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Friday, April 17, 2015
Thursday, April 16, 2015
2015 NBA Playoff Preview
By: Aryan Javan
Sorry for the lack of posts lately. It is that time in school when the work is piling up and you forget that you created a blog. But I am back, and just in time for the NBA Playoffs!
As of last night the playoff field has been set and it should be a dandy! The Western Conference is going to be a bloodbath and who knows who will represent them in the NBA Finals. The East is honestly a crap-shoot, but headlined by favorites Atlanta and Cleveland. Lets look at some of the first round match-ups.
EASTERN CONFERENCE
#1 Atlanta Hawks vs. #8 Brooklyn Nets (ATL won season series 4-0)
This should be a quick series for the Hawks in my opinion. The Hawks are trying to prove themselves worthy of a number one seed and the playoffs is the place to do it. Brooklyn is a mess of a team that slid in the playoffs despite a 38-44 record. Atlanta should proceed with caution cause they have given number one seed's a run for their money, twice, as an eighth seed (Boston Celtics and Indiana Pacers both 7-game-series). But I think ATL is focused this year and will end this in 4 maybe 5 games.
#2 Cleveland Cavaliers vs. #7 Boston Celtics (Regular season series tied 2-2)
Obviously, LeBron James and the Cavaliers are the overwhelming favorite to win this series. It's LeBron vs. the C's yet again, but a little different this time around. No Paul Pierce, KG, Ray Allen or Rondo. Let's give credit to the Brad Stevens and the Celtics though. This was supposed to be a rebuilding year for them but this team fought hard all year and claimed a playoff berth. Well congratulations Boston, you got LBJ and the favorites to come out of the East. I expect this one to be done in 4.
#3 Chicago Bulls vs. #6 Milwaukee Bucks (CHI won season series 3-1)
This is an interesting series. Jason Kidd leads the surprising-young Bucks (no pun intended) to their first playoff appearance since the 2012-2013 season. They will meet their Central Division rival, the Chicago Bulls. The Bulls have a lot of questions coming into the playoffs, headlined by the health status of Derrick Rose. If Rose is a 100 percent or anywhere close to that this series could be over quickly. The Bulls are seen as the toughest test for Cleveland in the playoffs if they advance that far. In my opinion, I think this series may be closer than people think, I think the Bucks will be able to win 2 games but eventually fall in 6 to the more experienced Bulls side.
#4 Toronto Raptors vs. #5 Washington Wizards (TOR won season series 3-0)
From the Eastern side, this is about the only series you could say there is no definitive favorite. Both teams had great years for their respective franchises, and both teams will want to keep their seasons going. The Raptors sort of limped into the playoffs due to some unfortunate injuries to key players, but all the Raptors should be 100 percent ready for the playoffs. The Wizards will be led by their dynamic point guard, John Wall, and his backcourt mate Bradley Beal. I give the edge by a little to the Wizards because I like how Nene and Gortat handle the paint and post. I think that gives them a bit of an edge over Toronto. I expect this one to go 7 and it can go either way but for the sake of making a selection I'll take the Wiz in 7.
WESTERN CONFERENCE
#1 Golden State Warriors vs. #8 New Orleans Pelicans (GSW won season series 3-1)
The Pelicans beat out the Thunder to claim the ultra-competitive Western Conference's final playoff berth. Their prize a date with the number one team in the NBA the Golden State Warriors. According to ESPN, the Warriors are the first team since the legendary '95-'96 Bulls to not lose more than 4 games in any month during the regular season...that's really good. Led by first year head coach, Steve Kerr, and presumed-to-be-MVP, Steph Curry, the Warriors in my opinion will handle the Pelicans with ease. Again, who knows the West is full of good teams, but I feel this is the only series where a definitive favorite exists. Expect this series to be a sweep or maybe 5, if NOLA is able to eek one out at home.
