Blog 4: EOTO

Smartphones

    Could you live without a phone today? For me, that would be almost impossible. Growing up, I have become super dependent on my phone because of everything that it allows me to do. Let's go back in time to 1876 when the first phone was created, and think about how little a phone could do. Personal cell phones have been around since the 1970s and they still continue to evolve as years go on. According to "A Timeline of The Modern Smartphone", the first touchscreen smartphone, which allowed people to send and receive texts, the smartphone was invented in 1992 by IBM and was later available for purchase in 1994. This first smartphone was known as the Simon Personal Communicator. 

    In 2007 the first of many Apple iPhones was created. With this invention, the world has been changed forever. The release of the first Apple phone was practically a pocket-sized computer to some. Many people were able to do things while out and about that usually had to be done from home. Nowadays almost anything can be done with just a push of a button. Whether that is streaming the web, contacting others, or even working directly from your phone. Back then no one knew it yet but iPhones were about to become the most powerful smartphone yet to date. 

    If you take a look at the evolution of iPhones, you will be able to see how far Steve Jobs's journey with Apple iPhones has come. Back in the day, when the iPhones were still in the early stages, you could get one for about a third of the price. Compared to now, it is almost like buying a smaller laptop considering the price. The prices for Apple phones have increased drastically, getting to the point where some people are unable to afford them. With that being said, Apple is still one of the leading companies in the market.

    Today iPhones are one of the most commonly used smartphones. People today use phones for instant answers to questions, video chatting, texting, social media, games, streaming and so much more. Nowadays it is super easy to be able to communicate with someone whether that may be through text, email, or even a phone call. Even with the integration of facetime, some employers are using that as an initial form for interviews, especially nowadays with COVID-19. Apple has found new ways to improve their products and ultimately keep their customers wanting the new and improved versions each year. 

    Steve Wozniak co-founded Apple with Steve Jobs, the CEO.  Steve Jobs was the creator of the most famous smartphone to this day. Although Wozniak was involved with other Apple inventions, created the iPhone. Their Apple iPhone journey began in 1976 and is continuing to develop as the years go on. Steve Jobs was the creator of the most famous smartphone to this day.  In order to start their journey, Jobs had to sell a Volkswagon minibus and Wozniak had to sell a programmable HP calculator. They then made $1,300 and were able to build their first machine in Job's family garage. Over the years, Jobs continued on working towards the goal of creating a smartphone. On June 29th, 2007, the first iPhone hit the stores. To show how far he came over the years, on the original iPhone, one could not copy or paste or record videos. Over the years, there have been 33 different iPhone models, but Apple currently only sells 8. It makes me question, would Apple have been this successful if they did not improve their phones as often? 

Blog 3: Eight Values of Free Expression

Eight Values

    After taking the time to read the Eight Values of Free Expression it was complicated to choose only one that is most important to me. I believe that each and every one of the eight values deserve to be talked about and they are all important to us Americans. Essentially free expression is here to provide evidence that the government can not stop us from saying and doing as we please. The first amendment guarantees people can express themselves without the fear of criticism or legal action.

    The first one is the Market of Ideas which simply states that the truth will always win, so if a lie is told the truth will come out and win. The second is Participation in Self-Government which when it comes to elections citizens will make wise decisions. The third is Stable Change which allows society to speak freely and vent out. Fourth is Individual Self-Fulfillment which allows for free speech and to be able to live freely on your own. Fifth is Check on Governmental Power which allows individuals to make a change at the ballot box if they feel it is needed. Sixth is Promote Tolerance which teaches us that the first amendment protects hate speech. Seventh is Promote Innovation which provides us with a community that is highly energized and willing to fulfill themselves in different ways. Last is Protect Dissent states that from the First Amendment you have the right to disagree with the government. Now that I have given a brief explanation of the eight values of free expression I will share with you which one resonates with me the most.

    Out of all the eight values of free expression, the one that sticks with me the most is Individual Self- Fulfillment. From the provided text the explanation of Individual Self- Fulfillment is, "Free Speech enables individuals to express themselves and thereby create their own identity- and in the process perhaps, find kindred spirits. Freedom of speech thus becomes an aspect of human dignity, human agency, and autonomy." In other words, to describe Individual Self-Fulfillment, I would say that it provides the opportunity for people to be themselves and speak up on their own. Within the first amendment, it is stated that we are guaranteed freedom of expression. It is important especially in today's world that one can stand up for themselves and be able to speak what's on their mind with no judgment and be protected and supported by their community. One should not fear being looked down on when expressing themselves and what they believe in. 

