Final blog post

       Well, Blogger, it's that time of year. The end of the semester. I have to admit, we've become close and we had a good run; but, alas, it's time to say goodbye. But before we say goodbye, let's review some of the programs that have been used this semester:
       The one that will definitely be used more is Microsoft Word. I don't think I could get through college without using some type of form, whether it is Word or Google Drive's Word. Even more so, since I'm a bio major and we tend to write up a lot of lab reports. 
       PowerPoint is a close second, with Excel trailing. Coming into this class, I knew how to use Microsoft Word and PowerPoint pretty well, and some pretty basic stuff regarding Excel because of classes that I had to take in middle school. Nothing surprised me about those three; however, I did  learn a few new stuff in Word and Excel. 
       If I ever want to start a new blog, and the idea has been in the back of my mind, I know how to set that up and run it. RSS feeds, fonts, titles, pictures... I would say that I'm pretty efficient at it.
       This class taught me that there's a lot more to a computer than people realize, program-wise. I've realized, though, that the easiest way to figure out how to do things is just play around and click on things. I know for a fact that my blog would not look how it is if I didn't poke around on the edit page and click on random buttons. Watching tutorials is another good place to start, and even looking at the FAQ's. The more you mess around on a program, the more you'll get to understand it and figure out how things work.
     

The most helpful technology tool: Google Drive

       The most helpful technology tool for me would have to be all the Google Drive products: Gmail, Google docs, Google powerpoint, etc. I find it so convenient that I can have all my documents and spread sheets and presentations all in one spot and I do not even have to carry around flash drive anymore (even though I still do just in case). I used it a lot in high school, because we would work on things on class and then I could access them at home. Even other products (like blogger) connect to Gmail, so it makes all your social media connected as well. If there is a group project that needs working on, it is also easy to just create a Google doc or presentation and multiple people can work on it an once and it saves all the changes. If the group cannot all meet, there is even a chat option to talk about changes and ideas while working on the project. Like I said earlier, it is a very convenient tool to use and have and even having a Gmail account looks pretty professional instead of using something like "hellokitty420@whatever.com." 
       The Google Drive is free to use, as long as you have a Gmail account (which is also free) and that is better than having to download all the Microsoft Office products that do not come installed on your computer. The Google docs, presentations, and spreadsheets have pretty much the same layout as those in the Microsoft Office products, but are just a tad different. I think it was a great idea for Google to create these products, especially for students, because it helps students collaborate easily with each other. 
       

Technology Cleanse

       It seems like everywhere you go nowadays, people are obsessed with technology (myself included). I think if you were to walk up to someone and ask if they would be able to go without technology (i.e. smart phones, laptop, game console) they wouldn't be able to do it. People are so reliable on technology today that I don't think they would know how to function. I know I would be guilty of that, but I would probably just finish reading my Stephen King book that I've been working on for three months now... Anyway, it would be very hard to go day to day without technology, because it has become such a vital part of people's lives, and they're so dependent on it. God forbid the internet goes down, I think people would freak out. 
       That reminds me of a PSA I saw on how lazy/dependent people are. It was, I think, three people on an escalator, and the escalator unexpectedly stopped working while these people were on it. Well instead of walking up the escalator and continuing on with their morning, they were so flabbergasted that it broke down that they started yelling for help and complaining about how they were going to be late for work, and yadda yadda. They could've easily solved the problem by walking up the escalator and going on with their lives. But because they're so dependent on technology, and lazy, they thought their lives were coming to an end. 

        Getting back on topic, if I were to be "cleansed"... It would definitely be tough. I mean, my life basically revolves around my laptop and my phone, the two things I use, and on a day-to-day basis, need the most. I'll probably try this at some point, perhaps over winter break, or the weekend when I get my wisdom teeth out. I just hope I don't go through withdrawal. 

Printing Organs?

       As a bio major, I love anything weird. So when I read that 3D printers can print organs that can be actually used in the human body...I freaked out. Seriously. I thought that was the coolest thing in the entire world. Mainly, because a few years ago I had a debate on the organ donor's list, and the amount of people on that list is staggering; and, if the printers can make these organs, how well can they "mimic" the actual organ? Will transplants from other humans, and certain animals, even be necessary in the future? 
       Not only can the printers make organs, but they can also make hearing aids, dental implants, and prosthetic hands. So, these medical items are more in demand, and can be made quicker, and using less materials, does this mean that healthcare could become even more affordable? 
       In addition to making organs and body parts, it's said that food can also be produced, like that on Star Trek. It's interesting though, because I can't even imagine it actually being...edible. I think of it as just paper that looks like it's food. But it's not; but in reality, it is. This is such a hard concept to wrap my head around, that I probably won't believe it until I see it. If I ever do. 
       As for personal use of the 3D printers, I really don't think they'll be that popular. I think we'll see them more in hospitals, labs, and if the food printing catches on, maybe even fast food chains and restaurants. I also don't think I would want one for my personal use. Not really sure what I would use it for, but maybe for clothes or of the like. 

