Here is the link to the grade calculator.
Monday, December 16, 2013
Tuesday, December 3, 2013
Last Day of Class:
Wednesday December 4, 2013
Traditional Class
Grade Calculator
In Column E of the spreadsheet calculator, enter your grades as a percentage without the decimal point. Another way to say it, is the decimal should be to the right and not the left of the number. For Example: 67% should be entered as 67.0.
Traditional Class
Grades
Grade Calculator
In Column E of the spreadsheet calculator, enter your grades as a percentage without the decimal point. Another way to say it, is the decimal should be to the right and not the left of the number. For Example: 67% should be entered as 67.0.
LG Electronics & Apple Unveil Curved Smart Phone
BY: Clinton James
LG
Electronics Inc. recently released their curved smartphone in the South Korean
market as they gauge consumer appetite. Samsung, one of LG Electronics biggest
competitors, launched a variant of the curved phone with the Galaxy Note
earlier this month as the world’s first smartphone with a display slightly
curved side to side. The curved smartphone proves to be innovational because
curved smart phones provide a more comfortable grip than flat-screen models,
its curved video display offers a more immersive video watching experience, and
the phone uses a curved battery to support its form factor. Curved displays and
flexible screens will be the new battleground for phone makers as many analysts
predict this will transform the high-end smartphone market when it does come to
America.
Unfortunately, the innovational phone does not have enough current
features to lure big consumers, but expect to see a wave of curved smart phones
in the distant future. Apple is currently working on a smart watch that may
potentially have a curved screen, but Apple’s sources have yet to validate the
leaked information. Furthermore, it is also rumored that Apple will bring two
new curved iPhones to the market sometime late next year. Currently, analysts
speculate whether curving a smart phone will be innovative or just a novelty
because ultimately the innovative concept could just be a sleight-of-hand to
get consumers to buy the next smartphone. Sources mention the curved smart phone
will enable a nifty “roll effect”, in which you can slightly rock the curved
smart phone, so that you can retrieve basic information while the device is
laying flat on a surface.
Moreover, the new LG G Flex actually boasts a curved
display that flexes and flattens out once you apply pressure to it, absorbing
the blow if a consumer drops the phone. Analysts really believe the innovation
begins when moving from the “curved” screen to the “bended” one because a
screen that extends over the edges of the phone will provide a whole new series
of user experiences. This may prove to be not only innovational for the
appearance of the smart phone, but for bendable computing- a type of flexible
computing that bends, shifts, and adjusts to do whatever in life. Heading into
the future, it will be interesting to see how this innovational concept affects
competition in the technology industry, consumer responsiveness &
satisfaction, and if it will live up to the hype.
ARTICLES
VIDEOS
Problems in the African American Community
BY: Charles Flowers
During this semester, as a class,
we have taken a lot of time focusing on race, the history behind it and how
important it still effects today. We have dissected the lives of many pervious
slaves and discussed the impact their lives have had on our society. There a
multiple numbers of people in African American history that have risked their
lives for the betterment of society, especially in the black community but yet
the black community still continues to struggle and is looked down upon. Black
folks continue to be viewed as a violent, disorganized, and hateful group of
individuals. I believe that these negative images have continued to grow and
worsen because of the negative depiction black folks continue to provide for
the media.
These
negative depictions are most visible in video games, music/artist, and
athletes. With the newest release of the video game Grand Theft Auto (GTA),
there is no wonder that white society continues to take a negative depiction of
the lives of African Americans. This game is full of violence, sex and drugs and
has a black man as its star character; this is a clear example of why society
continues to look at African American’s as a threat. We provide them with the
opportunities to make these judgments and the worst part is that a lot of young
African Americans take this ideal of life and actually try to live it. This is
where the real problem resides, we are being taught to be gangsters and drug
dealers instead of doctors or lawyers.
