Time and Again

Time after time I find myself observing the comings and goings of the various people in and out of my place of work. Given my job, I meet a lot of different people; tourists, locals, children and adults. I work at a CVS pharmacy where I manage the store while the manager is off, a shift supervisor in title. My job is to hold down the fort and keep the store running while maintaining a professional and efficient work schedule. This leads me to observe the people coming into the store since I have to make myself readily available to assist them when they require help finding an item. As of late I have noticed a definite increase in cell phone users, most notably in the younger persuasion. And it is during these times that a sense or feeling of grief temporarily comes across me. See every time I see a young adult with a cell phone strapped to their face as they open the door I am reminded of the day I almost lost a second mother. It always keeps me wondering if technology is out distancing the ability of today’s youth to handle such responsibilities.

The story of my second mother takes place 2 years ago when she was driving across state to visit one of the stores belonging to the local gas station; she is a Subway district manager for the gas stations that have them. Her job is to visit the stores and make sure they are adhering to the Subway code of conduct. She has several under her jurisdiction and as such she is on the road a lot. I have always liked her and even if she was not my biological mother, she IS my “other mother” regardless. One day she was headed to the next state up and was about a mile away from her store when suddenly a car from the next lane crossed over and hit her dead on at 60 mph. For those of you who don’t understand; when you have one car going 60 mph and another car going 60 mph and one hits the other head on, the force of the impact registers at 120 mph. That like taking a race car and going at max speed into a wall. Both the car and my other mother’s minivan came to a dead stop. The surrounding cars all stopped and no one else was involved. As everything was getting sorted out, my second mother was passing out and to this day she thinks she was about to die, but a motorist had run up and put his hand on her arm and asked her if she was alright. Aside from the motor of the minivan resting on her legs, a broken thigh bone, and head trauma, she was still alive and able to speak that she was still with the living. The other driver wasn’t so lucky. The young girl died on the impact.

Why did this happen? What would possess a person to suddenly swerve into oncoming traffic? The answer sadly came from a friend of the girl whom she was texting with; at the moment of the accident. The friend had been carrying on a text conversation with the girl, and at some point the girl must have forgotten to watch her driving and had veered into the other lane. It will be a mistake their family and friends have to live with for the rest of their lives, and a sad reminder for my other mother for the rest of hers. It’s hard for her these days getting around; she had broken her thigh bone very close to her knee joint, the doctors didn’t think they could put a pin into what was left of the bone in that leg but they managed. Every time it gets cold or her arthritis kicks up she has to lie down and double her medication. Every time she has to feel that pain, she feels the pain of the loss of that young girl. And every time she remembers all of that, she realizes that a young girl died by crashing into her. Maybe it was because my other mother is such a gentle soul, maybe it’s because of the shock of finding out that she alone had survived when one younger had not, but regardless she holds herself to blame for the loss of that life.

So each day I see a person walk to my store with their head in a phone, or so wrapped up on texting whomever they are texting to the point they wait for someone else to open the door, I just want to run up there and scream at them to come back to the here and now, or they might just look up one day and see a minivan they’re about to crash into. I don’t think they realize just how much they affect others around them when they turn off the world and turn on their cell phones.

"Talk?, Face-to-Face?" OMG, NO WAY!!!!!

HOW DIGITAL MEDIA CHANGED THE WAY WE COMMUNICATE.

