The Internet - The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly Essays -- Computer Scie

The Internet - The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly The internet is a computer based global information system. It is composed of many interconnected computer networks. Each network may link thousands of computers enabling them to share information. The internet has brought a transformation in many aspects of life. It is one of the biggest contributors in making the world into a global village. Use of internet has grown tremendously since it was introduced. It is mostly because of its flexibility. Nowadays one can access the internet easily. Most people have computers in their homes but even the ones who don't they can always go to cyber cafes where this service is provided. The internet developed from software called the ARPANET which the U.S military had developed. It was only restrict to military personnel and the people who developed it. Only after it was privatized was it allowed to be used commercially. The internet has developed to give many benefits to mankind. The access to information being one of the most important. Student can now have access to libraries around the world. Some charge a fee but most provide free services. Before students had to spend hours and hours in the libraries but now at the touch of a button students have a huge database in front of them. They can have online discussions with other students as well. There is another aspect of the internet-internet chat. This has opened a doorway to the world. One can talk to people of different nationalities and get to know about their culture and traditions. Problems can be discussed with them. This is especially useful for people who have relatives abroad. It is more expensive to call and talk to them through a normal phone line but the internet has almost done away with that too. Online chatting and voice conferences provide a cheap outlet. One can also see ones loved ones online, all this happening at the same time. This includes electronic mail and online chatting. The internet has brought new opportunities to government, business and education. Governments use it for various processes such as distribution of information and internal communication. Businesses use it to sell and buy products online and also to interact with other businesses. New business opportunities have sprouted because of the internet. Auctions take place and sites like 'e-bay' provide the opportunity for everyone t... ...fered a loss, especially the music and movie industry. Movies and songs are available for free on the internet which has affected the sale levels of artists. People make their own cds and sell them. The phone industry has also suffered because more people are making calls through the internet. Students have also abused the internet by copying other people's assignments and passing them as their own. And there is no way teachers can really catch them because they may have taken it from anywhere on the internet. The internet has been abused in many ways but its use cannot be undermined. Its benefits far outweigh its disadvantages in my view. As the internet continues to grow many challenges have to be met. The growing traffic on the net provides a major hurdle. As more people log on, more highways have to be developed for smooth surfing. There also have to be new laws passed to control the type of information flowing on the internet. Security measures have to be tightened. The most important factor is that people need to be educated on how to use the internet for their betterment. No matter how much governments control, until people develop a conciousness matters will not improve.

Challenges of Studying Written and Oral Sources in Africa

One of the biggest issues facing African historians is the fact that the study of actual African History is relatively new. A large majority of the sources available are written from the point of view of Europeans, with an Intended audience of Europeans. L In this egocentric method of reporting history, Africans were viewed more as objects: a people with a past but no history. 2 The written â€Å"historical† sources provided by imperialists robbed Africans of their voice.The principal challenge facing African historians Is to find a way to Inject the African voice Into the narrative, and thus roved a more accurate representation of the continental history. This task presents more profound questions. What qualities make someone an African? Is it sufficient to be a black person living on the continent? Are there levels of ethnicity? Are the descendants of Africans brought to other parts of the world In the slave trade â€Å"Africans†? Ultimately, who decides who Is  "African†? Equally problematic is the Issue regarding what represents a credible source, either written or oral.Each presents unique challenges that must be addressed in order to qualify the value of the Information they portend to provide. While the more traditional African historical sources are Invariably prone to the problem of European bias, cave paintings offer a source that was born out of a desire of an African (not a European) to document their experiences. For example, the rock art of Gill Kefir in what is present-day Egypt represents people allegedly engaging in the catchy of swimming. 