I must say that Apple really knows how to please everyone who owns their products. As soon as they were getting ready to release the iPhone 5 they released the iOS 6, which is an update for all current iPhones. For iPhone users we are now able to upgrade our phones with over 200 new features some of which include: updates to Siri, a do not disturb feature, passbook, maps, lost mode and much more. These features will make your phone seem brand new again and also help you in ways you would never imagine.
Let me begin with Siri, we all know Siri for helping us for creating reminders and finding driving destinations for us. Well, Siri is now able to speak in different languages, know sports facts, restaurant and movie information, create Facebook and Twitter comments, launch apps and more. An example of this feature happened the other day when I was wondering what the score of the Detroit Lions game (GO LIONS!). Siri replied with not only the score, but the opponent’s name, and a breakdown of the score for each quarter.
Next, there is a Facebook integration feature which allows users to integrate their iPhone calendar with Facebook Events, Birthdays and more. It will also update the contacts on your phone with your friends Facebook profile picture, so when they call, you will see their profile picture. However, we all know there are also times when we do not want to be bothered, like while we are sleeping for example. There is now a Do Not Disturb feature that lets users silence alerts and incoming calls for when you are asleep or in a meeting without turning off your phone. This will also allow your favorites only to be able to contact you when this feature is turned on.
So what if you have this Do Not Disturb feature on or you are not able to answer an important phone call? This new update allows us to instruct our phone to send a pre-set message to the caller or set a reminder to call the person back. Another addition is the Lost Mode; this feature allows you to send a phone number to your missing device so that whoever finds your phone can call you back. It will also allow you to see exactly where your phone is located and more.
Lastly, the update that has been getting the most hype for having the coolest features, but is said to be least accurate: the Map. The iPhone no longer uses Google Maps and instead is using its own program. This integrates Yelp and real-time traffic information, and turn by turn directions so you can find the route with the least amount of traffic and the quickest ETA. It has the ability to re-adjust your route in the case of an accident or traffic backing up. The new map also features a flyover map, which shows 3-D models of geographical features, buildings and other landmarks.
With all of these wonderful features there are no major reasons why anyone would not want to update their phone other than some complaints about the inaccuracy of the new maps, which I am sure will be resolved in no time. Keep in mind that I have only gone over a minimum of the 200 updates that are now available, more information about these updates can be found on the apple website. If you have an iPhone and are not looking to get the iPhone 5 anytime soon, I would recommend updating to the new iOS 6, I assure you that you will not be disappointed.
Eleven years ago today something happened that changed the lives of many Americans and people around the world. Four passenger jets were hijacked by 19 terrorists of an Islamist militant group known as al-Qaeda. The group had planned a series of four suicide attacks on United States landmarks. I can personally remember where I was and the feeling I had when I heard about the first jet striking the North Tower of the World Trade Center, it is certainly something that will never be forgotten.
At 7:59 A.M. a regular passenger jet was ready for departure, it was a beautiful sunny day and no one could begin to fathom the events that were about to take place. Soon after this jet would strike the North Tower of the World Trade Center at 8:46 A.M., followed by another striking the South Tower of the World Trade Center at 9:03 A.M. At this point we may have thought that was it, until 9:37 A.M. when another plane crashed into the pentagon. The fourth and final jet aimed at the Capitol, or the White House, crashed into the ground after the passengers revolted. Afterwards, the saying “Let’s Roll” took on a whole new meaning once we heard those were the last words before the revolt.
The number of deaths caused by this incident totaled 2,996 people, including the 19 hijackers and 2,977 victims. Soon after the Bush administration would announce a War on Terror, which would state its goals of bringing Osama Bin Laden, al-Qaeda and any other terrorists to justice. Today, “One World Trade Center” is nearing its completion and will become the tallest building in North America. This and many other towers will be built to remember 9-11 and to symbolize our strength and unity as a nation.
The events that occurred on September 11, 2001 were intended to hurt Americans, which they did, but with this hurt we came together as a nation to become even stronger. After all these years we still live in the shadow of those falling towers. It was the defining moment of this generation and this tragedy has served to shape our lives in almost every aspect. It is important not to simply remember the past but appreciate the now and hope and work for a brighter future.
Labor Day is an American federal holiday observed on the first Monday in September (September 3 in 2012) that celebrates the economic and social contributions of workers.
Labor Day pays tribute to the contributions and achievements of American workers. It also symbolizes the end of summer for many Americans, and is celebrated with parties, parades and athletic events.[1]
In 1882, Matthew Maguire, a machinist, first proposed the holiday while serving as secretary of the CLU (Central Labor Union) of New York.[2] Others argue that it was first proposed by Peter J. McGuire of the American Federation of Labor in May 1882,[3] after witnessing the annual labor festival held in Toronto, Canada.[4] It is a holiday for workers/ unions
Oregon was the first state to make it a holiday in 1887. By the time it became a federal holiday in 1894, thirty states officially celebrated Labor Day.[3] Following the deaths of a number of workers at the hands of the U.S. military and U.S. Marshals during the Pullman Strike, President Grover Cleveland reconciled with Reyes[clarification needed], leader of the labor movement. Fearing further conflict, the United States Congress unanimously voted to approve rush legislation that made Labor Day a national holiday; Cleveland signed it into law a mere six days after the end of the strike.[5] The September date originally chosen by the CLU of New York and observed by many of the nation’s trade unions for the past several years was selected rather than the more widespread International Workers’ Day because Cleveland was concerned that observance of the latter would be associated with the nascent Communist, Syndicalist and Anarchist movements that, though distinct from one another, had rallied to commemorate the Haymarket Affair in International Workers’ Day.[6] All U.S. states, the District of Columbia, and the territories have made it a statutory holiday.
The form for the celebration of Labor Day was outlined in the first proposal of the holiday: A street parade to exhibit to the public “the strength and spirit of corps of the trade and labor organizations”,[2] followed by a festival for the workers and their families. This became the pattern for Labor Day celebrations. Speeches by prominent men and women were introduced later, as more emphasis was placed upon the civil significance of the holiday. Still later, by a resolution of the American Federation of Labor convention of 1909, the Sunday preceding Labor Day was adopted as Labor Sunday and dedicated to the spiritual and educational aspects of the labor movement.[2]
The holiday is often regarded as a day of rest and parties. Speeches or political demonstrations are more low-key than May 1 Labor Day celebrations in most countries, although events held by labor organizations often feature political themes and appearances by candidates for office, especially in election years.[7] Forms of celebration include picnics, barbecues, fireworks displays, water sports, and public art events. Families with school-age children take it as the last chance to travel before the end of summer recess. Similarly, some teenagers and young adults view it as the last weekend for parties before returning to school, although school starting times now vary.
Labor Day has come to be celebrated by most Americans as the symbolic end of the summer. In high society, Labor Day is (or was) considered the last day of the year when it is fashionable to wear white[8] or seersucker.[9][10]
In U.S. sports, Labor Day marks the beginning of the NFL and college football seasons. NCAA teams usually play their first games the week before Labor Day, with the NFL traditionally playing their first game the Thursday following Labor Day. The Southern 500 NASCAR auto race was held that day from 1950 to 1983 in Darlington, South Carolina. At Indianapolis Raceway Park, the National Hot Rod Association hold their finals to the U.S. Nationals drag race.
In the U.S., most school districts that started summer vacation in early June will resume school the day after this day (see First Day of School), while schools that had summer vacation begin on the Saturday before Memorial Day in late May will have already been in session since late August. However this tradition is changing as many school districts end in early June and begin mid-August.[11]