#2 Houston Rockets vs. #7 Dallas Mavericks (HOU won season series 3-1)
A Texas showdown here in round one and ooh it will be a great one! Dallas struggled toward the second half of the season and has struggled with implementing point guard Rajon Rondo into their system. But they are a dangerous playoff team. Houston is led by MVP candidate, James Harden, and for them this looks like the year the Rockets could possibly make a run at the Finals. Houston was dealt a blow when the lost point guard Patrick Beverly for the season, and Dwight Howard's health is always an issue so we will see how that affects them come playoff time. But if all the components are healthy for both sides, I give a slight edge to the Rockets. This will be an awesome series and has the potential to develop into a heated rivalry because these two sides do not like each other. I say Rockets in 6 or 7.
#3 Los Angeles Clippers vs. #6 San Antonio Spurs (Regular season series tied 2-2)
This to me is the most intriguing match-up out of all the first round match-up's, in either conference. You got the defending champion San Antonio Spurs, primed and ready for another deep playoff run. Then you have the Clippers who have actually flown a little bit under the radar this year, but nevertheless a team that has played great basketball all year under Doc Rivers. You have to wonder, if this Clippers team can not get to the Conference Finals again, does the Clipper management think the trio of Griffin, Paul and Jordan can get it done? And they are taking on a red-hot Spurs team who could have easily been a two seed. In my honest opinion, I just can not see anyone beating the Spurs, they are my pick to come from the West. I actually think this may be a relatively short series. I pick the Spurs in 5 or 6.
#4 Portland Trailblazers vs. #5 Memphis Grizzlies (MEM won season series 4-0)
The Trailblazers have been marred by the injuries all year and again right before the playoffs. They are going to face a grind-it-out Grizzlies team that has all the tools to make it to the NBA finals (the Grizzlies and Spurs are my picks to make it to the West Finals F
YI). Even Lillard and Aldridge have been playing through injuries all season, so it does not bode well against a team that they were swept by in the regular season. I would pick the Grizzlies in 5, but I think Portland will put up a fight but eventually lose in 6.
Sorry for the lack of posts lately. It is that time in school when the work is piling up and you forget that you created a blog. But I am back, and just in time for the NBA Playoffs!
As of last night the playoff field has been set and it should be a dandy! The Western Conference is going to be a bloodbath and who knows who will represent them in the NBA Finals. The East is honestly a crap-shoot, but headlined by favorites Atlanta and Cleveland. Lets look at some of the first round match-ups.
EASTERN CONFERENCE
#1 Atlanta Hawks vs. #8 Brooklyn Nets (ATL won season series 4-0)
ATL
Paul Millsap (16.7 PPG)
Paul Millsap (7.8 RPG)
Jeff Teague (7.0 APG)
BKN
Brook Lopez (17.2 PPG)
Brook Lopez (7.4 RPG)
Deron Williams (6.6 APG)
This should be a quick series for the Hawks in my opinion. The Hawks are trying to prove themselves worthy of a number one seed and the playoffs is the place to do it. Brooklyn is a mess of a team that slid in the playoffs despite a 38-44 record. Atlanta should proceed with caution cause they have given number one seed's a run for their money, twice, as an eighth seed (Boston Celtics and Indiana Pacers both 7-game-series). But I think ATL is focused this year and will end this in 4 maybe 5 games.
#2 Cleveland Cavaliers vs. #7 Boston Celtics (Regular season series tied 2-2)
CLE
LeBron James (25.3 PPG)
Kevin Love (9.7 RPG)
LeBron James (7.4 APG)
BOS
Isaiah Thomas (19.0 PPG)
Jared Sullinger (7.6 RPG)
Evan Turner (5.5 APG)
Obviously, LeBron James and the Cavaliers are the overwhelming favorite to win this series. It's LeBron vs. the C's yet again, but a little different this time around. No Paul Pierce, KG, Ray Allen or Rondo. Let's give credit to the Brad Stevens and the Celtics though. This was supposed to be a rebuilding year for them but this team fought hard all year and claimed a playoff berth. Well congratulations Boston, you got LBJ and the favorites to come out of the East. I expect this one to be done in 4.
