Although social networking websites threathen users privacy, they are rapidly becoming useful in emergency situations.
Articles for support:
Emergency 2.0 is coming to a website near you - http://www.newscientist.com/article/mg19826545.900-emergency-20-is-coming-to-a-website-near-you.html?full=true
Red Cross is using Twitter! - http://twitter.com/RedCross
Facebook 'more effective than emergency services in a disaster' - http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/1914750/Facebook--more-effective-than-emergency-services-in-a-disaster.html
Student 'Twitters' his way out of Egyptian jail - http://www.cnn.com/2008/TECH/04/25/twitter.buck/
Thursday, April 9, 2009
4/9/2009 Wiki Assessment on Twitter
While looking up Twitter on Wikipedia, there was tons of information given. Looking up the history of the page, there have been several edits to the page. Unfortunately, wiki allows any sort of editing to be done by anyone, whether they are experts in the field or random people that have nothing better to do with their time. That means that all the information provided could be as false as an angered consumer writing a blog post. Which is the main reason Wiki should not be used as an only source or as an authoritative source as there is no way to determine the authenticity of the information provided.
However, if you pick through the article, it is easy to find where the information is directly rooted. Locating an article cited in the Wiki page on Twitter, there was further detailed information and lead me to other related articles, which was able to assist me in coming up with my draft thesis statement.
Although majority of college students are advised not to use Wikipedia as an authoritative source for papers, the information given on the website can serve as a good start off point for students who need additional push.
However, if you pick through the article, it is easy to find where the information is directly rooted. Locating an article cited in the Wiki page on Twitter, there was further detailed information and lead me to other related articles, which was able to assist me in coming up with my draft thesis statement.
Although majority of college students are advised not to use Wikipedia as an authoritative source for papers, the information given on the website can serve as a good start off point for students who need additional push.
Monday, March 30, 2009
03/31/09 Technology and Privacy Source Evaluations
-The first source I decided to evaluate was the Did You Know? video on youtube. It had me really interested in class when we watched it. After watching it again, I decided to do a little bit of research to find out where all the facts came from and who paid for the research/production and so on. At the end of the video it said that the research was done by Karl Fisch, Scott McLeod, and Jeff Bronman. I googled Karl Fisch and dug around to find out that he was a high school teacher and Director of Technology at a high school in the Littleton community, which is South of Denver. I peeked on the schools website and read one of Fisch's publications in the school's newsletter, which lead me to believe that he was highly in favor the advancement of education through new technology. I also poked around in the high school's website and found that they are definately a technology driven school because similar to our course, the teachers post homework on the schools website. After learning all this, I would definately consider the video to be an authoritative source because Fisch, as a educator who appears to highly value his position, is a credible source. Also, the issues brought up in the video made a valid and strong point, we are living in exponential times.
-Next, I decided to check out the Facebook & Privacy, the new terms of service issue. The first thing I looked at was that website the information is posted on is editted (by website editors, but other people aside from the author aren't), updated, and viewed constantly. Knowing that, I already decided this to be a credible and authoritative source. I also went the same route as my previous source and looked into author, Chris Walters. I ended up reading some of his other pieces and he generally seems to expose when big corporations have a mishap. The information he posted about facebook was merely the translation of the new terms. But overally, Walters clearly identifies the facebooks terms and the danger people accept when agreeing. For the most part, the way he choose to write it was effective because quoting the actual terms and then explaining what they mean helped me understand it. Also, by exploring the ugly possibilites that could arise with the new terms, (like having your photos distributed to anyone at anytime for anything) Walters definately includes strong examples. Therefore I would consider this an authoritative source.
-The final source I decided to do was on the smoking gun website. This was also one that we looked at in class. I can't remember if Dr. Harris told us the article was true or not but after looking into the website I learned that it is ran by Court Tv. When I searched "about" in their website search box, I quickly learned that all the stories and documents are real and obtained through free information to the public. After learning this, I would definately call this an authoritative source. Also, the statements made in this article are all facts, therefore it is unbiased. The website is just a way to put weird, random yet intriguing information out to the world in an interesting way. By providing legal government documents, they are able to prove to the reader these things really happened and the best part is that it is all free information available to the general public, which most people aren't even aware of.
