Gabriella's Blog

The Last Blog

2006-12-05T15:18:00.000-06:00

The blog project turned out to be very beneficial. I learned that you can keep your self anonymous online, but only to a certain extend. There are things that you can do to make yourself belnd in but there are also things that can give you away! Keeping your identity secret was the fun of it because my blogs were sort of like my alter ego. I was not very talkative in class but when I wrote on my blog, I just wrote whatever I thought and I liked that. I never had a blog before this. It wasn’t very hard for me to keep myself anonymous but there were times when I didn’t put certain information on there because I wasn’t sure if someone could figure out who I was. I liked how there was not a lot of restriction on the blogs and we could venture off on whatever topic we liked. I felt like and write freely on that topic. I could talk like I spoke which made it easy to get my ideas out. I also liked the site for the blog, it was really easy to use. I liked the combination of online work and in class because I knew at least I never had to bring anything to turn in, in class, because all assignments were online. I’m not a fan of online classes, but this was good, I actually enjoyed it. Overall, I really liked this project and I wouldn’t change anything about it. I enjoyed doing the blogs and learning about what technology is, other types of technology and most importantly how it impacts our lives and society. I would not have learned that anywhere else.

Position Paper: Computers as a Changing Technology

2006-12-01T20:05:00.000-06:00

I think one of the biggest changing technology is computers. Computers are and will continue to rapidly evolve in our education, medical field, engineering, business, economy, government, arts and entertainments. Computing is embedded into our society and everyday activities and life. When there is something wrong with our computers, our personal, career, business and entertainment pretty much goes down with it. Because this technology is so convenient and efficient in making our lives easier, at times it can be very inconvenient (i.e. internet sites are down, computer crashes along with all your typed papers). This means that programmers will progress to make our computers even more efficient, thus a changing technology.

The history of computers can be dated back to very early years, but according to PBS there are 5 major changes when talking about our modern computers (electronics). Starting at around 1947 with transistors, in 1968 Doug Engelbart invented the integrated circuit, moving on to the apple II, in 1971 Bill Gates and Paul Allen form Traf-O-Data sold their computer traffic-analysis systems, in 1972 Gary Kildall wrote PL/M, a high-level programming language, and the world wide web in 1991. Of course, many things have happened in between to make the advances to this point, but these are some of the most influential and important dates.
(http://www.pbs.org/nerds/timeline/. )A really good illustrated and more detailed history about computers and the early pre-electronic days of computing, can be found at this website: (http://www.computersciencelab.com/ComputerHistory/History.htm)

As computers become more evolved and intelligent so do we as a society and individual. There is so much information available to us because of the web, just in the last 10 years, that people would not be exposed to otherwise. Now if we have a symptom or question we just type it in the little “google” box. There is also the idea that computers will one day become more intelligent than humans because computers can design and build other computers and evolution occurs, literally two lives will occur-human and machine. (http://www.historyoftheuniverse.com/futucomp.html). Will computers be a new, higher form of intelligent being some time in the future?

My personal belief is that one day in the relatively near future our computers will be the size of a cell phone and we will go around a just plug them into monitors, basically our personal computers will be with us everywhere we go. In one of my classes, we had a guest speaker come in from University of Louisiana and talk about nano technology that can actually make this idea a reality.

It will be interesting to see the growing interaction between computer and human. Computers have great opportunities for exploration and in the future it will be interesting to see how our society changes around this kind of technology. According to Daniel Reed, a computer expert, computers give us a great ground for future research in humans and our interaction with technology. (http://homepages.indiana.edu/092404/text/technology.shtml)

Some of the biggest concerns to future computers and other types of this technology is that it will be too advanced. While it would enhance our ability to do effective research, it would just simply be information overload and we will not be able to deal with it, which will make our lives almost unmanageable and flood our brains with too much information. Also, we may not even be able to store that much information. Finding a way to manage all this information into effective tools that can help in medicine, business etc. will be a huge challenge for the future. (http://homepages.indiana.edu/092404/text/technology.shtml)

There area lot of reasons why this technology will advance in the future. I found a really interesting website about the pros of computers. Some of these are that computers can progress a lot of information quickly, can be handy for traveling (maybe even long distances like space), they can be made small, they can work together in a network which can help to solve bigger problems than humans cannot do, it takes a smaller amount of time to load a program onto a computer than educate a human, computer information can be passed from computer to the next when the computers get out of date compared to human knowledge which is lost when we die, and finally, computers don’t fight! ( http://www.historyoftheuniverse.com/futucomp.html)

