"Thought Control" by John Cloud (Blog 13)

In his article “Thought Control” written in the November 14 issue of Time Magazine, John Cloud talks about a simple school teacher, Peter Freer, who invented a machine that allowed humans to operate a screen just by concentrating. Freer’s inspiration to invent this contraption came from an event during his school teaching years with a student.  Freer noticed a student who seemed to not be paying attention to the class lesson, and asked the student a few questions afterwards. Freer asked the student what he remembered from Freer’s lesson. The boy told Freer that he remembered that there was a bird at the window, another student’s clothing selection, and only a few concepts from the lesson. The student was focusing, but only on the wrong things. Freer wanted to create a device that could tell a human when they are at focus the most. His invention was named the “BodyWave”. BodyWave picks up certain electrical brain activity and records the data onto a computer screen. The device is attached on to any part of a human’s skin. This information is then extrapolated into other forms of usage. Well-known industries are finding ways to implement the BodyWave into their works. For instance, NASA is using the device to measure the focus of a pilot, and NASCAR is using the device to measure the focus of a tire changer during a race. Even though a brilliant device has been invented, the BodyWave still has some major flaws. Two major flaws of the BodyWave are that it can only transfer data to a computer screen, and there is no alert system on the device that tells a human to start focusing again if they are off track.

Technology is very interesting. Microsoft has recently created a device that lets any surface a human looks at become a surface for a touch screen interface. Now, a man has created a machine that implements the mind with technology. This makes me wonder what the future holds in store for consumers around the globe. Technology and the brain are starting to literally mix into the equation. As fascinating as this all is, it also makes me very worried. Robots could start to replace workers, which would then lead to more losses in jobs. The world’s population soon will hit 7 billion people, and that means that there are more mouths to feed! Hopefully, all the new invention will be of great use to people all around the world. For instance, an invention like a device that creates food out of thing air would be useful for Africa. An invention that makes everyone friendly to one another would be useful too. All in all, I’m excited to see what the next big creation will be.

"When Panic Goes Viral" by Dr. Oz (Blog 12)

              In his article “When Panic Goes Viral” written in the November 7^th, 2011 issue of Time Magazine, Dr. Oz talks about how he believes that the world will soon face a catastrophic pandemic; however, with the world’s vast technological advances to communicate and the new profound intelligence on diseases, the upcoming pandemic will not be as damaging as older pandemics. Dr. Oz says that the world would have reacted a lot differently to the influenza outbreak of 1918 if there the availability of what people have today, like YouTube, Twitter, or Facebook. Viruses keep evolving, and the spread of disease between animals and humans is inevitable.  Dr. Oz suggests people to wash their hands frequently and dry them well in order to prevent catching any unknown diseases. Even though he believes that a pandemic will occur soon in the future, there are many safeguards that will prevent several deaths. For instance, there is the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which look over dozens of diseases to keep people safe and informed. The director of CDC, Dr. Thomas Frieden, also says that there are more resources than ever to control a disease’s spread.

              I never wanted to imagine what it would be like if a pandemic were to break out during my lifetime. The technology and knowledge that people have today always made me feel safe.  About two weeks ago, I read an article about a deadly virus that turns caterpillars into zombies. Caterpillars that were affected with the virus would climb to the top of a bush and commit suicide by just splitting in half. The virus would then spread to other caterpillars from the zombie caterpillars guts. Viruses are scary and I hope that a virus this dangerous does not get into humans. Although it would be a bit comedic to see someone climb up to the top of a building, and then suddenly burst into pieces in order to affect other humans with the virus. If this caterpillar virus got into humans, then I’d always be alert with an umbrella in hand.