-Next, I decided to check out the Facebook & Privacy, the new terms of service issue. The first thing I looked at was that website the information is posted on is editted (by website editors, but other people aside from the author aren't), updated, and viewed constantly. Knowing that, I already decided this to be a credible and authoritative source. I also went the same route as my previous source and looked into author, Chris Walters. I ended up reading some of his other pieces and he generally seems to expose when big corporations have a mishap. The information he posted about facebook was merely the translation of the new terms. But overally, Walters clearly identifies the facebooks terms and the danger people accept when agreeing. For the most part, the way he choose to write it was effective because quoting the actual terms and then explaining what they mean helped me understand it. Also, by exploring the ugly possibilites that could arise with the new terms, (like having your photos distributed to anyone at anytime for anything) Walters definately includes strong examples. Therefore I would consider this an authoritative source.
-The final source I decided to do was on the smoking gun website. This was also one that we looked at in class. I can't remember if Dr. Harris told us the article was true or not but after looking into the website I learned that it is ran by Court Tv. When I searched "about" in their website search box, I quickly learned that all the stories and documents are real and obtained through free information to the public. After learning this, I would definately call this an authoritative source. Also, the statements made in this article are all facts, therefore it is unbiased. The website is just a way to put weird, random yet intriguing information out to the world in an interesting way. By providing legal government documents, they are able to prove to the reader these things really happened and the best part is that it is all free information available to the general public, which most people aren't even aware of.
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
03/17/2009 Brainstorming Technology
Technology is the application of scientific knowledge for practical purposes.
Not to be confused with monitoring, which is done by the government.
If I were to lose control of my 411 I would contact the police immediately to file a police report. That way if the person ever gets caught, they will face criminal charges!
- Extermely fast internet
- iPhone/Blackberry
- Fast communication
Not to be confused with monitoring, which is done by the government.
If I were to lose control of my 411 I would contact the police immediately to file a police report. That way if the person ever gets caught, they will face criminal charges!
Thursday, March 5, 2009
03/05/2009 New Interviews
I'm currently in the process of finishing up two new interviews I decided to conduct for the paper. I intend to have the transcripts of those interviews posted by the beginning of next week.
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
03/03/2009 California Budget Outline
California Budget Cuts Outline
Thesis Statement: Although many may feel the budget cut could be taking California deeper in the economic crisis, certain measures are crucial for the state to recover.
Outline
1. Introduction: What got California into this whole mess?
a. It is easy for many to point fingers at government officials for getting California into this budget crisis to begin with, but who should we really blame?
i. We should put some blame on ourselves because we consume without replacing.
2. Now that lawmakers have put a budget cut in place, what does this mean for everyone else? There is a dark-side to the budget cuts.
a. Students are affected on numerous levels.
i. Tuition is going to be raised, again for the California State University’s.
1. This means for me that I might not be able to even attend San Jose State next semester.
ii. Bigger classroom sizes
1. Bigger classroom sizes not only affect students greatly because they are going to receive less attention from the professors, but it also puts further stress on the professors themselves.
a. Some professors might give up on the CSU system as a whole and find other schools to work at or relocate.
iii. Students will be forced to compete with one another for class availability
1. This may actually be a benefit because it will hold students more accountable for their school work and thus creating a higher standard for all students.
iv. Many students are going to be denied admission to CSU’s all across the state.
1. This may mean a rise in community college enrollment.
2. This could also mean many people may give up on college.
a. My younger brother Gabriel decided because I was at San José State and he did not want to attend an overcrowded community college that he wanted to join the Marine Corps.
i. My older brother Andres also did this. However, he found himself in an even deeper hole. Here, I will use the interview with my brother Andres to support my ideas.
b. Employees everywhere are feeling the sting.
i. Millions of people are losing their jobs, what could this result to?
1. Many of the unemployed will file for unemployment and this will heighten the dependency on state funds.
3. Even though there are drastic measures to be taken, we should learn from the mistakes we made and do the best to recover and stay hopeful.
a. As we all consume, many fail to realize the results of too much consumption of the state funds without setting up a way to get the money back.
i. We could implement programs not included directly in the budget agreement that will help California even further.
1. Legalization of marijuana
a. Taxing marijuana would greatly increase the amount of money California receives in taxes.
i. Here I’d like to find an authoritative source to back up my statement.
b. Other sides to the budget agreement
i. Voting could be reform
1. Included in the budget agreement, there was a proposal to adding a new constitutional amendment. Cutting down to the chase, California lawmakers might be suggesting that we throw out political parties during election time. It is being called the "open-primary idea" and most California lawmakers are backing it up. This is where I would quote my article from the New York Times.
