Writing Sample: 5 Useful iOS Apps

Devices that use iOS: iPod touch, iPhone, and iPad, are useful for many reasons. Haters can disagree all they like, but Apple has the corner on function and usefulness, with a whole lot of style thrown into the mix. The fabulous user-interface, effortless multi-touch technology, and a seemingly infinite number of apps available for download are just three reasons to use an iOS device.

Here, in no particular order, are five generally useful iOS apps.

Dropbox
Cost: Your first 2 GB of storage is free, subsequent storage space will cost you, depending on how much you want. You can get extra storage space through referrals and by completing a few easy steps as set out by Dropbox.
Dropbox is a web-based storage option that uses the cloud to store files and folders. You can share those files and folders with people or keep them to yourself. Because all data is stored in the cloud, you can access your photos and files from any device, be it your computer or iOS device.

Evernote
Cost: Basic is free and upgrade to a paid account is optional, which gives you more storage space and added features.
Evernote is a great app that allows you to write notes, store photos, save voice notes, copy snippets of text or even whole screenshots, and save them in the cloud. Your info syncs automatically across all of your devices. For anyone who relies on notes for their day-to-day lives like students, writers, and admin assistants, this app is a must-have.

Skype
Cost: Basic Skype is free. If you want to make calls to landlines or cell phones, you need to buy a subscription or purchase credits.
Skype is a great app that lets you make calls over the Internet to other computers (people who have Skype accounts), cell phones, and landlines. The messaging service works great and is an excellent alternative to FB messaging or text messaging. You can also make video calls to other Skype users to stay in touch with people you don't get to see all the time (or even ones you do).

Kindle
Cost: Free (there are free books available, too, but most have a purchase price).
Kindle has more books available for purchase or download compared to iBooks. If you want to stick with Apple apps only, that’s fine. But if you’re a reader, and you want access to tons of books, download Kindle. It’s free. Bonuses include different font selections, different colorations (black background with white text, white background with black text, or dark text on a sepia background.) You can also adjust the brightness manually with a slider. If you like to read in bed, and don’t sleep alone, the white-text-on-a-black-background is a great feature.

Facebook
Cost: Free.
iPad owners rejoice! It took forever, but Facebook finally came out with a version specifically designed for the iPad’s larger screen. The iPhone/iPod touch versions of FB are really quite cramped and not very user-friendly. The iPad version, on the other hand, is a joy: side-bars hold the nav bar (on the left side) and information bars (on the right side) take advantage of all the extra space. You can look at photos full-screen, and you can also zoom and navigate using multi-touch gestures. Facebook for iPad is a must for FB users.

Well, readers, that’s the first five on our favorites list.

What are your favorite apps for iOS?

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Do Cheaters Have a Valid Genetic Excuse? [STUDY] - writing sample

copyright 2010 Rebecca MacLary
**this is one of the blog posts previously submitted to Bytes of Love, which is now, unfortunately, offline. But that means I can re-post these pieces now.  Enjoy!

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Have you ever heard the excuse, “I just couldn't help myself” when it comes to a cheating spouse, or from someone who jumps from one bed to another? Wasn't that the reason given by a certain famous golfer most recently? Maybe (based on recent research) they have a valid excuse – although in my view, people are free to make decisions. To use the excuse that they are prey to a base instinct when it comes to infidelity and other unacceptable activity seems a bit thin.

Researchers at Binghamton University recently published a study in Plos One which looks into the genetic disposition people have to participate in infidelity and sexual promiscuity. The project leader, Justin Garcia, wanted to look into why some people “are motivated to engage in one form and not another, particularly when it comes to promiscuity and infidelity.” So they took 181 young adults and gathered histories of their sexual behaviour and samples of their DNA. The research team discovered that people who participatein uncommitted sex (so one-night stands as well as infidelity) were more likely to have a certain variation of the DRD4 gene (dopamine receptor D4).

The DRD4 gene is also connected to schizophrenia, eating disorders, bipolar disorder, Parkinson disease, political ideology, and novelty seeking. This receptor is activated by dopamine, which means that pleasure and reward systems which release dopamine are likely to be activities enjoyed by persons with this variation of the gene.

