All-electric monster truck

1. Topic: Electric Monster Truck
2. Article Title: Bigfoot monster truck goes all-electric, crushes cars in silence

3. Article Source: Slashgear

4. Summary: Monster trucks are known for their loud noises, and gas guzzling ability. Although that is still true for most today, there is one that stands out. The Bigfoot monster truck to be exact. It has been produced into a new model. An electric model. With all the same capabilities as before, but with less noise, and less fumes.

5. Reaction: I am very surprised that this had not happened sooner.

6. World Impact:

• I think that it is going to make a big impact now that they are more Eco-friendly. Not only would it be less expensive to run, but it would be cleaner too. Now it won't harm the environment as much as it did before. But it also takes some of the fun out of it. The loud noises is what some people enjoy most about them.

Broken Records

1. Topic: Video Gaming Record Broken
2. Article Title: Guinness world record for the longest video game marathon broken

3. Article Source: Gizmag

4. Summary: The previous gaming record of 120 hours has been broken by Oken Kaya. He logged 121 continuous hours of playing Call of Duty: Black Ops 2. He began his journey on Tuesday, November 13th. He is even trying to beat his current record. The previous record was held by two people in Canada.

5. Reaction: I think that playing for 5 days straight is just short of insane! There is no possible way that I myself could go for 121 hours with no breaks. I have heard that playing video games for too long can cause seizures, and other problems dealing with eyesight. So what I am having problems understanding is how he is still as healthy as he was before. Most people I know experience headaches, and blurry vision after about two hours! I can't imagine what they would be like after 5 straight days.

6. World Impact: Now that someone has beaten the previous record of 120 hours, I'm sure that it will spark more gamers to try and beat the new record. Give it a year or so, and you will be hearing of someone breaking this record with 122 hours of continues gameplay. It might even be the same person. He did say he wants to go further into the record. Maybe the previous record holders will try to get their title back. It might turn out to be a full out war between these 3 gamers. Seeing who can log the most continuous hours.

Weekly Blog Review #10

This week we discussed identity theft. Here is some vocabulary that went with it:

• Scam- An attempt to trick someone, usually with the intention of stealing money or private information.
• Identity Theft- A type of crime in which your private information is stolen and used for criminal activity.
• Vulnerable- In a position that makes it easier for you to be harmed or attacked.
• Phishing- When people send yo phony emails, texts, calls, etc. to hook you into giving them your personal information.

This is a list of things that people might want to take from you in order to steal your identity:

• Full name
• Date of Birth and where you were born
• Drivers licence or passport
• Social Security number
• Mothers maiden name

What could happen if you identity is stolen?

• You could serve jail time.
• Go bankrupt
• Accounts get hacked
• Ruined credit
• Held responsible for things you did not do

Here are five rules to follow to protect yourself from online scams:

1. Avoid opening the message or email in the first place.
2. Don't click on any links or download attachments; the might contain viruses or spyware.
3. Don't reply.
4. Mark as "junk mail" or "spam" for you email provider, or report it to your social network sites.
5. Verify contact information. (Banks or other businesses should never ask you to verify your account information. You should contact them and see if it is a reliable email. But banks never ask for account verification. They have it stored so they don't have to.)

Thats all I have for you this time! We didn't have a web 2.0 tool this week. So thats all folks!

Weekly Blog Review #9

This week in my Introduction to Publications class we learned about data collection. How companies can track your searches and what sites you go on. Here are some terms we learned:

• Track - When companies collect information about you based on your online behavior.
• Target - When companies tailor content to you based on the information they have collected about you.
• Demographic - Common categories of the population, such as age, gender, and race.
• Cookies - Data files that are stored on your computer when you visit certain sites.

