Thursday, January 31, 2008
MIS and me...
Wells lets see how is MIS in my life now. I have come up with my own system (class schedule, doing homework, studying time, amount of work, and all that jazz) for graduating and it is up to me to actually follow threw and use it. Yes it is up to me. This is why the person is harder to change. There is a lot more responsibility on me. If i want to finish school I do have to actually stick to what i do best. Plan. I make multiple lists that turn into some intense to-do's and I know if I do not do them I am screwed not only for that week, but the next few as well because then it is a game of catch up. That game sucks by the way.
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
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New Police technology. WATCH OUT!!!
What’s the latest technology in high-tech cop cars? High-speed Digital License-Plate Reader!
What’s the latest technology in high-tech cop cars? According to Wired magazine, it’s something called a high-speed Digital License-Plate Reader.
- Here’s how it works: It’s a squad car complete with two roof-mounted cameras, two cameras looking out the rear window, a computer in the trunk, and a computer keyboard and monitor on the dash. It automatically reads the license plate of every car the police unit passes, and compares it to the “hot list” of stolen autos and outstanding warrants.
- Up until now, officers would play what they call the “stolen car lotto.” They pick cars they think are stolen, and manually punch the license plate number into their dashboard computer……Then wait while the computer dials headquarters and checks the “hot list.” But it’s almost impossible to find a “winner” that way. In fact, in Los Angeles, which is the auto-theft capital of America, one patrol officer playing the stolen-car lotto might type in 100 plate numbers during their shift, and get nothing. And if they grab 6 car thieves in a single year, they get an award.
- This automated, digital system can handle up to 240 plates a minute – and nabs an average of 3 stolen cars a day, and 12 car thieves a month. Digital License Plate Readers are being tested in California, Florida, Connecticut, New York, Ohio, and Arizona……In Alabama, cameras and radar systems are automatically writing speeding tickets as violators race by……And in France, the police have doubled their revenue from speeding tickets, and cut speeding-related deaths in half in just two years.
- The Big Brother Robo-Cop car may not be in your neck of the woods yet – but it’s coming. And it means you’ll be safer, and your stolen car will more likely be found……Sounds like progress to me.
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Rockstar Games
You should read this interesting story. The story is about a game call Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas. Rockstar Games, the maker of this product, has agree to pay $35 to people who purchased the game. The reason this company has agree to pay buyers because many people have complained about the gave, "portraying a simulated sex between the game hero and a female character who invited him home for coffee."
http://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/SmartSpending/ConsumerActionGuide/OffendedByVirtualSexGet35Dollars.aspx
http://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/SmartSpending/ConsumerActionGuide/OffendedByVirtualSexGet35Dollars.aspx
Free music finally legal
http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/tol/arts_and_entertainment/music/article3261591.ece
Seems that after years the music industry might be giving up? This could be the case but after reading through this article it seems there are still many licencing issues and the companies are trying to stop this. Its currently postponed due to these issues but could go live someday soon. By doing this they can at least generate ad revenue off downloads that already widely happen. Until then the usual will continue with people pirating songs off the Internet as they have been doing thus far.
Seems that after years the music industry might be giving up? This could be the case but after reading through this article it seems there are still many licencing issues and the companies are trying to stop this. Its currently postponed due to these issues but could go live someday soon. By doing this they can at least generate ad revenue off downloads that already widely happen. Until then the usual will continue with people pirating songs off the Internet as they have been doing thus far.
Asteriod will swing by, but won't stop
Link: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080125/ap_on_sc/earth_asteroid
Hello everyone,
I read an article about an asteroid that is going to swing by Earth sometime today (Jan. 29). The asteroid is estimated to be between 500 feet and 2,000 feet long, but it has no chance of crashing into the Earth. The asteroid known as 2007 TU24 will come as close as 334,000 miles from Earth. This is about 1.4 times the distance of Earth to the moon. Medium sized telescopes will be able to catch a glimpse of the asteroid. At this same time, another asteroid is scheduled to pass right by Mars. The asteroid known as WD5 will be as close as more than 16,000 miles from the Martian surface. The odds of the impact there is 1 in 10,000. I think this article is interesting because it is a rare occasion that an asteroid of this size will pass so close to the Earth. The article states that an actual collision of a similar asteroid with Earth occurs on average every 37,000 years. What will be the impact of others, society and myself if the asteroid would hit Earth? Well a large asteroid hitting Earth can have a tremendous impact on us. It can cause a lot of damage and take lives. The impact could create earthquakes, fires and tidal waves. The next asteroid of this size will swing close by Earth in 2027. Lets hope that it only swings by again and not stop here.
Hello everyone,
I read an article about an asteroid that is going to swing by Earth sometime today (Jan. 29). The asteroid is estimated to be between 500 feet and 2,000 feet long, but it has no chance of crashing into the Earth. The asteroid known as 2007 TU24 will come as close as 334,000 miles from Earth. This is about 1.4 times the distance of Earth to the moon. Medium sized telescopes will be able to catch a glimpse of the asteroid. At this same time, another asteroid is scheduled to pass right by Mars. The asteroid known as WD5 will be as close as more than 16,000 miles from the Martian surface. The odds of the impact there is 1 in 10,000. I think this article is interesting because it is a rare occasion that an asteroid of this size will pass so close to the Earth. The article states that an actual collision of a similar asteroid with Earth occurs on average every 37,000 years. What will be the impact of others, society and myself if the asteroid would hit Earth? Well a large asteroid hitting Earth can have a tremendous impact on us. It can cause a lot of damage and take lives. The impact could create earthquakes, fires and tidal waves. The next asteroid of this size will swing close by Earth in 2027. Lets hope that it only swings by again and not stop here.
Monday, January 28, 2008
Dish Network Makes It Easy to Get Programming for Your Home Theater
I did my research on “Dish Network Makes It Easy to Get Programming for Your Home Theater” I found it very interesting because lot of us either have HDTV in our home or planning to buy one. In our advance technology everybody wants to catch up with new arrivals, and I know that HDTV is not something new and people would love to try having high definition television programming. According to the article many people believe that HDTV and digital TV is the same thing.
http/www.newtechnologytv.com/index.php?itemid=537
http/www.newtechnologytv.com/index.php?itemid=537
Business travelers meet in the blogosphere
Click Here to read the full article.
Summary
Recently companies like Southwest Airlines, Delta Airlines, Starwood Hotels & Resorts, and Marriott International have been using blogs to promote their product and brand image. Business travelers have now have the ability to review other's comments as well as share their experiences.
Business travelers can now view blogs that address issues of interest to business travelers. In 2007, approximately 21% of business travelers that use the internet read blogs. This is a large market share for a blog sites that focuses on traveling and lodging. Of course they must maintain good and relevant content.
Tracy Gamble, vice president of business development for Propylon, a software company, has found travel blogs to be a great resource. She frequently travels around the nation, and reads blogs to obtain information before she makes her reservations.
Information you would not expect to find maybe posted on a blog site. Last autumn, she said she was too busy to visit her own doctor to get a flu shot, but after reading a post on Gridskipper, she learned that she could get a shot at a kiosk in O'Hare International Airport. So in November, when on a layover at O'Hare, Gamble went to the kiosk and was done in 10 minutes.
Hotels and Airlines are now learning to use blog sites to promote their product and brand image. The Marriott on the Move a success now that it has attracted more than 345,000 visitors, almost a quarter from outside the United States. This year, the company plans to translate Marriott's posts and add the blog to its Web sites in Germany, China and Latin America.
Southwest Airlines has operated its staff-written blog, "Nuts About Southwest," a name that refers to its in-flight snack of peanuts, since April 2006. Starwood started its blog, TheLobby.com, in April 2006 to provide information for participants in its Preferred Guest loyalty program.
Why is this interesting?
Its amazing what kind of information you can find on blogs. Its also a great way to promote an idea or a product. Its even a great way to research a customer's needs and wants. Companies are beginning to use blogs to figure out what customers actually like and dislike. This can help change policies that companies have put in place that may drive customers away.
