Steve Jobs once said "You can't just ask customers what they want and then try to give that to them. By the time you get it built, they'll want something new." Fortunately for Apple, they've been staying ahead of the game by creating new, innovative products that make the customer aware of their desire as the product hits the shelves.
Even though it only commands 10% of total computers that are online, Apple has consistently set the standard for many flavors of technology for the tech-nerd and average Joe alike. With each new technology that is developed, they've set the standard for performance and usability, and have consistently re-invented and improved the product over time - thereby keeping the competition lagging behind in the dust.
First developing the Apple II computers in the late 70's, their non-Windows personal computer has evolved into the iMac that boasts a 24" screen within a single piece of hardware for the entire computer. Dazzling visuals and a simple user interface makes the iMac a strong competitor in the computer world.
The next no-brainer for a pioneer of technology is the iPod. Being the first company to release a portable device that stores more music than any discman or walkman previously conceived made massive waves in the music community. Since the iPod Classic came out, many new innovations have since been incorporated that increase the appearance, size, functionality, and ease of use that allows any music lover to listen to anything in their own personal collection within seconds. Supported by the iTunes software, users can shop for individual songs, alleviating the frustration of purchasing a new CD with only a few good songs on it.
Last, but not least, is the juggernaut of cellular technology - the iPhone! This internet-connected multimedia smartphone was the first to employ a 4.3" diagonal display that doubles as a touch-screen for the user interface, making it extremely intuitive to use. With over 500 applications - "apps" for short - the ability to customize and increase the productivity of your iPhone is nearly limitless. Many of the apps utilize the GPS feature, as well as the motion-sensor technology for new dimensions and capabilities.
Microsoft Helping You?
Douglas Leland, the general manager of Microsoft’s Identity and Security Business Group states, “security officers and IT leaders are the unsung heroes in their organization” (Microsoft 2009).
It is amazing what companies can do to protect themselves against the predators of the internet; however, they can’t do it without help. Microsoft has created a new product called Forefront. "Microsoft Forefront helps deliver end-to-end security and access to information through an integrated line of protection, access, and identity management products” (Microsoft 2009). The best way to collaborate and grow a business is through the sharing of information. With sharing information, comes the concern of exposure. Forefront helps companies protect their data and infrastructure while communicating with other companies.
Microsoft is producing technology to encourage group collaborative communication by giving tools to companies to; implement security across a company’s enterprise, help protect a company everywhere while they are able to access their system from anywhere, and to also make the security experience easy while helping to manage compliance.
Without security, we are exposed to the elements of the internet which can be a dark and scary place without some sort of “blanket” to cover us!
Microsoft. (2009). Microsoft: A New Approach to Enterprise Security.
Retrieved April 23, 2009, from http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/
It is amazing what companies can do to protect themselves against the predators of the internet; however, they can’t do it without help. Microsoft has created a new product called Forefront. "Microsoft Forefront helps deliver end-to-end security and access to information through an integrated line of protection, access, and identity management products” (Microsoft 2009). The best way to collaborate and grow a business is through the sharing of information. With sharing information, comes the concern of exposure. Forefront helps companies protect their data and infrastructure while communicating with other companies.
Microsoft is producing technology to encourage group collaborative communication by giving tools to companies to; implement security across a company’s enterprise, help protect a company everywhere while they are able to access their system from anywhere, and to also make the security experience easy while helping to manage compliance.
Without security, we are exposed to the elements of the internet which can be a dark and scary place without some sort of “blanket” to cover us!
Microsoft. (2009). Microsoft: A New Approach to Enterprise Security.
Retrieved April 23, 2009, from http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/
Webex - Utilizing the latest communication technologies
By using Support Center as our tool for server management we can conduct daily error checks on the network and event logs on machines in multiple locations from anywhere, any time.
— Anthony Fryer, Technical Support Manager
I choose to do my research on Webex a web conferencing and collaboration software. Webex is a Cisco company that provides numerous solutions for various business needs from marketing, training, sales and support. After going through Webex’s testimonial’s I was surprised at how many large companies use Webex for various tasks such as: Continental, Subaru, Canon and 1-800-flowers just to name a few. Webex utilizes some of the latest advances in technology such as video conferencing, file transfer while remotely connected, texting within a dialog box while connected remotely and the option to create one time use teleconferencing telephone numbers. Webex is able to offer video conferencing without having to commit to time and money for traditional conferencing devices and software and general overhead. Not only is Webex able to offer so many avenues to conduct business but they are also able to offer it with the assurance of secure connections. Webex creates connections utilizing encryption, integrated security and authentication.
Thanks, Toni
http://www.webex.com/what-is-webex/faqs.html
http://www.webex.com/how-it-works/for-it-support.html
http://www.webex.com.hk/en/overview/interoperability.html
— Anthony Fryer, Technical Support Manager
I choose to do my research on Webex a web conferencing and collaboration software. Webex is a Cisco company that provides numerous solutions for various business needs from marketing, training, sales and support. After going through Webex’s testimonial’s I was surprised at how many large companies use Webex for various tasks such as: Continental, Subaru, Canon and 1-800-flowers just to name a few. Webex utilizes some of the latest advances in technology such as video conferencing, file transfer while remotely connected, texting within a dialog box while connected remotely and the option to create one time use teleconferencing telephone numbers. Webex is able to offer video conferencing without having to commit to time and money for traditional conferencing devices and software and general overhead. Not only is Webex able to offer so many avenues to conduct business but they are also able to offer it with the assurance of secure connections. Webex creates connections utilizing encryption, integrated security and authentication.
Thanks, Toni
http://www.webex.com/what-is-webex/faqs.html
http://www.webex.com/how-it-works/for-it-support.html
http://www.webex.com.hk/en/overview/interoperability.html
Google and Success
“Technology affects almost every aspect of our lives. Just look around you and you'll see how wired we are,” explains Jane McGrath in an article, “How has Technology changed the way we conduct business.”
Not only has life changed for us on a personal level because of technology, but life for businesses has also changed because of advances in technology and communication. In a business setting, there is little need for file cabinets anymore and with email, communication has made the world seem much smaller. Companies such as Google have allowed businesses to advertise and for consumers to find products easily through keyword searches.
Google is the number one search engine online and probably the best known site on the Internet. Google was created by Larry Page and Sergey Brin when they were PHD students at Stanford University as a school project—they were attempting to create a more effective way to search—success! The company officially registered in September of 1997 and incorporated in September of 1998.