#3 Chicago Bulls vs. #6 Milwaukee Bucks (CHI won season series 3-1)
CHI
Jimmy Butler (20.0 PPG)
Pau Gasol (11.8 RPG)
Derrick Rose (4.9 APG)
MIL
Michael Carter-Williams (14.1 PPG)
Zaza Pachulia (6.8 RPG)
Michael Carter-Williams (5.6 APG)
This is an interesting series. Jason Kidd leads the surprising-young Bucks (no pun intended) to their first playoff appearance since the 2012-2013 season. They will meet their Central Division rival, the Chicago Bulls. The Bulls have a lot of questions coming into the playoffs, headlined by the health status of Derrick Rose. If Rose is a 100 percent or anywhere close to that this series could be over quickly. The Bulls are seen as the toughest test for Cleveland in the playoffs if they advance that far. In my opinion, I think this series may be closer than people think, I think the Bucks will be able to win 2 games but eventually fall in 6 to the more experienced Bulls side.
#4 Toronto Raptors vs. #5 Washington Wizards (TOR won season series 3-0)
TOR
DeMar DeRozan (20.1 PPG)
Jonas Valanciunas (8.7 RPG)
Kyle Lowry (6.8 APG)
WAS
John Wall (17.6 PPG)
Marcin Gortat (8.7 RPG)
John Wall (10.0 APG)
From the Eastern side, this is about the only series you could say there is no definitive favorite. Both teams had great years for their respective franchises, and both teams will want to keep their seasons going. The Raptors sort of limped into the playoffs due to some unfortunate injuries to key players, but all the Raptors should be 100 percent ready for the playoffs. The Wizards will be led by their dynamic point guard, John Wall, and his backcourt mate Bradley Beal. I give the edge by a little to the Wizards because I like how Nene and Gortat handle the paint and post. I think that gives them a bit of an edge over Toronto. I expect this one to go 7 and it can go either way but for the sake of making a selection I'll take the Wiz in 7.
WESTERN CONFERENCE
#1 Golden State Warriors vs. #8 New Orleans Pelicans (GSW won season series 3-1)
GSW
Stephen Curry (23.8 PPG)
Draymond Green (8.2 RPG)
Stephen Curry (7.7 APG)
NOLA
Anthony Davis (24.4 PPG)
Anthony Davis (10.2 RPG)
Jrue Holiday (6.9 APG)
The Pelicans beat out the Thunder to claim the ultra-competitive Western Conference's final playoff berth. Their prize a date with the number one team in the NBA the Golden State Warriors. According to ESPN, the Warriors are the first team since the legendary '95-'96 Bulls to not lose more than 4 games in any month during the regular season...that's really good. Led by first year head coach, Steve Kerr, and presumed-to-be-MVP, Steph Curry, the Warriors in my opinion will handle the Pelicans with ease. Again, who knows the West is full of good teams, but I feel this is the only series where a definitive favorite exists. Expect this series to be a sweep or maybe 5, if NOLA is able to eek one out at home.
#2 Houston Rockets vs. #7 Dallas Mavericks (HOU won season series 3-1)
HOU
James Harden (27.4 PPG)
Dwight Howard (10.5 RPG)
James Harden (7.0 APG)
DAL
Monta Ellis (18.9 PPG)
Tyson Chandler (11.5 RPG)
Rajon Rondo (6.5 APG)
A Texas showdown here in round one and ooh it will be a great one! Dallas struggled toward the second half of the season and has struggled with implementing point guard Rajon Rondo into their system. But they are a dangerous playoff team. Houston is led by MVP candidate, James Harden, and for them this looks like the year the Rockets could possibly make a run at the Finals. Houston was dealt a blow when the lost point guard Patrick Beverly for the season, and Dwight Howard's health is always an issue so we will see how that affects them come playoff time. But if all the components are healthy for both sides, I give a slight edge to the Rockets. This will be an awesome series and has the potential to develop into a heated rivalry because these two sides do not like each other. I say Rockets in 6 or 7.