Sites likes these are always helpful to internet browsers searching answers to their issues. Whether it be traveling, reviewing a product, or looking for a laugh there's a blog out there for it. Its also a great way to express your opinion about a good or bad situation you experience when flying a plane, eating at a restaurant, or staying a night at a hotel.
What is my response?
Creating your own blogs about you're business is a great idea. You can have employee's anonymously post information about their work problems or how great the company operates. There are issues with blogs though, it has to be maintained daily. The content of a blog is very important. It has to be relative to the topic.
Summary
Recently companies like Southwest Airlines, Delta Airlines, Starwood Hotels & Resorts, and Marriott International have been using blogs to promote their product and brand image. Business travelers have now have the ability to review other's comments as well as share their experiences.
Business travelers can now view blogs that address issues of interest to business travelers. In 2007, approximately 21% of business travelers that use the internet read blogs. This is a large market share for a blog sites that focuses on traveling and lodging. Of course they must maintain good and relevant content.
Tracy Gamble, vice president of business development for Propylon, a software company, has found travel blogs to be a great resource. She frequently travels around the nation, and reads blogs to obtain information before she makes her reservations.
Information you would not expect to find maybe posted on a blog site. Last autumn, she said she was too busy to visit her own doctor to get a flu shot, but after reading a post on Gridskipper, she learned that she could get a shot at a kiosk in O'Hare International Airport. So in November, when on a layover at O'Hare, Gamble went to the kiosk and was done in 10 minutes.
Hotels and Airlines are now learning to use blog sites to promote their product and brand image. The Marriott on the Move a success now that it has attracted more than 345,000 visitors, almost a quarter from outside the United States. This year, the company plans to translate Marriott's posts and add the blog to its Web sites in Germany, China and Latin America.
Southwest Airlines has operated its staff-written blog, "Nuts About Southwest," a name that refers to its in-flight snack of peanuts, since April 2006. Starwood started its blog, TheLobby.com, in April 2006 to provide information for participants in its Preferred Guest loyalty program.
Why is this interesting?
Its amazing what kind of information you can find on blogs. Its also a great way to promote an idea or a product. Its even a great way to research a customer's needs and wants. Companies are beginning to use blogs to figure out what customers actually like and dislike. This can help change policies that companies have put in place that may drive customers away.
What will be the impact on you, others, or the whole society?
What is my response?
Creating your own blogs about you're business is a great idea. You can have employee's anonymously post information about their work problems or how great the company operates. There are issues with blogs though, it has to be maintained daily. The content of a blog is very important. It has to be relative to the topic.
Flashlight
http://www.lapolicegear.com/su8nxco.html
Hi everybody,
Check this interesting product out. First of all, this is a flashlight, 8 NX, that comes with a rechargeable battery. This means that you do not have to worry going to the store to buy a package of batteries. The 8 NX was first designed to be use by law enforcement. This cool rechargeable flashlight is equivalent to a 110 lumen of lights for 50 minutes.
Hi everybody,
Check this interesting product out. First of all, this is a flashlight, 8 NX, that comes with a rechargeable battery. This means that you do not have to worry going to the store to buy a package of batteries. The 8 NX was first designed to be use by law enforcement. This cool rechargeable flashlight is equivalent to a 110 lumen of lights for 50 minutes.
Digital writing pen
I think that this article is really worth reading. I really want one of these. It would make my life so much easier. http://www.engadget.com/2007/08/09/epos-technologies-digital-pen-records-your-writing/
Blogging for money
http://dealbook.blogs.nytimes.com/2006/08/21/blogging-for-bucks/
This article is interesting because it discusses how people can blog and earn money for what they are blogging about and how it will be more popular than online magazines.
This article can give you inspiration if you truly like blogging and want to come up with something creative that is unique so that you can make easy money.
Would it not be nice to make easy money by just talking about what interest you?
Good luck!
This article is interesting because it discusses how people can blog and earn money for what they are blogging about and how it will be more popular than online magazines.
This article can give you inspiration if you truly like blogging and want to come up with something creative that is unique so that you can make easy money.
Would it not be nice to make easy money by just talking about what interest you?
Good luck!
Blogs for Kids
By Sharon Housley
Flush out the writer in children. Blogging could draw out a young writer and open doors to their future. Consider encouraging your child to start blogging!
Children love having an audience. The instant recognition and approval that comes from a crowd just can't be beat. Employing blogs to help develop good spelling habits, grammar skills, and develop a love for writing at a young age is an innovative concept that has potential benefits:
Benefits1.) Responsibility/Commitment - Daily Posts Regular updates require children to be disciplined and responsible.
2.) Communication - Increased Communication with Friends and RelativesBlogging or journaling gives children the opportunity to connect with relatives who might live some distance away, communicating important timely issues.
3.) Technology - Exposure to Internet Technologies Children are growing into technology-laden world. Exposure to innovative Internet technology will help them with communication skills and résumé-building. 4.) Improved Writing Skills When presented with an audience, children will want to present their "best" work.
5.) Improved Editing Skills Proofreading is an important skill that is difficult to teach. Editing of daily entries will help children learn how to present their ideas clearly and professionally. 6.) Improved Spelling Automated spell-checking helps children be aware of spelling errors when they occur.
7.) Typing Getting children acquainted with keyboards at a young age will help them become familiar with their layout and function, quickly making them proficient typists.
Resource for Blogging Information - http://www.blog-connection.com
Because blogging involves the Internet, parents and teachers should also take the opportunity to educate youngsters about the dangers of the Internet. The Internet is global in its reach and developing safe Internet habits at a young age is critical. Remind children not to disclose personal information including names, addresses or location of events they plan to attend.
Staying Safe Online - http://www.small-business-software.net/staying-safe-online.htm
About the Author:Sharon Housley manages marketing for the NotePage http://www.notepage.net and FeedForAll http://www.feedforall.com product lines. Other sites by Sharon can be found at http://www.softwaremarketingresource.com , and http://www.small-business-software.net
Flush out the writer in children. Blogging could draw out a young writer and open doors to their future. Consider encouraging your child to start blogging!
Children love having an audience. The instant recognition and approval that comes from a crowd just can't be beat. Employing blogs to help develop good spelling habits, grammar skills, and develop a love for writing at a young age is an innovative concept that has potential benefits:
Benefits1.) Responsibility/Commitment - Daily Posts Regular updates require children to be disciplined and responsible.
2.) Communication - Increased Communication with Friends and RelativesBlogging or journaling gives children the opportunity to connect with relatives who might live some distance away, communicating important timely issues.
3.) Technology - Exposure to Internet Technologies Children are growing into technology-laden world. Exposure to innovative Internet technology will help them with communication skills and résumé-building. 4.) Improved Writing Skills When presented with an audience, children will want to present their "best" work.
5.) Improved Editing Skills Proofreading is an important skill that is difficult to teach. Editing of daily entries will help children learn how to present their ideas clearly and professionally. 6.) Improved Spelling Automated spell-checking helps children be aware of spelling errors when they occur.
7.) Typing Getting children acquainted with keyboards at a young age will help them become familiar with their layout and function, quickly making them proficient typists.
Resource for Blogging Information - http://www.blog-connection.com
Because blogging involves the Internet, parents and teachers should also take the opportunity to educate youngsters about the dangers of the Internet. The Internet is global in its reach and developing safe Internet habits at a young age is critical. Remind children not to disclose personal information including names, addresses or location of events they plan to attend.
Staying Safe Online - http://www.small-business-software.net/staying-safe-online.htm
About the Author:Sharon Housley manages marketing for the NotePage http://www.notepage.net and FeedForAll http://www.feedforall.com product lines. Other sites by Sharon can be found at http://www.softwaremarketingresource.com , and http://www.small-business-software.net
Sweet Sweetness!
A woman named Cybele May has an occupation that requires her to spend hours tasting and reviewing candies for knowledge. She then creates blogs and responds to others. Apparently, blogs are great advertising for the candy world.