Now, Google Inc. earns its revenue through advertising, email, on-line mapping,, office productivity, social networking, and video sharing, but mostly advertising—99% of revenue. Google's success comes from their constant ability to change and grow. In 2004, Google launched their own email, in 2006, they came out with Google Video, which allows users to freely watch available videos, and they have also developed several desktop applications, such as Google Desktop, Picasa, SketchUp, and Google Earth. They have also created search technology for larger organizations, such as Google Search Appliance and Custom Search Business Edition.
Google reported a revenue of 5.19 billion dollars for the quarter ending in March of 2008 and they will continue to expand their profits as they continue to expand their products. Google success comes from being able to keep up with consumer demand and the ability to stay current. As our lives and technology continue to evolve, so will Google, which has kept the company on top.
communication.howstuffworks.com
wikiAnswers.com
wired.com
Not only has life changed for us on a personal level because of technology, but life for businesses has also changed because of advances in technology and communication. In a business setting, there is little need for file cabinets anymore and with email, communication has made the world seem much smaller. Companies such as Google have allowed businesses to advertise and for consumers to find products easily through keyword searches.
Google is the number one search engine online and probably the best known site on the Internet. Google was created by Larry Page and Sergey Brin when they were PHD students at Stanford University as a school project—they were attempting to create a more effective way to search—success! The company officially registered in September of 1997 and incorporated in September of 1998.
Now, Google Inc. earns its revenue through advertising, email, on-line mapping,, office productivity, social networking, and video sharing, but mostly advertising—99% of revenue. Google's success comes from their constant ability to change and grow. In 2004, Google launched their own email, in 2006, they came out with Google Video, which allows users to freely watch available videos, and they have also developed several desktop applications, such as Google Desktop, Picasa, SketchUp, and Google Earth. They have also created search technology for larger organizations, such as Google Search Appliance and Custom Search Business Edition.
Google reported a revenue of 5.19 billion dollars for the quarter ending in March of 2008 and they will continue to expand their profits as they continue to expand their products. Google success comes from being able to keep up with consumer demand and the ability to stay current. As our lives and technology continue to evolve, so will Google, which has kept the company on top.
communication.howstuffworks.com
wikiAnswers.com
wired.com
At this rate, it may become a mortal sin, but I can’t help myself
“It would be sad if our desire to sustain and develop on-line friendships were to be at the cost of our availability to engage with our families, our neighbors and those we meet in the daily reality of our places of work, education and recreation.” Pope Benedict XVI (Pope warns against too much Facebook. Michael Paulson, Boston.com, January 23, 2009)
Are on-line friendships really friendships or are they a type of false interaction that allows people to withdraw from society while touting the fact that they have thousands of friends? Pope Benedict XVI clearly believes that sites such as Facebook don’t involve real human interaction. Hundreds of thousands of teenagers and adults would disagree with the Pope on this one. But the fact that the leader of the world’s Catholics would feel it necessary to even comment about a social networking site hints at the importance of social networking and the websites that people use to connect.
Facebook was launched in 2004 as an online place for Harvard students to connect. Just five years later, it is difficult to find anyone on the planet that hasn’t at least heard of Facebook. What is it about an online community that draws people in and entices them to sign up? I watched my kids and would laugh at the three of them sitting on the couch all with their laptops “talking” to each other. When my son would come home from college with his friends, they would all gather in the family room with their computers and immediately log on to their Facebook accounts. They were communicating with each other and yet the room was silent. They communicated in their own world with their own language. As a parent, I knew I needed to understand this language if I was going to be able to check on my kids. So I signed up for my very own Facebook account.
I still tell everybody that the only reason that I have an account is to monitor my kids. I think that some people might even actually believe me. But the truth is, I’m hooked. I’ve reconnected with friends from high school and middle school. I’ve found old friends from my neighborhood as well as my biological sisters. I put great thought into what my status is going to be for the day. I’ve discovered that my “true” character from the seventies is MaryAnn, the rock band I should identify with is Blink 182 and the 80’s movie I’m most like is Princess Bride. This is important stuff I tell you! All this stuff may seem silly on the surface, but I do believe it plays an important role.
When my teenage boys decided to learn to cook, they dove in with both feet (or all four feet as the case may be). They turned out to be pretty good cooks. With every success, I changed my status to indicate how proud I was of my boys and their cooking. They would smile and laugh when they logged in and saw my status but I knew they were proud of themselves and happy that I was proclaiming it to the world. I also took the opportunity to change my status to: “Happy that my boys are turning into great cooks but I think the next two lessons need to be how to clean up after cooking and how to not use every bowl/pot/utensil in the kitchen.” The next time they cooked, they used one bowl, one pot and two spoons. And they cleaned up after themselves. Now, I’ve been nagging them for years to clean up after themselves and it goes in one ear and out the other. But posting that on Facebook brought immediate results. I talk to my kids every day and we have a wonderful relationship but there is something about seeing things in print that spurs action. And I can also react to what I see on their profiles.
I read their status every day and I know if they are feeling down or need some help with something. It is much easier for them to send something out into cyberspace than it is to say it one on one. That might be bad or it might be good, I’m not one to judge since I’ve never parented teenagers that weren’t hooked up to the internet. But I know that my kids put things on their profile, knowing that I am going to see it, that I would have never wanted my parents to know. Is it their way of reaching out? I don’t know, but I do know that Facebook sometimes makes me a better parent.
Facebook gives everybody a chance to communicate on a level playing field. Homework assignments can be discussed. Parents can share children’s pictures with friends and family thousands of miles away. And a parent of a diabetic child can receive guidance in the middle of the night from a friend a world away. Facebook has changed the way we communicate and collaborate. I see my friends comparing photos of quilt squares that they are going to put together for a competition and laugh when I realize that they live on opposite coasts. There really is no limit to the communication possibilities on Facebook. Maybe the Pope should get his own page and see what all the fuss is about!
https://www.boston.com/news/local/articles_of_faith/2009/01/pope_warns_agai.html
https://www.crunchbase.com/company/facebookhttps://topics.nytimes.com/top/news/business/companies/facebook_inc/index.html?inline
https://topics.nytimes.com/top/news/business/companies/facebook_inc/index.html?inline
Are on-line friendships really friendships or are they a type of false interaction that allows people to withdraw from society while touting the fact that they have thousands of friends? Pope Benedict XVI clearly believes that sites such as Facebook don’t involve real human interaction. Hundreds of thousands of teenagers and adults would disagree with the Pope on this one. But the fact that the leader of the world’s Catholics would feel it necessary to even comment about a social networking site hints at the importance of social networking and the websites that people use to connect.