For the links I used, click here and here. 

Is multitasking ruining our concentration?

       I will tell you right now that I am not good at multitasking (but I'm supposed to be one since I'm a woman, right?); but, like all teenagers, I do it anyway. When you really think about it, though, multitasking is terrible. It distracts you from really focusing on getting your work done, and, I bet that if I didn't respond every time someone texted me, I would get my genetics homework done a lot faster than it normally takes me. But I find that sometimes having background noise really helps me. And, I can tell you right now that I'm multitasking while writing this. Again, I could get this done a lot quicker if I wasn't. 
       In the first article that I read, these observers took notes in a 15 minute period how much work a student got done, and only 65% of the work was completed. In all honesty, I'm not surprised at all and I would probably be the same way. 
       Last year, my roommates and I had to reach a book for our Search for Meaning class. Well, none of us were getting it done, so we decided to put all our phones in the middle of the floor just so that we'd get it done. How sad is it that we've had to resort to that? 
       I had to take a multitasking test, and the results are.....
"You might get the job done eventually, but I bet it makes your head spin! If you insist upon studying with your media toys buzzing, allow for more time and check for mistakes. Got some serious work to do? Turn it all off and concentrate on your books!" Which, I must say, I totally agree with this. And I think my parents would agree more. I can remember them yelling at me when I was in middle and high school to put my phone away and concentrate on my studies. Oh, how times don't change...

Think you're an ace at multitasking? Take the quiz here!
For the article that I used, click here.

From pocket watches to Apple watches

       Wearable technology... I don't think I would ever see the day that this would occur. That's something that you see in movies and TV shows (Cookie from Ned's Declassified School Survivor Guide, anyone?). I can't picture just searching the web from my glasses lens. 

       But, this really cool company called Adela Health has made this vest/t-shirt that you wear, called TruPosture, that can correct your posture! As a health geek, this is totally something that I would wear. Though, I will say, my biggest fear is that I'll wear something super technologically advanced and it would all of a sudden just burst into flames. Pretty irrational, but still. The company claims that is "a safe and natural way to improve your posture." It's super specific and can even detect 1/2 a degree of misalignment. While the vest is targeted for fixing office back problems, it can also be used while doing yoga or weightlifting. 

       I think that wearable technology will catch on in the health department, like the TruPosture. If you think about the pulse oximeter, people are technically already wearing technology. I, however, would not want to wear technology like Google glasses, or an Apple watch. I am very happy with using just a regular watch and wearing just regular glasses. I am so not ready to embrace this new wearable technology. And, if the Google glasses do catch on, how are school's going to regulate the use of them (like cheating or texting) especially when they look like regular glasses? I think the more advanced technology gets, the more problems that come along with it. 

For more information on the TruPosture, click here.

Addicted to your phone? Me too!

       I know for sure that I am definitely addicted to my phone. It doesn't leave my side and is always in arms reach. I would say that even when I'm watching TV and a commercial comes on, I pull out my phone. Waiting for line for lunch... I pull out my phone. I've even looked up from a conversation to say "what was that...?" because I was, you guessed it, looking at my phone. This generation is definitely addicted to our phones, but I fear the younger generation is a lot worse when it comes to phones and other means of technology. My three year old niece is always wanting to play on my phone. 

       I think for the most part I'm in tune with my surroundings; I haven't been hit by a car yet. However, I've noticed that some people are so ignorant when they're on their phones! Even as I'm walking to Iadarola, I have to go out my way just so that you don't walk into me. The nerve of some people's children. 

       FYI: A paragraph deep into this, I pulled out my phone because I told myself that I needed to "take a break." Seriously, what is going on with the world? 

       I could understand if you're waiting for a friend outside the caf and don't want to seem awkward, or if you're responding to a quick text while walking to class, but if someone is telling a story...eye contact and looking interested in what they're saying is a huge deal of respect, and sometimes people, and even myself, are guilty of not giving that person said respect. 

       Now I've said that I'm totally addicted to my phone, and certain family members (my dad) are also super addicted, and even some of my cousins...basically, everyone in my family is addicted (we're really trying to kick the habit). 

       BUT! I've decided to do a little experiment, and I've taken the idea from a Buzzfeed video. I will download the app "Moment" to track how much I am on my phone on an average day. SO! The results got updated a little late... But the grand total is.......
Total time: 4 hours and 2 minutes, and I picked up my phone a total of 50 times! That's pretty ridiculous, but in my defense, I needed to take pictures for my genetics lab of chromosomes, so I'm sure that added extra time. Take the challenge, too, and post your total time and amount of pick ups in the comments below!  

Is technology isolating us?

Is technology really isolating us? The answer is yes! How many times have you walked into the caf and have seen a group of people all sitting at a table staring at their phones instead of interacting with one another? It happens more than you think, and I know that I am definitely guilty of that. However, this could lead to depressive symptoms.

