Social Anxiety Warning! Do We Live In A Society Where Real Human Contact Is A Thing Of The Past?
Let’s face it, the days of cocktail parties and schmoozing with real people is quickly coming to an end. Whenever people today are faced with the real possibility of talking to other humans, anxiety sets in.
Social anxiety is a rising epidemic not only in our American society, but also in many places around the world. I was reading the Chinadaily.com today and found something interesting.
Liu Ce, in here article about social anxiety disorder among people in China explains what many people all around the world are feeling these days.
Liu Xianghang chats up a storm online, but when it comes to real people, she has a fear of communicating. “Talking with others in the real world always makes me blush and my heart beats quickly. I never dare to look in anyone’s eyes when speaking,”
the 22-year-old said, describing her anxiety. “But I become quite a different person on the Internet. I can chat with anyone and say anything I like, which makes me very popular among netizens,” Liu added.
I think this is a pretty normal thought process these days. We can all hide behind a computer and be anyone that we want. Nobody will judge us, and even if they do…who cares! They are not judging the “real” us anyway, so we never have to worry about feeling unwanted or awkward.
Liu has the classic symptoms of social anxiety disorder, Wang Xumei, a psychologist at Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, told China Daily. According to Wang, the number of social phobia patients he is seeing is nearly 50 percent more than in each of the past 10 years.
China News Week reported in 2011 that social anxiety has been rising in China, with 10 percent of people experiencing distress in social communication.
What is it about this generation, and these times that is making people feel like they need to hide at home? It could be nothing more complicated than that is just the world we live in.
In the “olden days” it didn’t matter if you were awkward or not. It didn’t matter if you had anxiety of any kind. You had to live your life and get through it somehow.
People didn’t work on computers from home, and people certainly didn’t “socialize” with others over computerized communication channels. We had to actually socialize in person, and I think it made society a lot better off.
According to the Social Phobia/Social Anxiety Association, a non-profit organization in the United States, about 7 percent of the world’s population has some form of social anxiety disorder. Liu, a senior at Northeastern University, is looking for job, but her social phobia has led to many rejections.
For several years, her spare time has been spent online. If she’s not near a computer, she readse-books [sic] on her mobile phone, rather than chatting with classmates or even friends. “I don’t know what to say to them. I feel relaxed on the Internet. We don’t know each other online,so I feel free to talk about anything.”
Liu saw a psychologist at her school, but that didn’t help. She even bought books on conversational skills. “Useless. I’ve read them all and still don’t know how to start a conversation.” “It’s caused by a sense of inferiority,” said Wang.
Isn’t is astounding, outstanding and almost unbelievable that the world is so anxious all the time. Anxiety has always been a part of human life. It is what makes us human, and to an extent it helps us to evolve into better people.
If we are going to flourish though, it is going to have to change though. We, as a society need to put these computers and smartphones down for 5 minutes and go outside! We need to have parties, and do things with other human beings.
I don’t see these social anxiety issues getting any better with time, and if we wait too long it may be too late.
Monday, June 4, 2012
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Sunday, June 3, 2012
Looking To Buy Parrot AR Drone? - Read This First!
Parrot AR Drone
Looking To Buy Parrot AR Drone? – Read This First
Do you like spying on your upstairs neighbors? Well, you may want to avoid that type of thing, but the new Parrot AR Drone certainly can get up there.
If you have an iPod, iPhone or iPad you are already halfway on your way to being able to fly one of these cool quadricoptors all around the yard and the house.
Ross Catanzariti over at PCworld had a chance to check out the AR Drone in his recent article, and the drone looks like a lot of fun.
The AR.Drone 2.0 initially looks like a minor upgrade to the original on the whole. It has a very similar look and feel, while the basic operation of the unit remains almost identical to the original model. However, the AR.Drone 2.0 appears to have addressed three concerns many users had with its predecessor.
Firstly, Parrot claims the new model is much easier to fly. As we found out when we reviewed the AR.Drone, it definitely wasn’t easy to manoeuvre. The company has addressed this issue by reinventing the way the AR.Drone 2.0 is controlled.
The previous model used the AR.Drone itself as the reference point when flying but the AR.Drone 2.0 uses the person controlling the chopper as the reference point. This means it flies in whatever direction you tilt your phone to, regardless of what direction the quadricopter is facing.
OK, so the older model was a apparently not very easy to fly around due to the way that it referenced where it was at in flight. With the updated software in the new drone it keeps track of you (the pilot) and your whereabouts so that no natter which direction you tilt your controller (iPhone like device) the quadricoptor will know what is forward and fly accordingly.
So how does this new navigation work anyway? Great question.
