Data, Information, Knowledge, and Wisdom.

Here's an example of the presentation on the Information Revolution I'm giving for my Modern World Studies class. I've managed to record my voice and give an overview of the Information Revolution in around 5 minutes. The presentation talks about the effects and the Industrial Revolution itself. Enjoy!

Maybe We Can Be Two

After reading “The Dark Side of Science” I was intrigued by the act of cloning. This is usually always displayed in movies, though movies portray the exact same type of person this is not the case in real cloning. When cloning a person, there is a brand new baby. Which means that down the line the baby might look the same but their personality might be the total opposite. Yes, I’m saying totally different from his original counterpart. Now, let’s really talk about cloning. The first animal cloning happened with Dolly the lamb. But with that achievement there came some flaws, firstly Dolly died early. Though scientists didn't know if cloning was the exact reason, but the general consensus decided that could’ve been a big reason. The question is, would this happen with human clones too? Secondly Dolly was nearly 300 other embryos to get cloned. This is a low rate of success. Knowing this makes me question how hard it would be to clone a whole entire human and at what price.
This is Dolly the lamb: 

Now let me start by pointing out the good things about cloning. Though there aren't many, I want to point out the idea of replacing something. Since cloning a whole human is way too complex and difficult (but can be done) cloning a body part is an easier method. With this I want to talk about cloning organs, skin, or any important body part. Sunburn can cause excessive damage for your skin, with cloning new skin some diseases such as cancer can be avoided. In another way cloning organs can even save lives. Once a person needs an organ, there is no time for waiting for organ donations, now cloning can make it faster and easier to live longer. Cloning an organ or a human can also be used for studying a certain disease or drug test. Though cloning can be a major change in history, using the idea of cloning should be wisely thought about.

Those ideas may seem relevant but now think about the idea of having another YOU walking around. Are you really YOU then? Remember, when cloning a person; let’s say you are considering cloning Einstein. Obviously he will look almost the same as Einstein himself. But will he become as smart and become a like personality wise? Maybe.

As stated before i mentioned the idea of cloning an organ. Usually people would like to clone an organ in order to get rid of a disease, but remember, when a disease is in your DNA or an inborn cause then there isnt really a cure for it.

Therefore personally, I believe that cloning should not be open for everyone. Cloning should be for people who are using it for test or experience. There should definitely not be another clone walking on earth. This could cause disturbances in the society and change mankind. I really think that if we did make clones everywhere, this might cause confusion and trouble. Whereas using cloning as drug tests and etc will just help us. Either way, they should only be used in minor cases.

a road down infographic lane.

Over the course of creating the info graphic, I’ve managed to learn many things, which included procedures such as discovering techniques and being able to accommodate my group with the resources we needed. The project basically was just handed to us (the group) as a topic and in other words said, “hey, make an info graphic for the topic”. The topic came in wide ranges, in which we chose to work on “textiles”. Textiles was a big subject and broad. This gave us a variety of things to work with. Since the topic was so vague, it made the infographic harder to work on. In order to create this phenomenal project that we had on our hands, we all had to be able to work together and cooperate. This wasn’t easy as we all had different ideas and things in mind. Coming together and forming something tested our abilities to work together. Basically we all had to brainstorm our ideas and put them together, some had to compromise and sacrifice in order to get along. This wasn’t easy, as we all wanted our ideas to succeed. Now that we came up with ideas and a structure, which we had to start from scratch, we were to find a software that made inofgraphics. With the time limit that we were given, fighting about what to use wasn’t in our heads. Photoshop was one of our choices, but it became not a option as we realized that no one knew how to use it! As we came to find, there was a software called “glogster” and with this we proceeded into making our infographic. There are other websites such as visual.ly that helped us establish how we'd design our infographic.

Many ideas were thrown in when making the infographic; we had ideas such as focusing on facts only, a timeline based subject, or groups of textiles. It was hard to focus on these things as the topic was wide and gave us a lot to handle. We came across the idea of focusing on the groups of textiles knowing that it was a more challenging and interesting way to give the message across. The infographic was made the way it is in order to give people a timeline and an overview of how textiles have influenced us today. The way it is made is really interesting, which is why we included the procedures. Everyone in the team was responsible for their section, we divided up the work into sections responsible for; nylon, cotton, wool, etc.

The collaboration in the team was with effort. We all worked together in order to get this done, though we felt pressured by time, assuring each other that we’ll work at home to get this done is what made the infographic so successful. Throughout the course everyone had to make sacrifices and compromise, this is what made the teamwork together so well. Everyone was willing and helpful as well as understanding. Teamwork comes a long way, and the project sure displays and showed me that.

Coming into this, I’ve never heard of the word “Infographic”. I’ve seen it, but never knew that there was a specific word for it. From far, they seem rather easy to be made, which is why I expected the project to be easier than I thought. But going into this I’ve learned to not judge a book by its cover. Its harder than I ever thought it would be. In order to gather information and put it into as little words and a small context as possible was way more challenging than I thought. Infographics are made by knowledge and understanding of a concept and putting it together by using skills on the computer. Infographics are more than they look, they provide information as well as technology skills that cannot be found everywhere. Infographics prove to have come a long way ever since this technology was invented. Without the technology we have today, such successful infographics that we see everyday without really noticing wouldn’t be here. This is why I think the variety and how much we’ve worked with technology affects every individual today.

