Wednesday, October 2, 2013

The WEB

The web is not today what it was yesterday, and isn't today what it will be tomorrow. Web 2.0 is very distinctly different from it's predecessor-Web 1.0.  For one thing Web 2.0 is growing at such a fast rate that it is known as Web squared.

Now that the Web 2.0 has become a sort of network that is a platform, and web applications are getting better as more people use them. There are more users and sensors online that are feeding more applications and platforms. As a result of this more opportunities are created for developers to take on real life problems.  The Web has thus grown exponentially, and Web 2.0 is known as being "squared."

People now on Web 2.0 have what is known as a information shadow.  Because applications on Web 2.0 get better as more people use them, they relay on "crowdsourcing" (the concept that a large group of individuals can create a collective work that has a value greater than any one individual participant) to build their applications.  This information that is obtained from individuals become what is known as an "information shadow."  It is the unique information that is obtained from from the information that web users post while online.  

With all this data about users out there being used and managed by various applications, one can only wonder what will happen if certain application were to be hacked and the data were to fall into the wrong hands.  The applications of Web 2.0 have so much collective intelligence data about users that do not necessarily get deleted, and are simply out there on the platform.  This data is information on people, and could very well be dangerous if dropped into the wrong hands.  We must now be aware that this possibility and risk is present. 

Saturday, September 28, 2013

Revolution

What is a revolution? Is it a simple change that happens? Or a shift in ways we do things? To many it is truly hard to contemplate what a true revolution encompasses.  However, in our current society, we have actually gone through three technological revolutions already.  In Manuel Castells' The Rise of Network Society, he depicts for audience members these three revolutions, and explains how evolutions, essentially those in the information technology realm are characterized by their pervasiveness.  That is, these revolutions are characterized most by their ability to make their way into various domains of human activity and then become the fabric by which such activity is conducted. 



In the current information revolution that we are in today, and similar to what we had previously witnessed in the two prior industrial revolutions that occurred in the world, there was what Castells' calls a set of macro-inventions that set off the development of other smaller micro-inventions.  These developments and inventions changed the workings of society.  Castells' The Rise of Network Society, he explains that "processes of production and distribution, created a flurry of new products, and shifted decisively the location of wealth and power in a planet that became suddenly within the reach of those countries and elites able to master the new technological systems."

Revolutions are a very unique aspect of human life.  As they can happen at any time upon, and onto any given society, they are a force to be reckoned with.  They alter dynamics of various aspects of human life.  We, as a society as a whole, have gone through three such revolutions, and have come out a change whole. 

Thursday, September 19, 2013

Blast From The Past: Magnum PI

The 80s were indeed a time of its own.  A lot was happening both on a local, national, and international scale.  The disco era was coming to an end and open sexual relations were a constant theme of behind the time.  The contemporary detective drama Magnum P.I. was at first what seemed to be simple detective drama set on the beautiful island of O'ahu.  The series, which was a Universal Studios production that was aired on CBS from 1980-1988,  embodied and continued a lot of the discourse that was happening at the time. 


As a millennial myself, Magnum P.I. was created before my time, and had completed it's original run well before my conception.  Upon first viewing the drama, I was shocked to a certain extent by the contrast and well as some of the similarities that Magnum P.I. had to some of the contemporary detective dramas of 2013.  I noticed that Magnum P.I., similar to many other detective dramas incorporated the voice inside of the head aspect of detective dramas.  I was surprised to a certain extent by this detective series theme was present and implemented into dramas even at that time.  In the pilot episode of Magnum P.I. "Don't Eat The Snow In Hawaii" Magnum was constantly talking to himself, and going through different scenarios in his head as he came upon new clues in the murder case of lieutenant Dan Cook.


Magnum P.I. contrasted a lot to some of the contemporary detective dramas of 2013 because of much of the underlying 80s discourse that was incorporated in the drama.  Themes of the 80s that can be found in the drama include the open use of drugs, and sex.  As the drama was filmed on the heels of the disco era, and AIDs was yet to be discovered, a constant theme in the series was that of enjoying the pleasures of life, free of responsibility and worry.  In the pilot episode of the series the women in particular at the estate which Magnum lives on are constantly in revealing clothing, and seeming trying to provide Magnum to have a sexual encounter with them.

Magnum P.I. is truly a detective drama of its own time.  Though embodying much of the similar themes one would expect to see in a detective drama, it also contains within itself a flair from the 80s.  Much of the open indulgence into pleasure, that was a theme of the 80s is seen in the drama.

Friday, September 13, 2013

The ME Project

There can be a lot of things that one can say to introduce themselves to someone.  An introduction can usually begin with the exchange of names and nicknames.  Then one can say where they're from, the places they've gone to, and the destinations they would like to headed for. 
To start off as a little introduction for myself, I am a first-generation Chinese-American who was born and raised here on the island of O'ahu, in the beautiful state of Hawaii, and in the wonderful country of the United States.  I am a big foodie, and especially love frozen yogurt, sweets and desserts, as well as COFFEE!  I am a somewhat of a caffeine addict, and simply don't feel right without my daily caffeine fix.  I am a big Instagramer, and love to post about my food adventures on my Instagram account-@angelala808.  Living in Hawaii, with its diverse population, means that the next food adventure for your taste buds could just be right around the corner. 


I have lived here in Honolulu, Hawaii my whole
life, and it is true that sometimes it does get old, but whenever I can I love to sneak away to a foreign country and indulge and submerse myself in a totally different culture.  The last foreign adventure I was on was actually to Vietnam and Thailand. 

