Watching People Fight

I.

A. Watching people fight in an arena is entertaining, wearing a toga is cool, and no one should underestimate the value of fermented grape juice. But the idea of gods with magical powers coming down from Mt. Olympus to save civilization? Well, its seems a little farfetched...or does it? Greek mythology tells that Apollo, son of Zeus and the Greek god of light and healing answered prayers from the citizens of Delphi by using his golden arrows of light to slay the serpent Python.

B. Today it seems that Apollo's healing process may be saving civilization again, through a system which promises to eliminate modern-day serpents in the world's blood supply-using a simple beam of light.

C. In order to better understand the discovery that would impress even the gods,

1. We must first explain what Helinx is and its impact;

2. Second, explore the immediate implications of Helinx;

3. And finally, discuss its obstacles and future potential

D. Medical Devices & Surgical Technology Week of November 11th, 2001, describes the Cerus Corporation's development of the Helinx Process.

Given that the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette of November 8, 2001, reports "someone needs blood every two seconds" or over 1800 people by the end of this round, the Helinx process promises an Olympian achievement in protecting the world's blood supply

E. Now just as the ancient Greeks were awed by Apollo's shining personality, we'll come to the same appreciation of the Helinx process after we illuminate what it is and its impact.

II

A. We must first explain what Helinx is and its impact

1.The Cerus Corporation Website, last modified March 22, 2002, explains that psoralen, a chemical compound that reacts with light.

2. Blood Weekly of November 8th, 2001, tells of a recent experiment which tested the effectiveness of Helinx.

3. Spotlight Health article estimates that around 1.8 million units of blood are discarded each year due to contamination.

4. Additionally, the America's Blood Center's Website, last modified March 22, 2002, notes that for the average heart surgery 6 units of blood are required; for an organ transplant, 40 units; and for an automobile accident, 50 units

-Clearly 1.8 million units of blood go a long way

B. Second, explore the immediate implications of Helinx

1. The Denver Post of April 1st, 2001, explains that while plasma and red blood cells are refrigerated, platelets are stored at room temperature, which can lead to the growth of bacteria.

2. The Helinx process, the Denver Post continues, is "a very large step towards the concept of a zero-risk blood supply."

3. A June 4, 2001, CBSNews.com article points out that the Helinx process could be profoundly helpful in Africa by slowing down the AIDS epidemic.

4. Blood