Link: http://www.buzzmarketingwithblogs.com/weblog/category/marketing/
Original article link: http://www.nationalpost.com/news/story.html?id=438d110b-e966-4261-b0ef-3f748e9659ce
Link: http://www.buzzmarketingwithblogs.com/weblog/category/marketing/
Original article link: http://www.nationalpost.com/news/story.html?id=438d110b-e966-4261-b0ef-3f748e9659ce
YouTube debates
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/06/14/us/politics/14youtube.html?pagewanted=all
I did my research on an issue that many debate. I am sure some of you have watched the YouTube debates for the presidential election. I thought it was a great idea, and it addressed many issues that some citizens feared. The concept of letting fellow citizens ask questions with a home video, definitely made it more interesting for me to watch. The article i picked, is a review by the NY Times, about how the economic and political issues were answered by some, and how it sparked debate between the candidates. It is definitely something you should read if you are not sure on who you plan to vote for this upcoming election.
I did my research on an issue that many debate. I am sure some of you have watched the YouTube debates for the presidential election. I thought it was a great idea, and it addressed many issues that some citizens feared. The concept of letting fellow citizens ask questions with a home video, definitely made it more interesting for me to watch. The article i picked, is a review by the NY Times, about how the economic and political issues were answered by some, and how it sparked debate between the candidates. It is definitely something you should read if you are not sure on who you plan to vote for this upcoming election.
Article 1/28
1/28 Lab Assignment
New home sales dropped in 2007 by a record amount
http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/business/20080128-1250-economy.html\
Summary: Home sales have dropped 26%, the biggest drop since 1980. The drop in economic stability and credibilty has brought this country to the brink of recession.
This article poses a struggling aspect in our economy, the housing market. Experts speculate for the market to hit "rock bottom" in Summer '08, then will hopefully see a profitable rise, as appose to sinking this country into a recession.
A poor housing market is detrimental to homeowners, especially those in need of moving and receiving less money they had purchased their house for. People are FORCED to adjust their living situations and lower the value of their already depreciated home. This is important to me, because within the next 2 year, I not only plan to purchase a home, I always want it to be a valued investment.
New home sales dropped in 2007 by a record amount
http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/business/20080128-1250-economy.html\
Summary: Home sales have dropped 26%, the biggest drop since 1980. The drop in economic stability and credibilty has brought this country to the brink of recession.
This article poses a struggling aspect in our economy, the housing market. Experts speculate for the market to hit "rock bottom" in Summer '08, then will hopefully see a profitable rise, as appose to sinking this country into a recession.
A poor housing market is detrimental to homeowners, especially those in need of moving and receiving less money they had purchased their house for. People are FORCED to adjust their living situations and lower the value of their already depreciated home. This is important to me, because within the next 2 year, I not only plan to purchase a home, I always want it to be a valued investment.
Who is looking after the company's image?
Tim Nash is a assistant consultant for Venture Skills. His position seeks to optimize your search engine, and is also a reputation manager. If someone is talking trash about you on the net, he can tell you who is doing it. Check it out.
http://internetducttape.com/2007/04/10/an-introduction-to-reputation-management/
http://internetducttape.com/2007/04/10/an-introduction-to-reputation-management/
Blogging for Trouble
http://www.stoel.com/showarticle.aspx?Show=1996
This article talks about blogging as a double-edged sword because of the following issues:
· Copyright and Trademark Law
· Defamation
· Trade Secret Protection
· Publicity/Privacy Right
The advice from the article is to obtain an attorney if your company has been threatened with legal action over information included in a blog.
This article talks about blogging as a double-edged sword because of the following issues:
· Copyright and Trademark Law
· Defamation
· Trade Secret Protection
· Publicity/Privacy Right
The advice from the article is to obtain an attorney if your company has been threatened with legal action over information included in a blog.
Parents Crashing Online Party
http://www.cnn.com/2008/TECH/ptech/01/23/technological.turfwar.ap/index.html
The article talks about older adults are beginning to be more technologyically savy. An example is how blogging sites, such as My Space and Facebook, are no longer just for young people. Sites such as these are beginning to be over run by adults, which are making younger adults uncomfortable because their parents may know more about them then they would want them to know. Some younger people that were questioned commented on how weird it was when some that they knew, someone of an older age, asked them to be a buddy or a friend. Also, as a result of all the adults and parents that are now on these websites, the younger crowd is now beginning to be more careful about the stuff they post online, that is open for everyone to see. As always, the younger crowd likes to stay ahead and this case is no different. The trend that is currently occuring is to join Twitter.com. This website allows blogging also. What makes it different is that you can blog from your mobile phone and also downloads and posts television programs. There is no doubt that this trend of brand new websites will continue because this is type of business is a money maker.
The article talks about older adults are beginning to be more technologyically savy. An example is how blogging sites, such as My Space and Facebook, are no longer just for young people. Sites such as these are beginning to be over run by adults, which are making younger adults uncomfortable because their parents may know more about them then they would want them to know. Some younger people that were questioned commented on how weird it was when some that they knew, someone of an older age, asked them to be a buddy or a friend. Also, as a result of all the adults and parents that are now on these websites, the younger crowd is now beginning to be more careful about the stuff they post online, that is open for everyone to see. As always, the younger crowd likes to stay ahead and this case is no different. The trend that is currently occuring is to join Twitter.com. This website allows blogging also. What makes it different is that you can blog from your mobile phone and also downloads and posts television programs. There is no doubt that this trend of brand new websites will continue because this is type of business is a money maker.
Blogs Will Change Your Business
Go ahead and bellyache about blogs. But you cannot afford to close your eyes to them, because they're simply the most explosive outbreak in the information world since the Internet itself. And they're going to shake up just about every business -- including yours. It doesn't matter whether you're shipping paper clips, pork bellies, or videos of Britney in a bikini, blogs are a phenomenon that you cannot ignore, postpone, or delegate. Given the changes barreling down upon us, blogs are not a business elective. They're a prerequisite. (And yes, that goes for us, too.)There's a little problem, though. Many of you don't visit blogs -- or haven't since blogs became a sensation in last year's Presidential race. According to a Pew Research Center Survey, only 27% of Internet users in America now bother to read them. So we're going to take you into the world of blogs by delivering this story -- call it Blogs 101 for businesses -- in the style of a blog. We're even sprinkling it with links. These are underlined words that, when clicked, carry readers of this story's online version to another Web page. This all may make for a strange experience, but it's the closest we can come to reaching out from the page, grabbing you by the collar, and shaking you into action.First, a few numbers. There are some 9 million blogs out there, with 40,000 new ones popping up each day. Some discuss poetry, others constitutional law. And, yes, many are plain silly. "Mommy tells me it may rain today. Oh Yucky Dee Doo," reads one April Posting. Let's assume that 99.9% are equally off point. So what? That leaves some 40 new ones every day that could be talking about your business, engaging your employees, or leaking those merger discussions you thought were hush-hush.Give the paranoids their due. The overwhelming majority of the information the world spews out every day is digital -- photos from camera phones, PowerPoint presentations, government filings, billions and billions of e-mails, even digital phone messages. With a couple of clicks, every one of these items can be broadcast into the blogosphere by anyone with an Internet hookup -- or even a cell phone. If it's scandalous, a poisonous e-mail from a CEO, for example, or torture pictures from a prison camp, others link to it in a flash. And here's the killer: Blog posts linger on the Web forever.Yet not all the news is scary. Ideas circulate as fast as scandal. Potential customers are out there, sniffing around for deals and partners. While you may be putting it off, you can bet that your competitors are exploring ways to harvest new ideas from blogs, sprinkle ads into them, and yes, find out what you and other competitors are up to.More tomorrow.Tuesday 6:35 a.m. How big are blogs? Try Johannes Gutenberg out for size. His printing press, unveiled in 1440, sparked a publishing boom and an information revolution. Some say it led to the Protestant Reformation and Western democracy. Along the way, societies established the rights and rules of the game for the privileged few who could afford to buy printing presses and grind forests into paper.The printing press set the model for mass media. A lucky handful owns the publishing machinery and controls the information. Whether at newspapers or global manufacturing giants, they decide what the masses will learn. This elite still holds sway at most companies. You know them. They generally park in sheltered spaces, have longer rides on elevators, and avoid the cafeteria. They keep the secrets safe and coif the company's message. Then they distribute it -- usually on a need-to-know basis -- to customers, employees, investors, and the press.That's the world of mass media, and the blogs are turning it on its head. Set up a free account at Blogger or other blog services, and you see right away that the cost of publishing has fallen practically to zero. Any dolt with a working computer and an Internet connection can become a blog publisher in the 10 minutes it takes to sign up.Sure, most blogs are painfully primitive. That's not the point. They represent power. Look at it this way: In the age of mass media, publications like ours print the news. Sources try to get quoted, but the decision is ours. Ditto with letters to the editor. Now instead of just speaking through us, they can blog. And if they master the ins and outs of this new art -- like how to get other bloggers to link to them -- they reach a huge audience.This is just the beginning. Many of the same folks who developed blogs are busy adding features so that bloggers can start up music and video channels and team up on editorial projects. The divide between the publishers and the public is collapsing. This turns mass media upside down. It creates media of the masses.How does business change when everyone is a potential publisher? A vast new stretch of the information world opens up. For now, it's a digital hinterland. The laws and norms covering fairness, advertising, and libel? They don't exist, not yet anyway. But one thing is clear: Companies over the past few centuries have gotten used to shaping their message. Now they're losing control of it.Want to get it back? You never will, not entirely. But for a look at what you're facing, come along for a tour of the blogosphere.
