Socialise your Anti-Social Life!

I'm doing a bit of catching up here...

Way back in week 5, Jason had us looking at social networking sites. NCT provided us with a list of sites we could check out to see which "social" sites were the biggest time theives.

MASHABLE - The Social Media Guide shwos off an impressive list of 350+ sites all waiting to rip your social life right out from under you, with you thinking all the while that you're actually improving your social life. WRONG

But which sites top the polls? Facebook is winning the race, with 300 million people. Myspace is close behind, with 263 million users, Habbo Hotel proudly takes 3rd place with its 117 million users, Friendster stays up there with 90 million people, Hi-5 drags on the tailcoats of Habbo with 80 million, and Twitter is providing some healthy competition with figures of 44 million people. If you don't believe these figures, or if you're looking for the most popular bandwagon to jump on, check out this detailed list:

If you consider these figures old (2005), then check out this table below, which charts the growth of these sites:

Freeware: Software for the Stingy

Week 7 gave us the opportunity to download some free software, for free. Did I mention it was free?

For an out of this world experience, I downloaded Celestia from Sourceforge. This application lets your explore a 3D visual representation of the solar system. This model solar system is pretty much the real deal, with over 100,000 stars and 10,000 galaxies. But wait, there's more! This application also comes with an extension mechanism so that you can add more objects. As I was exploring through the many depths of space, I discovered that you can rotate around on an axis by right-clicking and then dragging. Below are a few screen shots I took so that you can get the general idea before preceeding with your download (then again, it is free, so go for your life!) Download here: http://sourceforge.net/projects/celestia/

The Government is at it again...

The Government, as we know, like to dip their fingers into every honey jar. They are particularly attracted to the sweet scent emanating from the internet. This week, we studied politics and the internet, and during our tutorials we were required to complete a number of tasks, which i will post below...

1) First up, I had to sign an online ePetition. Below, the picture shows a screen confirming my signature. I chose a petition which was aiming to decriminalize abortion in Queensland. So far, 618 people have signed and the poll closes on the 23rd of October.


SOURCE: CLICK HERE if you want to sign an epetition, too, and stand up for something you care for :)

2) Once that was done, I now had to respond to a professional blogger on a news site. I went straight to www.news.com.au for all things news, finding many professional bloggers who were potential candidates for my task. I found one lady at the top of the list called Bossy. She was trying to help a girl out who was complaining about colleagues drinking coffee from her coffee mug. I had to respond to this, even though I find this blog to be so incredibly pointless. The requirements for this task didn't include to respond seriously, so I commented the blog with "I can't believe it's not butter", under the screen name 'Yours Truly'. Here's the link to the blog: http://blogs.news.com.au/bossy/index.php/news/comments/how_can_i_stop_them_using_my_coffee_cup/

3) For this task, I had to do a little stalking and find out what the president of the YOU ESS of AYEEEE was up to. While I was slaving away at uni and work on the 23rd of September, Mr. Barack Obama did his first speech at the United Nations (I wonder if he gets as nervous as I do about public speaking?) His presentation took the form of a motivational speech and revolved around his main message: we must work together globally to solve the world's issues at hand, such as global warming and the recession. Long live Obama!

4) Number four had me familiarizing myself with my local state and federal representatives.

- The member for Southport is Peter Lawlor. Here's the source: http://www.peterlawlor.com.au/southport/pages/posts/Active-Communities-Project584.php

- The local representative for Parkwood is Dawn Crichlow

- This one was easy- the member of the state? Anna Bligh of course - the same woman who put the damn petrol prices up!!!!! Check out her official website and leave a nasty comment for me, will you? http://www.thepremier.qld.gov.au/

- The state representative is Peter Lawlor

- Ooh, another easy one. The federal representative is the ever-so-loveable Kevin '07! Click here to check out K-Rudd's site: http://www.thepremier.qld.gov.au/. The federal representative for Gold Coast is Hon. Ronald Bosworth

5) Okay, so this one I found hard: I had to research the last time Peter Lawlor spoke in parliament. We were supposed to go to the Queensland Hanson (which you can find via http://parlinfo.parliament.qld.gov.au/ISYSHanSimp.htm) but I figured the best (and easiest) place to go would be his very own website. Luckily, I hit the jackpot first time round, discovering that the last time he spoke was on the 22nd of September, to address the negative effects that the tourism industry is suffering from due to the current economic climate. I honestly think that this speech is actually just a public relations stunt in favour of the labor party. Thanks to the internet, I was able to contact Mr. Lawlor. I told him that I supported the advertising campaigns trying to boost the tourism flow into Queensland, however, I expressed my concern about whether or not the money invested into campaign would be returned through visitor expenditure (www.peterlawlor.com.au) You can also contact Peter yourself about labor policy. Below is the form found on his website that you can use...

