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Monday, November 8, 2010

Technology As We See IT

This week's technology snippets focus on the following topics:

Snippet # 1
The Washington Post, November 1, 2010


Topic:
Net-neutrality


Link:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/10/29/AR2010102905957.html


Description:
With a looming power shift in Congress, the debate over net-neutrality is heating up.  No one knows what the outcome of the election will be.  But every one is concerned about slow economy, joblessness, and housing woe.  Once again, people seek change to recover from the sluggish state of the economy. 


Reshuffling decades old telecommunication law poses a risk, both politically and economically.  It’s hard to predict what impact the net-neutrality will have on economy.  Taking away a free-market model in favor of a state-controlled policy does not seem logical because it removes competition. 
On the other hand, government accountability to control malpractices by the large organizations could enhance public trust and equal distribution of technology.
Either way, net-neutrality is a two-edged sword, not easy to handle but it must be disarmed from the grip of political quagmire and corporate power.  

Why do I like it:
I like it because it raises an issue from the business point of view which raises questions on the feasibility of net-neutrality.


Snippet # 2
CNN, November 2, 2010


Topic:
Social networking


Link:
http://www.cnn.com/2010/TECH/social.media/11/02/facebook.breakups/index.html?hpt=T2

Description:
The privacy is out the door – sounds like a cliché.  But this CNN report shows that the social networking sites like Facebook now use data based on their social traffic site to predict the break-up pattern.  Who knows what else they know.  But we cannot just blame Facebook.  We need to be vigilant about sharing and using personal data on the web.  Instead of posting actual date of birth why not making up one.  But the point of this article is that social networking sites now have incredible amount of personal information stored at their disposal.  And they will manipulate these data to their advantage. 


Why do I like it:
I like this article because it shows how nonchalant users can be about using personal information on the web.


Snippet # 3
The Washington Post, November 2, 2010


Topic:
Food and energy


Link:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/story/2010/11/01/ST2010110106534.html?sid=ST2010110106534

Description:
The Buddhist philosophy preaches empowerment of human lives and nature.  This article, based on a new trend in China, focuses on the Buddhist philosophy in restoring balance of nature and nurture.  A group of young and affluent professionals are leaving their comfortable jobs for farming to harvest organic food.   Concerned about the quality of food, these Chinese professionals are poised to grow food naturally, free of pesticides and other artificial chemicals.  This trend is a stark contrast in a nation where industrialization and manufacturing are rampant in every conceivable city.  Farming is now considered a taboo.  


Why do I like it:
I like this article because of the novel intentions adopted by the affluent and young generation in China to restore nature’s balance by harvesting organic food.

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