#3 Los Angeles Clippers vs. #6 San Antonio Spurs (Regular season series tied 2-2)
LAC
Blake Griffin (21.9 PPG)
DeAndre Jordan (15.0 RPG)
Chris Paul (10.2 APG)
SAS
Kawhi Leonard (16.5 PPG)
Tim Duncan (9.1 RPG)
Tony Parker (4.9 APG)
This to me is the most intriguing match-up out of all the first round match-up's, in either conference. You got the defending champion San Antonio Spurs, primed and ready for another deep playoff run. Then you have the Clippers who have actually flown a little bit under the radar this year, but nevertheless a team that has played great basketball all year under Doc Rivers. You have to wonder, if this Clippers team can not get to the Conference Finals again, does the Clipper management think the trio of Griffin, Paul and Jordan can get it done? And they are taking on a red-hot Spurs team who could have easily been a two seed. In my honest opinion, I just can not see anyone beating the Spurs, they are my pick to come from the West. I actually think this may be a relatively short series. I pick the Spurs in 5 or 6.
#4 Portland Trailblazers vs. #5 Memphis Grizzlies (MEM won season series 4-0)
POR
LaMarcus Aldridge (23.4 PPG)
LaMarcus Aldridge 10.2 RPG)
Damian Lillard (6.2 APG)
MEM
Marc Gasol (17.4 PPG)
Zach Randolph (10.5 RPG)
Mike Conley (5.4 APG)
The Trailblazers have been marred by the injuries all year and again right before the playoffs. They are going to face a grind-it-out Grizzlies team that has all the tools to make it to the NBA finals (the Grizzlies and Spurs are my picks to make it to the West Finals F
YI). Even Lillard and Aldridge have been playing through injuries all season, so it does not bode well against a team that they were swept by in the regular season. I would pick the Grizzlies in 5, but I think Portland will put up a fight but eventually lose in 6.
GET READY THE PLAYOFFS ARE GONNA BE LIVE!!!!!
PICTURES PROVIDED BY FLICKR.COM
Friday, April 3, 2015
Iran and Social Media
By: Aryan Javan
A nuclear deal between World Powers and Iran was tentatively agreed upon Thursday. This possibly will ease the economic sanctions on Iran in exchange for limited nuclear weapon development. The sanctions most-likely will be gradually lifted rather than all at once. The two sides have been marred by tension for years, as Iran claims to be in the developmental process of a nuclear weapon which most of the world is against.
In relation to new media, many Iranian citizens took to social media to show their satisfaction. Over the past week many were tuned into social media, TV or whatever medium, to get the breaking news. The state TV broadcast even showed Obama's speech live on Thursday, which is very uncommon for the government funded news broadcast. People posted pictures of them celebrating, them watching the speeches, all sorts of happy images. There are of course still going to be protests, but for the most part people on both sides can take a sigh of relief.
Social media makes the world smaller. Thus, people can show what is happening across the world in a matter of seconds. In a place like Iran, people have a thirst for the western world. I have traveled there about 6 times on different occasions, different regimes, different political climates, and most every time the people are just curious. There is no hate among the citizens there. They asked me questions about the NBA, the movies, the girls, the food, stuff every foreigner would want to know. They let me join them in their soccer games and late-night gatherings. The media has perpetuated the axis of evil label and that is all people think about when they think Iran. Instead of the beautiful and rich culture of the ancient land.
Tying this back into social media, Iranians recently have been able to make connections to the rest of the world via social media. When the protests in 2011-12 happened, images where shown to the world via Facebook and Twitter. People were taking advantage to show the political climate during that time. The Iranian people do have a voice and it does need to be heard. My only hope is that one day all of this is to be solved diplomatically and Iran may once again open its doors to the west.