This new control system is called “absolute control” and is made possible by the addition of a new 3D compass. A new pressure sensor also allows the AR.Drone 2.0 to fly higher than the previous model (up to 6 metres). We had a brief hands-on with the new control system at Parrot’s media launch in Sydney and we can say with certainty that it is a vast improvement over the original. The AR.Drone 2.0 is smoother, much easier to control and has far less of a learning curve than the original model.
So now you are looking at a quadricoptor that can fly really high, low through obstacles and windows and even in your house. What else would make the Parrot AR Drone really cool? How ’bout a camera to record not only still images, but HD video on? You got it!
The AR.Drone 2.0 can now capture 720p HD video and still photos, neither which was possible on the original model. Users can save images or videos on a USB key through a USB port hidden inside the device, next to the battery. The AR.Freeflight app, a free download for iOS devices, allows users of the AR.Drone 2.0 to upload any captured videos directly to YouTube, or still photos to Google’s Picasa service. The app features a redesigned interface and a media manager to handle images and video captured with the chopper.
Just in case that is not enough, let’s take a look at this ultra-cool flying gadget in action! Check out the video below to see it fly!
So there you have it. To get one of these cool devices, you can get one from Amazon.com by clicking the link below.
Click Here To See The Parrot AR Drone on Amazon.com
Tags: slider
Saturday, June 2, 2012
Clarion NextGate SC1U Smartphone Controller for iPhone - Get in Gear And Drive!—Gadgetdork.org
Clarion NextGate SC1U Smartphone Controller for iPhone
Just when you think the iPhone can’t do any more for you, Clarion came out with the new SC1U smartphone controller. So what is this gizmo?
Imagine owning a really nice car with a navigation system and on-board computer for all of your favorite tasks that you like to do while driving (with the exception of driving of course).
Now imagine that you have all of that functionality in your current car that is more affordable than the top of the line models sporting this technology.
This is what you are going to get with the clarion NextGate SC21U controller for the iPhone, and it sure does a lot of cool stuff.
Ecoustics.com in their product roundup for the Clarion gave us a great breakdown of some of the best features that you can expect in the controller.
Clarion announced Next GATE, a 7-inch, touch-screen, in-vehicle smartphone controller for iPhone that brings app functionality into the car. Next GATE (model SC1U) leverages the power of the smartphone and its wireless connectivity, allowing hands-free calling, voice dialing, voice activation, navigation, Internet radio and more.
Aside from app integrations, Next GATE also comes equipped with a microSD slot, a built-in speaker, blue LED buttons and indicator, auxiliary audio output, windshield mount, built in microphone, external microphone ready and a 7-inch digital WVGA touch panel LCD monitor. The Next GATE is compatible with iPhone 4S and iPhone 4, and has a 12 volt power adapter for easy connection which also allows for charging while in-use. The system is connected via an easy to set up auxiliary connector while the Clarion Smart Access app manager is a free download on the iTunes app store.
Original content is offered via Next GATE with apps exclusive to the smartphone controller. Key iPhonefunctions become road friendly with Vlingo support, such as Voice Launcher and Speech-to-Text app inclusions like Facebook, Twitter and News applications which will allow for easy access all while keeping your focus on the road.
So this iPhone controller sounds pretty cool, right? Let’s check out the official video from Clarion so we can take a better look at it. One important thing to remember as you look at this video though.
No matter what kind of gadget you have in your possession, there is nothing in the world that can take the place of paying attention to the road and your surroundings at all times.
Too many people are dying on our nations roadways due to people not paying attention, so please don’t be one of them!
That looks pretty cool huh? So you may now be wondering exactly how this controller is supposed to work with your existing iPhone, so let’s take a look at some of the technical specifics.
Next GATE will enhance the way the iPhone will be used through integration, interface and intelligence. “Clarion Next GATE exemplifies the future of in-vehicle electronics with the necessity to connect to and leverage the devices consumers bring into the vehicle,” states Paul Lachner, President of Clarion Corporation of America. “The Next GATE will revolutionize the way people communicate and access information in the vehicle via their iPhone in an intuitive and user-friendly way, keeping their focus on driving.”
Key vehicle-friendly app partners include: TuneIn, Pandora, Vlingo, INRIX Traffic, and InfoGation with more to come. Likewise Clarion is currently working with multiple app partners to greatly expand the functionality of Next GATE.
- TuneIn - Offers a new way to listen to the world through live, local and global radio wherever you are with over 50,000 stations including music, sports, news or current events like the GOP debate, Daytona 500 or South by Southwest (SXSW).
- Pandora - Offers personalized internet radio.