Computers have made our lives easier but easier does not necessarily always mean better. The more technologically advanced we are, the less human interaction we have with one another. When we have money and technology we have machines that do pretty much everything for us. Things that used to only be human interaction has now turned machine. For example we can do all our banking online, direct deposit, atm etc, gas pumps now are all credit card ready there is no more gas clerk, net-flicks makes it easy so you don’t even have to leave your home to go rent a movie, online shopping, aim etc. I have a feeling that while future computers will make our lives even easier than they are now, we will become lazier and lazier. A lot of people believe that computers and the web are just another way for people to make money off of others, and that in reality we do not really need them. Even CEO Bill Watkins who runs a 15 billion dollar hard-drive company said in a recent interview, “"Let's face it, we're not changing the world. We're building a product that helps people buy more crap - and watch porn." (http://money.cnn.com/2006/11/30/magazines/fortune/obrienseagate.fortune/index.htm?section=money_latest). It is interesting to see that maybe all this technology is not really for the sake of technology, like the hacker ethic, but rather for the almighty dollar.

Computers and the web has brought the world to our fingertips but it will be interesting to see how the human quality of life will change as our technology, especially computers, become more advanced. We use computers in so many aspects of our lives from personal to business and everything in between. I believe that humans need social interaction, technology can not give us that. Computer may be able to remember long random strings of characters and computer large numbers but humans can remember faces and notice objects and feel compassion for those around us. It will interesting to see where computer technology will evolve and how we will change with it.

Bibliography

An Illustrated History of Computers :
http://www.computersciencelab.com/ComputerHistory/History.htm

Fortune Online:
http://money.cnn.com/2006/11/30/magazines/fortune/obrienseagate.fortune/index.htm?section=money_latest

History of the Unverise: Future of Computers:
http://www.historyoftheuniverse.com/futucomp.html

Information Overload- The Great Challenge of Evolving Technology:
http://homepages.indiana.edu/092404/text/technology.shtml

PBS: Triumph of the Nerds: The History of Computers:
http://www.pbs.org/nerds/timeline/

Issues in Science and Technology

2006-11-21T17:12:00.000-06:00

Given all we've talked about this semester, what do you think is the biggest issue in science and technology? What will have the most significant impact (either positive or negative) on society?

I think one of the biggest issues in science and technology which we haven’t really touched on in this class, but I have in other classes, is the issue of sustainability in science and technology. Basically it is a concept of meeting one’s needs to live and survive within their means, without compromising future generation’s resources and needs. For example, natural resources and its long term problems and solutions and doing something that can benefit in a long-term in mind set, economic development,( such as an organization that is able to operate efficiently and making money while still taking social and economic sustainability into account), food production and distribution, and how energy and oil is consumed. These issues need science and technology for the safety of our future earth. We have to do something to preserve our future and with this information scientist started to set long term plans in action to preserve and prevent from more destruction.

Southwest Florida is home to many beautiful species of plants, animals and a home for many communities and families. It is also up to us to preserve the beauty of this area and one day we will need science to help us to restore and protect our earth. Not only do we have many different species that are rare, endangered animals, we also have a growing human population. It is said that 1,000 people everyday relocates to Florida, most of them in this area, which is a booming and growing area. The area is threatened everyday by the new developments, clearing of land, and the destruction of our resources. One day the world is going to reach a point where (and we may already be there) that we have to do something about population, resources etc. and using science may be the only way.

If people don’t feel like there needs to be an urgency with protecting our ecosystem and the long term consequences it can cause and built up land with golf courses, office buildings and shopping malls, which we have seen in this area. Many people do not see the link of animal and plant extinction and unnecessary development to the application and research of science but it an important tool in this issue. People do not see the link between natural resource and habitat and their crucial relation to each and every one of us. So in the future I think this has a huge impact to our lives and using science and technology to achieve long term sustainability is important and crucial.

Response

2006-11-18T10:41:00.000-06:00

There was no response on the digital Revolution so I will respond to the electronic voting of Frederich Mousallini.

The response on electronic voting had a lot of the same points as my blog. The study that he cited was very interesting and supports the possibility that elections could be hacked. I thought it was interesting how he pointed out that we do put a lot of trust in technology even though we know it may not be secure or crash on us, we use it everyday because of the easy factor. Our culture doesn’t like to wait and we want our results fast and efficient. Also, the example in student views of punching a computer button or filling in a scantron it completely accurate. Great post!

Digital Revolution

2006-11-14T21:55:00.000-06:00

The digital revolution was supposed to improve our lives, increase our leisure time, and bring the world to our fingertips. Has it? Is life really better in the new digital age?

