Davonne Thomas: History, Regulation, and the current State of the Information Communication Enviroment

The Attack

On October 21, 2007, the Colorado Rockies could not sell their World Series tickets due to an attack on their internet servers. Representatives of Major League’s Baseball internet wing said that the system was overloaded by powerful computers. The CEO of MLB.com said that the tickets brokers could have been responsible. A representative of McAfee Aver Labs, said that the servers were not correctly configured.

Type of Attack and CERT

The reason why the Rockies fans could not buy tickets is because of the Distributed Denial of Service (DDOS) that disrupted their system. Denial of Services attacks happen when requests are sent to a server from different IP addresses. These requests overwhelm the servers, and ultimately slow them down or completely stop them. Information about this type of attack can be found at www.cert.org. CERT which is short for Computer Emergency Response Team; is an organization devotes its resources to resist attacks on network systems. CERT works with the Department of Homeland Security to prevent cyber attacks across the internet.

References

(2007, October 22). SI.com. Rockies’ WS tickets sell out online Retrieved October 26, 2007 from http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/baseball/mlb/specials/playoffs/2007/10/23/bc.bbo.rockies.seriesti.ap/index.html

(2007 August 24). CERT. CERT FAQ Retrieved November 17, 2007 from http://www.cert.org/faq/

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Procrastination is something that we all do. Dr. Jay Gillette says that procrastination is human nature. The book Crash Course on Getting Things Done Now: 17 Proven Principles for Overcoming Procrastination, by Dr. Larry J. Koenig, provides some ways to defeat the evils of procrastination. Some of them are listed below.

• Realistic goal setting involves making plan and detailing what a little goals we’ll have to set in order to accomplish our big goal.

• Our procrastinating behavior may root in a number of deeper issues, including perfectionism of a fear of success. Some procrastinators suffer from the propensity to take every project that appeals to them, thus causing or contributing to their procrastination.

• Keeping a journal that accounts for our goals to write ourselves a commitment letter that details our goals to when we’ll get it done, what obstacles we may face along the way, and how we’ll overcome those obstacles.

• A skill in overcoming procrastination is making lists of steps to completing your goals and lists of tasks to complete a step.

Mr. T's thoughts on Procrastination.

Personal Communication

Dr. Jay Gillette, Personal Communication, n.d.

Reference

Koenig L. J. (2006) Crash Course on Getting Things Done Now: 17 Proven Principles For Overcoming Procrastination. Nashville: Countryman

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Abstract

This essay consists of my personal theory of human communication. The essay will consist of what human communication is what it involves, and will primarily focus on the connection of human communication and relationships. This connection will involve symbolism and socio-culture theory and the significance of communication in a family structure.

1.0 What is Human Communication

According to the book, Theories of Human Communication, the task of defining communication is hard and is not easy to define (Littlejohn and Foss, 2008, pg. 3). Human communication is made of different parts, including symbols, meanings, mediums, and the people that are involved in communication and etc. Essentially, what does human communication involve?

1.1 What does Human Communication involve?

Communication involves how people react to exchanging and deciphering messages (Foss and Little john 2008, pg. 9).Human communication involves a lot of different theories that have philosophical dimensions such as the nature of being.

2.0 The Nature of Being

Ontology is the branch of philosophy that deals with oneself or the nature of being. According to the book, Theories of Human Communication, ontology deals with the nature of human existence and social interaction; thus relationships. An ontological issue is determining whether the human experience is individual or social? The proponents of the social view believe that humans can not be understood away from relationships (Foss and Littlejohn 2008, pg. 17).

3.0 Semiotic Tradition

Semiotics is the study of signs. It includes theories of how signs represent objects, ideas, states, situations, feelings, and conditions outside of themselves (Foss and Littlejohn 2008, pg. 35). One basic ideas of semiotics is the triad of meaning. The triad focuses on the relationship between three entities: sign, object, and meaning. For example, the words “equal to” can be associated with mathematical equations and the relationships between letters and numbers within the equations. The words “equal to”; are not the actual mathematical relationship. It is how I interpret and associate the word.

4.0 Socio Cultural Theory and Human Communication Anxiety.

Culture is a significant part of social interaction and human relationships. This is because communication happens between people, and thus relationships have the utmost importance (Foss and Littlejohn, 2008, pg. 44). Even though communication is very important in culture many are afraid or do not like communicating. In fact, people are very apprehensive. This communication apprehensiveness is included in a group of concepts called communication anxiety. This type of anxiety consists of physiological and behavioral aspects; which in many ways involve the human relationship. I personally have encountered many of the aspects of social and communication anxiety, Such as over-breathing, a faster heart rate and avoidance (Foss and Littlejohn, 2008, pg. 67).

