PLN 5

What matters in the world today, is a clock that is made to last ten thousand years, the 10,000 year clock. This clock, when it is finished, will stand approximately 68 ft high, and the main display, showing all years until 12000, is 20 ft in diameter. The display will rotate 31 times through the 10,000 year period. The clock is also programmed to play a different chime everyday until the ten thousand years are complete. The clock is strictly mechanical; it keeps time by tracking the sun everyday at noon. The clock also tracks the planets in our solar system using equations that correspond to the path around the sun. All of the algorithms and designing were first dreamed up by Danny Hillis, current designer of supercomputers. This clock matters because even when humans are no longer around, it will still be running. While other batteries will die, this clock runs on solar power only. Yet there are some flaws in the mechanism. It cannot tell you what time it is right now, only the date. The clock measures in days, months and years instead of seconds and hours. So if you where to visit the clock, you would be able to check the date, where the planets are, and listen to the chimes and that is about it. The other problem with the design is, if there is a cloudy day the clock will become slightly off track. Another problem is that if something breaks in 5,000 years, no one will remember how to fix it and the cause will be lost. The clock is a good idea and will be really cool when it is done, but it still has some flaws that need to be worked out.

PLN 4

What matters in the world today is the on going argument about whether laptop computers or pen and paper should be used in schools. Recently Dr. Warschauer visited a few LPS schools to research just that. The only problem is that he only visited fourth and fifth grade classrooms. The high schools are more computer oriented than elementary schools. Arapahoe for example has wi-fi access every where in the building, and I use a laptop everyday in English. This matters to me because I have experienced the use of both in the process of my education. I personally like laptops better than paper, mostly because of spell check, but also because it allows research to be done right there in class. Laptops also make us more connected, with email and blogs, we can talk to anyone. The only problem I see with this on going struggle is that the kids who have experienced both pen and paper, and regular laptop use, have no say in the matter. Schools could suddenly decide that computers are not the right way to go and take away the laptops. That would hurt the kids who had benefited and improved because of computers. So my solution to the argument is let the student decide if they want to write on paper or with a keyboard.

PLN 3

What matters in the world today are the problems in Haiti. The huge 7.0 earthquake devastated the country and people are in need of food and medical care. The situation has become so escalated that people are looting and rioting in the streets. The problem is, local law enforcement are also facing the hard times and cannot control the citizens. The article on Telegraph.co.uk, shows just how desperate the people are. The article tells a story of police firing on looters and killing people out right. A 30 year old man was the first to be shot, when he fell, the man next to him stole his backpack and ran off. Police then surrounded the group in an attempt to gain control and order, but more chaos erupted. This mattes because aid cannot arrive quick enough, and the body count in the capital city alone is over 50,000. The UN has also reported that because of the disorder, it may be the biggest disaster they have ever dealt with. The people in Haiti need all the aid they can get. The U.S. has the ability to supply some of the help needed, which is why I believe that we should focus more of our efforts towards helping Haiti.

PLN2

What matters in the world today is an article on Forbes.com about Tiger Woods salary. Tiger is the highest paid athlete in the world with an annual salary of $112 million. Most of this is contributed by his Nike sponsorship, but other parts come from tournament winnings and smaller sponsors. This matters because he is being rewarded for the wrong thing. He should not rake in $112 million a year just because he is really good at a sport. He, along with other athletes, should not be paid millions to show off their god given talent of athleticism. The money should go towards people who do good things for the community, like firemen and teachers. People like teachers deserve to be rewarded because they are willing to help the community and enjoy doing so. Now granted, the recent injury and scandal will put a dent in Mr. Woods income, but he will still be living near the top of the rich list.

PLN1

What matters today, is the annual question posted by Edge magazine. The question presented to the world for 2010 is, how is the internet changing the way we think? I believe that the internet has caused us to become more connected and made life easier in general. Instead of having to figure out a problem ourselves, we are now able to just Google it. This gives us a quick easy answer to whatever question we ponder. The internet has also made the world a very small place. Current events are now available instantaneously, instead of having to wait until the nightly news or the news paper. This mattes to school because, as commonly seen in commercials, classes can now talk and share ideas with class in other countries. The new thinking affects me in my everyday life. I do not go a day without Googling something or checking my e-mail. So my answer to the question is, the internet is changing the way we think in a positive way.