Secondlife or Life Substitute?

Initial impression after cruising through second life is that it could easily become addicting for those who enjoy video games, or sites similar to facebook.  I am not really sure how extensive the world is because I had a hard enough time navigating around the basic one however  I did think it was pretty interesting how you can walk around and interact with others from all over the world.  I tried speaking with one person who did not speak any english, only german.  

Second-life is definitely a cool program, and is about as interactive as you can get in computer simulated life.  If we didn't need to eat or sleep in real life, I'm pretty sure we might be able to complete all of our life dreams and socialization through that program.  Not really sure if thats the healthiest thing, but I am sure there are worse things out there.  Best part about it is that we can fly!

More on that later...

Mind Body Connection

During class today we briefly discussed the subject of mind body connection.  I thought I would share a pretty incredible video of one of the climbing greats.  

The climber in the video is Dan Osman.  This is a 400' wall he climbs in just over 4 minutes.  He almost seems to defy gravity the way he is able to move on this wall.  While watching this video keep in mind he is free climbing... no ropes if he is to fall.  It takes a very strong mind to climb in the first place, nevermind climbing like this.

Enjoy

Why I feel there is a problem with Robots

The development of robots is without a doubt a pretty incredible accomplishment.  You can't help but admire the technological advancements which lie inside of these machines.  Our society is becoming increasingly more advanced and at the same time increasingly lazier.  With robots in our lives we will have more free time to ourselves.  No longer will we need to cook dinner, or walk the dog, the kids will have a playmate and a programable role model, we will no longer have to worry about our loved ones over seas at war.  This almost sounds too good to be true!

The problem with all of this is that we are losing valuable aspects of our lives.  With all of the development in technology we have lost contact with our roots.  We no longer communicate face to face with others the same way we once did.  Our immune systems are breaking down because of the way food is processed.. we can no longer fight simple allergies anymore without medications.  In some ways kids have become zombies... they don't read books, but instead zone into video games.  When asked a simple history question many would not know the answer.

Basically my point is that although technology is helpful, it has its place.  I feel a personal robot will interfere in the way our society functions.  We need to continue the basics if we are to have such advancements.  We need to have person to person contact, we need to walk the dog and play with our kids.  I strive to stay sharp and on my toes, I like to be ready for any situation life throws my way.  Sure I enjoy ordering a pizza over my computer and it is at my door 15 mins later, but I get better satisfaction making it myself.