Electronic Cigarettes

Recently, electronic cigarettes, or “e-cigs”, have received a lot of attention in the news. “E-cigs” are gaining in popularity among smokers trying to quit or searching for a healthier alternative to smoking tobacco products. An “e-cig” uses a battery to vaporize a water-based solution which closely mimics smoke. At the same time, “e-cigs” supplying a controllable amount of nicotine to a “smoker” without any additional carcinogens and chemicals. “E-cigs” are effective because they substitute the harmful smoke with vapor allowing smokers to gradually wean off of the dependency of nicotine. Also, “e -cigs” allow smokers to gradually change behaviors and habits developed while smoking.

Smoking kills! Smoking cessation programs will keep people who actually quit live longer. In a 2008 study assessing the relationship between cigarette smoking and smoking cessation on total and cause-specific mortality in women approximately 64% of deaths among current smokers and 28% of deaths among former smokers were attributable to cigarette smoking (Kenfield et al. 2037). The good news is that a smoker who quits has a much better survival rate from smoke-related deaths.

Many different programs have been created to help people quit smoking, but we all know that quitting smoking is very difficult. Nicotine is a very addictive substance. Most smokers have tried to quit more than just once. After repeated failures, many ask themselves; “can I really do this?”Quitting means that you will most likely experience withdrawal symptoms, like cravings, anxiety and depression. Also, quitting could mean that a smoker will have to change the activities and behavior that they engaged in while smoking. For some smokers this results in a significant change in their daily routine.

Most smokers typically link their habit to a daily activity lops into a ritual. Many smokers will see a cigarette after a meal as one of life's simple pleasures. Others look rely on a wake-up cigarette in the morning to go with their coffee. At work, there are the mid-morning-break smoke, the stress-release smoke, and maybe a meeting of co-smoker-colleagues smoke. When we think of smoking, we often link the habit to some sort of activity. “E-cigs” require fewer initial changes in behavior from a smoker who is trying to quit making it less traumatic and less stressful.

Unlike gums and nicotine patches, the e-cigs mimic the sensation of smoking while delivering a nicotine rush. Ever since doctors determined that cigarette smoking is hazardous to health, cigarette companies have searched for ways to reduce tar and nicotine levels in an effort to create a safer smoking experience. However, nothing else has come close to the electronic cigarette in accomplishing it. Electronic cigarettes simulate cigarette smoke, and at the same temperature a smoker experiences when drawing a puff of smoke from a common cigarette. This mimics the

At this time, the FDA does not allow e-cigarette companies to market the devices as aids to quit smoking yet. Although, there are many articles about smoking cessation, one in particular from Harvard Trained Doctors discusses the efficacy of “e-cigs. Renowned doctors and physicians involved in smoke cessation treatments conclude that “The electronic cigarette is an effective harm-reduction therapy in the treatment of nicotine addiction” (Free Press Release). “E-cigs” is an effective treatment to help smokers escape free of nicotine addiction.

Works Cited:
Kenfield SA, Stampfer MJ, Rosner BA, Colditz GA. “Smoking and Smoking Cessation in Relation to Mortality in Women” JAMA. 299.17 (2008) : 2037-47. Print

n.p. “Electronic Cigarettes Get Endorsed by Harvard Trained Doctors.” Free-press-release.com. Nov. 2009. Web. 12 August 2010

Essay 3- Summary Final Draft.

The article, “Is Google Making Us Stupid”, by Nicholas Carr, reveals an alarming change in the way our minds work in the age of the internet. Carr presents plenty of evidence suggesting that the immediacy and efficiency of the internet could actually be conditioning our learnt behavior. Carr introduces numerous quotes from experts that give compelling reasons why relying on search engines could hamper our thinking capacity and limit our minds to a fixed and robotic process.

I have never seen the 1968 film, “2001: Space Odyssey”, which Carr uses as an analogy. Yet, I can easily relate to when he says that he feels like someone or something has taking over his mind when he is using the internet. Frequently, I feel my own mind is hi-jacked by pop-up advertisements when I open a web browser. My eyes seem to automatically stare at pop-up ads, especially if they feature fashionable products.