6) The last question on the task asked for my opinion on the Rudd government's plan to censor the internet (the so-called "clean feed").

Personally, I don't like this idea. I can definately see why the government is considering this safety precaution, especially since the internet is becoming more and more accessible, particularly to young children, too. On the downside, I believe this is just another way the government wants to gain control. Once they start blocking content, they won't stop. As citizens, we pay for our internet access, therefore we should have complete control over it. Not to mention, the government may decide to up the internet charges for unnecessary censoring. We already pay top dollar, in comparison to other countries, for a less than average services. Below is an article on this same topic. If you want to read more, click here: http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/12/30/australia-joins-china-in-censoring-the-internet/

"The Australian Government has announced that they will be joining China as one of the few countries globally that broadly censor the internet.As recently as the week prior to the election, Labor Party candidates were telling those concerned about the proposed law that the censorship wouldn’t be compulsory, and that the “clean feed” would be opt-in, not opt-out. Today’s announcement by Telecommunications Minister Stephen Conroy states that the censorship regime will be mandatory, although people will be able to opt-out of it. The problem of course then becomes if you opt-out questions will be asked as to why you want out, which in itself may lead to Government monitoring.To be censored by the Australian Government is “pornography and inappropriate material.” X rated pornography is illegal online in Australia, as are casino style internet gambling, certain forms of “hate” speech and R rated computer games. BitTorrent would be a possibility, even if certain downloads for personal use may be legal under Australian law, sharing those downloads would not be."

7) All this talk about the government and censorship poses a new question: What place does censorship have in democracy?

Self regulation is the key to avoid government interference in private media. A national debate is needed on issues like these as otherwise it gets misinterpreted as censorship. In the 21st century and in the our democracy, censorship is not the right path for the educated. And as far as a content code is concerned, only when it is accepted would there be a debate on who will implement the same.

Screw the Reading Reel Club!

Colonial Commandments:



This film by Zack Zortman and Steve Kane is split up into a 5-part series. Below I've uploaded the first part. It's supposed to be a comedy, revolving around a Colonial Colonel who terrorizes a college student, trying to teach him his Commandments on how to live life to the fullest.

Admit Two

Fifty People, One Question:

The thing I love most about this film is that the filmmakers took a simple idea and created a lovely short film out of it. They ask 50 everyday people the same question: "What do you wish would happen by the end of the day?" From this, they've cut and edited together their different respones and answers. A popular response was "to be a millionaire", although there were some nice replies, such as "to brighten someone's day" and "for the world to accept gays". I believe the idea is extraordinary in the way that it seems to bring together humanity because at the end of the day, we're all hoping for the same things.

Admit One

Instead of spending $15+ on a movie ticket - despite flashing your student card like the cheap-skates we all are - you'll be happy to hear that some of the most interesting movies and docos can actually be found on the web. By viewing some of these short films, you are not only providing yourself entertainment, but you are helping young, budding directors/actors/script writers to gain exposure within the public domain. If you aspire to work in the film industry, you, too, should take advantage of the great invention that is youtube.

To further prove my point, I am going to provide you with 3 short films from the internet, to a) support my argument that the internet is becoming the modern day cinema and b) to make my blog a little more entertaining...

LOOSE CHANGE

This short film (which isn't exactly what i would call short) is dedicated to 'revealing' the truths about the 9/11 attacks on America, whilst attempting to 'debunk' some of the conspiracy theories surrounding the event. Personally, I find this video extremely interesting as I'm fascinated with conspiracies. It's not to say I believe in them, though. I find it incredibly creative how these people can come up with such theories by doing the math and using their imaginations. Below is the trailer of 'Loose Change'. I've also included the link to the actual full-length feature, but since the movie runs for an hour and 20 mins, I've had a few technical difficulties trying to upload it. Perhaps check out the trailer first, anway, then head to the full-length if it catches your interest.