3 This offers historians perhaps the oldest example of source material regarding African history. UT what does this ‘Written† source actually tell African historians? Most importantly, it definitively proves that someone was there, and through scientific dating cuisines, It indicates approximately when they were there. This is real, hard evidence, which â€Å"underpins al l historical research. â€Å"4 This Is not to Infer that there are not problems with the use of the paintings as a source of usable evidence. The older a source is, it is more likely to be inaccurate. 5 Were the people in the paintings actually swimming, as scientists believe?Does that mean that the desert where the cave paintings were found was once a land that contained lakes or rivers? Or did the cave painters devise their art from the second-hand memories of others who had traveled to faraway lands? What was the reason they chose to document their experience? Was it graffiti? Was it done for religious reasons? Was it a territorial marking? Archaeological sites are less prevalent in Africa than other parts of the world, which Is problematic In having the ability to compare this particular site to others.Further, the available archives needed to compare these archaeological finds are fewer in number in African regions, and sometimes less accessible due to political reasons. The I nformation In the African archives that do exist Is often more difficult to translate than traditional archival Information In that most African engages are oral, and not written, and nearly impossible to document without the benefit of oral history. 6 How can African historians mitigate these challenges and ‘OFF source?One suggestion is to actively search for other existing examples of cave paintings and to compare them based on materials, method, content, location, etc. When such comparable examples do not exist, scientists could initiate more archaeological digs, extend communication among scientists to broaden the evidence base, and exert political pressure upon leaders to focus on scientific endeavors, as well as the preservation of the archives. Like historians in other parts of the world, African historians face the challenge of deteriorating archives because of damage caused by the elements, water damage, and insects. Traditional written sources such as government docu ments, tax records, and newspapers may also be lost due to archival neglect. Historians must consider several criteria of source criticism to determine each written source's historical value. 8 Regardless of the name on the document, who was the actual author? What was the real purpose of the document? Who was the intended audience? Did the author have personal motives in reporting it in the manner in which he did? For example, most government documents from Colonial Africa were written by Europeans, with an intended European audience.There is no African voice in this â€Å"history. † Africans were treated like objects,9 and colonial imperialistic authors of written sources â€Å"believed that they actually were generating history for the first time?that Africa (and Africans) had no history before their arrival. â€Å"10 Another limitation of written documents is that they are created from the point of view of an observer, and thus produce an opinion that is completely subj ective, and thereby, by definition, are open to other opinions and observations. To address the limitations of written documents, historians often attempt to incorporate oral sources in conjunction with written sources in order to strengthen historical evidence. â€Å"Anxiety about flawed written sources drew scholars away from libraries and into towns and villages for historical narrative. â€Å"12 The incorporation of oral history into the narrative makes it more evidential and gives the written documents a more verifiable African voice. Relying on written documents from the Colonial period without the incorporation of oral sources, in many cases, produces an inaccurate version of African history.Typically, in the African â€Å"history' provided by Colonial Europeans their culture, norms, and ideology were largely ignored. â€Å"One of the key methods to avoid (the possibility of denying Africans a voice in their own history) is to include a people's own oral traditions and li fe histories in ethnographically and archaeological work. â€Å"13 Because most African languages in Colonial Africa were oral and not written,14 it is imperative to consider oral sources to bolster the evidence provided by written sources. Oral sources can provide a wealth of historical evidence.For example, Historical linguists use oral sources to accurately track the movement of people across the continent. 