I kinda hate to admit it but one of my favourite foods is donuts. I guess in this day and age it is not the ‘in-thing” to be a lover of such a health-unfriendly consumable. As long as I can remember I’ve enjoyed a fresh chocolate dip donut or french crueller. When I was young I had them with milk but as an adult I can think of almost nothing better than a donut and a hot steaming cup of coffee. I’m salivating just writing about them now.

Many people don’t know this but October has been designated as National Donut Month.

I am not sure where that started but one of the links I found on the internet claims that it was back in 1929 in America. I had no idea (but was pleasantly surprised) that October was such a great month. I only discovered this association with donuts when a friend of mine gave me a tin card of an American War Poster. It said October was National Donut Month. Wahoo!!!

When I was young I remember being introduced to them by my parents when we used to go out on Saturday mornings to the local ‘Mister Donut’ bakery for a dozen fresh donuts. It was the best! Mister Donut is no longer around but the ubiquitous Tim Hortons establishment has taken its place very nicely.

It is amazing how this chain has grown, especially in the last few years. A friend of mine remembered moving out here from Ontario in the early 90′s and you’d be hard pressed to find a donut shop of any kind let alone a Tim Hortons. Now you can find them everywhere so I guess I really shouldn’t feel bad about my favourite food.

About 5 years ago I discovered another donut chain that increased (I didn’t think that possible) my interest in this culinary delight. I tried my first Krispy Kreme donut at an outlet in Issaquah, WA. After that I was hooked. I had never heard of but I noticed whenever I went by the store there was literally a line-up out the door. In fact on weekends they had some sort of uniformed police or guard directing traffic because the drive-thru window was so snarled with cars. In my opinion, you haven’t lived unless you’ve tried one of their complimentary original glazed donuts hot and fresh off the rack. The deal is that if the KK sign is lit up outside, they are baking donuts and you are given a free one as you wait in line to purchase.

Alas, with the low-carb diet craze and questionable accounting practices, KK has not fared well. I go down to the Seattle area fairly regularly and usually stop by the outlet in Burlington. Back in the heyday, I used to get a complimentary donut pretty much any time I stopped. Now I rarely do which proves how much they have fallen.

Hopefully Krispy Kreme will rise out of the mud and re-establish itself in the forefront of the donut empire. In the mean time I suspect Tim Hortons will have a long and successful reign here in Canada. Thank goodness!

On that fateful day I was introduced to the ultimate record industry nemesis: Napster. This music sharing software turned the music industry on its head.

Over the years, as the issues of intellectual property and copyright have played out in the courts and in public opinion, the practices of the RIAA (Recording Industry Association of America) and the big 5 music labels (Sony, EMI, UMG, Time Warner, & BMG) have come into question.

It became clear that these entities were not the “innocent victims” that they portrayed themselves to be. One outstanding example of this is their settling with the FTC (Federal Trade Commission) when they agree to abandon their advertising pricing policies. These policies allegedly artificially inflated prices and coerced retailers to sell at higher prices. In a sense there was a cartel formed by the 5 music labels which in effect wielded a lot of power and influence at the consumer’s expense.

Things got so bad that websites starting popping up against the

recording industry.

One of the most prominent being Boycott the . This site outlines many of the transgressions by the music industry and the association.

When the popularity of Napster became clear, rather than embracing and working with this new technology, the record industry decided to fight tooth and nail to crush it. They brought court actions not only on Napster but on the ‘little guy’ who used the software. At that time it wasn’t even clear what the laws were and if people were indeed doing something illegal. The industry, however, has a lot of money and, in my opinion, were abusing their power going after “Ma and Pa” when their kid was downloading and uploading songs on their computer. This type of bullying is why the industry started looking bad and why the music industry went into a tailspin. Only now, thanks to Apple and iTunes, is it starting to recover.

What the industry should have spent their time and money on was to embrace the new technology and create a model similar to iTunes (and the new Napster for that matter). I think they would have been far ahead of the game going down that road. Instead they spend probably millions of dollars over 10 or more years fighting a battle that still hasn’t been resolved.

In the end I feel it didn’t have to become such an acrimonious relationship had the music industry not been so narrow minded. Personally, the whole affair has turned me off the commercial music scene. I rarely, if ever, purchase any type of music anymore or listen to mainstream radio music stations. I mainly listen to internet music radio. Alas I think the recording industry still has not learned because they are now lobbying to increase the song levies for internet music streaming sites to the point that it will probably close them all down. Hopefully the courts will be the voice or reason and not cow-tow to the industry.