Facebook was launched in 2004 as an online place for Harvard students to connect. Just five years later, it is difficult to find anyone on the planet that hasn’t at least heard of Facebook. What is it about an online community that draws people in and entices them to sign up? I watched my kids and would laugh at the three of them sitting on the couch all with their laptops “talking” to each other. When my son would come home from college with his friends, they would all gather in the family room with their computers and immediately log on to their Facebook accounts. They were communicating with each other and yet the room was silent. They communicated in their own world with their own language. As a parent, I knew I needed to understand this language if I was going to be able to check on my kids. So I signed up for my very own Facebook account.
I still tell everybody that the only reason that I have an account is to monitor my kids. I think that some people might even actually believe me. But the truth is, I’m hooked. I’ve reconnected with friends from high school and middle school. I’ve found old friends from my neighborhood as well as my biological sisters. I put great thought into what my status is going to be for the day. I’ve discovered that my “true” character from the seventies is MaryAnn, the rock band I should identify with is Blink 182 and the 80’s movie I’m most like is Princess Bride. This is important stuff I tell you! All this stuff may seem silly on the surface, but I do believe it plays an important role.
When my teenage boys decided to learn to cook, they dove in with both feet (or all four feet as the case may be). They turned out to be pretty good cooks. With every success, I changed my status to indicate how proud I was of my boys and their cooking. They would smile and laugh when they logged in and saw my status but I knew they were proud of themselves and happy that I was proclaiming it to the world. I also took the opportunity to change my status to: “Happy that my boys are turning into great cooks but I think the next two lessons need to be how to clean up after cooking and how to not use every bowl/pot/utensil in the kitchen.” The next time they cooked, they used one bowl, one pot and two spoons. And they cleaned up after themselves. Now, I’ve been nagging them for years to clean up after themselves and it goes in one ear and out the other. But posting that on Facebook brought immediate results. I talk to my kids every day and we have a wonderful relationship but there is something about seeing things in print that spurs action. And I can also react to what I see on their profiles.
I read their status every day and I know if they are feeling down or need some help with something. It is much easier for them to send something out into cyberspace than it is to say it one on one. That might be bad or it might be good, I’m not one to judge since I’ve never parented teenagers that weren’t hooked up to the internet. But I know that my kids put things on their profile, knowing that I am going to see it, that I would have never wanted my parents to know. Is it their way of reaching out? I don’t know, but I do know that Facebook sometimes makes me a better parent.
Facebook gives everybody a chance to communicate on a level playing field. Homework assignments can be discussed. Parents can share children’s pictures with friends and family thousands of miles away. And a parent of a diabetic child can receive guidance in the middle of the night from a friend a world away. Facebook has changed the way we communicate and collaborate. I see my friends comparing photos of quilt squares that they are going to put together for a competition and laugh when I realize that they live on opposite coasts. There really is no limit to the communication possibilities on Facebook. Maybe the Pope should get his own page and see what all the fuss is about!
https://www.boston.com/news/local/articles_of_faith/2009/01/pope_warns_agai.html
https://www.crunchbase.com/company/facebookhttps://topics.nytimes.com/top/news/business/companies/facebook_inc/index.html?inline
https://topics.nytimes.com/top/news/business/companies/facebook_inc/index.html?inline
IBM Global Innovation at Work
"The world is full of hard questions. Together, we may arrive at a few answers. That's innovation that matters."
I chose to do my research on IBM. My brother worked for them for many years so I felt it only fitting to use them as my company of research for group collaboration communication efforts. In 2004, IBM decided that it was time to open up their business to ideas from all over the world and use all the diverse cultures the world has to offer to innovate the world with these new and inventive ideas. They established the Global Innovation Outlook (GIO) whose purpose is, "they must represent trillions of dollars in economic activity, have far-reaching societal impact, and be ripe for innovation." (http://www.ibm.com/ibm/gio/)
IBM GIO has their own website dedicated to create new markets and innovate old ones because they wish to change the world for the better. They have taken the steps to diversify their company from the other computer companies that I have read about. One thing I found particularly interesting in my research is that IBM GIO has their own blog, in which YOU can contribute your thoughts to the global conservation. Another interesting thing I found on this website was that are really getting involved in so many diverse and broad spectrum topics. Besides being a leader in the computer world, IBM GIO is getting involved in urban development including water management. We need it and use an abundance of it and they have devoted some of their resources to learning more about water management.
Finally, with research done through the GIO site, I ended with the Security & Society portion of the website. In 2008, on one of GIO's deep dives, which is what they call their brainstorming sessions they had leaders and individuals from all different diverse cultures, non-profits, entrepreneurs and even your average everyday joe giving their input. And I shall end with this quote from the IBM GIO site, "The end result of this effort is not, of course, a solution to the world's security problems. It is instead a collection of innovative security strategies for a globally connected world, strategies in which every government, business and citizen has a role to play." If this doesn't scream group collaboration communication, then nothing will. IBM has their own team whose sole purpose is make the world better, and they do not discriminate against one bit against anyone. They want everyone to get involved which is why they hold these deep dives and they have taken the necessary steps on a world wide scale!
The website where all this information and more on IBM Global Innovation Outlook (GIO) can be found is http://www.ibm.com/ibm/gio/ and I applaud them not only on their task at hand but their website. It very easy to use and very informative.
I chose to do my research on IBM. My brother worked for them for many years so I felt it only fitting to use them as my company of research for group collaboration communication efforts. In 2004, IBM decided that it was time to open up their business to ideas from all over the world and use all the diverse cultures the world has to offer to innovate the world with these new and inventive ideas. They established the Global Innovation Outlook (GIO) whose purpose is, "they must represent trillions of dollars in economic activity, have far-reaching societal impact, and be ripe for innovation." (http://www.ibm.com/ibm/gio/)
IBM GIO has their own website dedicated to create new markets and innovate old ones because they wish to change the world for the better. They have taken the steps to diversify their company from the other computer companies that I have read about. One thing I found particularly interesting in my research is that IBM GIO has their own blog, in which YOU can contribute your thoughts to the global conservation. Another interesting thing I found on this website was that are really getting involved in so many diverse and broad spectrum topics. Besides being a leader in the computer world, IBM GIO is getting involved in urban development including water management. We need it and use an abundance of it and they have devoted some of their resources to learning more about water management.