Ref:
http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/05_18/b3931001_mz001.htm
Ref:
http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/05_18/b3931001_mz001.htm
Barry is a Joke!
http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/news;_ylt=AjJZNpty7K0jXWR1ivFpEhERvLYF?slug=li-bondsindictment012708&prov=yhoo&type=lgns
Thought I would share this with you and my hatred for Barry Bonds.
The article is about Barry Bond's motion last week to dismiss or strike portions of the federal government's indictment against him. The charges were for perjury. It was stated that asking the grand jury for this was the equivalent of asking the umpire for a ruling for the entire game. Barry's motion was for dismissal of the perjury case.
Why interesting? - This case has been a huge part of the sports news, and will affect major league baseball for years to come.
What will be the impact on you, others, or the whole society? - Impact is strong on anyone who knows anything about baseball. Everyone has a different opinion about steroids in baseball, especially relating to its biggest culprit, Barry Bonds.
What can be your response? - I personally feel that Barry was a great baseball player, but there is strong evidence that he used steroids. I believe when he was asked in 2003 whether or not he used steroids, that he lied. I don't have much respect for him anymore after all of this. It makes the game of baseball look like a joke and something needs to be done.
Thought I would share this with you and my hatred for Barry Bonds.
The article is about Barry Bond's motion last week to dismiss or strike portions of the federal government's indictment against him. The charges were for perjury. It was stated that asking the grand jury for this was the equivalent of asking the umpire for a ruling for the entire game. Barry's motion was for dismissal of the perjury case.
Why interesting? - This case has been a huge part of the sports news, and will affect major league baseball for years to come.
What will be the impact on you, others, or the whole society? - Impact is strong on anyone who knows anything about baseball. Everyone has a different opinion about steroids in baseball, especially relating to its biggest culprit, Barry Bonds.
What can be your response? - I personally feel that Barry was a great baseball player, but there is strong evidence that he used steroids. I believe when he was asked in 2003 whether or not he used steroids, that he lied. I don't have much respect for him anymore after all of this. It makes the game of baseball look like a joke and something needs to be done.
10 Secrets to Overclock Brain Activity
A person with more brainpower has the more chances of success in every competitive field. Your brain is similar to a muscle. Psychologists say that you can grow your mental faculties as much you want. Here are a few tip to improve brain use:
1. Physical exercise. Physical exercise strengthens your brain. Exercise benefits your brain cells. The blood vessels inside your brain dilate and increase blood flow when you engage in regular exercise. Exercise helps to elimin toxins and allows oxygen and other nutrients to flow into your brain strengthening your brain cells.
2. Mind exercises. Concentration and clear thinking are more or less automatic once you remove distractions. Learn to stop and watch your busy mind. As you notice things that are subtly bothering you, deal with them. This might mean making a phone call you need to make, or putting things on a list so you can forget them for now. With practice, this becomes easier, and your thinking becomes more powerful.
3. Healthy breakfast. Start your day with a healthy breakfast. Skipping breakfast affects your brainpower and performance at home, school or work. Minimize your eating during the day to mostly live raw fruits and veggies and their juices. This will help you detoxify and nourish your brain with essential nutrients and antioxidants to protect your brain from daily free radicals assaults.
4. Increase Water Intake. Given that your brain is about 80 percent water, the first rule of brain nutrition is adequate water to hydrate your brain. Even slight dehydration can raise stress hormones, which can damage your brain over time. Drink at least 84 ounces of water a day. It is best to have your liquids unpolluted with artificial sweeteners, sugar, caffeine, or alcohol. You can use herbal, non-caffeinated tea bags, such as raspberry or strawberry flavored, and make unsweetened iced tea. Green tea is also good for brain function as it contains chemicals that enhance mental relaxation and alertness.
5. Keep journals and notebooks. All the smart people write down their ideas, thoughts and observations. Writing things down lets, your brain know that you value “it’s” ideas. How does it reward you? By providing more ideas and better ideas. Writing things down creates a feedback loop that makes you smarter. You objectify your thoughts onto paper and that helps you think about them in a more powerful way. This is a great way to improve your brainpower.
6. Think positively. Thinking positively enables you to access your higher thinking abilities. When you are positive and feeling good, your mind functions smoothly. Ask yourself emotion-leading questions like, “What am I grateful for right now?” and “Who do I love and who loves me?”
7. Make sure you sleep enough. Your brain is rejuvenate during those sleeping hours. Research from the University of California suggests that if you have been awake for 21 hours straight, your abilities are equivalent to someone who is legally drunk. Sleep allows your brain to process new memories, practice new skills and solve problems. Therefore, a good night’s sleep is essential to boost your brainpower. How many hours sleep constitutes a good night’s sleep will vary between individuals, but between 6 – 8 hours, sleep is normally considered sufficient.
8. Creative Visualization. Use the power of Creative Visualization. Creative Visualization is a technique that involves the use of mental energy to transform and improve the life of the individual who uses the technique. You can use your brain’s mental energy to improve your life because your imagination is incredibly powerful and, when used correctly, can enhance your life by creating what you really want. Creative visualisation can be used to accelerate learning, improve memory and motivation, and of course, improve brainpower!
9. Develop your creativity and your intuition. Creativity gives power to your thinking. Raw computation can be done by computers now, but humans provide the creative thought that shapes our world. Intuition can be an important part of brainpower. Einstein and others have relied heavily on their intuitive hunches.
10. Make a brainpower plan. It takes about twenty to thirty days of repetition to establish new habits, many psychologists will tell you. This means that when you create your plan for improved brainpower, be sure you plan to use that new problem solving technique, or eat those new brain foods for at least three weeks. You can use many of the brain boosters here and get immediate results, but it is creating new habits that will give you the most brainpower.
1. Physical exercise. Physical exercise strengthens your brain. Exercise benefits your brain cells. The blood vessels inside your brain dilate and increase blood flow when you engage in regular exercise. Exercise helps to elimin toxins and allows oxygen and other nutrients to flow into your brain strengthening your brain cells.
2. Mind exercises. Concentration and clear thinking are more or less automatic once you remove distractions. Learn to stop and watch your busy mind. As you notice things that are subtly bothering you, deal with them. This might mean making a phone call you need to make, or putting things on a list so you can forget them for now. With practice, this becomes easier, and your thinking becomes more powerful.
