Monday, November 22, 2010
Narrating The Image: Creating A Story In Your Photography
Everything has a story, a personality, a reason for being, and a past. Peter Bower
Friday, June 4, 2010
Saturday, May 29, 2010
Saturday, May 22, 2010
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Lessons from the US Navy by Bill Reichert
Photo from Wikimedia commons.
One man's eyes are opened up. Business Academy: Lessons From The U.S. Navy
A granola-eating, Left Coast venture capitalist gets schooled aboard
the USS Nimitz.
By Bill Reichert
August 8, 2009
Few civilians have the opportunity to stand atop a nuclear power plant driving 100,000 tons of steel through the ocean. Yet there I was, a Prius-driving, granola-eating, anti-gun, Left Coast Californian, on board one of the world's largest aircraft carriers, the USS Nimitz, as part of a Navy outreach program designed to give ordinary landlubbers like me a perspective on the mission and operations of a naval strike group.
While I hardly fit the stereotype of the typical armed forces booster (I am inclined to favor green technology over weapons of mass destruction), I discovered during my visit I could learn a lot from understanding how a small city floating on the ocean operates.
During the 30 hours I spent observing and conversing with sailors and pilots,I recognized several principles at work that make the Navy so successful. These are not unique to running an aircraft carrier, but represent important lessons for anyone interested in entrepreneurship, innovation, teamwork and management.
1. Inspiration. Having a big, meaningful goal is a tremendous force for inspiration, motivation and cohesion. The Navy's mission is not some vague, abstract, feel-good paragraph in a business plan; it is concrete and easy to understand: to make the world safe. At least that was my takeaway. In addition to defending America, fighting terrorists and rescuing victims of piracy, the Navy helped the victims of the tsunami in 2004 and Hurricane Katrina in 2005.
Though individual stories varied, the sense of pride and accomplishment among those with whom I spoke was powerful. Even in the best organizations, such pride is extremely rare.
2. Perspiration. If you have an inspirational goal, your employees will work hard. The Nimitz does not offer a 9-to-5 workday. Some days, crews are on the flight deck inhaling noxious fumes for 14 or 16 hours, into the wee hours of the morning, to ensure every plane gets back safely.
A maintenance chief told me that, given the age of the planes and the stress of carrier flying, a plane typically requires 25 hours of maintenance for every hour of flight time. Seems inefficient, but can you imagine the consequences of taking a shortcut?
3. Precision. The operations on board a nuclear aircraft carrier pose extraordinary danger; a simple mistake can result in death. Yet I watched scores of planes take off and land on a moving platform without a hitch. The activity on the flight deck at first seems random and informal--no stiff spines or tight formations-- but, really, it is an intricately choreographed ballet.
4. Teamwork. Watching these young people maintain, fuel, catapult and pilot F-18s, it's clear it's not about who is the hottest dog on the deck. Every person we talked with spoke about his or her dependence on, and confidence in, the team--to maintain the planes, to assemble the ordnance, to steer the ship, to guide the pilots in, to move the aircraft and a thousand other critical tasks, small and large.
Each person counts on other members of the team to get their part of the job done, and no one person can take the credit for success, or benefit from another's failure.
5. Accountability. There is no contradiction between a culture of teamwork and the need for individual accountability. In the Navy, everything and everyone is monitored and measured. During launch cycles, the drill is to get a plane catapulted off the deck every 60 seconds. According to our hosts, during the training exercise we watched, the greatest variation off that was 15 seconds. (Imagine if O'Hare could match that!)
6. Training. The Navy invests an enormous amount in developing the skills of its people. One officer I spoke with (at about 1 a.m.) told me his story--of joining the Navy as a somewhat unfocused 18-year-old.
Now, almost 20 years later, he is responsible for scores of people and millions of dollars of equipment, and is only a few credits short of his master's degree. No matter where they started, the men and women who rise through the ranks of the Navy are astoundingly competent.
7. Balance. The week before our visit, the Nimitz lost five crewmembers in a helicopter accident. These were not strangers; these were co-workers and friends. In this line of work, death is all too real, and there is a deep reverence for those who have given their lives in the service of their country. Yet there is also an irreverence that pops up quite frequently.
The captain, in welcoming us, referred to the aircraft carrier as being "kind of like a jail,except there's the possibility of drowning." And the pilot nicknames like "Freak Show" and "Booger" help ensure no one takes themselves too seriously.
8. Respect. In the Navy, if you don't like someone because of their race or creed, you have the opportunity to change your mind, because that person may be sleeping in a bunk 14 inches from you.
