Hey guys,
I realize that not many will read this since class is over, but I caught up with a friend of mine from high school last night on facebook. He is a web designer and has created a site called Everyblock.
Everyblock put simply is a news feed for your block or neighborhood. Here is where we come in. They are not currently in Nashville, but if enough people submit they will build a Nashville site. Check it out at http://www.everyblock.com/.
Sarah
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Friday, May 1, 2009
Grab a webcam and give lifecasting a try
Posted by: Isabelle
By Chris Pirillo
(CNN) -- When I first heard of Justin.tv, I was insanely jealous. The idea was so brain-dead simple that a lot of people -- including me -- wondered how we hadn't come up with it first.
A self-admitted tech geek, Chris Pirillo is president of Lockergnome.com, a blogging network.
Nowadays, Justin.tv is a bustling hub of streaming video channels broadcast and viewed by dozens of thousands. But at its humble beginning only a few short years ago, it was really just one guy (Justin Kan) walking around San Francisco with a webcam strapped to his head.
It ran for 24 hours, seven days a week (barring technical difficulties), whether he was being interviewed by NPR or chowing down on a salad. It was like the "show about nothing" concept pitched by George Costanza and Jerry Seinfeld and made real -- and it took off instantly.
I guess it's like television or the rest of the Web: If someone is interested enough to do it, someone else will be interested enough to view it.
One might wonder about the sort of people so easily drawn into following such an experiment, but there were tons of us. Yes, I say "us" because I have to count myself among its first flock of fans. An unedited, human-eyed peek into the life of another person? Color me fascinated!
It reminds me of how we'd sit glued to MTV in the '80s because, even if we weren't interested in what was on at that very moment, we were constantly in suspense of what might come next. Even if you weren't all that interested in going round n' round with Ratt, you might hang out for a while to watch Thomas Dolby get blinded with science. Anything could happen.
Don't Miss
Watch Chris Pirillo on CNN.com Live
Chris.Pirillo.com
More Chris Pirillo on CNN.com
But suspense is only part of the equation when trying to make sense of the phenomenon that is reality entertainment. I think part of the appeal is that it inspires us with the feeling that we, too, can create and participate. It's an unscripted exercise ripe with the potential for adventure.
You don't have to be an award-winning playwright for a crack at having your voice heard by a sizeable audience. A tiny green fellow I once knew would be proud that it's become more popular to "do" than to "not do" or -- worse -- "try." Ah, Kermit. I wonder what he's up to these days?
Thus inspired, like many of you out there, I'm one of those people who took the initiative and decided to give this "lifecasting" thing a go. Much of my day is spent in front of a Web cam, interacting with my viewers in an IRC chat room.
We throw ideas around (usually tech-related, but conversation can meander off into matters of pet care and the intricacies of quantum knitting. You just never know) and I try to help people solve the computer problems that make them go "hmmm."
Over the years, I've found that troubleshooting is something I'm good at doing. Being available on the Web for hours every day lets me help more people than I would have been able to even just a few short years ago. Best of all? I like to do it! In another age, I could have been a black-lunged coal miner or a scurvy-withered prison ship navigator.
Yeah, I think I'll count my 21st-century blessings.
My joy at having found a calling in the modern world must carry across to computer monitors around the globe, because I'm constantly being asked by my viewers how they, too, can get their foot in the lifecasting door. The will's way's been paved; technology has adapted along with lifecasting's popularity and it's actually easier than ever to get started.
All you need is a webcam, a microphone, and an Internet connection. Many live streaming services are free for personal use, though don't rule out pre-recording videos when you're starting out to get the hang of things before making the plunge into 100% live lifecasting. I'm not trying to discourage anyone from jumping right in with both feet, but some people find comfort in cultivating their front-of-the-camera craft before going public, and that's fine.
Build your self-confidence and mind your mannerisms, but always expect the unexpected. You will get caught off guard now and again, regardless of how much preparation you think you've done -- and that's fine, too. It'll thicken your skin.
Interact with your viewers. This will thicken your skin even more, but you might be surprised at how supportive people can be if they like what you're doing.
Think about broadcasting social events, but always get permission. Don't shove a camera in someone's face if they're not expecting it.
If you're not intimidated by any of this, then go ahead and give lifecasting a try. Have a reason to do it, even if it's personal. Don't be afraid to be yourself. Most important: Have fun, and don't take yourself too seriously.