I don’t think that life is any better, just easier, and easier does not necessarily always mean better (as I pointed out in my post on electronic voting). Convenience of technology I think can be argued because at times it can be very inconvenient (i.e. internet sites are down, computer crashes along with all your typed papers). There has been so much technology is the last 50 years, I always find it interesting, my grandparents who grew up in the south of Germany in World War II with hardly and food and water and absolutely no material things sit in front of the t.v or computer every night and drive around and talk on their cell phones and have a full equipped kitchen with all its technology, and it just blows my mind how much they have adapted to technology from coming to a time when there was not much of anything around. I think future generations will become lazier and lazier. I wonder if we will even have libraries anymore, or if books will just be download onto your hard drive. Some say that things like that will never change, but they already have. I like to go to the library but very few times do I go there to read books. Technology has definitely brought the world to our fingertips. My generation pretty much grew up with the internet for the most part and its really amusing to see my parents baffled by what type of information they can find on the internet, “What? I just type in my symptoms?” and other inquisitive googles, and its something that I take for granted many times.

I think that technology has given us less leisure time because we are bombarded with constant stimulation, entertainment and things to do. Its funny because if I am away from technology for a few days (and I have done this on occasion) I try not to answer my cell phone or at least don’t have it on me when I go out and don’t check my email or go on my computer for a few days and when I return to the digital world I have a ton of missed calls and emails, people demanding why they couldn’t get a hold of me and why I hadn’t written them back earlier. Its quite ironic. But still, even if I am not on my computer or cell phone there is technology all around me that has made my life easier such as air conditioning, a stove, lights, and things like that. Easier yea, but better, I’m not sure the quality of life is really any better. Efficient, absolutely, but to me a better or good life is health, family, and happiness, I don’t even think that technology can give you that.

Response

2006-11-10T15:22:00.000-06:00

While there was no post on electronic voting for Jane Doe's blog, I will respond to her online class post.

I agree that there are some online classes that are more appropriate than others. I was suprised looking at Jane Doe's and other's bloggs that there were a lot of people that liked or prefered online classes, since I am not a fan of them. We both noted that certain classes would be better in a classroom setting rather than online and the classroom experience of interaction between teacher and student cannot be replaced.

Electronic Voting

2006-11-07T13:35:00.000-06:00

What are the advantages / dangers of electronic voting? Is it really possible for the election results to be hacked? If electronic voting machines are so bad (as some computer scientists contend), then why are they being used in so many states? What are the advantages of moving voting from paper input to touch screens?

In the news there has been a lot of controversy over this issue. Electronic voting can be dangerous to the outcome of an election because of many reasons. Some of the disadvantages are that there is no paper trail, the software can be hacked, glitches in computers can make numbers skew and errors are very high. There can be a lot of technical problems such as uncounted ballots due to computer or voter error, creation of fake ballots and negative votes, and there is no way to back-count or re-count votes. These errors make this high risk usage because if there is a election that has a close race, there is more a chance that errors played a factor in who the winner is.

Some advantages of this kind of voting is that they are accessible to disabled people, and these machines can do audio as well as visual aid. Also, it could be possible that the more people become familiarized with these machines the lower the error rate will be.

In reality, electronic voting is around to make our lives easier. As we become more lazy and more technologically advances we wants things done quickly. But, electronic voting is also supposed to make it more accurate and accountable. But to me, it brings up a point of easiness. Is voting really supposed to be easy? Are Americans that impatient that they cant take time out of their day a few times a year to vote on important issues that will effect their future and their children’s future? It seems like our government is making voting much easier and people are feeling more and more guilty about not having their voice heard and so on. But with all the political campaigning garbage, I don’t even know what the real issues are and who is running for what. I don’t understand why these politicians need to be polar opposites or at least portrayed that way in the media. Nowadays it seems like its about the competition and not about the issues. So it brings up some interesting points, one being does easier necessarily mean better?

Response-Online Classes

2006-11-03T13:16:00.000-06:00

In response to ‘Susan Webster’s post on online education, I think we both hit a lot of the same points with advantages and disadvantages.

But it is interesting to see our different views on whether or not we liked working online. She also made some good point about some things I hadn’t really thought about. For example, it’s very true that if the professor is willing to work with the student and is available it makes things a lot easier. Also, the point about how online classes are a great resource for someone that lives far way and has to commute, have the wear and tear on their care and gas consumption were also very credible points. Overall great post.

Online Classes...

2006-10-31T19:35:00.000-06:00

How effective are online classes? By now most of you have taken at least one online class. What are the advantages and disadvantages of online classes? Are there some subjects that work better online than others?