Respect isn't an altruistic ethic; it's a necessity. As I looked around the bridge at the diverse team of men and women running this multibillion- dollar acme of American technological accomplishment, I thought, "Why can't all of America be like this?" While many high-tech companies are well-integrated when it comes to race and creed (less so gender), when it comes to respect among individuals, most organizations have a lot to learn.
Certainly the Navy is not perfect. Egos, frustrations and resentments lurk. People make mistakes, and bad things happen. Not everyone agrees with all the decisions made up the chain of command or back in Washington.
The Navy understands that it is not well-served by squashing open communication, but, as in all organizations, there is a time and a place for debate, and the deal is that you do what the organization needs you to do when you are on the line.
Many entrepreneurs may find modeling an organization and its culture on the Navy an unappealing concept. But that's because they don't really understand what makes the Navy one of the most effective organizations on the planet.
Like any other successful business or group, it's about the people, not the technology. The key is harnessing the incredible potential of every individual through inspiration, training and teamwork.
Honor. Courage. Commitment. Not bad principles for any company.
*Bill Reichert is a managing director of Garage Technology Ventures, a seed-stage venture capital firm based in Palo Alto, Calif. He is also a member of the Council on Foreign Relations. A version of this article appeared on the U.S. Naval Institute blog and the American Express Small Business blog.
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Great year so far
Yep, it has been a great year so far as far as technology and gadget goes.
We have variants of the iPhones, which to me is another gadget not worthy of getting at this stage. Sorry guys, I am just into "real life" and not into Twitter and getting connected all the time.
Heck I hate the time I use to carry a pager and a mobile phone. It is as if I was on stand by [I was!] 24/7. Anyone and everyone have access to me, not to mention email and the regular telephone. It is so obtrusive that you can't have any time on your own! I don't mind the odd call for an invite for Friday drinks or for that long lunch at Pentium [for those who in the know, you know!].
I just don't get Twitter. Are our lives so boring and jaded that we need to keep everyone updated on what we are doing every single minute? Or is that a way to make our lives interesting - push us to do something so we can update our Twitter or Facebook and MySpace?
I rather live my life, however boring at times than waste my time updating everyone how I live my life.
Anyway I got my blogs [yes, blogs with an "s", see the links!] to keep me busy!
We have variants of the iPhones, which to me is another gadget not worthy of getting at this stage. Sorry guys, I am just into "real life" and not into Twitter and getting connected all the time.
Heck I hate the time I use to carry a pager and a mobile phone. It is as if I was on stand by [I was!] 24/7. Anyone and everyone have access to me, not to mention email and the regular telephone. It is so obtrusive that you can't have any time on your own! I don't mind the odd call for an invite for Friday drinks or for that long lunch at Pentium [for those who in the know, you know!].
I just don't get Twitter. Are our lives so boring and jaded that we need to keep everyone updated on what we are doing every single minute? Or is that a way to make our lives interesting - push us to do something so we can update our Twitter or Facebook and MySpace?
I rather live my life, however boring at times than waste my time updating everyone how I live my life.
Anyway I got my blogs [yes, blogs with an "s", see the links!] to keep me busy!
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Those who can't
"Have you ever heard the phrase "those who can, do; those who can’t, teach", or its variation, "those who can’t do, teach"? Or, better yet, have you heard this one, "that’s not how we do it in the real world. The book is not right."? If you have never heard these phrases, then I am sure that at some point in your career, you will. These are the words of the “experienced employee”. The non-student type who found no significance in their college courses, i.e. the “hands-on” type that knows all. These phrases have often sparked other conversations. Conversations that actually question the need for degrees, or any form of continuing education."
The above is culled from an article written by Everett Lockhart in 2007 Career Insight article [click article to read the complete post]. This was sparked by a google search I made regarding the quote by George Bernard Shaw: "Those who can, do. Those who cannot, teach." Which is a bit derogatory to those in the teaching profession. Another is by reader: Shelley J. : "Those who cannot do either, manage the people who can."
A more positive and better quote would be:
"Those that know, do. Those that understand, teach." Aristotle Circa 322 BC
Regardless of the sensibilities of both teachers and managers, the first two quotes seem to suggest that "hands on" experience/knowledge is better or superior to theoretical knowledge. That by "doing", one presupposes a greater deal of understanding and a true application of theoretical knowledge.
In a way it is true, but not all knowledge can be acquired thru experience or by doing. It is better to learn from the experiences, research and studies of others to build on one's knowledge or understanding of things. There are of course skills and knowldge best learnt by doing, as most trade skills; hence apprenticeships and trade schools.