It is sad because the industry doesn’t see the marketing aspect of all this. Many people buy the music and/or CD’s after downloading or hearing them on the net. I think the industry definitely missed the boat but I think their arrogance told them to not even try to get on

The fist thing you receive just before you board is you personal ‘access’ card. This card is multifunctional. It is the ‘key’; to your cabin; it is your access to the ship when you come and go at the different ports and it is you credit card for any purchases you make on the ship. On the lo-tech side, it even acts as a basic ID card. The card is digitally encoded with your personal information which allows it to be very versatile and also makes it very valuable. You don’t want to be losing it.

We went to an interesting presentation by one of the ship’s officers who outlined all the technology involved in making, running, maintaining, and navigating the ship. There are back-up systems on back-up systems which is re-assuring. It is amazing how everything is computerized and automated. The bridge is basically a large bank of buttons and computer screens. There is still a steering wheel but I think it is mainly for the nostalgia aspect. I don’t know how functional it really is.

There is a ‘JumboTron’ screen outside in one of the 3 pool areas. Here you can watch sports from the satellite feed and feature films that are broadcast.

You can even see how the ship is doing on the world wide web:

http://www.princess.com/bridgecams/cb/caribbean_bridgecam.html

The webcam opens up in a separate window so you can keep it on your desktop to keep track of the ship all day as you work. My brother-in-law did that after his return so he could relive the trip vicariously.

Of course you can keep in touch with friends, family, and business associates when you log into the ship’s internet services. There is a fee of course and the speed isn’t the greatest since it is satellite (56kbps on our ship) but it is nice to keep in touch with the world even when you’re out in the middle of the ocean. There is even wireless service so you can log on using your own laptop.

Nowadays technology is encroaching on your everyday life, sometimes, without you even being aware. You can’t even get away from it when you take a vacation. But that’s OK by me. I can’t get enough of it.

As the holidays are nearing, loose ends need attention before the year is over.  So little time and so much to do.The panic and rush to get everything prepared before leaving for the holidays is a job in itself.  My biggest dilemma besides completing my assignments is whether to purchase a Mac Notebook Pro or a PC Laptop.  I’ve never in my time working out in the corporate field had an opportunity to use a Mac.  At BCIT, I am currently enrolled in the New Media Digital Program. The program works with the Mac OS which has uncovered a different world between the two operating systems. I’ve spent countless hours doing research for the perfect, faultless, do-everything-I-need laptop or notebook.  I found this study quite humorous with the commercials that Mac produced which enlighted my search: Check out the additional Mac/PC ads. 

Here’s a very interesting article “Quote from PC World “about their findings when testing which is the fastest Windows Vista Notebook, Mac vs. PC?“The fastest Windows Vista notebook we’ve tested this year is a Mac. Try that again: The fastest Windows Vista notebook we’ve tested this year–or for that matter, ever–is a Mac. Not a Dell, not a Toshiba, not even an Alien ware. The $2419 (plus the price of a copy of Windows Vista, of course) Mac Book Pro’s PC World Bench 6 Beta 2 score of 88 beats Gateway’s E-265M by a single point, but the Mac Book’s score is far more impressive simply because Apple couldn’t care less whether you run Windows. Some related information from Consumer Reports that are of interest in reading:

·         Review: Apple’s latest iMacs

·        Buying Advice: How to choose an operating system

·         The best laptops and desktops

·         Buying advice: Desktop PCs & Mac computers

On another note, there are more than 300 new features in Leopard, some of them significant. Here are several of the most salient: Desktop updatesn,  Enhanced user interface, Improved and expanded utilities Some of PC’s new features in Vista are significant also:  Preview pane with extra large icon views Tablet and touch screen computers Backup and, only Vista Home Premium or Ultimate Edition Here is a link you can also view a chart for a side by side comparison of both operating systems: http://www.engadget.com/2007/10/27/leopard-vs-vista-feature-chart-showdown  

Evaluating reviews after reviews between Mac Vs and the PC,  Leopard Vs Vista,  there’s no question that both systems are advanced,  and qualified to get jobs done.   Appreciating that there will always be a rival between the two, the question that would validate my decision is  “How will one of these operating systems simplify my life?”

Who would have imaged a country in Central America could be just like home?  My husband and I fell in love with the countries’ confidence, culture, splendour of what our customed lifestyles.   Traveling to Panama for the second time we were amazed with the amount of investment prospects and incentives the Panamanian Government is willing to hand out to foreign investors or retirees.   The country is new, vibrant and full of life.  It has maintained some of its heritage with the Kuna Indians, but also has welcomed the influence of North America and Europe.  The Kuna Indians, the original Panamanians are wide spread throughout the San Blas Islands in Panama which still remain remote.   

Casco Viejo,

The antique City, gives off historic charm in an uptown setting.  Exceptional views of ships leaving the Panama Canal destined for the Pacific or Atlantic Ocean. 

As we know it today, Casco Viejo was established in 1673 as a tourist area and now the oldest serving colony in Panama.  The buildings and homes include illustrative designs that have been echoed from the French and early Spanish architecture.

