Zeitgeist Addendum

Source: Zeitgeist.com

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1gKX9TWRyfs

Zeitgeist Addendum is a documentary from Director Peter Joseph highlighting the failures of the United States government in resolving societal problems. It follows the original Zeitgeist documentary http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BNf-P_5u_Hw&feature=related in its discussion of the creation of money and how society is continually enslaved in debt on behalf of the system. The documentary raises interesting concepts such as that of the economic "hit men" the US government supposedly employs to corrupt foreign regimes to benefit American corporations. The film introduces very interesting, novel ways to promote social change. It denounces our technological advancements as the antithesis of what we create and use them for,which is for lifestyle ease and comfort. It cites the rejection of our current political system as the cure for the illness caused by economic failure. It also promotes the rejection of military structure, energy companies, and media. I think it's an amazingly interesting film that offers a fresh perspective on ameliorating our troubled lifestyles.

Virtual World

Source: Blizzard Games

The use of virtual environments is becoming increasingly popular, so much so that even Penn State has been bitten by the virtual bug. The adult education program at Penn State is exploring using virtual environments, such as those on Second Life, to use for teaching and marketing opportunities. Penn State has actually purchased (using real money) virtual land to explore this venue. Professors in the education department have created avatars, or virtual characters, for which they enter the site and chat with students. The feedback from students on this unique means of education has primarily been positive according to the university, but it further reveals the increasingly large reliance that Penn State has on technology for education. I already use the internet multiple times per day for quizzes on angel, messages through webmail, and to monitor my progress and attendance in my courses. Who knows how long it may be until students are attending most of their classes through virtual means.

Omnipresent iPod

Source: Apple

Everywhere I go on campus, at least half of the people I walk past are listening to an MP3 player, and usually it's an iPod. A survey was conducted at PSU in 2008 and found that nearly 90% of all students owned an MP3 player with the apple iPod being the most prevalent. Apple was successful in revamping their company to produce the iPod as a more aesthetically pleasing product. Many technology reviews suggest that there are much better MP3 players on the market being sold for a lot less than the iPod, however it remains the best seller due to factors that have no connection to durability or quality. The iPod's array of colors and sizes and its minimal appearance continues to attract consumers. Apple is also very successful with their advertisement since all I seem to see are iPod commercials. I have yet to see a Sony or Zune commercial.
The high prevalence of ipods on campus raises an interesting issue for me. Seeing so many students walking around with headphones exudes a disconnected feeling. Many people are oblivious to everything around them as they continue in their own world. I've seen people use an iPod to avoid conversation with another person. I think often times people miss out on so many interesting occurences on campus due to the need to be entertained continuously.

New Planet

Source: Deyan Dyankov
Astronomers in Europe have discovered a planet close to the size of Earth orbiting a star in the constellation Libra. The proximity of the planet to the star suggests that heat and radiation would make livability impossible, but they cannot be sure. The discovery is exciting because it increases the likelihood that planets close to the mass of Earth may be found with suitable living conditions. I think that this discovery is fascinating because astronomy is inching closer to answering perplexing questions about our galaxy, such as the ultimate question of whether or not life exists elsewhere.

Idiotic Games

Source: Stupid.com

The iphone has plenty of ridiculous and useless applications, however, I recently came across two that top the stupid list. The first is an absurd application called " I am Rich". This application costs $1000 and, for what? Absolutely nothing! When purchased the application places a red gem in the center of the phone as merely a status symbol and does nothing more. I didn't believe it actually existed until I visited the itunes store and, incredulously, it was there for purchase. I'm assuming that since it is still available for purchase there are numerous suckers in the world that are buying this. Secondly, itunes recently released a game for 99 cents in which users shake a picture of a baby until it dies. Now, I have nothing against mindless games for fun, but this isn't only useless and ridiculous, it's completely offensive. The game was removed shortly after it became available, but I have to think who possibly signed off on it to begin with?

Facebook Takeover

Source: Facebook

I have a difficult time finding people who don't have facebook accounts. It seems almost a requirement for college students across the country. I remember beginning college without a clue as to what facebook was or any inclination of how large it would grow. Now that I am ending my college career I get strange looks if I say I don't have an account. In less than four years, facebook has morphed from a simple way to chat and keep up with classmates to a 24/7 monitor of human activity, whether academic or social. The amount of people on facebook is astounding as it has become a global phenomenon. Privacy issues are rampant because people are unknowingly allowing companies and government/school authorities to view everything that was ever posted on the site. Getting rid of an account is extremely difficult because even if an account is deleted, it is kept on file in the exact same state it was left in case that individual decides they want to use it again in the future. I find this alarmingly frightening considering the amount of personal information the typical user puts on their page. I've head that the CIA aided in the establishment of facebook. Regardless, it's a good idea to be extremely frugal with the information you put out there.

Choose Your Price

Source: NY Magazine

It seems a new trend is emerging in business where companies are allowing consumers to pick their own prices for products. The first I had heard of this was with the release of Radiohead's In Rainbows album. Radiohead allowed their fans to purchase the album for whatever price they thought worthy on their website. It is estimated that the band profited ten million dollars in just the first week despite customers paying only half of what they would normally for a cd. Other business sectors are starting to use this ploy as well. Although I don't believe all businesses are using this to increase profit, some are testing to see whether they profit more from giving customers increased purchasing power. Certain restaurants across the country are allowing customers to place monetary value on their meals. Johnny Reb's Southern Roadhouse in Los Angeles, CA is trying this technique with diner food. A customer orders whatever they wish and is presented with the value of what the meal is worth before they decide what to actually pay. I think this is an interesting concept and may be more profitable, especially for restaurants who target more affluent customers.