The use of robotics in the military

This article discusses the use of robotics in the military and how they are becoming more and more reliant on technology in an ever changing and advancing war. From 2003 to 2008 the number of  robotics deployed on the ground in Iraq went from zero to twelve thousand, a massive increase and expensive for the military. One of the first robots to be introduced to the area of warfare was the “Talon”, primarily used for scouting for enemies and looking under vehicles for explosives. From then the use of robotics has dramatically advanced, now with numerous unmanned robots for scouting, detecting and diffusing bombs in the field.

 The everyday use of robotics has saved many lives in war. It has cost the military a huge amount of money, their budget alone increasing by 74% to $515 Billion, although it has saved them a lot of money in the long run. The use of robotics is saving them a lot of time on tasks that for most personnel may be tedious or require a lot of attention. Robots can function with a lot more accuracy without needing rest breaks. Warfare is being altered and changed every day with the new introductions of ever progressing technology. The military are very confident in their robots but still prefer to have 90% of them manned or remotely controlled because they don’t want a machine to make the wrong decision, especially if it will have very serious consequences.

Opinion:

The use of robotics is increasing within all walks of life, which is making humans become the weakest chain in the link. I can’t ever see a day like from the movies of robots having full control. They are however having a huge influence in the everyday tasks. They are beneficial and especially with the medical are, robots are saving thousands of lives every day. In some regards it makes me fearful because at what point will robotics have advanced enough that everyone will be on an equal playing field, only time will tell.

Link:

http://www.andyross.net/robots.htm

Nokia Lumia V’s Apple IPhone

This article discusses the differences in the nokia lumia against apples most famous iPhone. This is the first time that nokia have even tried to challenge apple or the android market. The new lumia seems to be failing its critics and not living up to its initial hopes. This new phone really is the first trial of the windows operating system on the market. Although nokia having being left behind as regards smartphone for s long, they really didn’t challenge themselves to try and prove themselves to the big players in this field. Having based their basic concept on the original Nokia N9 meant that they were failing to venture into the original side of life. The Lumia 800 brings a few improvements over its relegated sibling, including a faster processor, but compared to the big boys, the iPhone 4S and the latest Android Galaxy Nexus and Droid RAZR, Nokia’s flagship is still falling behind. The lumia comes with a smaller screen but this was only to facilitate the three hardware buttons that the widows system requires. Nokia really left themselves open to criticism with this model, it being the thickest model in terms of size, also really lagging behind with the single sore processor. It competitors really have nothing to be worried about; their little brother is definitely not in any league to compete with them. But when compared to its competitors, the Lumia 800 does not have anything extraordinary to offer: it’s not the thinnest or fastest of phone, nor has it the best camera or extra features (no expandable storage, no secondary camera, no HDMI, no NFC).

Opinion:

I feel that nokia really need to go back to the drawing board and try to come up with something original. It’s already slowly being left behind from its competitors and doesn’t need any more hols backs. I can’t understand why they would have brought this phone out onto the market without having known that it wasn’t up to scratch of the iPhone or android. Apple and android have been leading and competing in the world of smartphones for quite some time now, it will take a lot more than the lumia 800 for Nokia to gain any kind of standing in the market.

Link:

http://www.pcworld.com/article/242601/nokia_lumia_800_vs_iphone_4s_vs_nexus_galaxy_spec_smackdown.html

Beneficial Material for psychology Students

This is just a few links to beneficial articles and examples for the topics of a psychology student.


History of psychology:
http://library.thinkquest.org/C005870/history/index.php?id=historyp1

Cyber psychology:
http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/finance/2011/1111/1224307367706.html

Sensation & Perception:
http://www.psychology.org/links/Environment_Behavior_Relationships/Sensation_and_Perception/


Multimedia Design:
http://www.kenrockwell.com/tech/ps.htm

I.C.T:
http://www.ehow.com/about_5365119_internal-parts-computer.html

Research Methods & Stats:
http://www.sussex.ac.uk/Users/grahamh/RM1web/How%20to%20write%20a%20lab%20report.pdf

Principles of Desing: Balance

To understand balance, think of the balance beam. When objects are of equal weight, they are in balance. If you have several small items on one side, they can be balanced by a large object on the other side. Visual balance works in much the same way. It can be affected not only by the size of objects, but also their value (ie. lightness or darkness, termed visual weight). 

Symmetrical (Formal) Balance

Symmetrical balance is mirror image balance. If you draw a line down the center of the page, all the objects on one side of the screen are mirrored on the other side (they may not be identical objects, but they are similar in terms of numbers of objects, colors and other elements. Sometimes they are completely identical (often seen in architecture). 

Asymmetrical (Informal) Balance 

Asymmetrical balance occurs when several smaller items on one side are balanced by a large item on the other side, or smaller items are placed further away from the center of the screen than larger items. One darker item may need to be balanced by several lighter items.

Although asymmetrical balance may appear more casual and less planned, it is usually harder to to use because the artist must plan the layout very carefully to ensure that it is still balanced. An unbalanced page or screen creates a feeling of tension, as if the page or screen might tip, or things might slide off the side, just as the unbalanced balance beam would tip to one side 

Radial Balance 

The third type of balance is radial balance, where all elements radiate out from a center point in a circular fashion. It is very easy to maintain a focal point in radial balance, since all the elements lead your eye toward the center. 

other useful resources follow the link below:

http://jayce-o.blogspot.com/2010/11/balance-in-graphic-design.html

Factors to consider when buying a laptop / Computer

There are many factors to consider when buying a laptop or PC.