Casco Viejo employs true spirit and basis to Panama’s uniqueness as a country.  It’s where the wrought-iron balconies, cascading flowers and cobblestone streets sigh with

voices of the past that entice the voices of the present to dream for the future. 

Panama is attracting the Latin neighbours, North America and Asian investors.  Weather you are seeing to relocate, invest or merely to retire, Panama has a range of opportunities.  The investment incentives have given an investor or retiree a piece of paradise at a fraction of the price.  Retirees are flocking towards the real estate market in Panama.  

fAQS

Panama is the second largest international banking center in the world next to Switzerland.

The US dollar is Panama’s legal currency.

No property taxes on new construction for investors.

Panamain Government welcomes and gives great incentive programs for forigners to purchase or develop businesses or real estate.

Panama does not experience natural disaters such as hurricanes, earthquakes.

PANAMA – New Tax-Incentive and Visa Program for Multinational Businesses

Press Releases

 

The Canal was handed back to Panama on December 31, 1999 after the struggle with the U.S. ended.    Today the canal is a source of economic growth for the country.  The expansion of the canal has started this year and to be completed in 2025. 

               

“Known mostly for its Canal, Panama is in fact an undiscovered tourist paradise”
Boston Globe1230

I didn’t ask myself what  it would be like to struggle with projects due back to back, exams and homework.  My only thought and goal was to change my career.  I’m now surrounded by students less than half my age, and  caring for a parent that requires medical attention?  

What was I thinking?  I wasn’t thinking about STRESS or lack of time.     Firstly, what’s with all the students right out of high school? As I recall, after high school I had a job, not only a job, but a government job that paid better than the average person who was working for the last 10 years. After high-school I wanted to get as far away from school, never to return.  lol    I wasn’t sure what I was going to do with my life, but I certainly knew that I enjoyed the pay cheques that gave me freedom.    My next full- time job was a ‘do nothing job’ at TELUS. The salary was more than I ever expected for a Sales Support Clerical position.  I enjoyed it for the first few years, but then my brain became numb.

Even though I now made more than the average person working at TELUS, I was bored.  I never  earned a college or university degree seeing that I stayed away from school.   I  finally caved and took some Business Management part time courses, but, knew I didn’t want to  pursue it as a career. But now I’m in my 40’s, early 40’s and wonder if I had made a mistake with my choices in life.  I finally had the courage to investigate my interests, not only my needs but also my wants.  It took courage, time and effort, but I knew I had the passion to proceed in Digital Media.  After enduring bias opinions, in depth considerations, discussions with family and friends, this only  confirmed  my decision into what I wanted to accomplish with my life. I am currently enrolled at BCIT, New Media Digital Design Program. 

 Did I know what I was getting  into?  NO, definitely not. Do I stay up at all hours of the night to finish assignments?  Yes, I definitely do.  I’m I enjoying the experience?  DEFINITELY!  I’ve been overwhelmed and stressed with assignments, memorizing information that is forgein to me and worried that I’m not giving it 110% of time and effort.   But, I keep on going. I don’t even want to think about the  questions that follow after the year is up:  What and where do I go after I’ve completed the program with honors?  Do I want to be employed by an employer?  If not, can I make it as a Free Lancer?    

“Life is short, life is sweet, make it as your will” 

Was this yesterday or today? I ran across this interesting article in What’s New?

“At the World Climate Conference in Geneva this week, the United States blocked consensus on specific goals for reduction of carbon dioxide emission. As What’s New predicted a month ago, the US sided with such backward nations as China and the Soviet Union, and oil producers like Venezuela and Saudi Arabia. Our traditional allies, Western European nations, Canada Japan, New Zealand and Australia, said they could cut emissions through energy efficiency measures at no net cost. A German study even concludes they can make money — selling energy-saving technologies to backward countries like the US. John Knauss, the head of NOAA who led the US delegation, contended the revised Clean Air Act would lead to significant CO2 reductions, but a recent estimate from EPA put the reduction at only about 2%.” 1990

No doubt that the earth is in a progression of rising heat because the earth goes through heating and warming cycles on its own. Glance back thousands of years ago to the ice age when the earth cooled down to allow glaciers to coat half of North America. No matter what we do, the earth is going to it’s nataural course of action.

My next subject was searching for types of technology used for special effects. Spending more hours than I should of, I’ve come up with a vast amount of information. Ever wonder how Harry Potter flew in the quid ditch game? Baffled on how Spider Man swung around from building to building? The phenomenon of recreating dinosaurs? Special Effects, visually entertain hundreds of millions of people every day in theaters and in your own home. When the TV was introduced, the effects were produced inside the camera, or an illusion was created with smoke and mirrors to trick the audiences. Special Effects are both an art and science. The science requires identification with audio-visual sensory parts of your body and brain perceive, as the art works as the thought out use to fool brains. Television is one of the most powerful sources of media of our time. You are able to view sports, news, entertainment, advertisements and movies. An average person will spend three hours glued to the TV.