Now that you know more about data collection, here are some tips to help limit the collection of data on you or you computer:

• Always read the fine print. It might just tell you some important information. Like whether they will sell your information to other companies or not. For example, if you have gotten spam mail after signing up for an accouunt, then the most likely sold your email.
• Avoid using the same website for your email and your search engine. That can limit the total amount of information that is retained by one site. Also, clear out your browsing history and cookies, so that your searches and browsing are not connected.
• Avoid downloading search engine toolbars. When you do, it may permit the collection of information about your web surfing habits. 
• Disable auto sign-ins. This saves your information, so that other people can access it.
• Clear out your cookies!
• Determine who your audience is. This is mostly on blogs and social networking sites like Facebook. You can determine who can see your information on Facebook in its settings.
• Opt out cookies. I know you can do this in Google Chrome in the settings, and I'm sure you can in other browsers, but I don't know how.

This week we used Mixbook to make a pamphlet about limiting your data collection. Mine included the tips above. And also a few pictures, not much more. I really liked using Mixbook because it was easy to navigate. I just think that they could put in better templates.

Also, this week we moved into out building!!!! On Friday November the 2nd was our first full day in the LSB (it stands for Lena Sue Beam, but I say Lumpy Space Building. Because of LSP from Adventure Time.) Being in our building is so much better then being in the MC.

So, overall, I've had a pretty good week. Nothing to stress full. I'm excited for Spirit Week next week! Here are our days:
Monday: Nerd Day!
Tuesday: Culture Day!
Wednesday: Gender-Bender Day! (Guys have to wear dresses!!)
Thursday: Celebrity/Superhero Day!
Friday: Spirit Day!

Well, hope you guys had a good week! And I hope you guys learned something from this! See Ya!!!

iZettle

1. Topic: Scan a credit card on your phone.

2. Article Title: iZettle launches on EE, aims to let UK merchants dabble in plastic

3. Article Source: Engadget

4. Summary: iZettle has released a payment platform that you can use on your phone. Which is good news for small businesses that might not have a building or cash register. Like yoga classes that take place in a park.
5. Reaction: I think this is wonderful. I'm just surprised you haven't seen more of them before this. My dad is always saying that he is going to open some kind of small business, now he can. Because no one carries much paper money anymore. It's all in bank accounts. So whensomeone wants to buy something, they don't have to have physical money with them to do so.

6. World Impact: Since this has been released, I think there is going to be a boom of small businiesses that see a window of opportunity. Now they can accept payment of any kind. That helps to not limit the audience of the offered product or service. That could help open jobs ( in a way). Because more people can be self employed, and not have to rely on a job that they could lose at any moment. That could make people even more self reliant, not depending on someone elses money.

Patent Trolls

1. Topic: Patent trolls are suing Microsoft!! 

2. Article Title: Patent troll claims it invented the Windows 8 and Windows Phone "tiles"

3. Article Source: Arstechnica

4. Summary: A company that has a few patents but no actual products has sued Microsoft. Saying that they are the ones that came up with the tile-based interface that is used in Windows Phone and Windows 8. The company is known as Surfcast and is based in Portland, Maine. The website of this company shows that they currently only care about one thing - patent litigation.  They say that they developed the Tile concept in the 1990s. Surfcast owns four patents and is suing Microsoft over one of them. This lawsuit was filed yesterday in the US District Court of Maine.

5. Reaction: I am very surprised to hear that Microsoft is being sued. Seems like everyone wants a piece of everything these days. I can remember exact facts, but I can remember many other situations like this. I guess people just want to draw attention to themselves and away from big companies. To me, this all seems to be for attention. Surfcast is a small company with very little recognition. What better way to be noticed than to sue Microsoft over the tile design. They seem to have some legitimate proof, but I think that Microsoft will be fine after all this is settled.

6. World Impact: I'm sure that this will cause quite the uproar from the Microsoft fans and supporters. Then there are others that know that this is a stupid thing. Microsoft makes tons of money, they can surely get a good lawyer to help them win. Also, if the website of Surfcast seems in anyway illegitimate, that could be very good for Microsoft. Since almost everything is digital now.

Weekly Review Blog 8

This week we learned quite a lot about staying real online. Here are a few terms that we learned:

• Represent- How you present yourself to others.
• Persona- Image or personality you portray to to others.
• Avatar- Image or graphic that represents you online.
• Anonymous- Hidden Identity.
• Inhibited- Being careful or restrained about your actions or impluse. 