3. Healthy breakfast. Start your day with a healthy breakfast. Skipping breakfast affects your brainpower and performance at home, school or work. Minimize your eating during the day to mostly live raw fruits and veggies and their juices. This will help you detoxify and nourish your brain with essential nutrients and antioxidants to protect your brain from daily free radicals assaults.
4. Increase Water Intake. Given that your brain is about 80 percent water, the first rule of brain nutrition is adequate water to hydrate your brain. Even slight dehydration can raise stress hormones, which can damage your brain over time. Drink at least 84 ounces of water a day. It is best to have your liquids unpolluted with artificial sweeteners, sugar, caffeine, or alcohol. You can use herbal, non-caffeinated tea bags, such as raspberry or strawberry flavored, and make unsweetened iced tea. Green tea is also good for brain function as it contains chemicals that enhance mental relaxation and alertness.
5. Keep journals and notebooks. All the smart people write down their ideas, thoughts and observations. Writing things down lets, your brain know that you value “it’s” ideas. How does it reward you? By providing more ideas and better ideas. Writing things down creates a feedback loop that makes you smarter. You objectify your thoughts onto paper and that helps you think about them in a more powerful way. This is a great way to improve your brainpower.
6. Think positively. Thinking positively enables you to access your higher thinking abilities. When you are positive and feeling good, your mind functions smoothly. Ask yourself emotion-leading questions like, “What am I grateful for right now?” and “Who do I love and who loves me?”
7. Make sure you sleep enough. Your brain is rejuvenate during those sleeping hours. Research from the University of California suggests that if you have been awake for 21 hours straight, your abilities are equivalent to someone who is legally drunk. Sleep allows your brain to process new memories, practice new skills and solve problems. Therefore, a good night’s sleep is essential to boost your brainpower. How many hours sleep constitutes a good night’s sleep will vary between individuals, but between 6 – 8 hours, sleep is normally considered sufficient.
8. Creative Visualization. Use the power of Creative Visualization. Creative Visualization is a technique that involves the use of mental energy to transform and improve the life of the individual who uses the technique. You can use your brain’s mental energy to improve your life because your imagination is incredibly powerful and, when used correctly, can enhance your life by creating what you really want. Creative visualisation can be used to accelerate learning, improve memory and motivation, and of course, improve brainpower!
9. Develop your creativity and your intuition. Creativity gives power to your thinking. Raw computation can be done by computers now, but humans provide the creative thought that shapes our world. Intuition can be an important part of brainpower. Einstein and others have relied heavily on their intuitive hunches.
10. Make a brainpower plan. It takes about twenty to thirty days of repetition to establish new habits, many psychologists will tell you. This means that when you create your plan for improved brainpower, be sure you plan to use that new problem solving technique, or eat those new brain foods for at least three weeks. You can use many of the brain boosters here and get immediate results, but it is creating new habits that will give you the most brainpower.
Gartner: HD DVD price cuts only prolong agony
Link to Article
The successor in the next-generation format war that will replace current DVD technology looks to be Blu-Ray. Many of the big movie studios such as Warner Bros, Paramount, and Universal, have already said that they will only be putting out the standard DVD and Blu-Ray versions of their movies, not HD-DVD.
What does this mean for you? It means that if you own an Xbox 360 or a HD-DVD player you might not be able to purchase some of your favorite movie titles when they become available. As a result many retailers and manufacturers are dropping the price of HD-DVD players in order to to cash in while they can.
Current HD-DVD technology offers about 30 GB of storage on a disk, whereas Blu-ray offers around 50 GB, allowing for more storage of high definition content.
Although the format war is not over, Blu-Ray definitely has the support it needs in order to become the victor and HD-DVD is starting to look like it will have the same fate as BetaMax.
The successor in the next-generation format war that will replace current DVD technology looks to be Blu-Ray. Many of the big movie studios such as Warner Bros, Paramount, and Universal, have already said that they will only be putting out the standard DVD and Blu-Ray versions of their movies, not HD-DVD.
What does this mean for you? It means that if you own an Xbox 360 or a HD-DVD player you might not be able to purchase some of your favorite movie titles when they become available. As a result many retailers and manufacturers are dropping the price of HD-DVD players in order to to cash in while they can.
Current HD-DVD technology offers about 30 GB of storage on a disk, whereas Blu-ray offers around 50 GB, allowing for more storage of high definition content.
Although the format war is not over, Blu-Ray definitely has the support it needs in order to become the victor and HD-DVD is starting to look like it will have the same fate as BetaMax.
Baseball Season is Coming!!
Blogging from jail...literally
A 24 year old Egyptian prisoner is still blogging his ideas from his cell. He was arrested during a demonstration and writes his blogs on a piece of paper and gives it to his wife to blog for him. Talk about a devoted blogger!
This is an interesting article because blogging to us might not seem like that big of a deal...maybe just to talk to friends but to some people in the world blogging is one of the only ways to get thier ideas out into the public.
Take a look!
http://www.wired.com/techbiz/media/news/2006/05/71017
This is an interesting article because blogging to us might not seem like that big of a deal...maybe just to talk to friends but to some people in the world blogging is one of the only ways to get thier ideas out into the public.
Take a look!
http://www.wired.com/techbiz/media/news/2006/05/71017
Stealing life...
http://www.boston.com/business/articles/2006/05/08/online_plagiarism_strikes_blog_world/
So this seemed interesting to me and I wanted to know who would want to steal someone else memories or basicaly someone elses day. Why would someone want to steal word for word a person whom they have never met and copy there day. Why would they even change the names. If your going to be stupid enough to copy a blogy then why try and pretend your smarter by changing names. If you want to be someone else so bad then why not try living your own life. If you find your life boring do something diffrent Eat sushi. that coould be fun. I think copying a blog and posting it as your own is just as bad as identity theft. Your pretending to be someone else, even if it is only online. Your using there information for your benifit. Then wher does it all end? If you pretend to be someone else what is to stop them from stealing your social security number just because they can? this deserves some extra thoughts.
So this seemed interesting to me and I wanted to know who would want to steal someone else memories or basicaly someone elses day. Why would someone want to steal word for word a person whom they have never met and copy there day. Why would they even change the names. If your going to be stupid enough to copy a blogy then why try and pretend your smarter by changing names. If you want to be someone else so bad then why not try living your own life. If you find your life boring do something diffrent Eat sushi. that coould be fun. I think copying a blog and posting it as your own is just as bad as identity theft. Your pretending to be someone else, even if it is only online. Your using there information for your benifit. Then wher does it all end? If you pretend to be someone else what is to stop them from stealing your social security number just because they can? this deserves some extra thoughts.
Diseased Turtles
http://www.latimes.com/news/science/la-sci-turtle25jan25,1,5305107.story?ctrack=3&cset=true.
The issue that this article presents is that there is a new threat concerning pet turtles. There have now been over 100 reported cases of people in 33 different states getting sickened with salmonella carried by their infected turtles. According to the article, small turtles are particularly problematic because they "are often bred in crowded conditions and are more likely to be given to children as pets".
This article is super interesting because I never knew that salmonella could be carried by turtles. I always knew about the raw eggs, but not turtles.
The Center for Disease Control, or "CDC", seems to have a handle on the outbreak so far. People just need to avoid close contact (i.e., petting, playing, kissing) turtles.
The issue that this article presents is that there is a new threat concerning pet turtles. There have now been over 100 reported cases of people in 33 different states getting sickened with salmonella carried by their infected turtles. According to the article, small turtles are particularly problematic because they "are often bred in crowded conditions and are more likely to be given to children as pets".
This article is super interesting because I never knew that salmonella could be carried by turtles. I always knew about the raw eggs, but not turtles.
The Center for Disease Control, or "CDC", seems to have a handle on the outbreak so far. People just need to avoid close contact (i.e., petting, playing, kissing) turtles.
Im suppose to cross this river? We live in san diego its not suppose to rain here.
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Manalapan asks Google to reveal blogger ID
http://www.app.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071128/NEWS01/711280363/1004
MANALAPAN — An Internet advocacy group says it plans to fight a subpoena that the township issued to Google for the name of a blogger whose snarky posts targeted local officials.
