Google is a 287 billion dollar company that almost everyone uses in their daily lives. It's great because whenever you have a question you can go to Google. One huge thing Google has brought to the internet is there Maps; which is a program, free of charge, that allows people to get directions and navigate themselves. Google Maps is extremely useful; in fact, I used it today to find my dinner. Enough about that, Google Maps has plenty of wonderful features like Street-View and different routes via walking, bike, or car. The street-view is really cool and is a great way to waste some time. In order for Google to have this feature they had to send out people in cars to take pictures. Attached to these cars were wifi antennas that were capable of collecting data like email, usernames, passwords, videos, documents, and anything that is shared over a wireless connection. Over the course of 3 years Google had collected around 600 gigabytes of data. This is an extreme invasion of privacy and is now finally being brought to justice. The article goes on to talk about Google's defense, which states "Google sought to have the suit dismissed, claiming that its actions were not illegal because data transmitted over a Wi-Fi network is an electronic radio communication that is "readily accessible to the general public" and therefore exempt under the Wiretap Act. The original district court rejected Google's argument, as did the federal appeals court, which held that radio communication excludes payload data transmitted over a Wi-Fi network" (Grove). It's about time! The internet is a wonderful tool but it is constantly abused! I feel this type of work, no matter what way it would improve Google, is extremely unnecessary. What is Google going to do with my Facebook password and pictures of my senior prom? Sell them? Maybe make a couple bucks off of it? This has completely tainted my opinion of Google and it's owners. I'm ashamed.
Grove, Jennifer Van. "Google's Unwitting Wi-Fi Spying Not Exempt under Wiretap Act." CNET News. CBS Interactive, 10 Sept. 2013. Web. 26 Sept. 2013
Thursday, September 26, 2013
Wednesday, September 25, 2013
Tuesday, September 17, 2013
Questions regarding David Nye's "Can We Define Technology?"
Each person in the class is required to bring in a prop/item.
-I want each person to tell me a practical use for their prop (one that is different than it's original use) because on Pages 9 and 10 Nye talks about how the use for technology came before the application of theories and reasoning.
Throughout the story, David hints on the topic of technological determinism which states that the technology we create impacts our social interactions.
-Do you feel that this is true? if so, why or why not?
-How does technology impact jobs?
-What are the advantages and disadvantages of technology?
-What are your personal definitions of technology?
While doing some extra research I discovered an interesting topic; David Chandler's Inevitability Thesis which states "Once technology is introduced to a culture it's development is inevitable"
-Do you agree with this? Can you argue this?
Each person in the class is required to bring in a prop/item.
-I want each person to tell me a practical use for their prop (one that is different than it's original use) because on Pages 9 and 10 Nye talks about how the use for technology came before the application of theories and reasoning.
Throughout the story, David hints on the topic of technological determinism which states that the technology we create impacts our social interactions.
-Do you feel that this is true? if so, why or why not?
-How does technology impact jobs?
-What are the advantages and disadvantages of technology?
-What are your personal definitions of technology?
While doing some extra research I discovered an interesting topic; David Chandler's Inevitability Thesis which states "Once technology is introduced to a culture it's development is inevitable"
-Do you agree with this? Can you argue this?
Apple's never been one of my favorite companies, and the recent news is not helping to persuade me. If you haven't heard Apple is releasing their new iPhone 5S; as well as their colorful model, the iPhone 5C, which boasts different color options. The phones themselves seem rather interesting and the hardware inside is really impressive, but how can you have high-end equipment and still keep the pices down? This is the side of the story that Apple doesn't want you to know. In order to cut costs Apple has signed contracts with companies that have unfair labor practices and unsafe conditions.
Apple's partner companies have employed over 10,000 student workers. These workers use some of their take home pay for classes as well as for transportation to these classes. This doesn't sound too bad. kids, aged 16 to 18, working a couple of hours to pay for their education? Well reports by 200 undecover CLW Investigators show that a "couple hours" is not anywhere close to what's going on. These kids are working 7 days a week, 12 hours a day. In the article the author says "...80 hours of overtime a month is not uncommon"(Zand). This is outrageous, just put yourself in their shoes.
I've addressed the long hours which are dangerous by themselves with stress, anxiety, and lack of sleep, but then on top of that they essentially have slave-drivers for bosses. These companies have unpaid, mandatory meetings that they cut-down and publicly humiliate their workers. The one person interviewed said they stand in a line like a "military roll call" just to be yelled at by their group leader. Also they require pregnant women to stand for periods of 8 hours. This can cause a lot of pain and problems in the lower back as well as knees for these women, not just short term problems either. Another person that was interviewed said he had been injured and was bleeding heavily; instead of going to get proper medical equipment and solving the problem he waited 40 minutes to receive some "industrial grade plastic tape". This isn't my ideal way of fixing a wound.
Unfortunately one of the most popular companies in the United States is not doing their part in social justice. This is sad to see because of their large backing by society. My anger towards this company is growing exponentially and will continue to grow until this issue is resolved.
