Apple rejects game app measuring the height of phone tosses

Article Link: http://www.latimes.com/business/technology/la-fi-tn-apple-rejects-throw-phone-game-20130806,0,5120775.story

Apple has rejected a game app “’Send Me To Heaven’” “that scores players on how high they can toss their smartphone in the air (Rodriguez)”. By using this app, it can hurt not only the people around you, it also can damage your phone. Although this app might sound ridiculous, many users gave a nice feedback that it was interesting app that distracts the players when boredom. However, what surprise me the most is that this app can detect how high individuals can throw using the device’s accelerometer. Therefore, even though individuals tries to toss it with using other materials, the app won’t calculate its score. Though this game is obviously unsafe and absurd, it is unbelievable that some people actually enjoy playing with this pointless app.

The author mentioned and portrayed the positive and negative aspect about this application. Also, by concluding the article by quoting the app review, it provided both affecting and disinterest feeling at the same time. However, like the reviewer mentioned, it is phone-suicide. It is unbelievable that this app was created because although it gained popularity by unusual function, sooner or later, people will get tired from using this game. Although it was atypical and refreshing idea to come up with, but it is extravagant that the only way to score is by throwing the device which is extremely risky thing to do. Overall, author’s stance was unbiased, he should have wrote more about its negative aspect about using this app because the title said “Apple rejects game app measuring the height of phone tosses”. 

Russian Meteor Might Have Siblings in Tow

Article Link: http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=russian-meteor-might-have-siblings-in-tow

What would happen if another asteroid exploded on the Earth? Few month ago, an enormous rock blasted in the skies near Chelyabinsk, Russia. It had a massive impact that even with the shock waves, buildings were damaged and thousands of people died from the small practical that spread when the explosion happened. Surprisingly, NASA announced that these extremely menacing asteroid had been found, ranging in size from 5 to 200 meters across. However, it is very rare that these asteroid will hit our Earth because of the gravitational pull of the planets that will eschew into different way.

When I first read the title of the article, I was startled that Russian meteor might have siblings in tow. Author used personification in the heading to attract readers which was an agreeable idea. Indeed, I read this article because it sounded interesting and felt it was appropriate to know about the fact of rare consequences that we might face. Also, author gave an event that happened in the past few month to add the detail parts of what it will be like if another meteor exploded on the Earth. Furthermore, author mentioned the important facts that I never heard before, for example, “…NASA round about 20 asteroid.. (McKee)” and even with the shock wave, it can damage properties.

Although, I am not a science person, after reading this article it gave me a compelling thoughts about how a slight change of the asteroid can save millions of people. Therefore, I think the author did a good job on attracting the readers and conveying them with an interesting article. 

Chromecast is a worthy low-cost Internet TV option

Article Link: http://www.latimes.com/business/technology/la-fi-tn-chromecast-internet-tv-review-20130730,0,7621567.story

You can say that technologies are everywhere and can take over the world, because they are far improved from previous generations. Recently, Google announced a new wireless device, which can be used to play videos, music, and other cool features from laptop or Smartphone directly to the digital TV. Although often times, one company makes the device with a similar feature or better design, sort of imitating the device that already had been sold. This tiny TV receiver is handy in meetings and because it is a portable size, unlike the Apple TV where it needs many wires.

I agree with the author about its comfortable and variety of features that offer in this small device. The author mentioned about several other ways on how this device works, so it provides a reader a simpler way to learn to use this device. Although, in the article, there isn't a link or video about how to use or connect this device, I think that the author’s words were suffice. However, I found it unnecessary about giving a review of this device because in the video, it only mentioned the benefits about this device instead of actually giving instruction on how to install this device. Also, I liked how author compared other products to this device, giving more essence about which device to choose from.

I think the author gave more positive aspect about this device compared to others, in order to disclose how handy this device can be. As I finished reading this article, I noticed that I wanted to get this device. Therefore, I also think that the author had a strong persuasive writing towards the readers.

It is getting easier to foresee wrongdoing and spot likely wrongdoers

Article Link: http://www.economist.com/news/briefing/21582042-it-getting-easier-foresee-wrongdoing-and-spot-likely-wrongdoers-dont-even-think-about-it

The crime-prediction software called PredPol, significantly reduces the crime and is becoming popular system for the cops to use. There had been studies that this device can predict twice as better than with human analysts. Also, by using this important safeguard, in the Foothill area of Los Angeles, the property crimes had fallen 12% in late 2011 compared to the previous year. However, there are several people who oppose the installation of this crime-prediction software because it can bring out privacy, and it might bring more reports of crimes that will make difficult for the people of emergency cases to reach the police station. Also, some criminal use the internet to make prediction of their own so it is debatable that this device can be necessary for its useful prevention or unnecessary because of its negative aspect.