I have taken a total of 4 online classes at FGCU and each one was worse than the next. I feel like if I pay for a class I should receive the classroom experience. Its very difficult to learn about a college level subject through a computer. I would rather read the textbook and not pay for the course. I even had to work with groups online which was a waste of time. There are obvious reasons that people take online class one of the biggest ones being lack of time, and being able to put a class in your own time frame and schedule. An online group seemed so ridiculous. There are so many ways that dishonest students can pass an online course, and even though I was not dishonest in my classes, those students and myself probably got the same experience out of it...not too much.

There are a lot of good things about online class such as working at your own pace, flexibility of schedule with not too many distractions if you can keep focus and on task. But I feel like the con, especially for me, are greater. For example, a lot of these courses don’t pack in their full potential because someone is not there to explain it in ful. Sometimes it is harder to learn because there is no teacher, its hard to stay on task when there is no one present to encourage, and students miss out on the social aspect of others in their class. There are also chances of website going down, and so many more.

I think it depends on your strengths and weakness to decide if a class is harder online compared to another class. For me, math is my worst subject so taking an online math class would be useless, I need a teacher there explaining to me, step by step what’s going on. I am a communication major, if I needed and absolutely had to take a class online again with my comm major, it wouldn’t be as bad because I know what’s going on, I am interested and it is a strong skill of mine. Courses that require a lot of research is great for online work because those students should work at their own pace, but other than that, the classroom experience to me is what counts.

I think overall, online classes are just a universities way of making more money and spending less on faculty and space. Every year people are having less and less face to face communication and interaction. I wonder what online classes really bring for our future? While it does enhance writing and reading skills, and your time frame, there is much more to college than that. I love the experience and social interaction of college and I feel like the message and inspiration and knowledge that professors teach is lost in so many ways with online courses.

Research Paper Roberta Williams

2006-10-24T11:05:00.000-05:00

When looking at the early days of computer gaming one does not see women taking a strong role. Roberta Williams role in the computer gaming industry and technology was monumental. In the book Hackers, Williams is displayed as a woman who has creativity and imagination in making computer games. Roberta was shy but broke that shyness with her exploration into design and idea exchange with others in the computer industry. Her accomplishments were a major part of a company that was once ran out of a garage, now a 10 million dollar a year company, with her husband and today speaks enthusiastically and proudly of the input she made to the company, Sierra On-Line. She is known for creating some of the most popular games in the world.
Roberta Williams was a housewife with two children. She initially did not start off with any experience, or even interest, in computers or the computer world. Roberta learned her interest in computers from her husband, Ken Williams a computer programmer. She became involved quickly and was inquisitive and imaginative about the future of gaming, and wanted to do more than just play. While shopping for a new game she realized there was not much out there in the genre she liked (action/adventure) and thought if there was a need for these kinds of games she could be the one to write and design them. While she did not know how to program computers, her husband did, and they worked on the game Mystery House for the Apple II. This was important because it was the first computer game that had graphics not text only. After the great and overwhelming feedback they got from the game they opened their own computer company now known as Sierra On-Line (http://web.mit.edu/invent/iow/williams.html).
While Hackers only keeps its readers updated until the mid 80's the computer world has gone on to great technological advancements since then. Williams went on to create more games after the end of the book such as Mickey's Space Adventure (1984), Mixed-Up Mother Goose (1988), The Colonel's Bequest (1989), The Dagger of Amon Ra (1991) and Phantasmagoria (1995). According to MIT she was approached to have some of her games turned into Saturday morning cartoons, board games, and even motion feature films. (http://web.mit.edu/invent/iow/williams.html).
In an interview on WomenGamers.com in 2000 she was helping her husband start an internet company World Stream Communications and was taking time off from her previous accomplishments in the computer gaming industry. Her status as a female in the gaming industry also is something that makes her unique. She said in the interview that she never felt pressured by men or other women in the industry because it was the type of environment where age, race, ethnicity, culture or gender, did not matter, but rather the skills that were important for success and respect. (http://www.womengamers.com/interviews/roberta.php)
In her most recent interview in July of 2006, she said she had not created anything new since1998 and said, “I also have to say that I have not played any adventure games since then and really have no idea what today’s adventure games are like”. Coming from a woman that changed the way the computer gaming worked by giving players full control over the characters movements and multidimensional images was unseen at its time, its quite ironic. Her imagination and pushing boundaries is the reason current games even exist. In the same interview she revealed her true hacker ethic on how she created her games. First, she started on a storyline, characters, how the game would run, play and its overall appearance and perspective of the character and animation. Then she would have the programers create it. She pushed the boundaries of gaming and basically build the game around her idea. She believes that today it is the other way around and said if she were to create another game she would create it her way and never try to take an existing engine to make it fit her ideas, like today. Her effects on the gaming industry can still be seen through the advancements of today’s gaming and is responsible for the adventure genre going mainstream. (http://www.adventureclassicgaming.com/index.php/site/interviews/198/)
While she is not currently active in gaming she admits that designing computer adventure games are in her past and is currently into personal adventuring. On an interview on her website Backspin.org, a fan club maintained by Roberta Williams herself, states there are no up and coming projects, but the Sierra company is deciding on what to do next and asks her fans for help in their decisions. She also plans on writing a book on a topic totally different from her computer game past but rather a historical novel set 150 years ago in Ireland and the United States relating to her ancestors (http://www.adventureclassicgaming.com/index.php/site/interviews/198/).
According to her website, Roberta and her Husband Ken are now located outside Seattle, Washington near the Seirra Headquarters. Nowadays she spends time with her family, and has become active in psychical fitness such as aerobics and biking. It has been noted that she is a savvy business woman that helped found and direct a billion dollar corporation that doesn’t get the respect she deserves (http://www.backspin.org/kensentme/roberta/).
In March 2002, GameSpy.com listed Roberta Williams as one of the 30 Most Influential People in Gaming. They noted the significance of her career rather well with the following quote, "With a large catalogue under her belt, Williams has achieved a legendary status in the adventure gaming community both as a highly successful female and talented designer".

