Computers Evolve

When using your computer on a daily basis, have you ever pause and think about how our computers have evolved over the time? From a huge machine to a small and portable one, or from one which can hardly store any memory to one which can store millions of software and documents.

Well, the below video will show the revolution of computers through the Computer History Museum. 

It first introduce the architecture of the stored-program computer which was invented by John von Neumann. This computer can store a memory of 4k which is only about 4 pages of text. Yes! It may seem like a joke and we're probably wondering what kind of storage is that even accounted for. But, without his invention, we'd probably not be able to enjoy having our computers containing all our documents and photos and softwares and musics, etc. 

They then introduce the 1st hard drive, followed by the SAGE and the German Enigma machine and Google's First server.

 

This is probably one way to illustrate Technological Diffusion because through time, as computers are recreated, people come to a point to adopt them (compare today's computer with the earliest ones). If people have not decided to adopt the new ones, we would

 probably still be using the huge and bulky computers without any colours. 

Furthermore, the only reason to why generations after generations continue to adopt the new technology is due to all the reasons under Technological Diffusion:

1. Cost-benefit tradeoffs 

    where it is way cheaper nowadays to get a computer

2. Functionality 

    it has the latest system to help us reach out to everyone else, 

    contains the latest functions, etc.

3. Substitutes 

    replacing the heavy and bulky ones which takes up alot of space

4. Complements 

    ability to use with the latest gadgets such as our mobile phone, 

    internet, video conference, etc

So next time, when you decide to complain how heavy your laptop is, compare it with the older ones which could probably take up the entire space of your room and try thinking how you're going to move it from one place to another. 

cough! cough!

Have you ever realize that the media is constantly shaping our views? The mass media is constantly shaping our values and views as we're in contact with it. 

Take for example, the recent H1N1 case. Previously, when Singapore isn't affected by it, Singaporeans have already been shaped by the news which was constantly telling us to be aware of our hygiene, to constantly take our temperature and make more consistent effort to wash our hands. So, when H1N1 hit Singapore, most Singaporeans became paranoid and started avoiding people beside them who are coughing. 

I've recently saw on Stomp (Singapore Seen), when this commuter was coughing while he was on a bus. And this old man was grumbling about the coughs. When this commuter stomped about this man, other stompers came to comment and even told him that he shouldn't even be traveling around since he is sick. 

Kiasi Man Grumbles

Yet, somehow I feel that Singaporeans shouldn't be acting this way. I understand that we should all be on our guard against H1N1; however, we shouldn't shun those around us just because they are coughing. People cough when they clear their throats or sometimes they are just suffering from sore throat. 

Recently, I just had a bad sore throat. Thank god I didn't receive such reactions from anyone. If not, I'd probably feel so embarrassed. I clearly understand that I wasn't suffering from H1N1. That's why I didn't stay home to rest. So, I guess the responsibility lies in every Singaporean, especially those who are feeling unwell. 

Furthermore, I think that the media has done a very impressive job in scaring all Singaporeans, especially so when all of us reacts this way when we see people coughing. I think even I am guilty of it. I saw a few people walking down the streets wearing a mask and I immediately told my friend that the person is suffering from H1N1. 

"decent" singapore

Sexual Slavery in Decent Singapore

Singapore is known to be a "fine" city; clean, green, stable and safe. But in the midst of this wonderful city, there are ugly happenings around. I came upon this article, Sexual Slavery in Decent Singapore (Singapore Democrats), shocked to find out that the place I thought to be safe has its dark side around. 

It talks about the jargon of those who fight human trafficking, Thailand is the "source and transit" country while Singapore is the "destination". Recently, a Thai girl came to Singapore, thinking that she was going to work at a restaurant. Instead, she found herself working above a restaurant, locked up and forced against her will to provide sex to customers. Even though we are govern by the rule of law, having strict laws against sex trafficking; yet, somehow the rule of law does not serve to sexual servitude. 

As a Singaporean, I've gotten so accustomed to our culture, growing up and thinking that this country that I live in is safe and peaceful where I can be assure that the government will protect each and every one living on this tiny island and having no fear for any injustice. Even when I grew up to find out that there are places which provides sexual services, like in Geylang, I always thought that these girls who are involved in these practices are willing. However, through this article, I've found out that sometimes, things aren't exactly what we see or think. 

We learnt through our cultural values which clearly justifies that we should not be engaging in sexual slavery. And somehow, we've programmed our mind to thinking that our society does not engage in such practices. I wonder if these practices will ever come to an end. Roaming down Geylang on saturday night with my friends caused me to ponder if these prostitutes I see on the streets and behind the alleys were forced against their own will to engaged in this business. I definitely hope not. Then again, how often do we read and news on the prostitutes in Singapore being forced into this industry. Is our government stopping the media from publishing on these stories? Or perhaps we do live in a safe and stable society, and that this may just be one story of the Thai girl becoming a victim to sexual slavery. 

I Guess You'll Do

Have you ever thought about the process of getting into a relationship then getting married? Basically, it's like the Knapp Model of Relational Development. And yes, I'll be doing a write up on it. But only for the portion of "Coming Together" which illustrates the first 5 steps. 

Basically, below is a funny stickman video which illustrates on how a girl and a guy come together as a couple, get married and continue with their life until they die.

This video clearly illustrates the 5 steps:

Step 1: Initiating

"some girl" initiates the start of the relationship with "some guy". 

Step 2: Experimenting

Since "some guy" is 2 years older than "some girl", they concluded that they have the same level of attractiveness. And so, they've begun the typical relationship.

Step 3: Intensifying

They started engaging in sex, going to the movies and concerts, get into fights and make up, then go camping.

Step 4: Integrating

They the cohabit together for a year and attends a memorial day barbeque at "some girl's" parent's house.

Step 5: Bonding

And now, they decide to get married. Where "some boy" kneels down to propose to "some girl" on new year's eve instead of putting the ring in "some girl's" wine glass or getting a sports mascot to bring it to her at a game. After a year of her wedding, they decides to buy a house and when she has nothing to talk to her friends anymore, they'll decide to have children.

The video just continues until both "some boy" and "some girl" dies.

I think the video is hilarious. Where it just shows technically how people just come together, get married, settles down and continue with their life. And I really do agree that's how things will end up to be. Most of the times things are so technical and boring. People come together because it's just part and parcel in life that when you reach a stage, you should get married. 

I know that situations aren't all the same in current day context since many don't get married nowadays but cohabit for life or until they decide to part.