The End

This last blog marks the end of CMPT376W blogging assignment.  Through this entire semester of blogging, I've practiced a lot in writing, and I've learned a lot through writing.  Through reading the news and commenting on them, I've learned to write in different styles to fit to the context of the news.  Through researching into different topics, I've learned to write in the language appropriate to the topic.  Through sharing my own thoughts, I've learned to write quickly and freely.  All these experiences shapes up my writing skill, and they mark the end of my learning in CMPT376W.  But this is not the end to writing.  I will utilize the things I learned here to all that I have to write in the future.  This is only the beginning to even more writing. 

The End is Near

2013 Spring term is coming to an end, and that also means this class, CMPT376W, is almost over.  Soon, I will no longer hear the familiar PowerPoint start-up sound; soon, I will no longer hear the humorous comments from the professor; and soon, I will no longer need to write papers because I have to.  There is only one week left in class, and I know I will take away many precious writing techniques with me, the techniques that help me to write clearly, concisely and gracefully, the techniques that will stay with me for life. 

Failed Iran Nuclear Talks

The five world powers have been trying to talk Iran out of uranium enrichment program, and so far, they failed in the talk.  In the latest talk on Friday, Iran did not give a clear answer as to abandon the program in exchange for loosened sanction [1].  It seems as if Iran is not willing to back away from its program despite the tightened sanction.  Why wouldn't Iran back down from the nuclear program?  Are they planning something after they get a hold of enough uranium? This failure in the nuclear talk heightens the tension, and the powers will renew the talk on Saturday, hoping to achieve more progress.  

Reference: 
[1]  Barak Ravid, "Wold powers, Iran make little progress in Kazakhstan nuclear talks" (HAARETZ) [Online] 2013, http://www.haaretz.com/news/middle-east/world-powers-iran-make-little-progress-in-kazakhstan-nuclear-talks.premium-1.513750 (Accessed: 5 April 2013)

Easter Monday and April Fool!

This year, Easter Monday and April Fool's Day fall on the same day.  Even though these two holidays have very different origin and meaning, but we all celebrate them by hunting.  If we celebrate Easter Monday, we hunt eggs; if we celebrate April Fool's Day, we hunt our victims.  If we celebrate these two holidays on the same day, we can hunt eggs and our victims together.  But be careful, make sure that you're the hunter and not the hunted. 

Lawmakers to Ban Google Glass Driving

We know that Google is probably going to start selling Google Glass early next year.  But even long before the release date, the lawmakers in Virginia has already tried to ban Google Glass diving. [1] We know using cellphones while driving is dangerous, but what about watching videos while driving? We'll find out when Google Glass comes out. In the future, if we ever go down to Virginia with our Google Glass, we'll have to drive safe.  

Reference:
[1] Neil McAllister, "West Virginia seeks Google Glass driving ban" (The Register) [Online] 2013, http://www.theregister.co.uk/2013/03/25/west_virginia_google_glass_driving_ban/ (Accessed: 25 March 2013)

Earth Hour, Save the Earth

Did you remember to turn off the light during earth hour tonight?  I didn't.  I'm sorry.  But we can see that a lot of people do spend a lot of efforts in saving the earth.  People turn off lights and stop using electronics during the earth hour, saving energy for our mother earth.  A little energy saved is a little burden taken away from earth.  If you were reading my blog during earth hour, it's ok, let's try to turn off the electricity next time.  

Patients Don't Trust Obese Doctors

A new study showed that patients are less likely to follow instructions from obese doctors.  [1] It could be because we all have a negative stereotypical view on fat people.  As a result, we find obese doctors hard to follow.  In fact, it may be natural for us to not follow their instructions.  If obese doctors cannot live a healthy life, how can they expect to instruct the patients how to be healthy? They should practice what they preach.  

Reference: 
 [1]  "Patients find obese doctors less credible" (The Vancouver Sun) [Online] 2013, http://www.vancouversun.com/health/Patients+find+obese+doctors+less+credible/8137681/story.html (Acccessed: 22 March 2013)