Researching any topic is now easier and less time consuming with the internet. I agree with Carr when he says, “the web has been a godsend to me as a writer”. Carr and I both like using the web when we’re conducting research for a paper. As he says, “the advantages of having immediate access to such an incredibly rich store of information are many”. The internet certainly helps me save a lot of time. Unlike Carr, I do not enjoy reading for pleasure. I usually avoid reading at all costs. So, I value the quick access to information that the internet provides. Until reading this article by Carr, I never really considered how the web could be hindering my intellectual development.

In a key section of the article, Carr describes work done by Maryanne Wolf, a developmental psychologist from Tufts University. Her work suggests that depending solely on the internet to gain knowledge can actually weaken our ability to stay engaged for long periods of time to develop critical areas of intelligence.

Now, Carr’s article has me thinking about the 2009 movie “Surrogates” directed by Jonathan Mostow. In the film, humans hibernate at home while living their lives vicariously through robot surrogates. The robots in this movie play a similar role to the computers Carr describes in the article – they solve daily challenges for humans.

Relying solely on the web for instant access to information in lieu of focusing and absorbing information over a period of time could be affecting more than just our ability to sustain prolonged concentration. It is likely dampening our cognitive skill development. We need to develop concentrated thought processes to tackle complex topics. If we don’t, we might become even more dependent on computers and technologies, not only for accessing information, but to think for us altogether.

“Paneleiras de Goiabeiras”: women who make clay pots

During my past trip to Brazil I visited the “Associacão das Paneleiras de Goiabeiras” of Vitoria. “Paneleiras” are women who make clay pots from their homes. My grandmother lived in a village within the city of Vitoria, Espirito Santo, Brazil. She was a member of a group of women artisans who lived their life as “Paneleiras”. My grandmother died in 1993. Unfortunately, she did not live long enough to see her profession honored by the newly formed association. I will always consider her a major contributing woman from this historic village. The association was created to preserve and teach the history of these remarkable and hardworking ladies.



Making and selling clay pots was the main source of income for my grandmother. It defined her life. Throughout my childhood I closely experienced the manufacture of these pots in her back yard. She, along with several of her neighbors, manufactured and sold the pots on weekends at “Canto Beach” in Vitoria. Why did she sell the pots on weekends? So, she could juggle making the pots with caring for her nine children during the week. I can still remember the first little pot that she gave to me on my 6th birthday. She showed me how to cook my dad’s favorite dish, “moqueca”, a type of fish stew, using this charming little pot.

My grandmother’s house was located in a typical fishing village. I vividly remember groups of men repairing their boats in workshops, women grouped in large circles sewing and untangling fish nets, kids playing with live crabs as if they were pets. Most of the houses looked like large bungalows made from bricks with mud between them and roof tops covered with layers of coconut tree palms. The hot tropical weather is favorable for outdoor activities. On extremely hot days, the strong smell from the fish market blends with the scent of campfires leaving a distinct impression on the nose.

Previously, the “Paneleiras” worked in their own homes. Today, more organized, the “Paneleiras” formed an association, a sort of cooperative; a common shed where each lady independently produces and sells their own pieces. Traditionally, the manufacture of clay pots was handed down from parents to children linking a cultural thread between generations. The craft has been preserved without changes for several generations. In fact, the process remains almost the same as the process used by the indigenous people when the Portuguese first anchored in Brazil.

The raw clay is extracted from the valley outside the city of Vitoria. Men dig the clay out from the side of a mountain, rolling it into a clumpy ball. They load the balls of clay into small trucks or horse-drawn wagons. Then they deliver the chunks of clay to the awaiting craftswomen back in the village.
Before the clay can be used, it must go through a preparation process. First, a thorough cleaning which includes removing impurities such as stones and plants remains. Second, the clay is then wrapped in plastic to keep the moisture from escaping. Lastly, the clay is stored.

Stomping the clay flat formerly was done by women. It is a strenuous and heavy chore. Now, men perform the difficult duty. The men step over and stomp their feet to make the clay uniform, consistent and adequate for modeling. Shaping the pots is still done manually, without using a “potter's wheel”. Using a manual technique where clay is laid and rolled directly onto a surface until the wall to a pot is raised to the desired shape. Stretching and tugging the clay with their hands, both circular and vertical, bulging, rounded, defining the shape of the pot with the aid of rudimentary tools such as smooth stones, coconut shells and other similar types of objects. Clay pots, platters, teapots, kettles and dishes of various shapes and sizes are competently designed all from hand.

