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Show Editorial MONDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2011 3 THE SIGNPOST The Signpost Viewpoint Technology's independence from life The recent death of Steve Jobs - a man whose life touched millions, maybe billions of other lives in a significant and personal way - has made him an icon of rapid technological change. The product(s) of his energy and inspiration are so penetrating and seemingly omnipresent and his tireless example so well documented that his death not only merited the attention of the masses, but also evidenced their deep attachment to Jobs, as many felt and expressed personal loss. It's hard to pinpoint the nature or measure the magnitude of Jobs' contribution. Even so, it's an undeniable fact that nearly every person belonging to humankind has been or will be significantly influenced by all the technological advancements. The uncertainty lies in the type of influence they will have on any given person. The impact of technology is summed up in Charles Dickens' novel, A Tale of Two Cities. "We (have) everything before us (in the palm of our hand), we (have) nothing before us." Whether we have everything or nothing depends greatly on how we use or don't use technology. It can be a tremendous resource, connecting us to all the information that might help us live informed and productive lives. On the other hand, it can completely overtake our time, drawing us away from our family, friends and community. If we allow it to dominate while everything else will die our time and control our lives, with us. Striking the right balance we will, in the end, find that we have nothing before us. Sure, can be tough. It's essential to we might have the world at our be connected. Facebook and fingertips, but the relation- Twitter accounts can help us ships we might have developed make connections with friends or the people we might have or employers. As so many people exclusively use Facebook loved will be missing. As we age, we will not think to announce events or other fondly of the thousands of personal information, it might hours we spent playing Angry be the only way to stay in the Birds on our iPhones or the loop. Additionally, the news hundreds of posts we made on media has migrated online, Facebook. With handheld tech- and we can get the information nology, it's never been easier we need to be responsible citito idle away our time. It's never zens more quickly than ever. been more difficult to ration The Internet also facilitates our time for people. However, a huge and efficient hub for in our old age, it is only our re- commerce. There's no question the Inlationships that can make us truly happy, because they will ternet is valuable, even essenfeel permanent when we die, tial. The key to being a master of the Internet and not its servant is to make goals for a life outside it. In fact, we should never view ourselves as having two lives. In other words, we should never have reason to think we have a technology life and another life. Our lives are meant to be lived through technology, but technology is meant to supplement our lives. If we make goals for the people we love to be paramount, then technology will retain its proper place as a tool and not a life. Our relationships will flourish and we will be happy. Here's to goals. Here's to honoring Steve Jobs' legacy as the creator of invaluable technologies through our resolve of using them wisely. Here's to life. r chaim! Comment on this column at wsusignpost.com L.I.F.E.'s Lessons Living In Frustration Excessively dwindled, and the body now begs for caffeine or other artificial energy supplements. Cole Spicker • Some call this "burnout." I call it "warfare." The Signpost One of my all-time favorite columnist shows (and is meant for allyear-round viewing, not just for December) is Home Alone 2: Lost in New York. At one point It seems not so long ago in time, it seems that Kevin that the excitement for a new McCallister has outwitted the semester was felt within my Wet Bandits, Harry and Marv. fluttering heart. Now, those However, the bandits soon get feelings are but a foggy mem- a hold of little lost Kevin, and ory, replaced by the frighten- Mary exclaims, "You may have ing mid-semester blues and won the battle, little dude, but purples. you lost the war." I guess the purples aren't so Who would have thought bad to hold on to - after all, such brilliance could come we are Weber State Univer- from a Chris Columbus movie? sity - but the blues are bog- (Last week's column, anyone?) ging down students, nearly to There are a few battles I lose the grave. Oh, wait, Halloween here and there throughout the isn't for a couple of weeks. I'll semester. You may have felt the refrain from the death-y and same sometime. sulky puns at least for another Here are just a few of the week. . . . things that I have found helpBut seriously, am I the only ful when the blues move in: one? The drive, the force that • Wallow. Sometimes it's once propelled me to be on just necessary to feel time for all my classes - and, your mood. Give yoursomewhat more importantly, self an allotted amount to physically be within the of time to wallow (let's walls of my classes - has disay, 10-15 minutes?). minished into thin air (as opWhen the time is up, give posed to heavy air. Heaven foryourself the permission bid it disappear into heavy air; to be happy. all our lungs would cease to • Move. Exercise really is function properly). an amazing remedy. I These feelings seem to be a get my iPod and listen recurring (and traumatic) exto some great tunes as I perience for me. Semester after jog or lift weights. Aftersemester, about seven or eight ward, I feel tired, yet satweeks into the 15-week-long isfied. Sometimes that peril, the once-crisp textbooks lactic acid buildup can that smelled of organization cause your focus to shift. and order, now carry the odor • Smile. While this is probof the local Deseret Industries. ably the last thing that The once-endless energy has NIGHTMARE Editor-in-Chief Managing Editor News Editor Sports Editor Photo Editor Business Editor Spencer Garn Stephanie Simonson Kasey Van Dyke Nathan Davis Bryan Butterfield Cole Spicker 626-7121 626-7614 626-7655 626-7983 626-8071 626-7621 The Signpost is a student publication, written, edited and drafted by Weber State University students. Student fees fund the printing of this publication. Options or positions voiced are not necessarily endorsed by the university. Features Editor A&E Editor Copy Editor Adviser Ads Manager Office Manager Jerrica Archibald Kory Wood Alexandria Waltz Shane Farver Shelley Hart Georgia Edwards you may feel like doing, just do it. Some research suggests that the simple act of smiling can lead you toward actually feeling happier. • Record the good. Take just a moment to write down a list of just five things that are going right in your life. Instead of revisiting the past lost battles, you can find something for which to be grateful. • Acts of kindness. Many times we get so involved in our lives we forget the impact we can have on others' lives - both good and bad. Pay a genuine compliment to complete stranger. Give up your seat on the bus. And don't expect a "thank you" in return; you'll be just fine with your act of random kindness. • Go see a counselor. A number of counseling sessions are included in your student fees. I find it so refreshing talking to a complete stranger to help me sift through my current situation and help make amends. These are trained professionals! At any rate, take advantage of an enlightening opportunity. These are just some suggestions. I am positive that these, along with some of your own remedies, can help get you out of the mid-semester blues. Go and get 'ern! Comment on this column ai wsusignpost.corr, 626-7105 626-7624 626-7659 626-7526 626-6359 626-7974 The Signpost reserves the right to edit for reasons of space and libel and also reserves the right to refuse to print any letter. Letters should not exceed 350 words. Letters should be submitted online to thesignpost@weber.edu and read Letter to the Editor in the subject box. |