Monday, May 7, 2018

No, I won't be taking that 666 mark


Sure, let’s all get implanted with RFID chips. That way we can purchase our products much easier. Then we can all join the dark overlord Satan while we worship the Antichrist.

Sarcasm, obviously.

There are about 100 reasons why I think that chip implantation is a bad idea. Which may scare people more? The psychological or medical complications? As many idiots there are that happily want to be chipped with the mark, there are about 700 people who don’t.

It’s not just the fact that this has been foretold in the Bible centuries ago. It’s not just because it has been a topic of popular culture over the last 100 years. It’s not even about being watched by big brother and having your privacy rights infringed.

It’s an all around ridiculous idea. However, that doesn’t mean it will not be implemented into our society.

The potential risks to health associated with installing the device in your body are adverse tissue reaction; migration of implanted transponder; compromised information security; failure of implanted transponder; failure of inserter; failure of electronic scanner; electromagnetic interference; electrical hazards; magnetic resonance imaging incompatibility; and needle stick syndrome.

It is obvious that there are physical risks to implanting an RFID chip into your body. An even bigger issue may be the security implications of the RFID chip being implanted in humans, such as biohacking.

Biohacking is a dangerous and unwanted side effect of the RFID chip implantation. Many computer hackers may be able to bypass security measures in airports and other institutions with an RFID chip implanted inside of them.

According to Thomas Fox-Brewster of Forbes, U.S. Navy petty officer Seth Wahle implanted an RFID chip inside of his hand for such uses as “stealth” hacking into phones and computers. One of his malware tactics consists of being close to someone’s Android phone with his hand so that he can use RFID’s radio frequency waves to send a message and ask users if they would like to open a link on their Android phone.

Once that link is opened, the phone is infected with malware and may be controlled remotely by another computer.

This could be particularly dangerous if someone infiltrates government computer systems without looking conspicuous with a laptop and other hardware. Just imagine what many skilled hackers may be able to do with this technology.

I am opposed to the RFID chip being implanted inside of humans but for theological reasons. As a Christian, I would never personally take an RFID chip inside of my body. John the Apostle was given a vision by Jesus Christ in the Book of Revelation concerning the end times of the world and the rise of
the Antichrist.

Written centuries ago, this is what Revelation 11:16-18 states:

“And he [the Antichrist) causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive the
mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads: And that no man might buy or sell, save that he has
the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name. Here is wisdom. Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast: for it is a number of a man; and his number is six hundred threescore and six.”

Considering the RFID chip is a piece of technology that is coded with numbers and letters, it would be very easy to encrypt the chip with the numbers 666 somewhere in its coding along with someone’s personal identification number, date of birth, medical information, and so forth.

The Bible is very clear about those who take the mark of the beast.

So for now and forever, I will remain chip free.



RFID chip implant may soon be implanted inside your body if you want to eat


You left your ATM card at home. You forgot to bring cash. You left your phone in the car. The cashier is looking at you slightly irritated. What if you could just wave your hand near a barcode scanner or electrical box and you’re good to go with your products? 

In our fast pace world and with our time efficient lifestyles, RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) implantation in your body sounds like a dream come true, right?

Technology has undoubtedly made life easier for many individuals. From the creation of the cellular phone to the invention of the debit/credit card, the ease technology affords is a major draw for many people who prefer to accomplish tasks quickly and effectively.

The next huge advancement in technology seems to be the RFID chip. In the summer of 2017, a tech company in Wisconsin called Three Square Market voluntarily paid to have their employee’s microchipped in their hands. This allows employees to easily access the office, pay in the cafeteria, and turn on their computers without the hassle of passwords. It was purely voluntary.

The subject of the idea of the RFID chip has been used in popular culture for many years now. The television show Dark Angel, staring a young Jessica Alba, featured the idea of a RFID-type barcode that was tattooed on the character’s necks in order to survive in a post-apocalyptic world.

Music videos such as Kesha’s “Take It Off” feature characters using an RFID tattoo on their hands and foreheads in order to get inside a nightclub to party.

Over the last 20 years, popular culture has been working overtime to promote the implantation of this chip as something appealing and trendy.

Is it beneficial for the public, and just how necessary is it?

