Instagram's New Facelift

Noncommerical Instagram Feed

By: Lexi Thayer

ATLANTA,Ga- Instagram changing the game and following in the footsteps of Facebook.

Instagram, which is an image and video-sharing platform that caters to almost 400 million users, announced on Tuesday, March, 15th, that they will incorporate an algorithm that shows theirs users feed by importance rather than chronology. Essentially Instagram users will have their very own personalized News Feed. This new algorithm assumes posts individuals want to see will be shown at the top of their Feed. According to an Instagram blog posting “If your favorite musician shares a video from last night’s concert, it will be waiting for you when you wake up, no matter how many accounts you follow or what time zone you live in." 

Instagram is following in the foot steps of Facebook. Facebook first began having posts rolled out that were "relevant" to each user. According to n4bb.com, Instagram allows you to follow someone and see their posts as and when they post. Facebook however, is a company that controls what you see first. Many avid Instagram users are not happy about this change. One Twitter user, "Any chance of having the option to turn the algorithm on/off ? One of my favorite things about IG was seeing everything." 

Noncommerical Instagram Feed Image

The company stated that the change is being implemented because about 70 percent of photos and videos are missed being looked at by users. The introduction of the algorithmic feed on the mobile photo-sharing app hopes to address issues where people would miss posts because they are bumped down due to newer posts taking their place. Instagram didn't address when these new changes will occur, but within a few months your Feed will look a little different. Social apps continue to face problems of delivering content to the ever increasing user base. News Feeds are essential to social networks like Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Personally, I'm a little iffy about the change in the algorithm for Instagram. I understand they're trying to house more users and show their current users what they "think" they want to see. But it's the fun of Instagram browsing all the different photos and videos that you wouldn't normally see if they switch over to the algorithm. I think almost every IG user enjoys seeing posts they wouldn't normally see if their Feed is just categorized to what they usually look at or the individuals they follow on a daily basis. 

I think if Instagram slowly introduces the algorithm more people will begin to adjust to it. No one likes change, I know I don't. But this will allow you to look at posts from your friends and favorite celebrities you may not see on a regular basis if you're not on Instagram frequently. I'm indifferent, but I think Instagram needs a new facelift to their mass media platform. 

Facebook v. Periscope: Live debate

Facebook Live ad
Noncommercial use image 

By: Lexi Thayer

ATLANTA, Ga- Facebook Live better than Periscope. You be the judge of that.

Facebook Live is the new feature Facebook has brought to its social media platform. Facebook Live is quite similar to Periscope in where individuals can view video that's occurring right in the moment. But Facebook has the idea to permanently save and show your streams then Periscope deleting streaming video within 24 hours. According to Facebook, people watch Live streams 3 times longer than saved ones. Facebook decided from the urgency and interaction with people and Live streams that the News Feed in where ranked videos appear higher in your News Feed than saved streams.

Facebook initially launched Live for celebrities in August before it slowly was released to individuals with Verified Profiles and Pages. Facebook also determined instead of spamming all your friends and family with broadcasts, it would send push notifications if the video came from a close friend, Page you interacted with, or you subscribed to a Live video. This process allows Facebook users to catch Live streams while they're still happening. Likes and comments will be seen immediately by broadcasters.

Periscope video of the Today Show
Noncommercial use image

Periscope and Facebook Live are actually quite different, but still great ways to interact with Live streaming content. Periscope's motive is to get individuals involved within the first few minutes of the Live stream. Facebook on the other hand, will use their new Live streaming to show their users the best on-going streams presented on their News Feeds.

I personally think Facebook's Live streaming is a great way for broadcasters to get involved with their viewers and readers. I will get push notifications from WSB-TV or 11Alive to alert me of breaking news or even weather related issues. I know this will be a great way for news corporations to get more viewers. As the article stated, "But it's urgency, interaction, and raw unpredictability that make Live videos so fun to watch." I can wholeheartedly agree that Live videos will make people want to interact through likes and comments.

Facebook Live will make a huge impact on how news and events will be displayed within the future. I think not only myself, but also my fellow peers obtain their news through social media. These Live streaming videos make you stop and want to watch in that instant. When there are videos that are so popular, it'll be a great way to get awareness out to the public. Live videos are the new wave of the future!

