Cyborg Technology

Today in class we watched a series of very neat and interesting videos about robotics and cyborg technology. I was most impressed with the robot that looked like a human, could walk like a human, and even run like a human. It was very funny to see the robot run. Moreover, as far as cyborg technology, I was blown away with the technology that exists for people with muscle disabilities. For instance, the computer that could read someones mind by wearinf a cap that could tell what letter you were thinking of. I was shocked how accurate it was. Moreover, I was more blown away with the computer that was hooked up the that lady's brain and she could control the mouse by simply thinking about where she wanted to move the mouse. This was stuff that was science fiction 5 years ago but now fiction. I look forward to how new technology will keep advancing with every passing generation.

Privacy in the 21st Century

I believe privacy is a very important issue in dealing with the Internet and the 21st century. If you think about it most all paperwork has been conformed to an online form including online billing, bank statements and tax forms just to name a few. Therefore, people must be certain that is information is kept private from the general public and rest assured that that identity will not be stolen. I know every time I log into my bank account there is a little thought in the back of my mind that always worries me about seeing a big fat zero in my remaining balance because of online fraud or identity theft. Many banks have taken grave measures to reduce online identity theft but nonetheless the thought still crosses my mind. Therefore, privacy is a huge factor in dealing with he future of technology and the public needs to have that peace of mind that all their important information will remain private and kept is a safe and secured spot.

My Thoughts On Twitter

So I finally gave in and signed up for a Twitter account. I always told my friends I wouldn't ever do it but I had to for class. After signing up and learning the ways of Twitter I am a little unsure of the purpose of this. It seems as if facebook can already do this with your status update. It seems as if Twitter is similar to a facebook wall but it updates a lot more frequently. I do not think I will use Twitter all that much simply because I don't want to know what everyone is doing 24/7. I have texting on my cell and view my facebook twice a day and that is more than enough to keep up with all the people I want to "follow" or keep up with. The one cool feature I do like about Twitter is I can follow some famous people and know what they are up to on a daily basis. Aside from that I am not a fan of Twitter and don't think it is all that useful or interesting...

Purdue Raises Tuition Fees

Purdue University wants to raise tuition an unprecedented 5.2 percent for in state students and 6 percent for out of state students. This is the biggest increase among all public Indiana Universities. I understand Purdue University is investing most of this money into the university building new state of the art facilities, dorms, and parking garages but do we really need brand new side by side practice football fields, basketball arena, and workout facility? Do not get me wrong, I am all for having new facilities but not during these tough economic times. Purdue needs to weigh its options and only put money towards projects that truely benefit the students and not the athletes. I am aware that Purdue athletics are a means of making money but I think they would have been just fine leaving Mackey Arena as is for the next four to five years and waiting for the economy to bounce back. With that said, I can't complin too much because I truely am excited to see how everything will look when it's finished. I just took a brief tour through the new Armstrong Building last week and to be honest I was speechless. It was an amazing building with all kinds of state of the art work shop areas so as long as my raises tuition expenses keeps getting invested towards projects like this buidling I will be satisified. I just hope Purdue takes into account this current financial situation we are all in and only raises it in moderation.

Social Networking Sights a Fad?

Last Monday during class we had a guest lecturer talk all about social networking websites, the different types out there, how to use each one efficiently, and then we were shown a 3 minute long video from YouTube asking if social networking sites are here to stay or simply a fad? Before seeing that video I already believed semi strongly about social networking sites not being a fad and are indeed the real deal. After seeing that video I am a very strong believer that these sites are here to stay for a long long time. The part that got me was it showed how long it took each new piece of technology and the rate of adoption and the rate of adoption for those social networking sites were incredibly fast compared to things like the telephone and television. So fast that I am a firm believe that social sites are here to stay and aren't going anywhere for a very long time. Make way for web 2.0!