The stem of problems that young
African Americans are facing directly deals with the role models that they look
up to. These role models range from musical artist such as Gucci Mane and Chief
Keef to athletes like Pacman Jones and Gilbert Arenas. These musicians continue
to rap about drugs, sex and money and killing; making it seem like these are
the only options that young black men are offered making them very narrow
minded. The other group hat can be recognized for the poor behavior in the
black community is athletes. There is no reason that every week on Sports
Center the public should be hearing that some athlete got arrested on drug or
gun charges, this is absolutely piss poor. These public figures are looked at as
role models to young children and are adored by them. As a community we need to
do a better job to express our concerns about the development of the children
in the African American communities. We need to focus and attack the problem
head on in order to conquer it and preserve the lives of our youth.
·
Your Face as Your Password
By: Antwan Harris
With technology rapidly advancing and manual activity becoming a thing of the past, one day you may be able to unlock your iPhone just by looking at it. Apple, Inc. was recently awarded a patent called "Personal computing device control using face detection and recognition." This would simply allow the user of the phone to look at the phone and it would unlock. Instead of using your hands to type in your password, your face would serve as your password.
In order for this to be successful, the technology would scan the individuals face in order to record all of its unique features, such as skin texture, skin color, size, and shape of various facial features. Also, if you would like other individuals to have access to your phone, they can complete the same process that would allow them to have a password as well.
For example, if you were to receive a phone call, your phone would scan your face to make sure it is the face of an authorized user. If it is, the call will go through as normal, but if not, the iPhone will remain locked. The same security will apply for incoming e-mails. Looking at the iPhone would alert you to and display an e-mail. An unauthorized user would prevent the e-mail alert and hide or block the message.
While Apple thinks it will work the best on the iPhone they are also looking into other avenues as well, including TV’s and computers. Apple used as an example a PC's screensaver reacting to your face rather than to a preset period of inactivity. While Apple does have an approved patent, there is a lot of work to be done. So for now we just have to stick with the Touch ID fingerprint sensor on the iPhone 5S.
Bitcoin, The New Gold?
Bitcoin is the new money of the future. It's a startup
currency, which is the first of its kind. Bitcoin is the first “decentralized”
electronic currency neither controlled by an organization nor government. Being
an open sourced project, Bitcoin currently has more than 100,000 users
worldwide. Using a unique decentralization method has been Bitcoin’s basis for
security and freedom. Day in and day out, people from all over the world use
this unique decentralization method of compensation to trade hundreds of
thousands of dollars worth of Bitcoins every day without the use of a middleman
or credit card companies.
Bitcoin uses 21 million secure mathematical
tokens (Bitcoins) as money, secured by advanced cryptography
many times stronger than that used by banks. Instead of simply just sending or
receiving, coins are cryptographically signed over from one party to another.
The equivalent of putting a lock and key on each token so that Bitcoins can be
securely backed up in multiple places, and so that copying doesn't increase or
decrease the amount you own.
Emails enable us to send free messages worldwide, Skype
allows us to make phone calls for free. Now there's Bitcoin, the first digital
currency that is completely individually distributed. Bitcoin’s network is made
up of ordinary users, so a bank or payment processor is no longer required
between trades. Bitcoin lets you send money to anyone online, anywhere in the
world for less than a cent, and overtime many store in Europe are picking up on
the trend.
Personally, I’m old fashion. I’m the savings account under
the mattress type of guy. I like being able to physically count my money
without worrying about external forces (hackers). But the idea of a
mathematically generated currency is interesting, and I’m intrigued to see what
innovations come of this.
Videos:
Links:
Big Brother or Big Bully? NSA Uses Malware To Steal Your Data
BY: Brandon Lenore
The NSA has
used malware to extend its surveillance reach overseas, according to a new report. Dutch newspaper NRC
Handelsbad has claimed that the NSA infected more than 50,000 computers with
software capable of accessing and stealing sensitive data. Documents made public by Edward Snowden revealed that the agency
has used malicious software to attack computers around the globe since as early
as 2008. The data thefts are perpetrated by the NSA’s Tailored Access
Operations branch, which has the capability to control whether the malware is
active or not.
