Privacy online and offline

 Technology issues affect us by having different negative effects on us, our friends, and our families. The psychological effects are Isolation and Anxiety as well as Depression. Regarding Isolation, Social Media is designed to, in a way, bring people together who share common interests, like the same type of music, for example. But there are some cases where it has the opposite effect. There are also negative effects on people's physical health too. Some of the effects are eyestrain and sleep problems. The symptoms of digital eyestrain are blurred vision and dry eyes. Using technology too close to bedtime may cause issues with sleep. This has to do with the blue light like the light from phones and computers stimulates the brain. 

One of the ways the government could handle these issues is by holding companies accountable for breaches. Companies that fail to protect user data should face higher penalties for data breaches. Mandatory notification laws could require companies to inform users immediately after a breach instead of delaying disclosure. Another way it could be handled is through stronger data protection laws. This could require companies to get explicit consent before collecting or sharing personal data. 

Ways we can protect ourselves online are using strong or unique passwords, clear browsing data, and adjusting privacy settings.  Use a password manager to generate and store complex passwords. With browsing data, you should regularly delete cookies and browsing history to reduce tracking. Adjusting your privacy settings allows you to limit data sharing on social media and online servers. 

EOTO: History of Motion Pictures

Louis Le Prince is considered to be the father of Cinematography. Prince preceded them by a number of years with a working model that captured motion outside his home in Roundhay, Leeds (England). Science and Media Museum  He is also considered to be the founder of motion pictures as well.  

Early films were short and silent and often consisted of single-shot scenes. The Lumière brothers' early films included scenes like "Workers Leaving the Lumière Factory" and "The Arrival of a Train at La Ciotat".  Science and Media Museum Some early films were accompanied by live music to fill in the silence. Some other types of early films were:

• Short Length-Early films were typically brief, often under a minute, and consisted of a single shot from a steady camera.

• Black & White- The earliest films were in black and white, without recorded sound.

• Documentary-style- Early films often captured everyday events and activities like a train approaching, workers leaving a factory, and people dancing.

• Simple Stories- While some early films were pure documentaries, others began to incorporate simple narratives and storylines. 

• Public Cinema- Early films were shown in public venues like fairgrounds, music halls, or anywhere a screen could be set up. 

The impact of now having motion pictures changed our world by revolutionizing storytelling, entertainment as well as communication. The invention of motion pictures stemmed from scientific inquiry but, specifically, the understanding that rapid succession of still images creates an illusion of movement and the development of technologies like celluloid film and motion picture cameras. PBS.org  

Other Inventors in the early history were:

• Eadward Muybridge-An English photographer known for his pioneering photographic studies of motion and motion-picture projection.

• Thomas Edison and William Kenndy Laurie Dickson-Developed the Kinetoscope, an early motion picture viewing device. 

• Auguste & Louis Lumiere-The Lumière brothers invented a projector capable of showing 16 frames per second, captivating audiences with their early public cinema screenings.

Early inventors of motion pictures, like Muybridge and Marey, initially aimed to solve the scientific problem of capturing and analyzing motion, especially events beyond human perception, while later inventors like Edison sought to create a visual accompaniment to the phonograph. The problem it solved was the problem of creating the illusion of movement by rapidly projecting a series of still images, overcoming the perceived flicker and darkness between images, and allowing for the portrayal of reality and storytelling on a large scale.  Library of Congress As it would turn out, Motion pictures changed communication by becoming a powerful visual medium for storytelling, entertainment, and the spread of ideas, surpassing the limitations of earlier forms like written text and static images. Films moved beyond simply recording reality to telling complex narratives and transporting audiences to different worlds. While motion pictures offer entertainment, cultural influence can have negative effects, including promoting stereotypes, desensitizing the audience to violence, and influencing other types of risky behaviors. National Library of Medicine

Example films:

Lumiere Brothers Films:

Black and White:

Documentary Style: 

Simple Stories:

Public Cinema:

Eight Values of Free Expression

Promoting tolerance is the value that resonates the most with me or I feel the most personal connection.  I feel connected to this one out of all the eight because there are ways to encourage it in meaningful ways in everyday life. Another reason I feel connected to this one is because I have witnessed people’s intolerance of people of other religions and cultures. On the other hand, I have also witnessed positive changes in seeing how tolerance can transform communities and relationships and it can even change someone’s personal growth. Some people who also promote tolerance might naturally value empathy and understanding, making themselves inclined to support a world where people respect different opinions and beliefs. Recognizing intolerance leads to conflict, division, and harm which can lead you to feeling a strong need to advocate for unity and mutual respect for everyone. If you believe that everyone deserves fair treatment regardless of their race, religion, gender, or background, then promoting tolerance aligns with your values. These are five ways that you can promote tolerance in different areas like Education and Awareness for example.

1. Education & Awareness:

• Learning about diffrent cultuers,religion,and perpestive.
• Read Books and participate in discussions that challenge biases.

2. Open Communication: 

• Listen actively to people with different views without immediate judgment.
• Encourage respectful discussions about sensitive topics.
• Promoting cultural exchange. 
• Sharing personal experiences with someone.
• Active listing
• Encouraging dialogue
• Being willing to learn
• Avoiding assumptions and stereotypes about someone
• Asking open-ended questions
• Using respectful language

3. Lead by Example:

• Demonstrate patience and respect in interactions with others.
• Call out intolerance in a calm, constructive manner. 

4. Encourage Inclusivity:

• Support policies and initiatives that promote diversity.
• Make spaces like workplaces, schools, and communities welcoming for everyone.
• Advocate for equal opportunities
• Celebrate diversity
• Support and allyship

5. Practice Empathy:

• Put yourself in others' shoes and consider their experiences.
• Volunteer or engage in activities that expose you to different perspectives.
  
  
  
  
  

A speech value I want to see more in action is Check on Governmental Power. Our founding fathers set up the constitution and government of our country to have checks and balances. The three branches of government are legislative, which makes the laws; Judicial, which interprets the laws, and Extinctive, which enforces the laws. The three branches of government make sure there is a separation of powers and checks and balances. Our current administration is trying to undo the balance between the three branches. They are trying to circumbent that by executive orders. An example of this is that Congress authorizes the funds for the different departments of government. The Department of Government Efficiency was renamed by an executive order. They are now cutting funds and laying off employees they feel are unnecessary and wasteful. An example of this would be my sister’s friend, who was working part-time for the N.I.H. and was offered a full-time position after she graduates. Due to the lack of funding and the elimination of jobs, she was let go, and her full-time position was pulled.

The U.S Supreme Court Video

 The role and process of the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court begins its work with petitions from individuals or entities seeking justice, ranging from prisoners claiming wrongful convictions to presidents defending executive powers. The court is selective in the cases it hears, deliberating privately but ruling on significant national issues. Public trust in the Court’s impartiality and independence is key to its authority, even though its legitimacy comes from the Constitution. The court's legacy and influence is it has been a model for high courts worldwide but remains uniquely powerful. While presidents attempt to shape the Court through nominations, justices often assert their independence. When the government moved to Washington, D.C., in 1801, the Supreme Court was housed in the unfinished Capitol. Chief Justice John Marshall established judicial review, the power to strike down laws as unconstitutional, strengthening the Court’s role as a co-equal branch of government. The Court has since gained public respect as an essential part of the U.S. democracy. The Operations and Deliberations of the Court. Justices review every petition, whether from prominent lawyers or handwritten requests from prisoners. Not all cases are accepted, and the Court’s refusal to hear a case does not set a legal precedent. Justices debate cases in conferences, ensuring all voices are heard before any justice speaks twice. In the court, they try to strive to remain impartial and resist external pressures, maintaining a level of mystique and distance from the public. Some traditions they do are shake hands before every meeting, reinforcing a sense of collegiality even when they disagree. They also recognize their past rulings shape future decisions that are made which makes change more difficult over time. Finally, The Court’s traditions and careful deliberations help ensure that the Constitution remains a guiding force for justice over centuries.