Attorneys for the township filed a subpoena Sept. 26 in state Superior Court in Freehold to Google for all account information on the blog, datruthsquad.blogspot.com. Township officials believe the owner of the blog is former township attorney and past mayor Stuart Moskovitz, according to court papers.
"Individuals have the constitutional right to speak anonymously and just because a litigant doesn't like what someone else says anonymously doesn't give them the right to use the court system to unmask that critic," said Matt Zimmerman, attorney for Electronic Frontier Foundation of San Francisco the group representing the blogger.
The subpoena is part of an ongoing lawsuit filed in June against Moskovitz. The township claims the lawyer botched negotiations for a recreation land purchase in 2005.
"I have no idea who (the blogger) is," Moskovitz said Tuesday. "Just because I read it doesn't mean I wrote it."
Among several insults issued in the blog, the author dubbed Republican Mayor Andrew Lucas "Andy Boy da Democrat's Toy" for following up on former Democratic mayor Drew Shapiro's request that the township investigate Moskovitz.
Court papers also include the author's lengthy diatribes defending Moskovitz's position in the land purchase case.
David Weeks, an attorney for the township, said if Moskovitz is the author, the posts contradict Moskovitz's earlier requests for dismissal in which he claimed the case would damage his business and reputation.
"If you read the thing, it sounds an awful lot like he could be the author," Weeks said. "He has said he is not. It speaks to his credibility."
Zimmerman said he will move to have the subpoena dismissed because, by New Jersey law, it must be filed in a California court. Google's headquarters are in Mountain View, Calif. Weeks said he plans to reissue the subpoena.
Cameron Stracher, professor and co-director of the law and journalism program at New York Law School, said courts base rulings in such matters on whether the disclosure is necessary to pursue a case.
"It really depends on why the plaintiff wants to know it," Stracher said. "It comes down to the merits of the claim."
Google representatives did not respond to an e-mail or phone call for comment.
A hearing is scheduled to continue in court Dec. 7, when Judge Richard W. English is expected to rule when Moskovitz must file an answer to the township's initial complaint. Moskovitz asked for an extension because of questions regarding whether a malpractice insurance attorney should represent him.
The lawsuit revolves around the state's discovery of a leaking oil tank on a Route 522 property, which the township purchased from the Dreyer family for $465,000. The complaint claims Moskovitz should have included a clause that made the purchase contingent upon environmental inspection.
Moskovitz says he had to go through with the property purchase because it was court ordered.
My Article Response
MANALAPAN — An Internet advocacy group says it plans to fight a subpoena that the township issued to Google for the name of a blogger whose snarky posts targeted local officials.
Attorneys for the township filed a subpoena Sept. 26 in state Superior Court in Freehold to Google for all account information on the blog, datruthsquad.blogspot.com. Township officials believe the owner of the blog is former township attorney and past mayor Stuart Moskovitz, according to court papers.
"Individuals have the constitutional right to speak anonymously and just because a litigant doesn't like what someone else says anonymously doesn't give them the right to use the court system to unmask that critic," said Matt Zimmerman, attorney for Electronic Frontier Foundation of San Francisco the group representing the blogger.
The subpoena is part of an ongoing lawsuit filed in June against Moskovitz. The township claims the lawyer botched negotiations for a recreation land purchase in 2005.
"I have no idea who (the blogger) is," Moskovitz said Tuesday. "Just because I read it doesn't mean I wrote it."
Among several insults issued in the blog, the author dubbed Republican Mayor Andrew Lucas "Andy Boy da Democrat's Toy" for following up on former Democratic mayor Drew Shapiro's request that the township investigate Moskovitz.
Court papers also include the author's lengthy diatribes defending Moskovitz's position in the land purchase case.
David Weeks, an attorney for the township, said if Moskovitz is the author, the posts contradict Moskovitz's earlier requests for dismissal in which he claimed the case would damage his business and reputation.
"If you read the thing, it sounds an awful lot like he could be the author," Weeks said. "He has said he is not. It speaks to his credibility."
Zimmerman said he will move to have the subpoena dismissed because, by New Jersey law, it must be filed in a California court. Google's headquarters are in Mountain View, Calif. Weeks said he plans to reissue the subpoena.
Cameron Stracher, professor and co-director of the law and journalism program at New York Law School, said courts base rulings in such matters on whether the disclosure is necessary to pursue a case.
"It really depends on why the plaintiff wants to know it," Stracher said. "It comes down to the merits of the claim."
Google representatives did not respond to an e-mail or phone call for comment.
A hearing is scheduled to continue in court Dec. 7, when Judge Richard W. English is expected to rule when Moskovitz must file an answer to the township's initial complaint. Moskovitz asked for an extension because of questions regarding whether a malpractice insurance attorney should represent him.
The lawsuit revolves around the state's discovery of a leaking oil tank on a Route 522 property, which the township purchased from the Dreyer family for $465,000. The complaint claims Moskovitz should have included a clause that made the purchase contingent upon environmental inspection.
Moskovitz says he had to go through with the property purchase because it was court ordered.
My Article Response
This article is about Google being demanded by an internet advocacy groups to hand over a blogger's ID.
I think it is interesting because even though external blogs usually express a vartiety of different topics and subjects, usually without restriction, this article brings up the implications of being restricted or being prohibited to express certain viewpoints in fear of being confronted by the opposing parties in court.
I used to blog on livejournal, but I didn't go into any extreme viewpoints. But what this means is that even though you are permitted to write about anything in your blog, you hsvr to remember that your blog, an external blog, is open to public access and viewing. You are likely going to be under the scruntiny of individuals, companies, and other obscure parties and bodies. You aren't invincible and there are limits to what you can post before you provoke others or ruin your own credibility/image.
My response would be to express my viewpoints in a more social-friendly and non-provocative way.
"Byte this! Why food blogs are a powerful tool"
Phil Lempert, a food editor, predicts that food blogging will be one of the most mportant mediums for the food world. Word-of-mouth is one of the most valued assets in the food world, and with blogs being such a commonplace, it is a great way for people to discuss food issues.
This blog is interesting because it pertains to something we all love...food! Food blogging is definitely a great way to share your stories about food and nutrition. Information through the internet can spread more quickly than just by word-of-mouth, and can also reach millions of people across the world. Food blogging benefits both consumers and retailers. Consumers can utilize this tool to find information on what's good and what's not so they won't waste their money trying things that aren't what they expect. Whereas consumers can use blogging to read about what consumers have to say about their products and services. This not only works for the food world but for almost any industry out there.
New iPhone applications
"Macworld may be over, but for a group of developers the most important Apple news has yet to be unveiled: the much-anticipated iPhone software development kit (SDK)."
This article is discussing the creation of new iPhone applications that work with the existing web browser that's incorporated in the iPhone, several of them consisting of games such as, Memory, Tetris, and Mahjong. The article continues to discuss how the applications will be distributed, accessed, how the design team will earn their money, and software protection. After a free trial offer, downloads spiked, so the team enforced a $1.99 one-time download fee. The result was a dramatic slump in downloads. The team decided that losing a couple dollars per person was the best (and only) bet to stay ahead of the game and get their applications abroad.
Rest of the article can be found here:
http://www.forbes.com/technology/2008/01/26/iphone-apple-developers-tech-wire-cx_ew_0128iphone.html
This article is discussing the creation of new iPhone applications that work with the existing web browser that's incorporated in the iPhone, several of them consisting of games such as, Memory, Tetris, and Mahjong. The article continues to discuss how the applications will be distributed, accessed, how the design team will earn their money, and software protection. After a free trial offer, downloads spiked, so the team enforced a $1.99 one-time download fee. The result was a dramatic slump in downloads. The team decided that losing a couple dollars per person was the best (and only) bet to stay ahead of the game and get their applications abroad.