- Vlingo - A voice recognition app which allows for speech to text capabilities; works with email and social media channels while behind the wheel.
- INRIX Traffic - Provides up-to-the-minute insight into the fastest routes, covering nearly twice as many roads as any other app and it identifies the worst delays on highways and city streets nationwide so drivers can steer clear.
- InfoGation - Provides turn-by-turn navigation with full screen maps and graphics.
Features
- Controls approved smartphone apps optimized for in-vehicle use
- Compatible with Clarion’s Smart Access cloud service and app
- Leverages application functions such as navigation, internet radio, social networking and voice control/ text readout for select functions
- Built-in Bluetooth hands-free interface (HFP)
- Music/Audio playback
- Built-in microphone and external microphone ready
- Compatible with iPhone 4S and iPhone 4
- iPhone direct connect and charging capabilities (cable included)
- 7-inch Digital WVGA Touch Panel LCD Monitor
- microSD slot
- Built-in speaker
- Blue LED buttons and indicator
- 12 volt power adapter
- AUX audio output
- 360° adjustable suction mount
So where are you going to be able to get your hands on this piece of technology? Starting June, 1st 2012 you can order it from Amazon.com and other fine retailers online!
Friday, June 1, 2012
Gefen Home Theater Audio Processor - Blast Your Life On High—Gadgetdork.org
Gefen Home Theater Audio Processor
If you are needing the capacity to split home audio HDMI signals into 5.1 digital surround, then the Gefen home theater audio processor was built for you.
Providing your home audio/video needs in one compact unit, Gefen has come through with some features fit for any audio and video enthusiast.
I tracked down the official specs and according to Gefen, this is how the processor works.
Connect the GefenTV Home Theater Audio Processor to the Hi-Def source using the supplied HDMI cable and coax cable. Connect up to two (2) HDTV displays or AV receivers to the Audio Processor HDMI outputs. Connect an optical and a coax cable from the Audio Processor digital audio outputs to an AV receiver.
Use the binding posts to connect up to five speakers. The sub-woofer must be a powered version and is connected to the RCA connector allocated for the sub. Connect the included 24V power supply to the Audio Processor and push the power button to turn on the Audio Processor. Apply power to the Hi-Def source and HDTV Display(s) and/or AV receivers.
Package Includes:
- (1) GefenTV Home Theater Audio Processor
- (1) 6 ft. HDMI cable (M-M)
- (1) 6 ft. S/PDIF cable
- (1) Infrared Remote Control (battery included)
- (1) 24V DC power supply
- (1) User Manual
Features:
- Separates digital audio from the HDMI or of S/PDIF inputs and decodes up to 5.1 channels of digital audio
- Splits one HDMI input source into 2 mirrored HDMI outputs
- Supported audio formats: Dolby Digital, Dolby Pro Logic, and Dolby Pro Logic II decoding
- Test tone for system diagnostics
- Outputs line-level analog audio up to 5.1 channels using RCA connectors
- Outputs amplified analog audio at 25 Watts per channel RMS on external speaker terminals
- LCD status display for full selection menu
- IR control
- RS-232 control
- Field-upgradable firmware
- External / Internal EDID management
- Small in size
- This product is HDMI and HDCP-compliant
Specifications:
- Maximum Pixel Clock: 225 MHz
- Input DDC Signal: 5V p-p (TTL)
- Maximum Power Output: 25W RMS
- Digital Audio Input: 1 x S/PDIF coaxial
- HDMI Input: 1 x HDMI female, 19-pin
- HDMI Outputs: 2 x HDMI female, 19-pin
- Digital Audio Output: 1 x S/PDIF coaxial
- Digital Audio Output: 1 x TOSLINK optical
- Speaker Outputs: 7 total (5 five-way binding posts + 2 additional binding posts for Bi-Amp)
- Analog Audio Outputs: 8 total (6 analog audio RCA jacks + 2 additional RCA jacks for Bi-Amp)
- Supported Audio Formats:Dolby Digital 5.1 (AC3), Dolby Pro Logic II, LPCM up to 6 channels
- Signal-to-Noise Ratio: > 90dB (20 Hz – 20 kHz A-weight filter)
- THD+N: < 0.1% at 1 kHz at reference level
- Frequency Response: < +/- 0.5 dB 20 Hz – 20 kHz
- Power Supply: 24V DC
- Dimensions: 14.75″ W x 2.5″ H x 6.9″ D
- Shipping Weight: 10 lbs.
For you non-technical junkes out ther, this all means that you are going to be able to blast the windows out of your neighbors house for years to come. Check out the customer reviews for the Gefen home theater audio processor below.
