Modern Technology in Daily Life

Can you imagine a world without technology? Well, back then they had no access to any type of electronic. As time went by, electronics has changed over time and influenced others, especially social life. Now technology such as video games and cellular devices has affected us both positively and negatively. Sometimes when you get bored or take a break you start to play your smartphones. You check Instagram, texting your friends, or start to play games. But then you realize you spend more time on your phone than doing what you were suppose to do before. Phones can be a negative and positive influence in your life.A positive effect of cell phones is that they have revolutionized communication and made it easier to contact someone exactly at the moment that we need. Also, phones offer features that have many other benefits. A negative effect on phones is that you get off track and when you try to concentrate again, you cannot focus or even remember what you were doing. In addition, the l ack of communication with your family and friends increases. You tend to talk to them through text instead of talking to each other. Smartphones can be a tool of convenience, but at the same time they can be a distraction.The internet is so popular nowadays that about everyone uses it. It can be accessed by users Now that we have access to internet in almost everywhere, it can be an advantage and a disadvantage. What are they? The internet on society is that it provides the ability to access unlimited information and it also allows you connect and interact with your friends worldwide. Consequently, internet can include the difficulty to remove information when you want to and it can be an absence of communication as well just like using phones. Many people have been downloading music and other copyrighted materials for free.This lead to a negative impact of music industries and several lawsuits. The internet is another factor that influence social life today. Whether good or bad, te levision has been in our lives for a long time. Some think it’s a harm to our society and some think it’s a great invention. Television provides a variety of information that includes the news, advertisements, and events. It can also provide lots of entertainment such as music, comedy, drama, shows, and movies straight to home. It is very convenient and an affordable technology to use. On the other hand, television may have violent action films that increases crime rate and  violent acts in people. Some can be addicted into watching TV and decrease the amount of exercise causing people to be obese. Television is another aspect in our society that affects us greatly.Technology and electronics have been changing a lot through the past several centuries and have a great connection in the society today. Some can be disadvantages and advantages to us. Critical technology such as television, cellular devices and the internet changed through small ideas and change the world . In conclusion, whether if it is good or bad, technology had changed the people and the society worldwide extremely.

