Smartphone program is able to read emotions?!

Smartphone program is able

to read emotions?!

 

 

Article: Toronto Sun

Published: Tuesday 4th December 2012

Article Written by: QMI Agency

 

 

Summary:

 

       Recently, researchers from the University of Rochester have unrapped a new program that will be able to tell your emotions from a humans voice. The way this program works is that if you are talking to it, it scans your for emotional cues rather than actually focusing on the words. This program is has been tested out by 12 different speeches, each with different sound and pitch and is 81% accurate. As this program will evolve, it can become a wide range of technology and be use in all sorts of cases. Wendy Heinzelmen, professor of electrical and computer engineering quotes "We actually used recording of actors reading out the date of the month -- it really doesn't matter what they say, it's how they're saying it that we're interested in."

 

 

Opinion:

 

       I think that this is a marvelous idea. The evolution of technology is truely phenomenal, and this program will be extremely useful. For example, it could be extremely popular for detectives. When they are talking to a criminal the way they say the truth could be determined how they are saying it. It could either be in a happy way or a nervous way; from this you can determine if the criminal is guilty. Also the idea of making this an app is also very smart. Now a days, most of the percentage of the population who have cell phones do have a type of smartphone; whether it's a IPhone, Android etc. Therefore they do not have to buy a whole different device, with one click of a button on there smartphone they can use this app! Great idea!

 

 

 

 



Afghan women gets ears and nose cut off by husband

Afghan woman whose nose,

ears cut off travels to U.S.

 

 

Article: CNN World

Published: August 4, 2010

Article Written By: Atia Abawi

 

 

Summary:

 

          Bibi Aisha a young wife had her nose and ears cut for dishonering her husbands family. At the age of 16 she was handed over to her husband's brothers who were all part of the Taliban team in Oruzgan province. She spent 2 years there being a prisoner, she eventually gained the courage to run away but unfortunately a police man in Kandahar. Even though running away was not commiting a crime because of her sex the Taliban court decided to have her nose and ears cut off. "When they cut off my nose and ears, I passed out," Aisha said, "It felt like there was cold water in my nose. I opened my eyes, and I couldn't even see because of all the blood." Aisha is now safe, protected in America where the Grossman Burn Foundation will reconstruct her face with surgery; letting her a chance to create a new life.

 

 

Opinion:

 

         I personally think that this is horrendous. The Taliban running the government is one thing but abusing the women like this and making them prisoners is horrifying. The Taliban repeatedly torture women like they are animals, they do not realize that women are human being too. The American government needs to stand up for all of the hopeless women in Afghanistan. Aisha didn't even do anything wrong but to save her life from being a slave and becoming free. Thus for her actions she gets her ears and nose cut off? This is not fair and somebody needs to put an end to it sooner or later.

 

 

 



Man Commits suicide over Obama Re-Election

Man Commits suicide over Obama

Re-Election

 

 

Article: The Miami Herald

Published: November 13, 2012

Article Written By: Sean Kinney

 

 

 

Summary:

 

      Recently, a man named Henry Hamilton 60 years old commited suicide over the re-election of Barack Obama. This man from Key West, Florida told his partner quote, "if Barack gets re-elected, I'm not going to be around." He was found dead on November 8 2012 with words "F*** Obama" in his will scrawled on his will along with two empty prescription bottles lieing next to him. A friend of Henry told the police to check on him, and when Officer Rodriguez checked him, he found his body lieing on the floor.

 

 

Opinion:

 

     I believe that the death of Henry Hamilton is awful and wasted his life. For a man who is 60 years old and has a little time to live wasted his life over the election. As sad as the article is, I also beleive that it was very disrespectful of him writing "F*** Obama" on his will. There was no need for that, maybe in his views he was extremely disappointed in the election but it still doesn't mean you have offend the United States of America's president; certainly not commiting suicide.