The most striking feature of the pots is its dark color. This is achieved through impregnation of the piece with tannin, which is extracted from the tree of Rhizophora mangle. The application of tannin to the pots is accomplished immediately after the pot leaves the fire by vigorously whipping the pot with a tannin-soaked broom. This process of impregnation is known as "whip". As a result, the tannin penetrates in the pores of ceramics, covering cracks and making them waterproof. Also, the tannin serves by preventing the proliferation of fungi, which, over time, deteriorate the clay. In addition, the dark coloration of pan allows a better concentration of heat thus facilitating the cooking and preservation of foods. In order to dry the pigmentation, pots are burned on campfires under the open sky.

The Association has become a significant tourist destination for the city; people are very interested in and seeing how the pots are made. The pots have been around for hundreds of years. Yet, demand to purchase the pot has grown over recent years. In the future the association intends on expanding facilities by opening a restaurant featuring typical dishes from the region.

Interested buyers can find purchase information on the association’s web site. The prices range from $2 for a small pot to $50 for a larger pot. The buyer can either visit the association, or purchase by phone. Pans are physically stored and sold directly from the association’s shed. Each pan is certified with a stamp of authenticity certifying its origin. Buying directly from the association allows the “Paneleiras” to differentiate their utensils from the mass-produced pans or “knock-offs” versions manufactured by automated machines available at larger department stores.

In conclusion, the work of the “Paneleiras de Goibeiras” can be seen in the homes throughout Brazil; the pans symbolize a piece of the national culture. As artists, the “paneleiras” use the earth, water, fire, and air to make beautiful pans that are used to cook tasty Brazilian cuisine. Observing and researching the work and life of these incredible ladies was personally fulfilling. As I introduce more people to the life of “paneleiras”, I honor the significance and contributions of my grandmother to this culturally rich profession.

http://www.losartesanos.com/brasil/espiritu_santo/paneleiras.htm

New Frontiers.

Trying to learn a new language has given me a lot more than just the ability to speak English, it has given me unexpected relationships with new people. The emotions involved with learning and speaking a new language has made it one of my most powerful life experiences. I am constantly forced to push through fears, maintain hope, and persevere daily to see a different side of people. I am surprised by how difficult it has been to for me to adjust.
At first, I became so frustrated trying to learn English that I threatened to quit taking classes all together. Taking English as a Second Language (ESL) made me feel like I was going backwards pursuing a career. I deeply resented going to ESL class each day. The reason, I felt it was being forced upon me in order to take biology courses; I love science courses, I studied chemistry while attending high school in Brazil. During ESL classes I felt like I would never progress. For example one day I called the kitchen table a “Chicken table”. It is funny now, but I felt humiliated at the time. I felt like my two-year old niece was learning how to speak English quicker than me. After pushing though the ESL program, I was able to engage people more confidently. However, I constantly worried too much about people judging me based on my accent and not my capabilities. After having success in non-language courses, I still avoid academic and professional situations that focus on English language.
After three years applying for the dental hygiene program, I was finally blessed with the acceptance to this very hard college program. During the first week of classes, I noticed that I was the only second-language student in the program. I felt proud of myself, but questioned if I could compete at the same level of my native English speaking peers. I was trying to reach out for the girls; after all, they were going to be like a family for the next two years. Early in the program I felt intimidated when all the other girls formed small groups without me. I kept quiet. I always sat in the last row of the classroom. It seemed to me the girls looked at me under their nose. I can’t explain why, but one day I decided that I was no longer willing to see myself as the underdog. I wanted to be a part of the group of girls, just like everyone else. I reluctantly accepted an invitation to go and meet the girls for a San Patrick’s Day party. I dreaded the thought, but I knew I should once again face my fear of engaging a group of peers. To my surprise, everything changed that night. The girls were quite different than I expected. They all began talking to me and giving me lots of attention, hugging me. Now I know that I can fit in with new friends.
I had two vivid experiences when perseverance has helped me push through major conflicts in my life. Instead of running away, I faced the fear and gained confidence, maturity, and friends. Learning a new language was not only a challenge, but also an essential tool to express my feelings. My persistence in education has opened new frontiers to a whole world beyond academics.