health care for graduates

article about health care for college graduates "Historically, some 30 percent of young adults have been uninsured" -this article talks about The Affordable Care Act and recent updates on the issue for college graduates and young adults who risk being dropped from parents insurance plans

Speaking of the shift from physical to digital product...

Check out this article: Eminem Lawsuit May Raise Pay for Older Artists
Should individual songs sold online be considered a licenses or a sale? 

An excerpt: 

"Four years ago, the producers who discovered Eminem sued his record label, the Universal Music Group, over the way royalties are computed for digital music, which boils down to whether an individual song sold online should be considered a license or a sale. The difference is far from academic because, as with most artists, Eminem’s contract stipulates that he gets 50 percent of the royalties for a license but only 12 percent for a sale.

...

The suit reached its apparent end last week when the Supreme Court refused to hear an appeal, letting stand a lower court’s decision that digital music should be treated as a license. Lawyers and music executives say that few younger artists are likely to be affected by the decision because since the early 2000s record companies have revised most of their contracts to include digital sales among an artist’s record royalties. Eminem’s first contract was signed in 1995.

Many older artists, however, whose contracts predate digital music and have not been renegotiated, stand to profit significantly from the decision."

JUMP Magazine Launch Party

The JUMP Magazine Launch Party is this Monday (3/28), 9 pm at National Mechanics in Old City, Philadelphia. Free entry, great bands, and giveaways (FLIP video cameras!). More information HERE. The Facebook invite HERE. National Mechanics site HERE. SEE YOU THERE.

The Internet tried to Kill Me?!

In class we talked about Neil Postman's Technopoly and how in a technolpoly, cultures seek authorization, find satisfaction, and take orders from technology. I can't help but think of Postman's work while reading this article by Zick Rubin in the New York Times: How the Internet Tried to Kill Me. Rubin's experience clearly reinforces Postman's argument and provides a disconcerting example of what can happen when we look to technology, as opposed to humanity, for answers.

As a culture, how much faith do we put in technology and what is the impact of that action?

standing up to cyber-bullies, facebook takes a stand

cyber-bullying: the use of information and communication technologies to support deliberate, repeated, and hostile behavior by an individual or group, that is intended to harm others.

When I first heard of cyber-bullying, last year, I almost couldn't believe my ears. But it makes sense, a bully is a bully- whether they're on the playground or in their virtual community.

In 2006, we saw one of the first cases to really address cyber-bullying- the suicide of Megan Meier. Meier was only 13 years old when she killed herself. The cause? A boy she had been chatting with via MySpace suddenly did not want to be her friend anymore, tellhing her she was a horrible person who should have a horrible life. The boy, it turned out, was no boy at all but rather the mother of a friend of Meier's who had created this fictional character just to 'mess with her.'

Last fall, we saw more effects of cyber-bullying. Even with legislation being passed to fight this phenomenon, the facts remain truly heartbreaking. Tyler Clementi, 18, threw himself off of the George Washington Bridge after a video of him engaging in sexual acts with another man was streamed all over the internet by his room-mate and another student.

Now Facebook, partnered with LGBT, is launching new tools to prevent cyber-bullying from going un-reported and getting out of control. These new tools include things such as a prompt which will ask you if you feel threatened. They also go as far as to give you the option to contact someone who you trust and notify them about the problem. This could be anyone from your older sibling to your teacher. Sort of like an emergency contact stored on your facebook...

The concept is encouraging, almost comforting. But its also, plain weird. (but not in a bad way.) What do you guys think?

I for one have two younger brothers, one of which is six and has already figured out how to use the tab bar to get to Netflix and watch his favorite cartoon movie. Needless to say, I won't be surprised if in a few years he has a facebook too. So, I'm down.

On the same front, legislation has been passed in some states, primarily through the Jessica Logan Bill, that are aimed directly at cyber-bullying. Do you find this shocking? Is it worse to be humiliated through a structure by which things remain permanent? Or is it the same as being bullied in the halls. You tell me.