Before digital media came along, people used to have to communicate by what I like to call the "OLD-FASHIONED" way. I grew up in a time when people had to actually "TALK" to each other unless they were going to write a letter and send it through the mail. How it worked was people would use something called a "TELEPHONE". These machines were a lot like the "CELLPHONES" you see today only they were much bigger and attached to a cord that kept the user stationary. Some people would have a cord so long they could almost go out and check the mail but could still only go as far as the cord would stretch. A different type of "TELEPHONE" was a "CORDLESS" phone. It wasn't actually "CORDLESS" as you still had to have a cord connenting the base of the unit to an outlet in the wall, but the "HANDSET" could be carried without having a cord attached to it. Of course it could only receive a signal for so much distance from the base but it was a nice luxury over its "CORDED" counterparts. With these devices, people could communicate by picking up the receiver and dialing a phone number to the person they were trying to contact. Now, in the event that the person could not be reached, what was known as an "ANSWERING MACHINE" would be used to capture a message. These were devices that originally used "TAPE" to record messages but that is another topic of its own. A lot of things came and went from the time of the "TELEPHONE" to the age we are in today such as "PAGERS" or "BEEPERS" (also another topic on its own) and the arrival of the first "CELLPHONE" which looked to be the size of a brick. Technology quickly advanced and we were soon faced with a whole new way to communicate. People no longer have to actually "TALK" to each other anymore. They can "EMAIL", "INSTANT MESSAGE", or even use their "CELLPHONE" to "TEXT" messages to each other. Using something called the "INTERNET", people don't even have to TRY TO TALK "FACE-TO-FACE" the first time they meet. Through dating "SITES" on the "INTERNET", people can get to know who someone is before they even hear their voice for the first time. There are "SITES" like Facebook, Twitter, and Myspace that people can use to build completely virtual worlds in which they live and broadcast their entire lives for everyone to see. I do feel that new technology has destroyed or at least crippled the "Art of Communicating". Well, maybe it has just changed the "Art" itself. Either way, it has become a VERY IMPERSONAL WORLD where someone can simply "DELETE" you from their "FRIEND" list and you can be out of their lives forever. Maybe I am just "OLD-SCHOOL" but I still prefer "FACE-TO-FACE" communication over the "OTHER WAY" most of the time. The only question I have is this, if we can know each other's LIFE HISTORY in an INSTANT, without EVER meeting in person, what are we going to be able to do in say, 20 years? Sometimes its a little scary to think about.

Cyberbullying

In today's world, social networking is a major part of people's daily lives. While there are many advantages to using websites such as YouTube, Facebook, Twitter and Myspace like finding old friends or for promotion, they also have their disadvantages as well. One topic in particular--cyberbullying--has become more than a mere disadvantage.

Children in middle school and high school are at the highest risk of being "cyberbullied." Statistics show that 20% of students have admitted to being bullied online, with girls being more likely to experience it than boys. There have been a few widely publicized tragedies stemming from cyberbullying via Myspace. You may be familiar with the 2008 story involving a group of high school cheerleaders who posted negative comments about a girl on Myspace, then lured her to a house where she was beaten into unconsciousness. Following the attack, they posted the video on YouTube for everyone to see. The effects of these online attacks can be long-term physically, mentally and emotionally not only for the victim, but for their family and friends as well.

Another story you may be familiar with is the suicide of 13 year-old Megan Meier which was a result of being harassed online by a supposed 16 year old boy. In the end, the 16 year old boy actually turned out to be the mother of Megan's friend next door. This just goes to show that cyberbullies are not limited to children and young adults. They can be just about anyone.

So, how can we prevent and respond to cyberbullying? Being aware of it is key. Listen and always take it seriously. Be aware of your child's emotional state. If you notice any dramatic changes, talk to them. Be involved with their teachers. Know how they are doing in school socially, not just academically. Parents must do all they can to provide their children with the tools and knowledge to be safe on and offline. Should any online harassment occur, take the necessary steps to resolve it. It is imperative to step in. Whether it be getting both parties together to discuss the issue and resolve it face to face, or by getting parents and school faculty involved. Never stand idly by if your child makes a harassment claim. You never know. You might just save a life.

