Technology At Its Finest

     Looking back through the history of mankind, we see the ofttimes slow, yet steady progress from primitive through the modern; every stage of technology building off the achievements of the last. As we advance through the Iron Age, Renaissance Age, and Industrial Revolution we notice that, for the most part our lives improve. We also notice that the advancements in technology seem to be happening at a much quicker pace in the last one hundred years. 

     I find it amusing to look back and read technology predictions of the past. Here are a few of my favorites taken from Cody Willard in his blog "Top 10 Dumbest Tech Predictions of All Time" (see link below) 

1. Thomas Watson, who was chairman of IBM in 1943 stated "I think there is a world market for maybe five computers.”

2. Read in an 1876 Western Union memo:"This ‘telephone’ has too many shortcomings to be seriously considered as a means of communication.”

3. My personal favorite comes from Darryl Zanuck who worked for 20th Century Fox in 1946; “Television won’t be able to hold on to any market it captures...people will soon get tired of staring at a plywood box every night,”

     At risk of making an outlandish prediction that never comes to fruition, I will make my tech predictions and say that the future is in biotechnology. We are already starting to transition from non mobile technology components that remained primarily in the home or office to smaller components that travel with us. Wearable technology is on the horizon and it is only a matter of time until advancements allow for the option for it to be ingested or inserted into the human body to monitor health, increase nutrition efficiency, and optimize our natural talents and abilities. I know that it sounds like something out of a sci-fi movie, but then again so did the telephone at one point in time.

http://blogs.marketwatch.com/cody/2011/01/03/top-10-dumbest-tech-predictions-of-all-time/

Let's play the quiet game...

Everywhere I lived, I found a place where I could go and be alone with my thoughts. It wasn't always an isolated or secluded place, just somewhere the hustle and bustle of everyday life can be contemplated or ignored, depending on the preference. When I attended private school in Florida, it was the landing at the top of the stairs that led to the roof, in Georgia it took the form of a lake dock, and in North Carolina it was an empty meadow next to Lowe's. I bring this up because I believe I have discovered one of those peaceful places at the Edmond Public Library. I only recently discovered it because of an English class I am taking through the University of Central Oklahoma. I felt uninspired and too distracted to write an essay at home; I needed a quiet place to study and overcome writer's block. My search led me to the library and I was pleasently surprised at the space and selection they provided. I found my focus and inspiration here and encourage you to do the same!

FOR A LIMITED TIME ONLY...

Why is it that car commercials, in large, yell and scream to get you to notice them? What if fabric softener or detergent commercials did the same? "BAD STAINS!?! BAD CREDIT!?! NO PROBLEM! IF YOU HAVE A JOB AND 99 CENTS, YOU COULD BE ROLLING AROUND IN CLEAN CLOTHES! (participation may vary, not all individuals may qualify; taxes and fees not included). Speaking of selling cars, I am on the cusp of selling my first vehicle on Craigslist! I put a Kawasaki Ninja up for sale last month. I don't really ride it anymore; straight Oklahoma roads are not conducive to sportbike riding. The world of Craigslist is seemingly littered with scammers, traders, and cheapskates, to put it nicely. I got a positive response on my bike two days after listing it. I thought I should be named salesman of the year, until I learned it was a scam. I'm extremely apprehensive about inquiries now. I've had numerous calls about trading for other vehicles, and others offering ridiculously low bids. However, I'm holding out hope that the individual who is interested in purchasing the bike tomorrow is legit. 

Not Frozen, but Slightly Chilled

     Despite the fact that I don't have kids (children or baby goats), I was coerced, albeit somewhat willingly, to catch the latest Disney animated movie, "Frozen". It received great reviews and I love Disney cartoons, but I heard there was quite a bit of singing in the show, and I wasn't really in the mood for a singing, animated film that night. Outvoted by my friends and wife, however, that's what we watched. It wasn't that bad, actually. There were a LOT of songs in the show, even for a Disney flick, and I felt that the inital story set-up and character develpment was a bit rushed. In the first fifteen minutes we had met the family and supporting cast, demonstrated oldest sister's powers, almost killed, but successfully revived the youngest sister, alienated and banished the oldest daughter because of said powers, killed off mom and dad, skipped ahead 13 years, sang two or three songs, skipped ahead 3 more years before beginning the actual storyline. The story was entertaining, but fairly shallow, as were the characters. The movie lacked any cleverly hidden adult related humor one finds in many of today's animated children's shows, but the music was catchy, real catchy.