Finally, with research done through the GIO site, I ended with the Security & Society portion of the website. In 2008, on one of GIO's deep dives, which is what they call their brainstorming sessions they had leaders and individuals from all different diverse cultures, non-profits, entrepreneurs and even your average everyday joe giving their input. And I shall end with this quote from the IBM GIO site, "The end result of this effort is not, of course, a solution to the world's security problems. It is instead a collection of innovative security strategies for a globally connected world, strategies in which every government, business and citizen has a role to play." If this doesn't scream group collaboration communication, then nothing will. IBM has their own team whose sole purpose is make the world better, and they do not discriminate against one bit against anyone. They want everyone to get involved which is why they hold these deep dives and they have taken the necessary steps on a world wide scale!
The website where all this information and more on IBM Global Innovation Outlook (GIO) can be found is http://www.ibm.com/ibm/gio/ and I applaud them not only on their task at hand but their website. It very easy to use and very informative.
Google: Boosting Productivity through Collaboration
Google boasts that businesses can, "Boost productivity with Google-powered documents, video sharing and collaborative sites." Many businesses have backed this statement by adding and using collaboration tools provided by Google as part of their daily, standard operations. This statement can also be backed by the high success rate and growth of Google throughout the years. Google's success has come from several different areas, but one of the biggest areas is collaborative communications tools.
Google provides several different powerful tools focused on collaborative communications. The first, and certainly most widely known and used tool is the Google search engine. The Google search engine was created in 1997 and quickly became the most popular search engine on the Internet with over several hundred million queries per day. Along with the largest index and directory of any search engine, the Google search engine has been constantly updated to add new features such as file snapshots, autofill for popular search phrases, search phrase corrections, and dictionary and calculator features to make it the most user-friendly and effective search tool available today. The power of Google search also reaches world-wide through the availability of searching in many different languages, from multiple other countries, or through the creation of personalized, custom search engines.
A second powerful collaboration tool provided by Google is the app called Google Docs. Google Docs is available as part of Google's low cost ($50 per year) suite of apps. Google Docs is accessed through a free Google email account that provides a means of online collaboration. Google Docs eliminates problems of multiple file versions normally created when files are worked on collaboratively. Google Docs works rather simply by a host securely publishing a file to the Internet through the Google Docs app. Once the file is published, the host will send the link and work permissions to the other group members designated to work on the document. By clicking on the link, the group members can make and see updates that have been made to the file. For backup purposes, previous versions of the file are saved to the same website. This tool is very powerful in that it allows for easy, inexpensive group collaboration that eliminates the confusion of having multiple versions of files when sent out and updated via standard email.
A third Google collaboration tool is the Google app Google Sites. Google Sites is an app contained in the suite of other Google apps that allows businesses or users to create their own working websites. These sites are very easy to create because they are contained within pre-built templates and are GUI-based. There is no need for any knowledge of HTML coding. Google Sites can be created for almost anything and can contain content such as pictures, calendars, and attached files. Many businesses use Google Sites to create intranets that have collaborative features such as file sharing, file updating, messaging, and blogs. Employees can also add individual sites to the intranet that contain personal information or files that they would like to share. Typically only the administrator can update or change the main content of the site, but special permissions can be granted to others in times where additional updates or collaborations need to be done by other members.
Clearly, the tools and apps that Google supplies are very powerful and very useful to many who rely on collaborative communications. It is also clear that these tools play a very large role in the great popularity and success of Google, as well as other businesses that utilize them.
http://www.google.com/apps/intl/en/business/collaboration.html
Google provides several different powerful tools focused on collaborative communications. The first, and certainly most widely known and used tool is the Google search engine. The Google search engine was created in 1997 and quickly became the most popular search engine on the Internet with over several hundred million queries per day. Along with the largest index and directory of any search engine, the Google search engine has been constantly updated to add new features such as file snapshots, autofill for popular search phrases, search phrase corrections, and dictionary and calculator features to make it the most user-friendly and effective search tool available today. The power of Google search also reaches world-wide through the availability of searching in many different languages, from multiple other countries, or through the creation of personalized, custom search engines.
A second powerful collaboration tool provided by Google is the app called Google Docs. Google Docs is available as part of Google's low cost ($50 per year) suite of apps. Google Docs is accessed through a free Google email account that provides a means of online collaboration. Google Docs eliminates problems of multiple file versions normally created when files are worked on collaboratively. Google Docs works rather simply by a host securely publishing a file to the Internet through the Google Docs app. Once the file is published, the host will send the link and work permissions to the other group members designated to work on the document. By clicking on the link, the group members can make and see updates that have been made to the file. For backup purposes, previous versions of the file are saved to the same website. This tool is very powerful in that it allows for easy, inexpensive group collaboration that eliminates the confusion of having multiple versions of files when sent out and updated via standard email.
A third Google collaboration tool is the Google app Google Sites. Google Sites is an app contained in the suite of other Google apps that allows businesses or users to create their own working websites. These sites are very easy to create because they are contained within pre-built templates and are GUI-based. There is no need for any knowledge of HTML coding. Google Sites can be created for almost anything and can contain content such as pictures, calendars, and attached files. Many businesses use Google Sites to create intranets that have collaborative features such as file sharing, file updating, messaging, and blogs. Employees can also add individual sites to the intranet that contain personal information or files that they would like to share. Typically only the administrator can update or change the main content of the site, but special permissions can be granted to others in times where additional updates or collaborations need to be done by other members.
Clearly, the tools and apps that Google supplies are very powerful and very useful to many who rely on collaborative communications. It is also clear that these tools play a very large role in the great popularity and success of Google, as well as other businesses that utilize them.
http://www.google.com/apps/intl/en/business/collaboration.html
E-harmony saved my career!
Lindsay Lohan has been in and out of the spotlight throughout her childhood career. As a teenager, she was a very popular looked up to by her teen fan club. After some bad decisions: drunk driving, alcoholism, bad relationships, and even drug use, Lindsay’s career took a turn for the worst.