By Chris Pirillo
(CNN) -- When I first heard of Justin.tv, I was insanely jealous. The idea was so brain-dead simple that a lot of people -- including me -- wondered how we hadn't come up with it first.
A self-admitted tech geek, Chris Pirillo is president of Lockergnome.com, a blogging network.
Nowadays, Justin.tv is a bustling hub of streaming video channels broadcast and viewed by dozens of thousands. But at its humble beginning only a few short years ago, it was really just one guy (Justin Kan) walking around San Francisco with a webcam strapped to his head.
It ran for 24 hours, seven days a week (barring technical difficulties), whether he was being interviewed by NPR or chowing down on a salad. It was like the "show about nothing" concept pitched by George Costanza and Jerry Seinfeld and made real -- and it took off instantly.
I guess it's like television or the rest of the Web: If someone is interested enough to do it, someone else will be interested enough to view it.
One might wonder about the sort of people so easily drawn into following such an experiment, but there were tons of us. Yes, I say "us" because I have to count myself among its first flock of fans. An unedited, human-eyed peek into the life of another person? Color me fascinated!
It reminds me of how we'd sit glued to MTV in the '80s because, even if we weren't interested in what was on at that very moment, we were constantly in suspense of what might come next. Even if you weren't all that interested in going round n' round with Ratt, you might hang out for a while to watch Thomas Dolby get blinded with science. Anything could happen.
Don't Miss
Watch Chris Pirillo on CNN.com Live
Chris.Pirillo.com
More Chris Pirillo on CNN.com
But suspense is only part of the equation when trying to make sense of the phenomenon that is reality entertainment. I think part of the appeal is that it inspires us with the feeling that we, too, can create and participate. It's an unscripted exercise ripe with the potential for adventure.
You don't have to be an award-winning playwright for a crack at having your voice heard by a sizeable audience. A tiny green fellow I once knew would be proud that it's become more popular to "do" than to "not do" or -- worse -- "try." Ah, Kermit. I wonder what he's up to these days?
Thus inspired, like many of you out there, I'm one of those people who took the initiative and decided to give this "lifecasting" thing a go. Much of my day is spent in front of a Web cam, interacting with my viewers in an IRC chat room.
We throw ideas around (usually tech-related, but conversation can meander off into matters of pet care and the intricacies of quantum knitting. You just never know) and I try to help people solve the computer problems that make them go "hmmm."
Over the years, I've found that troubleshooting is something I'm good at doing. Being available on the Web for hours every day lets me help more people than I would have been able to even just a few short years ago. Best of all? I like to do it! In another age, I could have been a black-lunged coal miner or a scurvy-withered prison ship navigator.
Yeah, I think I'll count my 21st-century blessings.
My joy at having found a calling in the modern world must carry across to computer monitors around the globe, because I'm constantly being asked by my viewers how they, too, can get their foot in the lifecasting door. The will's way's been paved; technology has adapted along with lifecasting's popularity and it's actually easier than ever to get started.
All you need is a webcam, a microphone, and an Internet connection. Many live streaming services are free for personal use, though don't rule out pre-recording videos when you're starting out to get the hang of things before making the plunge into 100% live lifecasting. I'm not trying to discourage anyone from jumping right in with both feet, but some people find comfort in cultivating their front-of-the-camera craft before going public, and that's fine.
Build your self-confidence and mind your mannerisms, but always expect the unexpected. You will get caught off guard now and again, regardless of how much preparation you think you've done -- and that's fine, too. It'll thicken your skin.
Interact with your viewers. This will thicken your skin even more, but you might be surprised at how supportive people can be if they like what you're doing.
Think about broadcasting social events, but always get permission. Don't shove a camera in someone's face if they're not expecting it.
If you're not intimidated by any of this, then go ahead and give lifecasting a try. Have a reason to do it, even if it's personal. Don't be afraid to be yourself. Most important: Have fun, and don't take yourself too seriously.
Keeping the joystick dream alive
Posted by: Isabelle
Graphics are good, but I still love the Atari. The joystick was a litle difficult if you didn't know how to move it just right!
Please follow the link below:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/8024182.stm
Graphics are good, but I still love the Atari. The joystick was a litle difficult if you didn't know how to move it just right!
