With the creation and distinction of the digital era, analog has almost completely gone out of style. With television making the switch to digital signals, analog has lost hold of its final mainstream use.
Today, the digital media has completely taken over. Pictures and movies can be edited from computers, special effects have endless possibilities and basically anyone can make cool pictures, or movies with Photoshop or Final Cut. I love the availability that comes with using digital. You no longer have to have a specific format or be in a specific place to do or play things. With the invention of MP3's and the Ipod, music can be easily accessible, you no longer need to be near a tape player or gosh forbid, a record player.
It has generally improved every day life for the better, even though we kind of lose the old generation style. Black and white pictures were shot differently back in the day. There was more time spent in the production, and there was more use of nature and a person's surroundings. If a movie is shot in color and turned into black and white with the use of a digital tool, it still lacks genuity for me. Also you lose the nostalgic grainy effect that can be see in the old western movies. Today in movies, you lose that genuine feel. Almost everything can be digitally edited, and any event is poosible, which is cool for a lot of things, but since anyone can make a movie now-a-days, there's less emphasis on the making of the movie, and more emphasis on how many movies a person can crank out. After all, more movies = more money $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
Other then that, I really can't see my life without anything digital. Computer, especially the interent has become what my world is based upon. Video games, e-mail, talking to friends, even my job revolves around having internet access. It makes life more efficient, but it comes at the price of losing the styles we grew up on.
Sunday, March 9, 2008
Sunday, March 2, 2008
E-Waste
Ladies and Gentlemen, E-waste has become a problem. A problem that not only requires the attention of people in this country, but of people all over the world. Being a student from a relatively nice neighborhood with a decent amount of money, e-waste had never caught my attention; but after reviewing these articles and looking at the pictures, it is clear that something must be done.
The first steps we can take as consumers, is to watch what we buy, and investigate the manufacturer we buy from. BAN provides a list of companies that recycle their products and I think that when people buy electronics, this list should be known to all. The first Salon article discusses the fact that all the e-waste going to China is primarily coming from the US, Japan and Europe. If you think about it, this is where all or most of all electronic parts are made, aside from China, were hopefully they are using recycled products instead of just adding to their mess.
When I think about my old cell-phones, computers and TV's I can't help but think that I should have recycled it much better. My family has the age old tradition of garage sales. Whenever we are done using something, we put it in the garage until the garage fills up. Thats when we have the sale. Whatever doesn't sell, we usually leave outside our house for a week, and send the rest of it to Goodwill. As for my previous cell-phones: I sent my first one back to the company because we moved, I think I still have 1 somewhere, and I left the other one at the store when I got my current one (oops). I honestly don't know what happens to the televisions. They usually sit outside for a week or two and disappear.
I think people have a hard time addressing this issue because the reality is so horrible, yet we never have to face it. If this was happening in our country, then a lot more people would be up in arms. The people working trying to savage precious metals are putting their selves in terrible danger. The labor laws need to change. People are fighting against child sweat shop workers, but what about the children dipping motherboards into acid? Shouldn't we be fighting for that too? The sad part is that many people do not even e-waste to be a problem. Out with the old-In with the new-type thinking. Global warning, greenhouse gases, rips in the o-zone, e-waste- It's all related and the sooner we start changing our habits, the sooner we will be able to clean up our environment.
The first steps we can take as consumers, is to watch what we buy, and investigate the manufacturer we buy from. BAN provides a list of companies that recycle their products and I think that when people buy electronics, this list should be known to all. The first Salon article discusses the fact that all the e-waste going to China is primarily coming from the US, Japan and Europe. If you think about it, this is where all or most of all electronic parts are made, aside from China, were hopefully they are using recycled products instead of just adding to their mess.
When I think about my old cell-phones, computers and TV's I can't help but think that I should have recycled it much better. My family has the age old tradition of garage sales. Whenever we are done using something, we put it in the garage until the garage fills up. Thats when we have the sale. Whatever doesn't sell, we usually leave outside our house for a week, and send the rest of it to Goodwill. As for my previous cell-phones: I sent my first one back to the company because we moved, I think I still have 1 somewhere, and I left the other one at the store when I got my current one (oops). I honestly don't know what happens to the televisions. They usually sit outside for a week or two and disappear.
