Week 4 Reflection

1. I guess what stood out the most in the reading is that fact that more and more corporations are beginning to follow a "code". In other words, corporations today are sticking more strictly to their guidelines in an attempt to exercise legal and ethical practices. For me this was a surprise because personally I've never seen "corporation" and "ethical" in the same sentence. 

2. What I found confusing about the text was that it never really addressed whether profits outweighs morality or vice versa.

3. If you had a business, would your decisions always be in favor of the company, regardless of what happens to outsiders? Could you provide an example of something that is "illegal but ethical"?

4.  In this chapter, I don't disagree with the author. I do agree that businesses and corporations should abide by the legal system because it does establish some sort of accountability. At the same time, they should not take advantage of the legal system to advance their greed or personal agendas. In other words, they should also be ethical in their practices.

Entrepreneurship Opportunity, take 1

Today in age most high profile charities/non profits do not offer "fun" events. Perhaps the most notable one would be Jump Rope for Heart, which as the name implies, involves people jump roping to raise money and awareness for heart disease. The opportunity I talked about isn't new. I'm actually part of a UF charity called Hopping 4 a Cure, which is a non profit that raises awareness for MS (multiple sclerosis). Why I chose this as my incentive is because this year we are launching multiple events throughout the year (this has never been done before). The main event for the organization is Hopscotch, but every month we will host "recess" games. My questions were simple as I wanted to know if people would actually pay money to participate in recess games to raise awareness for MS. 

I asked:
1) Do you donate to nonprofits?
2) As a child, did you enjoy recess games?
3) Would you be interested in participating in friendly recess games to raise awareness for non profits?

This opportunity offers fun in exchange for funds, thus giving people a reason to join the cause. In regards to the experience, I'd have to say that it wasn't all that bad. Personally the only awkward part for me was actually stopping the person. Once I had their attention, it was relatively easy from there

Top 5 Biggest Problems (and the "easiest" to execute)

1. Global Warming
1. 

   The effects and implications of Global warming are endless. Not only are we talking about rising sea levels, but also increasingly acidic oceans and climate change. For those of you that don’t know, climate change can have a negative impact on agriculture (that’s our food people!). Moreover, I’m only talking about how Global warming is affecting a single species (us). Imagine how this will affect the other million species that live on Earth
2. Energy
1. There is a lot of back and forth between what alternative energy source should be used. Each alternative has its pros and cons. Either there isn’t enough or it isn’t safe.
3. Disease Eradication
1. Isn’t it sad to think that we have people dying from completely preventable diseases in 2016?
4. Trash, Trash Everywhere
1. Assume that you live in the only comfortable house within a million mile radius. Why would you mistreat and pollute in the place (as far as you know) you call home?
5. Food
1. In spite of the gargantuan human population, there is actually enough food to feed everyone.

Solutions

1. Disease Eradication
1. As mentioned earlier, through education and awareness we can teach people how to have proper hygiene and sanitation. Also, sending professionals to debunk myths about vaccinations and diseases.
2. Food
• Scientists and farmers should work together and travel abroad to teach locals about safe and effective farming techniques.
3. Trash, Trash Everywhere
1. Tougher laws should be passed that prevent corporations and businesses from dumping trash into the ocean. There should be greater incentive to recycle and manufacture products from recycled materials. Countries such as Netherlands have funded projects that build small scale floating nets (marine life friendly) to filter trash.
4. Energy
1. One alternative energy source that hasn’t been widely discussed is Helium 3. The sun emits millions of tons, but the Earth electromagnetic field blocks most of it. The moon, on the other hand, has plenty. The issue with this is that it expensive. Overall, I feel that if more research were put into lunar mining, then a cheaper method of He-3 extraction could be found.
5. Global Warming
1. Most practical way is the educate people about climate change and to aggressively push Congress and other governments to do more about than they already are.