5.0 Identity

Communication is the means by which identity is established and how one’s identity relates to a cultural group or community. Identity is relational and is simply how a person relates to another. Relational Identity can be described as a customer and supplier, brother and sister, and husband and wife (Foss and LittleJohn, 2008, pg. 89)

6.0 The Right Mindset: Treat the customer as a Foreigner.

According to the book, Thriving on Chaos, the writer recommends that the readers should treat their customers as foreigners who do not speak their language (Peters, 1991, pg.182). For example, while I was a sale associate for Gregg Appliances we were told by our managers to relate to our customers. So, if a customer was without basic knowledge of the product that was being presented, we would qualify and demonstrate the product in a way that a Kindergarten student is taught their ABCs. The delivery was simple and easily understood by the customer.

6.1 Action and Intent

This type of delivery gave the best results. In addition with treating the customer as a foreigner, I included what is described in Thriving on Chaos, the feedback and action (reinforcing the intent) concept. This includes qualifying the customer based on their needs and wants (Peters, 1991, pg. 369).

7.0 Marriages and Relationships.

Communication is important in a healthy marriage. According to Foss and Littlejohn there are three types of marriage traditional, independent, and separate.
7.1 Traditional Marriages

Traditional Marriages tend to have very consensual families, meaning that they communicate very well. In the traditional family, the parents normally make the decisions. The parents tend to be sharing more companionship and tend to have strong feelings against infidelity.

7.2 Independent Marriages

Independent Marriages have a traditional view of marriage. The husband and wife do not rely (communicate) on each other as much as those in a traditional marriage. Independent marriages have a lot conflicts.

7.3 Separate Marriages

In separate marriages, conflicts do not last long. This is because they do not share much with each other; such as bedrooms or bank accounts. According to Baxter’s Relationship Theory, the traditional, independent, and separate marriages are all constructed by the couple’s dialogue. This dialogue, the communication between the ones in the couple; is the foundation of the marriage relationship.

8.0 Conclusion Section

In conclusion, I have discussed my human communication theory with a focus on human relationships. Ryan Wolfgang said that “human communication as with critical study; seems to become more difficult to grasp when you try to understand it. Ryan Wolfgang (personal communication October 20, 2007). That also goes for communication and its connection with relationships. Without communication: relationships die. To add value to that, Lisa Wade believes that “without human communication we might find ourselves wandering alone in the woods, waiting for trees to fall on our heads. Lisa Wade (personal communication, October 22, 2007).

References

1. Jones S., Kovac, R (2003) Introduction to Communication Technologies: A Guide for Non-Engineers.Boca Raton: Auerbach Publications.

2. Littlejohn, S. W. & Foss K. A. (2008) Communication Theory and Scholarship. In J. Perkins, R. Dejon, J. Gahbauer(Eds.) Theories of Human Communication(1-13) (9th Ed.).Belmont: Thomson Wadsworth.

3. Littlejohn, S. W. & Foss K. A. (2008) The Idea of Theory. In J. Perkins, R. Dejon, J. Gahbauer (Eds.), Theories of Human Communication (14-32) (9th Ed.).Belmont: Thomson Wadsworth.

4. Littlejohn, S. W. & Foss K. A. (2008) The Communicator. In J. Perkins, R. Dejon, J. Gahbauer (Eds.), Theories of Human Communication (64-102) (9th Ed.).Belmont: Thomson Wadsworth.

5. Littlejohn, S. W. & Foss K. A. (2008) The Conversation. In J. Perkins, R. Dejon, J. Gahbauer (Eds.), Theories of Human Communication (147-193) (9th Ed.).Belmont: Thomson Wadsworth.

6. Littlejohn, S. W. & Foss K. A. (2008) Traditions of Communication Theory. In J. Perkins, R. Dejon, J. Gahbauer (Eds.), Theories of Human Communication (33-62) (9th Ed.).Belmont: Thomson Wadsworth.

7. Littlejohn, S. W. & Foss K. A. (2008) The Relationship. In J. Perkins, R. Dejon, J. Gahbauer (Eds.), Theories of Human Communication (194-223) (9th Ed.).Belmont: Thomson Wadsworth.

8. Peters, T. (1991) C7: Become Obsessed With Listening. Thriving on Chaos: Handbook for a Management Revolution(176-192). New York: Harper Perennial.

