For class on March 29, 2012
1. Autism rate
A recent study discovered that the Autism rate has increased by more than 20 percent from 2006 to 2008. The one in 88 chance used to be one in 155. Researchers have not yet determined if the increase is cause by an increase in awareness, widening of the definition, or an actual increase in incidence. My mother teaches special education so I am always fascinated in learning disorders.
2. Face unlock
Just when you think phone security is strong, a whole new spectrum is introduced. Samsung is continuing to perfect its "face unlock" feature. It also adds the need to blink before unlocking your phone. I guess no one will ever have to worry about strangers or friends hacking into their phones!
3. Open-heart surgery tweeted live
Social media history was made last month at a Houston hospital when an entire open-heart surgery was tweeted live. Obviously the doctor performing the surgery was not doing the actual tweeting, but another doctor tweeted updates and answered questions throughout the procedure. This proves social media's ability to connect people and shine light on unexpected events.
4. Google Maps traffic estimates
After driving to Alabama and back for spring break, I discovered Google Maps is not the most accurate time estimator, especially when traffic is taken into account. Google fixed the kinks and is now offering a congestion-free time estimate and an estimate in the current traffic conditions. Google is always challenging itself to become better and more efficient.
5. Spotify remaining free
Americans can use Spotify for free for a little while longer. After the free period, users will have to pay $9.99 a month for all of the services or can play up to ten hours of music free a month. I do not think it is a terrible deal to pay ten bucks if you are an avid music listener. I will just stick to the ten free hours a month, though.
Thursday, March 29, 2012
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
March 27, 2012
For class on March 29, 2012
1. UTSG elections
It is FINALLY time for the student government president and vice-president elections. After about five weeks of controversy with Madison/Antonio, they are once and for all disqualified from the election. I, along with many other UT students, have become annoyed and lost respect for UT Student Government after all of the events that have taken place in the past month.
2. Kabongo and Brown back for another year
Myck Kabongo announced yesterday that he will not be drafted into the NBA and will stat at UT for at least one more season. J'Covan Brown also tweeted about most likely staying at UT, but nothing has been confirmed publicly. Lets hope they can pull it together and step up from their weak showing at the NCAA tournament this past year.
3. Nightclub owners
The Yassine family, owning eight Austin nightclubs, are in huge trouble with federal law enforcement. They have been accused of money laundering, drug dealing, weapon purchasing, and being tied to a prison gang and a militant Islamic group. Pure and Spill are popular student bars so it will be interesting to see what happens to the properties.
4. Gingrich vs. Romney
On Tuesday, Newt Gingrich pledged his support to Mitt Romney, if he were to win the Republican primary. This was done to help unify the Republican party. In my opinion, I do not think either are strong enough to seriously compete with Obama. A good strategy is to start grooming a candidate for the 2016 elections.
5. Tebow visits jail
Love him or hate him, Tebow somehow always seems to find the limelight. I do respect his openness about his religion, but I do believe there is a line to not be crossed. He has spoken at multiple jails and churches, which is great, but I do not think he should promote Christianity during football related events.
1. UTSG elections
It is FINALLY time for the student government president and vice-president elections. After about five weeks of controversy with Madison/Antonio, they are once and for all disqualified from the election. I, along with many other UT students, have become annoyed and lost respect for UT Student Government after all of the events that have taken place in the past month.
2. Kabongo and Brown back for another year
Myck Kabongo announced yesterday that he will not be drafted into the NBA and will stat at UT for at least one more season. J'Covan Brown also tweeted about most likely staying at UT, but nothing has been confirmed publicly. Lets hope they can pull it together and step up from their weak showing at the NCAA tournament this past year.
3. Nightclub owners
The Yassine family, owning eight Austin nightclubs, are in huge trouble with federal law enforcement. They have been accused of money laundering, drug dealing, weapon purchasing, and being tied to a prison gang and a militant Islamic group. Pure and Spill are popular student bars so it will be interesting to see what happens to the properties.
4. Gingrich vs. Romney
On Tuesday, Newt Gingrich pledged his support to Mitt Romney, if he were to win the Republican primary. This was done to help unify the Republican party. In my opinion, I do not think either are strong enough to seriously compete with Obama. A good strategy is to start grooming a candidate for the 2016 elections.
5. Tebow visits jail
Love him or hate him, Tebow somehow always seems to find the limelight. I do respect his openness about his religion, but I do believe there is a line to not be crossed. He has spoken at multiple jails and churches, which is great, but I do not think he should promote Christianity during football related events.
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
March 21, 2012
For class on March 22, 2012
1. Earthquake in Mexico
An earthquake with a magnitude of 7.4 hit central Mexico on Tuesday. Luckily, no one has passed away due to the earthquake but over 60 homes and other buildings collapsed. They experienced a terrible earthquake in 1985 so thankfully this one did not compare.