I placed Global Warming as the top problem because it will, in the long run, cause the most widespread damage. In fact, although we aren't the point where the damage will be irreversible, we will get there if we do nothing to improve the situation. Furthermore, since it is, in my opinion, the hardest to carry out, it is best if we start now because the situation will only get worse if we keep waiting. Disease eradication is the easiest (relatively speaking) to execute since we can spread awareness and send more doctors to poverty stricken countries/cities.

Identifying Local Opportunities and stuff

1. 9th U.S. death is linked to air bags - Largest auto safety recall in U.S. history is expanded by 5 million in Takata case (http://infoweb.newsbank.com.lp.hscl.ufl.edu/resources/doc/nb/news/15A8D525C1F7FF70?p=AWNB)
Takata is a automotive part manufacturing company that is a major supplier for automobile companies. In recent events, airbags made by Takata have proved to be nonfunctional, as ten people have died already from faulty airbags. As a result, major motor companies such as Ford have made a major car recall. This is, in fact, the greatest automobile recall ever. What is even more concerning is that people with car models older than 2008 (and that reside in high humidity) are at great risk of having broken airbags. As a result, people with such models should go have their airbags fixed.

2. Out of Service - Will we ever fix the T? Two ex-governors, a mayor, the MBTA's chief, and the secretary of transportation tell us why we're getting exactly nowhere.(http://infoweb.newsbank.com.lp.hscl.ufl.edu/resources/doc/nb/news/15A343A5AC2C1EE8?p=AWNB)
The T is a the main train station for Boston. For more than a decade the T has been in need of newer models. It does not help that the brutal winters of Boston negatively impact the train station. In short, the train carts need to be updated. This severely affects people from all walks of life, as thousands depend on it for transportation to get to work.

3. Bay Bridge workers aim to stop stormwater leaks (http://infoweb.newsbank.com.lp.hscl.ufl.edu/resources/doc/nb/news/15A90AABC6A9AC58?p=AWNB)
El Nino, a weather phenomena, has been producing storms that have affected the Bay Bridge.  Workers have been working nonstop trying to keep water out off the bridge, as it cannot sustain itself under extreme moisture. The underlying issue to gradually upgrade to be more moisture resistant, since simply plugging holes is the same as applying bandages- it only solves problem temporarily. This affects millions, as again, the bridge is a major road.

4. Downtown Orlando draws more tourists - Repeat visitors, word of mouth help trend grow (http://infoweb.newsbank.com.lp.hscl.ufl.edu/resources/doc/nb/news/15A8E7D711384F58?p=AWNB)
Orlando is a grand hot spot for tourists all over the world. With endless attractions, the city is limited by the fact that tourist companies are not offering enough tours. If more tours were offered to meet the demand, then the city could make more profit, which can be used to improve Orlando. By not offering more tour services, the city is not fulfilling its full potential.

5. Livestock producers reminded to report forage losses by Feb. 1.(http://infoweb.newsbank.com.lp.hscl.ufl.edu/resources/doc/nb/news/15A87C9BE44C57D8?p=AWNB)
In Baker-Grant county, Oregon, livestock producers are facing losses as drought and wildfires have limited grazing for livestock. With droughts and wildfires, livestock producers will continue to suffer losses until they can find a way to create drought resistant seeds or some other viable solution. 

Very,very short Interview No. 1

The person I chose to interview was a family friend of mine named Jorge Washington Vecilla. Way back in the early 1950s, Jorge had a deep passion for music. In fact his first job was working as a cashier at the record store. However, he wanted to do more than stand behind a box and sell records. Jorge dreamed of being part of the actual music making process and wanted to own his own production label.

And that’s what he did.

What do you wish you had been taught in school before setting out on your own path as an entrepreneur?

Well, you have to understand that in those days, especially in Latin America, college was not really as prioritized as it is today. I simply graduated from high school and went straight to work. Now, I never really thought myself as an entrepreneur now that you mention it. All I wanted to do was be the director, the behind the scenes guy, the...the leader of the orchestra if you will. I guess all I really wanted to do was give good music to the people of Ecuador.

