When most people think of the future they think of flying cars, spaceships, and gadgets. This could be how it ends up, but another possible outcome is that our planet becomes a wasteland. If we are not carefull the technology we are developing and the way we are living may destroy our planet. The impact of Global warming, negative technology, and war may be too great.

Global warming may be a very big issue in the near future. If we keep polluting the Earth at this current rate, global warming could hit us hard. By that I mean it could cause floods, horrible natural disasters, and a possible ice age. These things could wreck the future for us and all generations to come. We need to start significantly cutting down on our green house gas emissions.

All of the new technology looks cool and fun, but it could have negative effects. Most of the new devices let you stay in your home to do things that usually require leaving the home, such as talking too and seeing people, shopping, mailing, watching movies/TV, and many more. These type of devices may make our future generations less healthy and active, and more isolated and possibly obese/unhealthy. We will also soon have robots capable of thinking and becoming life like. This could result in major problems which are depicted in countless movies such as I,Robot, and The Terminator series.

Finally, if we had the ability to make nuclear bombs in the 1940's what do you think we have now? Bombs now or soon in the future could wipe out the whole world as we know it. We could be living in a wasteland with no food, water or shelter. Almost like going back into the past, rather than forward.

The future of our world is entirely up to us. If we act now we might still have the power to change it for the better. We might still be able to have the perfect Jetson style future.

P.S. I highly recommend watching the movies mentioned above as well as Wall-e. They are good examples of what could happen.

Cottage

My summers are usually spent at my cottage. Events there range from sleeping in and swimming to meeting a terrorist on our property. Last summer I was at my cottage for three quarters of it. My cottage is located on Sugar Island, Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. It is eight hours away from Cambridge.It is a pretty long drive, but you get used to it. Since it's such a long drive we are usually up there for longer than a few days. The drive is a small price to pay for such an amazing time.

It was built in 1915, over a trapper's settlement from around 1860. My cottage originally belonged to the Hunts. After them it was sold to the Hamiltons. They lived there for 60 years. They used it as a hunting and trapping lodge. Mr.Hamilton also had a little barber parlor on the property. They were a well liked and known family on the Island. Sadly one day Mrs.Hamilton died. She was cooking when she had a heart attack. Later her husband went to a nursing home beacause he developed Alzheimer's. My family was next to purchase it, in 1988. We kept it like it was for many years.

Just a couple years ago we totally renovated it. We basically took out everything, even the walls and upper level. The cottage is totally different now, it doesn't even look remotely the same. We also took down our falling apart boathouse and replaced it with, what we call, the 'Hut'. Which is a one bedroom mini house, where my dad sleeps.

We have also bought a large homestead farm separate from the cottage. On it we have a vineyard, two gardens, a couple open fields, a few large ponds, and my grandpa's house. Yes I said a vineyard, in Michigan. My dad made an amphitheatre shaped vineyard from a hill. My family planted all the grapes and we have been keeping it running for a couple years. Last year we made our first wine.

My cottage is great for relaxing and having fun. It is my favourite place ever. Also since we had it before I was born I have lived with it all my life, and it feels like a part of me. So this summer I can guarantee you that I will be at my cottage dirt biking, and making wine.

40 million dollars. Most people would probably go on a shopping spree or something of the sort (my first idea as well), but there are much smarter ways of using that money. If you use the money wisely it opens up so many doors for your profession. Instead of choosing a job just because the pay is good, you can go after something you are passionate about and really want to do.

By using this money as a nest egg I wouldn't have to have all the stress of buying a house, paying mortgages, university expenses, and taxes etc. Most of the stress today is due to money, which I could avoid. I wouldn't have to put up with an awful boss, or the constant threat of being fired. I could live my life more care free and to the fullest.

I'd also use it towards my family by paying off all their mortgages. I would also give my grandpa some money to put towards his house, and my sister for whatever she needs it for. My whole family would be brighter and happier.

After doing all that I would still keep a couple million for purchases. With that money I would buy a very nice car that would be my fathers, mine, and my brothers until I am old enough to drive, at which time it would be mine. I would purchase a place in Turks and Caicos, as well. At my cottage I would buy a nice large boat for my family and myself to use for many years to come.