2. NASA and Mars
NASA announced that they plan to set up a 500-day pretend trip to Mars on the International Space Station. It will take a few years to coordinate it but is a step in the right direction for a future visit to the actual red planet.
3. Austin homelessness
Austin is notorious for all of the homeless people, so at South by Southwest, homeless people were actually utilized. There were "homeless hotspots" where homeless people carried Wi-Fi hotspots around the city. It is a great way to turn a negative aspect into something unique and attention-grabbling. Keep Austin weird...
4. Whole Foods new stores
Whole Foods announced the opening dates of two new stores around Austin. They reported a 33 percent increase in profits for the first quarter of this year, and the two new stores will definitely increase that number. It is one of my favorite stores, and I will definitely pay the new stores a visit.
5. Twitter
1. Earthquake in Mexico
An earthquake with a magnitude of 7.4 hit central Mexico on Tuesday. Luckily, no one has passed away due to the earthquake but over 60 homes and other buildings collapsed. They experienced a terrible earthquake in 1985 so thankfully this one did not compare.
2. NASA and Mars
NASA announced that they plan to set up a 500-day pretend trip to Mars on the International Space Station. It will take a few years to coordinate it but is a step in the right direction for a future visit to the actual red planet.
3. Austin homelessness
Austin is notorious for all of the homeless people, so at South by Southwest, homeless people were actually utilized. There were "homeless hotspots" where homeless people carried Wi-Fi hotspots around the city. It is a great way to turn a negative aspect into something unique and attention-grabbling. Keep Austin weird...
4. Whole Foods new stores
Whole Foods announced the opening dates of two new stores around Austin. They reported a 33 percent increase in profits for the first quarter of this year, and the two new stores will definitely increase that number. It is one of my favorite stores, and I will definitely pay the new stores a visit.
5. Twitter
March 21, 2012
For class on March 22, 2012
1. Madison and Antonio are back
Madison and Antonio announced their return to the UT Student Government elections. The elections will take place next week and will be a fight to the end. There has been much controversy around Madison and Antonio after they were disqualified and decided to sue UT due to an infringement on the First Amendment. There have been negative Daily Texas articles about them so I am excited to see how the attention affects them in the race.
2. Jeb Bush backs Romney
It was announced that Jeb Bush will officially endorse Mitt Romney in the Republican primary. Mr. Bush stressed the importance for the GOB to gather together and unite to defeat Barack Obama. Romney seems to be the Republican front runner, but will it last?
3. Draw Something
I am recently obsessed with the new iPhone application, Draw Something. It is where you partner with another person and draw pictures and guess your partners to receive tokens. It just beat out Words with Friends as the most popular Facebook Connected game. Zynga recently acquired it from OMGPOP for $180 million.
4. Child shootings
There has recently been three major shootings in the world where children have been involved. It is devastating that these children's lives have been cut short. The shootings have occurred in France, Afghanistan, and Florida. Seventeen children have died in these three events, which is 17 too many.
5. New iPad
The features of the new iPad has a high-resolution "retina" display that is supposed to be as good as the human eye. Speculation has occurred that the screen might be too good for the Internet. It is being compared to HDTV which slowly became the norm in television displays. I am confident in Apple that they have a plan to integrate it so that all websites can benefit from it.
1. Madison and Antonio are back
Madison and Antonio announced their return to the UT Student Government elections. The elections will take place next week and will be a fight to the end. There has been much controversy around Madison and Antonio after they were disqualified and decided to sue UT due to an infringement on the First Amendment. There have been negative Daily Texas articles about them so I am excited to see how the attention affects them in the race.
2. Jeb Bush backs Romney
It was announced that Jeb Bush will officially endorse Mitt Romney in the Republican primary. Mr. Bush stressed the importance for the GOB to gather together and unite to defeat Barack Obama. Romney seems to be the Republican front runner, but will it last?
3. Draw Something
I am recently obsessed with the new iPhone application, Draw Something. It is where you partner with another person and draw pictures and guess your partners to receive tokens. It just beat out Words with Friends as the most popular Facebook Connected game. Zynga recently acquired it from OMGPOP for $180 million.
4. Child shootings
There has recently been three major shootings in the world where children have been involved. It is devastating that these children's lives have been cut short. The shootings have occurred in France, Afghanistan, and Florida. Seventeen children have died in these three events, which is 17 too many.
5. New iPad
The features of the new iPad has a high-resolution "retina" display that is supposed to be as good as the human eye. Speculation has occurred that the screen might be too good for the Internet. It is being compared to HDTV which slowly became the norm in television displays. I am confident in Apple that they have a plan to integrate it so that all websites can benefit from it.
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