Rest of the article can be found here:
http://www.forbes.com/technology/2008/01/26/iphone-apple-developers-tech-wire-cx_ew_0128iphone.html
Elderly encroaching on youngsters hightech turf
As technology grows faster and faster, older generations are beginning to become more technologically savvy. I say this is great! The less I have to hold my moms hand through sending a picture text message the better. Although, the article I found in the North County Times outlines a different opinion. Here younger generations are feeling uncomfortable that their parents ask to be added to there network of friends, and inturn their parents friends become the kids friends as well. As uncomfortable as it may be, I think it is important for older generations to become more comfortable with technology. At some point a younger generation will take over the world (seriously) and the transition will be much easier if everyone is speaking the same language. Especially with the dangers that young children can encounter on the internet, it is important for adults to understand what their kids are up to (if you have seen msnbc investigates you know what i'm talking about).
http://northcountytimes.com/articles/2008/01/27/science/17_52_321_25_08.txt
http://northcountytimes.com/articles/2008/01/27/science/17_52_321_25_08.txt
Saudi Arabian Blogger Arrested
http://www.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/meast/01/03/saudi.blogger/index.html?iref=newssearch
A 32 year old man named Fouad al-Farhan was recently arrested because of a blog that he wrote that violated regulations in his home country. He is in prison because he supported reform advocates that the government thinks support terrorism and talked about this subject on his blog. He has been told that he can be released in three days if he apologizes, but he is not sure if he wants to say sorry because he feels he did nothing wrong. The United States is very interested in this subject because we believe in freedom of speech, and that is what they are telling the Saudi Arabian government.
I find this article interesting because someone was just expressing their opinion about a certain subject, just like millions of people do worldwide, and now he is being punished for his actions. I don't feel like he was threatening anyone with his comments, and should not be in prision. I think this will have an impact on bloggers around the world because now that they know that people are getting in trouble for what the say, they may think about what they write in their own blogs. Making comments about subjects dealing with government and terrorism can be dangerous, and bloggers need to be careful about what they say.
Hopefully nothing serious will happen to this man and he will be released soon.
A 32 year old man named Fouad al-Farhan was recently arrested because of a blog that he wrote that violated regulations in his home country. He is in prison because he supported reform advocates that the government thinks support terrorism and talked about this subject on his blog. He has been told that he can be released in three days if he apologizes, but he is not sure if he wants to say sorry because he feels he did nothing wrong. The United States is very interested in this subject because we believe in freedom of speech, and that is what they are telling the Saudi Arabian government.
I find this article interesting because someone was just expressing their opinion about a certain subject, just like millions of people do worldwide, and now he is being punished for his actions. I don't feel like he was threatening anyone with his comments, and should not be in prision. I think this will have an impact on bloggers around the world because now that they know that people are getting in trouble for what the say, they may think about what they write in their own blogs. Making comments about subjects dealing with government and terrorism can be dangerous, and bloggers need to be careful about what they say.
Hopefully nothing serious will happen to this man and he will be released soon.
A flair for blogs
http://www.courant.com/news/local/hc-prezblog0128.artjan28,0,4944096.story
I came across this article that talks about the president of Wesleyan University in Connecticut, Michael Roth, and how he uses his blog as an outreach tool for students, alumni and parents. This article talks about Roth's first blog when he became president of the university. Roth's blog mentioned what he did at home to contribute to decreasing global warming. His blog received more that 50 replies from students and alumni of the university. Afterwards he met with various student organizations and signed a commitment to reduce global warming and educate students about environmental issues.
I think this is a great way that blogs could be used. The article also mentioned that as many as 30 or colleges in North America use blogging to reach out to students. I think this could be a great impact at any university because it gives students and parents a great opportunity to talk about important issues in society. This also allows for students and parents to interact with university officials, such as the president of the university.
I came across this article that talks about the president of Wesleyan University in Connecticut, Michael Roth, and how he uses his blog as an outreach tool for students, alumni and parents. This article talks about Roth's first blog when he became president of the university. Roth's blog mentioned what he did at home to contribute to decreasing global warming. His blog received more that 50 replies from students and alumni of the university. Afterwards he met with various student organizations and signed a commitment to reduce global warming and educate students about environmental issues.
I think this is a great way that blogs could be used. The article also mentioned that as many as 30 or colleges in North America use blogging to reach out to students. I think this could be a great impact at any university because it gives students and parents a great opportunity to talk about important issues in society. This also allows for students and parents to interact with university officials, such as the president of the university.
So what the deal with the digital TV switch?
Here is what i got from c net regarding the switch that should put us up to speed on how it'll impact us.
1. You can us your old TV set
2. If you just have "rabbit ears" to tune your TV you just need to get a digital tuner
3. The gov. is going to send out coupons for cash...free money
4. So pretty much ill I'm worried about is getting paid
1. You can us your old TV set
2. If you just have "rabbit ears" to tune your TV you just need to get a digital tuner
3. The gov. is going to send out coupons for cash...free money
4. So pretty much ill I'm worried about is getting paid
I want!
Check out the video of this flashlight. The point of having a flashlight is to provide light. This light goes a little beyond that.
http://www.i4u.com/article14324.html
We have reported in the past about the cool and dangerous laser products from Wicked Lasers (e.g.: Green Laser, Blu-ray Laser. Now they topped themselves with THE TORCH. The Torch is the world's brightest and most powerful flashlight.It is capable of melting plastic, lighting paper on fire within seconds, and if you like, fry an egg or a marshmallow on a stick.
See a video below that shows how the flashlight burns up a pile of paper.At 4100 lumens, The Torch is 100 lumens more powerful than The Polarion Helios, the former most powerful flashlight. Apparently Wicked Lasers has The Torch currently in review at the Guinness Book of World Records.
Measurements of the torch are 57mm x 230mm. The battery lasts for 15min. The 4100 lumens can be adjusted via a high efficiency reflector. The casing is made from aerospace grade aluminum. The Torch sells for $299.99 at the Wicked Lasers site. See the video below that shows how this 'red hot' flashlight lights a pile of paper.
http://www.i4u.com/article14324.html
We have reported in the past about the cool and dangerous laser products from Wicked Lasers (e.g.: Green Laser, Blu-ray Laser. Now they topped themselves with THE TORCH. The Torch is the world's brightest and most powerful flashlight.It is capable of melting plastic, lighting paper on fire within seconds, and if you like, fry an egg or a marshmallow on a stick.
See a video below that shows how the flashlight burns up a pile of paper.At 4100 lumens, The Torch is 100 lumens more powerful than The Polarion Helios, the former most powerful flashlight. Apparently Wicked Lasers has The Torch currently in review at the Guinness Book of World Records.
Measurements of the torch are 57mm x 230mm. The battery lasts for 15min. The 4100 lumens can be adjusted via a high efficiency reflector. The casing is made from aerospace grade aluminum. The Torch sells for $299.99 at the Wicked Lasers site. See the video below that shows how this 'red hot' flashlight lights a pile of paper.
$150 billion stimilus package; would it help to stop recession?
"Tens of millions Americans will have a check in the mail," House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-California, said at a Capitol Hill news conference. "It is there to strengthen the middle class, to create jobs and to turn this economy around."
House Minority Leader John Boehner, R-Ohio, said, "I'm looking for quick action in the House. I hope that the Senate will follow quickly so that we can put this money in the hands of middle-income Americans as soon as possible.
Speaking a few minutes later at the White House, President Bush said the package will "boost our economy and encourage job creation."
Sources on Capitol Hill and at the Treasury Department said the plan would send checks of $600 to individuals and $1,200 to couples who paid income tax and who filed jointly.
People who did not pay federal income taxes but who had earned income of more than $3,000 would get checks of $300 per individual or $600 per couple.
A Democratic aide and Republican aide said there will be an additional amount per child, which could be in the neighborhood of $300.
Those who earn up to $75,000 individually or up to $150,000 as a couple will be eligible for the payments, said Republican and Democratic sources familiar with the tentative deal.
Pelosi said as many as 116 million American families will get a rebate check.
Checks could be in taxpayer mailboxes by June, according to an Associated Press report.