 

 

 

Read more here: http://www.miamiherald.com/2012/11/13/3095844/man-apparently-kills-himself-over.html#.UKOhVbfylyw.twitter#storylink=cpy#storylink=cpy#storylink=cpy



Mobile Phones are Able to Cause Brain Tumours?

Mobile Phones Can Cause

Brain Tumour?!

 

 

Article: The Telegraph

Published: October 19, 2012

Article Written By: Richard Alleyne

 

 

Summary:

 

        An Italian business man, 60 years old becomes ill due to being on the his mobile phone at work up to 5-6 hours for 12 years. Italy's Supreme Court in Rome determined that there is a 'causal link' between his illness and his mobile phone. While British Scientist's claim that there is still insufficent evidence that his is true, Professor of environmental mutagenesis Angelo Gino Levis and Neurosurgeon Dr Giuseppe Grasso gave evidence that the electromagnetic radiation emitted by the mobile phone are able to damage the brain cells and increase the chance of brain tumour. Mr. Marcolini's (60 year old business man) brain tumour was located at the trigeminal nerve; close to where the phone was touching his head. So far, reasearches say that is is not cancerous but could kill him if it reaches to the carotid artery; the vessel carrying blood to his brain. Alasdair Philips of Powerwatch, which campaigns for more research on mobile use suggests to use mobile phones a little as possible and to use hands free phones such as speakers.

 

 

Opinion:

 

      When I read this article really stunned me. Lots of people today depend on their phone if its because of their job or any case in their lives. This is also extremely dangerous for telemarketers who are on their phones for probably up to 6-8 hours a day. Luckily Mr. Marcolini's illness was determined 12 years in his job, if this news is spread people can save their lives and use their mobile phones as little as possible. As for popular mobile phone companies, I suggest they make a new phone that can decrease this situations. I also think there has to be more research done to find out the more accurate results

 

 

 



Canada Regains Unemployment from July!

34,000 Jobs make up from July

 

 

Article: Toronto Sun

Published: September 7, 2012

Article Written By: -----------

 

 

Summary:

 

        Recently this passed summer, in July there was a huge loss of 34,400 jobs. Last Augest Canada regained thsi number falling only 100 jobs short, holding 7.3% of the unemployment rate in Canada. On the bright side, 46,700 new part time jobs were made along with a solid 12,500 full time jobs. The increase of unemployment rate was extremely surprising due to 140,500 jobs made in March and April. The pattern settled in May to a monthly 7,000 gain. As of August 2011 the construction industry however lost around 44,000 positions. This August cutting loose another 30,400 jobs. 

 

 

 

Opinion:

 

        Looking at the analysis from the article you can tell that the numbers are fluctuating every month. Obviously, 7.3 percent is a very large number that the government is trying to lower. We can tell that predicting the each month is not very usefull any supringing result can come up each month and it did on July. Just because we are losing a couple thousand jobs here doesn't mean that we are not regaining jobs at the same time at a different location in Canada. From research, we might be seeing numbers dropping from the part time job group but at the same time numbers are incrasing in the full time job group which is very significant.

 

 

 

 

Rafael Nadal droping out of tournaments?

Nadal's Career sliding down



 

Article: Yahoo Sports

Published: Thursday 9, August 2012

Article Written By: Joe Kay

 

Summary:

 

Rafael has not been attending for 3 big tournaments now.

           Recently Rafael Nadal has been dropping out of tournaments due to serious knee injury. No.3 tennis allstar has missed the Olympics this past summer, Rogers Cup and as well as The Masters Event. He says that his left knee feels sore and has problems with his tendons. After lossing in the second round at Wimbledon, in a few weeks he will be out for nearly 6 months. This is a huge disadvantage for the seventh straight French Open champion. Nadal quotes on facebook "Hi all, another message to announce something that definitely doesn't make me happy but unfortunately I won't be competing at the tournament in Cincinnati next week. I am still not ready to play. I have many fans in Cincy and unforgettable moments such as 2008. I am continuing with my recup (recovery) and practice. Thanks."

