Tumalad's jBlog

Technology

jtumalad — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 20:33:07 +0000

Technology is what separates humans from lower life forms. To say that technology will be the end of us is wrong. Where would civilization be without the technology of the spear and farming tools? The technological advances today grows faster and faster with every second and minute. The internet is a world wide phenomenon that allows the planet to stay connected.

With the growing popular usage of the internet, we can stay connected anywhere anytime. This is extremely useful in the medical field. To help doctors and nurses stay up to date on patients is key to saving lives. With real time updates, the patient will not be bombarded with mistakes and given wrong medicines due to outdated charts. It will also speed up the process from one end of the hospital to the other. To give up this technology would be ethically wrong.

To control the internet would tear the system apart. It would be an outrage to the public to find out the government is watching us. Everyone should be akin to the ideas of the world, so everyone can decide for themselves. I believe we should embrace the idea of a network fused between everyone. This will connect people in ways never imagined. It can dissolve a world crisis by keeping everyone informed and allowing anyone to help. Instead of sitting helplessly in your home, you could jump on the internet and contribute to helping the hungry and helpless across the planet. If the internet was restricted, then our right to free speech would be invalid. Freedom in the internet is one of the few places people can go to anonymously.

Maybe we should ask questions about the harm of technology, but why? Like some people say, “if it ain’t broke, then don’t fix it.” We’re doing what we can with what we have. Technology will advance us as a people and can fix global warming in time, but it won’t help if we are restricted. All the talk of making stem cell research illegal hinders us. If doing this research can save a person’s life, should we worry about what could have been or what we’re losing now?

Everyone is entitled to their own opinion, and those opinions should be allowed to be expressed. Restrictions on a free market like the internet shouldn’t be allowed. Like-minded people connect and share their ideas over this medium. It wasn’t too long ago when the United States came to be because of revolutionaries with ideas of freedom came together to start something new.

Revision Post of pg. 1

jtumalad — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 21:20:55 +0000

Houston, Texas is known for its horrible traffic problems. They have become worse with the introduction of the popular cell phone. With this major distraction, people are more liable to get in accidents, which in turn causes traffic to build up. Cell phone users talk and text focusing more on their conversations rather than on the more important road that they are driving on. To alleviate this problem, the use of mobile phones without a hands-free device should be banned.
According to INRIX, the leading provider of traffic and navigation services, Houston ranks number six nationally as the top congested metros with Los Angeles and New York City ranking first and second (National Traffic Scorecard). With this much traffic congestion, driving on Interstate forty-five is almost like conducting the Houston Symphony, with all the lane-changes and stops associated with driving to and from downtown Houston. “The Houston Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) covers 10,062 square miles…[which] contains more people than Minnesota, which ranks 21st among the states in population” (Houston Statistics). With that many people and this much congestion, there is a question of safety while driving inside the city.
Although there have been precautions started due to this new generation of cell phone users, it should be a city wide law. The fact that in school zones where posted, cell phone use is prohibited is a big step forward. The worse accidents do not happen in school zones, they happen on busy intersections and highways. A current fine of $200 is instated if violating this law in marked school zones. These zones are very important to pay attention to with children playing around those areas, but why should we stop there? Are there less children playing in the neighborhoods that we cannot ban them in residential areas? While it is important to pay attention to the areas congested with children, it is important to pay attention to traffic in general with a highly populated city.
While it is very important that Houston has a city-wide ban of mobile device usage while driving, they will not be the first to do so. There have been many states that have already passed legislature to get rid of this problem, among them is: California, Hawaii, Washington, and the District of Columbia. One state for example, Hawaii, started the law which states cell phone users must have a hands-free device to use while driving.

