Five Little Known Facts About The Pentagon

Andrew Pontbriand

The Pentagon to most people is simply the headquarters of the United States Department of Defense. This megalithic structure and its 5,100,00 feet of reinforced concrete, with 17 miles of hallway corridors remains as one of the world's largest office buildings on the planet. However, there are some facts the public are completely unaware of about the Pentagon.

1. The Pentagon was Constructed on Hell's Bottom

During the Civil War, a settlement known as Freedman’s Village sprung up on Robert E. Lee’s former estate, as escaped slaves made their way to the non-Union held territory. After the war these settlements became communities in an area known as Hell's Bottom. When planners decided where they wanted to construct the Pentagon, it was first decided to be built East of Arlington Cemetery. However, they were told specifically they must build it on Hell's Bottom, which later became known as East Arlington. Brigadier General Brehon Somervell, was told directly By Franklin Delano Roosevelt to have it constructed on that very spot. The Government evicted the community of 150 families, and appropriated the land.

Biometrics: Taking a Bite out of Apple

Andrew Pontbriand

The wireless age has grown leaps and bounds since the turn of the new millennium. From big square cellphones, to flip phones, to the new touch screen phones that can access the Internet wherever service is available. However, communications just went 'Back to the Future'; 1984 to be exact, and was secretly given over to Big Brother.

Apple's new iPhone 5s will come in many colors, and with a brand new feature; Touch ID. Touch ID uses biometrics technology so users can scan their fingerprints to better lock their phones, and make purchases in Apple stores. For most, this seemingly harmless feature is just that; harmless. But for privacy advocates, and those who understand the direction we are heading in, our biggest fears were realized.

In the digital age, wireless technology, and biometrics are increasingly becoming one. It should be no surprise that Apple was the first to get their hands on the biometrics technology and incorporate it into its new phone.