"I Owe U" by Kristina Dell (Blog 11)

In her article “I Owe U” written in the October 31^st, 2011 issue of Time Magazine, Kristina Dell explains the issue regarding current graduate students having an immense debt to pay off. Students are taking out loans that are very difficult to pay back in the long run. The average amount of debt that a college graduate has is $37,000, which is 8% higher than 2010’s average. Dell says that many young people are focusing too much on getting into a well-known pricey college rather than a college that is reasonably priced and still accommodates the same education levels as a top tier school. To add onto this ongoing debt situation, there are not enough jobs for certain majors. For example, graduates may have a bachelor’s degree in anthropology, but there are very little jobs for the anthropology field. Thus, graduates with a bachelor’s degree in anthropology may have to resort to paying off their college debt by working at a low-income workplace like a fast food restaurant. Throughout the article, Dell had interviewed many college graduates who were suffering from student loan debts. One example was with Jeri Leigh McDowell who got in Tulane University. McDowell says that many people in her high school was impressed when she got accepted and attended Tulane, but she wishes that she would have just gone to a state university instead. McDowell currently works at a collection agency with a degree in history and anthropology, and has to pay of a debt of $90,000.

             This article has made me feel good about my decision to attend a community college first. I know that I am saving a lot of money compared to some of my friends who went straight to a 4 year university. I think college is way too expensive nowadays. America is already one of the lowest ranked countries regarding test scores, so I see no sense in making education more difficult to obtain by having it be so costly. The students suffering with student loan debt are to blame as well. Young people need to be careful about what they are majoring in. It would be very foolish for someone to go into a major with low chances of getting a decent paying career just because they love the subject. It would be great if I ever got the opportunity to attend a top tier school, but I would rather go to a school where I know the financial future outcomes will be positive. With these tough times in the economy, a dream school shouldn’t be a priority for future students. 

"A Generation of Bigots Come of Age" by Richard Cohen (Blog 10)

In his article “A Generation of Bigots Come of Age” written in The Writer’s Response text book, Richard Cohen explains how the U.S.’ younger generation is just as prejudice as the older generation. Cohen’s theory was based off of actual research. For instance, the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) has found that a majority of younger and older white Americans share the same biases regarding racial stereotypes. In addition, the ADL’s national director, Abraham Foxman, says that the younger generation who is supposed to run America in the future is racist to an extent where it is very problematic. This is all due to two reasons which are a lack of experience in history and affirmative action. Younger people did not experience the civil rights struggles in the 1950s through 1960s; the younger generation does not understand that African Americans were once always exposed to racism. And that is why various African Americans still see racism everywhere today. One of the ways to fix this problem is to correct the current affirmative action programs, and try to prevent the negative effects the programs have on people.

Even though America has a racist history, people should learn how to cope positively with change. History is everywhere; people cannot escape from history. Therefore, acting or behaving a certain way is no excuse when times have changed. The U.S is more equal than it has ever been and I believe it is becoming more equal as times passes. I agree with a lot of the information that is presented in the essay. I have strong reasons to believe that the media is also playing a harsh role to support this ongoing racial problem. There are many comedies out there that have racial stereotypes in it. Younger people are not able to handle this type of media. Some of them grow up to believe that this racial stereotyping is true.

“Victim, Vixen, Villain” by: Nina Burleigh (Blog 9)

          In her article “Victim, Vixen, Villain” written in the October 17^th, 2011 issue of Time Magazine, Nina Burleigh talks about the controversy over Amanda Knox’s conviction. While studying abroad in Italy, Amanda Knox was accused of assaulting and killing her college roommate, Meredith Kercher, with the help of Rudy Guede.  In 2009, Knox was sentenced to 26 years in prison. In 2011, her sentence was overturned because it was regarded as a “miscarriage of justice”. Knox was released from prison with a lot of poparazi greeting her outside the prison gates. This entire event sparked a large controversy into the media. Many Europeans believe that she is guilty and should be in jail. Her mannerisms in court were seen as obscure; she was aloof at times and even said, “I am trying to get on with my life”. However, a majority of people outside of Europe saw this case as very corrupt due to the lack of evidence proving that she helped with the murder. It took 2 years for the U.S. to work to exonerate Knox from the Italian criminal justice system. Knox has safely returned to her home in Seattle, Washington.

          This event makes me afraid of studying abroad in a foreign country. I believe that Knox had almost nothing to do with the murder. I have done some research on this matter, and found little to no evidence hinting that Knox helped or committed the murder. Basically, it looks like the Italian justice system sent an innocent U.S. citizen to prison in Italy. She had to stay in prison for two years. Two years is an extremely long time if you are doing absolutely nothing in prison, except activities to keep you sane like exercising. I cannot imagine what that experience would be like; the feeling of living in prison while knowing that you’re innocent must be excruciating. I am glad she is back to her home in our country. I doubt that she will be able to leave this country for a while due to the scarring that this event has done on her.

