Artificial Intelligence

Artificial intelligence is a concept that gives machines such as computers the same amount of "brainpower" that a human might have. However, computers these days have acquired even more intelligence that most humans could ever dream of having due to developments in things such as computer programming and the Internet. Computers are basically capable of running our entire lives now, and that is a result of artificial intelligence. We are the creators of the world we live in, and we hold the keys to castle of computers we have built around our lives. For instance, computer science has been incorporated into things such as research, global positioning systems, medical equipment, financing global economies, and countless other entities. I just hope we will able to keep things on at least a mostly human level, and not let these machines take over our lives any more than they already have. We do not want something like an I, Robot situation going down.

 

March Madness

The season is upon us. March Madness has begun. Get your brackets ready, because it's going to be a good one. I made two brackets. My first bracket is what I want to happen, and my second bracket is what I think is actually going to happen. In my first bracket, I have Kansas, Wichita State, Wisconsin, and Villanova in my Final Four. I also have Villanova winning it all. I chose this outcome solely because I am probably going to attend school at Villanova next year. My second bracket it pretty different. In my Final Four I have Florida, Wisconsin, Michigan State, and Wichita State. From there, I have Wisconsin winning. In this same bracket, I have Villanova getting knocked out in the second round by UConn. A big sleeper in this tournament is Steven F. Austin State. I have them going to the Sweet Sixteen.



      

 

Nike FuelBand vs. Jawbone UP

The Nike FuelBand is a fitness-assistance device that attaches to a person's wrist. It monitors things such as time intervals, heart rate, and workout intensity. It also can be used as a watch, and now is Bluetooth 4.0-enabled to connect to your smartphone. The nike FuelBand can act as a pedometer and an odometer, as well. It is also waterproof. The Nike FuelBand can also connect to the Nike+ app on the iPhone and Android. It goes for about $150. It's pro's include the following: it is a great workout motivator, it is very practical to athletes in training, and it is easy to use. However, based on some customer reviews, its con's include, but are not limited to, durability issues and problems with the battery life.


On the other hand we have the Jawbone UP. It is a very similar wristband device like the Nike FuelBand in that it monitors workout intensity, tells you how much distance you've covered, etc. It is also waterproof, and Bluetooth 4.0-enabled. Similar to the Nike FuelBand, the Jawbone UP also connects to an app on your smartphone. It is known simply as the "UP" app by Jawbone. On this app you can read the information that your wristband collects. It goes for $150, just like the FuelBand. However, the Jawbone UP does not tell time, and does not have an interface right on the device.


If I had to get either of these devices, I'd probably go with the Nike FuelBand. The interface right on the wristband makes it easier to use, and it does not require an app to run it. However, if I had the choice to not use either of these devices, I would. I mean I do exercise a lot, but I really do not see the need to drop $150 on something that you're probably just going to end up using as a stopwatch most of the time.

http://prezi.com/zsibcpysw6qh/nike-fuelband-vs-jawbone-up/

Turmoil in the Ukraine

As you may know, over the past few months there has been a lot going on in the developing nation of Ukraine. From wide-scale rioting to government overthrow to Russian military occupation, the Ukraine has had it pretty rough. Recently, Russian armed forces have occupied the region of Crimea in order to "defend the rights of Russian citizens in the region". However, a lot of people, including myself, see this move as one of Russian aggression, and really unnecessary. The United States has so far done a pretty good job to remain neutral. Today, the United States ambassador to the Ukraine refused to recognize a referendum set forth by Russia to legitimize its occupation of Crimea. I see this as the right move, and is in the best interest of American neutrality. We will have to see what happens from here on out...

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/mar/10/ukraine-crisis-us-crimea-referendum-putin-ambassador

Senior Service

I have already finished my Senior Service requirement. I did all my hours during February School Vacation. I served at Brigham and Women's Hospital in the Newborn Intensive Care Unit, or the "NICU". While there, I did things such as stock the babies' cribs with blankets and diapers, answered phones, and ran errands for the nurses. Sometimes, if the babies were crying, the nurses would let me rock the babies to sleep. It was a cool experience, and I learned a lot. It made me realize how amazingly talented neonatal medical professionals really are, and how through teamwork the NICU is able to run at optimal efficiency. I really enjoyed my time at the NICU, and would definitely do it again.