One of the first aspect you will have to look at is your budget and what you can afford. When it comes to computers, we all want the best but cant always afford it, so be realistic.

Your requirements are of the next key importance. Do you need a laptop or a desktop? What is the machine going to be used for. Once having done this you should refer to the earlier statement on budget, often these can be two conflicting issues, you may have to re plan your budget or adjust your requirements to be more compatible with each other.

Now you should look to the computer itself and it specific requirements for the tasks it will be needed for 

The processor is the most important factor when choosing a computer. There are many ranges and varieties out there. Based on reviews Intel are making the best chips at the moment. their core 2 duo range seem to be topping the pools in terms of performance and abilities.

Next is the RAM, now for most people this is simple just go for as much as possible but you must remember that if you go over 2GB that is a windows 64bit operating system.

Requirements for the hardrive are similar case of the bigger the better. 

When it comes to graphics, All computers come preloaded with some form of graphics. Should you be a major gaming fan than i would suggest you go for a quality card in terms of graphics. In choosing one i would go for something of better quality than Nvidia.

Good FPS - Frame per second (FPS), the more frames the smoother your game play will be. As you crank up the visuals in today's hottest games, your FPS will suffer. A powerful video card will offset this issue.

If you or your family are music or DVD fans, then i would advise to consider a computer with a CD / DVD burner, obviously can add more expense to your budget, but well worth it in the long run.

Software on a computer is just as important as the physical hardware. Like all elements of a computer, the requirements of the computer should be tailored to your needs as the user. example of some useful software are as follow:

• Adobe Reader and numerous other products depending on your individual needs.
• The most recent Microsoft word e.g 2010
• Social software e.g Windows instant messenger and skype.
• Music software e.g Windows media player, apple itunes and real player
• Student software e.g power point, excel etc

Having considered all the steps above, next its no use having all this up to date software if one website can attack your system and bring your computing experience to a halt and can also cost you alot to get fixed.

Be wise and spend the money on a good anti virus, spyware and malware software to keep your system running smoothly.

in order to protect your computer from any accidents or damage you should take into consideration, accidental damage cover for 5 years minimum. In all good PC stores they will advise it anyway, but just in case they don't, then be sure to mention it to them.

Why older men date younger women

Older men date younger women for many reasons. But one thing's for certain: Most of these relationships won't last. Here's why.





1. Fantasy love fades. Usually within a year. At first, the geezer is in love with her looks and youthful spirit. Eventually, he realizes all they have in common is a roof over their heads, and he'll be off to look for a relationship with substance.

2. Geezers may feel younger, but dating younger women won't make them younger. No matter how hard older men try to make the wrinkles disappear, the darn things keep showing up in the mirror.

3. Older men and younger women use each other, similar to a business arrangement. He's got money, assets, power, and security; she's got youth and beauty. If the money runs out, or someone richer comes along, she'll break the lease, leaving him with an empty wallet and his arms around a tree.

4. OK, maybe she's not using him. Perhaps she loves him because he's more patient, laid back, mature, gentle, and understanding than men her age. Still, she's likely considered his bucks at some point. I mean, you don't see younger women with destitute older men, do you?

5. Different energy levels. At 10 p.m., he's wearing pajamas and falling asleep with a book in his hands and glasses on his nose. She's got on her dancing duds and is heading for the clubs. If he doesn't keep up, she might seek someone younger who's able to meet her needs.

6. Different maturity levels. He's got maturity and knowledge that come only from living through years and experience. Bob Russell, a retiree in Phoenix said, "I took a younger woman to a movie. When I mentioned that the actor looked like Humphrey Bogart, she looked at me sweetly and said, 'Who is Humphrey Bogart?' After that, I dated women my own age."

7. Common goals and interests. He wants a golf cart to drive around the retirement community. She wants a Corvette with chrome wheels, and she's opening a flower shop with her girlfriend that requires working 60 hours a week.

8. Lifestyles differ. Take children, for example. "I have two men friends in their late 50s who not only married younger women, but have conceived new babies. Imagine her, years from now, buying 'Depends' for him, and 'Pampers' for the babies. Not to mention the antidepressants for herself attempting to manage the two," said Ivory Dorsey, 54, of Mableton, Georgia.

9. Stand by your man? Younger women may not stand by their older guys through the inevitable hard times that accompany growing old. And while pursuing younger women, guys miss out on meeting someone older who would have been there for them.

10. Health issues. Two women reported they had enjoyed wonderful relationships with their husbands who were 15 years older. But both women were widowed in their 50s. Either party can get sick, but the chances of a younger woman becoming a widow are considerably greater than an older man becoming a widower.
There are exceptions, of course, and couples with an age gap can have wonderful relationships. It's how closely they think together that matters. Connie Presley-Athchley, of Trabuco Canyon, California, is married to a man 20 years younger. "We have a wonderful relationship and a passion for each other," she said.
Amie McCulloch, of Ennis, Texas, said, "Not all younger women are the same. I'm 25 and dating a 40-year-old man. I'm involved with him for love, not his money or what he can provide for me."
There will always be older men who want to date younger women. Most will discover that those relationships don't last. And a few will come to their senses and seek women closer to their own age who share common goals, interests and energy levels. But they'll have to learn for themselves.