Obviously the test of one's learning and knowledge is by practical application of said knowledge. The learning process starts with theoretical building blocks, taught by rote since everyone presupposes that they are "basics" to one's discipline. The more challenge is to make sure the student continue on building and practicing the theoretical aspect to confirm that what he learnt in school is true to form in the real world. The best teachers are those with both theoretical knowledge as well as real life experience of what they are teaching. The role of a teacher is to motivate and plant the seed of seeking further knowledge, provide the foundation for the student and to make sure the student knows where and how to get the information required.
The above is culled from an article written by Everett Lockhart in 2007 Career Insight article [click article to read the complete post]. This was sparked by a google search I made regarding the quote by George Bernard Shaw: "Those who can, do. Those who cannot, teach." Which is a bit derogatory to those in the teaching profession. Another is by reader: Shelley J. : "Those who cannot do either, manage the people who can."
A more positive and better quote would be:
"Those that know, do. Those that understand, teach." Aristotle Circa 322 BC
Regardless of the sensibilities of both teachers and managers, the first two quotes seem to suggest that "hands on" experience/knowledge is better or superior to theoretical knowledge. That by "doing", one presupposes a greater deal of understanding and a true application of theoretical knowledge.
In a way it is true, but not all knowledge can be acquired thru experience or by doing. It is better to learn from the experiences, research and studies of others to build on one's knowledge or understanding of things. There are of course skills and knowldge best learnt by doing, as most trade skills; hence apprenticeships and trade schools.
Obviously the test of one's learning and knowledge is by practical application of said knowledge. The learning process starts with theoretical building blocks, taught by rote since everyone presupposes that they are "basics" to one's discipline. The more challenge is to make sure the student continue on building and practicing the theoretical aspect to confirm that what he learnt in school is true to form in the real world. The best teachers are those with both theoretical knowledge as well as real life experience of what they are teaching. The role of a teacher is to motivate and plant the seed of seeking further knowledge, provide the foundation for the student and to make sure the student knows where and how to get the information required.
Friday, October 17, 2008
Company says shoes can power gadgets
TOKYO (AFP) - Tired of your iPod running out of power? A Japanese company says it has found a way to charge portable gadgets just by walking.
Telecoms giant NTT is developing shoes that generate electricity as you walk.
The shoes have a small generator attached to water-filled soles. Each step puts pressure on the soles, causing the water to spin a small turbine and generate power, NTT said.
The futuristic shoes currently generate 1.2 watts of electricity, "a level sufficient to run an iPod mobile music player forever, as long as the wearer keeps walking," said spokesman Hideomi Tenma.
"The company is trying to improve the power-generating capacity to 3 watts, which is the amount of electricity to power a mobile phone," he said.
"The shoes do not have a power-storage function, but you would be able to charge a mobile phone automatically or talk on it forever as long as you connect the phone to your shoes and just keep walking."
NTT hopes to put the generator into actual products as early as 2010.
(Original posting, click here.)
Years ago there was British firm marketing transistor radios powered by a hand crancked generator built in the radio. These "battery less" radios were destined for Africa so that social agencies and other government agencies can communicate with villagers via radio transmissions and programs.
At work we have LED torch (flash lights) powered with the same hand cranked generators to charged a small rechargeable battery. This is very good for emergency situations wherein one need an emergency power light source, as in a car breakdown. One does not need to worry whether there is fresh or charge up batteries in the torch.
Another hot item way back, and now is coming back to fore is the solar cells. A great source of renewable clean energy, which is great for countries with almost year long excellent sunshine. A friend have installed one of these devices to power his remote house to 1 kilowatt hour, to be able to run small appliances. Nice that one does not need to pay for electricity ever! Start up costs is about AU$20,000.00 but well worth the investment for free electricity with very small carbon footprint - renewable and clean source of power.
Telecoms giant NTT is developing shoes that generate electricity as you walk.
The shoes have a small generator attached to water-filled soles. Each step puts pressure on the soles, causing the water to spin a small turbine and generate power, NTT said.
The futuristic shoes currently generate 1.2 watts of electricity, "a level sufficient to run an iPod mobile music player forever, as long as the wearer keeps walking," said spokesman Hideomi Tenma.
"The company is trying to improve the power-generating capacity to 3 watts, which is the amount of electricity to power a mobile phone," he said.
"The shoes do not have a power-storage function, but you would be able to charge a mobile phone automatically or talk on it forever as long as you connect the phone to your shoes and just keep walking."
NTT hopes to put the generator into actual products as early as 2010.