2. How long have Americans been fighting to reform the voting in our county?
a. The benefit, as usual, is that our deeply influential status makes California great.
4. Conclusion
The budget cuts have harsh affects on millions of Californians. From students losing out in the educational system and employees losing jobs, it is easy for many to lose hope in California, but in the end, this is our state and we cannot let it go down in flames. Although many may feel the budget cut could be taking California deeper in the economic crisis, certain measures are crucial for the state to recover. People need to remember the California they love and as times continue to get tougher, we need to back up our lawmakers and bite the bullet. Even though the dark side of the budget cut scares many, the possible reforms it offers could be what America was wanting all along.
Thesis Statement: Although many may feel the budget cut could be taking California deeper in the economic crisis, certain measures are crucial for the state to recover.
Outline
1. Introduction: What got California into this whole mess?
a. It is easy for many to point fingers at government officials for getting California into this budget crisis to begin with, but who should we really blame?
i. We should put some blame on ourselves because we consume without replacing.
2. Now that lawmakers have put a budget cut in place, what does this mean for everyone else? There is a dark-side to the budget cuts.
a. Students are affected on numerous levels.
i. Tuition is going to be raised, again for the California State University’s.
1. This means for me that I might not be able to even attend San Jose State next semester.
ii. Bigger classroom sizes
1. Bigger classroom sizes not only affect students greatly because they are going to receive less attention from the professors, but it also puts further stress on the professors themselves.
a. Some professors might give up on the CSU system as a whole and find other schools to work at or relocate.
iii. Students will be forced to compete with one another for class availability
1. This may actually be a benefit because it will hold students more accountable for their school work and thus creating a higher standard for all students.
iv. Many students are going to be denied admission to CSU’s all across the state.
1. This may mean a rise in community college enrollment.
2. This could also mean many people may give up on college.
a. My younger brother Gabriel decided because I was at San José State and he did not want to attend an overcrowded community college that he wanted to join the Marine Corps.
i. My older brother Andres also did this. However, he found himself in an even deeper hole. Here, I will use the interview with my brother Andres to support my ideas.
b. Employees everywhere are feeling the sting.
i. Millions of people are losing their jobs, what could this result to?
1. Many of the unemployed will file for unemployment and this will heighten the dependency on state funds.
3. Even though there are drastic measures to be taken, we should learn from the mistakes we made and do the best to recover and stay hopeful.
a. As we all consume, many fail to realize the results of too much consumption of the state funds without setting up a way to get the money back.
i. We could implement programs not included directly in the budget agreement that will help California even further.
1. Legalization of marijuana
a. Taxing marijuana would greatly increase the amount of money California receives in taxes.
i. Here I’d like to find an authoritative source to back up my statement.
b. Other sides to the budget agreement
i. Voting could be reform
1. Included in the budget agreement, there was a proposal to adding a new constitutional amendment. Cutting down to the chase, California lawmakers might be suggesting that we throw out political parties during election time. It is being called the "open-primary idea" and most California lawmakers are backing it up. This is where I would quote my article from the New York Times.
2. How long have Americans been fighting to reform the voting in our county?
a. The benefit, as usual, is that our deeply influential status makes California great.
4. Conclusion
The budget cuts have harsh affects on millions of Californians. From students losing out in the educational system and employees losing jobs, it is easy for many to lose hope in California, but in the end, this is our state and we cannot let it go down in flames. Although many may feel the budget cut could be taking California deeper in the economic crisis, certain measures are crucial for the state to recover. People need to remember the California they love and as times continue to get tougher, we need to back up our lawmakers and bite the bullet. Even though the dark side of the budget cut scares many, the possible reforms it offers could be what America was wanting all along.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
02/26/09 Homeless shelter out of TRASH??
Hey all! Just thought I would share this with you.
Recently, a 12-year old built a homeless shelter made from...TRASH!
He won $10,000 and a dell laptop for his creation. The 12-year old also won another invention contest and during his trip to Chicago (a part of the contest prize) he really noticed the vast amounts of homeless people on the streets of Shy town. Not only does this project shine light on the many creative ideas the youth has to offer, but it might even solve some over filled land fill problems! Surprisingly enough I found out about this story through A BLOG! Just was wondering if anyone had any thoughts, opinions, or similar stories?? If you'd like the FULL story on this click here: http://greenbuildingelements.com/2009/02/26/12-year-old-makes-homeless-shelter-from-trash/
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