Throughout the course as a team we’ve learned to try everything. With that I mean putting together different things and doing other things in order to see what fits best. This is why I could easily compare our project to a “trial and error” process. We try different things and what was wrong (error) was taken out. This is why the process was so complex. We didn’t know what would work right away and we used different sites to use as guidelines. We checked websites such as “How to make infographics” and more that helped us guide the way in completing this project.

I believe that infographics are so popular today for a variety of reasons. Starting with people today. People today, are more into “seeing” than “reading” with the new society people don’t have time to read a page of facts. Instead depicting the information into entertaining posters has made the society more interested in reading. People rather see something short, non time consuming, entertaining, colorful, and entertaining. Technology has managed to shape the world today. Not only are people more involved on the computer and the Internet but also people seek for entertainment and interest in different things. This is why infographics are such a big part of the society today.

The project has taught me a lot including time management, sacrifices, and working with new technology. As well as discovering new things, this project was rather hard, as many components were required. As well I believe that many people had to come together and work as a whole. Much of the time was more given into trusting our decisions as well as trying to work together and still respect our group members. During the course many things have become rather stressing, such as; which information to use, or what software to chose. These all made the project an unforgettable one. The project managed to open my eyes to new ways of finding information. I believe I could take away so many things from this project that I can also adjust and use in other classes.

Has religion managed to impact the internet too?

Over the past few weeks my history class has been analyzing religions effects and contributions. Throughout the unit we got the chance to roam around the internet and find interesting things that concerns or apply to us. Around two weeks ago I came over thing blog CNN has put up. I found it rather interesting. This blog is an updated version of how religions impact us today. Throughout the blog, there are videos and interesting types of articles. Not only does this base itself up on boring old articles but it is made to be more interesting up to date issues.

This article struck my eye because firstly it was CNN, you can trust everything they say usually. Not only that the articles they published weren’t focused on religion but gave you a thought for the day. I found it interesting how all these things can be happening around the world and we don’t even know about it. As people we are supposed to connect and understand each other and I think this blog really brings it out. The hidden messages that are in the article are usually really powerful. They talk about myths, love, and daily activities. These all apply to us.

For instance I came across this article based on myths of American Muslim’s love lives. Not only did this instantly caught my eye but I found it interesting how we judge and insist on something without hearing the other side. This is an example of why religions separate people. In another article I read about the interesting facts of what Christians belief is in the bible but in reality it’s not. People usually make an interpretation about things to be based on their own views.

I found this blog really fascinating and interesting, as well as challenging. Most of the information they write about I have never known, this why it makes it so interesting. Another article I came across is the one based on Whitney Huston’s death/barrial. Not only did this play a big role on the media industry but the news has been there to capture every second since the incident happened.

This plays a huge role in society as religion becomes more and more of an impact on people decisions. Though it may seem that religion has been getting less popularity ever since, but the truth is that more people have been turning around to face religion and have it unify people. At the end of the day I believe that religions are a major impact on our day to day lives as well as there to unify people. It may seem as a big reason why conflict is started. But at the end of the day it unifies families and people all around the world. Let’s keep this as a habit so we can grow into a better nation. 

2012, Are We Ready?

2011 has gone by a blink. A fresh New Year has started and many memories have been put aside. I will always know 2011 personally as the year of the flood. The flood has been a huge impact of the year and definitely shaped many things. Though people dread the new coming year of 2012, I welcome it. It’s a new year, a fresh start, and something new to look forward to. Experts have analyzed 2012 ahead, here is a list for the economy and what to watch out for. Open your eyes and look ahead, this is going to be an interesting year.

1. Unemployment has been one of the main concerns in America and throughout the world. Though percentages are rising job growth is supposed to be picked up by the second half of 2012, as experts say.

2. Euro zone crisis as been one eye-opening topic of 2011. Germany a leading country has been one of the strong supports of this crisis. Though it is to be said that 2012 will only drag Europe into a “deeper recession” other countries facing a financial crisis should definitely look out.

3. China is known to be one of the biggest exporters of Asia. In the next few months we should expect China to grow rapidly. But experts expect china to “lose momentum” this year.

4. Gold, everyone is known to invest in gold and to make as much profit as possible, but what lies ahead for these investments? Experts predict gold prices to increase by the end of 2012. Though they also say that gold isn’t a good investment due to the “manipulated market”.

5. Housing during 2011 wasn’t as its best. Many real-estate owners may know this due to the low percentage of consumers. But heads up, 2012 should be a rebound year!

6. Emerging markets, is this the time to invest? Some experts say to pass up on the investment and buy domestic instead. Understanding the market will help you get a better idea of what to invest in.

