New Way of Learning How to Read

I just read about an organization called PlanetRead that has developed a new way of eliminating illiteracy from the world. They implemented a program called Same-Language Subtitling (SMS) that is designed to display the subtitles in the native language during TV programs (especially with popular songs) in order to teach people how to read. Thus, people can here and see the words at the same time. It has been very successful so far in its implementation in India, but I find it interesting why some people aren't adopting the method--they think that it is too easy. They feel that people need to be more involved in the learning process than to simply watch TV. I think that it is interesting, though, how small and simple things bring about great things. And all of this for the cost of only $1USD for 10,000 Indians for a whole year! Read more about RedPlanet on Google's blog.

Thank You Tyler

I found it odd to read about students protesting against the War in Iraq during an event that was meant to honor soldiers. Their actions are in sharp contrast to another story about Pfc. Tyler MacKenzie, an Iraq casualty, and the citizens of his town in Colorado. In patriotic remembrance, there were flags and hands over hearts as the deceased soldier passed in a hearse. The reaction of Tyler's parents is especially significant: "If we leave, it makes Tyler's death in vain."

I feel the same. What good have we done if we leave Iraq in the state it’s in? Sure, it's a difficult task, but what I see is people who are hopeful for a peaceful life. I see Iraqis willing to risk their life just to vote in an election. They feel the significance of the cause for which we fight. If we leave now, the entire mission will have been for naught. Let's support the troops by taking a moment of silence when the National Anthem is played. Let’s pray for their safety as they help a fallen country. Let's celebrate their victories. Let's honor those who have given their lives for the cause of freedom.

The Holiday Season

I really like December. Well, it is cold outside, which makes it very hard to get out of my nice warm bed in the morning. And I never see any daylight since I am inside from before sunrise until after sunset (I guess I should really take some walks during the day). But despite these things, I'm very happy. Why? It's because everybody seems to forget themselves during this wonderful season. My friend, Rachel, told me about a lady she saw give her winter jacket to a homeless lady on the street. It's things like that that make me happy.

Google and NASA?

Based on an article in Mercury News, Google is teaming up with NASA to make a new research campus. It seems like an unlikely duo, but I can see how Google's technology can help NASA in "space age" technology. I'm not quite sure how Google benefits from this, except that it will probably receive a lot of goodwill to its name. Maybe Google just has too much cash to sit on and is trying to figure out useful investments. Microsoft has billions of dollars of cash on hand. It's not very useful to the company when it isn't employed in making more money. I think that Google is making a wise investment. It will help the company in some way.

Definition of Integrity

Since the fall of Enron and Arthur Andersen, I've heard a lot about integrity and how important it is to have leaders in the business community who have integrity. I feel that I have integriy in the sense that I'm honest with others. Well, I was at a seminar the other day and heard a new definition of integrity. The speaker talked about the integrity gap, which is the difference between what a person says and what he or she does. For example, a father might say to his kids that they shouldn't stay up late while he stays up late. The kids don't understand why it's okay for him to stay up late while they can't. I guess that it kind of goes back to the concept that Actions speak louder than words.

So, I've been thinking a lot about the integrity gap in my life. It's interesting because I realized that there is even an integrity gap between what I say to myself and what I do. I'm pressed for time, but still take a half hour to read my email. I'm running late, but I still stop to eat a casual breakfast. I don't always do what I need to do. So I'm setting a goal to be true to myself--to do what I say I'll do.

Google's New Instant Messaging Program

Up until the end of my freshman year, I used to constantly chat with people online using AIM and MSN Messenger. It seemed that I would look online to see if any of my friends were there so that I could procrastinate my homework longer. Anyway, I gave that up after my mission in Russia. However, today I was looking at Google News and saw that Google just released Google Talk. It is a program that can be used to chat with other people and talk to people using a speaker and microphone. You can download this IM program at www.google.com/talk. Even though I gave up instant messaging years ago, I downloaded it and thought that I would try it out. It's pretty basic right now, but is supposed to evolve into an IM program that also allows you to chat with people who use AIM and MSN Messanger. See if you like it.

Motorola Cell Phone with MP3 player

I found a cell phone with an mp3 player for a reasonable price. It seems that it got pretty good reviews on CNET. Here is the link to Motorola's web site.

This is a pretty cool picture of a plane getting hit by lightning in Osaka, Japan. Nobody got hurt in the plane, surprisingly enough.

Worst Drivers in the Nation

My mom and I always talk about how Utah drivers must be the worst drivers in the nation. Well, a study done by GMAC insurance shows that Utah drivers aren't the worst drivers. They are number 33 out of 50. I guess that's not number 50, but it's low enough to make my worst drivers list.

As a side note, Oregon and Washington rated number 1 and 2, respectively, in the study. I guess that says something about my driving since I'm from Washington.