Currently I am in my third year of college at Hawaii Pacific University, majoring advertising/ public relations with a minor in multimedia.  I am very passionate about public relations, and am currently the HPU PRSSA chapter president.  I hope to one day be able to work in the public relations department of a broadcast media outlet.  Upon graduation however I do hope to be able to travel to a foreign and exotic place once again before I begin my professional career.  I truly love discovering new places, and things and love meeting cool and exciting new people on the way!

Thursday, September 5, 2013

Digital Media: Our True Friends or Secret Time Eaters?

Life in the 21st century is a buzz with everyone hocked to some sort of digital media as they go about their daily lives.  A walk down through downtown Honolulu, and one is bound to find almost every person attuned to some type of digital media.  For the older generation it may be as simple as the Apple I-Pod, while the more tech-savvy millennials walk around fitted with the newest Samsung Galaxy S4.  We have in many cases made media our closest friends, but could certain media be simply a waste of time?

Digital Media: The Best Friend

As a millennial myself, my personal favorite type of media to use is of course digital media.   I carry my smartphone with me everywhere I go, and it is always within a 10 feet radius of my physical being.  Digital media is my best friend, and my personal favorite type of media because information can simultaneously obtained by users as it is published by creators.  Digital media also allows for an enormous amount of varied information to be presented to users.


 Digital Media: The Secret Time Eater

As much as digital media can make ones life easier, and bring new information almost instantaneously to one's finger tip, it also secretly works to chip away, and eat at one's time.  With the wide array that digital allows users to access, one can easily become distracted with the information being presented and offered.  Your intention may be for example to use digital media to look up information for a project, but just as easily as you find this information, you can become engrossed for hours on end in on what's trending on your Facebook feed. 

For all that digital media has to offer to its users, it also takes away something in return.  To truly be an intimate friend with digital media, one also allow it to become his or her secret time eater.


Tuesday, December 6, 2011

Honolulu Nightlife: Top 5 Hot Spots in Chinatown

Chinatown has had many changes in the past couple of years, and has gone through a whole transformation from being a drug dealing, prostitution destination to becoming a cultural arts and entertainment epicenter in Honolulu at night.  The night scene in Chinatown is never monotone; there is always a constant flow of music, a varying mesh of entertainment, and an ever changing vibe of energy.  The cafes, entertainment venues and bars in Chinatown are all very unique, they each have their own special atmosphere, but they are all very fun and absorbing.  The cafes, clubs and bars are great places to meet new people and enjoy a stimulating environment. If you ever find yourself bored at night or simply within the Chinatown area with nothing to do, check out these the top 5 hot spots. 


Located conveniently a block away from the Hawaii Theater, BambuTwo is a great place to get quality food and beverages for a great price.  BambuTwo is especially known for their $3.50 martinis. If ever you are with friends or on a date and just want to find a calm place to sit and talk, BambuTwo is your best choice. They serve coffee all night along with sandwiches and pastries from Du Vin.  The environment is very laid back, and is conducive for intimate conversations.  There is even a VIP room in the back for private parties as well.  BambuTwo is quite spacious, holding up to 125 people, and offers both indoor and outdoor seating.


During the day, Manifest is a trendy and comfortable cafe where you can sit and hang out with either you friends or acquaintances.  However as night approaches, the lights start to dim, and live music starts playing.  If you are ever feeling alone and happen to be in Chinatown, head to Manifest for great drinks and to meet new people.  The atmosphere is unpretentious and very supportive, and you are bound to make new friends in minutes.  Manifest is a supportive venue for artist of all kinds, and there is unique art that is hung on the walls in Manifest. Every month the art on the walls will rotate, and in a year 12 feature artist will be able to present their art for the customers at Manifest to see.  

 #3. Thirtynine Hotel
At a glance Thirtynine Hotel looks very much like an old dilapidated apartment building, however upon entry you will find that it is actually a multimedia space. It is great for catching live music from local bands and DJs, as well as seeing different types of art work. If you ever want to introduce your ears and eyes to new sensations, make your way to Thirtynine Hotel. After walking up the creaky stairs of Thirthynine Hotel, you will be immersed into an array of hypnotizing music, and see interesting fashion shows or art displays.  The outdoor patio is also great for mingling with friends, dates and meeting new people. 

A leading Venue for music, Next Door is a dimly lit  but very open area for many to gather for live band performances and DJ music. It is also a great place to come for dancing and cinema.  If you are ever bored and in need some excitement, head down to Next Door and be drawn into the intoxicating energy.  The atmosphere inside Next Door is loud, and the crowd is always buzzing.  There is not much furniture in the building, but the ceilings are high and the space is wide, so many simply enjoy the music and dance the night away.                  

43 N Hotel St Honolulu HI, 96813   808.852.2243

#1.  Bar 35
Bar 35, which was the winner of Metromix's Best Bar 2010, is the top hot spot in Chinatown.  The bar is very spacious and encompasses an indoor bar, as well as an outdoor patio bar.  The inside and outside bars are both very spacious with comfortable seats.   Bar 35 offers a wide range of beers from around the world; they serve around 200 different brands of beer.  Chef Valentini also creates a wide array of handmade, thin-crust pizzas that customers can choose from. The toppings of the pizzas are sure to leave you wanting more. The best part of Bar 35 is the variety in environmental themes it offers.  The bars goal is to be innovated and allow customers to experience something new each time they come.  The bar changes it's atmosphere to meet the need of the customers. 

35 North Hotel St Honolulu, HI 96817-5103   808.537.3535