Draft page 1

jtumalad — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 23:31:01 +0000

Houston, Texas is known for its horrible traffic problems. They have become worse with the introduction of the popular cell phone. With this major distraction, people are more liable to get in accidents, which in turn causes traffic to build up. Instead of focusing on the road, cell phone users talk and text focusing more on their conversations. To alleviate this problem, the use of mobile phones without a hands-free device should be banned.
Although there have been precautions started due to this new generation of cell phone users, it should be a city wide law. The fact that in school zones where posted, cell phone use is prohibited is a big step forward. The worse accidents do not happen in school zones, they happen on busy intersections and highways. A current fine of $200 is instated if violating this law in marked school zones. These zones are very important to pay attention to with children playing around those areas, but why should we stop there? Are there less children playing in the neighborhoods that we cannot ban them in residential areas?
While it is very important that Houston has a city-wide ban of mobile device usage while driving, they will not be the first to do so. There have been many states that have already passed legislature to get rid of this problem, among them is: California, Hawaii, Washington, and the District of Columbia. One state for example, Hawaii, started the law which states cell phone users must have a hands-free device to use while driving. In Honolulu county, Oahu, the accidents caused by cell phone usage is very limited with this new law. There have been over 950 citations issued between July 1 and September 12, 2009 in Oahu (Honolulu Police Department).
Major accidents have happened in which people lost lives. This is an unacceptable part of the system, while drinking and driving is a major offense, cell phone usage is very much distracting, so much that sober users cause death and destruction. According to the Texas Department of Transportation, the traffic violations in 2008 had 29 vehicles involved in fatal crashes with a total of

Practical Proposal Arguement topic: Cell Phone Band Without a Hands-free Device While Driving

jtumalad — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 23:59:21 +0000

I have decided to propose a ban on cell phone usage without a hands-free device while driving in Houston.

a. Why is the problem a problem?
Using mobile phones while driving is a distraction that causes traffic accidents including death.

b. For whom is the problem a problem?
All the drivers in Houston. Everyone is susceptible to the distractions of using a cell phone to text or talk while driving. To be aware of cell phone users is almost the same as looking for a drunk driver, you never know when you are going to get hit.

How will these people suffer if the problem is not solved?
With the statistics of twenty-three deaths so far in 2008 that involved the usage of cellular/mobile devices.

Who has the power to solve the problem?
If legislation is passed, this activity can be stopped by police officers.

Why hasn’t the problem been solved up to this point?
The problem has not been solved since people love to talk on the phone while driving. There are a lot of people against this, but the fact of the matter is cell phones do cause accidents.

How can the problem be solved?
If legislation is passed, people will realize that the action of talking or texting on cell phones is punishable and will help stop the act.

What are the probable benefits of acting on your proposal?
Traffic accidents will be less frequent and the fines induced from this action can go to good will of hospital care, or road maintenance.

What costs are associated with your proposal?
The costs may be the addition of extra police officers to oversee these traffic violations. With new legislation there are costs that come standard, for example, the training of new implementation to police officers and the judicial system.

Who will bear those costs?
These costs are no addition to the addition of new laws. With the initiative from this new law, the fines can help these costs and promote better welfare on the streets, especially those in most need of new roads.

Why should this proposal be enacted?
This proposal should be enacted because if it is not stopped now, then future generations will think it is okay to talk and text while driving and with more and more people becoming drivers, it is pertinent that they do not get into bad habits that take a longer time to revert.

Why is it better than alternative proposals?
With a ban of mobile phones without a hands-free device, people can still talk on their mobile phone, it does not eliminate complete usage. Although texting is completely banned, the act of texting requires much more attention than driving.

Local Proposal Essay Topics

jtumalad — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 21:31:47 +0000

The stories that jumped out to my attention are, “Move It! Red light cameras mean green for hospitals,” and “UH deals with parking.” The “Move it!” article peaked my interest, because I believe that red light cameras should not be used. With all the fallacies that come with them, I believe it does more harm than good. Although the money from the cameras go to hospitals that are in need of the money, there are other ways to help them out. Articles like, “UH deals with parking,” are always interesting to me because of my involvement with parking at the university. Parking is a big issue at college, especially for commuter students like myself that deal with a forty-five minute drive to campus and yet another ten minute walk to class due to the lack of available parking during the day.

The story I would choose is, “Move It! Red light cameras mean green for hospitals.” I would ask if red light cameras are a good choice for traffic violations. I would have to research the technology of red light cameras and the legislation about the fines and rules of said cameras. I could interview the district in charge of these cameras and find out about legislation on the houstontx.gov website. I could also interview the Houston Police Department about how effective the cameras are or are not. I could also research studies that involve red light cameras in different cities across the nation.