Also, we did some more work on out Digital Drivers License. We also used a new web 2.0 tool called Glogster. It's basically a picture blog. You can have text, but not very much of it, you have to put it in little text bubbles. Also, I don't like many of the pictures and graphics. They should keep adding more, better ones. Also, they have lots of emo pictures, I'm not emo, neither are many, many people. So why so many emo pictures?

With Glogster, we made ours about how to be real online. Mine included the following tips:

• Be true to yourself.
• Don't represent something that doesn't represent you.
• Don't do things that would reflect badly on you.
• Don't put inappropriate things on social media.
• Don't be anonymous.

So keep those things in mind the next time you go online. Don't pretend to be someone that you're not. Be who you are, don't try to make a different image of yourself online. Don't pretend to be a thug when you are really an A+ student and you've never been in trouble. And sometimes those fake images can make you look bad.

Also, don't put inappropriate things online, I don't want to see it. Neither does a good percentage of the world, so don't do it.

                                                                             Flickr CC

The Chromebook

1. Topic: The new Google Chromebook.

2. Article Title: Google debuts $250 laptop -- the Chromebook

3. Article Source: CNN

4. Summary: The new Chromebook is Samsung built and has an amazing price, it's only $250! The overseer of the Google Chrome browser, Sundar Pichai, says "It's the best laptop that's ever been designed at this price." But the Chromebook isn't built to replace your computers that you already have, it's made to be an additional computer.

5. Reaction: Honestly, I am very excited for the new Chromebook. I'm sure that I'm not the only one that thinks that Google Chrome is the best browser that you could have. Also, the fact that it is built by Samsung, one of my favorite tech-companies. I've pretty much lost faith in Apple, the new iOS 6 isn't as great as it's cracked up to be; and their new products aren't to wonderful either. So when I get a new phone, it isn't going to be from Apple. Hopefully it will be the Samsung Galaxy S 3.

6. World Impact: I'm sure that the Chromebook is going to sell fast. Not only is it a great price, but it is made by two great companies. Google has one of the fastest browsers ever made, and Samsung, in my opinion, is better than Apple. But by stats, Samsung is a better mobile phone company than Apple.  They just need to broaden what they make and sell. Apple has the iPad, the iPhone, Mac books, iPods, and iTunes. Of course, Samsung has Android and Google play. But now, it's all up to the consumers to decide who is better.

Who do you think is better, Apple or Samsung?

Weekly Review Blog #7

*

This week (and last week) we have been talking about cyberbullying. Also, things involved with cyberbullying. Such as the target, the offender, the bystander, the up-stander, escalate, and de-escalate.

• Target- The target is the victim of the situation. The one being bullied or harassed.
• Offender- The offender is the bully. They have malicious intent, and want to cause harm.
• Bystander- The bystander is a witness, but they don't do anything about it.
• Up-stander- The up-stander is a witness who does something; normally to help the target, not the offender.
• Escalate- When something escalates, it intensifies or increases.
• De-escalate- When something de-escalates, it decreases or goes down.

I am sure that almost everyone that has come in contact with the online world has seen or experienced cyberbullying. Whether you were a bystander, target or offender, (you better not be the offender!) you have probably seen it. Its almost everywhere, especially on Facebook and through text messages.

At any given moment in the United States, over 100 million people are online. The United States entered 2012 with a population of roughly 312 million. The question is, what are they doing online? They could be shopping, chatting, or just surfing the web. Then there are other people who aren't so innocent.

Some of them could be talking with their best friend about the school dance that weekend. Then one of them says something that makes the other mad. They begin throwing hateful words at each other until finally one gets off. 

To some people that doesn't seem too bad. It might be seen as a fight between friends that will never get any worse. Of course, there are other things said that are serious. Like bluntly harassing someone over nothing;  if no one says anything, it could get worse.