Terrorism And Human Rights Abuses

Terrorism and Human Rights Abuses in the Balkans, Eastern Europe and the Persian Gulf The Balkans, despite being a relatively small area, is home to an expansive assortment of nationalities, cultures and religions (Popescu, 2008). Hence, it is inevitable that any changes in the balance between them will have important political, social and economic consequences that will affect the entire region (Popescu, 2008). Terrorist groups took advantage of the instability brought about by the distrust of Balkan societies in their respective governments (Popescu, 2008).As a result, they easily turned the region into a breeding ground for extremist and fundamentalist groups, as well as a â€Å"transit corridor† for missions in third countries (Popescu, 2008). The war in Bosnia-Herzegovina in the 1990s, for instance, originated from the desire of the Bosniaks (Bosnian Muslims) to establish an Islamic state (Popescu, 2008). They used Islam as a â€Å"nationalistic rhetoric,† equating the survival of their country with the restoration of Muslim national identity (Popescu, 2008).The Bosniaks were supported by Islamic countries such as Saudi Arabia, Afghanistan, Kuwait, Libya and Iran, providing them with weapons and soldiers (Popescu, 2008). From 1992 to 1995, 6,000 â€Å"Arab-Afghan† rebels came to the country to fight in the hostility (Popescu, 2008). After 9/11, majority of the charitable institutions in Bosnia-Herzegovina were investigated and closed down due to their alleged ties with terrorist organizations like the Al-Qaeda (Popescu, 2008). In March 2002, police raided the BosanskaIdealna Futura-BIF, a Sarajevo-based humanitarian organization (Popescu, 2008). They found military manuals, forged passports, weapons and personal correspondence between Osama bin Laden and BIF founder Enaam Mahmud Arnaout (Popescu, 2008). Human rights abuses by Persian Gulf nations (Saudi Arabia, Iraq, UAE, Kuwait, etc. ) and terrorist attacks against US interests were b oth intended to supress political opposition. Despite publicly denouncing â€Å"American imperialism,† the aforementioned countries are notorious for grossly violating the human rights of their citizens (Simbulan, 2002).Majority of political prisoners in the Persian gulf nations were detained for speaking out against corruption and totalitarianism in their respective countries (Simbulan, 2002). Prominent Omani playwright and human rights activist Abdullah Ryami was imprisoned on July 2005 for vocally criticizing the Omani government's arrest and trial of 31 Omanis belonging to the Ibadi sect for allegedly plotting a coup (Human Rights Watch, 2005). At the time of his incarceration, he had no contact with his family or a legal counsel (Human Rights Watch, 2005).He was also banned from writing in newspapers and producing plays for television (Human Rights Watch, 2005). On December 2007, activists in Bahrain staged a series of demonstrations to â€Å"mark abuses by security for ces during political unrest in the 1990s† (Human Rights Watch, 2008). Dozens of people were arrested in the violent dispersals that ensued, including opposition political activists who protested the Bahraini government's repression of civil liberties (Human Rights Watch, 2008). In January 2008, detainees complained of being subjected to physical and sexual abuse by interrogators and jailers (Human Rights Watch, 2008).The prisoners' request for independent physicians to examine the extent of their injuries was also denied (Human Rights Watch, 2008). The collapse of the Soviet Union contributed to terrorist activities in Eastern Europe by making its newly-formed republics more vulnerable to American military intervention (Howstuffworks, 2008). After the Soviet bloc fell, the US emerged as the world's remaining superpower (Howstuffworks, 2008). The breakup of the Soviet Union granted the US easy access to its natural resources, particularly oil (Howstuffworks, 2008). The paragrap h below summarized the region's potential:Afghanistan occupies the central position in the U. S. strategy for the economic control of the oil and gas resources in the entire Middle East. The U. S. currently imports 51 per cent of its crude oil – 19. 5 million barrels daily. The Energy Information Administration estimates that by 2020, the U. S. will import 64 per cent of its crude – 25. 8 million barrels a day. Caspian region oil reserves might be the third largest in the world (after Western Siberia and the Persian Gulf) and, within the next 15 to 20 years, may be large enough to offset Persian Gulf oil.Caspian Sea oil and gas are not the only hydrocarbon deposits in the region. Turkmenistan's Karakum Desert holds the world's third largest gas reserves – three trillion cubic meters – and has six billion barrels of estimated oil reserves. Current estimates indicate that, in addition to huge gas deposits, the Caspian basin may hold as much as 200 billion b arrels of oil – 33 times the estimated holdings of Alaska's North Slope and a current value of $4 trillion. It is enough to meet the U. S. ‘ energy needs for 30 years or more (Yechury, 2001).Hence, it was no longer surprising if the US declared war against the Taliban regime of Afghanistan. But majority of the extremist and terrorist groups in the former Soviet Bloc and in Eastern Europe are allied with the Taliban, as the Taliban provided them with weapons, training and manpower (Godoy, 2001). Therefore, the US will have to face a bigger threat of terrorism in Eastern Europe. References __________. (2002, October). The Oil Equation in the US Bid against Iraq. Education for Development, 1, 15-16. Capdevila, G. (2002, October).Outgoing UN Human Rights Chief Repeats Criticisms against US. Education for Development, 1, 30-31. Deen, T. (2002, October). UN Credibility at Stake over Iraq, Warn Diplomats. Education for Development, 1, 10-11. Godoy, J. (2001, November 15). US P olicy Towards Taliban Influenced by Oil – Authors. Retrieved February 28, 2008 from http://www. commondreams. org/headlines01/1115-06. htm. Howstuffworks. (2008). The Fall of the Soviet Union and the Rise of Terrorism. Retrieved February 28, 2008 from http://history. howstuffworks. com/cold-war/the-cold-war-timeline4.htm. Human Rights Watch. (2005, July 18). Oman: Critics Subjected to Injustices They Had Exposed. Retrieved February 28, 2008 from http://hrw. org/english/docs/2005/07/18/oman11343. htm. Human Rights Watch. (2008, January 21). Bahrain: Investigate Alleged Torture of Activists. Retrieved February 28, 2008 from http://hrw. org/english/docs/2008/01/21/bahrai17838. htm. Human Rights Watch. (2008, February 16). Bahrain: New Allegations of Detainee Abuse. Retrieved February 28, 2008 from http://hrw. org/english/docs/2008/02/16/bahrai18083.htm. Lobe, J. (2002, October). US Vision of Might and Right. Education for Development, 1, 3-5. Popescu, Teodora. (2008). Tackling T errorism in the Balkans. PDF File. Retrieved February 28, 2008 from sparky. harvard. edu/kokkalis/GSW9/Popescu_paper. pdf. Simbulan, R. (2002, October). Why the UN Must Defend Iraq against the US War of Aggression. Education for Development, 1, 48-50. Yechury, Sitram. (2001). America, Oil and Afghanistan. Retrieved February 28, 2008 from http://www. hinduonnet. com/2001/10/13/stories/05132524. htm.