"The Preschool Wars" by Kayla Webley (Blog 8)

                In her article “The Preschool Wars” written in the October 10^th, 2011 issue of Time Magazine, Kayla Webley talks about why it is necessary for children to attend preschool, and how North Carolina is experiencing the worst dilemma regarding getting children into preschool. In preschool, children perform simple exercises that can, believe it or not, make or break their futures. Preschool is absolutely critical in a child’s life; preschool teaches a child how to pay attention, stay on taste, and how learning can be fun. A study that was conducted in Ypsilanti, Michigan showed that people who attended preschool were able to achieve higher levels of education and earned higher wages, while the people who hadn’t attended preschool had received lower levels of educations and had a higher chance of becoming incarcerated. Recent statistics have shown that if a child is not reading at grade level then they are more likely to drop out of high school by age 19. The U.S. is suffering while trying to fund preschool programs for each state. Ten states have no preschool funding program. North Carolina is struggling and attempting the hardest to get their children into preschool. North Carolina has about 13,500 kids on a waiting list to attend preschool with a funding program. Some parents are resorting to teaching their kids how to be prepared for kindergarten, but are struggling to do so because these certain parents have no teaching experience.       

                Reading about this issue frightens me. I already know that America currently ranks one of the lowest in test scores, and now we cannot even get all of our children to go to preschool. What is America becoming? Sadly, it seems that this is going to be the non-intelligent era for America. Other countries will surely surpass our forces by outwitting us, and possibly even taking over the country. With all this tension between countries like China, North Korea, and the U.S., I am not going to be surprised if an immense war starts. I hope that we can fix our economy soon and start to boost up our school systems. This era in American should be about vast innovations and creations, instead of cognitive and economic meltdowns.

               

"Playing Favorites" By: Jeffrey Kluger (Blog 7)

                In his article “Playing Favorites” written in the October 3^rd 2011 issue of Time Magazine, Jeffrey Kluger explains how parents actually do have a favorite child, and the negative effects that favoritism has on the children and family. Most parents claim that they do not have a favorite, but the parents are only keeping that information a secret. A study conducted by Catherine Conger, who is a professor of human and community development at the University of California, concluded that 60% of mothers and 70% of fathers reveal that they do have a favorite child. The act of favoritism in a parent towards a particular child may cause long term problems in the family; the act of favoritism may also negatively affect the children’s minds. Often times, the favored child is the firstborn because parents will spend more quality time with the firstborn child. A Norwegian study conducted in 2007 presented that firstborns have a 3-point IQ higher than later siblings. Favored children who know that they’re the favorite may often feel guilt, and be mistreated by his or her siblings who also know the “truth” about who’s the favorite.  Parents who neglect a child may cause the neglected child to grow up with psychological scars. An example of someone who has dealt with this sort of psychological scarring is Charles Dickens. Even though Charles Dickens is famous and wealthy nowadays, he still experiences times where he is reminded of his gloomy past where he undergone his parent’s favoritism towards his older sister. Children who feel less loved are at a higher risk of developing low self-esteem, depression, and anxiety. Luckily, favoritism often fades when the children grow older.

                I always had a hint that this was an issue for a lot of families. Most often I would believe that parents are telling the truth when they state that they love all their children equally. But this article has made me a bit more skeptical about that statement. I do not want to be a parent of more than one child. I know that if I were to have more than one child then I would favor the child who makes me more proud. Even though having a favorite is bad in many aspects, I am acknowledging that I would have a favorite before I even have children. By acknowledging this fact about myself ahead of time, I can determine whether or not it would be smart to have more than one child. I believe many people who are about to start a family should think about this matter like how I did. They should determine whether or not they can give every child an equal amount of love and support. Instead of favoring a child for everything that they are, parents should favor something about each and every child. For instance, the father could favor the son for his musical abilities and favor the daughter for her singing abilities. The favoritism should be balanced with that sort of a system. It is tremendously important for equality to be met in families.