But don't let these study results fool you – Garcia said, “not everyone with this genotype will have one-night stands or commit infidelity. Indeed, many people without this genotype still have one-night stands and commit infidelity. The study merely suggests that a much higher proportion of those with this genetic type are likely to engage in these behaviors."

So, what's next? The researchers are interested in sampling more people to see if they can replicate their findings. They also want to study people whose spouses have committed adultery.

Sources

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/12/101201095601.htm

http://www.plosone.org/article/info%3Adoi%2F10.1371%2Fjournal.pone.0014162

Writing Sample - Organic Foods topic

Many people are unaware of the differences between organic and conventional milk. Sure, they know that organic milk costs more, but why? Farming practices are what makes organic milk “organic.” Not only are the cows fed organic feed, but other practices are rigorously followed to ensure the milk can be classified as organic.

Organic milk in Canada must come from cows that have access to pasture and organic feed. That means the cows get to go outside and eat grass in the sunshine. This ensures happier, healthier cows. Most animals are designed to live and play outside, not be stuck in a barn all day long with artificial light, fed on unnatural grains and other feeds. Conventional milk comes from cows that may never have seen daylight before, except through windows. Most cows in the conventional dairy market are fed corn, soy, and even doughnuts and pastries!

In addition to pasture, organic milk comes from cows that have never had antibiotics. Once a cow on an organic dairy farm has been treated with antibiotics, her milk is never again sold for human consumption. In the conventional milk arena, cows that are treated with antibiotics have their milk held back until several weeks have passed but then their milk will be sold again for human consumption.

Overall, cows on organic dairy farms are happier than cows on non-organic dairy farms. They get access to sunlight, they get to play in fields all day long (weather permitting, of course), and they get fed natural foods that are pesticide-free. They tend to have lower rates of infection, because they aren't living in cramped quarters, and thus need less antibiotics. All in all, organic milk is worth the price, and generally tastes better, because happy cows make delicious milk.

Writing Sample

The following article was an article written upon request, for a Christian publication.  Single use rights were purchased, so I retain rights.  Please contact me if you would like to purchase usage rights for this article, or to request a custom article for single use or full rights.


When to Have Children and How Many to Have
copyright 2010 by Rebecca MacLary

The Christian world varies widely on the issue of when to have children and how many to have; however, in looking at this issue from a Biblical perspective, one will see there is clear instruction.  For those who are searching, the Bible gives many references to family size and planning.  Some couples argue about contraceptives and if the prevention of pregnancy is a sin.

Starting with Genesis 9:7, “As for you, be fruitful and increase in number; multiply on the earth and increase upon it."  Further, Psalm 127:4-5 says, “As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man, so are children of the youth. Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them.”  Obviously these passages tell us to have children, if we are able.

A problem many new couples have is whether they should trust in God’s ability to decide “when and how many”, or if they should use birth control “until the time is right”.  Some believe God has plans for everyone, and this leads people to believe that God can be trusted with the size of their family – so they choose not to use birth control in any form.

Couples should not just run off “willy-nilly” and procreate without some consideration as to their financial ability, maturity, and current life situations.  Although God will provide for those who trust in Him, one must also be considerate of all the circumstances before beginning a family.  “Are we mature enough?” is a major question to ask.  Also, “do we have a place to live?” and “are we at a time in our lives where we are able to focus on having and raising children?” are important issues.

Flowing from the issue of “are we ready?” is the decision to use birth control.  There is a lot of contention in the Christian community regarding the use of contraceptives.  The most important thing to consider is the motivation for birth control.  If the couple wishes to limit their children (or not have any at all) because they want to continue their comfortable lifestyle and have all the things they want (and believe that children will prevent them from doing so), this is selfish and sinful.  On the other hand, if a couple feels they are not mature enough for children, or are just not ready (one or both are in college), then this is reasonable and not a sin.  Limiting the number of children in an effort to be good stewards of the money that God has given a couple is also reasonable and acceptable and certainly not sinful.

The Bible provides clear direction when it comes to marriage, procreation, and raising families.  One need only do a small amount of research to discover what God has planned for each of us.  Whether one abstains from the use of contraceptives, or makes a responsible decision to delay a family, one must refer to what God has recommended and decide if the motivation for the decision is a righteous one, or sinful.