Gefen Home Theater Audio Processor (Pre-Order), A/V Amplifiers/Extenders/Converters
Product Description
Split up HDMI Audio into 8-Channel Surround Sound w/Amplification The GefenTV Home Theater Audio Processor takes one HDMI source, converts the digital audio to 8 channels of stereo audio, and processes the resultant audio to meet Surround Sound format requirements. The Audio Processor also provides 25 watts per channel power amplification on the output jacks for added convenience to the customer. How it works Simply attach your HDMI video source to the HDMI input of the Home Theater Audio Processor. Attach your analog or digital stereo patch cables on the rear of the Audio Processor at the audio outputs (analog RCA jacks or a TOSlink digital output). Power cycle all connected equipment. You will now hear up to 8-channel Surround Sound audio from your HDMI audio/video source material. Should you wish to fine-tune settings, you can adjust the controls on the Audio Processor via the included IR remote and the unit's LCD display. Note: This device supports both digital and analog audio output.
Details
- HDMI input, dual HDMI output
- SPDIF input
- TOSLink output
- 8-channel analog audio output
Manufactured by unspecified -->
I think my neighbors need a taste of this gizmo
Thursday, May 31, 2012
Sigma DP1 14MP Digital Camera - Preorders AvailableGadget Dork
Sigma DP1 14MP Digital Camera Available Soon!
Everyone’s a photographer these days, aren’t they. It’s hard to imagine a time not so long ago when so many of us didn’t have a camera literally attached to our hips.
But the advent of the smartphone, we now have the ability to take a picture almost anywhere, at any time we want. But does that mean we should?
In the world of professional photography, there are still some folks who pride themselves on taking their photos seriously, and taking price in how they come out. For these people, there are cameras such as the Sigma DP1 14MP camera that will hit fine retailers very soon.
Now let’s do a little review, thanks to the very knowledgeable people at trustedreviews.com for what they had to say about this new camera.
There’s one compact camera that has caught the imagination of photographers over the last couple of years. It’s rare for a compact to stir up much anticipation, but the Sigma DP1 has done just that. It’s been a long time coming, being first announced at Photokina 2006 as a development model.
The main reason for the fuss is its sensor: the controversial Foveon X3 sensor capable of 14MP resolution, and the first APS-C sized sensor in a compact digicam.
As you may expect with digital cameras, the sensor is a very large part of how images are taken and delivered to our eye, as trustedreviews.com points out.
The sensor, last seen in the Sigma SD14 DSLR, has aroused criticism due to the way the image is captured by three layers of photocells buried within differing depths of the silicon substrate. One of silicon’s properties is the way it absorbs red, green and blue light at different depths and Foveon uses that property to build the pixels within three strata of the chip.
Traditional CCD or CMOS sensors have the photocells on top of the chip, and use a Bayer RGB filter to separate the different colours. This has led critics of the Foveon chip to claim it’s a lower resolution sensor of 4.7M as that is the final image size you end up with.
On one side of the argument, the sensor does have 14MP (4.7MP over each three layers) but the flip side of the argument is that the final image is only made up of 4.7MP in total of those images. I’ll leave the argument to be fought out in the forums, but in terms of image quality and so forth the image produced is 4.7MP, and that’s what we’ll take as our starting point for assessment.
Sigma has developed a new processor, the Three-layer Responsive Ultimate Engine or TRUE, which is designed specifically to deal with the files from the sensor and also handle JPEG conversion, a feature lacking on the early Sigma DSLR range which were RAW-only until last year’s SD14.
OK, now we know a little bit about some of the more technical things. But not everybody is interested in knowing how something ticks. There are, believe it or not, many people who simply want to buy a new camera and take wonderful images with it.
So who is this camera for? Will it be a great match for you, or is it a professional only type of camera? You’ll be happy to know that no matter what your skill level, this camera can be all for you.
This is a camera definitely aimed at the enthusiast. There’s a lack of scene modes, with only PASM control, along with a movie mode.
It has a pop up flash, as well as a hot shoe which accepts a dedicated flash unit. The hot shoe also accepts an optical viewfinder, as the camera lacks a built in viewfinder due to the large 2.5in LCD screen, dominating the back of the camera.
The option of the viewfinder is good, but I’d prefer one built in to the body of the camera itself, though this would necessitate either a smaller LCD screen or a larger camera, so we have to accept some design compromise.
It’s nice to know that people of all skill levels can enjoy and take great photos with a nice piece of equipment. Sometimes it feels awkward being new in a hobby and trying to learn about it when you are in the company of experts.
With a greenhorn friendly camera like the Sigma DP1 though, you can rest assured that you are in good company as you shoot your world.
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