A nuclear deal between World Powers and Iran was tentatively agreed upon Thursday. This possibly will ease the economic sanctions on Iran in exchange for limited nuclear weapon development. The sanctions most-likely will be gradually lifted rather than all at once. The two sides have been marred by tension for years, as Iran claims to be in the developmental process of a nuclear weapon which most of the world is against.
(Picture of Tehran, Iran)
In relation to new media, many Iranian citizens took to social media to show their satisfaction. Over the past week many were tuned into social media, TV or whatever medium, to get the breaking news. The state TV broadcast even showed Obama's speech live on Thursday, which is very uncommon for the government funded news broadcast. People posted pictures of them celebrating, them watching the speeches, all sorts of happy images. There are of course still going to be protests, but for the most part people on both sides can take a sigh of relief.
Social media makes the world smaller. Thus, people can show what is happening across the world in a matter of seconds. In a place like Iran, people have a thirst for the western world. I have traveled there about 6 times on different occasions, different regimes, different political climates, and most every time the people are just curious. There is no hate among the citizens there. They asked me questions about the NBA, the movies, the girls, the food, stuff every foreigner would want to know. They let me join them in their soccer games and late-night gatherings. The media has perpetuated the axis of evil label and that is all people think about when they think Iran. Instead of the beautiful and rich culture of the ancient land.
Tying this back into social media, Iranians recently have been able to make connections to the rest of the world via social media. When the protests in 2011-12 happened, images where shown to the world via Facebook and Twitter. People were taking advantage to show the political climate during that time. The Iranian people do have a voice and it does need to be heard. My only hope is that one day all of this is to be solved diplomatically and Iran may once again open its doors to the west.
Thursday, March 26, 2015
Finesse? The Shift in Sports by AJ Loco
If you think about it we are at the doorstep of evolution in sports. Guys we all used to look up to are slowly leaving into the sunset. The Kobe Bryant's, the Peyton Manning's, the Derek Jeter's (already gone), and the new wave arrived, the Steph Curry's, the Andrew Luck's, the Yaisel Pugh's. Their generation is upon us and the changing of the guard is happening. Even guys like LeBron James and Aaron Rodgers are now in their thirties too. The 1990's generation is here and ready to make an impact.
The games have evolved more than ever now; from strength and physicality to finesse and agility. Sports have become way faster then their old school predecessors. People like Michael Jordan and that whole era, I mean, it almost looked like a pick-up game at your local gym. No rules, physical, straight moves, and clutch jumpers. Now-a-days the game has evolved into a fast-tempo-dunk fest and dribbling showcase. The handles have gotten incredible and the dunks more creative and powerful.The game has changed to a free agent blood bath. No loyalty really remains with one team. I believe the reason for that is the new generation likes to move around. They are more cultural and more open to seeing new places. The new wave likes the concept of teaming up and playing with friends. As to the old days, you were drafted somewhere and you stuck it out for the most part.Thus there were more rivalries because you were seeing the same guys on the same team, over and over and over. The dynasties were formed from chemistry and continuity. For some reason, the young guys now can just team-up play for a couple years, win a couple titles and then leave to start somewhere new.
In football, the games are less physical than before. This is a direct effect of rule changes and regards to player safety, which is good. Yet, football is naturally a violent sport so this of course changes the dynamic of the game. The speed and agileness has taken over as well. Most quarterbacks have the ability to run and throw (Michael Vick in my opinion changed the QB position forever with his running ability). Receivers are all down field threats for the most part. And running backs are used till spent and the next man up. It is all about putting on the moves and going off to the races. Granted there are outliers, like Marshawn Lynch, who still stick with a punishing brand of football. But those type of guys are far and few between. The physicality takes a toll on their bodies.