9. Peters, T. (1991) P3: Listen/Celebrate/Recognize. Thriving on Chaos: Handbook for a Management Revolution (367-377). New York: Harper Perennial.

Personal Communication List

1. Lisa Wade, Personal Communication, October 22, 2007

2. Ryan Wolfgang, Personal Communication, October 20, 2007

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1.0 The Beginning

The Protestant Reformation began in Europe in 1517 with the actions of Martin Luther who nailed his Ninety Five Theses to the wall of the Wittenberg Castle Church. The nailing of the Theses served as the catalyst that started the Protestant Reformation.

2.0 The Ninety-Theses

The Ninety-Five Theses displayed Luther’s feelings with Church selling indulgences or forgiveness as an economic transaction. Instead of making a confession and restoring what was damaged (human relationships.) Indulgences could be bought for cash. In addition to indulgences members of the Church could donate holy relics to get 100 more days in purgatory.

3.0 Beliefs of Protestant Reformers

Protestant Reformers believed justification by faith alone, scripture alone (not by works), and priesthood to all believers (meaning that a believer could directly communicate to God.) In addition to these beliefs, Protestants did not agree with the Church’s devotion to the Virgin Mary and the saints. A reason for the uprising and spread of Protestant belief was the dissenters’ unhappiness with the moral corruption in the church.

4.0 Counter Reformation (Catholic Reformation)

The Counter Reformation was a term used by the non-catholic. The Counter Reformation started with the Council of Trent which was a commission of high ranking men in the Catholic Church. The council addressed the issues of corrupt bishops and priests, and indulgences. The council denounced Protestant beliefs and continued to upheld the Catholic belief in salvation by grace though faith and works (protestants believe that faith is enough). The council reaffirmed that the indulgences, praise and honor of relics, saints, and the Virgin Mary were needed. Overall, the Counter Reformation led to a better Catholic administration.

References

Counter Reformation. (2007, November 11). In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved November 16, 2007, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Counter_Reformation

Protestant Reformation. (2007, November 13). In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved November 13 2007, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Protestant_Reformation

The 95 Theses. (2007, November 11). In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved November 12, 2007, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_95_Theses

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1.0 What is Humanism?

Humanism puts its basis on the ability to determine right and wrong on rational thinking and rejects the supernatural, thus divine interference. In humanism, it is up to humans to find the truth as oppose to divine revelation. A branch of humanism, Renaissance Humanism, was originally described as a curriculum of study that included rhetoric, moral philosophy, poetry and history.

2.0 The Main Crisis of Humanism

The main crisis of Humanism was the denouncing of Galileo’s belief in the Copernican theory of Heliocentrism. The coperinican theory states that the sun is the center of the universe. The denouncing of this belief has been called the start of the relationship between science and the church. The fundamental problem of Heliocentrism is that it did not agree with the bible.

3.0 Galileo and Heliocentrism

Galileo received many attacks about his defense of heilocentrism. One attack came from Tommaso Caccini, a Dominican friar, who preached a sermon in 1614 denouncing Galileo’s letter to Castill which showed how Galileo related scripture to natural phenomenon. This attack eventually led to the Roman Catholic inquisition of Galileo’s belief in heliocentrism.

3.1 The Qualifers

The judge at Galileo’s trial forwarded the case to a group of commission theologians called the qualifiers. The qualifiers believed that Galileo was wrong and that the heliocentrism theory was “absurd and foolish.” The qualifiers believed that the theory was hypothetical but could not be true. The outcome of the trial was that Galileo could not write about heilocentrism in any of his books.

3.2 Dialogue concerning the Two Chief World Systems

Gailieo then stayed away from heliocentrism, until the publishing of his book, Dialogue concerning the Two Chief World Systems in 1632. The book, which was suppose to be written to provide supporting statements of heliocentrism and Aristotle’s theory of Geocentrism( Geocentrism places the earth as the center of the universe). The book was more of an attack on geocentrism and mostly supported heliocentrism. Because the book supported heliocentrism, Gaileo was charged and latter convicted of heresy.

References

Galileo affair. (2007, November 4). In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved November 6 2007, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Galileo_affair

Galileo Galilei. (2007, November 5). In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved November 6 , 2007, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Galileo_Galilei

Heliocentrism. (2007, November 6). In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved November 6, 2007, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heliocentrism

Humanism. (2007, November 5). In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved November 6 2007, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Humanism

Renaissance humanism. (2007, November 4). In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved November 6, 2007, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Renaissance_humanism

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1.0 Introduction

This blog entry shows the relationship between Facebook and criminal investigations. The blog will start with a recent incident that happened right here in Muncie, Indiana.