Word Count: 930

Bibliography

Inventor of the week:
http://web.mit.edu/invent/iow/williams.html

Women Gamers: Because Women Do Play: Game Goddess Roberta Williams:
http://www.womengamers.com/interviews/roberta.php

Adventure Classic Gaming: Roberta Williams:
http://www.adventureclassicgaming.com/index.php/site/interviews/198/

Adventure Gaming Info: Roberta Williams Fan Club:
http://www.backspin.org/kensentme/roberta/

GamSpy’s 30 Most Influential People in Gaming:
http://archive.gamespy.com/articles/march02/top30/2419/index.shtm

response

2006-10-21T12:46:00.000-05:00

There was no current topic on Jacques Clouseau’s blog so I will respond to the latest post. I agree with him that some of those fans are bazaar. We both agreed that people are interested star trek has such a loyal fan base because people are interested in future and technology. People just want to explore and learn and fantasize about extreme things. Although I am a fan of Futurerama I didn’t see that episode! Sounds funny though. Basically, we both touched a lot on the same things, the idea of exploration is fascinating to people because our imaginations can take us there.

Virtual vs. Reality

2006-10-17T10:49:00.000-05:00

The issues of virtual violence and the effects it may or may not have on real life is a debate that has been going on for some time. Some say that there is a plethora of evidence and research supporting that such games or virtual life have real life consequences. Some say that simulated trauma can have the same effect in real life.

I think that this is just a catalyst for our problems. People have been doing harm to others since the beginning of time it is human nature, the opposite of light, and each decade or century or millennium the degenerate youth’s problems are blamed on something: drugs, guns, music, sex etc.

I think there are bigger factors that should be looked at when looking at a child who has or who has the potential to do harm unto others such as family life, abuse, etc. I just find it interesting that people can actually say that violent video games cause violent kids because I wonder if they ever turned on the television. It reminds me of the whole Janet Jackson super bowl issue. It’s pathetic to hear the media say that was offensive and demoralized our youth. It’s fine to let our children watch the crap they put on t.v, people blowing other people’s heads off, gore, sexual explicit shows without showing the responsibility of being a healthy, responsible, sexual adult, but a nipple is the demise of our youth. That is absurd and I feel like we are putting our energy into the wrong area.

I don’t play video games but I know many people who do including my brother, step-father, boyfriend, and others and they are in no means violent. The issue of desensitizing is an important one because that is definitely a real issue that does occur but to pin point violence on video games like they did for the columbine shooting is not realistic. There is not just one thing that makes a person violent there are many factors. If the issue of desensitization is brought up in video games it can be seen more in all areas of media which are more accessible to children and teens.

I think overall people need to take care and take notice on what their children and doing and watching. Unfortunately, we live in the era of the latchkey kid where both parents are working and not around or kids are living with one parent who is working early and coming home late. These children have to fend for themselves and have to take on a lot of tasks. Does this teach them responsibility or the lack of supervision have a negative effect on them? It is not kids fault that they are attracted to such games, they will be attracted to fun, graphic and new things but they can also be subjected to the corruption of media without guidance. I believe it is more parents job to make sure their children have supervision and/or even explain to them what they are watching and keeping open communication about their behavior. I believe our culture forgets all too fast about the aggressiveness and violence of history, there were not video games around then.

