is this karen's blog

My roommate and I were discussing technology and dating recently, and how certain new traits may be selected for in the evolution of our species as a result of their cooperation. Humans and most other organisms evolve by the development of advantageous genes which translate into certain traits. The traits which are selected for are the ones that make reproduction a more likely outcome, thereby passing down genes that turn out to be adaptive to a specific environment. So, we got to thinking, if internet dating results in successful marriages, partnerships, and consequential offspring, and if this was a condition of our species reproductive cycle for a long enough period of time, then traits that make internet dating successful would be naturally selected, eventually evolving our species. So which traits make you a good internet dater? I was thinking impulsivity- many dating apps rely on snap judgment and positive/negative feeling associated with an image, or small set of images,...

At 20 years old, I can firmly say I've never been held at gunpoint, run from the police, or been in charge of a household. I've never provided for my mother or filled in for my father. I've never watched a street fight, let alone been a street fighter. If you go to Omegle.com you have the unique opportunity to meet people from all walks of life. Faces appear center screen, poorly lit, and often cut out, to reveal more of the torso to the camera. It's easy, some would say, safer to assume each of these individuals possesses a certain internet-pervert mentality. Sex crazed and quick to the refresh, these Omegle users are online to see free porn, receive some sort of instant gratification if they can. So, Dylan, a 21-year-old man from Georgia, would seem to be no exception. Appearing dimly lit, with an untrimmed beard and a thick, flowing accent, Dylan would appear to be no exception for the common-man of Omegle. Hardship has made him tender, and cruelty has made him a...

Here's is the debut episode of the podcast Stat Flack- where we take a deeper look at those big, ever-circulating statistics and their potential for twisting the truth. In this bit, I discuss the popular statistic "1 in 5 women, nearly 20 %, have been sexually assaulted in the U.S." We take a look at the research behind this statistic, the potential issues within it, and the importance of looking into such things when a juicy stat, such as this one, surfaces. To look at the study I referenced, you can follow this link. Check out the tiny podcast here.

Did Podcasts kill the radio star? Radio is often discussed in particular reference to its predicted, imminent failure and irrelevance as a medium in modern times, despite its previous death at the hands of "video." But video didn't kill the radio star- at least not completely. Rather, video made the radio star deeply consider its value and existence in the era of on-demand streaming and struggle to maintain status as the primary mass communication method it once was. While working for the student lead radio station KDUP at the University of Portland, the balance between using such streaming applications to enhance the experience of radio and replacing services provided by our station was difficult to assess. One method we attempted was the creation of Spotify playlists for shows that users could access if they did not tune in, and like a particular DJ's playlist or if they did tune in, and simply want to experience it again. The problem that existed here? If an au...

Like many others, I'm sure, the first podcast I ever heard was Serial. I was honestly thrown by how much I enjoyed the podcast and by how well the medium lends to the delivery of the story itself. Serial follows Sarah Koenig as she examines a seemingly cold case for which a group of people believe the court outcome is false. A story told via podcast would seem an exercise in sensory deprivation: if you can only hear a story, as opposed to seeing the story pan out and hearing dialogue in film form, for example, it would make sense for the reception of that story to be altered, even inhibited. Prior to hearing a podcast, I dismissed it under the circumstance that I doubted my ability to enjoy a story told in such a withheld manner. However, the podcast has proved a redeemable, unique medium unlimited by its inherent nature. On the contrary, the unique format and specifications of a podcast are the qualities which distinguish podcasts as a valid, necessary media. Listenin...

Recently, my mom discovered some never-before-seen family photos, giving me the perfect opportunity to roast my family and laugh at them (and myself) for how weird we all used to look. I did so in the video below, however, I'd also like to analyze these photos in reference to their context, specifically, whether or not the subjects of the photos are on-trend with the time period it was taken.  While reviewing these photos, I noticed some credit due to my parents and family for dressing to trend and dressing my sister and me to trend. My family being the fashion-forward people that they are subscribed to some of the most promising fads of their time.  Soul Patch This was my dad's attempt at a soul patch, when he was 18 or 19. Soul patches are extremely representative of the 90's, so my dad may have even been ahead of the trend as he shows off his facial hair circa 1989. For those, unfamiliar with the soul patch, it is essentially a carefully trimmed porti...