Wednesday, June 4, 2014
Wednesday, May 28, 2014
Tech Discussion 5/30/14: Juno Power Jumpr
Juno Power's new Jumpr is small enough to fit in a glove compartment and light enough to carry around in a pocket and is claimed to have the ability to jump-start a car and charge a phone. The size of the Jumpr is similar to that of the Samsung Galaxy S5, making it the smallest jumper you can find. The Jumpr produces a 12 volt output at a peak of 300 amps. 300 amps is enough to start almost all 4-cylinder and 6-cylinder engines and possibly more depending on the type of model. The Jumpr also has a USB output that can be used to charge mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets. The Jumpr is now available for $89.99. To read more click here.
Thursday, May 22, 2014
Tuesday, May 20, 2014
Social Bookmarking
1. What's another way you can organize and store information on your computers?
Another way to organize and store information on your computer rather than using Diigo, is to save websites and articles to your favorites or desktop. Although, with both of these alternatives, you cannot highlight or focus on certain information on a website or in an article like you can with Diigo.
2. What have you learned from researching the above topics? What do you know now about those current events that you didn’t know before?
I found a lot of interesting information by researching these topics; some that I was aware of and some that I was not. For example, I was very aware of the tensions between Ukraine and Russia causing tensions between Russia and the United States, but I had no idea that this tension could possibly affect our space program. The U.S. needs Russia's Baikonur Cosmodrome to launch space missions. After the recent mishap with a satellite falling into the Pacific Ocean, there is a chance that the U.S. may not be able to access this space station as frequently.
3. What are other social bookmarking apps/websites?
Other social bookmarking websites and apps include Digg, Pinterest, Reddit, Delicious, and Wanelo. We have used Digg before in class and I always use the Wanelo app on my phone.
4. Will you continue to use social bookmarking?
I will continue to use social bookmarking because of its convenience. It puts all articles of my interest in one place. I can highlight certain information in an article and put notes on the article. Social bookmarking is very helpful in finding information for a project or paper and in being aware of current events.
Another way to organize and store information on your computer rather than using Diigo, is to save websites and articles to your favorites or desktop. Although, with both of these alternatives, you cannot highlight or focus on certain information on a website or in an article like you can with Diigo.
2. What have you learned from researching the above topics? What do you know now about those current events that you didn’t know before?
I found a lot of interesting information by researching these topics; some that I was aware of and some that I was not. For example, I was very aware of the tensions between Ukraine and Russia causing tensions between Russia and the United States, but I had no idea that this tension could possibly affect our space program. The U.S. needs Russia's Baikonur Cosmodrome to launch space missions. After the recent mishap with a satellite falling into the Pacific Ocean, there is a chance that the U.S. may not be able to access this space station as frequently.
3. What are other social bookmarking apps/websites?
Other social bookmarking websites and apps include Digg, Pinterest, Reddit, Delicious, and Wanelo. We have used Digg before in class and I always use the Wanelo app on my phone.
4. Will you continue to use social bookmarking?
I will continue to use social bookmarking because of its convenience. It puts all articles of my interest in one place. I can highlight certain information in an article and put notes on the article. Social bookmarking is very helpful in finding information for a project or paper and in being aware of current events.
Tuesday, May 13, 2014
Tech Discussion 5/16/14: Apple Buying Beats Electronics
Last week, Dr. Dre negotiated a deal with Apple for Apple to buy Beats Electronics. This was supposedly a $3.2 billion deal. Many think that Apple is going to come up with a new product, or products, corresponding with Beats headphones. It has been said that they plan on possibly using Beats to make a health-and-fitness monitor or to provide audio on a headset to compete with Google Glass. "Smart headphones" could also possibly be in the making by installing sensors in the headphones. The deal between Apple and Beats could even maybe move Apple towards HD downloads for iTunes. Apple has a lot of ideas with what it should do with its new investment. To read more click here.
Friday, May 9, 2014
Diigo Web 2.0 Tool
The tool I have chosen is called Notes.io. This application allows students to take notes and also share them. This would be convenient in classes where notes are taken, such as my English class with Mr. Forman. Students can share their notes on Twitter, or even Facebook, and students that were absent can retrieve them. This makes it easier for students and even the teachers. Students can also combine their notes and get all the different information each student has written down. This would make studying a lot easier and more effective. This tool is not only good because you can take notes on it, but you can also share them with other students and collaborate.