Emojis the new 'like' On Facebook

Desktop Version

By Lexi Thayer

ATLANTA, Ga- Emoji's in. 'likes' out. Emoji Reactions are the new 'like' on Facebook.

Facebook's 1.5 billion users will now have the option to sort from five different categories of emoji reactions. Categories range from 'love', 'haha', 'wow', 'sad' and 'angry'. But don't think you can run to your Facebook accounts too quickly to check out the new feature; conveniently called 'Reactions'. Facebook is currently testing out the feature in several countries. These include both Ireland and Spain. Facebook CEO, Mark Zuckerberg, stated his sites users will begin to see the emojis "pretty soon".

Emoji Reactions

Zuckerberg explained that the emoji faces will appear below individual user's posts. The 'like' button below user's posts has been a huge hit on Facebook's site. For years users have been asking for a 'dislike' button because certain content shared can be labeled as sad or make you angry. That is one reason Facebook has decided to add on the 'Reaction' tool. “When you only have a like button, if you share a sad piece of content or something that makes you angry, people may not have the tool to react to it," said Zuckerberg. 

According to pcmag.com, Facebook users in Japan are now using emoji's to interact with their friends' timelines. Reactions are also now available in Chile, Portugal and the Philippines. The Reactions are easily accessible by holding down the like button on your cellphone, or you can hover over on your desktop to see the options to choose from. No word on when Zuckerberg will bring Features to the U.S., but only time will tell. 

Emoji Reactions on cellphone

I discovered the phenomenon of emoji's when I got my first iPhone in 2012. They were a great way to express how you were feeling when you just didn't have the words to say how you felt. Personally, I would love for Facebook to expend the Reaction emoji's to the U.S. I think it would be a big hit because almost everyone I know uses emoji's on a regular basis. There is just something about sending a sad or happy emoji and that person immediately knows how you're feeling. 

Also, as Zuckerberg mentioned, there are certain content pieces that a user posts that either makes you sad or angry, and you don't want to go and 'like' it. It would be great to have an option where you can show how you really feel about the content. The Reactions won't replace the 'like' option; it will just be there in cases where the 'like' is not appropriate. If they're a hit in several other countries, I don't see why they wouldn't be a hit in the U.S. Zuckerberg; bring Reactions to the U.S. so we can crack our hand at it.

What do you think? Emoji Reactions a good thing? Should Zuckerberg implement them to the U.S.? 

iPhone 7: Rumored New Features and Release Date

YouTube image of the iPhone 7

By Lexi Thayer

ATLANTA, Ga- Rumors are swirling about the newest iPhone set to be released in September of 2016.

The iPhone 7 has been on the minds of Apple consumers since the release of the iPhone 6 and 6S just back in September of 2015. The newer version of Apple's iPhone is rumored to offer wireless charging and a touchscreen with a built-in Touch 3-D. It's also been rumored that Apple may be ditching its 3.5 mm headphone jack. Apple is notorious for alternating between internal upgrades for the 'S' and creating a completely new design for the full-number update. Macworld believes a 4.7 inch iPhone 7 and a 5.5 inch iPhone 7 Plus will be released either in the summer or in September of 2016. The newer version will be thinner with no headphone jack; thus making iPhone users connect to wireless Bluetooth headphones, or plugging into an adaptor. More speculation is that there will be higher screen resolution, the 16 GB storage will be phased out since that is not enough storage; predicting the iPhone 7 will start out at 32 GB. More features could include a USB-C port, possible wireless charging, and waterproofing.

I gave some thought into the rumor features and release date for the iPhone 7, and have some mixed reviews. Though I think it's great that Apple wants to keep revamping and making their products even better. There are features that should and should not be replaced. Personally, I think removing the headphone jack and having people invest in Bluetooth headphones or plugging into an adaptor to listen to their music is not the best strategy. Of course I listen to my music via Bluetooth in the car, but what if I still enjoy plugging my headphones in and jamming out? I could always invest in the Bluetooth version of headphones; but those could be expensive depending on what brand and the quality you're looking for.