15 This evidence of human migration can help explain cultural change, which is important when considering that a lack of concentration of people in a particular area makes a study of their culture less possible. Oral histories offer first-hand accounts of events. These oral histories evolve into oral traditions;16 stories passed down from generation to generation, offering us a glimpse of pre-colonial Africa not found in the Euro-centric written documents of imperialists.Oral sources obviously can complement the written, a realization that was for too long lost on most profes sional order to strengthen written sources to form cohesive historical evidence is Jan Vinson, who â€Å"established that the stories handed down from one generation to another †¦ Were as stable and reliable accounts of their past as were the written chronicles and personal narratives†¦ (and) that in fact they were of the same genre. â€Å"18 In Banana's own words: â€Å"by creating a lifelike setting, (oral tradition) gives evidence about how situations as they were observed, as well as about beliefs uncovering situations. 19 Thus, oral sources, through both shared oral history and oral traditions, combined with written sources, form a more credible account of historical occurrences than written sources alone provide. Oral sources, though, are not without their limitations. â€Å"(H)Astoria can place trust in oral sources only to the extent that they can be verified by means of external evidence of another kind, such as archaeological, linguistic, or cultural. â€Å" 20 Oral sources are subject to misinterpretation because of selective or collective memory, rumor, myth, or hearsay. That being said, oral sources subject to these limitations still offer substance, because historians can still study why the subjects believe it happened that way. 22 African historians can mitigate the limitations of oral sources by searching for information that is valuable, if not as historical evidence, but as information that is not readily apparent through the written archive. While attempting to glean evidence from a source on one topic, a historian may gain knowledge of another unintended topic.Ultimately, â€Å"it is the duty of the historian to subject all written accounts to radical internal and external analysis to determine authenticity and credibility. If the accounts are thoroughly examined, and the texts can be compared to one another with the information contained in oral and other sources, they will continue to yield valuable information on the hist ory of Africa. â€Å"23 These things considered; if an historian wanted to get an approximation of how many Africans were enslaved, maimed or killed in the occupation of King Leopold in the Congo, where would they start? What sources would they utilize, and what would they expect to find?What there information might they â€Å"accidentally' stumble upon? I propose that a good place to start would be to examine any existing hospital documents from 1885-1908, to determine if there is a written record of the number of people treated for loss of limbs. Local censuses (if available), police records, military ledgers, property records, death certificates might also prove as fruitful written resources. Additionally, missionary records in the region mighty prove to be valuable, especially considering that they would probably not require translation, lessening the possibility that any information would be mistranslated.Another possible valuable written source might be records in the Belgia n archive, or that of the present-day Democratic Republic of Congo. The historian might hope to find information or documents concerning the Congo Reform Association, which might shed some light on the information she seeks. Additionally, research on the Congo Free State propaganda war and the International Association of the Congo might provide valuable useful written sources of evidence of injuries and deaths to those enslaved at that time.One might also be able to glean useful information from historical-based literature, such as Joseph Concord's Heart of Darkness, Sir Arthur Cowan Dole's The Crime of the Congo, and Bertrand Russell Freedom and Organization. Research on the parties evidence of the atrocities in the region, including Edmund Dine Muriel, Roger Casement and the aforementioned Bertrand Russell. Local museums might contain artwork from the region during Loophole's occupation that captures the outrage, despair and helplessness of the affected.By speaking to locals, she might learn, through oral tradition, the stories passed down from generation to generation about the occupation. In the unlikely, yet still possible event, that any 106-year-old residents still survive, they would be able to provide first-hand oral history. Other than gaining information regarding the number of enslaved, killed and maimed, she would, in all probability, gain an understanding of the long-term effects of the occupation of Leopold upon the citizens, as well as information of how Loophole's occupation came to an end due to intense international criticism.Possible obstacles that she might experience: In retreat, Leopold may have destroyed written evidence of the atrocities, as well as local artwork or libraries. His regime may have been so strict that any expression, either written or oral, was prohibited and subject to the same penalties as those who refused to work in the mines, or underperformed in their duties, diminishing oral sources. Let's consider that the same historian endeavored to learn the approximate number of the descendants of diasporas Africans who returned to partake in the so-called â€Å"redeeming of Africa. Where might she begin, and what would she expect to find? What limitations might she