The next green revolution

Many Europeans have not tried genetically modified (GM) food yet, even though scientists assure them that GM food is safe. However, Adopting GM foods seem to be an unavoidable trend that European Commission might import them in the future. Therefore, Monsanto, which is a biotechnology firm, is the winner that it made a profit of $993m a year, and profits will be doubled by 2012. Proponents claims that GM food is the best to feed increasing food demands, because it provides higher yields and requires less water, energy and fertilizer. Although this gene technology owns intellectual-property rights, it suffers from piracy as software industry, especially in developing countries (such as Argentina and China). Finally, the next generation of gene modification will benefit consumers most. GM food will be more palatable, healthier and no trans-fat during cooking.

The next green revolution


In my opinion, I prefer original food than GM food. First, there are still defeats that GM food damage human life. For example, one company produced a GM soybean which could trigger allergies in nut-sensitive consumers. Moreover, GM food will impair ecosystems which scientists have never forecasted. In one case, pollen of GM corn is blown onto the plants monarch butterflies consume, and its toxin killed their caterpillars and many other species. As a result, being “nature” is the best way that every organism exists in the world.

Why sadness can blow your budget

Why some people will alleviate their depression in terms of shopping? This phenomenon is called “Misery is not miserly”. There is a research which involved in thirty-three young adults, real commodities and money. Subjects were divided into two groups and one group watched a video about sad situation (the death of a boy’s mentor), the other watched neutral videos (sports or nature). It was found that “sad group” pay nearly four tomes as much than “neutral group”, and “sad group” typically insisted emotional video did not affect them to spend more. However, the researchers drew a conclusion that sadness can stimulate people’s emotions which resulted in extravagant propensity. Also, sad emotion leaded people to pay more attention to themselves because they felt they were worthless. Finally, this feeling promoted them to spend more in order to feel better about themselves.

Why sadness can blow your budget

Personally, I agree with the result of research. When people feel distressed, they will regard themselves as nobody. Most of time, they will treat themselves better than normal days. I think “misery is not miserly” indicates not only a shopping spree but also attitude of consumers. For example, I am a person who is prone to spend more in order to achieve more happiness. I will buy “Ben & Jerry” or “Haggen-dazs” when I felt sad or I did something wrong. It is better that I just buy ice cream, and there are some people buying lots of lavish bags, shoes or clothes that they will not wear them again. In conclusion, do not go shopping when you are upset, or even more, sealing your credit cards when you feel sad.

Honestly, all of us are liars

At some point, people have lied. For example, a person explained to human resources that he had missed the big company meeting because his grandmother died … again. Sometimes people lie because they want other people to see them the way they wish they were, to spare others’ feelings or to avoid conflict. Furthermore, lying is pretty regular phenomenon. Statistically, people lied at least once to 30 percent above of the people they contacted. Interestingly, people tend to tell serious lies to people closed to them due to protect their relationship. However, except honest, people also value compassionate, or kindness. It is hardly to be a completely person. As a result, to prevent from embarrassing circumstance, it is better to be frank.

http://edition.cnn.com/2008/LIVING/wayoflife/01/21/social.liars/index.html

From my point of view, being honest is probably the most important characteristic based on my background. I remembered that my mother always told me： If you lie, you will be like Pinocchio who gets longer nose. On the other hand, lying is an unavoidable behavior that every one does. Sometimes people have to lie to achieve specific purpose. For example, salesmen usually flatter customers to make good first impression and promote products. Also, people compliment others to avoid conflict or embarrassment. Lies are not dangerous, but people who lie are dangerous. We must not get used to lie, furthermore, we must not lie with bad intention.