 One thing that stands out is the sheer volume of petitions the Court receives and the careful consideration given to each one, regardless of whether it's filed by high-profile lawyers or prisoners writing by hand. This underscores the Court’s commitment to fairness in at least reviewing every request for justice. The Supreme Court's power ultimately depends on public trust. The most important takeaway, I think, is that while its authority is rooted in the Constitution, its effectiveness relies on people believing in its independence and legitimacy. This reinforces how critical it is for justices to remain impartial and uphold the rule of law. What I found surprising was the idea that justices shake hands before every meeting was an unexpected but meaningful tradition. It shows that even in a setting where deep legal debates occur, there’s an effort to maintain respect and collegiality, which is crucial in an institution where disagreements shape the nation’s laws. A perspective the videos gave me was that video makes the Supreme Court feel more human. Instead of an abstract, distant institution, it presents justices as individuals grappling with complex issues, constrained by precedent, and evolving in their roles. It also highlights the weight of their decisions—how they shape history long after they leave the bench.

My Top 5 Sources of News

 1. ESPN

My number one news source is ESPN . I put this one in the top spot because, growing up,  I always remember watching games. It also delivers the most comprehensive and up-to-date sports coverage, from breaking news and in-depth analysis to exclusive interviews and expert opinions. Whether it's the latest game highlights, trade rumors, or insightful commentary. ESPN informs its viewers with high-quality reporting across multiple platforms, including TV, radio, and digital media. Their deep roster of analysts and insiders provides unique perspectives, making it the go-to destination for any sports fan. With live coverage, real-time updates, and engaging storytelling, ESPN ensures that no one ever misses a moment of the action. 

2. Associated Press (AP) 

The Associated Press is my number two news source because of its reputation for accuracy, neutrality, and in-depth reporting on global events. As a trusted wire service, AP provides fact-based journalism, delivering breaking news, investigative reports, and insightful analysis on politics, business, science, and more. Its commitment to unbiased reporting ensures that I get the news straight, without unnecessary spin or opinion. With a vast network of journalists worldwide, AP covers stories as they happen, making it a reliable source for staying informed on both national and international issues. Whether through its website, app, or syndication in other media outlets, AP consistently delivers high-quality journalism to rely on.  

3. TNT Sports 

TNT is my number three news source because of its top-tier sports coverage, especially when it comes to the NBA. With shows like Inside the NBA featuring Shaquille O’Neal, Charles Barkley, Kenny Smith, and Ernie Johnson, TNT offers a perfect mix of expert analysis, breaking news, and entertaining discussions. Their live game broadcasts are some of the best in the industry, providing in-depth coverage, insightful commentary, and behind-the-scenes access that keeps me engaged. While TNT isn't a traditional news outlet, its sports programming delivers valuable updates and perspectives that make it a key part of how basketball and other sports fans stay informed. 

4. FOX Sports 

Fox Sports is my number four news source because of its dynamic coverage of major sporting events, expert analysis, and engaging debate shows. With a strong lineup of commentators and former athletes, Fox Sports delivers insightful perspectives on the biggest stories in sports, from the NFL and MLB to soccer and college athletics. A commentator we saw at the Super Bowl was former NFL quarterback Tom Brady just as an example.  Shows like Undisputed and The Herd provide entertaining debates and hot takes that keep me informed while adding a fun, opinion-driven edge to sports news. While it may not always be my first stop for breaking news, its bold coverage and passionate analysis make it a valuable source for staying updated on the sports world.

5. CBS

CBS is my number five news source because of its well-rounded coverage of national and global events, politics, business, and sports. With trusted programs like CBS Evening News and Face the Nation, it delivers in-depth reporting, investigative journalism, and expert interviews that keep me informed on critical issues. CBS Sports also provides solid coverage of the NFL, college football, and March Madness, making it a great source for both news and sports updates. While it may not be my go-to for breaking news, its credibility, journalistic integrity, and balanced reporting make it a reliable source for staying informed on a wide range of topics.