The
mechanism, called Computer Network Exploitation, entails "enabling actions
and intelligence collection via computer networks that exploit data gathered
from target or enemy information systems or networks," according to the NSA’s own description of the
endeavor. Five years ago, some 20,000 machines were infected with the so-called
‘sleeper cell’ malware. Since then, that number has more than doubled and is
expected to reach 85,000 by the end of this year. This latest report
essentially substantiates claims by the Washington Post earlier
this year about just how insidious and expansive the NSA’s spying program is.
Yikes.
“The United States is moving toward the use of tools short of
traditional weapons that are unattributable — that cannot be easily tied to the
attacker — to convince an adversary to change their behavior at a strategic
level,” said another former senior U.S. official, who also spoke on the
condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive operations. This statement
basically says that we're going to start playing unfair by using malicious
practices to convince our enemies to stop using malicious practices. Will it
work? Who knows. Be careful what you search, someone may be watching.
LINKS:
Longer video for those interested in controversial
documentary by Edward Snowden
BITCOIN BLACK FRIDAY
Thabiti Stephens
Bitcoin
Black Friday (formerly known as Bitcoin Friday) announced today a partnership
with Fight for the Future, a digital rights advocacy group best known
organizing the first massive protests against SOPA in 2011. Fight for the
Future will be providing Bitcoin Black Friday with resources, viral organizing
knowledge, and grassroots experience. Through this partnership, Bitcoin Black
Friday aims to appeal not only to Bitcoiners, but to any internet user looking
for a better way to pay for goods online.
“Before
Bitcoin Friday, in early 2012, people were wondering whether Bitcoin could even
exist as a currency, whether people would ever spend their hoarded bitcoins.”
The founder of Bitcoin Friday, Jon Holmquist, remarks, ”Last year’s wildly
successful event alleviated those fears.” The idea is simple: Bitcoin merchants
opt-in for a free listing on the site and list their ‘deal’ that is only
redeemable during Bitcoin Friday. Last year’s deals were wide-ranging from 20%
off a WIKISPEED car to 25% off VPN services. Participating merchants saw
anywhere from 2x as many sales to some merchants having their best single day
of sales ever. BitPay, the largest Bitcoin payment processor, recorded their
largest amount of orders placed in a single day during Bitcoin Friday, and
other Bitcoin payment processors universally reported similarly high results.
About 500 bitcoin-accepting merchants are
going to be participating.New this year for Bitcoin Black Friday is a charity
section. If Bitcoin consumers have a few bitcents in their wallets after their
shopping sprees, they can donate directly to one of the many charities and
nonprofits accepting bitcoin, such as the Internet freedom group Fight for the
Future or Sean’s Outpost.
Bitcoin
Black Friday is not only online. The digital currency Bitcoin is gaining an
increasing amount of ‘meatspace’ businesses. To celebrate Bitcoin
brick-and-mortar merchants, Bitcoin Black Friday Parties will be occurring
around the globe at locations that accept bitcoin payments in person. In
Berlin, Cleveland, Los Angeles, Amsterdam, and in other major cities, these
parties will bring Bitcoiners in the community together, to bond over cocktails
and love of cryptocurrency.
Over the
last year, Bitcoin has risen in value, popularity, and adoption. The growth of
Bitcoin is being tracked by the massive growth in merchant adoption. Last
year’s event drew in about 75 merchants. This year’s event will pull in more
than 500. More and more people around the world are turning to bitcoin as an
exciting, secure, and innovative online currency. Bitcoin Black Friday will
help rally the growing bitcoin community and help merchants connect to a new
vibrant and global market.
Will Bitcoins Rule the World?
BY: Dexter East
Bitcoins are a peer-to-peer digital currency that functions
without the intermediation of a central authority. The concept was introduced
in 2008 by a mysterious developer who has referred to himself as "Satoshi
Nakamoto". Not much is known about the developer except that he created
the currency so that people could exchange using a currency that requires no interaction
with an intermediary. The currency does not possess any processing fees
allowing individuals to exchange them without the use of a bank.
Since its inception, Bitcoins have had various uses.