Schmundt, Hilmar, and Bernhard Zand. "Apple Faces Fresh Criticism of Factories." Portside. N.p., 29 July 2013. Web. 17 Sept. 2013
http://portside.org/2013-07-29/apple-faces-fresh-criticism-factories
Apple's partner companies have employed over 10,000 student workers. These workers use some of their take home pay for classes as well as for transportation to these classes. This doesn't sound too bad. kids, aged 16 to 18, working a couple of hours to pay for their education? Well reports by 200 undecover CLW Investigators show that a "couple hours" is not anywhere close to what's going on. These kids are working 7 days a week, 12 hours a day. In the article the author says "...80 hours of overtime a month is not uncommon"(Zand). This is outrageous, just put yourself in their shoes.
I've addressed the long hours which are dangerous by themselves with stress, anxiety, and lack of sleep, but then on top of that they essentially have slave-drivers for bosses. These companies have unpaid, mandatory meetings that they cut-down and publicly humiliate their workers. The one person interviewed said they stand in a line like a "military roll call" just to be yelled at by their group leader. Also they require pregnant women to stand for periods of 8 hours. This can cause a lot of pain and problems in the lower back as well as knees for these women, not just short term problems either. Another person that was interviewed said he had been injured and was bleeding heavily; instead of going to get proper medical equipment and solving the problem he waited 40 minutes to receive some "industrial grade plastic tape". This isn't my ideal way of fixing a wound.
Unfortunately one of the most popular companies in the United States is not doing their part in social justice. This is sad to see because of their large backing by society. My anger towards this company is growing exponentially and will continue to grow until this issue is resolved.
Schmundt, Hilmar, and Bernhard Zand. "Apple Faces Fresh Criticism of Factories." Portside. N.p., 29 July 2013. Web. 17 Sept. 2013
http://portside.org/2013-07-29/apple-faces-fresh-criticism-factories
Thursday, September 12, 2013
Do me a favor and look down. I'd bet that next to your computer is a pen, paper, and your cell phone. Now let's take a closer look at your cell phone; if it's a smart phone it's screen size is around 2.5" to 5.5" and it has the ability to contact almost any person on this planet through means of internet, text, or calling. The internal make up is fairly similar amongst all of them, there's a micro-CPU and a select amount of RAM so the phone can run it's operating system. The average Joe could find this information in about fifteen minutes on the internet. The one internal component that no one really knows about is blood, uhm, I mean conflict minerals.
The Congo is the largest country in sub-Saharan Africa. It is a place filled with war, bloodshed, and minerals. In fact the current Civil war is" the bloodiest conflict since World War II"(Gettleman) with about 5 million people dead. The Congo warlords are out to spite the civilians of Congo. They want to mercilessly kill and rape them. This sub-Saharan country has absolutely no infrastructure and is one of the most poor countries in the world. To make that last statistic even more pronounced, the Congo sits on about $24 trillion dollars worth of resources. Without infrastructure the warlords have been able to take over the mines and force children and civilians to do slave labor.
How did these warlords take power? I'm sure you're scratching you head right now and saying well why didn't we stop them? Who allowed these evil people to have weapons? Well if you looked in the mirror you'd be standing eye to eye with the answer to your questions. Remember when I mentioned conflict metals? Well conflict metals are resources that are mined in conditions of armed conflict and human rights abuses. The conflict metals in your phone are necessary for it to function. So cell phone companies have no problem paying these warlords for their metals just so they can make a profit.
Ok, so you're claim innocence based on the fact of your ignorance? You didn't know your cell phone company was doing this to you or you had no idea this was going on. That's fine, neither did I, actually the only people who knew were the cell phone companies. Up until 2012 it was legal for cell phone companies to not share information about the cell phone parts. Now, legally, these companies have to publicly disclose the information. Do me a favor and research this topic. Spread the word of the disgusting things happening. After all; the first step to solving a problem is realizing that there is actually a problem. Your research and knowledge of this topic could save thousands of lives. I have sewn the seeds, not it is your turn to water the plants and watch them grow.
Resources:
"Blood in the Mobile | Tcij.org." Blood in the Mobile | Tcij.org. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 Sept. 2013.
"SEC Adopts Rule for Disclosing Use of Conflict Minerals." SEC.gov. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 Sept. 2013.
"Conflict Minerals | RAISE Hope for Congo." Conflict Minerals | RAISE Hope for Congo. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 Sept. 2013
Gettleman, Jeffery. "Congo's Never Ending War." NYTimes.com. N.p., n.d. Web.
The Congo is the largest country in sub-Saharan Africa. It is a place filled with war, bloodshed, and minerals. In fact the current Civil war is" the bloodiest conflict since World War II"(Gettleman) with about 5 million people dead. The Congo warlords are out to spite the civilians of Congo. They want to mercilessly kill and rape them. This sub-Saharan country has absolutely no infrastructure and is one of the most poor countries in the world. To make that last statistic even more pronounced, the Congo sits on about $24 trillion dollars worth of resources. Without infrastructure the warlords have been able to take over the mines and force children and civilians to do slave labor.