'Loose Change' - Full Length Feature

BREAKING NEWS

Shut up, don't laugh! This is our mockery and absolute butchery of a breaking news interruption. You probably won't like it, unless you like cloverfield.... actually, nah, you still probably won't like it. Don't waste a precious minute of your life watching it. Don't say you weren't warned.

Buried Treasure

With so many sites to choose from on the web, sometimes we may skim over some hidden gems that are waiting to be unearthed from below the bigger sites like MySpace and eBay. Although some sites may seem quite cool and unique, others are just so random and completely pointless. Below I've analyzed 5 sites - from the good, the bad, and the ugly.

EMERGENCY AND DISASTER INFORMATION SERVICE

If you ever feel like YOUR day is bad, check out this site, which reveals all the locations in the world that are experiencing disasters at this very moment. As I look at this now, I'm just thankful I passed up that weekend trip to the ever-so-exotic Ethiopia. Apparently their volcano- The Manda Hararo - isn't exactly behaving itself. I guess if you have friends and family living internationally, this could come in handy to make sure they're safe. Or, for all you people suffering Agoraphobia out there, this site can help encourage your fear of leaving your home. Unless you live in Ethiopia... 'cause than you might want to hop on the next plane....

SPEEDTEST.NET

For those of you who are looking for something to kill time during that 2-hour lecture - or for those of you who just do not have a life - check out this website to test the speed of your internet connection. I don't really understand the significance of this site... but then again, I'm not a tech-geek and I have a life I'd rather be living...

THE GENERATOR BLOG

Okay, I'm not gonna lie. I found this website highly entertaining.... Simple things please simple minds, I guess. Just when you thought there was nothing worthwhile for you to play around with on the net, The Generator Blog opens up like a little treasure chest filled with software goodies, specifically made to bring you joy and steal away your precious time. Create a motto in the language of the vikings! Find out your douchebag name! Put yourself in a famous movie moment! Design your own t-shirt! Generate a random youtube insult! The possibilities are endless...

RHIZOME

This site is perfect for all you Andy Warhol wannabe's out there. In this day in age, everything seems to be moving to the web- shopping online, banking online, living out your social life online... and now, you can visit museums online! Rhizome provides a site that was specifically made to exhibit the art of budding Da Vincis and Botticellis. So, if you've thought up a fresh, unique way in which to use some sort of technology, register yourself, post your creation, and wait for the flattering (or not-so-flattering) comments to pour in, swell your head, and encourage you to post more.


POLYVORE

All you girls (and maybe some guys '_' ) are going to love me for showing you this site. Okay, so you're so in love with your famous celebrity (whether it be Kate Moss, Ashley Olsen, or Miley-bloody-Cyrus) that you own all their CD's/movies, you've got their autograph, you have their posters on your bedroom wall and you've even undergone surgery to look exactly like them... but now, YOU CAN DRESS LIKE THEM! It's pretty straightforward to use: click on the celebrity, browse through their photos and find out where you can get similar clothes (for a fraction of the price).

ART ATTACK!!

Check out this cool website called Sketchcast.com [http://www.sketchcast.com/explore/]. On here, you can unleash your inner picasso onto a fresh canvas while it records every stroke of your pen and every flick of your paintbrush. Below is a sample done by me...



Okay, so that wasn't exactly done by me. I'll post my attempt below, although it's not going to turn out much like the mona lisa when compared to the michaelangelo above :( oh well, i did my best

Forget the TomTom!

I am hopeless at reading maps so I didn't have high expectations when we were required to actually CREATE a map in this week's class. Anyway, I gave it my best shot, marking out all the places I'd visit if I won the lottery. I don't think that will be happening any time soon... so for now, I'll resort to spending long periods of time gazing at the pictures accompanying my dream destination landmarks...


View Dream Destinations in a larger map

What's in a Name?

Above is a snapshot from THIS WEBSITE [http://personas.media.mit.edu/personasWeb.html] which acts like a search engine for people. Type in your name and see what comes up! I used my own name - Kymberley Bax - but no results were found. So instead, I used my mum's name - Michele Bax. This engine searches through the entire internet, finding sites that contain both these names side-by-side, then produces the results, creating your very own personal profile.

And here's a fun tip: the bar highlighted green is titled 'illegal'... which means there is content out there in cyberspace which is considered illegal... and which also contains my mother's name =|