Wednesday, September 30, 2009

PLN 10

PLN 10
Indonesian Earthquake and Tsunami

With the exposure provided by the internet and instant media, the impact of natural disasters is now felt world wide. Living in Colorado, we are sheltered from the natural disasters that impact many areas of the world, such as typhoons and tsunamis. I am amazed at the recent destruction that occurred in Indonesia and Samoa. It is a quick reminder of how fragile our life and world truly are. We are fortunate to live in a country that has building codes that help structures withstand the forces of an earthquake and flood walls that can help withstand the surge of tsunami like waves. I am very sad for the families that have experienced such an incredible tragedy.

PLN 11

PLN 11
20/20 Vision

The technology envisioned by Karl Fisch in 20/20 vision is nothing short of amazing. If half of the ideas expressed in the video were to happen, it would literally change the world for the better. The differences between the first world and third world seem to grow everyday. The issues such as clean water, adequate food and medical supplies that plague most of the world, may be solved with technology. The flow of creative ideas can only help our world become a better place. It is exciting to be growing up in an age where technology can not only open up a world of opportunities, but can provide hope of a better world for future generations.

Wednesday, September 23, 2009

PLn 9

PLN 9
Usain Bolt did not use drugs
Posted on 19 August 2009 at 14:16
Tags: 100 meters, drugs, negative, test, usain bolt

Usain Bolt is not on drugs, according to the verdict from the IAAF, which took the unusual step of issuing a statement to say that all eight finalists from the men’s 100 metres final on Sunday night had tested negative to performance-enhancing drugs.
It was a declaration not issued in relation to any other event at the world championships.
Bolt’s commanding performance on Sunday – in which he set a world record of 9.58 seconds – has added to the three world records he set in Beijing and left some questioning whether any human is capable of such performances without chemical assistance. Bolt has long maintained he is clean and has taken a strong anti-drugs stance.
Scepticism always surrounds the men’s sprints after a string of top contenders and champions have tested positive in the past two decades. Men such as Justin Gatlin, Linford Christie and Ben Johnson have all been embroiled in drug-cheating scandals.

It is very difficult to believe that Usain Bolt did not use performance enhancing drugs to help him smash the world record in the 100 meter final in the World Championships. In an age where every sports record is tarnished by a drug scandal, Usain Bolt is guilty by association. It is my hope that he truly is a “clean” athlete, but I will not be holding my breath. If he is a natural athlete, this is truly an incredible performance that may never be equaled again.

Tuesday, September 22, 2009

PLN 8

PLN 7 A Vision of Students Today

In the video A Vision of Students Today by Michael Wesch, we are presented with many facts about today’s student. What is clear is that students today not only have access to new ideas and information, but learn in ways very different than the traditional classroom setting. In order to respond to the constant changes we experience each day, I believe this should make school one of the most dynamic learning environments. If schools do not respond by providing more technology friendly environments to learn, this will not only slow down the process of learning, but see many more students lose interest in the education process.

PLN 4

PLN 4 The Machine is Us/ing Us

In Michael Wesch video “The Machine is Us/ing Us”, many interesting ideas are presented. The most interesting idea to me is the concept of how the internet is redefining the way we think about almost everything. We now have access to a world that grows increasingly smaller each day as we are exposed to new ideas and information. This constant reshaping of society should make us rethink our own ideas and beliefs and possibly create a better world for everyone.

pln 7

watch video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G-XEMlMRP-M&feature=player_embedded


Flames-Islanders the Preseason Game for the Ages
09.18.2009 | Posted in Flames, Islanders | Author: Steven Ovadia

Last night’s Calgary-Islanders might have been the game of late 2008. It was like some kind of movie.

You had Dion Phaneuf’s massive open-ice hit on Islander Kyle Okposo (Okposo has a mild concussion).

The one bright spot for the Islanders was that Okposo’s teammates immediately came to his defense, attempting to fight Phaneuf the whole game. Not that Phaneuf would even entertain the idea…

I was shocked none of the Isles resorted to dropping an S-bomb on Phaneuf.

The Islanders are a young team, and what talent they have is nowhere near fully developed. But seeing them try and avenge their comrade makes me think what the team lacks in skill, they’ll make up for in energy and passion.

Intense game, right? But wait. There was more. Last night was Theo Fleury’s return to the Flames. As crazy as it sounds, his return was uneventful except for his winning the shootout for Calgary. Which also sums up the final years of his original NHL career: stretches of tedium punctuated with bursts of excitement.

I’m pulling for Fleury but the longer he sticks around the Flames, the worse his heartbreak will be if he’s cut from the team. If Calgary doesn’t want him around (and I’m not quite sure what role Fleury or the Flames sees for him), I hope he’s cut sooner rather than later.

reaction

PLN 7
What was your opinion on Dion Phaneuf’s huge open ice hit on Kyle Okposo in the second period of last Thursdays preseason NHL game between the Calgary Flames and the New York Islanders? I think the hit was late and he should have been given a major penalty. The league should issue a suspension to Phaneuf and send a message to the rest of the NHL that hits like this will not be tolerated. The hit was clearly high and Phaneuf lead with his elbow with the intention of causing serious damage. Phaneuf was lining up the hit for several strides and could have easily backed off. It is clear that he was trying to enforce his status as the NHL’s biggest hitter. Although I was surprised that the Islanders did not go after Phaneuf during the third period, I am sure they will be looking for him the next time these two teams face off.