 

Opinion:

 

         Every since I have been watching tennis when I was a little kid, Rafael Nadal has been my biggest fan in tennis. I always enjoyed watching the big two (Nadal & Federer) battle it out in the finals of any Grand Slam. I also knew in the past, that he was never in great condition due to his left knee. This year it really affected his tennis career. Suffering from not playing tennis for 6 months, is a huge disadvantage for nadal making him out of shape. Nadal will have to work extremely hard to get his momentum back and retrieve his rank as No. 1. In conclusion, I hope to see Nadal back on the court and doing what he does best, winning. For now, I hope his tendon will heal and I hope he gets back in shape for tennis because he has lots to prove.

 

 

 

 

 

 

VLOG: Facebook, the gasoline for bullying.

 

How Facebook has such impact people getting bullied over

the internt.

 

Why should Canadian Investors pray for Obama

Why Investors should pray for Obama

Article: Canadian Business

Published: October 24, 2012

Article Written by: Bryan Borzkowski

Summary:

Stovall quotes "It won't be a great year" for 2013

Sam Stovall, S&P Capital IQ's chief investement strategist explains the behaviour of the presidential cycle affecting the stock market. Recently, Sam has looked at the market data between 1900 and 2012 to understand how politics affects the S&P 500 Index. Mr. Stovall stats that if Canadian investors could vote, they'd want the odds to weigh for Obama to be eleceted president. Ned Davis Reasearch explains that when an incumbent Democratic wins, the market turns on average, 16.8% in the post election year. Whereas when the incumbent Democrat loses, the market drops 10.2%. If we get lucky best scenario is, if Obama wins his party will be controlling both the Senate and the House of Representatives. In the 38 years that the Democrats controlled all three bodies, according the Stovall the market returns, on average, 8.4%. If Romney wins and the Republicans take the Capitol, the average return is 6.7% over 29 years. What Canadian investors want to avoid is if there is a split Congress with Romney at the helm, because when a Republican leads a divided Washington the market is turned to a averaging 3.2%. On the other hand, if Democrats split Congress the return averages to 7.5%. Stovall also mentions that if Obama wins it will benefit industries like gold, alternative energy health care. If Romney wins then he will push forward energy, financials, rail roads and utilities.

Opinion:

Personally, I think that Sam Stovall's expectations and patterns for the stock market are very interesting. His patterns on politics affecting the market are extremely wise. From what Stovall says, I think this is a heads up for all of the Canadian investors watching presidential election. November 6th will be a shocking day for not only the Americans but for Canadians too. If I were a investor I would pray for the best, because from the sounds of it, 2013 will be a rocky year.

Chinese man builds his own Lamborghini Reventon!!

Lamborghini Reventon (Made in China)?!

 

 

Article: Digital Journal

Published: September 1st 2012

Article Written by: Anne Sewell

 

 

Summary:

 

"I want to make a sports car that has superior performance in every way"
- quotes Wang Jian

A 28-year-old man Wang Jian, in Jiangsu province (eastern China) is a hard working mechanic with a dream. A son of a farmer, Wang decided to build a Lamborghini Reventon by using a Nissan and Volkswagon. If you didnt know; there are only 21 Lamborghini Reventon's in existence; each worth 1.5 million dollars. This is a working car, even though it still needs some finishing touches, including headlights, he is able to drive this car around casually. Wang says that so far the car has cost him 9.5 thousand dollar, not a bad price in creating a fake. He also explains that his dream is to manufacture sports cars and one day design one for his own.

 

 

Opinion:

 

I think that this young man has lots of talent in engineering. I was very surprised at the fact that the car works, and considering this poor 28 year old chinese man creates this 'fake' car out of almost scratch is amazing. Espicially how he got so much detail on the exterior part of the car is phenomenal. This hard work will pay off for Wang, if he continues to put effort in his cars he can easily be invited to a famous car brand. Espicially if he gets into more engineering studies he will definitely be working for a popular car brand. But, he in the future I think he should also make a nicer interior system in the car, inclduing A.C, radio; that would be very cool! In conclusion, Iwill not be surprised if in a few years, this guy will be in the newspapers.