(Original posting, click here.)
Years ago there was British firm marketing transistor radios powered by a hand crancked generator built in the radio. These "battery less" radios were destined for Africa so that social agencies and other government agencies can communicate with villagers via radio transmissions and programs.
At work we have LED torch (flash lights) powered with the same hand cranked generators to charged a small rechargeable battery. This is very good for emergency situations wherein one need an emergency power light source, as in a car breakdown. One does not need to worry whether there is fresh or charge up batteries in the torch.
Another hot item way back, and now is coming back to fore is the solar cells. A great source of renewable clean energy, which is great for countries with almost year long excellent sunshine. A friend have installed one of these devices to power his remote house to 1 kilowatt hour, to be able to run small appliances. Nice that one does not need to pay for electricity ever! Start up costs is about AU$20,000.00 but well worth the investment for free electricity with very small carbon footprint - renewable and clean source of power.
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Apple beefs up MacBook laptops, trims prices by AFP News
"CUPERTINO, California (AFP) - Apple on Tuesday unveiled a revamped line of Macintosh laptop computers made leaner, slicker, faster and a bit more affordable.
Along with showing off new MacBook models heading for store shelves, Apple cut the price of the original version to 999 dollars.
The price drop marked the first time Apple is selling a laptop computer for less than a thousand dollars.
"We sell a ton of these MacBooks and people love it," Apple chief executive Steve Jobs said as he announced that 100 dollars is being trimmed from the model's price tag.
"We are going to reduce the entry price today to 999 dollars and make them more affordable. I think we are going to keep on selling these for a long, long time," he said.
Enhanced MacBook, MacBook Pro and MacBook Air models boasted improved features in Apple's historic price range of 1,200 to 2,500 dollars.
Key upgrades to Macintosh laptop models included custom-designed graphics processors by NVIDIA to enhance computer game play and video viewing as well as glass touch-pads that allow finger gesture controls.
Before fielding questions from reporters gathered for the event at Apple's headquarters in Cupertino, California, Jobs flashed "110/70" on a screen behind the stage.
"This is Steve's blood pressure," Jobs said in a joking reference to a bogus blogger report that wrongly claimed he had suffered a heart attack.
"This is all we are going to talk about Steve's health today. If you want to see that number go higher, just ask some more questions."
Sales of Macintosh laptop computers have outpaced the industry average each fiscal quarter for nearly four years, according to Apple chief operating officer Tim Cook.
MacBooks have grown to account for 18 percent of US laptop computer sales, according to industry statistics.
The new Macintosh laptop computers introduced for the year-end holiday shopping season should pay off for Apple if the economic crisis doesn't make life miserable for all retailers, according to Gartner analyst Van Baker.
"If the economy stabilizes or improves, this will be a good holiday for Apple," Baker said.
Among the most compelling new offerings is a MacBook built with an aluminium casing, a corner-to-corner glass LED screen, and a glass trackpad with multi-touch control priced at 1,200 dollars.
Among the most compelling new offerings is a MacBook built with an aluminium casing, a corner-to-corner glass LED screen, and a glass trackpad with multi-touch control priced at 1,200 dollars.
The model takes features from a more expensive MacBook Pro model and puts them into a price category that has been Apple's most popular seller, according to Baker.
"That is a vastly improved notebook priced right in Apple's sweet spot," he said. "They sell more at the 1,200-dollar price than any other."
Jobs cooed that features in the lower price "next-generation MacBook" were previously only available in MacBook Pro models costing 700 dollars more."This is a beautiful machine," he said.
Jobs said hundreds of Apple engineers worked for months with computer graphics processor specialty firm NVIDIA to tailor a chip for MacBooks.
"This thing is a stunner in terms of performance," Jobs said of the NVIDIA chip, which reportedly makes graphics processing as much as five times faster than in previous MacBook models based on only Intel chips.
Apple also introduced new MacBook Pro and Air models with NVIDIA chips and other new features, along with solid state drives and increased memory.
Jobs also touted Apple's focus on using more recyclable aluminium, eliminating toxins from components, and reducing packaging to be more environmentally friendly.
"We are really happy with this," Jobs said of MacBooks going green.
New generation MacBook Pro models with a starting price of 1,999 dollars began shipping Tuesday. New MacBook Air models priced at 1,799 and 2,499 dollars will begin shipping in early November.
Jobs said Apple has no plans to add Blu-Ray high-definition DVD hardware to MacBooks any time soon because licensing the technology is prohibitively costly and complex. "Blu-Ray is just a bag of hurt," Jobs said. "We are waiting until the costs settle down and it really takes off in the marketplace."