The NFL and college football for the most part has become pass happy. In the NFL, teams do not waste high draft picks on running backs anymore. They are prone to injuries and teams can find value at that position later in the draft. It is all about finding a "franchise" QB. In some regards this is the same as NBA. In the NBA it is all based on potential and finding the next superstar. If a player does not produce early and efficiently they are considered a bust. There are guys in the NBA now ages 23-26 who are considered busts. They just maybe have not had the best draw or found the best system yet. Same in the NFL. It is all about the stars now and what team can snag them.I believe as a result to becoming more of a finesse game compared to a physical game, this is why we are seeing more injuries. People contort and move their bodies in ways thought not humanly possible. A prime example, Derrick Rose of the Chicago Bulls. It was almost like his injuries were a result of him being too athletic for his own body. I am not saying that the older generation did not have injuries, but for the most part they were able to gut it out or were not as severe. The athletes these days are so tightly wound up, athletic and lean that there is no bulk or meat to stop major injuries from happening. ACL tears are spreading rampant across the sport's world. This injury is usually career altering and very hard to come back from again. It most be from being so finely tuned physically. The body needs substance besides just straight muscle to properly function.
I truly have noticed this trend the past couple years. I grew up watching football and basketball from 1998 to the present, and you can see how the games have evolved. You can see the difference in how games were played back in the day as to the present. The Seahawks remind me of the old NFL, and that is why they are successful in my opinion. They are not flashy (they make awesome plays though), but just stick to X's and O's and play a physical brand of football. The San Antonio Spurs showed how team basketball and continuity prevails over superstar lineups and the dunk-fest-dribbling showcase. The game maybe changing, but to be a champion teams always go back to the old school roots.
Monday, March 23, 2015
KEEP THIS IN MIND
By: Aryan Javan
2. If people talk behind your back, just leave them. Addressing it is useless, they will just deny it and do it again. They do it because of their own insecurities.
3. You truly can be anything you want to be. The challenge may be great, but why want anything easy? The success you attain after accomplishing such a feat is satisfying and gratifying to the soul.
4. Your dreams are here for you to leave your reality. You do not need substances to escape reality. The human mind is fantastic, thus already having a built-in mechanism to escape the "pains" of reality.
5. To bounce off that one, dreams are there to teach you about yourself. Listen to them. It is a look into how we really feel and act.
6. Only YOU can get to where you want to be. Sure you may find help on the way, but it is you who found the help. YOU are the key to success for your success.
7. You innately know what is good and what is bad. Your conscious will eat at you if you have done something wrong. No matter how "remorseless" or "ruthless" you may be. True evil is a scary thing and only found in some.
8. Everyone has their own agenda. That is not a bad thing, people need to take care of themselves before taking care of others. People pleasing your whole life takes a toll on your own mind.
9. Fearing death is not going to help your cause. Your time will come when it comes, that is why you should truly live life to the fullest. Do not let money, materials, etc. consume your life, appreciate the small things.
10. We are the god and the devil. In whatever religious denomination you believe in there is always a struggle between good and evil. They both exist inside us. It is whatever path you chose to follow. This also ties in with the concept of your conscious innately knowing what is right and wrong.
Thursday, March 19, 2015
Hawks Get Blown Out in Best vs. Best Showdown
The Hawks were humbled Wednesday night in Oracle Arena as they fell to the Warriors 114-95. Golden State looked unstoppable. They controlled the game from start to finish. The Hawks were able to stay in the ball game due to Golden State turnovers in the first half and second chance opportunities (Hawks rank dead last in this category via ESPN). But the Warriors pulled away big in the second half.
"What I take away from it is the number players who made an impact," said Golden State Head Coach, Steve Kerr.
Atlanta had won the previous meaning between the two in Atlanta, but just were simply outplayed in this one. They had one of the worst shooting nights of the season, shooting 35.6 percent. It was just one of those nights. They had good looks but could not buy a bucket. The Hawks looked out of their game the whole night and were not able to settle in. Kyle Korver's absence (broken nose) was definitely noticeable. The spacing and normal passing was just not there. This is their fifth game out of the six-game-road trip. They wrap up the Western road trip at Oklahoma City.