I think people have a hard time addressing this issue because the reality is so horrible, yet we never have to face it. If this was happening in our country, then a lot more people would be up in arms. The people working trying to savage precious metals are putting their selves in terrible danger. The labor laws need to change. People are fighting against child sweat shop workers, but what about the children dipping motherboards into acid? Shouldn't we be fighting for that too? The sad part is that many people do not even e-waste to be a problem. Out with the old-In with the new-type thinking. Global warning, greenhouse gases, rips in the o-zone, e-waste- It's all related and the sooner we start changing our habits, the sooner we will be able to clean up our environment.
Saturday, February 23, 2008
Mr. Binary
- Convert the following numbers from base 2 to base 10.
- 1011- 11
- 101010-42
- 11111-31
- 10010- 18
- 31-11111
- 51-110011
- 7-111
- 103-1100111
4. Suppose that we want to download a 100 MB file. How long will it take on each of the following connections?
- A modem that can download at 56 kilobits/second- 4 hours 3.8 minutes
- A DSL connection that can download at 5 Megabits/second 2.73 min
- A high-speed connection that can download 10 Megabits/second 1.36 min
Scanned in my work to photobucket-http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b11/
Spitfirexx/work.jpg
Saturday, February 16, 2008
Net Neutrality
1. What is the fundamental issue underlying the net neutrality debate?
The techology is using an unlicensed spectrum. To mess around with it in your own home with low power is fine. To do so outside your home, and at higher power means interference beyond your control. It can also be described by wikipedia as "a broadband network free of restrictions on the kinds of equipment that may be attached, on the modes of communication allowed, that does not restrict content, sites, or platforms and where communication is not unreasonably degraded by other communication streams would be considered neutral by most observers."
2. List two groups, organizations, or individuals in favor of netneutrality. Fairly describe their arguments in favor of net neutrality.
-www.savetheinternet.org- "The Internet has thrived because revolutionary ideas like blogs, Wikipedia or Google could be started on a shoestring and attract huge audiences simply because their users found the sites valuable. Without Net neutrality the pipeline owners will choose the winners and losers on the Web."
-www.openinternetcailition.com- They campaign for universal affordable access, a more open internet- where access to broadband networks should be open to all producers and consumers of Internet content on fair and equal terms, and quality through competetion because a competitive marketplace creates jobs, helps the American consumer, fosters innovation, and drives economic growth.
3. List two groups, organizations, or individuals opposed to netneutrality. Fairly describe their arguments against net neutrality.
Comcast- They believe that peer 2 peer programs such as limewire and bittorent are taking up too much bandwith and are taking away from other customers. They believe if they were able to control who gets what and how much, then these peer 2 peer companies will not stand a chance. Legally, it helps music/video companies because it would force people to buy more music/dvd's.
Other Telecommunication companies- claim the right under U.S. law to operate the network with minimal government interference. They claim that anti-tiering regulations may indirectly prevent the expansion and improvement of Internet access for their customers, who have used an increasing amount of bandwidth. The telecommunications corporations also claim that a lack of differentiated funding sources has slowed their own corporations' implementations of new technologies and also resulted in elevated prices for many of their customers.
4. What is your opinion on the subject? (you might also find it interesting to use some of the detective skills you learned in the networking lab to find out who owns savetheinternet.com and handsoff.org). In my opinion, net neutrality should be kept. The internet is not in place so one company can dominate in all areas, and therefore kick out the competitors. After all, the internet was built by private organizations, with each person adding to it to improve the overall effectiveness. If companies start monopolizing on the biggest form of media available, then many many many jobs will be lost surely lost. for example, As it is now, people can use Yahoo! or Google, or whatever search engine they have, and they will get results in similar times. If networks are allowed to control how fast people get their results, then the whole idea of a free market internet goes out the window.
The techology is using an unlicensed spectrum. To mess around with it in your own home with low power is fine. To do so outside your home, and at higher power means interference beyond your control. It can also be described by wikipedia as "a broadband network free of restrictions on the kinds of equipment that may be attached, on the modes of communication allowed, that does not restrict content, sites, or platforms and where communication is not unreasonably degraded by other communication streams would be considered neutral by most observers."
2. List two groups, organizations, or individuals in favor of netneutrality. Fairly describe their arguments in favor of net neutrality.
-www.savetheinternet.org- "The Internet has thrived because revolutionary ideas like blogs, Wikipedia or Google could be started on a shoestring and attract huge audiences simply because their users found the sites valuable. Without Net neutrality the pipeline owners will choose the winners and losers on the Web."