But overall, I do think that there needs to be a barrier between fictional experience and reality and that is with supervision or guidance. It is not an easy issue and is not cut and dry, there are many sides to it. I think we put blame on other things because we don’t understand that violence is actually caused by human nature not from a video game.

Response Trekkies...

2006-10-13T14:43:00.000-05:00

In response to Val’s post on trekkies I think we both hit a lot of the same ideas and points on the imaginative world that these people enjoy so much. I like the point Val made, saying that the show is such a success because it has achieved its ultimate goal of fiction, to cause people to think and escape from their current world. Also the argument of the good vs. the bad is something that most people love to watch and is of great entertainment value, and I thought that was also a good point. The basic idea of a fantasy world offering things our current world cannot, is appealing to many and Val made a interesting point on the comparison to other fictional movies that also have large followings. The post was articulate and thoughtful, great job.

Trekkies

2006-10-03T10:57:00.000-05:00

What is it about Star Trek that seems to lead some people to form a fanatical devotion to this mythical future? Almost all TV shows (even Gilligan's Island) has fans, but Star Trek is unique in the longevity and fanaticism displayed by Trekkies. What gives?

The idea behind star trek that leads some people to form these fanatical devotions I think is because people like to escape. Trekkies are extremely unique because they get so into it. I always knew about trekkies but I really had no idea about them, after watching the documentary I almost couldn’t believe what I was seeing. When I put myself in their shoes, it does make some sense, it is really just a release for people, and gives them a hope for future and a world of fantasy, mysticism, and technology that people want to explore. Also, the idea of the future, most people and especially those who follow the show, are fascinated with it. I think the idea of the future interests most humans because it is the unknown. But, then again, I see it from an outside perspective and it is almost the most ridiculous thing! But they aren’t hurting anyone and I think they are just people with common interests. It’s funny because they are almost like groupies from the 80’s metal or something that follow these people around and worship them.

The trekkies themselves I find to be somewhat (emphasize on the 'somewhat') normal because they are just die hard fans. The woman that wore her trekkie uniform to a trial I have to say I give her credit for that. It isn’t like she is out there promoting porn or something, it is a pretty harmless show that according to these people promotes peace and faith in mankind. I think she is pretty brave to wear that out in public, more power to her. I think there is such a big devotion to this type of thing because like I said before people like to have some sort of faith whether it be religious or not. These people have faith and understanding in the future and yes while I think these people are bizarre, really who am I to say? I think overall it promotes our curiosity for technology and technological advancement; it gives us a reality we are unable to find in our current world.

Reponse-myths

2006-09-29T17:51:00.000-05:00

In response to Justin M’s post on myths of digital culture, I like the example of the car that runs off electricity in the movie Back to the Future, that is a great example of the concept that we discussed in class and on this idea. It is amazing to think at the time that movie came out, that was a myth or a sci-fi idea, and now, it is not only a concept that has come to life, but it is one that any consumer can buy. I also agree, like I said in my post, that because of the imagination of people through movies, games and television these ideas will continue to expand and come to life sometime in the future.

Myth and Technology

2006-09-25T17:04:00.000-05:00

How have "myths" affected digital culture? In other words, in what ways have certain mythologies (Star Wars, Greek Mythology, Star Trek, Lord of the Rings, Dungeons and Dragons,etc.) bled over into digital culture?

I think with technology comes a degree of uncertainty. Even though technology deals with concrete things such as numbers and correlating ideas, the possibilities almost become endless. The user is in complete control of the invention or the "controller". I think from that stems a lot of envisions and people thinking if they could do whatever they wanted with technology what would they do with it. From that, reality becomes obscure and these "myths" or ideas of infinitive imagination are re created in technology. Nowadays anyone can find these mythologic games on their computer, television, movies, and with the expansion of technology and new inventions, people can create realer imagines and images that they see in their mind. From these inventions is the possibility of it coming "to life". For example, the idea of a computer was a lot of older than the creation of the computer itself. It was the mind of humans that put into play. Many years ago a computer was just a mythology now it is one of the most important and influential technologies in our life. This idea of imagination or creation turning into an actual technology that we use daily in our life, for example, lasers which we discussed in class, used to be a cool idea but now they are actually being used in computers etc. Who knows what the next thing in technology will be and if it is a myth of today.