Thursday, May 8, 2014
Tech Discussion 5/9/14: Bracelets and Google Glass Forming a Virtual Keyboard
A university in Sweden is developing a system that combines a pair of bracelets with a visual device, such as Google Glass, to create a virtual keyboard that only the user can view. The bracelets that will either be worn on the wrists or hands will contain sensors that will be able to follow the positions and movements of the user's fingertips and hands. They will also be able to tell how far above the user's hands are from the nearest flat surface. As the user taps his or her hand on the flat surface, the virtual keyboard will correspond. The bracelets can also be used for mouse and gesture control. The team creating this hopes to have it done in a year. To read more click here.
Wednesday, May 7, 2014
5/7/14: Social Media Advice
In this Social Media Advice article, Lisa Nielsen discusses ten things you should keep in mind when posting on social media websites. One of the recommendations she gave was to make your online profile private, but also be aware that making it private will not fully protect you. She also says not to offend anyone over social networking websites because this is a fast way to get attention, but not good attention. There should not be cursing in your tweets or statuses because employers and colleges can always look at your profile and this is not something they want to see. I agree with Nielsen's point of view in this article. I personally do not have any social networking websites, so this is not a main concern of mine, but I have heard of people doing some of these things on websites and they should be more careful especially if applying for a job or applying to college. Many people in today's society have become immersed in social media and that is acceptable if they use it for the right reasons.
Tuesday, May 6, 2014
RSS Assignment
1. Why did you select the sites you subscribed to?
I selected the websites I subscribed to because they provide information that I am interested in, whether it being some form of news or just something for entertainment.
2. Was it easy to find feeds and to subscribe to them?
Some of these feeds were easy to find while others were not. Some websites have RSS feeds, but not all do. Digg Reader has a feature where you can browse different categories that interest you and it provides a list of websites in that particular category that have RSS feeds, which makes finding websites much easier.
3. Which sites were your favorites?
One of my favorite websites is This is Why I'm Broke. This website has very interesting, new products that are not likely to be found anywhere else. I also enjoy NASA because it has an image of the day feature that I subscribed to and everyday and it either provides an image or fact about NASA.
4. What else can you use RSS feeds for?
RSS feeds are really good to use to be on top of the latest news. I'm sure they are put to good use in certain jobs and careers where people need to follow what is going on in a particular field. They would also be good for school because subscribing to educational websites is beneficial and you can even subscribe to your own school website if it has an RSS feed.
5. How likely are you to continue to use RSS feeds in the future?
I will continue to use RSS feeds because they are very helpful and convenient. Having a reader that can display all of your subscriptions is also very helpful because it puts all of the information in one place. I did not know of RSS feeds before this assignment, but now that I do, I will use them in the future.
I selected the websites I subscribed to because they provide information that I am interested in, whether it being some form of news or just something for entertainment.
2. Was it easy to find feeds and to subscribe to them?
Some of these feeds were easy to find while others were not. Some websites have RSS feeds, but not all do. Digg Reader has a feature where you can browse different categories that interest you and it provides a list of websites in that particular category that have RSS feeds, which makes finding websites much easier.
3. Which sites were your favorites?
One of my favorite websites is This is Why I'm Broke. This website has very interesting, new products that are not likely to be found anywhere else. I also enjoy NASA because it has an image of the day feature that I subscribed to and everyday and it either provides an image or fact about NASA.
4. What else can you use RSS feeds for?
RSS feeds are really good to use to be on top of the latest news. I'm sure they are put to good use in certain jobs and careers where people need to follow what is going on in a particular field. They would also be good for school because subscribing to educational websites is beneficial and you can even subscribe to your own school website if it has an RSS feed.
5. How likely are you to continue to use RSS feeds in the future?
I will continue to use RSS feeds because they are very helpful and convenient. Having a reader that can display all of your subscriptions is also very helpful because it puts all of the information in one place. I did not know of RSS feeds before this assignment, but now that I do, I will use them in the future.
Wednesday, April 30, 2014
Tech Discussion 5/2/14: Prototype Microsoft Keyboard That Recognizes Hand Gestures
A team at Microsoft Research created a prototype mechanical keyboard that understands hand gestures given above the keyboard or even on the keyboard. Each keyboard has proximity sensors embedded in a printed circuit board. The sensors are in between the rows of keys in order to track the movement of the user's hands as they touch the keyboard or hover over it. The keyboard operates at above 300 hertz, which is enough for it to pick up very fast movement. The user can swipe up, down, left, and right, change applications and windows by hovering the hand in place, and zoom by pinching. There is even a way to play games by using this keyboard. For example, there is a steering wheel gesture that allows users to control an onscreen car in a racing game. To read more click here.