-www.openinternetcailition.com- They campaign for universal affordable access, a more open internet- where access to broadband networks should be open to all producers and consumers of Internet content on fair and equal terms, and quality through competetion because a competitive marketplace creates jobs, helps the American consumer, fosters innovation, and drives economic growth.
3. List two groups, organizations, or individuals opposed to netneutrality. Fairly describe their arguments against net neutrality.
Comcast- They believe that peer 2 peer programs such as limewire and bittorent are taking up too much bandwith and are taking away from other customers. They believe if they were able to control who gets what and how much, then these peer 2 peer companies will not stand a chance. Legally, it helps music/video companies because it would force people to buy more music/dvd's.
Other Telecommunication companies- claim the right under U.S. law to operate the network with minimal government interference. They claim that anti-tiering regulations may indirectly prevent the expansion and improvement of Internet access for their customers, who have used an increasing amount of bandwidth. The telecommunications corporations also claim that a lack of differentiated funding sources has slowed their own corporations' implementations of new technologies and also resulted in elevated prices for many of their customers.
4. What is your opinion on the subject? (you might also find it interesting to use some of the detective skills you learned in the networking lab to find out who owns savetheinternet.com and handsoff.org). In my opinion, net neutrality should be kept. The internet is not in place so one company can dominate in all areas, and therefore kick out the competitors. After all, the internet was built by private organizations, with each person adding to it to improve the overall effectiveness. If companies start monopolizing on the biggest form of media available, then many many many jobs will be lost surely lost. for example, As it is now, people can use Yahoo! or Google, or whatever search engine they have, and they will get results in similar times. If networks are allowed to control how fast people get their results, then the whole idea of a free market internet goes out the window.
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
Cybersquatting
I think cyber-squatting can be a very sensitive issue. I think people can blow this issue out of proportion, while other people may not understand why it is a big deal. Simply, I think cyber-squatting should be allowed and legal in all instances.
Although I believe the people who try to steal a domain name purely for profit are stupid and annoying, they have a right to do so. In the today's society, the concept of business ethics gets thrown around all too often, but never in a serious tone. Business's may preach that they are looking out for the people, but in reality, they're really only looking to make a buck. If cybersquatters are smart enough to claim a domain before someone else, then they have priority. In a twisted sense, its kind of like entrepreneurship.
The type of cyber-squatting that doesn't bother me at all is the people who use it to parody companies. There is so much slander in the commercial world that people have become desensitized to dishing out the insults and oversensitive when receiving an insult. The example of walmartsucks.org was really funny. The fact that Wal-Mart filed a cease and desist is in itself funny. They are a major corporation that sells to people all over the world. There are bound to be people who don't like them. The way I see it is that the people who are going to shop at Wal-Mart are going to, even if there are websites against it.
The most important fact to consider when dealing with cyber-squatting is that taking any action against it violates our policy of freedom of speech. That's right, we have the Constitution backing people trying to steal domain names. God Bless America.
All in all, I think the whole issue is pretty stupid. If your name is taken on the internet, try not being so self-absorbed. Whatever domain you pick, you have to let people know what it is. It's not like people are automatically going to try your name to find you. I mean really, does Steve Jobs need his own name to market his products? No. He has Apple for that.
Although I believe the people who try to steal a domain name purely for profit are stupid and annoying, they have a right to do so. In the today's society, the concept of business ethics gets thrown around all too often, but never in a serious tone. Business's may preach that they are looking out for the people, but in reality, they're really only looking to make a buck. If cybersquatters are smart enough to claim a domain before someone else, then they have priority. In a twisted sense, its kind of like entrepreneurship.
The type of cyber-squatting that doesn't bother me at all is the people who use it to parody companies. There is so much slander in the commercial world that people have become desensitized to dishing out the insults and oversensitive when receiving an insult. The example of walmartsucks.org was really funny. The fact that Wal-Mart filed a cease and desist is in itself funny. They are a major corporation that sells to people all over the world. There are bound to be people who don't like them. The way I see it is that the people who are going to shop at Wal-Mart are going to, even if there are websites against it.
The most important fact to consider when dealing with cyber-squatting is that taking any action against it violates our policy of freedom of speech. That's right, we have the Constitution backing people trying to steal domain names. God Bless America.