Twitter through a Business Man's Glasses

 

Twitter through a Business

Man's Glasses

 

Article: The New York Times

Date Published: July 29, 2012

 

 

Summary:

 

460,000 accounts have been made per day for the past month

      Twitter is a social blogging website that was created by 10 people from San Franciso called Obvious. The website's rapid growth started off from in June 2009 in Iran. Before that, Twitter never really had a meaning to it, infact it was recorded as one of the most time-wasting devices. Its use started in June 2009 in Iran, when presidential elections were happening and Twitter was used to organize protests.

    Now what is Twitter? Twitter is a microbloging/instant messaging website that asks "What are you doing?" everytime you log into your account. Then the user gets to answer within 140 characters. You can perform this tasks with whatever device allows the Twitter app to be downloaded. This is different from texting because you do not post your thoughts for your friends to see, everyone that "follow(s)" you can this this update on their news feed. On December 2011, there has been estimated more than 200 million accounts and by summer 2011has Twitter has raised over $400 million from private investors.

      In July 2012 Apple had talked to Twitter about making some investments. Apple had offered hundreds of millions of dollars that could value Twitter up to $10 billion dollars, however the offer was declined. Twitter does not need money, earlier in 2012 Dick Costolo Twitter's chief executive tells the media that they have "truck loads" of cash. Still, there is no hundred percent gaurantee that they will become partners in the future. Lately Apple and Twitter have been working together, for example a standard Apple product right away includes the Twitter app. Also the two companies have no competition together they are two completely different type of businesses. In some cases Twitter has become a very famous marketing tool for celebrities, politicians and business, promoting and updating the public on either their new product or where a famous celebrity is traveling to. Barack Obama's presidential campaign is followed by 23.3 million people. This has massive effect on his campaign because he is spreading the new on what he will accomplish when re-elected as president. Twitter has also been used in a court order. In November 2011, the Twitter had found three peoples accounts and searched through their tweets regarding the case. The three men were found guilty after the order.

 

Opinion:

 

    Of course, in every generation in human beings there is always an upcoming device or product that everyone has. For the past 2-3 years Twitter is now the popular 'thing' and everyone has it so now everyone who doesn't should get it. I admit that does motivate me on getting some things, but not Twitter. Unless you are a politician, celebrity or own a business, realistically it is pointless. This device or website however you want to call it is wasting time. To be honest I dont even know why people even care what their friends are doing in the morning unless some conflict was involved. But still, would you want to post to the internet and to some random strangers saying 'I accidently spilled hot chocolate on my brothers pants, now it looks like he pooped himself #sucksforyou'. I certainly wouldn't, these days since so many people are using the internet there are hundreds and thousands of online predators out their that love stalking little kids. Some things that you post can be very dangerous, like tweeting about going to the mall. I dont see why you would want to let strangers know your location. Again unless you are a politican, celebrity or own a business, this app can be very significant. Since this is still a growing app and millions of people are using it is great to promote your new product to your customers. In conclusion it depends how you use Twitter, are you going to make something out of it or are you going to waste your time when you can be doing more important things in your life.

THE NEW IPHONE 5

Iphone 5 sells five million copies

in three days?!

Article: The Guardian

Date Published: September 24th, 2012

Article Written by: Dominic Rushe

Summary:

Apples selling a fantastice 5 million copies of the latest Iphone
in just three days.