Knowing the strength and speed of the internet, Ms. Lohan decided to take a risk. She believed that by doing a spoof on all of the things that had gone wrong in her life, she could confront the issues and finally lay them to rest. Since, e-Harmony is famous for putting their match making commercials on TV, she decided to use the website’s popularity to regain her own. Lindsay does a clip as a prospective single girl who is looking for a mate that matches her characteristics. In the clip, Lohan claims she's "looking for someone who I can spend the rest of my life with — or at least my probation with" and pokes fun at her oft-covered love life, run-ins with the law, and rather prodigious partying, laughing that she's "a workaholic, a shopaholic and, according to the state of California, an alcoholic."
According to MTV.com/news, the clip has been viewed more than 825,000 times in less than 24 hours, making it not only a smart career move for Lohan, but a certified Internet sensation. It seems that Lindsay made a good career move by using the communication strength of the internet. Although it might not be an instant fix for her career, it could give her the turn around and attention she needs to move forward and get back on the right track.
Knowing the strength and speed of the internet, Ms. Lohan decided to take a risk. She believed that by doing a spoof on all of the things that had gone wrong in her life, she could confront the issues and finally lay them to rest. Since, e-Harmony is famous for putting their match making commercials on TV, she decided to use the website’s popularity to regain her own. Lindsay does a clip as a prospective single girl who is looking for a mate that matches her characteristics. In the clip, Lohan claims she's "looking for someone who I can spend the rest of my life with — or at least my probation with" and pokes fun at her oft-covered love life, run-ins with the law, and rather prodigious partying, laughing that she's "a workaholic, a shopaholic and, according to the state of California, an alcoholic."
According to MTV.com/news, the clip has been viewed more than 825,000 times in less than 24 hours, making it not only a smart career move for Lohan, but a certified Internet sensation. It seems that Lindsay made a good career move by using the communication strength of the internet. Although it might not be an instant fix for her career, it could give her the turn around and attention she needs to move forward and get back on the right track.
Buzz for online presidential campaign spreads like wildfire.
"As the presidential race heated up, the internet grew from being the medium of a core group of political junkies to a gateway for millions of ordinary Americans to participate in the political process, donating odd amounts of their spare time to their candidate through online campaign tools."
Stirland, S. (2008) "Propelled by Internet, Barack Obama Wins Presidency " Retrieved from http://blog.wired.com/27bstroke6/2008/11/propelled-by-in.html on April 12, 2009.
This is the smartest thing that any presidential candidate could have done, especially considering how no prior electoral candidate even considered it. Nowadays, any online business will tell you how inexpensive, yet incredibly efficient having a virtual presence is in a target customer's life is. You are no longer restricted to a brick & mortar building, and can easily reach the eyes of your consumer in the comfort of their own home. Using the Internet as a medium for communication, broadcasting your message, and establishing a relationship with the people that have the support you need is by far the fastest way anyone could imagine, as you can be in countless locations at once, and you can also incorporate everyone's participation, without regard to geographic or other restrictions.
Certain businesses I've personally done business with have spoken about how cost-effective having an online-only storefront, as their costs are significantly lower than they would be with a physical presence, and their outreach goes much farther than they ever could have hoped by catering to a national (or larger) consumer audience. I think that the way that Obama took advantage of this medium was pure genius, as he put himself directly in the middle of where people already want to be, and made his presence felt to all who had eyes and ears.
Two all beef patties, special sauce, lettuce, cheese, pickles, onions and a fond look back
“Advertisements are the folklore of the twentieth century.” (Stephen J.F. Unwin, Journal of Advertising 1974)
I know all the ingredients of the McDonald’s Big Mac thanks to a catchy jingle I remember from my youth. I’m also pretty convinced that I know how to spell bologna compliments of Oscar Mayer. Advertisements truly were the folklore of my youth. This quote from a 1974 article made me really think about how technology has changed advertising and our culture in the process. Advertising is criticized and avoided and yet, it contributes to the fiber of our society. Think of the brand names that signify a product. Kleenex is a brand name, not a product description but most people refer to all tissues as Kleenex. Ovaltine and its marketing strategy was a focal point of one of my favorite movies, A Christmas Story. What has technology done to advertising and how will the children of today learn the correct spelling of their lunchmeats?
The DVR provides us all with commercial free television at the touch of the fast forward button. Newspapers are leaving the marketplace at an alarming rate. Advertising is changing to accommodate the new reality of the media in the 21st century. Text messages are replacing jingles. Flashing web site banners and pop up ads are cheaper to create than full blown television advertising. Companies have seven or less words to catch your eye on the highway billboards. Technology has surely made life easier for many, but it has taken the charm and cultural significance out of the advertising world. Old commercials and advertising campaigns from the past were almost a time capsule that let us look back and laugh at ourselves and our culture. The advertising of today doesn’t provide the same comforting, funny and poignant look at our society. It has become a victim of the times and has morphed into random texts and sound bytes that will not stand the test of time that the old advertisements did. Advertisements were the folklore of the twentieth century, but they will not be the folklore of the twenty-first century. And as much as I am guilty of fast-forwarding through all the ads on television, I will miss them.
I know all the ingredients of the McDonald’s Big Mac thanks to a catchy jingle I remember from my youth. I’m also pretty convinced that I know how to spell bologna compliments of Oscar Mayer. Advertisements truly were the folklore of my youth. This quote from a 1974 article made me really think about how technology has changed advertising and our culture in the process. Advertising is criticized and avoided and yet, it contributes to the fiber of our society. Think of the brand names that signify a product. Kleenex is a brand name, not a product description but most people refer to all tissues as Kleenex. Ovaltine and its marketing strategy was a focal point of one of my favorite movies, A Christmas Story. What has technology done to advertising and how will the children of today learn the correct spelling of their lunchmeats?
The DVR provides us all with commercial free television at the touch of the fast forward button. Newspapers are leaving the marketplace at an alarming rate. Advertising is changing to accommodate the new reality of the media in the 21st century. Text messages are replacing jingles. Flashing web site banners and pop up ads are cheaper to create than full blown television advertising. Companies have seven or less words to catch your eye on the highway billboards. Technology has surely made life easier for many, but it has taken the charm and cultural significance out of the advertising world. Old commercials and advertising campaigns from the past were almost a time capsule that let us look back and laugh at ourselves and our culture. The advertising of today doesn’t provide the same comforting, funny and poignant look at our society. It has become a victim of the times and has morphed into random texts and sound bytes that will not stand the test of time that the old advertisements did. Advertisements were the folklore of the twentieth century, but they will not be the folklore of the twenty-first century. And as much as I am guilty of fast-forwarding through all the ads on television, I will miss them.