----End quote--- From Yahoo News
Moderator's comments: It is good that Apple is now realizing that they need to get in the "program" with the rest of the computing world. That is using NVidia video chipsets and making inroads to make Apple computers and laptops cheaper. Gone are the days that Apple just uses Motorola chips and Apple applications. Nowadays they are usign Intel chips and MS applications tailored for Apple computers. These are excellent selling points to widen Apple users.
I guess this is a timely response to the slowing global market for consumer items and luxuries like computers. Good for computer users worldwide. Would love to see an Apple laptop for under US$500 like Asus EEPC, Acer and other PC manufacturers who joined the bandwagon for Intel Atom chips on a small form factor laptops (half an A4 paper). Now that would be an Intel PC killer especially for all the writers out there who needs just the basic word processing and internet browsers on their laptops - or palmtops!
Monday, February 4, 2008
Quantum Solar Water Heater
I saw this solar water heater in one of many newspaper advertisements with a twist. Instead of using special plumbing collectors installed in your roof, this one uses the princinple of "reverser refrigeration".
"The system works on the principle of a refrigeration circuit, drawing heat out of one space and discharging it into another.
"The Compact Solar Heat Pump consists basically of three major components. A compressor plus two heat exchangers (evaporator & condenser).
"In operation, the evaporator absorbs whatever heat energy is available to it from the atmosphere (air) to vaporise the refrigerant. The vapour is then compressed raising its pressure and temperature. This high temperature vapour is passed through special pipes permanently bonded around the outside of the water storage tank, forming the condenser. As the refrigerant vapour condenses back to its liquid form, it gives off its heat to the stored water.
"As this happens, the condensed refrigerant liquid passes back to the evaporator panels through an expansion device (TX Valve), is vaporised, and the cycle is then repeated.
"The refrigerant material (R134a) is unusual in that it has a very low boiling (or vaporising) point well below 0°C at atmospheric pressure and a freezing point more than 100°C below zero. It is liquid when cold but easily becomes a vapour when heated and vice versa.
The subject of hot and cold is really a question of relativity.
"People think of hot and cold relative to themselves - their comfort levels.
As our normal body temperature is 36°C an ambient temperature of 40°C is called hot, while an ambient temperature of only 5°C is said to be very cold. It is all relative.
"In operation within the heat pump the refrigerant can be vaporising at a temperature of around minus 20°C. An ambient temperature of 5°C is HOT compared with such a low figure.
Thus the Quantum Compact Solar Heat Pump can operate in all seasons of the year, making hot water both day and night very efficiently. So if you are "Thinking About Solar" invest in a Quantum."
It looks good based on their website. When my electric water needs replacement, I will seriously think of this water heater. It is environmentally friendly to boot.
"The system works on the principle of a refrigeration circuit, drawing heat out of one space and discharging it into another.
"The Compact Solar Heat Pump consists basically of three major components. A compressor plus two heat exchangers (evaporator & condenser).
"In operation, the evaporator absorbs whatever heat energy is available to it from the atmosphere (air) to vaporise the refrigerant. The vapour is then compressed raising its pressure and temperature. This high temperature vapour is passed through special pipes permanently bonded around the outside of the water storage tank, forming the condenser. As the refrigerant vapour condenses back to its liquid form, it gives off its heat to the stored water.
"As this happens, the condensed refrigerant liquid passes back to the evaporator panels through an expansion device (TX Valve), is vaporised, and the cycle is then repeated.
"The refrigerant material (R134a) is unusual in that it has a very low boiling (or vaporising) point well below 0°C at atmospheric pressure and a freezing point more than 100°C below zero. It is liquid when cold but easily becomes a vapour when heated and vice versa.
The subject of hot and cold is really a question of relativity.
"People think of hot and cold relative to themselves - their comfort levels.
As our normal body temperature is 36°C an ambient temperature of 40°C is called hot, while an ambient temperature of only 5°C is said to be very cold. It is all relative.
"In operation within the heat pump the refrigerant can be vaporising at a temperature of around minus 20°C. An ambient temperature of 5°C is HOT compared with such a low figure.
Thus the Quantum Compact Solar Heat Pump can operate in all seasons of the year, making hot water both day and night very efficiently. So if you are "Thinking About Solar" invest in a Quantum."
It looks good based on their website. When my electric water needs replacement, I will seriously think of this water heater. It is environmentally friendly to boot.
