Phone Calls vs. Text Messages

By Alesha Miller

I don’t know if I should have born in the ’70s or ’80s instead of the 90s, but my generation definitely does not like to pick up the phone and make a simple phone call. I still enjoy making an actual phone call and hearing someone else’s voice. Sometimes when conflicts occur, people text and the receiver takes the message in the wrong context. It’s easier to talk voice to voice, at least in that situation.

A lot of people in this generation say they don’t like confrontation. People hide behind text messages instead of having a real conversation, if not in person at least over the phone. I strongly think that people in this generation should make a point to make phone calls to one another. In text messages, a real connection can be completely lost.

Alternative to PowerPoint: Prezi

By Alesha Miller

Today when people give speeches, many use visual aids. One well known visual aid use very often is PowerPoint. But does PowerPoint still grab the attention of those listening to the speech? Gary Chapman from the University of Texas wrote about what he called “The Ten Sins of PowerPoint.” He made points saying that the changing of slides and all of the colors can be overbearing by the transitions used. He said, “it shifts attention from the speaker to the screen, which detracts from the speaker’s ability to engage with his or her audience.” It is also distracting when a speaker reads straight from his slides. That becomes boring to those trying to listen to the speaker. Another thing people do when giving speeches is putting too much information onto one slide, which can be overwhelming.

So what else could someone use as a visual aid besides PowerPoint where everyone has already seen the exact same slide transitions and themes used in the design aspect? They could try Prezi. According to Wikipedia, “Prezi is a web-based presentation tool using a map layout and zooming to show contextual relationships which addresses some of the shortcomings of Microsoft PowerPoint.” Bringing something new to the table could be more interesting and engaging to audiences. They may pay more attention to the presentation, just because it is something new that hasn’t been used much. So next time, when you’re looking for a new way to present, be spontaneous and break away from the old and average PowerPoint and try Prezi, which you can find online, instead!

Vending Machine Makeover

Megan Perry

Who has not ever stood around a soda vending machine rummaging through pockets searching for change?

The machines traditional set up is standard across the board. A six-foot box in which a person inserts coins, presses a button, and out falls a pop. Fairly simple. Nothing too exciting or innovative.

This was all true until PepsiCo revealed a potentially new and interactive vending machine, which allows for endless possibilities for consumers.

Calling it “the next generation in interactive vend technology,” this new machine allows users to  touch a screen and buy not only their drink, but also a gift. This gift comes in the form of a mini video or text message. All the pop purchaser has to do is enter the recipient’s name and number then the gift is sent directly to them. A code is also generated for those at the machine providing instructions on how to redeem the beverage at another social vending machine.

I am impressed with how even the pop industry is finding ways to access people through the social media. It just goes to show how something which has stayed pretty basic since its creation can still continue to evolve.

Radiation Exposed

Megan Perry

It is difficult to find a person today who does not own a cell phone. Children as young as 9 are given phones to get in contact with who knows who, and those as old as 79 can be seen chatting away. Home phones are becoming obsolete, while phonebooks are shrinking. All this is occurring as the world has become a mobile mecca.  Since this is nothing new to most people, a possible lawsuit from the cell phone industry against San Francisco is.

A vote last June by the San Francisco Board of Supervisors required all cell phone stores to have postings of the Specific Absorption Rate of each mobile. This would allow potential buyers to see up front the amount of radiation coming from the varying devices. After much argument of this proposition, another decision was made to instead have more of a tip sheet available to consumers on how to avoid radiation exposure from headsets and speaker phones.

Before reading this article, I honestly have never considered the potential radiation damage I am causing via my phone. Do not people have a right to know what they are getting themselves into? Now this may not be as extreme as a surgeon generals warning on a cigarette box, but the purpose is the same. If a device can cause damage, should a person not know what risk they are putting themselves and family members in?