Video Games and Children

Freeze tag, hide and go seek, dodge ball. Does any of these games sound familiar? Well perhaps they do to those born before video games got really popular. Growing up in the early 1980's, these were games my friends and i played everyday. I guess it was just something about the element of human interaction that i found fun and entertaining. Needles to say, these activities fostered teamwork, cooperation, and exercise out side of p.e during school hours. Back in those days not everyone had access to an Atari or a Nintendo so it was very common to "get up, get out, make friends". Now understand, i am in no way, form or fashion am i bashing video games or anyone that plays them. Anything done in moderation is fine, however, when you get to the point where that's all you do; then there is a problem. According to research, these are some effects that video games have on youth: 1.) Increased aggression - children arguing and getting into fights with other kids. Acting out the video game. 2.) Decline in academic performance, i.e. neglecting school assignments and homework 3.) Trouble deciphering between what is reality and what is fantasy. 4.) Minimal physical activity, which can lead to obesity (whole different discussion) Finally, there are some social problems with which excessive gaming can be attributed. Many gamers that i have come across over the years are what i would consider loners. They do have a couple of friends, but for the most part, their main interaction with others are through online games. I also know people whose home and family life suffer because they are glued to the XBOX or the PC playing games. I find this to be a serious problem, but as i said, moderation is the key. I believe parents need to monitor their children's video game habits, as well as keep a close eye on the games they do play. As a society, we can ill-afford to have cases where people are trying to act out scenes from GTA, Call of Duty, or Tekken, due to their inability to distinguish fantasy from reality. ( A bit extreme, I know) The bottom line here is, technology is rapidly increasing, and video games are big business, so we know they aren't going anywhere. With that said, we realize we can't hide our kids from video games, but it is our place as responsible adults (and parents) to sort of tighten the reigns on gaming activities. GET THEM OUT OF THE HOUSE!!!

Digital Media: My Best Friend

My name is Nolan Anderson and I am an aspiring musician. I look everyday at my life as a blessing and never stop pursuing my dream of being one of the top artists in my genre. Given this information, I have only this current time in history and technology to thank. Bare with me please.
I look at struggling musicians from past generations and really feel for them as they were greatly hindered by the time at which they were born. Technology has come leaps and bounds over the last 20 years and far advanced the speed and convenience at which musicians/artists can share their works. Tools like Facebook, Myspace, Youtube...etc, have changed the way things are as we know it. These social media/networking tools are the in my view the greatest thing since slice bread. Why??? Exposure in the past generations was so much harder to come by. Getting your voice heard wasn't as easy as uploading a new song on your website for all of your comrades to listen to. The obstacles for previous generations prior to the internet were very large. Record company and radio exposure were essentially their only outlet. Now everything is right there in front of us and we have to make sure and capitalize on our fortune. These times and tools are why my "bff" is: Digital Media.

Re: Reflections of a tragic day

September 11th is a day that our nation will not soon forget. The catastrophic events that took place on 911, which also happens to be the emergency hotline number affected many people and changed the way our country looks at national security. The calculated attacks in my opinion were a cowardly act of violence and war on innocent civilians and U.S. soil.

This incident affected me personally. I worked at the World Trade Center in tower one for many years on the 86th floor of the north side. The building was an amazing architechitural achievement, that soon became the landmark for New York City, replacing the cities other skyscraper, the Empire State Building.

We are all familiar with the events, incidents and lives that were changed on that historic day, instead of reflecting on the negative, i'd like to reflect on the positive and mention a few points about the benefits of working or just visiting the World Trade Center.

On a clear day one could venture up to the observation deck and view the entire city and surrounding areas such as Staten Island, Brooklyn, The Bronx, Queens, Long Island, and New Jersey, the Hudson and East Rivers and the George Washington Bridge, Gothals Bridge, Brooklyn Bridge and much more, the views were breathtaking.

The Windows of the World restaurant, featured a sign that simply stated, "welcome to windows of the world, the closest some of us will ever get to heaven", located one hundred and ten stories above the sounds of busy traffic, busses, trains, and the rush hour commute that was eliminated and replaced by soothing jazz piano, and the aroma of top notch chef's preparing gourmet meals, and the subtle sounds of two wine glasses clicking together as a couple sat in the plush chairs at cozy little table near a window facing fith avenue. It was a lovely peaceful and relaxing  place. The restroom facilities, walls and floor were pink italian marble, with solid brass accents, you were always greeted by an attendant who made sure everything about you was in place before you walked out.

