Media, copy writing, etc.

Without media (dvd players, tivo, cd player, etc.) humans would have very different forms of entertainment. I would actually be curious to go back, change history, come back to the present time and see what we would be doing for fun but seeing as I can't do that I'll just imagine on my own time.

The actions of lawmakers have decided what would be considered piracy, copy writing infringement, etc. and then taken products off the market that violate such laws. This has shaped what we come to know as different forms of entertainment today but have they gone too far? or not far enough? If I were taking into account the lack of parenting I see when I sub and talk to other teachers, students and faculty as well as the massive amounts of technology produced purely for entertainment and not for anything educational, I would have to say that law makers/decision makers have not done enough. Although taking entertainment products off the market or stopping them before they could be made would probably be violating some of our rights or something like that... Ok, enough ranting!

Crash Course Response

After watching the Crash Course video I was distressed to think this one person could figure out that our country and world are not doing well (to put it nicely). Though he stayed positive, I cannot see how we can keep doing what we're doing and still have a world to live in and function in in twenty years.
I was also filled with uncertainty, not for myself but for children today. I don't have any children myself but I can't even imagine bringing a child into this world even in the next few years. The world is so unstable that it makes me wonder if there will be a livable world for our children to live in twenty years down the line.
I was also constantly asking the DVD (Chris M.) what can I do as an individual? The feeling of hopelessness filled me as I thought that that I am just one person in the midst of millions and millions of people world-wide. I felt like no matter what I would do as an individual, it wouldn't matter. Yet Chris was still upbeat!
At the very end of the DVD I had some hope and even curiosity as to what will actually happen in twenty years. With the rapid decline Chris showed us I sincerely hope those in power will realize VERY DRASTIC things need to happen in order to make our future and the future of our children a good future.

The iPad Release

First I have to say that I've had trouble with my gmail account along with everything else so needless to say I have a new gmail address, site, blog, etc.

Saying that, the release of the iPad is exciting but I can't say that I would purchase one. The iPad is portable and looks like a smaller laptop and a bigger iPhone. Having no "cover" to speak of, I would be afraid of breaking it. The abilities of the iPad seem broad and cover a large spectrum which is nice but I would think it might have limited memory and certain capabilities.
As a teacher, I can see grants being written to get iPads for classes in place of new books and new laptops. I can also see business people and specialists (doctors, etc.) using the iPad as a means of portability and consolidating information.