Wednesday, April 23, 2014
Tech Discussion 4/25/14: SuperShoes
Dhairya Dand has created something called SuperShoe insoles to take everyone's eyes off of their phones and focus on the world surrounding them. These insoles use tickling patterns to communicate smartphone applications to the feet of whoever is wearing them. The silicone insoles are flexible and can be put in any pair of shoes. Each sole has an onboard microcontroller, a Bluetooth low-energy chip, a pad under the big toe, and three motors underneath the smaller toes. By using these insoles with a smartphone, SuperShoes can act as a tour guide, tickling both feet when a new suggestion that deals with the wearer's interests is found. The SuperShoe insoles can also act as a navigation tool. If you put a destination into your GPS on your phone, the insoles will tickle either your right or left foot, directing you where to turn. In addition, they can also be used to remind you of events you put in your calendar. It is not known when the SuperShoe insoles will hit the market because the creator says he has no immediate plans to bring them to the market. To learn more click here.
Monday, April 21, 2014
4/21/14: My Favorite Restaurant

I found out about this restaurant through my parents because they took me for the first time a few weeks ago. This restaurant has been around for years and my parents always used to go there when they first got married. They are very familiar with the owners and the service. Tina Louise is not a chain, but as said before, the owners do have other restaurants that are a bit different located nearby. Customers are often satisfied with the service and food at Tina Louise. To read reviews of Tina Louise click here. My parents and I love this restaurant because the food is very good and the owners are very nice and family-oriented.


Thursday, April 10, 2014
Tech Discussion 4/11/14: Bentley Making a Hybrid
Bentley has been talking about constructing a hybrid for years and it is now showing previews. The Bentley Hybrid Concept will debut later in April and will be the first official look at Bentley's plug-in hybrid future. The 2014 Hybrid Concept is built on a Mulsanne base. According to the automaker, the hybrid technology will enhance the luxury and performance of the car. Bentley says that the hybrid option will cut CO2 emissions by 70 percent and boost the vehicle's power to 25 percent and there will be an all electric range of 31 miles. The chairman and chief executive said that by the end of the decade at least 90 percent of their vehicles will have the hybrid plug-in option. There will be a lot of copper detailing on the car to hide the electric architecture underneath. Much more information about the Bentley Hybrid Concept will be revealed at the Beijing Auto Show on April 20th when it is debuted. To read more click here.
Thursday, April 3, 2014
Tech Discussion 4/4/14: Car Rear View Cameras Becoming Mandatory
Many cars are beginning to have rear view cameras to make parking easier and blind spots more visible. It has been said that in a few years, it will be mandatory for all cars to have rear view cameras. The U.S. Department of Transportation's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has proposed a rule requiring rear view cameras to be installed in all new automobiles weighing under 10,000 pounds in the United States starting in May of 2018. According to this administration, every year there are about 210 deaths and 15,000 injuries from a vehicle backing up and hitting someone. The NHTSA expects making rear view cameras mandatory will help save 58 to 69 lives a year. To read more on the specifications of the soon-to-be required rear view camera Click Here.
Tuesday, April 1, 2014
Wiki Research 4/1/14
1. How can a wiki be used in your current classes? (tip: Use the Internet, here is a good source). Be specific to your classes!
Wikis can be helpful for all classes. Wikis would be great to use as study guides for all classes. Every student in the class could post something to it to help the rest of the class. In English class using Wikis for peer reviewing would be very useful. We always peer edit other student's work and it would be convenient to do it on a Wiki.
2. What are the benefits of using a wiki?
Wikis are very helpful especially when it comes to school. Wikis are a great way for teachers and students to learn background information on a specific topic. Even searching a question on Google could be answered through a Wiki .
3. How can we create one in this class and utilize it?
A Wiki could be made in this class for everyone to collaborate and possibly post their opinion on something we did in class in the "Talk" tab. We could have class discussions using Wikis and all post information on a topic we are currently doing in class.
4. What experience do you have using or creating wikis?
I always use Wikis to help me with my homework and to learn about a new topic. Wikis are fast and easy to use. Even if I have a simple question, Wikis can typically answer it. I have never created or edited a Wiki, but I reference Wikis often.
