Erin Richards

Today, people indulge in technology in ways that have never been feasible. People are listening to their iPods and various MP3 players, surfing the internet with their tiny notebook computers with free WiFi. They are also talking to friends, family and co-workers on an infinite variety of cell-phone models, playing games on their blackberries, or sending tweets from their iPhones. But how does this ubiquitous usage of technology affect our health? Although there have been initial studies that show a link between exaggerated cell phone usage and higher rates of brain tumors, other research indicates that technology may actually strengthen our brains.

Stem cells are about more than making clones of people from the remains of aborted babies, and Dr. Martin Pera is here to prove it to you. Pera is a pioneer of embryonic stem cell research, and one of a handful of researchers who has been involved in the field since its emergence 11 years ago. Stem cell research has been a hot-button issue since is conception, steeped in controversy and debated over in the ethical, religious, philosophical and political realms.  Yet, despite legislative and scientific challenges, Pera has thrown caution to the winds to pursue the research he loves. Pera is one who would describe himself as obsessed with his work. "One has to be to do this sort of thing, it's very difficult, there are always setbacks and there's a lot of competition," he said. "It's a tough career. Science is very high risk, but it's also extremely rewarding."

HIV/AIDS has gotten less attention in the mainstream media in the last 10 years than ever before. Other diseases have taken the spotlight and AIDS has been shuffled to the back burner of the public awareness. Education programs have been cut from schools and grants from the state have been slashed from the budget. In the recent July budget approved by the California legislature further cuts were made to HIV/AIDS services which had been funded by the state's general fund. These cuts totaled 52 million dollars, and are in addition to more than 30 million dollars in reductions to HIV/AIDS funding already approved by the legislature. These severe reductions in funding are part of the reason for the massive fundraising effort made by the AIDS Project Los Angeles (APLA) in their 25th annual AIDS walk held on Oct. 18 where over 30,000 people participated showing support and raising money for programs and research. The efforts raised over 3.1 million dollars.

Saturday is a day most people enjoy sleeping in, but for the members of the Triathlon Club of San Diego (TCSD) today was a day to celebrate the spirit of triathlon. Hosted to celebrate the infamous Kona Ironman occurring today, the group participated in their own Hawaiian themed "barely legal" half Ironman. Athletes participated in a 2.1 mile swim, 56 mile bike and 13.1 mile run ending with a luau at La Jolla Shores.

Athletes suit up and warm up for the for swim, which starts the half Ironman. Volunteers set up food, and registration.

For me, Los Angeles is like a giant puzzle. I'm still trying to figure out where to make the left turn, the quickest way to the freeway and where to find the best burrito. So with every drive, and every excursion, I learn something new about this multi-dimensional city.

I live in the Miracle Mile district, between Fairfax and La Brea. La Brea is full of lamps, antiques and other similar retail stores, while a section of Fairfax is home to Little Ethiopia. I have ventured through Little Ethiopia and was always intrigued on the stores and shops lining the street. I decided to take a first-hand look into this neighborhood.

Michael Pollan is one of my all time favorite journalism heroes, partly because he writes about one of my all-time favorite topics: food. But more than just writing about food, Michael Pollan is the type of journalist that I aspire to be. He has written well known books and countless articles. He has the ability to create characters while infusing his articles with facts and information. His ability to write about environmental and food science while keeping his long form writing engaging is something that I want to achieve in my own work.