Individual developers have created marketplaces where customers can use
Bitcoins to purchase things much like Amazon. However, recently there have been
reports in the news about its illegal uses. Use of the new digital currency by
cybercriminals has been to both execute illegal transactions and launder
profits by enabling new and previously unseen levels of criminal activity. They
have been used to purchase drugs, weapons, and even used purchase a hit man for
400 Bitcoins. Moving forward, it will be interesting to see how Bitcoins
reestablishes a good reputation after its many negative uses have been
uncovered.
Bitcoins are
stored by associating them with addresses called "wallets". These wallets
can be stored on web services, on local hardware like PCs and mobile devices,
or on paper print-outs. Nevertheless, thefts of Bitcoins from web services and
online wallets have been covered in the media, prompting assertions that the
safest way to store Bitcoins is in secure paper wallets. However, will all of
these negative reports in its infancy stages I have serious doubts about the sustainability
of this currency for the following reasons:
1.
No
support by any central government
2.
Everything
is virtual (technology does fail at times)
3.
Far
too many illegal uses
Check out the articles and videos below
and let me know what you think.
What Is that in the sky?
BY: Jonathan Norris
The Acronym UFO stands for Unidentified Flying
Object that is define by a mysterious object seen in the sky for which, it is
claimed, no orthodox scientific explanation can be found. Have you ever seen a
UFO? Do you believe that the only form
of life that exists is on earth, even though there are billions of stars and
galaxy’s? The number one question that everyone
wants the answer too, with some type of substantial proof is, are we really
alone on earth? Meaning, are there any other forms of life such as aliens that we
humans do not know about? After experiencing a UFO sighting myself and seeing
documentaries that have done tons of research on UFO sightings I have concluded
that we are not alone.
Around the age of 14 I remember my family and I were
on a road trip to Brunswick Georgia.
Brunswick GA is about 4 hours from Atlanta Ga, we were traveling during
the night. It was a normal car ride until I look out of the window to my right
and notice a Bright light that appeared to be the size of a football in a
similar shape. The bright light was traveling parallel to us in the woods. It
had to be pretty far away but it appeared to be closer than what I could tell
because the light was so bright. My father was driving at that time. He had to
be going no less than 70 MPH. The light was keeping up with the speed of the
car, I could not believe what my eyes were seeing. So I tap my brother and told
him to look and he was amazed as well. The light kept up with the car for about
15-30 seconds before it vanished in the woods. This was no ordinary light that I
saw that vanished within 5 seconds. I know that it was not a reflection of a
car or car lights traveling on a road that I could not see because the woods were
there. Also I could tell it was abnormal because the way it was traveling
through the woods. The light was about the height of the car but it was weaving
left to right kind of how a snake moves but it look like it was only moving
that way because it was dodging trees at a speed of more than 70 mph. After watching Peter Jennings Documentary
UFO’s “Seeing is Believing” I know that I am not alone in the belief of aliens.
Based off of the Documentary “Seeing is Believing”
there are more than 40 million people that have saw or know someone that has
seen a UFO. There are countless testimonies
that date back far as 1947 with Kenneth Arnold testimony of seeing a flying
saucer. Another sighting was the “Phoenix
lights” that happen on March 17, 1997. The latest one that I heard about was
“NASSA confirms meteor streaking across SE sky on Saturday” that 11 Alive News
showed a couple of weeks ago. Even with all of these eye witnesses of sightings
there are still none believers. A lot of people and some scientist do not
believe in UFO’s because there is no scientific proof and a lot of testimonies defy
physics.
I believe since we are now in the Information age we
will hear about another life form within the next 25 years. Due to the technology that we have, we are
able to capture videos quicker, take better pictures at a faster rate and post
it for the world to see in a matter of seconds.
As we discussed in class project “Mars one” plans to establish human
settlement in 2023. However one of their main means of finance to keep this
project moving is by broadcasting each and every move on TV to be seen by the
world. “Mars One” shows you the power that is in the information age. In 1977 when the last person was on the moon
and idea like this would have never made it to the table and if it did the
average American would not be able to participate because the TV’s that
majority of people had couldn’t handle a broadcast of such kind.