Please follow the link below:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/8024182.stm
YouTube helps man deliver baby
from: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/8028625.stm
posted by: Isabelle
An engineer in Cornwall delivered his baby son after watching a instructional video on YouTube.
Marc Stephens watched the videos as a precaution when his wife Jo started to feel some discomfort.
Four hours later, his wife went into labour and started giving birth before an ambulance could arrive at their home in Redruth.
"I Googled how to deliver a baby, watched a few videos and basically swotted up," Mr Stephens told the BBC.
Jo Stephens said they had planned a home birth, but not quite in this manner.
"I woke up and realised I was having contractions every five minutes," Mrs Stephens said.
"I woke Marc up and we phoned the midwife, but they were all so busy they couldn't come round to our house and told us to call an ambulance. But before it arrived, it all started."
Preparation
A few hours earlier, Mr Stephens has been reading up on home births and how to cope with anything unexpected.
"The videos gave me peace of mind. I think I would have coped, but watching videos made things much easier."
One of the videos was called 'How to deliver a baby in a car'
Mr Stephens said his wife was on all fours when he saw the head starting to come out.
"This is our fourth child now and while for our first I spent most of the time at my wife's head, now I'm not afraid to go down to the business end.
"I was still on the phone to the midwife and told her that 'this is it'," he said.
Mr Stephens said he felt no panic, putting his ability to stay calm down to his Royal Navy training.
After delivering the 5lbs 5oz boy, Gabriel, the Stephens went to the Royal Cornwall Hospital at Treliske, where both mother and baby got a clean bill of health.
posted by: Isabelle
An engineer in Cornwall delivered his baby son after watching a instructional video on YouTube.
Marc Stephens watched the videos as a precaution when his wife Jo started to feel some discomfort.
Four hours later, his wife went into labour and started giving birth before an ambulance could arrive at their home in Redruth.
"I Googled how to deliver a baby, watched a few videos and basically swotted up," Mr Stephens told the BBC.
Jo Stephens said they had planned a home birth, but not quite in this manner.
"I woke up and realised I was having contractions every five minutes," Mrs Stephens said.
"I woke Marc up and we phoned the midwife, but they were all so busy they couldn't come round to our house and told us to call an ambulance. But before it arrived, it all started."
Preparation
A few hours earlier, Mr Stephens has been reading up on home births and how to cope with anything unexpected.
"The videos gave me peace of mind. I think I would have coped, but watching videos made things much easier."
One of the videos was called 'How to deliver a baby in a car'
Mr Stephens said his wife was on all fours when he saw the head starting to come out.
"This is our fourth child now and while for our first I spent most of the time at my wife's head, now I'm not afraid to go down to the business end.
"I was still on the phone to the midwife and told her that 'this is it'," he said.
Mr Stephens said he felt no panic, putting his ability to stay calm down to his Royal Navy training.
After delivering the 5lbs 5oz boy, Gabriel, the Stephens went to the Royal Cornwall Hospital at Treliske, where both mother and baby got a clean bill of health.
Movie Piracy Follow-Up
Happy Friday everyone! Here is an article that follows up what Lori posted earlier about the piracy of X-Men Wolverine. This problem may get worse before it gets better!
Can Movie Piracy be Stopped?
Ginger
Concerns over rapid growth of the WEB
This is a pretty interesting article about the consequences of the rapid growth of web users.
Ted
http://technology.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/tech_and_web/the_web/article6169488.ece?print=yes&randnum=1241117547057
Ted
http://technology.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/tech_and_web/the_web/article6169488.ece?print=yes&randnum=1241117547057
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Brain Orchestra's World Premiere
Musicians use their brain waves to play computer-generated notes while led by an 'emotional conductor' in Prague.
Lori
Lori
ABC to Add Its Shows To Videos On Hulu
Three of the four big broadcast networks now own stakes in Hulu, the popular video Web site.
LINK
Lori
I Quit, Twitter!
So maybe everyone doesn't share my enthusiasm for twitter :(
http://tech.yahoo.com/news/ap/20090430/ap_on_hi_te/us_tec_techbit_twitter_quitters
Angela Branch
http://tech.yahoo.com/news/ap/20090430/ap_on_hi_te/us_tec_techbit_twitter_quitters
Angela Branch
Go almost 1500 miles on one tank of gas!