Online Identity

This is an exert from a PBS special "Kids growing up online". I saw this special and at this part thought about how online identity is a performance and a straddle of the front stage and back stage. This teen girl creates an online identity that totally differs from her normal life where the back stage is on display.

your facebook status: the modern telegram

People all over the world update their statuses everyday. They share everything from what the weather is like, to just getting dumped, the paper they don't feel like writing.. some share less lame things like how they're about to go bungee jumping or hop on a plane to mexico... Usually, I can take it or leave it.

But, something truly facebook-amazing has happened in the past week following the disaster(s) in Japan. All week as I logged onto facebook, friends' statuses popped up in my minifeed updating me about the impact this disaster has had on them- whether they were in Japan or had family there. One said, "i have never seen buildings rock back and forth before. i was stuck on the 7th floor gripping a shaking wall as a big lady held onto me praying and crying. 3 hour walk to get home. i'm safe and sound. x"

Within just one day of the crisis, some 4.5 million status updates mentioned the words 'Japan,' 'tsunami,' or 'earthquake.' Status updates were among some of the first tools people used to get in contact with loved ones.

Additionally, Google launched the Person Finder, containing information regarding some 250,000 people -so far- who were caught up in the quake.

Google.org spokesperson, Jamie Yood, was quoted saying:

"This is by far the biggest response we’ve seen yet, there are several resources that are absolutely critical in the immediate aftermath of a disaster, including food, water, medicines, sanitation and so on, alongside these, information and communication are vital resources too. We think it's fair to say that, in disaster areas, technology can help save lives."

Thankfully, Japan's internet infrastructure has not been damaged by nature's attack.

For a look at how the message spread, check out these maps Facebook has shared based on statuses containing the words 'japan,' tsunami,' and 'earthquake.'

Going to Far?

A different approach on the media in advertising is Guerilla marketing. I personally like this kind of advertising because it is very untraditional and random, usually catching one of guard yet keeping their attention to what is being shown. Guerilla marketing can though take it to far. Here is an article from adage.com which shows a perfect example of this form of advertising. Do you think Guerilla marketing can go to far? Is pushing limits risky?

Click For article

South by Southwest Festival

This article is about the South by Southwest Festival which is a yearly festival that embraces the new technological achievements and also movies, music and all things technological. But, the quesitons they bring up this year are Do all those connections make you happy? More productive? Or more profound? So basically people are starting to think more and more that the tiem we spend with our technology is making us more anti social. But is it really as we have discussed in class social networking sites such as Facebook are helpiung people create new relationships and spark old ones. Even though we may not have as much interaction face to face anymore we are still interacting with each other in a different way. So in a way we have gotten more social with each other and in a more comfortable way for some people.

Online people can really let themselves go and be who they want, instead fo worrying about what others will think. The attitudes and behavior seem to be more accepted online as well no matter what your race, color or who you really are. This is an interesting article and it will make you think about these things so please read it

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/17/movies/south-by-southwests-dimmer-view-of-digital-connections.html?_r=1&ref=technology

Networking Today

I found this article online about what is currently going on in Japan after the explosions of the nuclear plants and the tsunami. However, my post is not about the article but just to give an example of how the world is connected to each other through different Networks. It is to show that we are able to receive the most up to date information from somewhere on the other side of the earth but find out about it in a matter of minutes. The most interesting thing i believe is how the internet has adapted because of its users and has become largely based on user run content today such as blogs, youtube, and even news websites where we are able to put in our own opinion.

I was just reading the article and that is what popped in my mind, if you would like to read the article ill post it on here

http://www.phillyimc.org/en/red-alert-japan-unfolding-nuclear-catastrophe

Here's a different look at a social network where anonymity takes over.

Steven Johnson APBA

After reading the excerpt of Everything Bad is Good for You, i searched up the game APBA Johnson mentions about here is the link, APBA. I thought it was pretty interesting and seems still popular.

Social Networking for Japan

Given the recent turmoil that has struck Japan, social networks have taken it upon themselves to help those in need.

Sites such as Facebook and Twitter raise awareness of the current situations happening across the world while those who wish to donate can text their donations (even though these donations can take a month to process).