After watching these videos do you believe that were
alone? Do you think the government is hiding information? What will scientific
proof of aliens’ existence do to our nation/world way of living and thinking?
Would your religious beliefs be change? What norms do you think will be broken?
Do you think we will see another life form within 25 years?
Video can not be embedded
Monday, December 2, 2013
Monday December 2, 2013 - Traditional Class
Monday December 2, 2013
Traditional Class
Amazon Prime Air
Traditional Class
Amazon Prime Air
Saturday, November 30, 2013
The Future of Black America
By: Allen Singleton
Is it time? Black America is a term that is not often used by many speakers’ today. You may be wondering what is Black America? Black America’s definition is relative; however we can say that it is what you see and believe the role is of black people in the society of America. There is a term that I am sure that you are very familiar with, and that is “Globalization”. As humans we all have the power of free will. With the influence of technology, media, and constant innovation we often forget what creates these opportunities: the human mind. Globalization is the new buzz word and is the new focus on everybody’s mind.
The opportunity to create something to have an impact on the entire world is great. The opportunity to push the human race forward and make things better for everyone is amazing. However, there is duality in everything in life. The more that you remain focused on Globalization, the more you forget about your own people. It is important to note that as an individual you should take control of your own mind. You should realize that each race in America takes care of their own people. Jews support Jews. Asians support Asians. Europeans support Europeans. Hispanics support Hispanics. How about Blacks? Blacks support everyone else but themselves. It is a huge issue that has been prevalent for a long time. Blacks lack unity and harmony which is necessary for evolution to take place.
Is it time? Black America is in trouble. The more that our young minds are focused on Globalization; the less we are focused on the unity and harmony among our own people. The challenge is for leadership to spark a revolution. The leaders of the past have all been taken out by America- MLK Jr., Malcolm X, Marcus Garvey, and anyone who represents true leadership. This puts Black America in a tough situation. Who will be courageous enough to be the leaders of the future of Black America? There are many solutions. The revolution is personal and takes place within the individual. How do you wake up your fellow brothers and sisters in Black America to the situation at hand if you are yourself -asleep? You must work to evolve and build your own consciousness and then go out and civilize others. Unlike the past, the future of Black America doesn't require one leader, but ALL people to become conscious and take control over their own minds. With control over your own mind you can control your thoughts and actions. With this new consciousness you can question things you have been taught as truth and search for your own truth. With this new consciousness you can search for your own understanding of your people’s origination in this world.
With this new consciousness you can take time to personally develop and work on your inner self. After you have developed yourself personally, you can focus on professional development and take advantage of opportunities in the world that you are naturally drawn too and create passion for. With this new consciousness you can spread love, unity, and harmony with your own people and eventually all people. With this new consciousness you can now make a significant impact on the world. With this new consciousness- IT IS TIME. Picture 1: Believe Nothing. Picture 2: Unlearn Picture 3: Insert Picture with these words: Ancient Temple in Egypt "Man Know Thyself" Video:
Is it time? Black America is a term that is not often used by many speakers’ today. You may be wondering what is Black America? Black America’s definition is relative; however we can say that it is what you see and believe the role is of black people in the society of America. There is a term that I am sure that you are very familiar with, and that is “Globalization”. As humans we all have the power of free will. With the influence of technology, media, and constant innovation we often forget what creates these opportunities: the human mind. Globalization is the new buzz word and is the new focus on everybody’s mind.
The opportunity to create something to have an impact on the entire world is great. The opportunity to push the human race forward and make things better for everyone is amazing. However, there is duality in everything in life. The more that you remain focused on Globalization, the more you forget about your own people. It is important to note that as an individual you should take control of your own mind. You should realize that each race in America takes care of their own people. Jews support Jews. Asians support Asians. Europeans support Europeans. Hispanics support Hispanics. How about Blacks? Blacks support everyone else but themselves. It is a huge issue that has been prevalent for a long time. Blacks lack unity and harmony which is necessary for evolution to take place.
