who happens to be a chocoholic

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Harry Potter come to life: the first real invisibility cloak

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2231674/Scientists-reveal-perfect-invisibility-cloaking-device-admit-Harry-Potter-cloak-way-off.html (11.12.12)

Researchers from Duke University revealed technology that can completely "cloak" any object by using meta-materials to guide electromagnetic waves around an object. The recent version of the cloak reduced any reflections of light coming off of the cloak so that the viewer is not aware that anything is there. 

This amazing research turns an idea we previously thought of as magical into an achievable science. In relation to our recent discussion about patents and open access to education and data, I am curious about how this technology will be used in the future and who will be granted access to it. I hope that someday I can have the chance to own an invisibility cloak. I will no longer have to mourn the fact that I'm not a witch - I can have magic anyway. 

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It's the weather's fault!

http://todayonthetrail.today.com/_news/2012/11/08/15020130-hurricane-sandy-saved-barack-obamas-presidency-says-gov-haley-barbour?lite (11.8.12)

Haley Barbour, former governor of Mississippi, claims that "Hurricane Sandy saved Barack Obama's presidency." Even Romney seemed to hint that it stunted the momentum of his campaign. 

Although I have heard that poor weather has a negative effect on the number of people who vote (the election drew 11.5 million fewer voters to the poll this year) - this seems like a poor excuse for either side. The race was very close up until the end, not a blowout by any means, and it is clear that other factors took effect (eg. the growing Hispanic population). I seriously doubt the Hurricane was what made the difference in the outcome for the two candidates.

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Let's do this

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When my boyfriend tries to act like he doesn't care in a fight

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When I found out Disney is making Girl Meets World

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When I drive with my sister

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After I workout

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Getting excited for Thanksgiving

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When people saw my Honey Boo Boo costume

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Bieber Fans Mistakenly Shave their Heads

http://techcrunch.com/2012/10/26/bald-beliebers-remind-us-just-because-you-read-it-on-twitter-doesnt-mean-its-true/ (10.26.12)

4chan recently made it appear that Entertainment Weekly tweeted the following: 

“Pop Star Justin Bieber was diagnosed with cancer earlier this morning. Bieber fans are shaving their heads to show their support.”

And so Bieber fans immediately jumped to support him and shaved their heads. However, he doesn't actually have cancer... 

Not only is this hilarious but it also serves as a reminder that not everything on the internet is true. We live in a participatory culture and anyone can be an "expert." An entire campaign was fabricated into something that seemed so real and actually drove these fans to shave their heads.

Well played.

[sillygrl01-blog]

When someone brings me Halloween candy

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This video discusses how social media was used during and after the second presidential debate.

During

Studies show that viewers are following the debates online and on their television. The use of multiple screens allows them to participate in the political discussion through social media outlets.

Ashburn (the lady) says the use of social media for political commentary is becoming more prevalent because people want to feel like they are "a part of something." Also, a study showed people are more likely to engage in politics if their friends are interested in politics.

This relates to the FOMO or "fear of missing out" theory. Basically, people will watch certain shows or read up on important events just so they can participate in conversations with their friends.

After

Obama and Romney both bought terms related to the "Binders of Women" comment. 

However, the real winner was the full tumblr account created solely around this subject: http://bindersfullofwomen.tumblr.com/

Response

A lot of this confirms stuff I've already been doing. Most of the time when I watch TV (not just the presidential debates) I have my computer or my iPhone with me to  either comment, research or do something completely unrelated. 

The thing that concerns me the most is how off-topic Americans can be in their responses to the debates. Between Big Bird and Binders, these are both relatively insignificant comments that were made by Romney (the lesser champion of social media). I find it a little disappointing.

I've also begun to wonder what the point of the debates are -  few people will change their mind because of them. Most won't even be open to what the other candidate is saying. I guess it's nice to affirm what your candidate believes in, but otherwise I think very little is accomplished.

(10.21.12) http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/politics/july-dec12/download_10-18.html

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Political Campaigns and the Internet

Today I had the opportunity to hear Becki Donatelli, chief internet consultant for John McCain's two presidential races, and Sam Graham-Felson, chief blogger for Obama's 2008 presidential campaign, speak about social media and the 2012 Election.

They both had very different experiences because of their involvement on opposite sides of the political spectrum. Although, both claimed social media was only a tool for strategic campaigns and not the ultimate key to success. It seems face-to-face interaction, speeches and emails are still important in creating a relationship with the people and of course, getting donations.

The most interesting point to me was made when one student (thank you whoever you are) asked: "Why are conservatives lagging behind on social media?" Both panelists agreed that the right side is clinging onto their top-down messaging and rules instead of leaping out into social media where they have less control. *Shocker* I suppose anyone could have figured that out but it was nice to have it confirmed by the experts.

I'm curious to see how the conservative party will evolve their strategy next election because it is clear social media is important for political campaigns. It provides people with an overall sense of the campaign and gives them the opportunity to share and interact with the candidate. 

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Coming back to school after a break

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Drunk people can be so entertaining. Especially when they start to dance...

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When someone hints they will share chocolate with me

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When I don't have a comeback