Thursday, November 8, 2007
The Coming Earthquake in Photography - Frame Grab Photography
Nowadays instead of Googling articles I find interesting, I just trawl thru the various blogs. Mostly photoblogs like Senor Enrique's (http://www.senorenrique.blogspot.com/ ). I forayed into his del.icio.us link had a quick look. Clicked on Luis Liwanag's Street Documentaries (http://pitikbulagdokyu.blogspot.com/ ) and ended up reading one his blurb and the link to this article... wheew. BTW Luis Liwanag, a Filipino photojournalist, has this penchant for old school photography. He likes, as I do, film cameras (those that you do need to develop the film and the photograph!) and has a Leica camera and some Russian lenses.
I guess that is the reason he linked this article. It's like digital vs traditional film photography. I call it "frame-grab photography". All you need is a high definition digital moving camera, keep rolling as far as your memory (or blu-ray disc) can go. Re watch the whole "movie" and freeze frame grab the images you wanted to print or "capture" in stills. It's like cheating for those purist. Anyway, here is a snippet of the article:
"If the change from film to digital was the equivalent of a magnitude 5 earthquake, the changes to photography in the next 10 years will be equivalent of a magnitude 10.
The Digital Journalist, the monthly online magazine for visual journalism, has been predicting many of these changes for the past 10 years. In 1997 we stated that the days of the use of film were coming to an end. We also said that in the future photojournalists would no longer be shooting still pictures, but instead would be using video as their prime medium of acquisition.
All those things have already happened. Still cameras that shoot film have already been abandoned by most manufacturers. Increasingly, newspaper photographers are being asked to shoot video for Web sites.
These seismic shifts, as we are already witnessing, will literally change the way photographers take pictures and how they are displayed.
Of course, in the next 10 years there could be a third world war, in which case all bets are off, but certain evolutions are already too far along to make it unlikely they will be stopped.
First, most of the major camera manufacturers that are now associated with still photography will probably be out of business by 2016. Of the majors now selling cameras, I would put my money on only Canon to survive. That is because they have a farsighted video division, which will provide the research and development that will be a key to their survival. Already, Sony is moving to become the number one still-camera company. Their newest top-of-the line digital still cameras are based on designs from Konica, a company they absorbed.
However, it is video that will undoubtedly become the main means of acquisition in photography. Today, almost all the manufacturers of prosumer video cameras have moved to High Definition. These cameras, off the shelf, are capable of delivering a 2-megapixel still image. The Dallas Morning News is now equipping their still photographers with Sony Z1U video cameras, and they have created an algorithm that allows those frame grabs to be boosted to 16 megapixels, which only two years ago was the maximum you could get out of a professional 35mm camera. The Dallas Morning News is regularly running 4- and 5-column front-page pictures from these video grabs. Then, they put the streaming video on their Web site."
Read the whole article by Dirck Halstead by clicking the title above.
I guess that is the reason he linked this article. It's like digital vs traditional film photography. I call it "frame-grab photography". All you need is a high definition digital moving camera, keep rolling as far as your memory (or blu-ray disc) can go. Re watch the whole "movie" and freeze frame grab the images you wanted to print or "capture" in stills. It's like cheating for those purist. Anyway, here is a snippet of the article:
"If the change from film to digital was the equivalent of a magnitude 5 earthquake, the changes to photography in the next 10 years will be equivalent of a magnitude 10.
The Digital Journalist, the monthly online magazine for visual journalism, has been predicting many of these changes for the past 10 years. In 1997 we stated that the days of the use of film were coming to an end. We also said that in the future photojournalists would no longer be shooting still pictures, but instead would be using video as their prime medium of acquisition.
All those things have already happened. Still cameras that shoot film have already been abandoned by most manufacturers. Increasingly, newspaper photographers are being asked to shoot video for Web sites.
These seismic shifts, as we are already witnessing, will literally change the way photographers take pictures and how they are displayed.
Of course, in the next 10 years there could be a third world war, in which case all bets are off, but certain evolutions are already too far along to make it unlikely they will be stopped.
First, most of the major camera manufacturers that are now associated with still photography will probably be out of business by 2016. Of the majors now selling cameras, I would put my money on only Canon to survive. That is because they have a farsighted video division, which will provide the research and development that will be a key to their survival. Already, Sony is moving to become the number one still-camera company. Their newest top-of-the line digital still cameras are based on designs from Konica, a company they absorbed.