Is it time? Black America is in trouble. The more that our young minds are focused on Globalization; the less we are focused on the unity and harmony among our own people. The challenge is for leadership to spark a revolution. The leaders of the past have all been taken out by America- MLK Jr., Malcolm X, Marcus Garvey, and anyone who represents true leadership. This puts Black America in a tough situation. Who will be courageous enough to be the leaders of the future of Black America? There are many solutions. The revolution is personal and takes place within the individual. How do you wake up your fellow brothers and sisters in Black America to the situation at hand if you are yourself -asleep? You must work to evolve and build your own consciousness and then go out and civilize others. Unlike the past, the future of Black America doesn't require one leader, but ALL people to become conscious and take control over their own minds. With control over your own mind you can control your thoughts and actions. With this new consciousness you can question things you have been taught as truth and search for your own truth. With this new consciousness you can search for your own understanding of your people’s origination in this world.
With this new consciousness you can take time to personally develop and work on your inner self. After you have developed yourself personally, you can focus on professional development and take advantage of opportunities in the world that you are naturally drawn too and create passion for. With this new consciousness you can spread love, unity, and harmony with your own people and eventually all people. With this new consciousness you can now make a significant impact on the world. With this new consciousness- IT IS TIME. Picture 1: Believe Nothing. Picture 2: Unlearn Picture 3: Insert Picture with these words: Ancient Temple in Egypt "Man Know Thyself" Video:
Sunday, November 24, 2013
Monday November 25, 2013,HW#9 Multiple Regression
Remaining Class Schedule
HW#9 - Multiple Regression
Multiple Regression is a statistically model used to analyze the relationship between two or more independent variables and one dependent variable. If differs from linear regression in that is takes more than one independent variable into the model.
Assignment
First, for window users, make sure you have the multiple regression option available.
Here is a quick video:
If you do not see "Data Analysis" under "Data" Tab, then to add that option see steps below:
For Mac users, Excel 2011 go to this link. Excel 2011 does Not have multiple regression. You will need to add some software from the link.
If you have Excel 2007, click here to get short (6 page .pdf file) file on how to set it up.
Understanding Output (pdf file link)
- Monday November 25, 2013 - Prerecorded Class
- Wednesday November 27, 2013 - No Class - Holiday
- Monday December 2, 2013 and Wednesday December 4, 2013 - Traditional Class
Prerecorded Class Video
How to use Excel for Multiple Regression and what you will need for the exam.
HW#9 - Multiple Regression
Multiple Regression is a statistically model used to analyze the relationship between two or more independent variables and one dependent variable. If differs from linear regression in that is takes more than one independent variable into the model.
Assignment
- Download Excel Spreadsheet (here)
- Watch videos below
- Take Exam #9 (Monday November 25, 2013 thru Sunday December 1, 2013 at midnight)
First, for window users, make sure you have the multiple regression option available.
Step 1
Switch to the "Data" tab in the Microsoft Excel ribbon and locate the "Data Analysis" at far right on ribbon. Click on the "Data Analysis" item to bring up the dialog box of the same name.
Step 2
Scroll through the list of Analysis Tools until you locate "Regression". Click on it to select it, and then click on the "OK" button at the right to open its dialog box.
If you do not see "Data Analysis" under "Data" Tab, then to add that option see steps below:
Step 1
Launch Microsoft Excel and click on the "File" tab in the ribbon. Select "Options" to open the Excel Options dialog box.
Step 2
Click the "Add-Ins" item in the list on the left side of the dialog box. You will see "Analysis ToolPak" in the list of Inactive Application Add-Ins. Set the Manage drop-down menu to "Excel Add-Ins," and click on the "Go" button at the bottom of the dialog box to open the Add-Ins dialog box.
Step 3
Tick the check box in front of "Analysis ToolPak" in the list of available add-ins. Click the "OK" button on the right side of the Add-Ins dialog box to turn on the Analysis ToolPak once you have selected it in the list of options.
Here is a video to help explain those three steps above:
For Mac users, Excel 2011 go to this link. Excel 2011 does Not have multiple regression. You will need to add some software from the link.