     I know it sounds like I hated it, but it was a good hour and a half of mindless entertainment spent in good company.  Apparently, the rest of the world doesn't share my half hearted review of the film; it recently surpassed all other animated films as the top grossing animated fim of all time, according to the Washington Post. I am glad that I waited to see it on Blu-ray rather than in the theaters; spending twenty dollars on tickets would have resulted in further negative reviews. Needless to say, I am not buying this DVD, but I will be forced to perpetually sing along with the soundtrack that has been playing in my head since last Friday. "Let it go, let it go..."

Crossfit: Fad or Fitness?

Much like fashion or technology, fitness has its passing trends. Nightly infomercials tout products and supplements guaranteeing maximum results with minimum effort. There isn't a shortage of gadgets with alleged success stories and programs designed to shed away the pounds with minimal invasiveness into everyday life. Fitness has become a widely unregulated and profitable business that preys on a desparate, uninformed public. Over the years it has become increasingly difficult to determine the validity of certain devices and programs. One of the latest trends to hit the scene is Crossfit. It has garnered a cultish following over the years and is fiercly defended by its followers while being heavily critiqued by other fitness enthusiast. Crossfit was created by a former gymnast, Greg Glassman as an alternative response to typical sets vs. reps workout regimens and cardiovascular workout routines. Crossfit utilizes a myriad of Olympic lifting techniques in compilation with nonstandard, everyday movements in fast succesion to build strength and cardio endurance simultaneously. It is a fast paced routine that is revolutionizing the fitness world and creating a better well-rounded look at health. Two things set Crossfit apart from other similar fitness related companies and, in my opinion, prove its legitimacy.

     First, Crossfit's success comes from the proven results it has without mandating a product or supplement. Although there are gyms, called "boxes" you can pay to join, Crossfit can be done free of charge, and, in fact, publishes a free workout routine everyday on its website, crossfit.com. In addition to a change in workout style, Crossfit encourages eating a clean diet, claiming that all of an individual's dietary needs can be fulfilled in a proper diet. Who knew proper diet and exercise was the key all along? 

     Secondly, Crossfit's business approach ensures its success by making it affordable to branch out and grow. Crossfit personally trains individuals to become coaches and then allows those individuals to  start their own gym for a nominal affiliation fee. This, coupled with unparalleled fitness results and relatively low equipment overhead will ensure Crossfit's popularity for years to come.

     In the confusing world of shake weights, fat burning pills, and prancing exercise videos, it is refreshing to come across a fitness company built on simple principles devoid of a get-fit-quick mentality. In addition, I have personally seen it work in my own life and the lives of others since joining the craze several years ago.

A Chill in the Air...

     On the heels of peaceful competition during the Winter Olympics at Sochi, Russia, the world cautiously awaits the host nation's next move on the world's stage. Ukraine, a neighbor to the east, ousted their president, which threw the country into upheaval. Russia quickly mobilized troops to the Crimea peninsula in an effort to "protect the Russian citizens of Ukraine", according to Russia's president, Vladmir Putin. Many NATO countries quickly condemned Russia's thinly veiled excuse for the invasion, seeing it, instead, as an excuse to recover land and resources previously held by the Soviet Union. Diplomatic negotiations and sanction warnings are being utilized in an effort to end the standoff, as military engagement of the two countries seems inevitable. President Obama spoke with Putin and demanded that the Russian army cease and desist this breach of international law. Putin, however, continues to claim his "protection right", comparing his decision to the justification the United States used to invade Iraq and Afghanistan. History reminds us that World War I and II began in similar fashion and concerns continue to mount as the situation escalates.

     The United States recently sent an economic relief package to assist with Ukraine's financial crisis and to show support for the struggling country. There is fear that sanctions against Russia will have a larger negative impact on the global economy, or Ukrainians will attempt to vote a partial secession from Ukraine to Russia to avoid further conflict.  Regardless, a Cold War reminiscent chill is in the air and the world, once again,faces the threat of war; pray that it is avoided.

Life According to Rocco

     As I laid around the house, perusing the internet this, cold, snowy Sunday, I was bombarded by news reports of senseless violence and human depravity. The human race seems destined to destroy itself in the greedy pursuit of money and power.