Civil Liberties Group Sues Salvation Army
Longtime current and former Salvation Army employees sued the organization famous for its red Christmas kettles yesterday, charging the government-funded group preached religious and sexual intolerance to its staff.
The workers accused the Salvation Army of creating a hostile work environment for about 600 employees who provide social services for more than 2,000 children in New York state. The charitable organization required current and future job holders to pledge to preach the gospel, to identify their church affiliation and to authorize their religious leaders to reveal private information to the Salvation Army, according to the lawsuit filed by the American Civil Liberties Union's New York chapter.
The Salvation Army did not immediately return a telephone message for comment.
Martin Garbus, a lawyer for 18 plaintiffs, called it "one of the most important cases in the country," saying it exposes how President George W. Bush's faith-based initiative program blurs the constitutionally mandated separation of church and state. Mr. Garbus predicted the case would ultimately reach the U.S. Supreme Court.
Donna Lieberman, executive director of the New York Civil Liberties Union, agreed that the case would "help shape the future of religious freedom across the country." She said the case was not about the right of the Salvation Army to promote its religion. But they cannot do it with government money, she said.
The organization receives $89 million, the bulk of its funding for child care, from the government.
I found this article in the LegalTrac database. The article highlights one of the more controversial subjects of the GW Bush presidency; the separation of church and state. According to the article, “The charitable organization required current and future job holders to pledge to preach the gospel, to identify their church affiliation and to authorize their religious leaders to reveal private information to the Salvation Army”. This would not be a problem for a private charitable organization, but the Salvation Army accepts around $89 million of government money every year. The lawsuit was originally filed in 2004 and is expected to be heard by the United States Supreme Court.
Source Citation:"Civil Liberties Group Sues Salvation Army." New York Law Journal 231 (Feb 25, 2004): NA. LegalTrac. Gale. BCR Regis University. 12 Apr. 2009 http://find.galegroup.com.dml.regis.edu/itx/start.do?prodId=LT
The workers accused the Salvation Army of creating a hostile work environment for about 600 employees who provide social services for more than 2,000 children in New York state. The charitable organization required current and future job holders to pledge to preach the gospel, to identify their church affiliation and to authorize their religious leaders to reveal private information to the Salvation Army, according to the lawsuit filed by the American Civil Liberties Union's New York chapter.
The Salvation Army did not immediately return a telephone message for comment.
Martin Garbus, a lawyer for 18 plaintiffs, called it "one of the most important cases in the country," saying it exposes how President George W. Bush's faith-based initiative program blurs the constitutionally mandated separation of church and state. Mr. Garbus predicted the case would ultimately reach the U.S. Supreme Court.
Donna Lieberman, executive director of the New York Civil Liberties Union, agreed that the case would "help shape the future of religious freedom across the country." She said the case was not about the right of the Salvation Army to promote its religion. But they cannot do it with government money, she said.
The organization receives $89 million, the bulk of its funding for child care, from the government.
I found this article in the LegalTrac database. The article highlights one of the more controversial subjects of the GW Bush presidency; the separation of church and state. According to the article, “The charitable organization required current and future job holders to pledge to preach the gospel, to identify their church affiliation and to authorize their religious leaders to reveal private information to the Salvation Army”. This would not be a problem for a private charitable organization, but the Salvation Army accepts around $89 million of government money every year. The lawsuit was originally filed in 2004 and is expected to be heard by the United States Supreme Court.
Source Citation:"Civil Liberties Group Sues Salvation Army." New York Law Journal 231 (Feb 25, 2004): NA. LegalTrac. Gale. BCR Regis University. 12 Apr. 2009 http://find.galegroup.com.dml.regis.edu/itx/start.do?prodId=LT
Internet and Sex Sells Obama
According to an article written by the New York Times on the topic of “Obama Girl,” a video clip, “showing Ms. Ettinger dancing in a bikini in front of a photo of Mr. Obama in the ocean, helped crystallize the view of the candidate as a pop culture figure and, to some, a sex symbol.” In the middle months of 2007, a new character emerged in the YouTube world that helped portray and market Presidential nominee Barack Obama as a national sex figure through arousing videos of the brunette bombshell and Barack Obama. Wearing bikinis and other scantily clothing, dancing and singing, actress Amber Lee Ettinger quickly became known as Obama Girl, the girl with “A Crush on Obama.”
Her first video, “I Got a Crush on Obama” was an instant hit and received swirls of talk amongst the Internet community. The video has clocked over 13 million views on YouTube, which is twice as many as any other campaign video officially released by the Obama campaign. Obama Girl has gone on to release additional videos dedicated to the new President as well as several interview sessions with news organizations and popular nightly entertainment programs. President Obama, Obama Girl, and her videos have also swept the headlines and discussions on blogs, forums, and Internet chat rooms around the world. Her sexy portrayals of Barack had, and continue to undoubtedly have astounding affects on the popularity and hip image of the now President, along with earning Amber Lee the title of the Hottest Woman on the Internet.
Barack Obama has not paid any public recognition to Obama Girl, but the positive effects that her Internet performances have had on his career path are undeniable! These effects can be vastly seen by the response that the public has given across many different electronic mediums, as well as his successful indoctrination as the 44th President of the United States. Despite Obama’s own lack of public recognition to Amber Lee, it is also undeniable that he is well aware that her promotions were highly successful due in part to the astoundingly large audience that was reached through the power of the Internet.
Clearly, Obama Girl and her large Internet stage has heightened the career of our nation’s leader and given the People some eye candy appeal to compliment. However, is sex appeal the real answer to our problems? Have We the People been blinded by the power of the projection of sex and lead into ignoring the true issues and our leader’s stance on those issues? Did sex sell Obama? Maybe not wholly, but I certainly believe it played a huge part. Expect to see future political players attempting to adopt the same type of advertisement figure to push their popularity.
Stelter, Brian. (2009). “Obama Girl” Team Retools for Tech Satire. New York Times, P6, 0P. Abstract retrieved from EBSCO Host Database.