I know that this is not necessarily a new practice, we saw such compassion with hurricane Katrina and Haiti as well. I just find this to be such a heartwarming project; to reach those who otherwise would be uninformed and to gain support in their efforts to help others and expose the compassion our world has.

Google Circles?

Well, I can't say I didn't expect it.

Google's version of a social networking site, called Google Circle's is expected to be released sometime this May.

So what does Google Circles have that Facebook doesn't?

Well first, Google promises a more private experience than any other social networking site existing. It also allowed members to filter which content is shown, which unlike Facebook will give ease to many users who are worried about privacy infringements.

A blog entitled Read/WriteWeb stated that Chris Messina, the creator of social networking sites, had participated in the creation of Google Circles. Although Google has refused to comment on any rumors of starting a social networking site. Google has tried its hand in the social networking game before, and failed with both Google Buzz and Orkut, so the question now is whether Google Circles will be successful.

What do you think? Could Google Circles be successful? More than Facebook? Would you have an account?

Social Media Plays Vital Role in Reconnecting Japan Quake Victims With Loved Ones

Social Media Plays Vital Role in Reconnecting Japan Quake Victims With Loved Ones

Here is an awesome story how Social Media has connected lost relatives after the massive Earthquake in Japan. The article states that victims of the Earthquake and the Tsunami are re connecting with loved ones through Facebook and Twitter. This is due to that fact that Japans internet services have been unaffected by the catastrophic events that took place in Japan the past week. I find it amazing how Social media has been playing a major role in the lives of a lot of people across the whole world, from the protest in Egypt to the survivors of the earthquake. What are some of your thoughts on this?

Charlie hits 1million on twitter.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FEEREWiU5_c From TV to the Internet. Charlie sheen joins twitter and has 1 million followers in just his first 24 hrs of having an account. All because of a couple of interviews displayed by the public media channels on prime time television of his latest antics. Amazing how fast someone can become popular through the social media.

Comedian Louis CK discusses the internet and our generations lack of patience..funny stuff.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8r1CZTLk-Gk Go to about 1:27 Comedian Louie CK discusses how amazing technology has become. He talks about how our generation does not appreciate the capabilities of technology, especially the internet. I found this funny because its so true. I often get annoyed when my phone or internet connection wont connect for just 15 seconds. I agree with him, we should not take advantage and should appreciate the ability to stay connected the way we do.

COMEDY BUT....More American Workers Outsourcing Own Jobs Overseas

The Onion makes fun of American issues and news, but they do make a great commentary on American mentality.

The Onion- Facebook Stalking

Not sure if anyone watches The Onion but its a great news satire on different topics, this one in particular is moms' Facebook and Twitter stalking their college age kids. I guess I should warn they don't filter language?

My recent trip to Ireland introduced me to the Social Networking Site Bebo. It is really popular in the U.K. and has recently joined up with Facebook, I don't think it has come up in our discussions? It has online gaming, messaging, picture adds, wall posts; advertised as "a popular social networking site which connects you to everyone and everything you care about."

Just thought it was interesting to see if anyone in the U.S. is familiar with it...

The New (and improved?) Family Game Night

In today's class discussion we talked about how video games are replacing the culture of "family game night" This video shows a features a lot of games that you would traditionally play around a table, now they are on a tv screen.

The location has changed but the games are still featured as a way to get families together. This really stuck out to me how video games are changing family culture. The games message is the same, but the medium has shifted. But, to me I don't know if this change is necessarily a good thing. I prefer to play the traditional board game.  

Technological change impacts societal change

I recall us talking about Technological Determinism in class. This spoke of how technology (the cause) changes culture (the effect) and how technological change is the single most important source of change in our society. I came across this video earlier this week in senior seminar. This is a look into a time not too far from now where technology has become so advanced, that such things as personal communication, advertising/marketing, and general media can be accessed and maintained with the greatest of ease. It paints a picture of a world where technological advance has changed society for the absolute better and provides an environment of comfort and shows that through this advance, tasking has become so much simpler. The evolution of mankind through the upgrade of technology.