To combat being sucked into the world wide web's isolating vortex, you could always limit the amount of phone and internet usage by timing it. So, give yourself an hour of "screen time." Or instead of scrolling through Facebook and Instagram when you're bored, why not read a book? Take a walk enjoying the scenery outside.

Taking a step back, spending too much time on your phone and/or laptop can cause depressive symptoms because you're not interacting with people. In 2002, Charlie Morgan and Shelia R. Cotten, both in the University of Maryland's department of sociology and anthropology conducted a study on the impact of internet activities on college freshmen. It turns out, more students felt depressive when they were online shopping, playing online games, or even doing research. Mainly because there was no social interaction, or a support system. On the other hand, the students who did not have depression symptoms spent more time emailing and using instant messaging. 

The world may be at our fingertips with all of our smartphones and iPads and such, but it may be doing more harm than good. 

For more information the study conducted by Charlie Morgan and Sheila R. Cotten, click here.

Article in Review: "Improve Your Internet Privacy in 15 Minutes"

This week it's all about internet privacy! Considering the huge Ashley Madison hack that happened a few weeks ago, how can we improve our privacy? For starters, I had no idea that the government can track our internet usage. Although I really shouldn't be surprised. Anyway, the article asks about what you're doing to secure your internet privacy, and when I thought about it, I'm really not doing that much. Sure, I use the popular browser Chrome, and I have a few different passwords that I can actually remember for varied social media accounts, but in the Huffington Post's article, there's a lot more that we could be doing, if we're not already.

For starters, I always use Google as my main search engine; but, did you know that Google can track you? For example, I've noticed that if I search for a certain item (take shoes for example), and then I go on Facebook, there are ads for whatever I searched for on the sidebar. One way to combat this is to use the search engine DuckDuckGo. The article tells you how to download DuckDuckGo into your Chrome extension (if you still love using Chrome, like I do), or you can just go to DuckDuckGo's website instead of going right to the Google search page. 

The article talks about also using Tor, an anonymous browser that doesn't track your IP addresses or cookies. Can't remember all of your passwords? There's an app for that. 

Although, now that I'm thinking of it, if you're not really doing anything bad, should you be worried about being tracked? I think it's more for people who buy things online, and that their account and bank information can be stolen. 

See all of the Huffington Post's article here.

Community-based traffic app: Waze

Picture this: you're stuck in rush hour traffic on I-476 on a Friday, and you have no clue as to why you're still stuck in the same spot that you were 15 minutes ago. Well, the new app Waze can figure that out for you. 

Waze is a community-based traffic report app, that lets users know what is going on on the roads, like accidents, police action, serious traffic jams, and just debris in the middle of the lane or shoulder. It also lets users know the best, and quickest, route to take and even where the cheapest gas is located. The app is updated by others around you using it, so it all takes place in real time. The creators have also said that it’s helpful in finding new and quicker ways to get to your destination. 

The app is totally free on the iTunes app store, and it's probably also free for Android and Windows phone users as well. From the information that I've gathered on the iTunes app store, the app was developed in 2011 (at least that was the earliest that it was updated), and was just recently updated again in June of this year. An even more recent update now let's users change the voice to talk to you. Some options include: Rob Gronkowski, Neil Patrick Harris, Stephen Colbert, and even Colonel Sanders. It also has four and a half stars.

Frankly, I think this is an awesome app, because I was stuck on I-476 last Friday on my way to the Phillie’s game, and other than the annoying rush hour traffic, Waze was updated to let me know that there was an accident on the left shoulder, along with police activity. Definitely more reliable than Apple or Google Maps. 

New bracelet delivers vaccination reminders

Lauren Braun, a former pre-med student at Cornell, has come up with the new idea of making bracelets for mothers in developing countries to remind them to get their children vaccinated. Braun first came up with the idea while working in Peru, taking mothers to clinics to get their children vaccinated. The bracelet, which is similar to that of a Livestrong band, goes around the child's foot and serves as a calendar of sorts. Beneath the four month date is an x, a triangle, a circle, and a square, which stand for the diseases pneumonia, polio, rotavirus, and the pentavalent shot. The pentavalent shot protects against five diseases: diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, hepatitis B, and the bacteria that causes meningitis, pneumonia, and otitis. When every shape is hole punched on the bracelet by the nurse giving the vaccine, then the child is fully protected. Braun tested the bracelets on 159 women, and 91% of them said that the bracelets helped them remember when to get their children vaccinated. Braun is also hoping to expand her project to Nigeria, Colombia, and Pakistan, and to even make bigger bracelets for growing children to keep the vaccines up to date. 

Obviously this is a huge step in decreasing infant deaths in developing countries. Just in the past 15 years, immunizations have increased immensely, saving about seven million children. I'm really hoping that Lauren Braun will get more support from groups worldwide so that every child can be vaccinated. As Rod Blagojevich put it so eloquently, "Healthcare is not a privilege. It's a right."