As technology develops, there are several devices that can be useful or unnecessarily in need. However, I think this crime-prediction software is important device to install because it prevents most of the serious crimes. Further, by installing this device, crimes will reduce and provides a safe environment to the people. The author did a nifty job because it viewed both perspective of ones who would like to install this device and others who opposed this software, being unbiased. Furthermore, he gave primary example of why it is beneficial about having a crime-prediction software and its negative aspect of this device. Also, the author uses several examples to correspond in this article, so it was interesting to see all the different studies and evidence can lead to other possible outcomes. 

For Lakers and Kobe Bryant, next summer is the dream season

Article Link: http://www.latimes.com/sports/basketball/nba/lakers/la-sp-lakers-2014-20130724,0,243653.story?page=1

Lakers are back again for a chance to win another championship in the season 2014-2015. Many of the great players are going to be a free agent this coming year or the year after. Indeed, if Lakers are able to negotiate about their player’s salaries and spend the least amount of franchise total salary-cap, then Lakers will have an enough room for three big-named players. However, this all depends on the agreement with the franchise and players. If Kobe Bryant doesn't accept the minimum amount of salaries, then the changes of getting a big-name player decreases. Therefore it is significant for the Lakers to manage their money.

As mentioned in the article, I want Lakers to have the opportunity to win another championship, because Kobe Bryant might retire after 3 more years. Therefore, I encourage Lakers’ players to be unselfish and accept the agreement that the franchise offer, for their prosperous future.

As far as the article goes, although it gave nice explanation of what might happen if Lakers decide to negotiate and have available spaces for the high-name players for the future season or what will happen if players on Lakers do not agree with the franchise. Furthermore, I noticed that the author was poor with the diction and choice of words. For example, “ …the sum would submarine the team's salary-cap space,” “Wink-wink-nudge-nudge time (Mike Bresnahan and Eric Pincus).” Although it may have entertained for some readers, I felt that the authors could have been more professional and really consider to be the article that everyone will appreciate.

Cybercrime costs U.S. economy up to $140 billion annually, report says

Article Link: http://www.latimes.com/business/technology/la-fi-tn-cybercrime-140-billion-dollars-economy-20130722,0,308705.story

According to the study, cyber-crimes costs U.S. economy up to $140 billion annually. Which equal to half a million jobs from the U.S. economy each year. The study was done with the help of cyber security McAfee. There are variety of cyber-crimes such as “intellectual property theft, phishing and text messaging fraud, loss of sensitive business information, service disruptions, security costs and damage to reputation” (Dave).  The CSIS and other cyber securities are still constantly determining the impact on innovation. The number of crimes will increase as time passes by, which means it is crucial to stop all the cyber-crimes. If the cyber-crimes reduce then our economy will grow because it costs a significant amount to only protect what is going on in the internet. Therefore, cyber-crimes must stop because if damages to economy as well as the companies that needs to pay large amount on cyber security.

There are several issues going on in cyber network. It cost significant amount of money in installing a cyber-security. It is unbelievable that about $140 billion of money are used annually to protect any cyber-crimes, which is unstoppable and still happens. This issue has been announced several times but there isn't a complete solution to solve these cyber-crimes except for deleting the negative comments or setting up an extreme difficult password system where the cost is extravagant. Also, there are many cyber programmers that knows how to hack into the system even with the high security. Thus, it is difficult to safeguard the cyber-crimes, however, government should be stricter about the cyber-crimes in order to reduce the costs to prevent these crimes.  

Families who Facebook together stay together, study says

Article Link: http://www.latimes.com/business/technology/la-fi-tn-facebook-families-20130717,0,7773606.story

A study was released by Brigham young University that parents who uses social media network can develop a positive relationship with their child. I strongly agree with this study because often time, teens write their thoughts or suggestions on social media network such as Facebook. Therefore, if parents keep track of their child with Facebook, then it will be beneficial to both parents and the child. This protects any miss understanding between parents and kids. Also, by getting connected in social network, parents can figure out what their kids are having trouble with, and will able to get along as if parents are like best friend to their kids.

