My Experience with Excel

Before we began learning how to use Excel in class, I had no idea how to insert complex information or even regular information into a spread sheet. Now that I have been given the skills to add formulas, design meaningful charts and graphs and create unique spread sheets, I feel like I will use Excel as a tool for my daily life. I plan on using Excel as a balance for my purchases and spending. I know that I will be able to create a running balance and even highlight problematic numbers and information. Excel has the capability to not only compute simple numbers and equations, but can sometimes automatically understand what you are trying to accomplish as well as solve complex equations. I am glad that I learned all this new information regarding Excel because I know that it is an important tool and I hope to use it in the future.

Photographs That Lie

Doctoring photos for media use has become a common practice among news companies and political groups. Taking pictures and changing the content or altering small sections of the picture causes a multitude of legal issues as well as controversy among viewers and law makers. But why does the media alter these pictures? Many photographers or story writers distort the true captured pictures in order to create a false representation of the event or wish to over emphasize certain aspects of the story.
I chose the image of a British soldier in Basra, motioning for Iraqi citizens to take cover during a military conflict in the early days of American and British invasion of Iraq. I decided to choose this photograph and discuss it because images like this have been altered and distorted throughout the war in Iraq in order to improve the image of American involvement in Iraq and instill a negative reaction to the opposition of U.S engagement. Citizens of the U.S should be rightfully informed of the happenings in the war because families and friends of our troops pray every day that their loved ones make it home safe. This picture (pictures) was taken by a Dartmouth College student, Hany Farid and was printed by the Los Angeles Times. The thirty year veteran writer of the story combined two pictures of the war scene in order to "improve" its message by creating a horrifying image of innocent civilians in danger. The image portrays a heavily armed soldier surrounded by innocent civilians, including infants and children. The picture makes the viewer feel empathy for the Iraqi people and support the war while instilling a feeling of anger towards the "terrorist" forces. I believe that the manipulation of this image may not lead to first degree harm, but distorting the truth and lying about life changing events is wrong, legally and morally. Although I believe that action in Iraq was necessary, images like this wrongfully portray the actual events taking place during the war. Distorting photographs for personal benefit is wrong and I do not agree with it under any circumstance.

The Center for Learning and Technology

Trinity University may be small in the number of enrolled students, but the amount of top of the line learning equipment and technology is tough to compete with around the country. A great example of these top notch resources is the Coates Library, in combination with the AT&T Center for Learning and Technology. The AT&T Center is located on the first floor of the library and contains a multitude of high-tech equipment such as computers, laser printers and a video conference room. This past week was the first time I had ever heard or seen of this section of the library and I am glad that I was able to view it.
Here at Trinity, I am currently following the path to major in International Business and Chinese. The resources supplied in the AT&T Center will allow me to experience, learn and grow as a student and a future business man. Here are some examples of how I will be able to use the Center to it's full potential. Business classes of all levels usually require presentations or research assignments as part of the curriculum. The scanners, laser printers and powerful computers in the Studio will enable me to create quality presentations at an efficient speed. My interest in Chinese and Chinese business will take me across the world and between foreign languages and cultures. The Video Conference Room could possibly enable me to interact with businesses worldwide in order to interview or receive an internship for the future.
I cannot believe that I have been at Trinity for almost a year and a half and just now found out about the AT&T Center. I hope to take full advantage of what this Center has to offer, as well as what the entire Coates Library can provide for me as a student.

Copyright Issues

In the age of Limewire and BitTorrents, copyright infringement has become a huge issue. Trillions of songs and other sources of entertainment have been illegally downloaded by people of all ages. The Recording Industry Association of America as well as other entertainment companies have begun targeting college students who have or still are illegally downloading. College students are targeted because of the easy access for prosecutors to catch students with university IP addresses. Here at Trinity, administrators have decided to warn students about the dangers and consequences of illegal downloads rather than restricting access to P2P downloads all together. Other universities have chosen to block websites such as limewire and restricting downloads to occur on their server. I believe that the choice Trinity has decided to make is the choice that all universities should take. Students should be able to make the decision for themselves to illegally download or not. I am evidence of someone who used to illegally download without thinking about the consequences until my friend was caught. My friend attends Arizona State University and was issued a Copyright Infringement Lawsuit and had to settle the case out of court for $5,000. I no longer illegally download music and use iTunes instead.