Tradition and innovation in the Handscroll, in Beijing, 2008 Essay

Tradition and innovation in the Handscroll, in Beijing, 2008 - Essay Example To be specific, Zhang Yimou did not try to discard traditionalism, but linked the same with new technology by allowing modern technology to enter the realm of traditional art. Similarly, the electronic Handscroll is symbolic of the transformation of general views on art and its connection with time element because the artist tries to link the unknown past with present. Besides, the artist provides ample importance to the entertainment value of the electronic Handscroll because he needs to satisfy the domestic and internationals viewers in general. Thesis statement: The research on the amalgamation of tradition and innovation in the Handscroll, in Beijing, 2008 proves that traditional Chinese art accepts modern technology the same sheds light into the rich traditional Handscroll art in China, new technologies change people’s way of creating art by motivating domestic companies to develop core technologies, and it transforms the general view on art by connecting unknown past and present in general (special references to the electronic Handscroll created by Zhang Yimou and its relationship with traditional Chinese art). This section is broadly divides into: Traditional Handscroll art in China and modern technology, New technologies and change people’s way of creating art, and The transformation of general views on art and its connection with unknown past and the present. One can see that the handscroll art in China is interconnected with the Chinese way of presenting traditional paintings. For instance, a handscroll will be in the form of a lengthy scroll consisting of paintings and the Chinese calligraphy. Besides, this sort of scrolls is not for formal display, but to spread on a flat surface and to enjoy the landscape painted on the same. Maxwell K. Hearn stated that, â€Å"To â€Å"read† a Chinese painting is to enter into a dialogue with the past; the

Quality of High School Education in United States Essay

Quality of High School Education in United States - Essay Example The integration of technology has brought great improvisation in the quality of high school education. The ultimate gain of the above mentioned point has actually spread a sense of security in the students. They are now more confident of taking up the challenges of the real world that requires instant decision making and regular introspection. The learning in the classroom is now generating a new relationship between the teacher and the student. The teachers are now developing various new methods for assessment as well as teaching process. The schools are also entrusting its teachers to stress on critical thinking. Even though students are learning facts and basic skills, they are now stressing with adequate emphasis on advanced reasoning skills (von Glasersfeld, 87-95). The newer technology generally in the form of computer & internet has provided a different addition to the concept that encompasses meaningful learning of education. One of the first and most vocal proponents of the use of technology to promote this type of meaningful learning was Seymour Papert who believed that computers could provide a powerful tool for learning. He also noted that schools have frequently ignored the broad capacities of computers for instructional support, isolating them from the learning process rather than integrating them into all areas of the curriculum. Using the techniques of the constructivism effectively, the teacher can teach or educate their students in restored modality. Teachers are beginning to use technology as a tool to promote students' ability to reason and solve authentic problems. Also, teachers have now been using technology and also integrating them into formal education system with intention to transform classrooms into technology intensive knowledge centers providing purposeful learning with experimental leaning that would intuitively create an environment of authentic action rather than awareness and simple information. The effective use of technology now integrates higher cognitive skill development and thinking skills such as problem solving, reasoning, decision making, and scientific inquiry. When teachers are thorough and totally integrate technology into class room a very different environment comes into existence. A constructivist learning environment is a place in which learners work together and support each other as they use a variety of tools and information resources in their guided pursuit of learning goals and problem-solving activities. Constructivist learning environments frequently encompass many different applications of media and technology. Classrooms under this environment are active with the combine of the tools of constructivism with communication and visualization tools that enable communication and collaboration among learners in a socio cultural context. Increased student achievement can result because of the synergy created through dynamic interactions (Sandholtz, Ringstaff, & Dwyer). Reference: Papert, S. Mindstorms: Children, computers and powerful ideas. New York: Harper Collins, 1980 Papert, S. The children's machine: Rethinking school in the age of the computer. New York: Basic Books, 1994 Sandholtz, J., Ringstaff, C., & Dwyer, D.