Here is an example for MAC (EXCEL 2011) using additional Software
If you have Excel 2007, click here to get short (6 page .pdf file) file on how to set it up.
Understanding Output (pdf file link)
Older Version of Excel - but explanation good
Music Leakage
BY: Robert Kinney
The
leaking of a recording artist’s music is an element that has heavily changed
the music industry within these last 10 years.
Born by the act that is mp3 sharing, the leaking of one’s song, single,
or album is something that almost every artist cannot avoid within their
career. Music leakage has been something
that has angered artist, producers, and their record labels; while it has
enabled listeners to get access to an artist work before it is officially released
and/or for free.
Music
leaking mainly had a negative effect on the music industry. It can really upset
an artist when a song of theirs is leak off of an album that isn’t ready to be
released, or even the song it’s self
isn’t complete. In 2011, Pop singer Madonna’s comeback single “Give It
To Me” was leak in rough demo form without the featured artist, Nicki Minaj and
M.I.A., included on it. It got a lot of backlashed from some music listeners
and overall got some mixed to negative reviews due to its sound and quality.
Madonna and producer of the song had to release disclaimers saying the song
wasn’t released properly and sonically the way it was meant to. The song ended
up performing not as highly as projected due to it’s leakage.
The sales in the music
industry have also taken a fall within the last 10 years and a reason this has
happened is due to music leakage and pirating. In the year of 2012, approximately 1.65
billion albums were sold in the U.S. Compared
to 2.13 billion in the year of 2002. The leaking of music has had effects even on
some of music’s biggest artist sales. In 2011, R&B singer Beyoncé album 4 was leaked 3 weeks before its release
date by a man that hacked into Sony’s (her record labels) servers. When the
album was release, granted that it debuted at #1 on the billboard charts and
her most critical acclaimed album, it was least successful sales wise. Many of
music analysts blame the leaking of the album for it’s so-so sales (especially
since usually albums leak only a few days before it is released into
stores/online). Recently though, record labels have started to find ways to
track the music leakers. A year after Beyoncé’s album was released, Sony Music
Record label found the man that leaked her album and sued him for $233,000 for
the leaking and piracy of her album.
Granted
that the leaking of music has negative effects on the music industry, it
ironically has also has had it ways that it has helped. A study has showed by North Carolina State
University that pre-mature album leaks buy big artist actually helps their sales,
due to the buzz around their album. Some artist takes advantage of the fact
that they have songs that leaked. In 2008, Rapper Lil’ Wayne had songs that
leak that were originally due to be on his album, Tha Carter III. His record label took those songs, mastered them,
and sold them as an EP and saw this as a way to build hype for his album (which
ended up going platinum in its first week). Artist even at times leak their own
music as a way to build hype around an upcoming project.
In
conclusion, the music industry is one ever evolving business; One that has to
learn how to deal and accommodate with the new ways of society. Some may argue
that it has negatively affected the music industry, while some may opposed that
notion. One thing for sure is that it has definitely added the element of
changed to it.
Thursday, November 21, 2013
Virtual Reality
BY: Regae M. Reynolds
Virtual Reality (VR) dates back to the
1950’s created by a visionary man by the name of Morton Heilig.
Heilig was a cinematographer and desired for the theatrical
experience to be engaging. The first concept of the sensory
technology was shown in the Sensorama; it not only had a visual
display, it offered odor emitters, speakers, a moving chair, and
fans. It was not until the early sixties when engineers developed the
single head display.
Virtual Reality has many uses in
technology, gaming, and also therapy. This technology has influenced
movies such as The Matrix, Tron, and Gamer. These Sci-Fi movies have
encouraged robotic rovers that are able to navigate in any
environment, operated from a remote location.
VR can be used in
simulation such as flights, surgical operations, and engineering
concepts. EON Reality has produced educational components that allow
students to be engaged discovering the solar system, oceanography, in
addition to other various atmospheres that could only be studied in
books. EON also has developed training software for medical and
technology professionals.
