Introduction to my CAJ topic - Space Tourism

Science fiction predicted it years ago, but what actually is space tourism? Space tourism describes a concept suggesting that ordinary people may sooner or later be able to travel to space and back for recreational, leisure or business purposes. In fact, it is very similar to the tourism existing on earth. The only small, yet significant, difference is that space tourism, as its name already indicates, is supposed to take place in space. According to various predictions there will be space hotels, specific space activities (things to do on your orbital holiday), as well as specially created space sports adapted to zero gravity. 

This project is yet to be realized, but market research has shown that the idea of space tourism is extremely popular. According to a survey, many people even wish to go out repeatedly, and live and work there one day. What is more, an increasing number of commercial enterprises have been starting up over the last few years. The progress that has been made recently is incredible and gives all the more rise to the supposition that space tourism will soon become reality. However, the question is when and how will it come into existence? So far a great deal of problems, notably the high costs, has kept space tourism from developing any further. 

  

The fascination of Space Tourism is completely comprehensible. I mean, who would not like to look at the Earth floating in space? Who would not like to admire the stars from close up? And who would not like to have the amazing experience of living in zero gravity, if only for a few days? In a world where people are more and more seeking to experience unusual and unique adventures, to do things that no one has ever done before and to go to places no one has ever been to before, it is very likely that people wish to go to orbit at least once in their lifetime as well. If this is true, space tourism may be the biggest unexploited new market of the 21^st century.

(main source: http://www.spacefuture.com/tourism/hotels.shtml)

Narrative article homework - Malaysia flight MH370: Families vent anger

“Tell us the truth, tell us the truth...!” That is what the outraged relatives of the passengers from the missing Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 are chanting incessantly Monday morning in front of the Malaysian government building. After three weeks of continuous search for the missing plane no evidence has yet been recovered. Therefore, the despaired family members are still clinging to a tiny glimmer of hope that their loved ones might still be alive. However, suspecting the Malaysian prime minister to conceal the truth, the protestants are determined to find out what really happened. Although the protest is overall peaceful, the situation is bound to escalate. People are waving Chinese flags and holding banners with inscriptions such as “We want proof. We want dignity.”. Every now and then a sudden outcry of a desperate family member can be heard in the chanting crowd. The protests have been going on for quite a while and probably will be going on until the truth is finally revealed.

PSA warning against the use of after-death avatars

“Oh my god…Is…is that really you?” – “No, honey, it’s not me. It’s a useless computer-controlled robot using past online communications and social media profiles that has absolutely nothing to do with who I was. My existence will not in the least help you to get over your loss and to move on with your life.” That’s just what an after-death avatar usually tells his buyer at first sight. NEVER. Can you imagine interacting with your deceased beloved ones? No? You shouldn’t have to! There is only one answer to the use of after-death avatars. Thanks, but no thanks. Let the deceased rest in peace. End of story.  

 

A day in the life of…ME

A typical day in my life looks like this: I get up pretty early (around 7.30) in order to profit fully from the day. First of all, I have breakfast. Right after, I usually have to go to university until at least lunchtime. After having attended all of my classes, I have lunch (either alone or as I prefer - with some friends) and try to get done some of my many homework assignments. Now the fun part of my day beings: whenever time allows I go meet up with some friends (either for having some coffee, for simply enjoying the sun in one of Graz’s numerous city parks, for going shopping or just for hanging around). Then, having reloaded all of my energy, I usually try ( ! ;) ) to get some studying done. After one or two hours of more or less intensive studying, I go out again to do some sports which helps me to relax. Depending on which weekday it is, my evening program either consists of going out, relaxing at home with a good book or movie, or simply listening to my favorite music. Unfortunately, however, I often have no choice but to stay at home to study for exams.