On the other hand, I did like how Apple is phasing out the 16 GB version of the iPhone, because I know for a fact in this day in age that 16 GB is not enough storage for someone. The iPhone is more than just a phone, it helps us connect via email, social media, through pictures, and video. The 32 GB upgrade would be very beneficial for all consumers. One other feature I enjoyed is the wireless charging. I know that a lot of busy college students and professionals are constantly using our phones and not have access to a wall outlet to charge our devices. I think it would be great to have a wireless charging aspect that comes with the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7S. I know this article is merely just rumor about new features and the release date, but I really do hope Apple invest in a few of these features listed.

YouTube: iPhone 7 running iOS 10

What do you think? Should Apple invest in the rumored features? Or, maybe they already have invested in these. The world will know soon coming September 2016.

The Tradition of Pink Pig Continues To Thrive

The Tradition of Pink Pig Continues To Thrive

Since the 1950s, Atlantans have kicked off their holidays with Macy's Pink Pig ride. The Pink Pig has been a family tradition for nearly five generations. 

Children of all ages are now allowed to ride Priscilla, the Pink Pig on Oct.31; the grand opening at the Macy's Lenox Square Mall. Priscilla will drive around train tracks above the mall in a life-size storybook which features Priscilla and her friends.

Tickets are available at the Pink Pig kiosk in Lenox Square Mall starting Oct.31 and runs till Jan. 3. 

By Lexi Thayer

ATLANTA, Local family and friends flocked atop the Lenox Square Mall this Saturday afternoon to attend Macy's annual Pink Pig holiday ride benefiting Children's Healthcare of Atlanta.

Pink Pig is not just for young children, but for the young at heart. Grandparents and parents who have been attending this event generation after generation said they cannot wait to show their children and grandchildren Priscilla, the Pink Pig. This is a big family event that brings more than 20 family members. People attend because their great-grandmother rode, and then their grandmother, and then their child.

Priscilla, the Pink Pig is not just a train ride around the top of Lenox Mall; it's also a personal journey about Priscilla and her friends through a book. Children and their parents said they enjoyed riding around and taking in all the fun.

Macy's Pink Pig has donated $670,000 to Children's Healthcare of Atlanta here today. "We benefit Children's Healthcare of Atlanta because it's so important to the community and to the city," said Macy's manager, Julia Weaver.
  

Children's Healthcare of Atlanta 

 

Patients from Children's Healthcare of Atlanta have the opportunity to attend the event. On Wednesday, Oct. 28, from 11-1 p.m. Macy's held a Very Important Party also known as VIP for 150 to 200 patients of CHOA and their families. The VIP party had face painting, a DJ, reporters from channel 2, channel 5, channel 11, and channel 6 attended. Everybody came out for the event. Macy's manager, Julia Weaver, said what she enjoyed most about the event was seeing smiles on the faces of children.

On that Wednesday, Oct. 28, Macy's chose one patient who was considered a VIP patient. They get to have the first ride on Priscilla, the Pink Pig. This year, her name is Chloe. She is a patient at Children's, and was adopted from China. Workers of the event said what a wonderful little girl she is.

Not only did Chloe get to enjoy all that the ride had to offer, even children who were not able to walk from last year's event were able to attend this year and walk and ride Priscilla at this year's event. Volunteer Deirdre Haynes said she wanted to be involved today, because she likes to give back during the holidays. She said not only do you get to see the kids that you're helping, but you know that a portion of money goes towards them. "And I love volunteering; so that's like a twofer basically," Haynes said. She not only gives back during the holiday season, she said she also feeds the homeless at her church on Saturday mornings as well.

 

Pink Pig Tradition

 

This event is so important because it is an Atlanta tradition for 50 years; Weaver said. She said it's very much a tradition because it's what Atlanta is all about. The holiday ride made its debut in 1953 at the Rich's downtown store. Children's parents and grandparents rode Priscilla the Pink Pig when they were younger and families continue to take their children year after year. 

The Pink Pig was not only a fun ride for children and their families in the 1950s; it was also a part of history. According to aboutnorthgeorgia.com, after World War II, Macy's, formerly known as Rich's decided to attract more customers in 1953 by adding Priscilla, the Pink Pig monorail train. During this time, the train was segregated, which the Civil Rights Movement fought against.