It can be hard for the parents to keep up with the new technology and social media network applications that their kids use daily. The parents don’t have to spend their entire time getting along with their kid’s friends or worrying about what their children might post, it is the relationship that matters the most. Many of the face to face relationship has been withdrawn due to a new technology and social media network, hence, parents should find a way to interact with their kids without causing harm or embarrassment that will affect even more dreadful relationship. Instead, adding one more “like” to a picture or post that kids have posted in the social websites. By doing this, other will think that this kid has an awesome parents who’s is really supportive.  Then the parent’s kids will show great respect and proud about their parents. Therefore, the relationship will get better by parents using social media network, like Facebook, to encourage and share a positive relationship that didn't happened before. 

Capture of the leader from the most violent drug organization in Mexico

Article: http://www.nytimes.com/2013/07/16/world/americas/drug-kingpin-is-captured-in-mexico-near-border.html?ref=world&_r=0

Finally, “the leader of one of Mexico’s most violent and feared drug organizations was captured today in a city across the border from Texas” (NY Times). The leader of this drug organization named, Treviño, has been wanted by both the United States and Mexican marines. However, there are no guarantees that everything will be solved.  As mentioned in the article, the arrest could lead to further fragmentations of the gangs, which would reduce their ability to threaten state authority but might lead to further violence.

When I first heard about this news, I was relieved that the drug organizations will reduce because now that the highest leader of the gang was caught. However, there will be more tension between the United States/ Mexican marines to the drug organization gangs.  Indeed, the government should be stricter around the boarders to protect the future drug dealing. The illegal drugs purchase are growing and this crisis is dangerous for people of all ages, so it must be stopped. Although it is hard to protect the illegal drug purchase, United States should contraband any selling of drugs.

In conclusion, I think that the capture of Treviño will reduce the formalization of gangs, furthermore, less people will get involve in an organization like this. They should know that one day, they will get caught and will face a serious consequences. As far as the article, the author structure the article well. There were consequences that might lead because of the capture of Treviño. Also, it didn’t focus too much about the violent topics, so it was easy to follow and an interesting article.  

Wildfire near Las Vegas

Link: http://www.latimes.com/news/nation/nationnow/la-na-nn-las-vegas-fire-structures-lost-20130710,0,2924746.story

While reading this article about an enormous wildfire burning in the mountains of Las Vegas, I was glad that the community were helping each other to safely evacuate and take care of this matter. More than thousands of firefighters from several states worked to protect the spread of the fire as well as the properties that are in the area of the fire.

What was surprising to me was that this author did a lots of researches to utilize on this article. For example, “Cannery Casino Resorts in Las Vegas has offered 40 hotel rooms for up to 10 days to displaced families… 15% to 10% as it spread to 25,524 acres.” These information are found in the article, and to gather all these specific information, the author of this article definitely spent the times to write and research about the massive wildfire burning, happened in Las Vegas.

Also, the author interviewed firefighter and the Senate to add more detail facts about the fire. Further, the author is telling the readers about the huge fire burning across the West and in Alaska. I honestly think that these large wildfires must be stopped before it gets any worse.

In conclusion, the author did an outstanding job explaining about the wildfire that happened in Las Vegas. However, as I read down the article, I started to wonder if all these information were necessary. I trailed off in the end because there were too many information that I quite couldn't understand. Therefore, I realized that the author should have done more better job of explaining about how the fire started or why are there many large wildfires happening these days. 

Asiana flight attendant, last person off jet, describes ordeal (Article)

This is a tragic accident that happened last week, however, because of a well-trained employees that had been working in Asian Airline, for many years, most people were able to escape from this accident with minor damages. A cabin manager Lee Yoon-hye, knew that this accident might have been worse, but because of their endless effort to make the flight attendant calm, it wasn't as chaos as it could have been. This article gave lots of examples and explain the situations as if I was one of the person that was trapped inside the airplane. The author of this article, Victoria Kim did an excellent job on writing this article for others that haven’t heard or seen about. She used many exclamation marks to express the feelings as well as a detail insight of what were actually going on inside the airplane. She did an outstanding job of explaining every parts of detail, for example, “Lee then grabbed a fire extinguisher and handed it to the co-pilot who tried to put out the flame (Victoria 1).” Although the author wasn't on the scene where everyone was frightened and worried about the crash, I think she did lots of researches about this accident and an interview of a passengers as well as the employees that were inside the plane. Also, there was only one page on this article which made it less boring and only contained a suffice information so it made it easier for the readers to read. Therefore, overall, I think this article was well written. 



Article Link: http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-asiana-flight-attendant-20130708,0,3708058.story