Hacker Reponse

2006-09-22T17:13:00.000-05:00

Mary’s blog on the hacker ethic was a little different than my post but she brought up some great examples to back up what she was discussing, like how years ago, people were not able to access computers and pick apart and re-assemble whatever they want, like they do today. I do agree that the hacker’s of today are not quite as original and close to the ethics as the ones of a few years ago, but I do think they still exist. I disagree with Mary’s thoughts on free information. I think there is a ton of free stuff out there on the internet, just about anything. Compared to other countries like China, that regulate their internet through the government very strictly, our technologies such as the internet is pretty liberal. I definitely see, though, how a lot of information is not free and we have to pay for a lot of software programs when years ago, people gave away software to show off their talents of hacking. Overall, great post and very thoughtful.

Hacker Ethic

2006-09-20T10:46:00.000-05:00

I think the hacker still does exists. I have always heard of hackers but never really knew what exactly a hacker was. Our discussion in class and the video played in class was really interesting to see the ethics of these people. I think the ethics probably have changed a little bit because the "frontier" so to speak has already been discovered. They computer revolution I think has already occurred. I think there is a lot out there for hackers to create and discover but for the most part computers and most technology are available to the public, back in the 70's there were not available to everyone. That alone makes the whole situation very different from hackers then and today. Back then they were radicals and revolting against "the man", now there are not as many restrictions towards them and that is why it was revolutionary. Some of the things though that I think still exist with their ethics is that they believe all information should be free and that they should be judged for their hacking ability and not for the degrees they held or did not hold, race etc. I wonder though how many of the hackers of the past, that have made their millions, how they view hackers today because they are sort of a threat to big corporations because they can invent the newest, latest and most profitable technology. But I have a friend who is a "hacker" and he definitely meets the requirements and characteristics of one. Intelligent, has a high interest in consumer technology, relatively a home-body in front of his computer, knowledgeable in obscure subjects, goes to all these computer conventions and not to be stereotypical but he comes with glasses and everything. I have a different kind of respect for him because I am not smart enough when it comes to computer technology and have a hard time grasping it like he does, and don’t get off on that kind of brain stimulation. So, I think people of my generation definitely have embraced the hacker ethics and anarchistic thinking and lifestyle, and that they are still around.

reponse...

2006-09-15T19:51:00.000-05:00

Lily23flower’s response to the technology and the internet was really interesting. The question at what point do we cross from security to invasion of privacy and is a huge ethical question that many have. I have also been in a situation when flying in high security times and is a total mess but I 100 percent agree with the lack of appreciation that people have because I also believe that our government takes our safety as a huge and important concern. To complain about being safe doesn’t make much sense. Lily23Flower and I also had the same philosophy that if you need to "check" me, go ahead if that will make is safer, because I have nothing to hide. Great post!

Privacy on the Internet...

2006-09-12T18:54:00.000-05:00

I think technology itself is a great tool and invention that is important for the growth of a society. There are a lot of issues going around with security on the web. Privacy is something that we all hold close to us whether it is in our homes, offices, families, etc. One of the top stories is with AOL. They recently published their users searches, according to the news about 650,000. I am sure a lot of people get uneasy with someone looking up at the strange and private things they look up on the interne, but none of that really matter when you realize that there were names, addresses, social security numbers that were published. My grandparents had their credit card number stolen a few years ago. We do not really know when or where it happened but whoever took it did a lot of online shopping at Dell and Coach. It is scary to think that our personal information is out there. But that brings up another question on why do we as consumers or users of the internet continue to surrender and willingly post things, intimate and personal things about ourselves in the computer. Constantly we are posting our addresses, phone numbers, full names, etc. and we make ourselves more vulnerable and make the risk that much higher. As far as what should be off limits from the government I am not sure what constitutes something they really need or not. We do not currently live in a safe world and if the government has to check my computer to see if I am trying to make bombs, then go right ahead. The problem occurs when my information leaks and social security numbers are not destroyed of properly, and because of human error and deceit it makes it almost impossible to do that. However there are a lot of government agencies out there that looks at internet problems, privacy issues, and promote awareness of the issues.

The bigger the internet becomes and the more invention to the internet, the more open to threats we are. The internet makes it so easy to get and solicit information from its users. The computer is only our medium to the outside world. Sometimes we tend to become more comfortable and put things on for everyone to see without thinking of the consequences of that. I have facebook and sometimes it is really funny and kind of awkward to see some of the pictures and things that people post and say about themselves. Privacy in normal life is almost granted, but that is not always the case on the internet.