 The main lobby and each skylobby had large chandeliers adorning the ceilings and all elevator doors were a mirrored stainless steel, except the excecutive directors doors, those elevator doors were brass. This type of detail was evident throughout all seven World Trade Center buildings and the ajoining Visita International Hotel. The out side of the World Trade Center was covered in stone granite and manicured hedges, plants fresh flowers along with large waterfalls and sculptured statues and art were placed around the pavillion. There was a shopping center, a mall, barbershops, hair salons and tons of restaurants on the main lobby. Anything and everything was available at the twin towers including enough parking space to accomodate a large bi-state agency and commercial trading for every country in the world. 8 underground parking floors were sufficient.

The windows were 6 feet long and twelve inches wide to prevent suicide attempts, the office layouts were immaculate and the furniture was extravagant. The executive directors office and the secretary's office were the plushest of them all, with cushy carpeting and all the comforts of home. The large board room featured a lounge that surrounded the huge conference table and large high back office chairs, seperated by an oval tinted glass.

The year was 1993, I was on my way to work like any onther day. Except today the weather was gloomy, grey skies and wind accompinied by a rainy mist. I got aboard the number 2 train in the south bronx and headed to Manhattan. I exit the the number 2 train express at Chambers St, and cross the platform to the awaiting number 1 local. I ride this train for one stop and exit underground to enter the lobby of the concourse of the World Trade Center Plaza.

Greetings for all the people that I see everyday and I catch an elevator to the 44th floor skylobby. The elevator moves at 17 to 27 mph upwards, slower on windy days, I cross the skylobby and get another elevator to the 86th floor. Exit and arrive at 86th North. Like each morning I have my hot chocolate, coffee, bagel or donut and begin my work and later its time for lunch, I meet my Dad at the skylobby and we go to the cafeteria order lunch and eat over some conversation, then its back to the office for four more hours of work.

Its been pretty windy today and the WTC was built to sway back and forth during such conditions. I can hear the joints stretching and contracting as the wind pushes againts the two towers, I notice the mobiles hanging from the cieling also sway and turn, I personally can't feel the swaying but I can see it all around me, especially in a glass of water on the desk, or the water splashing side to side in a sink or toilet, when I see this I know the builing is moving alot.

more to come..........

How digital media has changed the music industry.

Before digital media came along and everything was still analog, people used to use tape and/or vinyl records to record music. After the music was recorded it would have to be mastered by several types of hardware such as equalizers and compressors. Once finished, it would have to be distributed through the mail to radio stations for airplay. After playing on the radio, the major distribution companies would send the tape or record, and soon the CD, to what are known as brick-and-mortar establishments. This is basically a term used for retailers such as F.Y.E., Wal-Mart, Target, etc. that would put the music on their shelves for the consumer to purchase. The good thing about this was that it was easier to control the unlawful replication of an artist's product as well as keep track of how many people were buying the music. Some of the drawbacks the this method were that it was more expensive to the record labels and it took weeks if not months to get something on the shelf for sale. After the digital age started coming around the first thing that changed was the way music was recorded. It could now be recorded digitally and mastered within a digital domain without a lot of wasted tape or other material. The next thing that changed was the way music was shared and distributed. The computer would now make it possible for music to be shared almost instantly after it was completed. It also make it possible for anyone with access to a computer to broadcast their own music to millions without having to have major distribution which allowed for a wider reach with less effort or wasted money. the only problem with this new ability is that it makes it harder for companies to keep track of how many people are buying their product due to music being able to be shared with multiple people for free. Music that is downloaded without being paid for also takes money away form the artist which makes live performances so important. S lot of the money that music artists are receiving comes form concerts and appearances rather than direct music sales. Another issue arising form the digital media age is that a lot of traditional brick-and-mortar outlets are having steadily decreasing sales with some of them having to close or sell out to bigger name national chains. This has led to an increase in the amount of online stores that offer music for downloading by purchasing either a membership to the company or paying a one-time fee that occurs per download. Some of the pros to this kind of distribution are that music can still be tracked to see how much is being purchased and the artist can still get paid for their product. This is very important because music is registered with a company called Soundscan which tracks music sales and helps determine if an album hits certain levels such as gold or platinum.