Close to 300 teenagers commit suicide over cyberbullying a year. Things that could easily have been stopped, but never where. So I am challenging you to be an up-stander instead of a bystander. Stand up for them, don't let something escalate to violence!

Along the same matter, we used an amazing program called WeVideo. We used it to make videos encouraging people to be up-standers, and to de-escalate situations. Mine is below:

I hope you enjoyed the video!

*Photo from here.

iPhone 5 Camera Problems

1. Topic: The iPhone 5 Camera isn't as good as they thought.

2. Article Title: iPhone 5 users complain about purple photos.

3. Article Source: CNN

4. Summary: Some of the uses of the iPhone 5 have been complaining that purple is showing up in their photos. Apple is saying that is just how the camera works. All Apple seems to be doing about is telling people how to position their phones to keep the purple light from appearing.

5. Reaction: If I remember correctly, Apple claimed the camera on the iPhone 5 to be 'better' than the previous cameras. True, not all of the phones have this problem, but I still think Apple should be doing more. You don't just put a band-aid on a broken arm. That isn't going to fix the problem. This is similar to the antenna problems with the iPhone 4S. Instead of taking the problem head on, they made another product that works as it 'band-aid'. Not really fixing the problem, but keeping it under control. I think they just don't want to do anything. They make a cheap fix just to keep people off of their backs. "If we do something, then they can't get us for doing nothing." That is true, but they need to be a better company, instead of just upgrading their merchandise.

6. World Impact: I am sure this is going to affect many owners of the iPhone 5. As well as future buyers of this product. This may deter people from buying the iPhone 5. Thus, dropping sales in several countries that are home to Apple stores. That may be the biggest company in that country. When sales drop in the company that is making most of your money, things could get serious. This issue may even make people trade in their iPhone's for another brand. For example, Samsung, Blackberry, and many other smart phone companies.

Weekly Review Blog Post #6

This week in my Introduction to Publications class, we discussed the terms self-disclosure, reciprocate, and sexting. Theses things are a very sensitive topic among teens. If you do not know what these words mean, here are the definitions:

• Self-Disclosure- Sharing private, sensitive, or confidential information about yourself to others. For example, where you live, what school you go to, even your birthday.
• Reciprocate- To give in return. An example of this is sending a reply to your friends text.
• Sexting- Sending or receiving sexually explicit photos or videos. Most people know that sending a nude photo to someone is sexting, but not many know that even receiving is considered sexting. Also, if the sender is under the age of 18, it is considered child pornography, and the receiver can go to jail.

Sexting, as I said before, is a sensitive subject among teens. Many teens are guilty of sexting, and many more are guilty of receiving these explicit texts. In class we made a chart of ways to avoid sexting. One reason was to stand up for what is right. You know that you shouldn't do it, so stand up for what you think is right and wrong.

Another way to avoid it is to just not do it! If you don't do it, then you have nothing to worry about. Now if you do, you have a lot of things you have to worry about. Like whoever you sent it to sending it on to other people. Several teens have encountered that problem.

A teenage girl had sent a nude photo to her ex-boyfriend. He said that if she did, he would get back together with her. She sent the picture, and so did he, to several other students at that high school. Who then sent it on to more, and more students. Some that attended other high schools, or were not even high school students.

Every day at school, the other students called her names, and bullied her. She endured that bullying up to graduation. After she graduated, she thought that it would end and she go on living her life. She was sadly mistaken. Everywhere she went, she was mocked, and slandered. She had decided that she had had enough. When her mother went out, she told her she loved her, and her mother replied the same.

When her mother returned home, she went into her daughter's room and found her hanging in her closet. She had committed suicide. That is how one photo can turn into a nightmare. This is a true story, but I will not reveal names.

That is why sexting is so serious, but some people seem to think of it as nothing. It isn't nothing; it is serious and should not be taken part in.

Moving on, the new tool we used in class is a comic creator called Make Beliefs Comix. It is a really cool website where you can make you own comics. The only downside is that the maximum number of panels you can have is four, but it is still cool.