"Any time you're playing teams with better records in the league, you're going to be tested, you're going to be challenged," commented Hawks coach Mike Budenholzer, "and you kind of want to rise to that. You want to meet that test. Tonight wasn't our best showing."
Wednesday, March 18, 2015
Social Media Threats
By: Aryan Javan
Social media gives people the freedom to post and say whatever they please. People can make profiles to act their alter-egos, troll others on the web, say what they truly feel, etc. In a sense they can be someone they are not. They could even say things they would not say in person to others. So when someone makes a threat on social media it has to be taken seriously, right? For example, if someone says, "I have a bomb" in person that is taken seriously. So why should it be different on social media?
Just recently, Princeton High School in North Texas, beefed up security in response to a social media threat made by a juvenile. The student used the application, Burnbook, to relay that they we're going to 'shoot up the school.' Police were tipped off about the threat from an organization that monitors the application. As a precaution kids had to walk through metal detectors and have their bags checked. Extra officers were also on staff.
This brings to light the issue of what and what not to take seriously on social media. Personally, I think it is hard to monitor all threats made on the web and social media. There are so many ways to make different accounts and post whatever you wish. For example, John Smith makes a different account on Twitter called "The Man 14," and on that account he posts vile and horrible things. But it will never be traced to him because he has the ability to make more multiple accounts. People post horrible things on social media, but it is not practical to monitor them all. And the fact is some people just post horrible stuff to do it or to get a reaction. Like we talked about in class "feeding the troll."
My point with this article is to show that social media can be helpful in monitoring security. For example, Princeton High School was able to safely avert their threat. Yet, it can also hinder the process because there is just so much content from all corners of the Earth. It is hard to see what should be taken seriously and what should not. I do not believe this is an isolated incident, but this school did do a good job of nipping it in the butt. I still wonder though, all the extra time and resources wasted because a kid said something stupid. Of course better to be safe than sorry, but think if every kind of threat was looked into? We would need more policemen and women!
P.S.: The culprit was caught by police and is being charged with making terroristic threats.
Social media gives people the freedom to post and say whatever they please. People can make profiles to act their alter-egos, troll others on the web, say what they truly feel, etc. In a sense they can be someone they are not. They could even say things they would not say in person to others. So when someone makes a threat on social media it has to be taken seriously, right? For example, if someone says, "I have a bomb" in person that is taken seriously. So why should it be different on social media?
Just recently, Princeton High School in North Texas, beefed up security in response to a social media threat made by a juvenile. The student used the application, Burnbook, to relay that they we're going to 'shoot up the school.' Police were tipped off about the threat from an organization that monitors the application. As a precaution kids had to walk through metal detectors and have their bags checked. Extra officers were also on staff.
(Photo: WFAA)
This brings to light the issue of what and what not to take seriously on social media. Personally, I think it is hard to monitor all threats made on the web and social media. There are so many ways to make different accounts and post whatever you wish. For example, John Smith makes a different account on Twitter called "The Man 14," and on that account he posts vile and horrible things. But it will never be traced to him because he has the ability to make more multiple accounts. People post horrible things on social media, but it is not practical to monitor them all. And the fact is some people just post horrible stuff to do it or to get a reaction. Like we talked about in class "feeding the troll."
My point with this article is to show that social media can be helpful in monitoring security. For example, Princeton High School was able to safely avert their threat. Yet, it can also hinder the process because there is just so much content from all corners of the Earth. It is hard to see what should be taken seriously and what should not. I do not believe this is an isolated incident, but this school did do a good job of nipping it in the butt. I still wonder though, all the extra time and resources wasted because a kid said something stupid. Of course better to be safe than sorry, but think if every kind of threat was looked into? We would need more policemen and women!
P.S.: The culprit was caught by police and is being charged with making terroristic threats.
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