7. Keep your head high and invest in something that is suitable for you. There are going to be more years to come, don’t invest everything now. Look at what’s appropriate and fits perfectly.

2012 is expected to be a good year, so let’s start off fresh and maintain the good start all year long! 

Where were the people going?

The cold war proved a turning point in population due to the terror between countries that affected people's lives, and new opportunities created for different people such as women. The cold war included many frightening images and events including the rise of communism, the rise of new nations, the tension between militaries, and the space race. During the cold war the economic competition between the Soviet Union (Satellite States) and the United States (Western World) proved to be a major scare for other countries. With WWII ending, people were tired and concerned of the thought of falling back into war again. Though with the conflict between the major countries, this wasn’t an assuring thought.

As the two powerful powers began their rise, neighboring countries felt dreaded and tried to keep themselves out of the conflicts. The terror could be felt everywhere, and people were preparing themselves for the worst. The missile crisis in Cuba proved to be the closets the world has come to nuclear war. This thought frightened people in many areas in the world. This caused many people to travel around the world. People were in terror and frightened by the thought of war again. As well as the rise of powers and communism began, people wanted freedom. Both the space race and nuclear arms race frightened people, they felt that they were in danger at all times. Due to these reasons people felt the need to travel around in order to stay safe. On the other hand people traveled around the country due to jobs (this can be a job in the military). The dread and fear of nuclear war made many civilians move around.

Though cold war was a though time full of fears there were new opportunities that were created for different people. These opportunities included jobs for women, new rights, and more freedom. The cold war went through 1946-1991, throughout this period countries such as the major powers needed new workers to build the arms for the race. Women got more rights and were able to start working and help support the family. During this period women got a chance to rise and peruse their rights. The Soviets on the other hand questioned the United States on their motto. The United States stands as a capitalist and believe that they had freedom and equal rights in their country. This made the Soviet Union question their status, as the US did not allow voting for African-Americans or slaves. The United States was to rethink their rights after this comment. As the US changed their rights and more and more people got the chance to experience freedom, people began to travel. Due to the rights and jobs that were created throughout the world people began to shift and move around. Jobs were an important aspect, and were a main interest when moving. As well as rights that people got in different countries, and the security they were given.

People in this period were migrating to other countries due to many reasons. Though this two are sample reasons there are more such as; food, wages, prices, income, and so on. All these factors played a role during this time. People wanted to be safe and overcome the fear of war again. It was a hard time moving on from the two world wars. People were in fear and ready to move around to a better place. This caused the demographic shifts during the cold war.

Here are some sites you can check out more about the cold war itself:
http://www.funfront.net/hist/europe/coldwar.htm
http://www.history.com/topics/cold-war

Mongols, why were they so powerful?

During a time the Mongols played a big role in our world that we live on today. They migrated around the Middle East, Russia, China and Korea during 1200 – 1500 CE. The Mongols were an empire known to be one of the biggest continuing empires. The Mongols were made from tribes, which were bought together under the rule of Ghengis Khan. He was the ruler who wanted to invade and spread the empire into many parts of Europe and Asia. The Mongols used to migrate to wherever the empire won land. The Mongols moved a lot as they were nomads. They would move around in search of work and money.

The Mongolians were a powerful empire, extending their territory through Europe and Asia. In addition they used some trade routes to help win territory. In 1260 the Ghengis Khan empire divided into four parts. They were known as the Golden Horde Khanate, the Chagatai Khanate, the Ilkhanate, and the Yuan dynasty. Below is a picture of the empires divided accordingly to the leaders who conquered the land. 

The Mongols military setup was different from others. Not only was it strong and powerful, but the people were determined to fight for anything. Their setup was simple and strong. The Mongolian army fought through Europe and Asia as well as the hard battle in China. Under the rule of Genghis Khan, traders on the Silk Road would provide him with information from the neighboring countries making it easier for the military to fight into another country. The mongols were able to expand their territory throughout the nearby places in those years (Mongols expansion through time). 

Their hard conquest into china, as well as the disputes over succession all left an effect of how the Mongols were shaped. The Mongols were build to last. But when Genghis Khan died and the empire was based on ruins and empty places, their fall began. Though some say the Mongols did not “fall” but rather broke up. Some say the Mongols broke up due to the leaders who died and how they detached after terrorizing Europe as well as their power struggles.

Their impact left a lasting legacy as the empire was known for many things. The Mongols have left many effects on today’s world. They were one of the largest empire in history, well organized and believed in military and conquests. Their invasions were purely based mass destruction, determination, and mass destruction. They developed a writing system, which is still used today and has impacted some countries writing. The Mongols were also one of the firsts to start using paper money, which impacts our daily lives today. Many of their military techniques influences today’s armies. As well as tax systems and different ways of credit also was influenced by the Mongols.

Here is a video (part one) of the mongols. The video outlines the rise and falls and everything the empire went through till the end. There are 5 parts to the video, each 10 minutes long. Parts 1 and 3 outline the difficulties and rise and falls of the Mongols themselves. I hope this video helped! 

Enjoy