     However, as I watched my Italian Greyhound, Rocco, interact with the world around him today, I believe that the human species could benefit from these three instinctual canine behaviors:

1. Treat everyone equally and greet them with enthusiasm.

2. Be quick to forgive.

3. Be happy where you're at and with what you've got.

     So often we allow our stereotypes  and negative perceptions dictate the interactions we have with others. We hold grudges and bitterness that chip away at our happiness, while selfishly coveting what we don't have.  

     Make a concerted effort this week to focus on respect for others, forgiveness, and contentment.

  

     

A "Talk" with TED

     I recently began listening to a podcast series called NPR: TED Talks. TED is an organization designed to collect, promote, and share ideas in the fields of technology, entertainment and design (TED). These ideas are shared through conferences, guest speakers, and, more recently, podcasts. Over the years, the "talks" have evolved beyond the parameters of technology, entertainment, and design, and now encompass a wide variety of subjects that contribute to the enhancement of society. It is both amazing and inspiring to listen to how ordinary people are making differences in their neighborhoods and communities.
     I would encourage you to check out one such "talk" by Mark Bezos on YouTube. Mark Bezos is the Senior Vice President of a poverty fighting charity called RobinHood, as well as, a volunteer firefighter. In his five minute speech, Mark recounts an experience at the scene of a fire where was called to do something less than glamorous, the consequences of his actions, and the lesson he learned. He sums up the episode with this advice: "Don't wait...to make a difference in somebody's life. If you have something to give, give it now. Not every day is going to offer us a chance to save somebody's life, but every day offers us an opportunity to affect one." Powerful.

Wedding Musings

     It could be argued that a lifetime of groundwork is laid in the young woman's life for this occasion. Initially, Barbie dolls and stuffed animals play willing participants as wedding plans and ideas evolved, giving way to mock dress up rehearsals complete with skewed make-up attempts and Mom's costume jewelry. Photographs of brides, clipped from their magazine pages adorn the childhood bedroom walls and floors as she transitions into the woman she will become. Hope and heartache invariably pave the broken road of life's experience. Then, when least expected, a chance encounter, an attraction, a romance, a blossoming love, and eventually a single question force serious nuptial preparations to emerge. A date is set; a venue reserved. Dresses arbitrarily picked through until the perfect one is discovered. The bride-to-be becomes frantic and visibly frustrated the closer the date draws, yet things continue to fall into place. Minor setbacks occur and small speed bumps surface, but are circumvented with relative ease and perfection is achieved. The joyous occasion of a milestone achieved and the joining of two lives draws near. The day approaches and the moment is surreal. A lifetime of anticipation culminates in the musical note from the pipe organ echoing off the cathedral walls as the doors swing open...Here comes the future, here comes innocence, here comes happiness, here comes the bride.

Congratulations Oliver & Mona!

Unexpected discoveries

     My only intention this afternoon was to create this blog, which would complete my English 1113 homework assignment. I was probably going to include a brief excerpt on how I'm looking forward to this class, then definitely end with a shallow attempt at flattery, stating how awesome the instructor for the class seems to be. My hope would have been that he read it, overlooked any grammatical errors, and awarded a high grade for, if nothing else, effort. What's that they say about "first impressions"?
     However, as I logged into the site for, what I believed, the first time and created this account, I realized that I had been here before several years ago. As my page opened up, a blog, written by my father documenting the last three weeks of my mother's life, sat there waiting. It has been a number of years since she lost her battle to breast cancer, and time, as it tends to do, has dulled the ache and void of her lost smile and contagious laugh.  Dulled, but not erased. As I read those initial, hope-filled words, typed by my dad, resign themselves to the realization of the inevitable, tears, once again, began to fall. We had so much hope in the beginning; after all, she had beaten cancer once before! It returned, however, with a vengeance; placing each one of our family members on a wild emotional roller coaster of encouraging days and positive results followed quickly by downturns and setbacks. As I read the entries my dad wrote and looked through the lens of the last several years, I saw a man who tried to be a rock for the family, but was truly lost the day she passed. His written words could not begin to comprehend or convey the depth that would be felt by that loss. She was such a beautiful person that brought joy to so many others, and, despite the sad nature of the content, I am thankful to be reminded of her.