Here are the two comics that I made:

Stand up for what is right

Digital Communication

This week we also did more with the Digital Drivers License (Sometimes referred to as DDL). We learned about how technology can affect your health. For example, your posture. While on the computer, be aware of your posture. Try not the slump over in your chair, sit up straight. Also, don't stay in the same position for too long, you can only withhold one position for so long. Try to do some stretches, or just move around whenever you can.

I am really glad for that information. I tend to be slumped in my chair, too close to the screen. I also stay in that position for a long period of time. It isn't good for your back. I'm going to try to change positions more often.

Overall, my week has been good, I didn't really enjoy the tests and quizzes, but I think I'll live. We got word that are building is almost completely finished. When I was coming into the school, I saw a furniture truck, that's a good sign!!!

Weekly Review Blog #5

This week we learned about website evaluation. In other words, how to tell if a website is real or a hoax. If you would like to see an example of a fake website, click here. If by any chance you believe that website is real, be worried. That means you could possibly lose a lot of money or even your identity by giving a website like that your information.

Picture from here.

Now, I will give you some ways to help you to tell if a website is real or fake. First, there is an acronym that you need to know. A.S.P.E.C.T.:

A ---- Authority. Who wrote it?

S ---- Source. What documentation or sources does the author provide?

P ---- Purpose. Why was it written?

E ---- Evenness. Is it one sided or are there balanced perspectives?

C ---- Coverage. How thoroughly is the topic covered?

T ---- Timeliness. Is it up to date?

Also, dealing with what you just read, we made something called a mind map. We made them at Mindmeister.com. Mine is at the bottom of the page. Basically what it is for, is to help better understand website evaluation techniques.

Why would you evaluate a website? Because anyone can put anything online. Just like the endangered Tree Octopus, it isn't real, but its on the internet. You can't trust everything you read on the internet.

For example, I could make a website saying that a giant pickle is going to be the cause of the world ending. Someone just might believe it, hopefully not many people, but someone might. If they knew how to evaluate a website (or use common sense) they might not have believed that. They could just be crazy.

I am not a professor, doctor, or even have a degree, so I have no good credentials. I also wouldn't be able to cover it very thoroughly, since it is made up. It would also be one sided or biased, since it would be my theory of the world ending. There would also be no documentation since it is my idea.

With all of that, it would not be a trustworthy site to use. I have no degree, no documentation, it is biased, and it is not thoroughly covered.

This has been a good week. This Friday we start clubs, and they have completed the construction on our building. Now all they have to do is move in the furniture, and we will finally be in our building. I'm just glad to get away from the chairs in the auditorium. I like that they are comfy, but the desks are too small, and it is quite cramped.

Almost everyday, someone nearly kills themselves trying to get to the end of the row. Basically, those rows are a "safety hazard". If someone got hurt, they could sue. Just kidding, I don't think anyone will get hurt from now until we get to our building. It won't be long, and everyone is excited!

Earlier this year we got to look at some pictures of it when it was still unfinished. The only thing I saw that I don't like, is the fact that the lockers are yellow. I don't know why, but I don't like the color yellow.

Here is my mindmeister map:


Create your own mind maps at MindMeister

Happy Birthday Google!!!!

Today, September 27th is Google's 14th birthday!

Since almost everyone has used Google, they need to know that it's birthday is today. I don't know if you can directly wish Google a happy birthday, so this will have to do!!!!

I got this picture from Google its self.

(The picture should move, if it doesn't, click on it.)

Robots in California

1. Topic: California legalizes the use of robot cars.

2. Article Title: Robot cars now officially legal in California.

3. Article Source: Ars Technica.

4. Summary: On Tuesday, at the signing ceremony at Google headquarters California Governor Jerry Brown signed into law state legislation. That makes California the second state to officially legalize robot cars, Nevada being the first.

5. Reaction: I do not know how to feel about these cars. In some aspects they are good, if they work, they could help prevent fatal accidents. This is the main reason most people are for them. There is the possibility that somewhere down the road (no pun intended) there is a glitch and one of them ends up killing someone. Because technology is not perfect, I personally think it will never be perfect. Also, you have some people out in the world that believe that the robots are going to take over and kill us all. How do think they will feel?