encounter? What other information might she learn along the way? A good starting mint would be to visit the archives in Liberia and Sierra Leone; countries set up as places of African repatriation for freed slaves. There, she could view the legal records regarding who came back and when they returned, who their family members were, where they lived, as well as their professions. Available Census documents would prove to be invaluable in that regard.Ship's manifests would reflect the number of passengers returning to these countries, as well as the number of family members that accompanied them. She could research the founders of both countries, Joseph Jenkins Roberts, the first president of Liberia, and Christopher Koru Cole and Osaka Stev ens, early leaders of Sierra Leone, to find documents pertaining to the numbers of returning Africans. She could study historical literature about repatriation, such as Back to Africa: the Colonization Movement in Early Africa by Timothy Crummier, as well as Black Migration in America: a Social Demographic History by Daniel M.Johnson and Rexes R. Campbell. She could also read the works of the men who themselves returned, such as George Washington Williams, Samuel Jay Crotchet, and Henry McNealy Turner. 4 Some limitations she might experience in her research: inconclusive data due to the relative impossibility of proving that they (or their descendants) were indeed originally removed from the continent. Incomplete or inaccurate documentation might also prove to be a stumbling block in attaining this information.Additional research on topics such as the American Colonization Society, and the histories of both Liberia and Sierra Leone would not only provide numerical data, but also und oubtedly uncover unintended useful information about the achievements and political and religious aims of those who returned, as well as how hey were received. Did they consider themselves more â€Å"civilized† than the native Africans whose descendants had not been removed from the continent?What other the reasons why some Africans did not return, even though they had the opportunity. Through personal interviews of present-day citizens who are descendants of returning freed slaves she could learn of the oral traditions they had developed. She might also learn of the artwork prevalent in these regions, as well as the folklore and literature that the return to Africa produced, and how it differed from that of indigenous Africans. â€Å"As a recognized academic endeavor, (African history) has emerged only in the last four or five decades. 25 Until recently, African â€Å"history' was written by and for Europeans, and as such, didn't provide a realistic depiction of the people , the culture, and the overall actual history of the continent, but served more as a record of White encroachment, and functioned as a tool of propaganda to legitimate the â€Å"civilizing mission† of Europeans. By altering traditional methodology and utilizing both written and oral sources, a more accurate picture of African history ND its people can be discovered and studied.Beyond the fade of imperialistic African â€Å"history,† there is a real history of the African continent that invites further study, and such an endeavor is necessary in restoring the African â€Å"voice. † If we fail to do so, â€Å"(w)e run the risk of not only denying people a voice in the reconstruction of their own history, but offending and demeaning indigenous cultures when we use them as a model for the past without recognizing not only their changing past but their active involvement in changing and/or maintaining their identities and history in the present. â€Å"26

Essay on Frank Sinatra - 995 Words

Frank Sinatra nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;As we inch towards the year 2000, we look back to the pre-dominant individuals of the 20th century. Time magazine voted Frank Sinatra as the world’s most influential vocalist of the 20th century. Frank Sinatra not only excelled but transcended music and became a true personality of our time. Whether you’re talking about recorded music, live performances, movies or simply living large, Frank Sinatra has done that all. He has become an international figure, having the reputation as a celebrity, icon, bad boy and the greatest singer of American popular songs. He is known as being America’s first teen idol and also as a true American Legend. You may all know the name quot;Frank Sinatraquot; but†¦show more content†¦When he was working in a little nightclub in New Jersey he was discovered by the well known trumpeter Harry James. James loved Sinatra’s voice and told him he needed a boy singer for his band and Sinatra jumped at t he chance. Sinatra’s success with Harry James made him become noticed by the Tommy Dorsey band who were a very popular swing band of the 30’s. This led him to quit performing with Harry James and join the Tommy Dorsey band. While he was working with Tommy Dorsey Sinatra learned his phrasing and intonation from listening to Dorsey play. In 1942 he decided to go solo and found the fame as the king of the bobbysoxers, which were the young women and girls who were his fans. He became America’s first teen idol. He was the only singer that sang the most smooth, straightforward ballads. And he credited jazz singer Billie Holliday as a major influence on his vocal style. He had a lot of charisma which attracted all the famous movie actresses to him. He had love affairs with every movie actress during that time. In the 50’s he had affairs with movie stars such as Judy Garland, Marylin Monroe, and Ava Gardner. He and Ava Gardner were married for a few years but it later ended in divorce. 