However, it is video that will undoubtedly become the main means of acquisition in photography. Today, almost all the manufacturers of prosumer video cameras have moved to High Definition. These cameras, off the shelf, are capable of delivering a 2-megapixel still image. The Dallas Morning News is now equipping their still photographers with Sony Z1U video cameras, and they have created an algorithm that allows those frame grabs to be boosted to 16 megapixels, which only two years ago was the maximum you could get out of a professional 35mm camera. The Dallas Morning News is regularly running 4- and 5-column front-page pictures from these video grabs. Then, they put the streaming video on their Web site."
Read the whole article by Dirck Halstead by clicking the title above.
Tuesday, November 6, 2007
Dov Seidman: Lisa Belkin On Office Theft
While Googling several Blogazines, I came across this article re office theft. While not strictly tech in nature, this issue represents a greater part of company-employee governance. I found it to be very interesting given my experience with "empowerment" in the workplace in the 90's.
To read the full article, please click the title. Why do I do this? So you, the reader, will be motivated to visit the source of this article. That source is How Blogazine and points to Lisa's Life’s Work column: “I Lost My Laptop in Outer Space, and Other Tales of Office Theft" in The New York Times.
"How much is too much?
In today’s New York Times, Lisa Belkin writes about the shifting threshold companies and employees have regarding personal use of company items. Lisa interviewed me for the piece and I offered that a possible solution to the problem of theft may be as simple as not classifying minor thefts as transgressions in the first place.
Lisa’s story looked at the fine points of the issue, but there are some larger points here as well.
If you embrace the notion of governing through culture, it’s clear that the most important issue here is shared understanding. Companies that can successfully inspire their stakeholders with common purpose and enlist them in a shared idea of what kind of company they want to be will breed less of the cynicism and sense of entitlement that sparks retributory actions by their employees. If you share in the goals of the group, you’re less likely to feel that they owe you something.
When oppositional thinking declines and alignment increases, instances of larger-scale theft is likely to decline, too. So, in an odd way, when a company’s culture attains a shared understanding that, say, taking a row of staples home is okay but taking the stapler is not, instances of embezzlement or expense-report cheating might also decline. (I think Steven Levitt and Stephen Dubner at Freakonomics would like this thinking.)
The key issue is that every group must seek to build a common understanding of what belongs to the company and what belongs to company’s shareholders. Every group can answer that question differently—some might say take anything one likes and some might say hands off everything—but all must seek shared understanding."
To read the full article, please click the title. Why do I do this? So you, the reader, will be motivated to visit the source of this article. That source is How Blogazine and points to Lisa's Life’s Work column: “I Lost My Laptop in Outer Space, and Other Tales of Office Theft" in The New York Times.
"How much is too much?
In today’s New York Times, Lisa Belkin writes about the shifting threshold companies and employees have regarding personal use of company items. Lisa interviewed me for the piece and I offered that a possible solution to the problem of theft may be as simple as not classifying minor thefts as transgressions in the first place.
Lisa’s story looked at the fine points of the issue, but there are some larger points here as well.
If you embrace the notion of governing through culture, it’s clear that the most important issue here is shared understanding. Companies that can successfully inspire their stakeholders with common purpose and enlist them in a shared idea of what kind of company they want to be will breed less of the cynicism and sense of entitlement that sparks retributory actions by their employees. If you share in the goals of the group, you’re less likely to feel that they owe you something.
When oppositional thinking declines and alignment increases, instances of larger-scale theft is likely to decline, too. So, in an odd way, when a company’s culture attains a shared understanding that, say, taking a row of staples home is okay but taking the stapler is not, instances of embezzlement or expense-report cheating might also decline. (I think Steven Levitt and Stephen Dubner at Freakonomics would like this thinking.)
The key issue is that every group must seek to build a common understanding of what belongs to the company and what belongs to company’s shareholders. Every group can answer that question differently—some might say take anything one likes and some might say hands off everything—but all must seek shared understanding."
Monday, November 5, 2007
End of an Era: Computer World (Vic) Pty Ltd
The other day, I received a letter from a company down in Melbourne:
http://www.grantthornton.com.au/business-portal/melbourne/computer-world-victoria-pty-limited.aspx
It is a letter stating that my former employer is into receivership.
I guess that was a matter of time. Thinking back when suppliers would not release goods and paychecks are not forthcoming as promised; you sort know that there is a cash flow problem.
Imagine running a business with only 5% margin!
Well, computers and PC peripherals shops are so many, from top end stores to garage-ran business, you can't be blamed for running out of business. The competition is so stiff that margin tends to be so small. I am amazed that businesses can survive that long, let alone one that started life in 1992.
