ethically justified?. Hastings Center Report, 35(4), 34-39. Retrieved from http://eds.a.ebscohost.com/
    8) Hood, B. (2018, February). PETA wants celebrities to stop cloning their dogs. Page Six. Retrieved from https://pagesix.com/2018/02/27/peta-wants-celebrities-to-stop-cloning-their-dogs/
    9) [Snuppy, (R) the first successfully cloned Afghan hound, sits with his genetic father at the Seoul National University on Aug. 3, 2005 in Seoul]. (2015, April 24). Retrieved May 4, 2018, from http://time.com/3822573/snuppy/
    10) Merriam-Webster Dictionary. (2018, April 25). Puppy Mill. Retrieved May 4, 2018, from https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/puppy%20mill
    11) George, J. (2015, March 23). [Cartoon dogs around the words "Rescue me!"]. Retrieved May 4, 2018, from https://www.facebook.com/tullahomaanimalshelter/photos/a.165128040172540.36965.165121893506488/953804821304854/?type=1&theater