January 11, 2009
· Filed under Readings 1/11/09
I found this article a little confusing but the introduction proposes that time and space are relative to the observer they stretch and change and are in fact two sides of the same coin. It tells us that we can measure time, but we can never fully grasp it, because its passage is seen only through memory. Just like we cannot stand still in time, likewise we rarely are motionless in space, and so our perception of space is also created through memory and change.
Architecture is interactive, and a good architect will anticipate the needs and movements of those who use the space like in the case of the University of Toronto in the 1950’s they adjusted their pathways on its campus after a snow storm in which they observed which way people walked through the snow and then made a pathway to accomodate them. When you are at the theatre the show may only last 2 hours but the time in the show maybe years or longer.
Even before the digital age it was not possible to create outside of time, nor without a careful consideration of space. Nowadays everything has changed and you are able to create new spaces and time frames. In cyberspace, our physical bodies stand still (in metaspace) while our minds move from metaphor to metaphor.
The article tells us that cyberspace is only about zeros and ones its design draws on the historical foundations of negative space and so allows the ground for composition and contemplation. The space between creates a counterpoint to what is said or drawn, as in music, where the pause between notes carries as much weight and the note itself.
Digital technology has allowed us to edit material in the blink of an eye.
Question 1. Do you think time and space are related?
January 10, 2009
· Filed under Readings 1/11/09 · Tagged virtual hunting
This short video shows us how individuals are creating real target practice without leaving their home. Reed Atkins thinks that hunting should be done on sight and not from the computer. John Lockwood a Texas hunter wants to share the hunting experience by paying him hundreds of dollars to use a mouse to kill a deer from the internet. Lockwood wants to move it to his ranch where you will be able to fire live rounds from your computer but 99% of hunters are going to oppose this because it is not ethical. I disagree with this because an innocent bystander could get hurt while someone sits in the comfort of their own home. I have never been a big fan of hunting I wonder who cleans up the remains of the animals after they are shot.
Question 1. Do you agree with virtual hunting?
Question 2. Do you think virtual hunting will catch on and why?
January 10, 2009
· Filed under Readings 1/11/09 · Tagged PTSD, Virtual Iraq
The video of virtual Iraq shows us how they are treating patients with PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) by allowing the patient to go back in the virtual world to Iraq so hopefully the patient can gain control over their life and come to terms with this disorder. I was surprised with the success rate of this treatment. While in the virtual world they are able to smell, hear and see people dying and what goes on around them when they are over there but they are not injured in the virtual world.
Question 1. What do you think of this treatment and do you think it will work with PTSD?
Question 2. If you were suffering from PTSD would you do this treatment?
January 10, 2009
· Filed under Readings 1/11/09 · Tagged gangs, grand theft auto
The article by Stephen Duncombe tells us about the video game Grand Theft Auto. This game is a living disgrace that teaches individuals mostly men to rape, kill, rob and many other things just to get ahead in the game. Is it any wonder we have such violent crimes being committed when the creator of this program has made millions encouraging individuals to do whatever they want to win the game. I got a sick feeling in my stomach when I was reading this article with all the malicious acts CJ was doing. I also think it is racist because it is a young black kid who is the gangbanger. Hillary Clinton tried to regulate this game and I believe that certain video games should be regulated.
Question 1. Do you think impressionable teens should be allowed to play this game?
Question 2. Do you think these games are responsible for the majority of violence on our streets?
January 10, 2009
· Filed under Readings 1/11/09 · Tagged cheating, second life, web obsession
The article written by Alexandra Alter tells us about Mr. Hoogestraat who plays second life for more than 20 hours on occassions. In second life he is avery successful entreprenaur, owns a lot of property and has a lot of money where as in his real life he only earns $14 dollars an hour. He also has married another virtual member of the second life society. His real life wife is very upset because all he cares about is his virtual world while their lives are just passing them by and they are heading in seperate directions. I think an intervention should be planned for Mr. Hoogestraat because he is addicted to this game which is not reality. If something isn’t done soon he is going to wake up and he will be all alone in the real world.
Question 1. Do you believe he is cheating on his wife?
Question 2. Do you believe he is addicted and if so what should be done?
January 10, 2009
· Filed under Readings 1/11/09 · Tagged Robots
The article by Hari Kunzru tells us that we are in the cyborg era. We are living in an age where technology and robots are able to do most of the work for us. I know I love my Roomba even though the kids think it is a toy and they love to play with it little do they know they are cleaning my floors. I work on a Surgical floor where I see a lot of patients that has had Robotic assisted Prostatectomy which years ago I was a little apprehensive at the thought but you see less complications with this procedure. I also believe they use a Robot in the Pharmacy to fill up the medication drawers. I am not sure how I feel with robots acting different around us it makes me feel a little uneasy. How far is technology going to go will there be a need for humans to even work or will we be replaced by Robots.
Question 1. In 20 years from now what do you see Robots doing?
Question 2. Do you like the idea of robots living among us?
January 10, 2009
· Filed under Readings 1/11/09 · Tagged boot camp, Korea, web obsession
The article by Martin Fackler tells us about troubled teens addicted to cyberspace. There is a boot camp part rehab in Korea with counsellors and drill sergeants to help cure these kids from their addiction. I was amazed to see how much time these kids are spending in cyberspace and a few of them are skipping school in order to play video games. This behaviour is becoming self destructive and I am glad that Korea is trying to prevent any further damage to their youth. I watch my 8 year old nephew constantly playing his Nintendo DS and it makes me wonder are we creating a bigger problem down the road. Although Korea is the leader in embracing the internet it is estimated that the United States has nearly 9 million citizens at risk for this disorder maybe it is time for the United States to open up more treatment centers.
Question 1. Do you think these boot camps will work?
Question 2. Do you think the United States needs to do more research on this matter?
January 9, 2009
· Filed under Readings 1/11/09 · Tagged camera phone
The article by Michael Agger basicly is telling us that the camera phone is being used for good and bad occassions and Philippe Kahn the inventor of the camera phone. When Kahn used his camera for the birth of his daughter he took enormous pride in his creation but was ashamed to see what people are recording and sending out to the media. The hanging of Saddam was a low point of his creation and it has aided in perverted, nosy and violent scenes being publicized.
Question 1. Do you think camera phones are invading our private lives?
Question 2. Have you ever recorded a crime in process?
January 9, 2009
· Filed under Readings 1/11/09 · Tagged cell phones, radiation, recording crimes
I think it is great how much help cell phones are able to give from recording crimes in process, instant messaging all around the world, getting pollen counts etc. In Post 9/11 years I think it is amazing that sensors in cell phones can notify authorities of radiation and are able to pinpoint their location. It makes me feel safer unless I am the one driving next to the person. We really are living in the age of technology and I bet we are only at the tip of the iceberg with advances.
Question 1. What would like to see in cell phone technology in the coming years?
Question 2. What do you think about being able to pick up radiation signals from your cell phone?
January 9, 2009
· Filed under Readings 1/11/09 · Tagged cellphones, laptops, MIT
The article by Sherry Turkle shows us how much we are dependent on our cell phones, laptops, and all other digital devices. Can you imagine not having a cell phone or computer. The advances in technology is increasing day by day and we are along for the ride with it. All these digital devices are tethered to us now that the majority of us can’t function with our activities of daily living without them. I probably would not be able to complete my BSN if the majority of my classes were not offered online. This article tells us about the virtual life on second life and that you can let your imagination run wild and be something you are not in the real world for some it is a welcomed escape.
Question 1. Why do you think we are so dependent on our cell phones and computers and could you live a day without yours?