Working for that mob for nearly four years, while not the greatest experience of my life; have taught me some facts about running and how not to run a business! It is so easy to talk about shortcomings and be an armchair critic. But to be in the actual firing line. I am not amazed that at one stage the owner sufferred a heart attack! You can also recall how the owner of another Victorian icon, Crazy John, died of a heart attack just recently.
With consumers wanting cheaper products, greater support, customer service and free after sales service, businesses will not stop closing down. While is it not a justification for shody and unethical businesses, it is a powerful motivation to do the wrong thing if your business' survival depends on it.
Now with the closure of this business, people who bought from them would have to find ways to access their various warranties. From experience there is no problem with laptops, printers, LCD screens and TV. But the rest of the components and PC assembled by Computer World (unless you took out one of those 3 year warranty from a 3rd party supplier!); there would be a lot of angst finding warranty.
If the product is Seagate, Logitech, Western Digital, etc., I suggest you go to the manufacturer's web site. Seagate and Logitech are some of the best manufacturers when it comes to warranty claims. That is from my experience.
Any problem with warranty, you can post your query to me and I will be glad to answer them. A good tip, if you still have the CWorld red bar code sticker attached to your component or box, that tells you the wholesaler, invoice and invoice date. Some of the best suppliers are Altech and Synnex comes to mind.
But working for CWorld gave me contacts in the industry, I've formed some lasting friendships as well and gave me the experience and knowledge of new PC stuff. I am sorry for their loss as well.
http://www.grantthornton.com.au/business-portal/melbourne/computer-world-victoria-pty-limited.aspx
It is a letter stating that my former employer is into receivership.
I guess that was a matter of time. Thinking back when suppliers would not release goods and paychecks are not forthcoming as promised; you sort know that there is a cash flow problem.
Imagine running a business with only 5% margin!
Well, computers and PC peripherals shops are so many, from top end stores to garage-ran business, you can't be blamed for running out of business. The competition is so stiff that margin tends to be so small. I am amazed that businesses can survive that long, let alone one that started life in 1992.
Working for that mob for nearly four years, while not the greatest experience of my life; have taught me some facts about running and how not to run a business! It is so easy to talk about shortcomings and be an armchair critic. But to be in the actual firing line. I am not amazed that at one stage the owner sufferred a heart attack! You can also recall how the owner of another Victorian icon, Crazy John, died of a heart attack just recently.
With consumers wanting cheaper products, greater support, customer service and free after sales service, businesses will not stop closing down. While is it not a justification for shody and unethical businesses, it is a powerful motivation to do the wrong thing if your business' survival depends on it.
Now with the closure of this business, people who bought from them would have to find ways to access their various warranties. From experience there is no problem with laptops, printers, LCD screens and TV. But the rest of the components and PC assembled by Computer World (unless you took out one of those 3 year warranty from a 3rd party supplier!); there would be a lot of angst finding warranty.
If the product is Seagate, Logitech, Western Digital, etc., I suggest you go to the manufacturer's web site. Seagate and Logitech are some of the best manufacturers when it comes to warranty claims. That is from my experience.
Any problem with warranty, you can post your query to me and I will be glad to answer them. A good tip, if you still have the CWorld red bar code sticker attached to your component or box, that tells you the wholesaler, invoice and invoice date. Some of the best suppliers are Altech and Synnex comes to mind.
But working for CWorld gave me contacts in the industry, I've formed some lasting friendships as well and gave me the experience and knowledge of new PC stuff. I am sorry for their loss as well.
Pyrotenax
TAFE students this morning are doing Pyrotenax cable termination exercises.
I've seen this strange looking gadgets here around the store, but with my years of experience in defence and computing; this is the first time I've come across this type of cabling. I've done mostly RF transmission cabling and in the advent of computing, category 5 cabling.
So this, to say the least, is something new to me. And that is great, I am still learning!
A quick info to those who's not in the know (well, most electricians would -- my excuse is I am an electronics tech!); this cabling are mostly used for fire survival cable systems. I am also amazed that they are the same cabling system used for underflooring heating!
For more info, use link in the title; or try Googling it for the many applications and suppliers.
I've seen this strange looking gadgets here around the store, but with my years of experience in defence and computing; this is the first time I've come across this type of cabling. I've done mostly RF transmission cabling and in the advent of computing, category 5 cabling.
So this, to say the least, is something new to me. And that is great, I am still learning!
A quick info to those who's not in the know (well, most electricians would -- my excuse is I am an electronics tech!); this cabling are mostly used for fire survival cable systems. I am also amazed that they are the same cabling system used for underflooring heating!
For more info, use link in the title; or try Googling it for the many applications and suppliers.
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