January 30th, 2006 Rachel
In yet another step toward their eventual world domination, six universities are the first to try out an expanded iTunes service, where "course lectures and other educational materials" are made available. Some of the schools had already offered podcasts before the Apple deal, but Apple is offering complimentary software and service packages. Cool!
I’ve done the online lecture thing. It’s not easy. Our prof tried to make it as interesting as possible and divided up what would have been a 2 hour lecture intotwo 45 minute chunks, but it was still difficult at times to keep focused. But there were a couple things that made it easier:
1) His face was there, on the screen, as a focus point should you need it. I’m not sure if all these students are getting Video iPods, but I think not having this option could be frustrating to some. Depends on the person and it would be nice to have the option.
2) We had a time limit on how long each one was posted. And we could only stream the lectures, not download them. It’s way too easy to say, "meh, I’ll listen to it later…" when you have that option, which quickly turns into the end of the semester and none of the lectures have been listened to.
3) Lectures aren’t enough - some live interaction really helps to cement that information dump. I’ve also done one psych course that was *completely* correspondence - the only time I saw anyone was at the exam. Other than studying 2 nights before to 10 minutes before the exam, I hardly cracked a book or practiced anything. This isn’t learning, this is memorization and regurgatation.
But…for me it was really great to have this option because it meant one less time I had to drive there and back (30 min each way, without traffic). It also meant I didn’t have to pay for parking. It also meant that I could listen to the lecture at 12pm, 12am or any time in between. I could also stop, rewind, get up and go to the bathroom, write down an important quote etc.
It’s a double edged sword with lots of benefits but a few downsides that are avoidable (if you’re aware of them and you care a bit about marks). I would *love* to be able to listen to my lectures while going for a walk, or refer back to a lecture or two (or all) when exam time rolls around. Almost worth extending the undergrad for if this comes to York….hahahaha, just kidding.
Posted in Issues, Learning, Tech | No Comments »
January 29th, 2006 Rachel
A lot of people take pictures.
The barrier to entry in the photograph taking field his shrunk and shrunk to the point that anyone who has the inclination and at least a camera as part of their cell phone, or a $10 disposable number, can take a stab at visually recording a moment in time.
But, there’s a big difference between a photographer, someone who takes pictures, and someone who has a camera.
I have a camera, and I put it to good use, though hardly for much more than group shots and taking pictures of the animals doing something cute. In the second group, there are those who take pictures all the time, have hundreds, but don’t do it for much more than just for fun and their own personal enjoyment (I slide into this category while on long trips where at the time it *does* seem necessary to have a stack of pictures of buildings that a year later all look the same.
Then there is the photographer. I went to high school with a photographer and didn’t even know it.
When you have the time to really enjoy it (or even if not, because I’m sure once you start looking at the pictures you will make the time), take a look at www.tessaangus.com. From concerts to museums, to an all american fudge stand and ‘empty spaces’ (though there is something more than is immediately visible to the eye…it’s invisible, but at the same time powerfully present) the amount of natural ability bounces off the screen. Yes, she has studied photography at a well known Toronto school. Yes, her equipment is undoubtedly more than just a camera phone (though the polaroids featured on her website without question hold thier own). But she clearly sees something, senses a moment, and clicks that button at just the right moment, a moment that would easily be missed by a less sensitive touch.
I don’t see Tessa much now, but I’m very proud of what she has accomplished and I look forward to watching as her portfolio grows. I am sure that one day I will be casually flipping through Vanity Fair and see that dozens of the photos in there are by a girl I once knew in high school.
Posted in Daily Photo | No Comments »
January 28th, 2006 Rachel
I’ve been at Predixis for almost a year now, and one of the greatest parts of my job is that along with the unbelievable experiences/opportunities/guidance that I’ve recieved, I’ve also developed a heightened awareness of (and much greater propensity to buy) music. I buy my music from two sources - iTunes and eMusic. (if you’re thinking about giving the later a try, please let me know so I can send you an invite - then both of us get fifty free downloads). Now, since I’ve got a good hour to wait for my hair to dry (Thanks Court for the advice on NOT touching it to avoid the frizzies) I figured now was as good a time as any to go through the music I’ve purchased and determine which ones really hit the spot.