Man Hybrids Are Getting Exclusive!
http://www.wired.com/autopia/2009/04/ford-hybrid-goes-1445-miles-on-one-tank/
Angela Branch
Somewhere between an iPhone and a MacBook....
http://www.cnn.com/2009/TECH/ptech/04/29/cnet.apple.mobile.computer/index.html
Check out this article...Rex Hammock predicted this months ago on his blog....... http://www.rexblog.com/2009/04/28/19386
Lisa Wagner-Rappe
Check out this article...Rex Hammock predicted this months ago on his blog....... http://www.rexblog.com/2009/04/28/19386
Lisa Wagner-Rappe
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
General Mills Connects with Social Media Moms
article from Mashable......it is refreshing to see companies open to connecting with their customers.
I'm about to go on a tangent: I recently had to change jobs and currently work for Countrywide (actually, the merger with Bank of America became official on April 27th). It amazes me how unprepared the company was to handle the "refinance boom". 60 - 80 days to close a loan. Information sent to customers via email is very limited. Systems are archaic. The hierarchy is "old school".... there was a reason why I wanted to leave the corporate environment in my early 20s.... 12 years later, it's still the same BS!
http://www.facebook.com/ext/share.php?sid=94994638713&h=GcCWH&u=idZWf&ref=nf
Sadiqua
I'm about to go on a tangent: I recently had to change jobs and currently work for Countrywide (actually, the merger with Bank of America became official on April 27th). It amazes me how unprepared the company was to handle the "refinance boom". 60 - 80 days to close a loan. Information sent to customers via email is very limited. Systems are archaic. The hierarchy is "old school".... there was a reason why I wanted to leave the corporate environment in my early 20s.... 12 years later, it's still the same BS!
http://www.facebook.com/ext/share.php?sid=94994638713&h=GcCWH&u=idZWf&ref=nf
Sadiqua
Critical Alert: The Swine Flu Pandemic – Fact or Fiction?
An article by Dr. Mercola, it references the use of "Google Maps Swine Flu Tracker"
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2009/04/29/Swine-Flu.aspx
Sadiqua
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2009/04/29/Swine-Flu.aspx
Sadiqua
Google Public Data
I don't know about any of you, but whenever I try to find information on a government website, city or state, it takes a miracle for me to find what I am looking for. I always wonder if they trying to make it hard or they just don't have the right web programmers setting up the websites. Maybe Google Public Data will help shorten the never ending searches. I will certainly be giving it a try next time.
Ginger
Google Unveils New Tool
Ginger
Google Unveils New Tool
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Wake up, social media users, we're crushing our creation
Just look at the numbers: YouTube is the third most visited website in the world, according to web monitor Alexa. Twitter, according to Nielsen Online, has grown 2,565 per cent in the past year alone, while Facebook announced it has surpassed 200 million users.
LINK
Lori
Apple -- 1 billion downloads in 9 months!
Apple.com home page shows that there have been 1 billion application downloads in the past 9 months. How impressive is that?
My boss and his wife (formerly with Countrywide, now Bank of America) had an application called "iSneeze" approved by Apple. It makes me think of the opportunities we have available to us -- how much easier it is to "make it happen!"
Sadiqua
My boss and his wife (formerly with Countrywide, now Bank of America) had an application called "iSneeze" approved by Apple. It makes me think of the opportunities we have available to us -- how much easier it is to "make it happen!"
Sadiqua
BW, NYT confirm Apple-Verizon talks; "media pad" in the works
Another device in the works.... I'm excited about this one because I'm locked in with Verizon until Feb next year and haven't found a phone really worth upgrading to w/them.
http://tech.yahoo.com/blogs/patterson/48295
Sadiqua
http://tech.yahoo.com/blogs/patterson/48295
Sadiqua
Does Twitter Create Fear?
Although Twitter is great for communicating information quickly, on the flip side it can also communicate misinformation quickly. In these situations it is probably better to listen to the experts and not all the tweets flying around about the swine flu (or any other national situation). It seems to me this would only create more panic about it. As the article talks about, the bad news is always going to spread faster than the good news.
Ginger
Swine Flu creates controversy on Twitter
Cybersquatting: The Dark Side Of Social Networking
Social networking sites such as Twitter and Facebook have often struggled to validate the identities of those who sign up for their services. "Cybersquatters" are using such sites sometimes to make a profit, and sometimes with malicious intentions.
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=103509111
Jasmine
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=103509111
Jasmine
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