Yesterday, Governor Jay Inslee announced that he will not be executing people during his term as governor of Washington. After a year of much debate, he came to the conclusion that there are too many doubts about capital punishment and too many flaws in the system. According to the Seattle Times, Inslee explained that the death penalty, “is applied unequally in the state of Washington, death-row inmates are rarely executed, life in prison is less expensive than prosecuting a death sentence from start to finish; and that there is no evidence it deters murder.” Continue reading
Category Archives: News
Democrats Fight Back Against Net Neutrality Ruling
It looks like the Democrats are gearing up to keep net neutrality alive. After the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals struck down current regulations on net neutrality the donkeys are kicking back with the Open Internet Preservation Act.
NBC Thinks Bigger is Better
Digital allows NBC to up coverage of Sochi Olympics 
The 2012 London Summer Olympics proved to be a rough time for NBC. Following the delayed broadcasting of the opening ceremonies and many anticipated events, the network found itself the subject of Twitter’s trending #FailNBC. This go-round, however, NBC promises not to disappoint. Its solution? Digital coverage – and lots of it.
Facebook Releases News App ‘Paper’
On Monday, Facebook released a new iPhone app called Paper to put them in the news feed market with others such as Flipboard and Pulse.
In the world we live in today, people are bombarded with numerous news stories calling for their attention. In order to attempt to sift through all of this information, news apps are becoming more and more popular. Flipboard and Pulse have been widely considered popular for awhile, but on Monday Facebook attempted to put itself in the news game.
Pew Research on the Role of News on Facebook
Facebook actually directs more traffic to web publishers than any other social network. According to a Pew Research study in late 2013, one-third of adults in the United States now get their news from Facebook. And the social network accounted for one out of every six minutes Americans spent online in December, according to the the research firm comScore.
What is the Future of Bitcoin?
The future of everyone’s favorite digital currency seems unclear.
Bitcoin has been the subject of news stories around the world, and none have been more explosive than its connection with the infamous Silk Road. Now with BitInstant’s CEO, Charlie Shrem, arrested for money laundering, some wonder about the future of this enigmatic currency.
The Ethics of Photoshop
When does digital retouching cross a line?
Americans are all too familiar with the effects of Photoshop. Standing in line at the checkout counter, consumers are bombarded with magazine covers featuring beautiful, digitally enhanced celebrities. Yet, Americans both accept and perpetuate this tradition of retouching. In fact, should a cover model not display a perfectly chiseled body, a scandal erupts. However, accepting as consumers are of photoshopped images in the celebrity world, they reject the retouching of photographs shared by news organizations. Actually, the retouching of images in this setting is considered unethical, as reality is neither truthfully nor accurately depicted. Recently, AP freelance photographer Narciso Contreras ignored this ethical standard, and as a result, is now facing serious consequences.
Emily White Making Her Rounds In Social Media
Many technology companies have been criticized for not having females on their executive boards. Apple and Twitter has been criticized for having only white males on their executive board. Last October, Apple CEO Tim Cook hired Burberry Angela Ahrendts to run both online and retail stores, as well being Apple’s first female to join its executive leadership team. Today, Twitter announced after being criticized for its all-male lineup hired Dame Majorie Scardino to join its executive board. But the most popular and more recent companies Instagram and Snapchat are battling for one woman, Emily White.
Google the Grinch, Shoppers Beware
The holiday (and gift-giving) season is upon us. While many Americans choose to do some of their holiday shopping in physical stores, many take to the Internet to easily find and purchase items off their lists. While a simple Google search might seem like the quickest way to find your desired product, be warned: you may be getting ripped off. Continue reading
You’ve Got Mail: Amazon’s Sunday Delivery
It’s officially the holiday season, which can only mean one thing: shopping. Online shopping is as popular as ever for the holiday’s, allowing customers to forego the busy mall and shop from the comfort of home. However, online shopping leads to days (and sometimes weeks) of waiting for packages. One online retailer is combating this online shopping myth, Amazon. Already known for their prime service two-day shipping, they recently introduced Amazon’s Sunday Delivery.
Taste Simulator That Allows You To Sample Virtual Food
A team of researchers at the National University of Singapore have developed a new taste simulator that allows you to sample virtual food. The device consists of a small silver electrode that attaches to the tip of the your tongue. Through slightly shifting the electric currents and altering the temperature of the electrode, almost identical tastes to the natural flavors can be experienced.
A new era for vehicles: Nissan Digital Driving
Nissan made their first vehicle, the Datsun, back in 1914. Fast forward almost 100 years and there are new products on the fore front: Nissan digital driving. This fall they released the Nismo Watch and the Nissan 3E is set to release at the end of November; proving that cars are no longer just for driving.
Presenting the #bestofdigi
Popular lifestyle magazine InStyle has released a list with the best websites out there, calling it #bestofdigi. The list was compiled in conjunction with their November issue and highlights the best of the web in seven different categories.
Who really invented the Tablet ? Was it Apple or Microsoft ?
The iPad was one of Steve Jobs greatest creations. In fact, he stated on a personal interview that he started working on the iPad for a long time before he ever even started on the iPhone. However, the demand at the time was to create a successful mobile phone device. After the iPhone’s success Steve Jobs went right back to improve the iPad.
Hallmissed the Memo
What’s wrong here?
Do you see something wrong with this picture? Yes? No? Well, many, a.k.a. everyone, found that Hallmark, or in this case, Hallmissed the memo on political correctness; changing the traditional Christmas carol of “Deck the Halls” from ‘don we now our gay apparel’ to ‘fun apparel’. Oops–definitely a wrong move on the company who supposedly “makes the world a more caring place by helping people laugh, love, heal, say thanks, reach out and make meaningful connections with others” –Company Website
Rape Culture in the Media
The media influences our perception of current events, the products we buy, our political beliefs, and almost every aspect of the American life. It is the most powerful social and cultural influence that comes with the responsibility to create positive changes in our society. And yet, it promotes rape culture and the belief that a victim of rape must have been “asking for it” by the clothes she wears or how much she had to drink.
Instagram Ads: They’re Here
When lazily scrolling through your Instagram feed this afternoon, did anything in particular catch your eye? Or did the first ever advertisement on your Instagram feed slide by announced?
GIVTED: The next generation of gift giving
The holidays are quickly approaching and you’re at a loss of what to buy. Faces of disappointment and discarded gifts from years past flash thorough your mind. Not this year though, say hello to your new gift giving best friend: Givted.
Bye, Bye Free YouTube
Get ready to pay 99 cents to watch YouTube. Yes, you heard that correctly. A “free YouTube” will no longer exist. Long gone are the days of aimlessly browsing videos for hours on end free of charge. In order to be granted access to YouTube’s most popular channels, you must pay the nominal fee of 99 cents or more.
Banksy NY A Social Media Art Exhibit
Mysterious British street artist Banksy known for his satirical street art and subversive epigrams combine dark humor with graffiti done in a distinctive stenciling technique. Earlier this month, Banksy announced his one month residency in New York via his blog simply stating “For the next month Banksy will be attempting to host an entire show on the Streets of New York.” His exhibit “Better Out Than In” features artwork on buildings, statues, and live works of art. Banksy, debuts one piece of art a day and completes pieces late at night. Generating huge media attention and buzz, Banksy implemented social media to share his work through social media.
Now Streaming: YouTube Music Awards
Recognizing music powerhouses is nothing new, MTV has the Video Music Awards, CMT has the Country Music Awards and let’s not forget about the infamous Emmy Awards. Starting in 2013 a new show can be added to the list, the YouTube Music Awards.