Her first video, “I Got a Crush on Obama” was an instant hit and received swirls of talk amongst the Internet community. The video has clocked over 13 million views on YouTube, which is twice as many as any other campaign video officially released by the Obama campaign. Obama Girl has gone on to release additional videos dedicated to the new President as well as several interview sessions with news organizations and popular nightly entertainment programs. President Obama, Obama Girl, and her videos have also swept the headlines and discussions on blogs, forums, and Internet chat rooms around the world. Her sexy portrayals of Barack had, and continue to undoubtedly have astounding affects on the popularity and hip image of the now President, along with earning Amber Lee the title of the Hottest Woman on the Internet.
Barack Obama has not paid any public recognition to Obama Girl, but the positive effects that her Internet performances have had on his career path are undeniable! These effects can be vastly seen by the response that the public has given across many different electronic mediums, as well as his successful indoctrination as the 44th President of the United States. Despite Obama’s own lack of public recognition to Amber Lee, it is also undeniable that he is well aware that her promotions were highly successful due in part to the astoundingly large audience that was reached through the power of the Internet.
Clearly, Obama Girl and her large Internet stage has heightened the career of our nation’s leader and given the People some eye candy appeal to compliment. However, is sex appeal the real answer to our problems? Have We the People been blinded by the power of the projection of sex and lead into ignoring the true issues and our leader’s stance on those issues? Did sex sell Obama? Maybe not wholly, but I certainly believe it played a huge part. Expect to see future political players attempting to adopt the same type of advertisement figure to push their popularity.
Stelter, Brian. (2009). “Obama Girl” Team Retools for Tech Satire. New York Times, P6, 0P. Abstract retrieved from EBSCO Host Database.
Cyberharassment: Striking a Balance between Free Speech and Privacy.
According to Sarah Jameson’s article written about a young girl who was intentionally harassed and had subsequently killed herself, there are no known laws that protect individuals from Cyber-harassment and prohibit certain types of profile fraud entirely. The real problem here seems to lie between anonymity and freedom of speech. Although several States try to clearly define “Cyber-harassing or Cyber-bullying”, this type of harassment will not be effective until there is some type of federal statute that defines this type of harassment. It seems as though there are too many ways in which to manipulate a law or statute by splitting hairs, in my opinion the term “harassment” as defined in Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary (http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/harassment) is more than efficient and there should be no tolerance for it in any form.
Jameson, Sarah (2008) Cyberharassment: Striking a Balance between Free Speech and Privacy.
Communication & Mass Media Complete. EBSCOhost. Retrieved April 11, 2009 from http://web.ebscohost.com.dml.regis.edu/ehost/detail?vid=5&hid=109&sid=4d501a85-4197-47ee-bf71-c8de8ba3204d%40sessionmgr102&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWhvc3QtbGl2ZQ%3d%3d#db=ufh&AN=36508343
Securing Our Privacy
"Trustworthy computing is computing that is as available, reliable, and secure as electricity, water services, and telephony."(Scheer, Robert. "Hallelujah! Microsoft Sees the Light". March 2005)
In this article published by Mr. Scheer, he talks about the CEO of Microsoft; you all know his name Bill Gates. Bill Gates is talking about protecting peoples rights and security as a result of the internet. Gates even told his Microsoft team not to write any new programming code until they had thought about the security consequences. Mr. Gates seems very serious about protecting people’s security and making his product one that can be trusted by consumers. He feels that the internet is public utility which should be a reliable source, and we the users are taking that for granted. In the article Gates even goes on to say that ensuring the NET for trustworthy computing is more important than any other facet of his company. Seems to me that he is not messing around with making the internet as trustworthy as possible and he wants to take the greatest measures and extremes to ensure that his vision becomes reality!
I feel that this is a very huge decision that Microsoft has made to ensure our security! There is so much fraud and identity theft out there, and protecting the rights of our privacy is second to none. We should be able to browse the internet and use this source with confidence knowing that our privacy will be protected. Mr. Gates is making sure that his company protects the rights of all the users and by him saying that trustworthy computing should be as reliable as any other public utility shows the commitment that he is taking to make sure that, if nothing else, his company can be a trusted one by all users!
In this article published by Mr. Scheer, he talks about the CEO of Microsoft; you all know his name Bill Gates. Bill Gates is talking about protecting peoples rights and security as a result of the internet. Gates even told his Microsoft team not to write any new programming code until they had thought about the security consequences. Mr. Gates seems very serious about protecting people’s security and making his product one that can be trusted by consumers. He feels that the internet is public utility which should be a reliable source, and we the users are taking that for granted. In the article Gates even goes on to say that ensuring the NET for trustworthy computing is more important than any other facet of his company. Seems to me that he is not messing around with making the internet as trustworthy as possible and he wants to take the greatest measures and extremes to ensure that his vision becomes reality!
I feel that this is a very huge decision that Microsoft has made to ensure our security! There is so much fraud and identity theft out there, and protecting the rights of our privacy is second to none. We should be able to browse the internet and use this source with confidence knowing that our privacy will be protected. Mr. Gates is making sure that his company protects the rights of all the users and by him saying that trustworthy computing should be as reliable as any other public utility shows the commitment that he is taking to make sure that, if nothing else, his company can be a trusted one by all users!
Better Learning Through Fidgeting
"While drugs like Ritalin can control ADHD, which affects about 3% to 5% of children, the depressing fact is that it is incurable. Rapport hopes his work will someday lead to new ways to help kids recognize, predict and avoid its concentration gaps. Meanwhile, if you have a child with ADHD, understand that he processes the world in a different way. He might be running circles around you--literally--but that may be his way of paying attention."
(Better Learning Through Fidgeting. By: Cloud, John, Time, 0040781X, 4/13/2009, Vol. 173, Issue 14)
In his article "Better Learning Through Fidgeting", the author reminds parents, teachers, health care providers of the mysterious methods human beings are processing information and memorizing directions and the like. While children with ADHD have been labeled with a learning disability, the author emphasizes in his article the fact that each person adopts an own method to focus. Those who are surrounded by children with ADHD, such as teachers, should be open to other methods to learn in a academic environment without reaching out for medication. Covering up the problem with medicine without giving other methods a chance that are by far less invasive, is not carrying for a child's or adults need. It is surprising that people with disabilities have rights in the employment environment to perform their job responsibilities by altering their work space to their needs, but children in a classroom have no voice in regards to alteration in their academic environment to learn how to comprehend better.
