Tech Wow

Picture provided by Slipperybrick.com

So, I've never been one to jump on the bandwagon when it comes to new technologies.

I like to consider myself a little bit old fashioned. You know, choosing a notebook and pen over my laptop, but I was enlightened last night.

I was walking my dog and it was very dark out. I live by a lot of forest, so the path I was on was quite eerrie. As I was walking, I started to formulate a short story in my mind, but had nothing to write my ideas down.

I automatically thought WOW if I had a Blackberry than this wouldn't be a problem.

It got me thinking more deeply about the benefits of emerging technologies and web 2.0. Usually I am anti-tech because I hold the belief that it is detaching humanity from the natural world.

But, this one moment may have changed my views...

Because I really wish I had something to record my ideas when I was walking.

So, maybe technology can be fantastic. I just think there has to be a balance.

Say I was just checking emails and chatting and face booking on my imaginary blackberry while walking the dog - I wouldn't have experienced the moment of inspiration!

Kick Winter Blues

Could winter be fantastical, rather than dreary?

I am reading Lois Lowry's, "The Giver" for the second time and I came across a quote - in refrence to winter.

"How could you describe a sled without describing a hill and snow; and how could you describe a hill and snow to someone who had

never felt height or wind or that feathery, magical cold?"

In this novel, Jonas is part of a society of sameness and he is the receiver of memories.

Imagine a Canadian Christmas, without frost tinted windows and snow blanketing the barren trees...

I know all of those who share this country can picture the above quite vividly.

We should be thankful that we get to experience the chilling side of mother nature; the step before rejuvenation.

This winter season, to lighten up and warm the soul, re-create the snow into something mystical. After all

tis' the season to be jolly :)

The Monster Mall

For the first time, in a long time, I stepped foot into a shopping mall.

It is a curious thing to be inside of, I think. So many colours, lights, smells, people, things...

It is like a religious place, you know? Somewhere where people gather together, to worship and idolize the things that they are buying. Sometimes I go into a mall with no intention of buying something and come out a hundred dollars poorer...

Why?

We are so easily lured into consumption; it is all we do. It got me thinking, how much do humans consume and out of all the stuff that we buy, how much of it lasts and how much of it ends up in our ever-growing landfills?

Check out this video, kind of long (20 minutes), but well worth the watch! It is extremely enlightening to see how much we consume and how our purchasing habits affect the Earth.

Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star!

Picture provided by google images

Twinkle, Twinkle little star, how I KNOW what you are!

Have you ever wondered what a star really is? or why it twinkles like it does?

As a kid, I liked to believe that a star is something more magical than a bright ball of gas. Now I don't have to wonder, thanks to my astronomy textbook.

Basically, like water in a swimming pool bending light (hence why looking out to the sky from unerneath water is trippy) Earth's atmosphere bends the light from the stars, making it appear to twinkle. Stars tend to twinkle more on windy nights, do you think whoever made the song happened to be pondering up at the vast night sky?

Music Madness

The state of the mainstream music industry is a disaster...

From short skirts to flashy bling to voice edited singing, what has happened to TALENT?

I don't know about you guys, but the only time I open my ears to mainstream music is at the bar because I really don't have a choice in the matter.

Now a days, I feel like anybody can become famous in the music industry. The new thing seems to be voice editing so musicians sound like robots. How is this talent? It's not.

I feel like back when records were still in use is when music was at its purest. There was no fancy technology to altar a voice, it was just PURE rock and roll. Sweat, blood, and tears ya know? I have a record player and I love it.

The cracking of the sound, the spinning of the record, the nostalgic feeling it omitts..I'd much rather pop on a Steely Dan record then turn Much Music on to see the latest robot voice!

In reaction to mainstream music, I compiled a list of artists that beat the buzz:

1. Anita O'Day (1950s jazz)

2. Steely Dan (If you love to groove)

3. Bob Marley (classic)

4. Crosby, Stills, and Nash (Folk)

5. Fleetwood Mac (if you love to dance)

Why Pay More

I was standing in the line for Subway on campus at The University of Western Ontario and the first thing I noticed was that the prices are higher then a normal Subway off campus...

I don't understand why and I want to know why.

How is it that corporate fast food eating joints, like Subway or Harveys can jack the prices of regular menu items if the store happens to be located on a university campus?

If anything, the prices should remain the same as anywhere else, or be mildly cheaper. Why do I say this? Mostly because University students are on a tight budget (some of us at least) and because OUR university is promoting THEIR company -- free advertising. We don't have a choice over Subway or Quiznos because Subway is the only choice...Since we are sort of running a monoploly over fast food eateries, why are we paying more...

If anyone has some insight into this, please leave a comment. I am very curious. I also intend on seeking some answers and posting them in a later blog.

Eye in The Sky

Picture provided by Sciencedaily.com

Image of HRS sensors.

"The third planet is certain that they are being watched, by an eye in the sky that can't be stopped..." - Modest Mouse

For those Modest Mouse fans, I think we can all agree that the quote above is not just nonsense, but actually holds some truth.

After reading the article, "Sensing Disasters From Space" I immediately thought of this quote. The article addresses the development of the Hyperspectral Remote Sensor. This is a new technology developed by Tel Aviv University that has the power to detect if there are any water pollutanints contaminating rivers, lakes, etc. For example, it can notify authorities of an oil spil before anyone else can detect it.

All I can think of is the creepy notion that there exists an "eye" in the sky that can see all around the world.