Monday, March 31, 2014
Do Now: Wiki 3/31
A wiki is a collaborative website that can be used to learn new information and answer people's questions. I have used Wikipedia before to help me with my homework and projects. People can edit the information on a webpage and add new things that they know. Wikis summarize a lot of important information on a subject matter, making it easier to learn about that particular topic. Wiki Answers is also a very helpful website that is based off of Wikipedia.
Thursday, March 27, 2014
Tech Discussion 3/28/14: NASA's JPL Develops Space Flowers
NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, JPL, in Pasadena, California has started developing its starshade spacecraft that opens up like a blossom, resembling a sunflower. This spacecraft is aimed to help astronomers study exoplanets, including taking the first actual pictures of planets outside of our Solar System. The starshade acts as a shield to block out starlight, therefore making it much easier for astronomers to see any planets near by. After orbit insertion, the starshade and telescope separate and the shade unfolds into a disk with petals on the rim. The petals cannot be seen from far away, creating a softer edge that causes less bending of light waves. This makes it easier to see planets and take pictures without being overwhelmed by starlight. The space telescope and starshade move in formation and line up with any star. It is currently being tested at Princeton University and JPL.
Monday, March 17, 2014
Do Now 3/17/14 Invisibility
If I were to wear an invisible cloak for one day, I would help out the town in any way possible. I would help the policemen. I would help put a stop to crime and help prevent it from happening, but criminals would not know that it's me. Also, they would not run away from me because I would be invisible. This would be a great help to the police force of Wood-Ridge. Being invisible would make me a hero by fighting crime in Wood-Ridge.
In addition to helping catch criminals for crimes that have been noticed by the police, I would help catch criminals that have carried out crimes that went unnoticed. I would be able to see what was going on even if the police do not. Usually if someone is about to complete a crime and they see the police, they stop immediately so they do not get caught. I would be invisible, so my presence would not stop anyone from committing a crime. I would be able to catch crime that normally the police would not by being invisible.
Thursday, March 13, 2014
Tech Discussion 3/14/14: EyeGo Adapters
Two scientists at Stanford University have created the EyeGo system, which allows a lens to be attached to a smartphone in order to examine eyes. This system consists of two adapters that are attached to the camera of a smartphone. One of them get shots of the front surface of the eye, while the other lens focuses light through the pupil to get pictures of the retina and the back of the eye. EyeGo is designed to be easy for anyone with not a lot of training to take a picture of the eye. These are now being tested in a clinical trial at the Stanford Emergency Department. In the near future, there will be a study so they can be used to track the development of eye disease in diabetics. To read more Click Here.
Monday, March 3, 2014
Tech Discussion 3/7/14: Apple CarPlay
Apple has launched CarPlay, which brings the iOS software to the dashboard of the car. CarPlay enables drivers to access their iPhones safely while driving. Using voice control, drivers can make calls, use maps, send messages, and listen to music. This week, CarPlay will be debuted in Ferrari, Mercedes-Benz, and Volvo. In the near future, it should be in brands such as BMW, Ford, Honda, and much more. CarPlay will link with the existing dashboard interface and users will be able to access the functionality of their iPhone through the touch-enabled interface or by activating Siri on the steering wheel. By voice instruction, users can make calls or send messages and play music. Siri will read out directions, traffic conditions, and messages. Directions and route information will also be shown on the device. CarPlay compatible with iOS 7 and the iPhone 5, 5c, and 5s. Select car brands will begin to put CarPlay into affect this year. For more information on the different brands that will be including CarPlay Click Here.
Friday, February 28, 2014
Tech Discussion 2/28/14: Speed Detecting Brake Light
Revolights is a bicycle lighting system that makes front wheel lights that act as headlights and rear wheel lights that act as tail lights. Due to the expenses of the full lights, its designers have come out with the Revolights Arc, which combines a tail light and wheel-speed activated brake light. When cruising, the two LED light pipes can flash on and off or shine steadily. The speed sensor on the back of the device can detect when the rear wheel slows down, which then causes it to become a brake light. The light gets brighter as the rider slows down even more. The Arc is run by a lithium battery and can be changed by a computer's USB port.
Tuesday, February 25, 2014
Educational Technology and Copyright Law
The article Educational Technology and Copyright Law discusses the basic ideas and rules of copyright. This article was very informative and interesting. Just because something may be copyrighted, does not always necessarily mean that you cannot use it. For example, if a teacher wishes to show a copyrighted image to his or her class, the teacher can go about doing so. This is not illegal and is great for educational purposes. If you create your own work, it is copyrighted, but it is a different story if it is licensed. Others are able to use your image if it is only copyrighted, but if it is licensed, they cannot. If something is not licensed, it is subject to fair use. Not every image out there can be used, but not that many images are off limits.