Screen Communication

2006-09-05T23:16:00.000-05:00

I am sure I spend a great deal of my day in front of a screen. In the morning I wake up, turn my computer on, check my e-mails and news stories. I also put the television on and watch the news or something interesting that’s on. After I go to classes or work I surf the internet and do homework on my computer. I also use my cell phone frequently throughout the day text messaging. I do not watch a whole lot of T.V, but I watch about 1-2 hours a day. I say I spend a total of at least 5-7 hours in front of some sort of screen, and that is just a regular day when I have things that need to be accomplished, never mind if I am bored.
It is obvious to say that children are effected by these experiences such as television, computer etc. If we do not want this future for our children we have to practice what we preach. Its almost inevitable that future generations will be more into "screens" and using them more as technology advances. Our culture, workplace, and overall communication rely on technology. We sit in front of the computer or TV why would we expect our children to do any different? This is what we expect and this is what they see us doing.
This affects the way we communicate because we are getting less and less face time and actual interaction with one another. I communicate mostly through phone calls and e-mail. E-mail is the easiest for communicating priority stuff, like work or school, just things that need to get done. When it is for personal use I usually use the phone and often speak in person with my friends and family.
With computer programs and advances that make work communication easier such as PowerPoint, excel, word processor, internet, instant messaging etc. it makes things that much easier get less and less interaction with one another and more interaction with a keyboard. There are a lot of ways in which technology has positively affected communication. I am a student so technology is very important to my studies. I cannot go through college without using a computer it is almost impossible. It amazing, however, how reliable we all are on the virtual world. When my computer crashes or my printer does want to print or my internet is not working, it’s not a pretty sight because I rely so heavily on it. Technology is designed to better our communication. I think overall it does that, but we do run the risk of becoming a society that lacks interaction between one another and is stuck and relies on the virtual world.

In response to "Me!"’s post, I googled the balance bracelet and came across a very professional looking website. The post was very thoughtful and we pretty much wrote a lot of the same things. These companies are selling a product and use manipulative language such as "proven" and effective as "Me" stated in the blog. These websites and companies make their consumers believe theat their products are scientific and medical necessities that will improve their life (how they can even measure that, I am not sure) without any real concrete research or support.

Cocoon Nutrition

2006-08-29T16:49:00.000-05:00

The website that were assigned this week were all very informative and interesting. It is common knowledge that there is a lot f junk out on the internet but the most interesting thing is how people manipulate and sometimes blatantly lie to sell a product. But, that is were common sense has to play a role, other than education, common sense is our only test or measurement of correct judgement. The idea of manipulation of words was brought up in discussion by Dr. Roca. I am a communications major and have studied in depth the idea of communication, rhetoric, and specifically linguistics. I know the power of words because I study them, but anyone can be manipulative if they want to. They can misuse words and play with ideas to dislodge scientific idea and theories and destroy concrete evidence with faith or testimonies.

The website that I found is called "Cocoon Nutrition: Scientific Breakthrough for Radiant Health".( http://www.cocoonnutrition.org/) .This site has a plethora of products from adrenal support, anti viral, blood sugar balances, to EMF protectors, energy supplements minerals, miracle water, and many other. Reading the consultation tab on the top of the page is full of complete crap. The website urges you to have a consultation for hundred of dollars and states absurd claims without even attempting to support it with outside sources, or scientific information. But, what I find to be most interesting about this website is in the biography section were it says Stephen Heur (the person I assume is behind all of this) got his B.S from the American College of Nutripathy. As I did a little research on quackwatch.org, it has an article on a simular situation of someone who used that school as their "B.S" degree. It is actually and non-accredited school (http://www.quackwatch.org/01QuackeryRelatedTopics/Tests/reams.html) .

Somthing I thought was interesting is a product called Xtra-Cell Mesenchyme (http://www.cocoonnutrition.org/catalog/product_info.php/cPath/51/products_id/2178) which is;"... from porcine source is the stem cells of the animal. These are undifferentiated cells that can associate with any tissue in the body, become that tissue and cause any damaged tissue to be regenerated or healed...[it] is so powerful to help heal any condition in the body". And it is available for only $345.00 plus and extra $50.00 for shipping (because it is shipped on dry ice). If it is so great and works so well, as in the testimony from "Jackie Leppa", then why is it not FDA approved?

Something even more out there is a product called "MRET Water Activator", which sells for only $400.00. What it does is, "creates a subtle low frequency electromagnetic field imprinted into the water to closely resemble the natural geomagnetic field found near the healing water springs."...because we all know that the water that miraciously heals is a real thing. (http://www.cocoonnutrition.org/catalog/product_info.php/cPath/88/products_id/2565)
I bet this company makes millions of dollars on complete garbage, even though they state at the bottom of the page that they have not been evaluated by the FDA and that their products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Sounds a little hypocritical to me.

Hi

2006-08-29T10:25:00.000-05:00

Hi, I hope this post works :)