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He said Frank Sinatra, who has the phrasing, who has the control, who understands the composers, who knows what losing means as so many have, who made the great comeback, who stands still, enduringly, on top of the entertainment world. Ladies and gentlemen, from here on in its Frank Sinatra! Frank Sinatra, the only singer in history to have hit recordsRead MoreEssay on Frank Sinatra977 Words   |  4 Pagesvulgarity, hot temper and alleged ties to organized crime. Frank Sinatra was alluring and powerful not despite his contradictions, but because of them. He was bigger than life, but human as the next guy, and keenly aware of his public personas many sides. And yet he knew, deep down, that the music - The Voice - was clear enough, powerful enough and passionate enough to eclipse the publics darkest doubts about Sinatra the man. Francis Albert Sinatra was bo rn Dec. 12, 1915, the only child of working-classRead MoreEssay on Frank Sinatra1372 Words   |  6 PagesFrank Sinatra Francis Albert Sinatra was born on December 12, 1915, in Hoboken , New Jersey . He began singing in amateur shows in 1933 and formed a musical group called the Hoboken Four . Bandleader Harry James discovered Sinatras act at the Rustic Cabin in New Jersey in 1939 . Their best recording together , All or Nothing at All , did not become a hit until after the singers solo career took off four years later . Then during the early 40s Frank Sinatra was getting involvedRead MoreEssay Frank Sinatra1311 Words   |  6 Pages Frank Sinatra was widely known from coast to coast. He was definitely one of the most popular stars of his era. (3) He, not only was a singer/ song writer, but as his career grew he shifted smoothly into acting and dancing. Ole Blue Eyes was an American icon who was capable of charming his way through each decade that rolled by. He had a sound that carried like no other. His soft voice could sweep women off their feet and right into his arms. Ole blue eyes had an extraordinary talent and sureRead More frank sinatra Essay2820 Words   |  12 Pagesdefined as eternal life. Frank Sinatra is one who will live forever. His music, his movies, his attitude, his eyes, whatever it is you remember him for, all the same, he IS greatness. Few people come along in the course of life that can be labeled great, Frankie is the symbol of greatness. Tens of millions of recordings, nine Grammys and two Academ y Awards, over 60 films, worldwide tours, television specials, hundreds of millions of dollars raised for charities. Sinatra passed the tests of time withRead More Frank Sinatra Essay example774 Words   |  4 PagesFrank Sinatra Francis Albert Sinatra born on December 12, 1915, in Hoboken, New Jersey later became known as Frank Sinatra and one of the greatest entertainers of his generation. American singers - Bing Crosby and Billie Holiday, influenced Frank Sinatra. Sinatra then developed a signature vocal phrasing in his music that influenced generations of popular vocalists. Sinatra anticipated the decline of big-band instrumental jazz music, and helped establish an enthusiastic climate forRead MoreThe Musical Aspects Of Frank Sinatra1505 Words   |  7 PagesChapter Two: Sinatra as a Cultural Icon In the first chapter, this essay primarily addressed the musical aspects of Frank Sinatra. This section will examine his celebrity image, and how it reflected the values of popular culture that spanned his career. Sinatra was the first musician, more specifically a singer, to achieve this kind of fame and notoriety among his audiences. Intentional or not, he started a trend in popular music that would later be replicated by many artists, including Elvis,Read MoreFrank Sinatra was One of the Worlds Greatest Entertainers Essay example2463 Words   |  10 PagesFrank Sinatra better known as Francis Albert Sinatra was born on December 12, 1915 in Hoboken New Jersey to Dolly Garamendi and Anthony Garaventi.He almost lost his own life when he wasn’t breathing. But there was one person who wasn’t going to let him die turned out to be his Grandmother Rose where she was determined to save him by running him under child water until everything came under normal when he started b reathing, he came alive in the world, and he won. Frank was also baptized on St FrancisRead MoreAnalysis Of The Song My Way 1667 Words   |  7 PagesWhile researching an artist for this paper, my first thought was to write about Frank Sinatra. He is a well-known singer and actor that has entertained many generations. People still enjoy listening to his music. At times, we can hear his music playing at a restaurant or a pub. Hearing people talk about how his songs influenced their life decisions, gave me the motivation to learn more about him. This research paper will entail a small part of his life story. CAREER HIGHLIGHTS