(Better Learning Through Fidgeting. By: Cloud, John, Time, 0040781X, 4/13/2009, Vol. 173, Issue 14)
In his article "Better Learning Through Fidgeting", the author reminds parents, teachers, health care providers of the mysterious methods human beings are processing information and memorizing directions and the like. While children with ADHD have been labeled with a learning disability, the author emphasizes in his article the fact that each person adopts an own method to focus. Those who are surrounded by children with ADHD, such as teachers, should be open to other methods to learn in a academic environment without reaching out for medication. Covering up the problem with medicine without giving other methods a chance that are by far less invasive, is not carrying for a child's or adults need. It is surprising that people with disabilities have rights in the employment environment to perform their job responsibilities by altering their work space to their needs, but children in a classroom have no voice in regards to alteration in their academic environment to learn how to comprehend better.
Gift Certificates for Healthcare
“Planned Parenthood of Indiana is offering gift certificates for health care, including contraception, this holiday season, drawing the ire of opponents of abortion and artificial birth control” (Associated Press 2008).
In the country’s current economic state, it is difficult to believe that people would be against the prevention of births in America. I believe this is forward thinking that a facility would be willing to offer gift certificates to make it easier for men and women to have an outlet on pregnancy prevention. Even those who are against this must admit that we are in an economic crisis and anything to help the crisis would make them be more open minded. The idea of birth control and abortion is a very touchy subject to a lot of people, especially with the religious implications, however; I believe it would behoove people to turn a blind eye, and think “to each their own” for a while – instead of pushing their religious beliefs on others.
Associated Press, The. (2008, Nov. 28). Group Offers Contraception As
Present For Holidays. The New York Times, p33. Retrieved April 11,
2009, from EBSCOhost database.
In the country’s current economic state, it is difficult to believe that people would be against the prevention of births in America. I believe this is forward thinking that a facility would be willing to offer gift certificates to make it easier for men and women to have an outlet on pregnancy prevention. Even those who are against this must admit that we are in an economic crisis and anything to help the crisis would make them be more open minded. The idea of birth control and abortion is a very touchy subject to a lot of people, especially with the religious implications, however; I believe it would behoove people to turn a blind eye, and think “to each their own” for a while – instead of pushing their religious beliefs on others.
Associated Press, The. (2008, Nov. 28). Group Offers Contraception As
Present For Holidays. The New York Times, p33. Retrieved April 11,
2009, from EBSCOhost database.
Barack Obama changes political media
'"Barack Obama built the biggest network of supporters we've seen using the Internet to do it,"' says Joe Trippi, an Internet political and business consultant. Along with being the first African American president, Obama changed the way politicians will and do use the Internet for campaigning. JFK started the era of television presidency and Obama started the era of Internet presidency. The Obama Campaign used sites, such as Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter to gain massive support. YouTube users watched 14.5 million hours of Barack Obama campaign videos and his Facebook page had 2.6 million supporters, where John McCain's Facebook page had about 624,000 supporters. Obama's Twitter account is the most popular account on Twitter with 123,000 followers. Along with his supporters on private social networking sites, Obama was the topic of almost 500 million blog posts since the end of August (2008) conventions. The Obama Campaign and his supporters made it simple for other supporters, undecided voters, and McCain supporters to download campaign literature and discuss issues with other Obama supporters in the virtual world, which hadn't been done to this extent before. As mentioned, Obama changed the role of the Internet in campaigning making the Internet "the king of all political media."
InformationWeek (Nov 5th, 208) (1055 words), "Obama Election Ushering in First Internet Presidency; Pioneering use of Web 2.0 and social-networking technologies by the president-elect's campaign has seemingly transformed politics, and could influence government as well. (Barack Obama).
InformationWeek (Nov 5th, 208) (1055 words), "Obama Election Ushering in First Internet Presidency; Pioneering use of Web 2.0 and social-networking technologies by the president-elect's campaign has seemingly transformed politics, and could influence government as well. (Barack Obama).
Needle in A Haystack
Needle In A Haystack
According to Rethlefsen, “search engines have become a necessity for most users on the Internet”. You simply could not find what you need unless you coordinated with the owner of the website beforehand. If you did not know where to go it would be like finding a needle in a haystack. Currently, you can kind use a variety of search engines to help you find whatever you need. Some examples of search engines are Google or Yahoo. There are even search engines that combine other search engines such as Dog Pile.
According to Rethlefsen, “search engines have become a necessity for most users on the Internet”. You simply could not find what you need unless you coordinated with the owner of the website beforehand. If you did not know where to go it would be like finding a needle in a haystack. Currently, you can kind use a variety of search engines to help you find whatever you need. Some examples of search engines are Google or Yahoo. There are even search engines that combine other search engines such as Dog Pile.
As search more search engines emerged so did the need to become more competitive and simple search engine was not enough. Sites began to offer more advanced search options which could help a user narrow search results from 1000 down to 10 hits. Currently, language translation tools are being added to search engines. This allows you to search world wide internet sites and translate the text so you can understand it. This tool is not perfect, but from an intelligence gathering perspective, this is a very useful tool to have in your pocket. For example, you could go to http://www.google.de/ and type in Obama. Then click on each individual site and cut and paste the info into Google’s translator. The results would not be a perfect translation, but you could read what German newspapers are printing about our President and get an idea of what the German population thinks about us.
The World Wide Web is a wealth of knowledge. You have to learn how to use the tools of the Internet, such as search engines, in order to quickly find what you are looking for. If you can perfect the use of these tools, you might even find the proverbial needle that hides in this giant haystack we call the web.
Rethlefsen, L. M. (2007) Product Pipeline. NetConnect. EBSCOHOST. Retrieved March 28, 2009 from http://web.ebscohost.com.dml.regis.edu/ehost/pdf?vid=4&hid=114&sid=47ba4252-f40f-4de9-ba79-3253e4008ab7%40sessionmgr103
Rethlefsen, L. M. (2007) Product Pipeline. NetConnect. EBSCOHOST. Retrieved March 28, 2009 from http://web.ebscohost.com.dml.regis.edu/ehost/pdf?vid=4&hid=114&sid=47ba4252-f40f-4de9-ba79-3253e4008ab7%40sessionmgr103
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)