An Advanced Artificial Brain

On September 25, 2012 in an article called, “A Startup Tries to Make a Better Artificial Brain” from The Huffington Post, Rachel Metz reported that a machine software called Vicarious is now creating a software that processes visual information exactly the way a human brain does. The idea of a neural network, where computers will vision and act out processes exactly like humans, has been around for decades, but founders say that Vicarious is more improved with previous techniques. They are hoping that Vicarious will have a vision system fully developed in the next several years. Cofounder D. Scott Phoenix says that its software, just like the human brain, learns first by observing the object and then forming neural connections in response. Moreover, it can advance to the point where it glances at a dinner plate and clearly determines how many calories a person is about to consume. Phoenix stated, "Having a visual perception system that works well would be enormously transformative to anything a person wants to do” (The Huffington Post). He is absolutely correct because obviously if people are controlled by a well developed computer, then they can do anything they desire. However, if this form of technology advances, then human brains will no longer be useful in society. It is extremely frightening to hear that there is a chance for functions such as, hearing, seeing, and speaking to be controlled by an artificial brain. 

Segregation in Education Today

In an article called, “Segregation Prominent in Schools, Study Finds” from The New York Times, Motoko Rich discusses a major issue with education in the United States. According to the Department of Education Data, white students are concentrated in schools with other white students, leaving children of other races segregated in different schools and classrooms. A report from the Civil Rights Project at the University of California stated, “Across the country, forty-three percent of Latinos and thirty-eight percent of blacks attend schools where less than ten percent are whites” (The New York Times). Segregation is not only limited to racism, but also to low-income or poor children. Blacks and Latinos are twice as likely as white and Asian children to attend schools where a considerable majority is poor. Moreover, schools with mostly poor students are more likely to have fewer resources and inexperienced teachers, which greatly affects their academic lives.

         The article is important because not only does it present a substantial issue, but also brings into consideration that this great issue is not mentioned by Barrack Obama, who is a product of excellent school and education, or Mitt Romney. If neither of the campaigns consider this matter, than the nation will be under a huge threat of being an unsuccessful multiracial society.

"Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death"

It takes courage, dedication, and self-determination to make a declaration. Patrick Henry, the speaker of “Speech in the Virginia Convention” whole-heartedly expressed himself about the injustice his people, the colonists, are facing and demanded independence from the Continental Congress. During the beginning of the Revolutionary War, patriot Patrick Henry, with tremendous bravery, denounced the British king in his political speech. His purpose was to persuade the president of the Continental Congress to grant independence for the colonists.  Henry addresses the president with great respect, explaining that they are overwhelmed from waiting and hoping for their freedom. A different part of his motive was to inspire the colonists to fight for their independence. He stated that the Revolutionary War is inevitable, so the colonists have to stand up against Britain’s unjust method of ruling. The speech was successful and affective primarily because of Henry’s tone shifts. In the beginning he starts off scholarly and diplomatic when he addresses the president. This method of his persuasion was calm and nonviolent because he stated facts and reasons of why he is making the commitment to give this speech. As he speaks the tone shifts to demanding. He repeatedly stated that they want their independence no matter what, and they shall achieve their goal even if it takes up their life. Towards the end, he becomes inspiring for the colonists. He explains that if they want change, they need to take action and fight. Not only does he repeatedly urge them to revolt, but also states that he will give up his own life if he has to. He proved his bravery when he stated, “I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!” (“Speech in the Virginia Convention”). This assertion inspired and motivated the colonists to revolt and work to achieve their liberty.

                          

Execution for a Sexually Abused Man

On September 14, 2012 John Rudolph reported that a man, named Terry Williams, is sentenced to die for murdering his sexual abuser, in the article “Terry Williams Execution: Man Who Killed Alleged Sexual Abuser Scheduled To Die Next Month” from The Huffington Post. Fifteen years ago Terry Williams killed chemist and church volunteer Amos Norwood, a man who sexually abused him and other teenage boys. His body was found stabbed in a room entirely scattered with nude photographs of teenage boys. Williams was charged with third degree murder and arrested, which shocked the entire city since he was popular, talented, and an academically gifted student. His lawyers want his sentence to be reduced to life in sentence without a possible parole since his he had a traumatic and violent childhood, but Philadelphia prosecutors are firmly pushing for his execution. In this case, there is no question that Norwood was the only guilty person because he has tried to have sex with other teenage boys also. Not only did he pay thirteen-year-old Williams to have sex with him, but also inappropriately touched a number of other boys at church.

            Terry Williams’s execution is scheduled on October 3, in Pennsylvania. Norwood’s wife, Mamie Norwood has pleaded mercy for Williams, which makes proof that she blames her husband and takes Williams’s side. It is extremely unfair that a man, who was sexually abused, is sentenced for this unjust punishment. Executive director of an anti-death penalty group in Atlanta stated, “If any state should know what sexual trauma does to somebody, it's Pennsylvania. And this is the person that gets executed?” (The Huffington Post). 

Nintendo Wii For Therapy

On September 8, 2012, in the article “Physical Therapists Turn to Wii Golf” from The New York Times, Lisa D. Miki reported that Nintendo Wii golf has turned into a useful tool in physical therapy. The video game allows patients to swing the wireless hand-held wand, which not only helps them gain the ability to coordinate, but also to maintain balance by looking at the TV screen. Physical therapists are astonished that even though the game is not considered a form of exercise, the repetition of movement and practice of balance had a positive effect. Mike Pelletier, who had a stroke in June, stated, “I have to give credit to this Wii game. It helped me work on my balance” (The New York Times). He had fun playing the game with his grandchildren, and also reported that it helped him stay active. Dr. Arlene McCartney reported, “It’s so important to keep people moving, and this game achieves that. It helps with balance and provides another way for individuals to stay active” (The New York Times). After observing a group of stroke patients cheer up as they enjoyed the game, she was completely convinced of the positive effects that the game had. The article shows that technological advancements and creative games help people who suffer a natural, but tragic health condition: a stroke. However, people argue that playing video games is an indoor activity and does not have positive effects since patients are concentrating through the lightening of the TV for a long time.