In the News -
November 2007
Breakthrough Solutions:
Technology is breaking out all over the place
The Internet and other technologies continue to impact our lives in many
ways. Over just the past 10 years, the Internet has grown to be the most
powerful communications medium ever invented, surpassing telephone, radio and
television in its ability to handle mass communication.
Furthermore, the amount of e-mail and other data traffic handled by the
Internet has recently surpassed the amount of traffic generated by telephone.
All of this has come within 10 years after the invention of the commercial
Internet. But other technologies impact our lives as well, as the following
stories reveal.
Late last year, I went to the airport to pick up a colleague and had two
great encounters with technology. I was waiting at the gate near security where
the passengers leave the secured area, when an older gentleman in his 60s came
staggering toward me, only to collapse into my arms, and we toppled to the
floor. He would have crashed on the floor, but I was (a little) softer landing.
He didn’t seem drunk, so immediately some other people came over, including a
911 operator and a doctor. He stated that his defibrillator went off and was
malfunctioning. If you have a machine in your body, and the machine
malfunctions, you’re in trouble.
Since my colleague’s plane was late, those of who were waiting for that
flight had a chance to visit. Standing next to me was a tall blonde who was
waiting for her boyfriend. She informed me that he is “a world-famous
hairdresser” from Los Angeles, and they met on www.matchup.com. Ten minutes
later this little guy with wild hair comes up the ramp and they embrace. It just
goes to show that if you’re on the Internet, no one knows you are short.
Smart Golf Balls Never Get Lost
The days of information technology being located primarily on your computer,
television, or telephone are over. Welcome to the knowledge and technology-based economy,
where low cost, but sophisticated technology, is embedded in almost everything
around us. Ten years ago mediocre golfer and software executive Chris Savarese
swore he would come up with a better way to find his lost balls.
He did, and his new firm, Radar Golf, now sells golf balls that have a radio
frequency ID (RFID) tag installed during manufacturing. When the ball disappears
into the bushes, the duffer activates a handheld device that sends out a signal.
The ball responds with its own signal, causing the handheld device to beep
faster as it gets closer to the ball. What are you doing that could benefit from
going high-tech?
You Wondered Why Dan Had So Much Spare Time
“About a year ago, I hired a developer in India to do my job. I pay him
$12,000 to do the job I get paid $67,300 for. He is happy to have the work. I am
happy that I only have to work about 90 minutes per day (I still have to attend
meetings myself, and I spend a few minutes every day talking code with my Indian
counterpart.) The rest of my time my employer thinks I’m telecommuting. They are
happy to let me telecommute because my output is higher than most of my
coworkers. Now I’m considering getting a second job and doing the same thing
with it. That may be pushing my luck though. The extra money would be nice, but
that could push my workday over five hours.”
-- Dan Pink, posted on
Slashdot.com.
Have you considered how information technologies and the Internet can
transform your work or your community?
For more information about community development, contact your county
extension agent or visit www.vworks.org/. The Cooperative Extension Service is part of
the U of A Division of Agriculture.
November 9, 2007
By: Dr. Mark Peterson
Extension Professor-Community Development
(501) 671-2253
mpeterson@uaex.edu
Media Contact: Lamar James
Extension Communications Specialist
U of A Division of Agriculture
Cooperative Extension Service
(501) 671-2187 or (501) 753-0207
ljames@uaex.edu
Related Links
Editors:
This is the fourth column in a series of bi-monthly columns entitled Breakthrough Solutions. The columns will discuss how Arkansas communities, businesses, and regions can become successful in the global, knowledge-based economy. Dr. Mark Peterson coordinates the VisionWorks Breakthrough Solutions Program for the University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service in Little Rock.
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