Sunday, January 18, 2015

[TED] Learning Chinese Easily (Basics)

Chinese (and other close oriental cultures) have rich fascinating history and culture. But, what's also very interesting is their language - the written character, that is. 

Well, probably by some others, it is fascinating to understand and figure out how to read and make sense of these creative and artistically crafted symbols.

A short, lovely glimpse into this by TED speaker ShaoLan Hsueh provides a wonderful 'insight' into this in this short talk.




(Source: TED)

Friday, January 2, 2015

[Infographic] The Internet is affecting kids

Although the global penetration of Internet on the entire planet still leaves a lot to accomplish, and Facebook and Google are making strides in that direction, this technological phenomenon is engulfing hundreds every moment of the day today.

From newborns/toddlers to adults, the Internet has and is becoming a way of life, a way to live. While there's many parts to the whole picture and it may be argued either ways, whether the majority are using it productively enough, one fact that cannot be discounted is that it has a bearing on our minds, and our thinking. And what more significance than how the future generation of youngsters will face the world.

However, while social scientists are analyzing the effects and impacts of such things on the populace, a potentially concerning truth is beginning to emerge about these aspects. The infographic below illustrates this and is worth drawing caution to the same. We may still have time to take preventive and/or corrective measures to prevent long-term effects. Let's not forget what will make humans humans.


(Click to enlarge)