I knew it was going to be hard but damn I wish I would have been warned that it was going to be hard. Seriously, getting all the components and people together is quite of a process. I wish I would have be told that there were going to be plenty of sleepless nights and disappointments. In the end, persistence, will and work ethic is what will pay off.

What does it mean to be an entrepreneur?

Like I said, I never really gave myself that title. Producer is what always came to mind. To be a producer or “entrepreneur” means to use all resources available to you. ALL. RESOURCES. It means to work with people you don’t like and adapt to inconveniences. You have to reach out and find tools and people, which is not as easy as it sounds. At times it will be uncomfortable. But like I said, it is all part of the process. Sometimes the thing you need or want will not be there, but hey, take a deep breathe and continue. Someday it will be. You just have to chin up and be patient.

What should my expectations be in this course?

Honestly, there will always be a difference between theory and reality. You know that you will fail. But do you truly know what it means to be knocked down hard? I think this class will serve as a warning to all who want to be entrepreneurs. It will not be an easy path. At the same time, I feel that this class may give you a taste of triumph. No matter what happens, never lose your sight on victory, because trust me, the actual feeling of it is indescribable.

By the end of the interview, I'm not that all surprised by his responses. It reminded me of that scene when Luke Skywalker told Yoda "I'm not afraid" Yoda merely looks at him and says "Good. You will be. You will be" As students, we can only be taught theories, which in a way makes us naive. The feeling of failure and victory cannot be taught, only experienced. 

World's Biggest Problems

1. Global Warming
1. The effects and implications of Global warming are endless. Not only are we talking about rising sea levels, but also increasingly acidic oceans and climate change. For those of you that don’t know, climate change can have a negative impact on agriculture (that’s our food people!). Moreover, I’m only talking about how Global warming is affecting a single species (us). Imagine how this will affect the other million species that live on Earth
2. Most practical way is the educate people about climate change and to aggressively push Congress and other governments to do more about than they already are.
2. Humanitarian Aid
1. The issue with humanitarian aid is that they, for the most part, focus more on emergencies, not development. in other words, if organizations solely focus on emergencies, they are as good as a band aid.
2. Instead, these organizations should focus more on development by teaching and helping poor communities become independent and self sustaining. Also, instead of donating food, charities should buy food from local farmers (from the area of need). The issue with food donation is that it puts local food businesses out of work. Therefore, buying food locally can stimulate their economy (and provide food for others)
3. Middle East
1. In a nutshell, this region is destabilized and history can prove this. Aside the Syrian Civil war, there was the Persian gulf war, War in Afghanistan, 1971 Iran Revolution, Hezbollah, Taliban, ISIS, Arab Spring, etc.
2. Well...there is no practical and easy solution. Literally, the best solution would be for all countries to sit down and talk.
4. Ethnocentrism  
1. Overall, there are people out there who consciously (or unconsciously)  believe that their culture is superior. Plus, people are ignorant of other cultures.
2. If the media were more forthcoming and more reported the entire truth instead of tiny segments, then people’s perception would change. Ethnocentrism may not be completely eradicated, but it can be minimized. Raising awareness through school and media can educate the masses.
5. Energy
1. There is a lot of back and forth between what alternative energy source should be used. Each alternative has its pros and cons. Either there isn’t enough or it isn’t safe.
2. 