    In today's world, social media causes a huge restraint on some people's freedom of speech. It prevents people from being able to post and speak their own minds because they have either once already gotten backlash from it or are afraid of getting hit with backlash. Social media is a great platform for those to express how they are feeling. Just by a simple political post, one can learn something about someone even if they have no idea who they are. Within Individual Self-Fulfilment it allows us to be individuals and show our true identity to our viewers.

Blog 2: The Supreme Court

THE SUPREME COURT

    Before reading SCOUTUS History I did not know much or if anything information on the Supreme Court. I have never been much of a history person so reading the article provided actually taught me quite a bit of information on the Supreme Court and all that goes on within it.  The Supreme Court was first estalished in 1789, which has been 233 years and is the highest federal court in the country. According to the article, there was an act made and signed by the President at the time, George Washington, that clearly stated this specific court would be made up of six justices who would serve on the court until they died or retired. As of now, the court is currently made of nine justices. 

    The most important takeaway for me was that within the United States the Supreme Court has control and has the official power over laws that are located in the United States. The Supreme Court essentially was made to look over all the branches of government and legal systems.

    What I found to be the most surprising about the Supreme Court was that it has been a court system ongoing for over 200 years.  There are different rankings in the Supreme Court. Within the court system, the Chief of Justice is the highest judicial officer. As said in the article, the Chief of Justice presides over the Supreme Court and their trials, such as impeachment against the President of The United States.

    What I learned about the Supreme Court that I did not know already is that in some cases these justices are more powerful than the President and take more control. All nine of these justices have made huge impacts on today's world by making tough decissions to better the United States. Now that I have expanded my knowledge on the Supreme Court I am excited and plan to keep up with their new cases as the years go on. 

 

Blog 1: Top 5 Sources of News & Information

News and Information 

    Are you wondering what sources are reliable and what aren't? Especially in today's world, there is much debate on what sources tell you the real information or rather information you wanna hear. Some people simply do not even listen or stay up to date with what is going on and to me it is important I stay up to date using multiple sources to see what is going on. So now, let me tell you about my top five sources I use to get my daily news and information. 

    My number one source I use is FOX news, take a look here to get the latest inside scoop https://www.foxnews.com/. FOX News is where I mainly get all my information from it provides news on several topics all around the world. For me I like hearing about news not only just locally but world wide as well. As many might notice when listening to FOX is that it is conservative but for me, I enjoy how they are able to speak their mind and tell the truth. Although this might not be for everyone I believe it is a great way to get your news and information from. 

    My second source is The New York Times, click here to read more https://www.nytimes.com/.  The New York Times is known to have incredible editors who create many different categories on different topics. The way the website is set up allows for easy access to find up-to-date information. 

    My third source is The Wall Street Journal,  although most pay for a subscription, there are actually a few pieces of information that are available to read for free. Check out the link here to see what is going on today, https://www.wsj.com/?mod=wsjheader_logo.  The way I got started into Wall Street was because my dad would get the newspaper delivered daily and I decided to take it upon myself to see if I could find something similar but rather an electronic version. The Wall Street Journal not only provides your latest and greatest news information similar to other sources but also provides lifestyle information, sports, real estate, and economic news. 

    My fourth source of where I get my news and information is by going to ESPN at https://www.espn.com/. ESPN is a great source for all those who are into sports and enjoy getting updates on their sports teams whether that may be scores or something that occurred to the team that is published. 

    The fifth and final source I use is social media. In today's world especially with kids my age or around my age are using TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, Twitter, or even Facebook to get their daily source of news.  The main one that draws me in is Tiktok, I could scroll for hours on end and either get a good laugh in or find out key information about what is going on in the world. Although some of these social media platforms could share false information, so could other sources I believe if you find something within a social media platform and you fact check it with another source it is more than likely true. Social media platforms are also a quick and easy way for everyone to grab their information.