Wednesday, August 27, 2014

US Cyber-attacks

"JPMorgan and Other Banks Struck by Cyberattack"
By: Nicole Perlroth
Source: The New York Times
http://www.nytimes.com/2014/08/28/technology/hackers-target-banks-including-jpmorgan.html

     In this past month, over five banks were cyber-attacked including JPMorgan. Many investigations are being led to trace the location of the hackers. The cyber-attacks targeted the banks and stole gigabytes of information which including savings and checking account information. This type of hacking is extremely advanced and occurs on a daily basis to large companies like JPMorgan. Unfortunately, the hackers have not yet been tracked but there are many theories as to where these hackers are attacking from. Some believed these attacks were from their own clients who were trying to steal savings and checking account information. Others believe the attacks are the work of the Russians.  Many warnings were announced pertaining to cyber-attacks from Russia. Some believe that these attacks were not for political purposes. There are many types of theories but none of them will be confirmed until the trackers find the location of the hackers.
    Cyber-attacks can be just as dangerous as physical attacks. Just because one is not holding a gun to the others head does not mean it is not dangerous. If the wrong information gets into the wrong persons hands, then many problems will be created. Along with the problems the come along with it, a mass of these files are confidential. As smart are humans are nowadays, they should start working on computer programs which are non hackable. Humans have all these abilities to make smartphones and hybrid cars and robots but they have a hard time putting together a software which is non hackable. Perhaps they should focus a little more on helping the government rather than releasing the newest iPhone.
 

Sunday, August 24, 2014

Queen Elizabeth


Queen Elizabeth gave quite a powerful speech when she spoke to her people before the Spanish Armada attack. She was dressed in armor, standing amongst her people rather than hidden behind her bodyguards. The English were greatly outnumbered by the Spanish Armada, who had been planning on attacking them for three years. During these years, the English were in a hefty financial situation and the troops were suffering from thirst, starvation, and dirtiness.
     The subject of this speech would be Queen Elizabeths support for her troops. The occasion of the text is at Tilbury in 1588 before Queen Elizabeth and her troops leave for battle. The audience of this speech would be the troops gathered around Queen Elizabeth as she delivers her speech. Queen Elizabeths purpose is to persuade, energize, enliven, empower, strengthen, and stimulate her troops to fight energetically for their country. This speech would be considered a pep rally for her troops who will soon go to battle against an outnumbered army while their chances of winning are quite slim. The tone would be profoundly powerful, encouraging, and patriotic.
     To understand this piece of literature, SOAPST helps to understand the purpose of the speech and why it was delivered at that time and why in front of that specific audience. The piece would be effective to the audience in great extent because not only did the troops have their queen standing amongst them, but they had a great speech to energize them for the upcoming battle. The speech gave them thoughtful reasons and led them to win the battle.

California Earthquake

"California Hit With Earthquake Of 6.0 Magnitude"
By: Ellen Knickmeyer
Source: Huffington Post
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/08/24/california-earthquake_n_5703959.html

     Recently on Sunday, August 17, a major earthquake targeted the Bay Area in Northern California. The residents were shocked as this was completely unexpected. The earthquake dropped with a magnitude of 6.0 which was the largest earthquake to be recorded since the 1989 earthquake in Loma Prieta. Six homes were set on fire, four of which were mobile homes. Other minor fires were also reported. The firefighters were having difficulty putting out fires due to the broken water pipes. Hospitals were busy due to the amount of moderate injuries and two people who were heavily injured. The earthquake was said to be extremely lengthy and destructive. It hit around 3:30 am, knocking products off of shelves in stores and breaking windows. It was quite violent.
    Natural disasters like earthquakes, tornadoes, volcanoes, and hurricanes show just about how fragile human beings are. An earthquake like this one can hit and leave many injured and unfortunately some dead. As such fragile beings, people should be more cautious and alert about natural disasters as they are unpreventable. If people cannot avoid natures effects, they can at least be more prepared.  All it takes is one little shake to cause minimal to moderate injuries to people. Human lives as well as other living creatures should be spared. One must always expect the unexpected. One should never doubt the true power of Earths abilities. One must fear nature because unlike a disease or a wild animal, Earth cannot be stopped, prevented or tamed.