Occupy Wall Street

Since September 17, 2011, hundreds and thousands of protestors have been demonstrating in the financial district of New York City.  They have demonstrated for the most part, within the law, but at times have become unruly.  When the protest first began, many thought the momentum would fade and the protestors would clear in a few days.  That has not been the case.  The movement has grown with more people from all over the country.  The ideas have spread to cities across the United States and across the world.  On October 15, the protests went global with groups demonstrating in Cairo, Egypt, London, England, Rome Italy, and a plethora of other cities throughout the world.

It has become apparent; the ideas of the group of people which began in New York are shared amongst people all over the world.  They are outraged over the current economic conditions of their communities, states, nations, and world.  They believe the fate of the world should not be driven by the elite few which steer economic and social policies that we are all paying for.  They want answers to why the banks and other multi-national companies are being bailed out, especially at the expense of the thousands of people who have lost their homes and jobs.  They want to be heard. 

The consensus among bystanders is split.  While many Americans may agree with the idea of limiting government bail outs and the influence of the elite 1% of the wealthiest people over public policy, not all agree with the ongoing protest or with the individuals participating.  It seemed ironic when one protestor shared with reporters he had quit his job in Texas to come to New York and protest about unemployment?!? 

Equally concerning is their lack of demands.  You have to ask yourself “how does this end?”  While the protestors can agree about the problem, they are not united on the solution.   It seems many of the demonstrators are great with the idea of protesting, but seem to lack clarity when asked what they want. 

Watch a video, talk to your parents, read and article and answer the following.  What do you think about the protests?  Who do think is responsible for the current financial crisis?  How do you think it should end?

Steve Jobs 1955-2011

Sadly reported this week was the death of Steve Jobs.  Maybe you have or have not heard his name, but his impact on the world will long be remembered and his presence will be missed, particularly in the technology industry. 

As the co-founder of Apple computers in the 1970s, he has demonstrated a commitment to the same ideas for close to 40 years, create something for people that is simple and helpful.  From the first Apple computer and its quirky operating system to the iPad and its 140,000 apps, he has been the catalyst to product innovation and development. 

His ideas have changed the way we listen to and purchase music, raised our expectations concerning our mobile phones, and have given us an easy-to-use home computer that is the size of a notepad.  He has provided the vision and taken the risks many would not.  He has questioned the status quo and made many decisions based on his gut not on market research.  He has been the leader in making technology not only useful by stylish.

Innovation is difficult.  It requires vision, creativity, and guts.  To most, it is easier to improve on something as oppose to creating something no one has ever seen before.  His ability to innovate was one of the many unique qualities of Steve Jobs that will be missed.

Besides the computer itself, what do you think is the coolest technology product ever released?  Why?  What do you think is required to be an innovator?  What more can be done in school to inspire innovation?