Can't Stop Geeking

Suzanne Choney from MSNBC wrote this article last Friday detailing some research done as to whether the internet is helping or hurting human intelligence. Some say that the access to all the information the internet has is making us smarter in a slightly different way than in years past. Others say that we are using Google as a crutch to do the bare minimum in terms of research. So where do you stand?

Me personally, I think the information on the internet is fantastic. I’ve accessed things and studies topics I wouldn’t normally have been able to. On the other hand, with the proliferation of blogs and other sites put up with faulty information, reading info from one site only doesn’t alkways paint the fullest picture. If you plan to do research, it’s best to gather information from multiple, credible sites.

Google is set to take down it Chinese search engine due to allegations that the Chinese government’s actions toward human rights activists using gmail to communicate as well as oppressing other companies.  I wonder if  the doomsday clock movement on Thursday has something to do with this.

This comes from foxnews.com.

The doomsaday clock, a clock debuting in 1947 and representing man’s proximity to nuclear annihilation, will be moved for the first time in three years.  People can watch the clock change over the internet.  Of course, the direction and amount of change will not be made public until the actual change which leaves room for a lot of speculation.  What is causing the clock change.  More dangers or fewer? Nuclear war issues or climate change issues?  Whta do you think?

Imagine you have a website you like to visit.  Whether it is because of the content, the look or layout of the site, or if they offer mercahndise online, this is the first site you visit when you get on the internet.  Now, imagine you’re blind, or you have a muscle disease that hinders fine motor coordination.  How easy is it to visit your favorite site now?

Some companies are starting to optimize their sites to accomodate those with impairments, and the World Wide Consortium, which establishes internet standards, has developed guidelines for creating accessible sites. Having a cousin who lives with Cerebral Palsy, I know how hard it is to live with a disability. So, bravo to those companies who are already taking this step, and if you know of someone who works in web design, whether it’s a local orange county web design or a national company, let them know the good they can do for those with disabilities.

Update on my gift search for my wife. She was surfing the web and pounded the desk in frustration. I asked her what was wrong, and she said she was tired of the internet service we get being so sporadic. For some reason, our internet service cuts in and out for various periods at a time. We never know when it’s going to happen or for how long it’s going to last. I asked her if she wanted to consider a different internet service, and she said, “I would LOVE that.”

So guess what she’s getting under the tree this Christmas? She’s going to open an envelope informing her she will have a brand new satellite internet provider. I’ve already done the research, I know exactly who to call. She’s gonna love it.