   One alternative energy source that hasn’t been widely discussed is Helium 3. The sun emits millions of tons, but the Earth electromagnetic field blocks most of it. The moon, on the other hand, has plenty. The issue with this is that it expensive. Overall, I feel that if more research were put into lunar mining, then a cheaper method of He-3 extraction could be found.
6. Electoral college (USA)
1. The concept of “red” and “blue” states isn’t completely correct. If we were to look at districts instead of States, one would see purple.
2. The electoral college has a winner take all system. This method should be discarded and replaced with a new system that is fairer for voters.
7. Trash, Trash Everywhere
1. Assume that you live in the only comfortable house within a million mile radius. Why would you mistreat and pollute in the place (as far as you know) you call home?
2. Tougher laws should be passed that prevent corporations and businesses from dumping trash into the ocean. There should be greater incentive to recycle and manufacture products from recycled materials. Countries such as Netherlands have funded projects that build small scale floating nets (marine life friendly) to filter trash.
8. Disease Eradication
1. Isn’t it sad to think that we have people dying from completely preventable diseases in 2016?
2. As mentioned earlier, through education and awareness we can teach people how to have proper hygiene and sanitation. Also, sending professionals to debunk myths about vaccinations and diseases.
9. Poaching
1. If key species begin to die out, then entire ecosystems can completely collapse.
2. Education and awareness. Add more protection at wildlife preserves. Debunk myths that argue that exotic bones can act as miracle remedies.
10. Food
1. In spite of the gargantuan human population, there is actually enough food to feed everyone.
2. Scientists and farmers should work together and travel abroad to teach locals about safe and effective farming techniques.

Reading Reflection

1. The biggest surprise from the reading was how easy it was to understand. I thought the book would take the classic "how-to" approach on entrepreneurship. Instead, it simply explained that the concept itself isn't as complicated as it seems. All it takes is sheer will and hard work. 

2. One part that was confusing to me was the intention of the entrepreneur. I would like a deeper explanation or a testimony of entrepreneur on what exactly drove them. 

3. Follow-up to the second question. Was it to truly be innovative and make a change, make profit or both? Do they stop once they've succeeded or do they start over? 

4. In all honesty, I don't find anything to disagree with. Then again, the only reason for this is that I myself have little experience with entrepreneurship. Moreover, I haven't gone through the full process (finding financial backers and successfully creating the business). I guess what I'm trying to say is that I do not have enough knowledge on the subject to disagree with the author. 

Grinds my Gears (My Bug list)

1. Public transportation inefficiency-
1. In big cities, there aren’t enough public buses and they are always behind schedule (due to traffic)

     2.  Grease and oil that stains the air vent in the kitchen

     a.   Constant hassle to clean and can leave stains

     3.  Weak/no cell signal in certain buildings

     a.   Walls are too thick or there is too much interference for calls, making it a potential      hazard

     4.  Outdoor recreational courts take long to dry after it has rained

     a.   There are methods to clean, but it takes too long and since the courts are temporarily out of use, parks and businesses lose revenue (Tennis courts)

     5.  Not all shoes are flat feet friendly

     a.  After a period of time feet begin to hurt, which can be a health hazard

     6.  Bright headlights blind oncoming traffic

     a. If oncoming traffic cannot see, there could be an accident

     7.  Batteries drain quicker over time

     a.  Batteries are expensive to replace. More energy efficient batteries should be made

     8.  Earphones that fall off

     a.  if on a bike, they could get tangled with the wheels

     b.  but in most cases, when jogging it annoying to constantly readjust

     9.  Tangled earphones in pockets

          a.  quite of a mission to untangle

   10.  There should be separate lanes for fire trucks/ Emergency vehicles

     a.  this could save lives as it would be more time efficient

     b. does not disturb traffic

   11.  Instead of tv remotes, televisions should rely on hand motions

     a. lost remotes are somewhat impeding

   12.  Movie ticket dilemma

     a. cinemas should announce how many remaining tickets they have for movies so that people could know ahead of time whether the can get in or not instead of waiting in long lines hoping that they can get in.

   13.  Disorganized postal service

     a. difficult to track package is postal service sent to the wrong address

   14.  Universal Healthcare/education

     a. Unnecessary and stubborn roadblocks make it difficult to make this happen

                 b. If other countries can make it work, why can’t we?

   15.  Harmful gases emission

1. harmful gases affect the atmosphere, which in turn affects all of us. Can’t special filters be made to reduce toxic gas emissions.

   16.  Helium 3

     a. could make the United States energy independent. He-3 is an alternative source of energy that can be used.

     b. large quantities of it can be found on the Moon. More money should spent there to research and extract this gas.  

