Techno-heaven or techno-hell? If you believe many scientists working in the emerging fields of twenty-first-century technology, the future is blissfully bright. Initially, human bodies will be perfected through genetic manipulation and the fusion of human and machine; later, human beings will completely shed the shackles of pain, disease, and even death, as human minds are downloaded into death-free robots whereby they can live forever in a heavenly "posthuman" existence. In this techno-utopian future, humanity will be saved by the godlike power of technology. If you believe the authors of science fiction, however, posthuman evolution marks the beginning of the end of human freedom, values, and identity. Our dark future will be dominated by mad scientists, rampaging robots, killer clones, and uncontrollable viruses. In this timely new book, Daniel Dinello examines "the dramatic conflict between the techno-utopia promised by real-world scientists and the techno-dystopia predicted by science fiction." Organized into chapters devoted to robotics, bionics, artificial intelligence, virtual reality, biotechnology, nanotechnology, and other significant scientific advancements, this book summarizes the current state of each technology, while presenting corresponding reactions in science fiction. Dinello draws on a rich range of material, including films, television, books, and computer games, and argues that science fiction functions as a valuable corrective to technological domination, countering techno-hype and reflecting the "weaponized, religiously rationalized, profit-fueled" motives of such science. By imaging a disastrous future of posthuman techno-totalitarianism, science fiction encourages us to construct ways to contain new technology, and asks its audience perhaps the most important question of the twenty-first century: is technology out of control?

Technology is taking over all aspects of life. Yet studies have shown that up to one half the population is 'technophobic'. This means having negative opinions or being anxious about information technology like personal computers. This book examines the origins of technophobia - what it is, who has it and what causes it. The impact of gender is examined and the social and cognitive psychological factors underlying technophobia are reviewed and combined into an overall psychological model. Techniques for reducing technophobia are discussed, and the effect of technophobia on everyone from school children to teenagers is analysed. Technophobia will be useful both for academic study of the area, and for those devising IT policy in schools, business and government.

Technology is taking over all aspects of life. Yet studies have shown that up to one half the population is 'technophobic'. This means having negative opinions or being anxious about information technology like personal computers. This book examines the origins of technophobia - what it is, who has it and what causes it. The impact of gender is examined and the social and cognitive psychological factors underlying technophobia are reviewed and combined into an overall psychological model. Techniques for reducing technophobia are discussed, and the effect of technophobia on everyone from school children to teenagers is analysed. Technophobia will be useful both for academic study of the area, and for those devising IT policy in schools, business and government.

Techno-heaven or techno-hell? If you believe many scientists working in the emerging fields of twenty-first-century technology, the future is blissfully bright. Initially, human bodies will be perfected through genetic manipulation and the fusion of human and machine; later, human beings will completely shed the shackles of pain, disease, and even death, as human minds are downloaded into death-free robots whereby they can live forever in a heavenly "posthuman" existence. In this techno-utopian future, humanity will be saved by the godlike power of technology. If you believe the authors of science fiction, however, posthuman evolution marks the beginning of the end of human freedom, values, and identity. Our dark future will be dominated by mad scientists, rampaging robots, killer clones, and uncontrollable viruses. In this timely new book, Daniel Dinello examines "the dramatic conflict between the techno-utopia promised by real-world scientists and the techno-dystopia predicted by science fiction." Organized into chapters devoted to robotics, bionics, artificial intelligence, virtual reality, biotechnology, nanotechnology, and other significant scientific advancements, this book summarizes the current state of each technology, while presenting corresponding reactions in science fiction. Dinello draws on a rich range of material, including films, television, books, and computer games, and argues that science fiction functions as a valuable corrective to technological domination, countering techno-hype and reflecting the "weaponized, religiously rationalized, profit-fueled" motives of such science. By imaging a disastrous future of posthuman techno-totalitarianism, science fiction encourages us to construct ways to contain new technology, and asks its audience perhaps the most important question of the twenty-first century: is technology out of control?

Journey into the heart of emotion where paintings illuminate poems opening doorways to the soul. In this collection of five poetry chapbooks, join the poet along his fight into adulthood. Each chapbook is a self-published pamphlet style book the poet has printed and sold on consignment in local bookstores. Feel the angst, pain, and inspiration of growing up in Los Angeles during the Los Angeles Riots, the Millennium, and the Laguna Beach and Malibu fires from 1990 ' 2001. Each successive chapbook has different a poetic theme. 24 Hours Lost Hope asks and answers the tough questions of growing up. Sunset on California explores protests against proposition 187, Governor Pete Wilson, and the El Toro Airport. Poetry from the Santa Ana Train Station chronicles the poet's job at the train depot. Millennium madness dominates later chapters. The poems and art were created for poetry slams and open poetry readings at Southern California venues.

Information Systems Development (ISD) progresses rapidly, continually creating new challenges for the professionals involved. New concepts, approaches and techniques of systems development emerge constantly in this field. Progress in ISD comes from research as well as from practice. This conference will discuss issues pertaining to information systems development (ISD) in the inter-networked digital economy. Participants will include researchers, both experienced and novice, from industry and academia, as well as students and practitioners. Themes will include methods and approaches for ISD; ISD education; philosophical, ethical, and sociological aspects of ISD; as well as specialized tracks such as: distributed software development, ISD and knowledge management, ISD and electronic business / electronic government, ISD in public sector organizations, IOS.

Orange Coast Magazine is the oldest continuously published lifestyle magazine in the region, bringing together Orange County¹s most affluent coastal communities through smart, fun, and timely editorial content, as well as compelling photographs and design. Each issue features an award-winning blend of celebrity and newsmaker profiles, service journalism, and authoritative articles on dining, fashion, home design, and travel. As Orange County¹s only paid subscription lifestyle magazine with circulation figures guaranteed by the Audit Bureau of Circulation, Orange Coast is the definitive guidebook into the county¹s luxe lifestyle.