If you’re already pretty tired of top ten lists, I won’t be offended if you click away right now (mostly because I won’t even know…) This isn’t necessarily based on whether these albums came out this year or not. They’re ones that *I’ve* discovered and *I* can’t stop listenin’ to.
10.Various Artists - The O.C. Mix 5
For a good sample of some of the best talents right now, this is it. I’ve always been a bit of a fan of movie/TV soundtracks and this one is a definite winner. It’s a survey of a lot of great bands and several have resulted in subsequent purchases of their own albums. But, credit should be given to where it is due, and that is to this album for taking me there. Favorite Tracks: The Subways "Rock & Roll Queen", LCD Soundsystem "Daft Punk is Playing At My House", Gorillaz "Kids With Guns".
9. OK Go - Oh No
The first song I heard was "A Million Ways" on Mad TV. I didn’t buy the rest of the album for a few months, but this song just kept me so happy that I couldn’t resist. The rest of the album is good, not amazing, but definitely worth being here (if not almost entirely because of that song and the dance that was featured along with it). The album itself is not the full experience, you have to see an Ok Go performance to get the real effect. Favorite Tracks: "A Million Ways" (duh), "Oh Lately It’s So Quiet", "Let It Rain".
8. Morcheeba - Charango
I’ve had "The Sea" off of Big Calm for a couple of years now, but it took me a while to get around to grabbing a full album. When I bit the bullet, I wasn’t disappointed. The lead singer’s voice is delicate but strong as steel at the same time; it’s a wonderful sound - deeply feminine but empowering at the same time. Favorite Tracks: "Aqualung", "Undress Me Know", and "The Great London Traffic Warden Massacre".
7. Black Mountain - Black Mountain
One of the few albums that I picked up after reading a magazine review (another new experience for me this past year), I was really pleased. It’s yummy indie tunes all around with a nonchalent air of indifference to conventions that are truely enjoyable. Plus, their female band member was part of the reason why I recently went for the blunt bangs (though Court, you pushed it over the edge!). Good music, good style, I like. "Modern Music", "Druganaut", and "Faulty Times".
6. Belle and Sebastian - The Boy With The Arab Strap
This was the first Belle and Sebastian album I downloaded and I very quickly added all of their other albums to my collection. They are magnificant in their own right, but easy going at the same time. I’m eagerly awaiting their latest album (hopefully available at SXSW in March) after previewing two of the songs. Favorite tracks: "It Could Have Been a Brilliant Career", "The Boy With the Arab Strap", and "Simple Things".
5. Imogen Heap - Speak For Yourself
I was already familiar with Imogen Heap before I heard her whole album, I just didn’t know it. She’s been featured on at least 2 O.C. soundtracks, and the soundtrack for Six Feet Under. Some reviews I subsequently read accused her of getting lost inside the instrumentals and the album not really being as powerful as it could be. Regardless, it definitely works for me. iTunes classifies the album as ‘electrionic’, I’m not sure that I agree (but I’m not really one for genres anyway). There’s a song on here for every mood. Favorite tracks: "Hide and Seek", "Goodnight and Go", "The Moment I Said It".
4. M.I.A. - Arular
Everyone says it, but everyone is right. You’ll either love this album or hate it. Her voice, the sound, the mood, it’s very incredible - if you like it. If not, your ears would probably bleed. But that’s what makes this such an important album. Boundaries are tested, twisted and broken. I recommend this album 100% if you need something to listen to while cleaning your place - you’ll be done in half the time and have had a good time too. Favorite Tracks: "Galang", "Dash the Curry Skit" (it’s 40 seconds of pure goodness), and "Amazon".