Sunday, February 23, 2014
Tech Discussion 2/21/14: New S-512 Supersonic Jet Screens
The new S-512 Supersonic Jet has replaced its windows with video screens. The video screens are embedded in the interior walls. The parts needed for typical airplane windows add weight to the plane, making it travel slower. This plane is expected to be the first supersonic business jet. It will allow its passengers to fly from New York to London in about 3-4 hours, rather than the ordinary 6-7 hours. It was also take about 8 hours rather than 14-16 hours to fly from Los Angeles to Tokyo. This jet will use video cameras to project real panoramic videos on the screens. The passengers will be able to dim the screens and also select different content to play on the screens. This jet, in its full, is expected to come out in the year of 2018.
Friday, February 14, 2014
Tech Discussion 2/14/14: Dash Smart Earbuds

The Dash Earbuds use Bluetooth to connect to a smartphone and have no wires that need to connect to them, making it easy for people such as runners to use them. There is also 4GB of data on the earphones, allowing music to be put directly on them. The earbuds are compatible with an app that can be downloaded on a smartphone. They have a noise cancelation feature that can be turned on and off. Also, they can be used for talking on the phone. A very unique feature of these earphones is that they can be used for fitness purposes. It can track conditions such as heart rate, body temperature, and calories burned. The Dash Earbuds can also track steps, time, rotation, and turns. If GPS is added through a smartphone, it can also detect the distance traveled, speed, and altitude. Not only are these wireless earphones useful for playing music, they also are very helpful when it comes to working out.
Tuesday, February 11, 2014
The class I have chose to write about is Precalculus Honors with Mr. Ben-Nun. From the beginning of the year up to now, I have learned a lot in this class. My expectations at the beginning of the year were to use Algebra II and some geometry as a basis for Calculus or AP Calculus next year and this is what we are doing. We have reviewed material from last year and have used that material to learn new subject matters.
Technology plays a big role in my Precalculus class. We must use our computers at home every week to complete three Think Through Math lessons on lms.thinkthroughmath.com and lessons that Mr. Ben-Nun has recommended on https://www.khanacademy.org/. Not only are there lessons on Khan Academy, there are also videos that can teach a lesson you may not be familiar with. The lessons on both of these websites typically have to do with what we have went over in class that week. Also, some topics could be helpful with the HSPA. I enjoy these two aspects about the class. Think Through Math and Khan Academy are two uses of technology in Precalculus. Here is an example of a Khan Academy video:
In conclusion, I have learned a lot in Precalculus Honors so far this year with Mr. Ben-Nun and I expect to learn much more throughout the duration of the year. Technology is a big factor in our class and I like that about the class. Think Through Math and Khan Academy are both very helpful websites for the class. They help everyone improve on the topics we work on in class. Technology is a very prominent and useful feature of my Precalculus class and helps us all to learn and improve on our skills.

Thursday, February 6, 2014
Tech Discussion 2/7/14: App for Indoor Navigation
A new app called Shopcloud is in the process of coming out for the use of indoor navigation that is compatible with smartphones. This app uses the phone's standard sensors, rather than Wi-Fi signals and is accurate up to a distance down to one meter. The phone must begin by accessing a floor plan of the building and gaining an Internet signal, but after the user downloads the information for the app, the Internet is not needed. The phone uses its camera in order to spot locations and keep track of the current location. Company co-founder Michael Bar Zeev stated, "We thought about how humans naturally navigate, and tried to imitate that." Currently, the app will work with models of the iPhone that are the 4s and up and Android phones. A version for Windows phones is being worked on. About 200 locations in the United States are already being mapped for the official release of the app in a couple of months. The app should be free for users as well as the locations.
Welcome!
Welcome to my blog. I enjoy hanging out with my friends and family, playing tennis, and everything about the summer. I love music and going to concerts and shows with my friends. My family and friends are very important to me. I love spending time with both my friends and my family. I always have fun when I am with them. Some of the classes I am taking this year include web 2.0, history, precalculus, physics, Spanish IV, English, and a college class at Felician College. My grades are very important to me and I am always focusing on them. This is just a little bit about me. Thank you for checking out my blog!
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