6. World Impact: I don't think that one state legalizing the use of robot cars is going to make a world of difference (pun intended). I think it may make other states consider legalizing them. For it to have a huge impact, it would need more supports for this. Of course, other countries legalizing them would most likely only be influenced by the U.S a small amount. Unless they are trying to be more like the U.S, then it may effect their decisions. Otherwise, it would probably just be brought to their attention.

Weekly Review Blog Post

This week we learned the terms reputation, persist, context, and tag. Some of you may know what these words mean and some may not. Also, I would like you to know the correct definition.

Here are the definitions and some clues to help you understand:

-Reputation: A general impression held by others and the public. For example, if you are always happy, nice, and all around joyful, that is what people will remember about you. It is also how they perceive you. Sometimes your reputation is effected by how you look, how you dress, and of course you attitude. It can also change how people treat you. Maybe you are usually happy, then one day you are very quiet, keep to yourself, and seem spacey. Someone is going to ask if something is wrong, because you have a reputation of being joyful.

-Persist: To continue and endure. An example could be a reputation. If you have had the same reputation for five years, the your reputation has persisted.

-Context: Different factors that surround information that help determine it meaning. This is where things can get tricky. Sometimes things can be taken out of context. Which means, you think it means something, when it means something completely different. That is why you have to be careful what, when, and where you say something. Someone may take it out of context and things could escalate quickly.

-Tag: Words or terms that describe a photo or video. Could also be called a caption. Facebook has completely changed what people think is the meaning of tag. Most people think that it means to "tag" a friend it a photo or video. When it really means the words people use to describe said photo.

A way to help us understand the meaning of these words, we used some photo editing websites. These are good for making things such as Christmas cards, or something just to make people laugh and have a good time. Even though they sound like they are completely, all around good, some people use them for not to good things.

These are some pictures that I made using a photo editing website. (I got the original photo from here.) I edited this photo at this website. This is an example of how people can use photo editing tools to make someone looks good, or bad.

The photo on the top appears to be nothing more than an old man (We shall call him Bob, he needs a name.) on a Christmas card. Someone got a hold of the original photo of Bob, and made to photo on the bottom. Some people might see that as just a fan of Batman putting Bob in the picture. It could also be taken offensive by Bob or friends of his. It is all about the context.

That is just one example of how people use photo editing to make a bad reputation for someone.

To learn more about how we should act online or in any digital world, we used Digital Drivers License. It is where you take a series of quiz like cases to see what you already know. The videos either ask questions or teach you something new. We learned about how sending texts over and over to someone it not good digital etiquette.

Also, we learned, from all of these experiences, how to act while you are in the digital world. I found that the most important thing is to be respectful. That way you would not offend anyone. I learned that you should also be ethical, instead of just saying anything because you can.

All in all, this week has been good. I was not to overly confused, or frustrated. I actually enjoyed the activities we did.

This is the original photo of Bob.

iOS 6 Update

1. Topic: iOS 6 Update

2. Article Title: Apple iOS 6 released 

3. Article Source: SlashGear

4. Summary: Today, Apple finally released an anticipated update to iOS 5, which is, iOS 6. Many Apple fans have been using an iOS 6 from beta, or GM, awaiting the Apple release. The new iOS includes some improvements with Siri, 3D maps with flyover, passbook, and even more.

5. Reaction: My reaction was kind of like, "Cool, more upgrades." I have been hearing about iOS 6 for awhile, and I am not that psyched to upgrade, mainly because it erased everything from my iPod when I went from iOS 4 to 5. I guess I just don't want to go through all that again, but I'm probably going to do it anyways, lets face it, it is better. They wouldn't call it an upgrade if it wasn't.