The agreement includes a robust package of business incentives and help for homeowners facing possible mortgage foreclosures.
The Treasury Department still must analyze the numbers to determine the price tag of the stimulus package, sources said.
To get to the agreement, Democrats dropped calls for increases in food stamps and an extension of unemployment compensation. Republicans agreed to allow people who pay Social Security taxes but not income taxes to get the checks, sources said.
"This package has the right set of policies and is the right size," Bush said Thursday. "The incentives in this package will lead to higher consumer spending and increased business investment this year."
He added, "This package recognizes that lowering taxes is a powerful and efficient way to help consumers and businesses."
The stimulus package may face resistance from fiscal conservatives in both parties over worries that it would increase the federal debt. Auditors report that the federal deficit -- the difference between what the government takes in and what it spends -- is increasing.
The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office estimated Wednesday the deficit would jump to $250 billion, mainly because of a weakening economy. That estimate does not include any additional spending that would be part of a stimulus package.
The proposal is intended to address economic worries stemming from a worldwide credit crunch created by the mortgage crisis and plunging stock markets. The president proposed the package last week.
Officials in both parties credited Paulson, the former Goldman Sachs executive known for a shrewd grasp of the markets, with pushing the package aggressively.
"He's been on the phone with practically every member of Congress -- some of them a few times," one Senate Republican aide said. "He's not fooling around
Referenece:
http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/01/24/economic.stimulus/index.html
House Minority Leader John Boehner, R-Ohio, said, "I'm looking for quick action in the House. I hope that the Senate will follow quickly so that we can put this money in the hands of middle-income Americans as soon as possible.
Speaking a few minutes later at the White House, President Bush said the package will "boost our economy and encourage job creation."
Sources on Capitol Hill and at the Treasury Department said the plan would send checks of $600 to individuals and $1,200 to couples who paid income tax and who filed jointly.
People who did not pay federal income taxes but who had earned income of more than $3,000 would get checks of $300 per individual or $600 per couple.
A Democratic aide and Republican aide said there will be an additional amount per child, which could be in the neighborhood of $300.
Those who earn up to $75,000 individually or up to $150,000 as a couple will be eligible for the payments, said Republican and Democratic sources familiar with the tentative deal.
Pelosi said as many as 116 million American families will get a rebate check.
Checks could be in taxpayer mailboxes by June, according to an Associated Press report.
The agreement includes a robust package of business incentives and help for homeowners facing possible mortgage foreclosures.
The Treasury Department still must analyze the numbers to determine the price tag of the stimulus package, sources said.
To get to the agreement, Democrats dropped calls for increases in food stamps and an extension of unemployment compensation. Republicans agreed to allow people who pay Social Security taxes but not income taxes to get the checks, sources said.
"This package has the right set of policies and is the right size," Bush said Thursday. "The incentives in this package will lead to higher consumer spending and increased business investment this year."
He added, "This package recognizes that lowering taxes is a powerful and efficient way to help consumers and businesses."
The stimulus package may face resistance from fiscal conservatives in both parties over worries that it would increase the federal debt. Auditors report that the federal deficit -- the difference between what the government takes in and what it spends -- is increasing.
The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office estimated Wednesday the deficit would jump to $250 billion, mainly because of a weakening economy. That estimate does not include any additional spending that would be part of a stimulus package.
The proposal is intended to address economic worries stemming from a worldwide credit crunch created by the mortgage crisis and plunging stock markets. The president proposed the package last week.
Officials in both parties credited Paulson, the former Goldman Sachs executive known for a shrewd grasp of the markets, with pushing the package aggressively.
"He's been on the phone with practically every member of Congress -- some of them a few times," one Senate Republican aide said. "He's not fooling around
Referenece:
http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/01/24/economic.stimulus/index.html
Southwest plans high-speed Internet trials
This article is about Southwest Airlines starting the process of having Internet service available for passangers who have their own Wi-Fi-enabled laptops. One downer of this great news is that you might be limited to what websites or applications you can access. But, the good news is that this service would be very consistent. It is mentioned in the article that the connectivity would work just fine, even over water.
I think it's great that passangers will be able to access the Internet on their labtops while flying. A huge majority of people have to travel for business purposes, and it would be convinient for them to work on their project, presentation, or any last minute things they need to do on their laptops. Furthermore, this can be useful to students who for example go on vacation during a semester and need to use the Internet while on the plane (maybe finish some homework, e-mail group partners, etc.). Overal, I think it would be great to be able to access the Internet while flying.
http://www.news.com/geek-gestalt/?tag=blgs.list
I think it's great that passangers will be able to access the Internet on their labtops while flying. A huge majority of people have to travel for business purposes, and it would be convinient for them to work on their project, presentation, or any last minute things they need to do on their laptops. Furthermore, this can be useful to students who for example go on vacation during a semester and need to use the Internet while on the plane (maybe finish some homework, e-mail group partners, etc.). Overal, I think it would be great to be able to access the Internet while flying.
http://www.news.com/geek-gestalt/?tag=blgs.list
Why Media is Unreliable
http://www.corporations.org/media/
In 1983, 50 corporations controlled the vast majority of all news media in the U.S. At the time, Ben Bagdikian was called "alarmist" for pointing this out in his book, The Media Monopoly. In his 4th edition, published in 1992, he wrote "in the U.S., fewer than two dozen of these extraordinary creatures own and operate 90% of the mass media" -- controlling almost all of America's newspapers, magazines, TV and radio stations, books, records, movies, videos, wire services and photo agencies. He predicted then that eventually this number would fall to about half a dozen companies. This was greeted with skepticism at the time. When the 6th edition of The Media Monopoly was published in 2000, the number had fallen to six. Since then, there have been more mergers and the scope has expanded to include new media like the Internet market. More than 1 in 4 Internet users in the U.S. now log in with AOL Time-Warner, the world's largest media corporation.
In 2004, Bagdikian's revised and expanded book, The New Media Monopoly, shows that only 5 huge corporations -- Time Warner, Disney, Murdoch's News Corporation, Bertelsmann of Germany, and Viacom (formerly CBS) -- now control most of the media industry in the U.S. General Electric's NBC is a close sixth.
MY TAKE: Perhaps the most important issue related to Mass Media and how the general public receives information is controlled media. The media monopoly is an issue that affects everyone today and may be hindering our democracy. Whilst we rely on mass media to understand what is going on in the world, by and large it is excessively controlled by the U.S. Government as well as the largest corporations.
In 1983, 50 corporations controlled the vast majority of all news media in the U.S. At the time, Ben Bagdikian was called "alarmist" for pointing this out in his book, The Media Monopoly. In his 4th edition, published in 1992, he wrote "in the U.S., fewer than two dozen of these extraordinary creatures own and operate 90% of the mass media" -- controlling almost all of America's newspapers, magazines, TV and radio stations, books, records, movies, videos, wire services and photo agencies. He predicted then that eventually this number would fall to about half a dozen companies. This was greeted with skepticism at the time. When the 6th edition of The Media Monopoly was published in 2000, the number had fallen to six. Since then, there have been more mergers and the scope has expanded to include new media like the Internet market. More than 1 in 4 Internet users in the U.S. now log in with AOL Time-Warner, the world's largest media corporation.
In 2004, Bagdikian's revised and expanded book, The New Media Monopoly, shows that only 5 huge corporations -- Time Warner, Disney, Murdoch's News Corporation, Bertelsmann of Germany, and Viacom (formerly CBS) -- now control most of the media industry in the U.S. General Electric's NBC is a close sixth.
MY TAKE: Perhaps the most important issue related to Mass Media and how the general public receives information is controlled media. The media monopoly is an issue that affects everyone today and may be hindering our democracy. Whilst we rely on mass media to understand what is going on in the world, by and large it is excessively controlled by the U.S. Government as well as the largest corporations.
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
New Blog for New Semester
Students, welcome to HTM 304 Spring 2008. I hope you learn something from the class. I am also sure that I can learn a lot from you guys as well.
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