In just three days, customers storm into stores desperate to buy the Iphone 5. In these three days, Apple sucessfully sells five million copies of the latest Iphone. More than two million customers pre-ordered the Iphone 5, however Apples shares have dropped $10 in early trading. As good as this sounds the expectation did not meet the predictions of Wall Street analysts, infact some predicted twice as more as the numbers show now. Analysts said that Apple was expected to sell 25 million Iphones in the September quarter. Tim Cook, cheif executive for Apple quotes "Demand for Iphone 5 has been incredible, and we are working hard to get an iPhone 5 into the hands of every customer who wants one as quickly as possible". Just last year Apple sold four million Iphone 4s in its opening weekend. Apple has destructive rollout plans for the Iphone 5; so far selling in nine countries, they predict to be selling at 100 countries at the end of the year. Colin Gillis, a technology analyst at BBIG in NY explains; even though Apple has sold one million more products then last year, because the brand name Apple has such high reputation from their products the company should have done better. They did not meet the records that were expected to set. Mr. Gillis also says that the smartphone business is slowing down since there are so many models out their it is not as unique as it was 5 years ago. As of mid morning of that day Apple shares have fallen $10 to $690.09 and ended the day with $9.30 at $690.79

Opinion:

Personally, I was ready for the Iphone 5 to excite the whole world again as they did with the previous models. I have been waiting for this ever since March, and sadly I was not too happy with the Iphone 5. The appearance is exactly the same, of course they made everything more fast and enabled retina display to the phone etc. but what really broke me down that the only appearance changed they made (other than making the screen longer) was making the phone thinnier by 2.3 mm. Who ever brainstormed this idea is foolish, I mean were they expected for everyone to faint from this mind blowing news? Who looks at a phone and says "Yes, from looking at the Iphone 5 from afar I can definetly see the width difference of the phone", nobody does that. As much as I love Apple, ever since Steve Jobbs past away the company has been using the same model and making microscopic differences. The only reason I want this phone is because I have been waiting with my 3gs for the past 7 months and from the looks of it I am debating if I should get the Samsung Galaxy S3. Also the fact that people are buying this phone and Apple sold more than double the amount of copies is very suprsising. It shows that there are people in the world who need to realize what they are spending their money on because they are throwing away their money every year on the same model but with tiny differences. One thing that Apple did well though, was selling the product for a fair price. I am with Fido and they are selling the Iphone 5 for $179, which is also motivating me to buy the product.

New PV Technology Redefines Solar Energy

 

New Solar Energy Technology!

 

Article: Greener Ideal

Published: July 24, 2012

Article Written by: Jerico Espinas

 

Summary:

 

The new solar cell technology can be used on houses, could
this lead to to our houses on being our own power generators?

       Recently in 2012, reasearchers from the California NanoSystems Institute of UCLA have invented the future technology for solar energy. They have developed a transparent photovoltaic cell, which will be going to allow windows and other glass materials to produce its own energy. Image this cell as a thin film, you can put this on your smartphone or tablet and it will actually charge itself. This is extremely effective when going on hikes or being outdoors with friends and family. You do not need to worry about charging your phone. Also this "thin film" is able to block 30% of visible sunlight! From the photovoltaic cell, this will be most beneficial to offices and condos. All of those offices that are made up of glass windows will now be able to generate its own power of the whole building. In addition, think of all those massive cities that are filled with sky scrapers that are made out of glass, this thin film will be layered onto to the windows generatings its own power.

 

Opinion:

 

      This new solar energy technology will greatly impact our lives. First off, if they play this game smart, this photovoltaic cell could be a billionare business. If they sell it at the right price I wont be surprised if in a couple of years my whole neighbourhood will be using this technology. Also, be expecting lots more buildings to be made out of glass (mainly offices). This will also affect architecture for buildings and homes because now more and more people will want a new style for houses covered with a lot of glass and at the same time look aesthetically pleasing.

Rim Going out of Business

Rim Running into the "Death Spiral"?

 

Article: Huff Post Business

Published: 07/03/2012

Article Writtin by: David Friend

 

 

Summary:

 

Reaseacher Thorton Heins declares that "there is nothing with wit the
company as it exists right now"

 

        Reaseach Thorton Heins explains Rim on short term prospects, we can slide through. Just a week ago RIM stunned the market with its vital new software the BlackBerry 10 operating system. This new software will be RIM's chance to save the company. At the moment the company is trying to buy some time, sadly it turned out that 5,000 employes to lose their jobs because of RIM's downfall.

