280 word abstract. Title: Population Control

As far back as history will take us, one can see that the world has been inhabited by population clusters. All populations prior to the human race have existed and inhabited the world from 4 billion years ago to some 350,000 years ago at which time the Neanderthals walked the earth. It is important to note that there was always a rise and subsequent downfall of each species, but more importantly that there was a catalyst to their downfalls. For some, the catalyst has yet to be agreed upon within the scientific community and for others, it may have been disease or reorganization of the food chain; the catalysts could have been gentle reminders or immediate cessations. Whatever the catalyst may have been, however, its happening was an indication that their time on the earth was up.
Human existence has been thriving since the Agricultural or Neolithic Revolution; always improving and progressing in every aspect. Now in the year 2010, the human race has progressed so far from its Cro-Magnon brethren. We now have even developed ways to help slow the outlandish growth of our race: contraceptives. Within the past 400 years, history has shown evidence of contraceptive use in the form of condoms (one of the two more common forms). The other form of contraceptive, a contraceptive pill, was introduced within the past century while not being used widespread until 1957 when the FDA approved Enovid 10 mg for menstruation disorders. From then, when the world population was around 2.8 billion, to now, where the world population is around 6.8 billion, it seems that even with the development of modern contraceptive, humans still find a way to reproduce copiously.

Pull quote: "there was always a rise and subsequent downfall of each species..."

Spinach Cranberry Salad Recipe

Ingredients

1 tablespoon butter
3/4 cup almonds, blanched and slivered
1 pound spinach, rinsed and torn into bite-size pieces
1 cup dried cranberries
2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
1 tablespoon poppy seeds
1/2 cup white sugar
2 teaspoons minced onion
1/4 teaspoon paprika
1/4 cup white wine vinegar
1/4 cup cider vinegar
1/2 cup vegetable oil

Directions

In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Cook and stir almonds in butter until lightly toasted. Remove from heat, and let cool.
In a large bowl, combine the spinach with the toasted almonds and cranberries.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the sesame seeds, poppy seeds, sugar, onion, paprika, white wine vinegar, cider vinegar, and vegetable oil. Toss with spinach just before serving.