?Morse Code: A Dying Language

S.O.S. in Morse Code

Extinct and threatened languages are discussed often in this blog. Usually, the culprit causing their disappearance is the advancement and expansion of more dominant languages, leading to the isolation and reduction of people who speak unique, rare tongues.

In cases where attempts are made to rescue dying language, technology such as computers and audio recordings are the tools being used to help turn the tide. When it comes to Morse Code, though, advancements in technology and audio broadcasting/recording are leading to its death.

Morse Code is a method of transmitting text data as a series of tones, lights, or clicks that can be understood by a skilled listener or observer. The International Morse Code encodes the alphabet, numbers and punctuation as standardized sequences of signals called "dots" and "dashes". It was developed in the first half of the 19th century and was used extensively during the first half of the 20th century, particularly for communication with the front lines during World War II.

Now, with smart phones, satellite technology, the internet and texting, the Morse Code language has become obsolete. Until a few years ago, it was mandatory for people taking amateur shortwave radio exams to know, but that section has been removed from the test. The Coast Guard stopped seeking and translating Morse Code distress messages in the late 1990s.

The slow death of Morse Code was partly the inspiration for George Campbell to record memories of his life as a wireless operator in a book entitled "Good Night Old Man." He was only 19 years old in 1945 when he passed on the coded message that Germany had surrendered. His aim with the book was to bring awareness of the language to younger generations, who no longer have need to learn it.

Though some might argue that Morse Code shouldn't be counted out yet, technology continues to rush forward. The LOLs and emoticons of texting are drowning out the dits and dahs of Morse Code. It is probably the only language quietly slipping into extinction that the world won't someday miss (but certainly don’t quote me on that).

by Sara Duane-Gladden (true to words)

iPhone Gloves

iPhone Gloves
The world was snuggling in bed, out of cold, and you couldn't have enough of your widget. Well, iPhone gloves is one accessory that, when donned, can shove away the cold of your fingers. Take a look at the following review…
iPhone Gloves
Imagine a tech mogul getting into fabric business. Sounds bizarre? To me too. However, would you not care to savor the warmth of those leather gloves, that bring some respite to your frost-bitten fingers in this unbelievably cold weather, without compromising on your fixation to your widget? I bet you would. Tech savvies wouldn't refrain from donning anything and everything that says - Apple iPhone. Makes me wonder, Steve Jobs sure knows how to keep his Apple devotees hooked, and iPhone gloves are one add-on-you-can't-ignore this winter. Out of the many must have iPhone 4 accessories, what made me prattle about iPhone gloves was its fan-following today. Think about it, while it's next to impossible to even take out your hands from your pockets, Apple puts forth a variety of rich-quality iPhone gloves to keep the iPhone experience soaring high. Now, tip your hand, literally, on your darling widget, and you have the world in your warm hands. Technology, I'm so in love with.

iPhone Gloves: Reviews

Convince me to stay without a cup of coffee in winters, and I won't disappoint you. Take away my cellphone for even an hour, and my life takes a turn for the worse. Hah, and you thought it's only you who's so hooked to using your iPhone. Well, well. Seems like you never moved beyond iPhone applications, did you? Only if you could walk down the aisle of the best iPhone accessories that you would realize how important it is to have iPhone gloves in the very first place. Let me explain. When you have a lusted-for-an-eternity gadget in your hands, why wouldn't you want to keep it protected and covered? Well, that's why you must have a set of the best iPhone gloves to prevent your phone from getting scratches, thereby, keeping you warm throughout the winter.

For a touch screen phone, keeping fingers warm is a necessity. With that in mind, Apple, along with many other dealers has put forth a variety of iPhone gloves. Fabrics may vary from leather to thermal fleece, thereby, making it easy to swipe, click, and play around with your iPhone. On a creative note, many iPhone gloves come with their finger tips cut, so that you don't face any problem in using your phone. What's more, if you're looking for gloves that are value for money, you wouldn't be disheartened as iPhone gloves are quite different from those usual gloves you wear in winters. Astonishingly, they have silver-nylon tips on the thumb to make phone operation easy. While some have conductive thread on fingers and thumbs, some are unusually dotted to create a frictional feel, thereby, minimizing sliding on your iPhone's screen. All the gloves come with grippers on their surface, so that you have a nice hold of your widget. Creative they are, aren't they?

The retail price of these iPhone gloves start at approximately $15. However, whether it's technology or fashion, the upper limit is a mystery. For these gloves, which successfully incorporate technology and fashion, it's impossible to estimate the price at which they cease. For now, here's a compiled list of a few of the best iPhone gloves, just the right fit for your tech sweetheart. Take a look.

    * TouchTec Gloves ~ $200
    * iTouch Gloves ~ $99
    * 180's Urban Tech-tility Commuter Gloves ~ $40
    * Freehands Leather Gloves for iPhone ~ $39
    * Etre Touchy ~ $32
    * Freehands Fleece Gloves for iPhone ~ $20

Note: The prices mentioned above are approximate, and may be subject to change.

If you're not too fond of squandering money over iPhone accessories, I won't disappoint you. While reviewing through a number of options for iPhone gloves, it just occurred to me, why not use those normal gloves instead? You could cut the finger tips of those gloves, and start iPhoning your own way. Great idea! This will cost you $0. Indeed, a lucrative bet. However, if you're an ardent Apple fan, the internet is an answer to your call. Research more about these iPhone gloves, browse through the Apple store, select your favorite color, and you have your Christmas gift in your hands. Literally.

By mqeelye
Published: 22/12/2010