          On top of that it's stock decreased 10 cents, now floating at $7.44 at the Toronto Stock exchange. It turns out Heins supports the company by saying, that they are still doing very well in most countries and that RIM will not fall into the Death Spiral. Anylists estimate that it will be a bumpy road for the company and that it is most likely that they will not survive. Thorton explains that they will launch the BlackBerry10 in 2013, as for the meantime the only chances they will have are from the consumers of other countries where Blackberry is just being introduced to them.

 

Opinion:

 

      In my point of view, I think that this is a stuck in the mud for RIM. In the past Blackberry's software deeply dissapointed me. Honestly I love the model of the phones, I thought it looked magnificient, it was a fairly cheap phone along with some contracts. In fact I was about to get the new Bold 9900, but what I care about the most is the interior part of phones. Of course the phone must be aesthetically pleasing, but would you rather have a brand new ferrari with the lights not working, or the clutch broken? Of course not, the interior and the exterior of phones must be balanced out and that is why I think Iphones are more popular then Blackberries. Blackberries used to be amazing untill their were some very defective issues in the software. BBM on Blackberries was a huge hit, but once the software started going down the drain that is when RIM lost it and the consumers started switching phones.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Test Driving the New Google Glasses

Test Driving the New Google Glasses

Article: The Wall Street Journal

Published: September 11, 2012

Article Written by: Spencer E. Ante

Summary:

Actress Sarah Jessica tries on Google Glasses by fashion designer Diane von Furstenberg

Spencer E. Ante had a chance to tries Google Glasses with co-founder Sergey Brin at the companies office in New York City. This device only weighing a few pounds has a small camera, a batter pocket on the side of the glasses includes "Heads up display" which projects data onto a small screen loacated on the users right eye. These glasses can perform almost anything as a smart phone can. You are able to take pictures, record videos, use google maps, send text messages and make phone calls all by voice commands! When only seeing that the glasses have only one lense, Spencer realized Googles long term goals. Even though the device fit well, snapping pictures was very smooth, there was still lots of improvement that had to be made. With only one lense attached to the glasses, wearing the them felt a little disorienting because Spencer always had to close one eye. Mr. Brins favorite feature was the timelapse capability which lets him take photos every ten seconds. Mr. Brins explains that he never had the need to take out his smartphone, it was very distruptive to his time. He also says that one of their objective is rid of the world always looking down at their smartphone, instead carrying on with their lives/work and yet still be able to connect with their digital device.Although the Google glasses have alot to offer, the software was still unfinished, because of this alot of the stunning features of the glasses weren't working. For example, responding to text messages were still not entirely functioning. Google announces that they will begin to sell this product to the public early next year for $1,500. They are very keen on perfecting the glasses, they have also hired reasearchers that worked for Steve Mann to develop the glass technology. Spencer recommends that Google will make this project open like Android so that sofware developers will play around with the device and add in their own input which the reasearchers have never dreamed of.

Opinion:

I think that this is an oustanding device that will have enormous impact in our lives. The idea is suprisingly marvelous but are people willing to buy this product for $1,500? I cannot determine what will happen in the future, but as amazing as this sounds personally I do not think its worth the money or using this product. I think that it is always nice to not be connected to the digital world. I imagine this device as your smartphone always being sticked to your ear, I personally definetly would not enjoy that espicially not for $1,500. Some people at work cannot wait to go home to spend time with their family and to be away from their work. If I would purchase this product I would pay around $200 - $350. That would be a reasonable price but is it realy worth it? The new Iphone 5 is available for $199.99 with a three year plan. As Spencer indicated that it was also uncomfortable with only having one lense, and I wouldnt want to be talking to my mom and seeing emails from work or text messages on the top right corner while talking to someone. In conclusion this technology is astonishing, but if they want people to desperately get their hands on the product than they will have to cut down the price and change the look of the glasses.