2.0 Facebook possible use in Muncie, IN Police Investigation

According to a Ball State Daily News report, five women were arrested for beating another woman and were bragging about it on Facebook. If charges are filed, the information that was found on Facebook could be used against the women.

3.0 Mistaken Identity?

According to a CNN report a gay man has accused another man of beating him and on the campus of Georgetown University. The attorney of the accused says that he was mistakenly identified by the accuser. The accuser found his alleged assailant by using Facebook.

4.0 Sex Offenders on Facebook

According to a New York Times report, a Connecticut Attorney General’s investigation has found at least 3 or more sex offenders using Facebook The report also details actions of a worried parent was having concerns about sexual predators. The worried parent created a fake account; posing as a 15 year old girl, named Jeri Gleason. The parent then was signing up mostly for sexual themed groups and was receiving messages from older men inquiring about her.

5.0 Additional Information

The Web 2.0 website, Wikipedia, has an entry that is called social networking sites and investigations. The entry details more investigations that are involved with Facebook. These investigations include campus alcohol violations, a hit and run, and inducing panic.

References

(2007, September 29). Pegasus Newswire. Southlake man arrested in DC attack based on Facebook evidence Retrieved November 6, 2007 from
http://www.pegasusnews.com/news/2007/sep/29/southlake-man-arrested-dc-attack-based-facebook-ev/

Stone, B. (2007, July 30). New Scrutiny of Facebook over Predators. New York Times, Retrieved November 6, 2007, from http://www.nytimes.com/2007/07/30/business/media/30facebook.html?_r=3&adxnnl=1&oref=slogin&adxnnlx=1185806585-eLEysnwbZjbqGhpju4oLmw&oref=slogin

Use of social network websites in investigations. (2007, November 6). In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved August 10, 2004, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Use_of_social_network_websites_in_investigations

Zilal S. (2007, October 17). Charges on hold in beating:
Prosecutor awaits injury details, expects to proceed next week. Ball State Daily News, Retrieved November 6, 2007 from http://media.www.bsudailynews.com/media/storage/paper849/news/2007/10/17/News/Charges.On.Hold.In.Beating-3037089.shtml

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1.0 Introduction

When football players hit each other there forces typically exceed 100 times the force of gravity which is comparable to car crash. These hits lead to approximately 230,000 concussions per year. Coaches and trainers usually do not have the information needed to analyze a player’s injury status. But now there is a device that can be installed in a player’s helmet that measures each blow to the head and reports impact force. This device is part of the Head Impact Telemetry System (HIT).

2.0 Wirelessly transmitted data

The system developed Simbex LLC generates a data report which is sent to a controller wirelessly when a collision is above10 gs or more. Researchers have recorded roughly 3300 head hits and found that, on average, players endured 50 impacts strong enough to trigger the system during a single game.

3.0 Predicative Analysis

Simbex director of engineering, Jeffrey J. Chu, believes that with large data set from on-field collisions that predictive algorithms, using the player’s impact history to remove players before for they get seriously injured. The data that has been collected has also shown that concussions occur more often because of side hits. As a result, a new helmets design called RevolutionT extends farther down the jaw line than conventional helmet, before the only reason for side-padding was to improve how the helmet fit.

4.0 NFL Players who have suffered concussions

4.1 Trent Green

One of the most recent players that have had multiple concussions is the NFL’s Trent Green. Green missed the majority of the 2006-2007 season due to a concussion and just recently had another one on October 7.

4.2 Andre Waters

Andre Waters was a former defensive back for the NFL’s Philadelphia Eagles. Mr. Waters, who suffered from depression, committed suicide in November 2006 at the age of 44. A University of Pittsburgh scientist believes that his successive concussions sped the degenerative process in his brain, which ultimately led to his depression and suicide.

References

Green’s future unclear after latest concussion. Kansas City Star. Retrieved November 5, 2007 from http://www.kansascity.com/sports/story/308877.html

Jones W. D. ( October 2007). Wireless device will let coaches pull football players before they suffer brain damage. IEEE Spectrum.

Schwartz, A. (January 18, 2007). Expert ties ex-player’s suicide to brain damage. New York Times. Retrieved November 5, 2007 from
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/01/18/sports/football/18waters.html?_r=2&ref=sports&oref=slogin&oref=slogin
Trent Green Biography
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trent_Green
Andre Waters Biography
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andre_Waters

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