Reflection Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 20

Reflection - Essay Example Writing has helped me discover myself about my high points from a self-evaluated point of view. I strongly rely on spoken vocabulary. I write what I can say aloud making my writing direct and easily understood by others. Right from grade1 days I was told reading a lot builds our vocabulary and the greatest speakers in the world are equally chronic readers. At a personal point of view, my reading habit has greatly helped create the writer in me since it not only nurtures my grammar but also gives me a diversified approach to different situations. In addition, I constantly listen to my writing as if it were spoken aloud. This gives rhythm to my writing. Truth is highly compromised especially where the consequences that come with telling the truth are adverse making it subjective and objective and hence will now be propaganda and not factual. As a writer, I do not subscribe to such beliefs among people since I believe a writers duty is to tell the truth no matter how gross the circumstance is or whoever forms part of the story. I have a memory strong on recognition. I am not outstanding on recall but when someone or something triggers a memory, I retrieve it all a fresh with a new enticing version of it. I regard this rather advantageous as opposed to photographic memory, which impedes the imaginative process, which is why I am glad I do not have one. For a writer I suspect that recognition is more important than recall since when a memory of an individual is buried, all types of interesting links are formed in your mind. No machine is a hundred percent efficient, and as humans our efficiency is relatively lower than that hence I greatly embrace my weaknesses as I strive to work on them. Reluctance to edit is a major hiccup I face. When I am done with my writing, my mind drifts to something else and thus not unless I am willing I end up not editing the work. I have a phobia about fiction. When it comes to creating

Critical analysis of conventionon cluster munitions Essay

Critical analysis of conventionon cluster munitions - Essay Example Almost 90 countries joined the legal process and 37 others have already signed and ratified the agreement. Meanwhile, the greatest political powers, including the United States, Russia, China and Israel rejected the Convention and are growing more reluctant to reduce their participation in the global military movement. The big military powers like Russia, China, the United States and Israel will continue resisting their participation in the international Convention on Cluster Munitions, as long as cluster munitions are the sources of numerous military and economic benefits, which these countries use in their fight against the minor and major military enemies. Understanding the reasons for which the biggest political powers reject the Convention on Cluster Munitions is impossible without having better understanding of what cluster munitions are and how they work. Objectively, â€Å"cluster munitions are weapons that, when launched or dropped by aircraft, disperse large numbers of sub munitions over wide areas that can be the size of two to four football fields† (UNDP). That cluster bombs do not always explode upon impact and continue threatening the civilian population remains one of the major issues of public concern. This is also the basic reason for developing and signing the global Convention on Cluster Munitions. Apart from serving the basic instrument of casualties in military operations, cluster munitions contribute to food insecurity through the contamination of arable land and by killing livestock (UNDP). Cluster bombs block access to water and sanitation and turn into a serious barrier to economic development (UNDP). Sinc e the World War II, cluster munitions have targeted almost 30 countries, and it is high time new legislation were developed and implemented, to reduce the risks of casualties among the civilian population (UNDP). The technical and military features of cluster munitions make it difficult for the

Macroeconomics Interview Assignment Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Macroeconomics Interview Assignment - Essay Example as a set of actions and conditions that were fundamental attributes of a financial crisis and ensuing recession, which become evident and visible in 2008. Some of the actions or factors that contributed to this crisis of rise and fall of housing costs are attributed of the securities held by the financial institutions. The ensuing years leading to the crisis, the United States had received large sums of money in terms of foreign loans from fast developing economies such as Asia and other oil manufacturing nations (Rao, and Sisodiya, 11). The huge inflow of foreign funds and low U.s rates of interest between 2002 and 2004 is attributed to the volatile milieu characterised by easy credit conditions. This environment is immensely attributed to the housing and credit bubbles. However, the immediate cause of the subprime crisis was the bursting of the US’s housing bubble. The bubble peaked between 2005 and 2006. The crisis was characterized by an increase in subprime mortgage negligence and foreclosure, and the consequent decrease of securities that were guaranteed by the said mortgages. The mortgages included the mortgage-backed securities (MBS) and the collateralized debt obligations (CDO). The securities offered attractive incentives and rates of return in the beginning; nonetheless, the abnormally low credit factor eventually resulted to substantial defaults (Rao, and Sisodiya, 27). Fundamentally, the crisis is connected to numerous factors; however, the primary ones include the inability of homeowners to submit the mortgage payments due to predatory lending and speculation factors. Other factors include high level of personal and corporate debts, poor monetary and housing policy, global imbalances and inapt government regulation, which aimed at expanding homeownership. It is imperative to note that, the MBS, CDO and credit default swap caused the disproportionate housing debt. For the case of the home sellers and business people, the increase and sharp fall of