The other topics I would be interested in are: a proposal to ban cell phone usage while driving without a hands free device and a proposal to improve the University of Houston’s wireless internet. I am interested in the cell phone usage because I know in other states, such as Hawaii, there are current laws that fine people for the usage of cell phones without hands free devices. I also believe that people are the most vulnerable to get into accidents while talking or texting while driving. I currently use a bluetooth headset while driving because it is difficult to drive with one less hand, especially since I drive a five-speed manual car. The issue of UH’s wi-fi is also an interesting topic. I believe that with the rising costs of tuition and the dependency of computers in this age of technology that UH should have a wider range of internet. While there are tuition costs that affect everyone like the cost of erecting new housing that is barely in use, why would there not be a bigger precedence on the most commonly used tool for school? It is important that with the growing use of computers that people get the most for their money. With more than frequent drops from the wireless network in areas such as the library, it is close to impossible to maintain a link to the internet, especially when assignments such as this one is due today. Although there are computers hooked up to physical lines, those locations are few and far between. The use of a portable laptop is essential today, with classes that post notes online, use online blogs for assignments, and send e-mails to discuss class, it is pertinent that the internet be readily available to all students and teachers all across campus.

Major Paper 1 Topic

jtumalad — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 19:38:52 +0000

I have chosen as my first topic to write about Facebook. I plan on writing on the consequences of the rising popularity of social networking websites such as MySpace and Facebook. I find this interesting because with each generation comes new technology, and seeing this generation act upon this evolution of the internet is different even though I myself am still young. With social networking sites and the rise in popularity among teenagers, there can be many struggles good and bad. One example that has been discussed is cyber bullying, with that comes a great struggle of the downfalls of technology. To see this happening to kids that are just growing up can be very detrimental to society, and the ways to police this to prevent low self esteem are important with a rise of technology. When I went to school, I did not even own a cell phone, but nowadays, I see kids as young as seven with one. With online social networks there aren’t even any prerequisites for getting a login except an e-mail address. There are also the impact that the newer generation is not getting the social practices of face to face contact. With all the limitations removed, people can make their own applications including one that had to deal with a national security threat with Barrack Obama. On the good side, online networking has benefits like being able to keep in touch with people from far distances. All these different implications, good or bad, have an impact on today’s society and today’s youth.

Visual Argument

jtumalad — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 03:10:56 +0000

Political cartoon

“Glee”fully Excited

jtumalad — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 21:18:27 +0000

What comes to mind when you think of musicals and teenagers? Movies like “High School Musical,” “Hairspray,” and “Grease.” Well, coming to television is a ground breaking musical comedy, “Glee.” Although it may seem like a knock-off of said movies, “Glee” is new and promising with a modern day twist to deliver excitement to today’s “American Idol” generation.

The premise of the story is a teacher with the love of singing is putting together a glee club made from mostly the misfits of this school. At first, it would seem to be a knock off of High School Musical, but it goes much deeper than that, with the passions of being a teacher, the problems faced as a high school teenager, and the aspirations of both, there is a look at problems faced in today’s society and the irony of life. With a look into the politics and trials of a low-income teacher on the verge of having a new child, there are issues not always seen by the tweens and MySpacers of today. All the stereotypes and more encompassed in high school are here, with the jock that wants to sing and go against the grain, the loser YouTuber with amazing talent as a singer, a paraplegic nerd that plays electric guitar, an Asian goth with a speech impediment, and other misfits, the everyday stereotypes are made into an underdog group that you are always hoping will succeed.

What makes this show ground breaking is the use of a musical theme. It’s not a new idea, as television show have introduced many musical specials like “Scrubs” episode, “My Musical,” featuring the song, “Everything Comes Down to Poo,” but there has yet to be a television show that implements a musical comedy for the basis of a show. The days of “Star Search” and “The Mickey Mouse Club” are over, it is now the “American Idol” generation. With many reality television shows that showcase the talents of singing and dancing, this show pokes fun at it, while motivating kids to chase their dreams and know their potential.