   17.  Sakai vs. Canvas

    a.  All classes on UF should be moved to Canvas (provides a better interface)

                b. easier to have all classes on one program instead of shuffling back and forth between Sakai and Canvas

   18.  Palm tree nets

   a. branches fall of palm tree sometimes. Nets should be placed to prevent them from hitting someone on the head

               b. can be made for coconuts as well

   19.  Upper left wheel on the cart

   a. the infamous wheel on the shopping cart that stops spinning and makes it difficult to push the cart.

   20.  Lack of equipment/ Broken equipment at the gym

1. the apartment complex where I live offers little fitness equipment. Moreover, there are some machines that are nonfunctional.

Difficult. This assignment was difficult. Sure I’m aware that there are problems with the world, but I’ve never actually sat down and made a list of them.

Enter Aquanyte- My Entrepreneurship Story

Ahh yes, I forget to mention I'm from the Innovation Academy.
In short, what makes me different from the traditional UF student is that a) I have class spring and summer and have the fall off and b) I minor in Innovation.
Now, in the summer of '15 my Innovation class had us group up into teams and prototype a functioning invention...in six weeks...from scratch. Essentially, they told us to find and problem and create a solution.
After countless hours of debating and drafting, my team and I came up with Aquanyte. Aquanyte is a all purpose survival cup. Aside from holding fresh water, it also held mini flash light, styptic pencil (to heal light wounds), rope, and magnesium/flint (to start fires). My job was to design the cup. As a result, for a week I drew and erased and drew and erased until I came up with a design that was feasible and practical enough to make. Six weeks only, remember?
My friend Ryan used software to make the design come to life (I helped too!)

The competition also asked that we provide a business model along with the product. We marketed this product towards survivalists. Admittedly we had a very cool model (3D printed and fully functional), but we lost. Looking back, I feel that if we had put more effort into out marketing strategy as we did into the cup, we would have won.

I enrolled into this class because it is, once again, part of my Innovation minor. However, now that I have some experience with entrepreneurship, I could do a better job and this class than in my previous IA class. I hope to gain more insight into business modeling and marketing strategies. 

Intro by M83

Well...where do I start?
Remember the time where Dr. Pryor held the game show "Name the Opportunity!" If yes, I was the second contestant on the show. When asked what I like to do for fun, I kinda zoned out and said "sleep,eat and sleep" Just to clarify, that's not true. Not completely anyways.
I'll start with the basics: My name is Gustavo Elias Valle . Don't worry, you may call me Gus.
I was born in Ecuador and truth be told I would still be over there had my dad not gotten a job in Miami. So, in 1998 I got on the plane and flew over to the US of A. Besides eating and sleeping, I like to draw, watch movies, take long drives, listen to music, cook, wonder about what ifs scenarios, chill with my friends and stare at the night sky.
Fast forward sixteen years and I suddenly found myself driving up to Gainesville. Originally, I majored in Biology. Originally, I wanted to be a medical researcher or a doctor. Back at my high school graduation I said that I wanted to "save the world"
Okay, wow that did not sound as cool as I remembered it. In all of honesty though, all I wanted to do was to make the world a better place. Perhaps changing human history or coming up with some incredible discovery was a bit out of my reach, but if I could make life better for some people, then that was good enough for me. I thought to myself "Hell, I should be a doctor"
Key word though: Originally
By the end of my freshman year, I realized that I wasn't all that happy with my major and switched over to Political Science. Yes, it is quite a change.
What hasn't changed was my promise. I still want to help people and I want to make the world a better place. I want to...work at a think tank. Properly known as "policy institutes", think tanks essentially create policies for governments/NGOs. The current plan is to graduate, volunteer at Peace Corp,go to grad school and find a job at a think tank. Hopefully all of this works out. Then again, life loves to throw curveballs.
Whatever happens, I'm optimistic

my mantra

I said hey!

Bienvenidos to the Dangerzone! Hopefully this works.

`Till next time