6. World Impact: I think that in a few days, almost every device that can get iOS 6 from Apple, will have it. Every iPhone, every iPod, every iPad, and other devices that may or may not be Apple related (Samsung, Blackberry, etc.). I have heard so many things from people awaiting the release of iOS 6. Most informally asking Apple to hurry up. Now that one of the most well known product services in the world has released their version of iOS 6, most of the other competitors mentioned before (beta, GM), will be discarded for the Apple version.

Animoto

                                       

                                                       Photo received from here.

This week in Introduction to Publications, we talked about ethics, online ethics, digital citizenship, privacy, self expression and identity, connected culture, and respecting creative work. If you do not know what these words mean, here they are:

Ethics: The principles and Morals that govern people's behavior.

Online Ethics: Ethics relating to the internet and other digital devices.

Digital Citizenship: A safe, responsible, and ethical approach to functioning in the digital world.

Privacy: Respect privacy of others online.

Self Expression and Identity: Present yourself honestly and genuinely in the online world.

Connected Culture: Treating others kindly and respectfully, avoid cyber-bullying.

Respecting Creative Work: Cite others work, give credit, and ask permission.

Also this week, we started using animoto. It is a website that helps you create videos. I really like it, and it is fun to use. It's somewhat easier to use then prezi, also, you can add music. That makes it more interesting.

Something that is not entirely good about animoto, is that it doesn't let you add much text to your slides. You can have around 30 characters per slide, sometimes that isn't enough to make a point. That is just something you would have to work around.

Even if you can't put in more than 30 characters, the videos still look cool once you are finished. Our animoto was about digital citizenship. Mine included ways to be a better digital citizen.

One way to do so, is to be respectful. Try not to slander people, or their work online. Criticizing is understandable, we do have freedom of speech. Still, try to be respectful in whatever you say, because once you put it online, it never goes away. Even if you press the delete button, someone can still find it.

Another way to be a good digital citizen is to avoid cyber-bullying. Be respectful, and you shouldn't have to worry about it.

If you want to watch my full animoto, I put it here just for you:

The iPhone 5 and All It's Glory

The new iPhone 5.

"The Worst Thing About the iPhone 5 Is Also the Most Brilliant."

Gizmodo

The new iPhone 5 is virtually no different from the iPhone 4. It just looks different. When someone calls this phone boring, they really mean safe. Because if you have used the iPhone 4, change the shape and how it looks, then you’ve used the iPhone 5.

I don’t have an iPhone, but I do want one. If someone asked me if I was going to get the iPhone 5 instead of the iPhone 4, I would say the iPhone 4. Since all they did was make it look different, save your money and get the old one.

Unless you have to always have the most up-to-date iPhone, then waste your money and knock yourself out. Apple is just trying to squeeze in a new iPhone every time someone buys a different product.

I don’t think that people who do buy it are stupid, you can buy it if you want to. Someone might not like the style of the iPhone 4, I personally have no problem with things like that.

I don't think that the iPhone 5 is going to sale fast in America. Because so many people have already noticed that it is basically the same as the iPhone 4. I do think it will sell, but only to rich people who think they have to have to newest stuff all the time. People in Japan might want it more than people in America. They are known for their technology, so they would obviously want the best.

I’m not sure on how it would affect other countries. I don’t normally hear much about technology coming from India, or Europe. I’m sure the have their own technology, but I don’t know much about them.

Email Etiquette

This week in my Introduction to Publications class, we started using Google Reader. I like Google Reader because you can follow people's blogs that you really like. Even though the majority of my subscriptions are only funny pictures, I do have to subscribe to some of  my classmates blogs. Which isn’t bad, but I really only look at the funny ones, unless I have to for the class.

 Picture from here.

Something that isn’t that good about Google Reader is that I got confused when I was trying to create a new folder. They need to make their layout just a little more user friendly, I have problems when it comes to things like that.

Also, we learned about email etiquette, or what is, and what isn’t appropriate to be in a formal, business, or school related email. LIKE DO NOT USE ALL CAPS IT MAKE IT LOOK LIKE YOU ARE SHOUTING. Or no to over use punctuation, that can make it look like you are yelling also!!!!!!!!!!