The History of Special Effects

Visual Special Effects dated as far back as the 1700′s1700′s Special Effects

Two way mirrors with sheet.

Principle of Motion:

Principle of a motion picture is based on the observable fact of “Persistence of Vision” Without persistence of vision, motion pictures wouldn’t exist. Our eyes can only preserve a picture for about a fraction of a second after seeing it. Before, the time expires, another similar image is shown in its place, and our eyes see it as a continuation of the first picture. Therefore, losing the gap between the two images. The term is called” Progressively incrementing action” which is flashed before our eyes in a rapid sequence and our eyes see it as a scene, a smooth flowing motion.
My Web Communication class at BCIT, has released gateways into a vast diversified world of Digital Media. Every week I attend, I am advancing myself into a globe of digital form. It’s frightening, but exhilarating! The possibilities of creating something from nothing leaves me speechless. My views and outlooks in media are diverse in a sense that “is that real?” Sometimes you sit back staring at your TV and asking which of those people are real? Are all the actors in a TV movie virtual?
I’m at the end of week three in the New Media Program. I’ve covered What is a Blog and History of New Media. How do I feel? Overloaded with assignments, Overloaded with information. On a better note, it’s starting to sink in.

1957 – 2007

Influential artistic pioneers have made a huge impact on today’s Digital Design, view more at http://www.artmuseum.net/w2vr/timeline/Paik.html Many enthusiasts of today’s multimedia shy away from attempts to recognize a leading theme behind the materialization of this medium. Keeping that in mind, reading and researching that sentence has taken my inquisitiveness to expand my knowledge seeing that I will be within this realm. My certainty – is that they were the product of premeditated intent on the part of multimedia’s pioneers, who were aiming for quite logical goals. I’ve come up with five key concepts primarily to digital forms of multimedia; Integration, Interactivity, Hypermedia, immersion and Narrative. Integration: in computer science, allows data from one device or software to be read or manipulated by another, resulting in ease of use Interactivity: technologies where humans and animals are able to interact with and change the course of an artwork. Hypermedia: elements of an extended hypertext system in which all elements are linked so that the user can move between them at will .Immersion: is the state where you cease to be aware of your physical self. It is frequently accompanied by intense focus, distorted sense of time and effortless action Narrative: In film theory, narrative refers to the processes by which a story is both presented by the filmmaker and interpreted by the viewer. The term must be distinguished from narrative, which refers to the story itself.There are extensive amounts of resources to further investigate the History of Multi Media. (Too many to list) But, what does the future hold? Where will we be and what will we be able to do? Frightening? Or Progression? When I look around, I perceive a world, looking through a Looking Glass with fantasies of being transported into another world through the vast growth of human-computer interactivity. To a realm, a primal desire of virtual desire. What do you see in the Looking Glass?

I was never big writing in journals or documenting a daily. I would start one and then maybe make an entry a year later. It’s come to my attention that a blog is a common-place journal or diary kept on the web. Why? Was my first question, why would I want anyone else reading what my personal thoughts where?

Douglas Rushkoff’s Media Virus, Greg Ruggiero of the Immediast Underground is quoted as saying, “Media is a corporate possession…You cannot participate in the media.” So, is every blog out there excluding the corporate blogs meaningful? Will our words actually make reactions in the world? Bringing that into the foreground was the first step. The second step is to define the difference between public and audience. An audience is passive; a public is participatory. Are we blogging for the public or do we want an audience? Do we want to rant and rave and not care who is reading it or do we want to make movements, show with action and not just keeping a journal where the whole world could critic it?

After researching feed back, why blogs were established, I’ve come to the conclusion that there are many advantages in sharing your thoughts, criticisms, information, etc. whether it may be personal or it may not be, you’re exposed!. You can search for other bloggers who share the same interests, problems, it’s an inexpensive way to write advertisements, publish articles, and many more actions, and pretty much anything goes. No standards have yet evolved to govern their use.
After extensive research, I found corporations are using blogs for commercial purposes, anywhere you can market, sell and advertise they are in there like dirty shirts.
It seems it’s very easy to create and maintain a blog. There are many websites and Weblogs to assist, and give tutorials. For example; www.workpress.com, www.blogger.com or www.livejournal.com to name a few. Each of these services allows you to crate blogs on its servers. When you do this your blog’s address will be displayed as www.consthearist.wordpress.com.

In conclusion to my first entry I ask all you Blogers in the World Wide Web,

“Are weblogs created for Meaning or Purpose?”