3. Various Artists - Hotel Costes 8 By Stephane Popougnac
This album is *made* for drinking a glass of wine and just savouring a moment. A casual Thursday night in all of a sudden is memorable, has purpose, is sophisticated. There have been several compilation albums that I’ve enjoyed this year, but this one is different than all of them. Each song layers upon the previous one, and just leaves me feeling warm and happier than when I first turned it on. Favorite Tracks: "Dream Machine", "Getting Closer" and "Kiss Kiss".
2. Stars - Set Yourself On Fire
I wasn’t sure I’d like these guys when I first heard them. "Ageless Beauty" was their radio release and I tired of it pretty darn quick. But that song really isn’t representative of what they have to offer. Their ballads are beautiful, subtle and elegent. And they aren’t big enough yet that it’s impossible to go see them (I’m going at the beginning of March!) Favorite Tracks "Set Yourself on Fire", "The Big Fight" and "Calendar Girl"
1. Tegan and Sara - So Jealous
This one has to be at the top because it is actually the reason why I thought of doing this. I was on a walk and for probably the fiftieth time was struttin’ along to this album. I can’t get tired of it. They are different, they are fun, and they really really speak to me. I just feel better after listening to them. Favorite tracks: "Walking With a Ghost", "Wake Up Exhausted" and "Fix You Up".
WHEW! Well, my hair is dry now, must get the rest of me ready now.
Posted in Music | 4 Comments »
January 28th, 2006 Rachel
I’ve been familiar with Dogster for a while now, but a new partnership with Simply Hired has taken their idea to a new level. Now a separate page on the Simply Hired website allows for someone to peruse dog friendly ads only. And on the front page of Dogster, there is a search tool that redirects to the same page. *Great* concept - I think this is fantastic.
Only thing is, they should make it a little clearer that this search is only available for people looking for a job in the US, at least for now. I tried "Toronto, ON" and my postal code, nothing. Dogster’s population is definitely made up mostly of all American dogs (124,297 dogs vs. the next highest number of 7731 dogs in Canada). Yeah, sounds like I’m being a stickler, but I really think that this is an important distinction to make because so many people who don’t qualify will be disappointed. Rather than disappointment, what if there was a "Sorry, US locations only" note for now (so I shrug, still wishing it worked for me too) but then when the "New! Simply Hired for Canada and…" I’ll take a little more notice. Just my preference.
I hope a lot of people get the job of their dreams for both them and their pooch.
Posted in Animals, Learning, Pets, Tech | 2 Comments »
January 28th, 2006 Rachel
For a brief musical synopsis of the incredibly smart read ‘The Future of Music by David Kusek and Gerd Leonhard check out the myspace of MC Lars. Originally posted and discussed on the Future of Music Blog, you’ll find a couple other songs on his myspace that are at least amusing and at other times incredibley insightful (I’m *sure* many punk kids have been ranting in their basements for years that shopping at Hot Topic does not make you a ‘punk’ - MC Lars has made this sentiment musical, and catchy - even for those with not quite as strong feelings about punk politics).
While I cringe slightly at hearing that MC Lars is part of a "new genre" (nerdcore…riiiiiight…here’s another good article for a little eyerolling at the absurdity of all these genres being defined - for me, this just leads to a more confusing iTunes window when I try to find a song…were the Pussycat Dolls Sugar Pop, Princess Pop, or Pop Gurl? Ugh - thanks Wendell for the link), I am most definitely intrigued.
I’ll be keeping an eye out for him (I’ve added him as a ‘friend’ on myspace to keep this somewhere near the top of my brain) and I really hope he succeeds. Outside the traditional record industry. Outside of traditional genre ‘norms’. Doing his own thing, and doing it with a well defined purpose. That’s an admirable aim for any artist, music or otherwise.
Posted in Issues, Music | No Comments »