The cast employed is diverse in both comedy and music and dance. With actress Jane Lynch playing the coach of the cheerleading squad, the Cheerios, and Matthew Morrison playing the teacher in charge of the glee club, there is a comedic rivalry in the show. There are covers of songs ranging from “Grease’s” “You’re The One That I Want,” to Amy Whinehouse’s “Rehab,” that give the audience variety and keeps up to date with today’s pop culture. The talent of the performers is jaw dropping, ending the season pilot with an awesome rendition of Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believing.”

Although there are many variants of television shows that deal with the trials and tribulations faced by high school teenagers, “Glee” takes this old concept and encompasses a modern day spin to appeal to today’s youth. It gives rise to the underdog of losers in a comedic, awe inspiring way. This new rendition of high school is a phenomenon, a must watch television show this season.

Labor Day Believer and Doubter

jtumalad — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 21:53:46 +0000

Believer
In the article “Labor Day and the American Dream,” it instills the view of not needing a college education but instead using trade skills in today’s world. The truth is Labor Day is still worth celebrating, with many people in the industry of trade and labor organizations. The biggest example of this is the military, with one of the only requirements being that of a high school diploma or equivalent. With that, military members use their skills to erect forts and bases, fix airplanes and helicopters, and everything in between. The sense of a college dream is definitely not for everyone, but college is not a necessity to get into a higher income bracket. There will always be a need for skills not learned in a classroom, and people learn these skills with on the job training and apprenticeship programs. The one thing that college does not give to the next generation of ready to be employed people is experience. All the theory in the world can’t give way to the experienced. You can’t say you know how to fix a car just because you watched a movie or read about the mechanics of an engine until you actually do it. All of this is not to put down college, but “the most valuable skill in today’s economy is the ability to learn new skills.”

Doubter
It may be a fact that college isn’t for everyone, but in the true sense of things, college is a big factor in today’s world. In these tough times with an economy that’s on the edge, many find it very difficult to get hired with only a high school degree. Labor Day is now celebrated as the end of summer, and with good reason, we are not in the Industrial Revolution anymore, we are a more sophisticated era, with the need of technical experts. A college degree is essential to move forward in today’s world. With a “competitive global economy [that depends] more on brains than brawn,” not having a college education is not an option anymore. With colleges’ higher standards, it shows the employer that there is a skill in that, and that is the universal skill to learn. More employers use the college degree as a standard of hiring, because it shows the technical expertise and commitment to higher learning. While there are exceptions to this where physical therapists earn about $74,000 a year with a high school degree, those exceptions are too few and far between. College may not be for everyone, but it is a need to be competitive in the job market today.

Orientation

jtumalad — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 21:52:15 +0000

In the short story, “Orientation,” many observations go on about the first day on the job in an office. In general, it seems to convey: work like us and reap the benefits or you will be “let go.” Getting acquainted with the office, the new person gets to see the dynamics of how the office works. He or she is persuaded to do their work at a steady, bare minimum pace and look the other way in the terms of other people’s gossip and bad habits, and in turn they get benefits of free medical care for them and all dependants, free tickets to events, and a membership to Costco. Although not directly said, the images given by the frequent firing and hiring of temp receptionists and emphasis of pacing your work for the whole eight hour day, persuades you to stay in your own business and work accordingly. With all the gossip going around the office, it makes you feel like an outsider. Being new to this job and industry can frighten you, with stories of a serial killer working there with no attempt to turn him in to the proper authorities all because he does a good job at work. To come to this kind of work atmosphere can cripple someone emotionally, being threatened to “be let go” multiple times for doing petty things like knowing the gossip around the office or asking too many questions. They convey a sense of belittling, where even the hardest workers will be left behind to preserve the nature of the office. It makes you not compromise but give up your ethics and morals, with a heartless corporation eating at your soul; there is no camaraderie, just people falling deeper and deeper out of touch with humanity. Take, for example, the case of Barry Hacker whose wife died, he is a shell of a man driven to steal lunch, but probably can’t quit his job, due to the “comprehensive health plan” given. There is a lack of care for safety standards as well, saying, “These are precautions only. These things never happen,” referring to the chance of a fire or earthquake. The everyday life of a corporate employee can be hard with the monotonous, endless work involved, but with no outlet to vent out this stress, it can eat you alive. This short story is the essence of corporate America, with plenty of slackers, dwindling morale, and the injustice given to the bureaucracy of joining such a soulless society.