All in all, I think the whole issue is pretty stupid. If your name is taken on the internet, try not being so self-absorbed. Whatever domain you pick, you have to let people know what it is. It's not like people are automatically going to try your name to find you. I mean really, does Steve Jobs need his own name to market his products? No. He has Apple for that.
Saturday, February 2, 2008
The Interweb
Since the dawn of time man has been interested in improving their lives. First came electricity, next came the automobile, now the age of the web has shown itself. Like most young strapping freshman, I was interested in the internet for such things as video games, e-mail, IM, and sports scores. But when I think of how it has bettered my life, the first thing that comes to mind, is its use as an educational tool.
Using the internet for research has been possibly the greatest idea since sliced bread. It really just makes life a lot easier. There is no worrying about going to the library and looking for that gigantic encyclopedia, and then copying the information down from page 13456, using a magnifying class to read the type. What I really like is the dictionaries on-line, as well as wikipedia (although i'm not supposed to be using that because it's unreliable..sshh). Specific information is available at all times. There is also different articles on the information and forums that can help you on almost any topic. I really like the forums where people discuss certain topics, because sometimes you will find out information that you didn't know on a subject you know a lot about.
The internet has changed my life for the worse because I am addicted to it! I can survive without it, but I get bored very easily now. I play WoW a lot, so I need the internet for that. Without the internet, there would be no WoW. Because of the internet, there is no incentive to read books or go outside. I spend at least 5 hours or more at my computer a day. Could it be causing a decline in my health? I do not know.
Everything is available at your finger tips. Although it is very convenient, I believe it makes our society lazier as a whole. Now, I'm not complaining, but I think this is definitely a major flaw in the system. People take advantage of the web, and there are millions of scammers out there. Although this is bound to happen in any situation, the fact that spamming and scamming is so easy and the fact that people are so gullible, present a problem to our society.
Overall, I think that some of the internet's stengths also are some of its weaknesses. It is easily accessible and almost anyone can use it, but it has the potential of eliminating jobs and even providing us the opportunity to skip out of work for the price of money. As long as people use the web responsibly, I don't think there is an immediate problem.
Using the internet for research has been possibly the greatest idea since sliced bread. It really just makes life a lot easier. There is no worrying about going to the library and looking for that gigantic encyclopedia, and then copying the information down from page 13456, using a magnifying class to read the type. What I really like is the dictionaries on-line, as well as wikipedia (although i'm not supposed to be using that because it's unreliable..sshh). Specific information is available at all times. There is also different articles on the information and forums that can help you on almost any topic. I really like the forums where people discuss certain topics, because sometimes you will find out information that you didn't know on a subject you know a lot about.
The internet has changed my life for the worse because I am addicted to it! I can survive without it, but I get bored very easily now. I play WoW a lot, so I need the internet for that. Without the internet, there would be no WoW. Because of the internet, there is no incentive to read books or go outside. I spend at least 5 hours or more at my computer a day. Could it be causing a decline in my health? I do not know.
Everything is available at your finger tips. Although it is very convenient, I believe it makes our society lazier as a whole. Now, I'm not complaining, but I think this is definitely a major flaw in the system. People take advantage of the web, and there are millions of scammers out there. Although this is bound to happen in any situation, the fact that spamming and scamming is so easy and the fact that people are so gullible, present a problem to our society.
Overall, I think that some of the internet's stengths also are some of its weaknesses. It is easily accessible and almost anyone can use it, but it has the potential of eliminating jobs and even providing us the opportunity to skip out of work for the price of money. As long as people use the web responsibly, I don't think there is an immediate problem.
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
About Me
Hello! My name is Brian Brause. I am a Media Studies Major. I am taking this class because it looked interesting. I was going to take this class last semester but changed my schedule around. I was also pleased to find out that it fulfills my Core B requirement. I have some computer experience. I took a website class in 8th grade and an electronic design class in high school. I have also built my own computer with the help of my uncle. I enjoy playing with different programs such as photshop and flash and have experience with dreamweaver. I am a second-semester freshman .. I come from the small town of Cambria on the central coast of California. I went to a very small high school with only about 350 students and graduated with a class of 75. I played varsity basketball and tennis in high school, but now I just play them for fun. I also play World of Warcraft. I know, I know, I really need to stop! Anyways, that's me in a nutshell!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)