Online learning

Although I think the online environment will continue to grow as an alternative to physical classroom learning, I do not think it will completely replace the traditional classroom environment. Mainly, I think this is due to the simple fact that people are different. Some students achieve a higher level of comprehension by hearing a lecture, others by reading. Some students need a structured environment, while for some (like me), the convenience of attending classes online as their daily schedule allows, whether at 6 am or 10 pm is invaluable. Although I have not attended on-campus classes in a number of years, one drawback of online learning has been that they are much more writing-intensive than I recall on-campus classes to be. But, writing is really the only way your instructor knows that you grasp the material being covered.

Hopefully, as the online educational environment grows, the variety of courses available will expand. Some of the physical sciences and such will probably never be available online, as these require hands-on lab work. I do think that if demand continues to rise, more institutions of higher learning will be forced to offer online classes in order to keep enrollment up. Students will follow opportunities that take them where they wish to go. The online learning environment is not for everyone, however. Many students will stick to what they know in the traditional learning environment.

Laws to regulate types of fast food?

Should the government pass laws to regulate the types of food served in fast food restaurants? In my opinion, no. While I think it is important that safety regulations for food temperatures and the like are in place and monitored for compliance, it should NOT, under any circumstances, be up to the government to dictate the type of food that fast food restaurants are permitted to serve. We live in a free society; many things we have taken for granted as freedoms are being challenged daily. If citizens do not begin to put their foot down and refuse governmental control over the seemingly silliest of things, our nation's freedoms will continually be chipped away until we live in a dictatorship. This is not acceptable.
Every person who has attended school has been taught about the basic food groups, general nutrition and healthful eating habits. While modifications to nutritional balance have been made in recent years, the premise remains the same. A minimum number of servings of proteins, carbohydrates, fruits, veggies and dairy products consumed daily will help to keep our foundation strong and help our bodies to remain healthy. While individuals make choices based on their beliefs or lifestyles, the basic recommendations remain steady.
Part of the beauty of our nation is our freedom. Why should the government dictate that I cannot have a greasy cheeseburger at a fast food restaurant if I decide I'd like to have one? It should not. With the constant evolution of our society, demand is beginning to grow for more healthful options at fast food restaurants. Many such locations have implemented healthful menu selections for those who are more conscious of the fuel that they consume. McDonald's now has salads and grilled chicken options, as do Wendy's, Chick-Fil-A and many others.