How did these warlords take power? I'm sure you're scratching you head right now and saying well why didn't we stop them? Who allowed these evil people to have weapons? Well if you looked in the mirror you'd be standing eye to eye with the answer to your questions. Remember when I mentioned conflict metals? Well conflict metals are resources that are mined in conditions of armed conflict and human rights abuses. The conflict metals in your phone are necessary for it to function. So cell phone companies have no problem paying these warlords for their metals just so they can make a profit.
Ok, so you're claim innocence based on the fact of your ignorance? You didn't know your cell phone company was doing this to you or you had no idea this was going on. That's fine, neither did I, actually the only people who knew were the cell phone companies. Up until 2012 it was legal for cell phone companies to not share information about the cell phone parts. Now, legally, these companies have to publicly disclose the information. Do me a favor and research this topic. Spread the word of the disgusting things happening. After all; the first step to solving a problem is realizing that there is actually a problem. Your research and knowledge of this topic could save thousands of lives. I have sewn the seeds, not it is your turn to water the plants and watch them grow.
Resources:
"Blood in the Mobile | Tcij.org." Blood in the Mobile | Tcij.org. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 Sept. 2013.
"SEC Adopts Rule for Disclosing Use of Conflict Minerals." SEC.gov. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 Sept. 2013.
"Conflict Minerals | RAISE Hope for Congo." Conflict Minerals | RAISE Hope for Congo. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 Sept. 2013
Gettleman, Jeffery. "Congo's Never Ending War." NYTimes.com. N.p., n.d. Web.
Thursday, September 5, 2013
Hello,
My name is August and I am from Painesville, Ohio. My primary email is my college email, arunyon17@jcu.edu. My family has nicknames for me, like Gus, but I do prefer to go by August. I am really into weight lifting. I could never do it competitively because my motivation is primarily intrinsic. I have no desire to make money off of it or model, I just do it for sheer enjoyment. I love the dedication and determination required. It's something I have loved since I was young and plan to love as long as I live. I am also a huge dog lover, I have two chocolate labs (Ray and Izzy) that are my best friends. In terms of breaking me out of my shell for my education I need an organized area that is accepting of all view points. I hate to share an idea or possible solution to watch it get shot down without consideration.
In my eyes the technological advancement that I consider most important would be the creation of the internet. It has shaped our world into the interdependent biosphere it is today. It has allowed me to communicate with people in France or Germany faster than I could ever have imagined. It has allowed me to study without reading full books or see pictures of places I've never been. The internet has made a huge impact on society. The fact that it is used by almost everyone on a daily basis shows that it was a huge technological advancement. I consider my computer, cell phone, and vehicle as essential items; even though I could carry out the basics of life without them (biology joke), they are still very important. I am always contacting people with these devices or using them to meet up with others.
My knowledge of computers is fairly decent. I'm fairly technologically savvy and know what I'm doing for the most part. My knowledge of digital media is very poor. I cannot edit or clip films and I wouldn't even know what programs to use for them. I use social media daily and understand Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram very well. So, in short my knowledge of computers, digital media, and social media are 6/10;2/10;7/10, respectively.
My question for Dr. Shutkin is: What do you view as the most important attribute to have in order to achieve success?
My name is August and I am from Painesville, Ohio. My primary email is my college email, arunyon17@jcu.edu. My family has nicknames for me, like Gus, but I do prefer to go by August. I am really into weight lifting. I could never do it competitively because my motivation is primarily intrinsic. I have no desire to make money off of it or model, I just do it for sheer enjoyment. I love the dedication and determination required. It's something I have loved since I was young and plan to love as long as I live. I am also a huge dog lover, I have two chocolate labs (Ray and Izzy) that are my best friends. In terms of breaking me out of my shell for my education I need an organized area that is accepting of all view points. I hate to share an idea or possible solution to watch it get shot down without consideration.
In my eyes the technological advancement that I consider most important would be the creation of the internet. It has shaped our world into the interdependent biosphere it is today. It has allowed me to communicate with people in France or Germany faster than I could ever have imagined. It has allowed me to study without reading full books or see pictures of places I've never been. The internet has made a huge impact on society. The fact that it is used by almost everyone on a daily basis shows that it was a huge technological advancement. I consider my computer, cell phone, and vehicle as essential items; even though I could carry out the basics of life without them (biology joke), they are still very important. I am always contacting people with these devices or using them to meet up with others.
My knowledge of computers is fairly decent. I'm fairly technologically savvy and know what I'm doing for the most part. My knowledge of digital media is very poor. I cannot edit or clip films and I wouldn't even know what programs to use for them. I use social media daily and understand Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram very well. So, in short my knowledge of computers, digital media, and social media are 6/10;2/10;7/10, respectively.
My question for Dr. Shutkin is: What do you view as the most important attribute to have in order to achieve success?
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