Radio Frequency Identification is a technology that uses radio waves to automatically identify individuals and certain objects. One of the most common ways to identify individuals is using a serial number that is coded on the chip itself. The RFID chip is a tiny piece of hardware in which software is stored and can be accessed by computer systems.

According to Rose Eveleth of Popular Science, it uses technology similar to security card readers and an iPhone’s remote credit card pay feature. Many dogs and cats have an RFID chip implanted in them so that they can be found by their owners if they go missing.

Many people have already hopped on board to be RFID chipped. In Eveleth’s piece for Popular Science, she discusses her willingness to be implanted with an RFID chip, stating that she is neither very impressed with the capabilities of the chip so far nor regretful that she got the “rouge” implant in the first place.

Chart information provided by Dangerous Things


Eveleth states, “Today, the tiny scab has healed, and the device sits just below the surface of my skin, where it looks like a little pill poking up out of my hand. Often, when I tell people I have an RFID chip, they react with confusion and a tiny drop of horror.” ­­

The RFID chip can be used in a variety of ways, from opening doors at a home or office to
unlocking cars.

In terms of convenience, this almost sounds like a dream come true. Just imagine never having a set of car or house keys again. One would never have the horrific headache of tearing a house apart to find car keys ten minutes before work again.

As technology grows rapidly, soon the RFID chip will be able to store much larger amounts of information and may even be implanted in children so that a child is never lost again.

Imagine being able to place your hand near your phone and automatically unlock it. Oh, the convenience. RFID chips may also be used to help doctors locate and receive a patient’s medical information in times of an emergency.

“It will happen to everybody,” says Noelle Chesley, 49, associate professor of sociology at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. “But not this year, and not in 2018. Maybe not my generation, but certainly that of my kids.”­

The technology of the RFID chip is still being developed and many believe it will lead to even bigger and better things, but at what cost are we willing to look the other way in the name of convenience?

While the RFID chip as of right now is only optional, all factors point to a day coming soon when the chip will not be optional but mandatory.

Kathrine Albrecht, a privacy advocate specializing in consumer education and RFID technology
states, “Ultimately… the fear is that the government or your employer might someday say, ‘Take a chip or starve.’”



Monday, April 9, 2018

Downtown Fresno ArtHop everything you might think it is, and more!

Fresno residents have a sophisticated and fun adventure the first Thursday of every month with Downtown ArtHop.

Fresno City has gathered a collection of venues for it’s ArtHop event. There is a secondary event hosted on the third Thursday of every month. This is in North Fresno.

The Downtown ArtHop is a collection of different venues that span from the newly reconstructed Fulton Street all the way to the Tower District. Many local artists display their works. There is also an enormous amount of lively local music. Works of art are displayed and sold to the highest bidder.

Many people just enjoy gathering around to socialize and soak up the culture and atmosphere that ArtHop has to offer.

Adrian Cabral, an energy specialist, says that ArtHop isn’t about “viewing, but experiencing.” 

“Anyone can make anything and call it art. This is different from the north Fresno venues. Here there is a young and modern feel. It isn’t about just looking and viewing the art, but the experiences that come with it,” he states.

Many participating venues include the Jeffrey Scott Gallery, Gallery 25 and Fresno Ideaworks. Fresno City Hall even partakes in all the fun. The downtown’s old bank vault has been transformed to a modern lounge and cinema area.

A local favorite is the K Jewel Gallery, which is beyond posh and home to many of the valley’s radio stations. There, live music is played along with free wine and food. Fresno famous news anchor Kopi of KMPH FOX-26 also frequents the location.

Downtown ArtHop is the big city experience that Fresno has been sorely lacking. This event truly feels and looks like San Francisco.

In the Tower District, many shops and nightclubs display works of art. FAB, a community bar, even has a live painting session. The artist will come in for three hours and paint for the public to watch. What is created ends up being a masterpiece.

“It should be every Thursday,” Cabral states. “Through a long work week, it’s that Thursday night event that just gets you to Friday. It’s a kick off to the weekend.”

A great kick-off at that.


Tuesday, March 6, 2018

Witness This News...

Throughout my 5th semester at FCC, I will be posting news articles that I believe you will find both fascinating and intriguing. Keep you posted!