Rich's was boycotted because of the segregated train and how African-Americans were not allowed to attend a popular restaurant called Magnolia Room. By 1961, Rich's desegregated the store and the Pink Pig ride also. According to aboutnorthgeorgia.com, Leaders of the Civil Rights Movement, including Dr. Martin Luther King saw this as a huge stepping stone toward the success of the Civil Rights Movement.

Macy's employee, Pamela Sturdevant was impressed by how the Pink Pig held a huge impact on the Civil Rights Movement as well. "I thought it was cool that it was a part of the Civil Rights Movement," she said. "I thought that was really cool; and that's what made me want to be a part of it." 

Priscilla, the Pink Pig Ride

 

Patrons wanting to ride Priscilla, the Pink Pig have three different fares they can choose from. The more you ride, the more you will save.

Prices range from $3 for one ride, $5.50 for two rides, and $7.50 for three rides. A portion of each one of the rides goes toward CHOA. 

The proceeds going to CHOA help enhance the lives of the children through excellent patient care, research, and education.



 

"Just see what happens"

Carrie always says it best. I need to stop analyzing my past, planning my future, stop figuring out precisely how I feel, stop deciding exactly what I want, and just see what happens.

I'm always analyzing what could have happened in situations whether it is school related, friendships, relationships, etc. The past is in the past and I need to keep it that way. 

Not only am I always analyzing my past, I'm big on planning my future and seeing where it'll take me. I have these perfect scenarios in my head about having a successful career and living this lavish lifestyle. I mean who doesn't think of their future and have this picture in their head? I have to stop planning my future, because life is a journey. Maybe the picture in your head of your future is not how it's supposed to be.   

I also need to stop figuring out precisely how I feel when it comes to life decisions. As humans we are filled with all types of feelings. There are times when you just have to not let your feelings get in the way and just take one day at a time.

 Moreover, I need to stop deciding what I want. Of course we all want certain things out of life. I know I want certain things, but I can't keep wanting this and that. That's not how life is supposed to be. If we just constantly get whatever we want, than we get no satisfaction from the little things in life.

We just need to see what happens. We're always analyzing, planning, figuring out, and deciding how and what we want out of life. I know I'm always analyzing and planning out this and that of my daily routine. Sometimes it just takes the courage to just wait and see what life has in store for you. So for now, I'm going to stop analyzing, planning, figuring out, and deciding precisely how I feel and just go with the flow.  

"I can & I will"

"I can & I will" has been my go to motto. A lot of you may not know that as a young girl I struggled with my academics. I attended countless numbers of schools and just couldn't get the hang of my academics. Once I hit elementary and middle school age, I struggled so much that I could barely form a sentence let alone comprehend what I was reading. It was then that my parents chose to get me tested for a learning disability. I was later diagnosed with Attention Deficit Disorder or ADD. Though I didn't exhibit most of the characteristics of ADD, I struggled to focus on my schoolwork, had difficulty sounding out words and comprehending basic reading comprehension as well as mathematical word problems. I was prescribed Adderall and other common ADD/ADHD pills but nothing seemed to help with the issues I was having. I continued back and forth with trying different medications and started attending a special education school for children with learning difficulties. It wasn't until I was situated into my new school program that I felt more at ease with my learning struggles. Everyone around me had a learning issue and we all learned at different paces. Before I had attended Chatham, I felt stupid and ashamed for not knowing what I was comprehending. I was tested again after being at Chatham for four years and later discovered I actually had Auditory Processing Disorder. Individuals with auditory processing cannot process the information they hear in the same way as others do, which leads to difficulties in recognizing and interpreting sounds, especially the sounds composing speech. If it were not for the staff and Principal Carolyn Hannaford at Chatham Academy I wouldn't be where I am today. While at Chatham Academy, I learned that everyone learns in a unique and different way. It is truly amazing how far I have come. I remember my family and teachers thinking I may not even be able to fully learn in what they called a "normal" teaching environment. I always pushed myself to do well and persevere throughout my schooling. I feel so proud that I could transition into a normal middle and high school and achieve great success. It's even more rewarding to say that I made it to college and am halfway done with my career in pursuing journalism. Who knew that that little girl who struggled throughout her schooling career could make it to this point? I am so thankful for everyone who has helped me through my learning difficulties. Especially my family, friends, and teachers at Chatham Academy.