When you are writing an email to a business partner, or your boss, you don’t want to use texting lingo, or slang, it makes it confusing to read. Make sure that your email is relevant and appropriate to the situation. For example, if you have a question about an assignment, only talk about the assignment, don’t start talking about a subject then switch to something completely off topic.

There is also something called the 24-hour rule. It is to wait 24 hours before replying back with a heated email or text. It is possible that whatever it is may ‘blow over’ by tomorrow. This way you won’t have to worry about regretting what you say.

These rules and guidelines don’t just apply to an email, they also apply to any kind of written message to people, such as a text. That is where the ‘no texting lingo’ comes in. Since you would normally use certain abbreviations or acronyms when texting, you need to be extra careful to make it easily legible.

Also, to be safe, do not click on any links that you get in an email unless you know for sure that it is safe. Many people open every link that they get. Someone could crash your computer, steal information such as passwords, and even steal your identity by hacking your computer. All because you clicked on a link.

I hope that whomever has read this has learned something that they didn't know before, and will use the information whenever they write an email or before they send a text.

Rdio Update

1. Topic: Rdio ungraded so your the music you listen to is private.

2. Article Title: Rdio Users Can Now Listen to All Their Favorite, Most Embarrassing Music in Protected Privacy.

3. Article Source: Gizmodo

4. Summary: Rdio is a free music site that allows you to listen to your music. It also shares what you have listened to. Many people stopped using Rdio and started using Spotify, which allows you to keep it private if you want to. Which is good for people who listen to music alone that they would other wise stick their nose up in disgust. Now Rdio upgraded and is more private than ever before.

5. Reaction: Its good that they upgraded, now they will still have users. Also, spotify has been slowing down, for me at least, because so many people use it. Now it won't take so long to load some of the songs I like. Even though it is good that they upgraded for their fans that would never switch to another site, I'm still sticking with Spotify. I don't think many people will switch off of Spotify. Though I do hope Rdio gets more users, since that is why they did what they did.

6. World Impact: Now there are even more free music sites, and more private ones too. Since they made it more private, more people would feel alright about listing to their secret favorite songs.

Copyright Laws

This week we learned about copyright laws, such as, creative commons, fair use, public domain, and copyright. We learned that if you violate copyright laws, you can be put in federal prison. I thought that you just got a fine or had to go to court.

Luckily there are certain places you can get materials from that are legal to use. Public domain is an example, there are also Creative Commons sites that allow you to use certain materials for free.

We also learned how to keep form breaking copyright. If it is Creative Commons, you have cite it or give credit, but if it is Public Domain, you can use it for free. Some times you do have to pay to use a photo, if you do not, you could go to federal prison. You also cannot use another persons idea to make money.

One day in class we watched a couple of videos that help explain copyright, creative commons, public domain, and fair use. I enjoyed the first video and learned more about what copyright really is.

The second one was not as interesting or information, I did learn something from it, but not as much as the first one. The video we watched first was easier to pay attention to. It wasn't like many video you watch it class, boring, dull, narrated by the most monotone voice in the world. It used engaging pictures, interesting sounds and music, and the narrator was not the least bit boring.

The second video had no sound, but colorful pictures. It was short, which made it satisfactory to its content. It was more about how to avoid breaking the copyright rules and regulations. The first one told about how copyright came to be, why it is important, and somewhat on who it affects.

 In class we did an activity to test our knowledge of copyright laws. You had to pick which photograph would work best for a commercial convincing people to be vegetarians. One of them we couldn't use because there was someone in photo that we did not have permission to use in a commercial. Others were not public domain, and we did not have permission to use. there was one that our company owned, so it was okay to use it.

We recently learned how to use prezi. I don't particularly like prezi, mainly because I have used power point all of my life, but when it's finished, it does look cool, it looks much better than power point. We made a prezi about copyright laws, that is our first prezi for this class. At my old school we rarely used prezi, maybe three times last year. That made it harder for me to adapt to prezi, but I think I'll be okay.

Creative Commons/Copyright on Prezi