The Omni created
the Oculus Rift, it is the newest form of VR that integrates natural
body movement through simulation. It translates computer keystrokes
from body movements, with its unique tread design; users are able to
run, jump, and dodge. The advances for gaming are limitless and out
sell movies in regards to retail purchases.
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
is an anxiety disorder commonly occurred after a close encounter with
death or constant bodily state of fear. Emory University has one of
the test sites, where Iraq Veterans can go to seek therapy. By
conducting similar stimulation in a safe environment doctors are able
to counsel patients past the traumatic experience. The studies have
proven to aid in insomniac occurrences and anxiety attacks.
Strickland,
Jonathan. "How Virtual Reality Works" 29 June
2007. HowStuffWorks.com.
<http://electronics.howstuffworks.com/gadgets/other-gadgets/virtual-reality.htm>
12 November 2013.
Social Media and the Bullying Influence
BY: Quimani Watson
The rise of social media has influenced how we communicate to one another. As we rely more on social media outlets to express ourselves, people may find it easier to communicate inappropriately than ever before. I remember learning about how to write a letter properly in elementary school. The letter always started with a dear so and so and ended with a sincerely yours. That politeness is not found on many social media websites. Instant messages are quick, to the point and lack a certain element of thoughtfulness that use to exist.
Social media users do not have to be trained on how to write a ‘tweet’ before using communication devices. People do not have to learn basic etiquette or even understand the responsibilities that may come when using social networking sites. People can hide behind their words without the fear of physical confrontation from a receiver. Social media can easily be used as a ‘bully pulpit’.
Most recently, a young girl named Rebecca Sedwick committed suicide in Florida because she was cyber-bullied by her peers. The bullying took place over several months both physically and online. Even when her mother withdrew her from the school, the cyber bullying still took place. Although the young girls that tormented Rebecca were arrested, I cannot be sure they even understood the seriousness of their actions at the time.
Most people are raised knowing that you should be kind and respectful to other people. But today, we have “like or not like”. Our opinions can be validated or challenged. So when do our opinions cross the line? Should our social networks have some responsibility to monitor and report messages that are threatening? And should parents be accountable for their children that post these types of messages?
Regardless of how you may feel, the effects of social comments can have long lasting affects on someone. Any type of verbal abuse, threats, gossip or anything that may cause emotional harm needs to be stopped. The fight to stop cyberbullying should start at home. Parents have a responsibility to monitor teenagers or young children who may have access to these sites. Social media sites should also have a responsibility to safeguard not just our privacy but safety.
Google Glass
BY: Sean Paul
Google. the world’s greatest web search engine? I think not.
I mean yes it is a great search engine and debatable if the best, but what
Google’s known best for is not what it’s capable of doing. Google also has
innovations such as YouTube, Android (phone operating system), Chrome, Maps,
Earth, Gmail, Google+, Google Play Store and many more. Google continues to
stay ahead of competitors by evolving and venturing in new ideas. But have you
heard about their new innovation, Google Glass?
“The wearable computer”, and what Times Magazine named one
of the Best Inventions of 2012 (being that it was expected to release last
year). It’s an optical head-mounted display, with smartphone-like hands-free
capabilities of interacting with the internet thru voice commands. Equipped
with Android operating system, a touchpad, camera, video chat capabilities, wifi
and Bluetooth capable, and much more. A device that you can ask on the spot,
“How do you say, Good Morning in French”, or “My name is Sean Paul”, in German.
If you were at a party and a song came on that you had no clue about, simply
just ask, “Glass what song is this”, and it would tell you.
Currently in development, Google has already begun a program
that allows people to test out the products before its consumer release. If
selected by Google, the price to obtain the developing model would be $1500, a
lot more than what the final product will cost of course. Google is even
contemplating on working with major sunglasses retailers and the idea of adding
the option of having actual prescription lenses to the glasses, making it more
suitable for those who do require prescription glasses.
Look to see this item for consumer purchase come 2014. Also
with Google even venturing into driverless cars, it wouldn’t surprise me what
Google announces next.
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