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Volume 3 Number 11
• On The Desk Top • NW News • Feature • TechNews • Events • Careers • JobsNW |
This section is devoted to information of specific interest to those working in the fields of TV, Film, and Multimedia. It includes news, tips, publication links, announcements, and other resources that have recently come across the editor's desktop. • Student Photographer Questioned by Authorities. Beware of where you point your camera's lens these days. Photographing bridges, railroads, factories, dams, and other such sites may draw attention from the police and the Department of Homeland Security. Ian Spiers, a photography student at a Seattle's Shoreline Community College, was out completing a class assignment when he learned what a growing number of other photographers have, what you photograph may be of interest to authorities. According to an Associate Press article, Ian Spiers was photographing a scene at the Hiram M. Chittenden Locks that allow ships to pass between Seattle's Lake Union and Elliott Bay. An officer stopped Spiers to ask what he was doing. He showed the officer his class assignment and the officer went away. Soon, however, "...several armed officers approached him, including three from the Seattle Police Department and three from the federal Homeland Security Department." The article notes that Spiers was asked to show his ID. The Homeland Security officer said he had broken the law by taking pictures of a federal facility. The American Civil Liberties Union said they are unaware of such a law. Spiers has "...stoped short of suggesting that he was a victim of racil profiling..", but he would like to know if he was hasseled because his "...mochacolored skin and short black hair made him look like a potential terrorist." According to the article, others around the country have been hasseled because of their photographing public facilities. "The National Press Photographers Association has gotten numerous reports from members who say they've been hassled by police more frequently since Sept. 11, 2001." You can read more:
• If you are a web designer its important to know which browsers your end users prefer given that a browsers provide the final display or look of a web page. As one might suspect,Microsoft's Internet Explorer has dominated the Web browser market for sometime. It currently is used by 95.05% of those who use the web. Other browsers include Netscape (3.73%), Safari (0.65%), Opera (0.53%) and other browsers (0.03%). Source: Associated Press newspaper reports. • The use of Internet Explorere, Outlook, or Outlook Express should be avoided according to the University of Oregon Computing News article, "The Art of Computer Security: How You Can Protect Your Little Corner of the Network," by Jon Miyake. The author notes that these programs "...have a track record of being viral vectors and/or enablers." The author suggests alternatives for Internet Explorer include, "...Netscape, Mozilla, Firefox, and Opera." Source: Computing News, Spring 2004, page 17. (PDF) • Individuals deciding on a web hosting site may want to visit the Web Host Coach site. This Canadian site contains tips, site reviews, and advice about the issues establishing a web host for your web site or that of a client. The site also contains a FAQ section, articles about web hosting and a caution that you need to read the fine print when signing up for a web host. • Are you a multimedia student in search of financial assitance? There are many sites on the web that provide a free service for finding scholarships, including those oddball, obscure, sources of funding. Two free sources recently recommend in an article on web sites and scholarships suggested FastWeb and FinAid that are subsidiaries of Monster.com. Both sites ask a lot of questions about you in order to match you with possible scholarships, but be aware of what information you provide and read all privacy statements. • If you are interested in collaborative writing and art the 1000 Journals project site, started in August, 2000, may be a place to visit. The site documents nearly 1000 journals in circulation that contain the writings and art work of people all over the world. At the site you can view scans of these collaborative efforts, or find instructions on how to participate. • First Look Rentals is a new website that rents and sells unreleased independent films on DVD.The website uses internet rental-by-mail technology to distribute independent films directly to audiences. DVDs rent for $3.99 to $4.99, depending on length, and arrive in two-way postpaid envelopes. Viewers can keep the discs for up to a week. DVDs can also be purchased. "Our goal is to build a better way to connect films with audiences," says First Look Rentals founder Nick Lawrence, whose ackground is in software development and filmmaking. "Online DVD rental is the perfect way to distribute independent film because it's cheaper and wider-reaching than anything else available today." Filmmakers earn a generous percentage of each rental and sale made through the site. They are also allowed to opt out of the agreement at any time, leaving the door open for major distribution deals. "We're trying to offer terms that are as filmmaker-friendly as possible," says Lawrence. Contact: Portland • Go Digital, is a weekly BBC World Service programme that looks at how technology is changing our lives. Each week the world of digital technology is explored in all its forms. These are web broadcasts which can be seen/heard on Monday at 1500 GMT. Or, you can access the web archive to choose audio or video with audio options. Go Digital has an interesting three year collection of material for those interested in technology. Source: BBC News. • Apple's CEO Steve Jobs previewed "Tiger," on June 28 at Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference 2004. "Tiger," is the next major release of Mac OS X, with more than 150 new features. Watch the keynote address online. • Photographers will find the MSN site, "This Week In Pictures" an inspiring stop on the internet. Some of the world's news pictures for the past few years can be screened. • Health tip: Is Your Monitor a Pain in the Neck? A computer monitor should be positioned directly in front of the user, about an arms length away. The top of the screen, for a 19" or smaller monitor, should be approximately 1" below eye level, but can be lower for bifocal or trifocal wearers. For a 20" or larger monitor, eye level should usually be 2"-3" below the top of the screen (possibly lower for bifocal or trifocal wearers). Monitor height can be adjusted by using monitor risers, an adjustable monitor arm or even a telephone book or ream of paper. The above information is general ergonomic advice and recommendations may vary for each person's specific needs
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