If not for graffiti on the wall, self-titled “Street Musician” could be from the 1950s rather than the 2010s. The bouzouki, hat, mustache, and narrow tie together give that by-gone days aura. Ilias Theodoropoulos captured the […]
Category: Media
Flickr a Day 279: ‘Lama. 2 am.’
Punctuation punctuates self-titled “Lama. 2 am”. Identification and time with two periods makes a statement that causes reaction yeah, and then of course when reading accompanying description: “Paris, FR”. Somehow, the beast in the window makes sense. What […]
Where No Values Have Gone Before
For more than two weeks I have kept open in a browser tab essay “How Star Trek Explains the Decline of Liberalism” by Timothy Sandefur. Someone shared the story in one of my social feeds in mid-September—and apologies for not recalling whom. I don’t agree with the title, set against the writing, but I do largely agree with the analysis about Star Trek’s reflection of our society over the course of 50 years.
I loved the original series, which aired in 1966. Much as I liked, and even imitated Spock, Kirk’s bravado and moralism rapt my attention. He acted rather than hesitated. Meanwhile, series creator Gene Roddenberry and his producers, directors, and writers used the storytelling as metaphors and allegories commenting on American society and its values. I aspired to be like James Tiberius Kirk: Do the right thing, for the greater good of all, regardless the risk.
Flickr a Day 278: ‘Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close’
I dismissed today’s selection as being a Photoshop fake, before on second peruse looking more closely and then reading the shooter’s explanation: “Beachgoers at St. Maarten’s Maho Beach get a rush as Air France flight […]
Flickr a Day 277: ‘Obi’
Smartphones can produce surprisingly good photos in competent hands. Physical contrast caught my attention in our Day taker—the small dog set against the big cars. But after seeing that Ryan Hyde used iPhone 5, I […]
Amazon Fire TV Review
Streaming set-top boxes are no longer about media consumption. The newest entrants—from Apple, Amazon, and Google—fit into a larger lexicon of connected digital lifestyles. Think intelligent television for the information-obsessed and for visual voyeurs demanding the highest-quality video that is commercially available.
On Oct. 1, 2015, I started testing the new Amazon Fire TV, which goes on sale October 5th. I will later review the newer Google Chromecast but unlikely Apple’s device (because a review unit isn’t available and I wouldn’t buy one for personal use). There is nothing radically new about Fire TV. It’s more of the same only much better. Key benefit for some: 4K Ultra HD video support. Benefit for all: Enhanced voice-interaction capabilities that include Amazon’s Alexa digital assistant. Then there are iterative enhancements that improve overall benefits.
Flickr a Day 276: ‘My Kingdom Band Promo 1’
Music photographer Chris Romano captures emotion and vigor in his live performance shots. But his band promos are irresistibly charismatic. He shot self-titled “My Kingdom Band Promo 1” on Nov. 7, 2014, using Nikon D600 and […]
Flickr a Day 275: ‘Spacesuit Selfie’
You can believe Christopher Michel‘s claim that his photos come from “extreme locations like the South Pole, Everest, The Korean DMZ, Papua New Guinea, and at the edge of space”. Eh, yeah. He shot self-titled […]
Flickr a Day 274: ‘Flying Puffin’
The photostream of Sergii Gulenok is best described as a series of outdoor adventures; this guy really gets around. I spent sometime picking a pic, because my favorite isn’t really representative of his style. But […]
Who Mourns for the Fourth Estate? (Part 2)
June 2009, the future of 21st Century journalism moves with protestors across Iran’s capital. In an area somewhat removed from the commotion, philosophy student Neda Salehi reportedly steps from a car and is soon shot by a sniper. A bystander videos her death and uploads it to YouTube. The moment becomes the rallying point for demonstrators in the country and for spectators from around the globe. It is a seminal moment of change for the news media.
The next night, June 21, I write:
Flickr a Day 273: ‘Anne, Eralda, en Bart’
I have never seen so many pretty people in one photostream. Is everyone in Amsterdam so handsome or just the friends of Merlijn Hoek? I could look through every page just to delight in their […]
My Apple Music Swan Song
Look what email greeted when I rolled out of bed and in front of the computer this AM (Pacific Time). Apple Music wants my business. That’s not happening. After signing up for the three-month trial, which ends September 30, I returned to using Chromebook Pixel LS and Nexus 6. The streaming service supports neither device, so, yes, I turned off autorenewal.
This brief post is a reminder to you to do likewise, if having signed up you’re not planning to keep the service. Apple Music turns on autorenew by default, so if you want out, don’t wait. Opt out now. On the other hand, if you enjoy the service, do nothing and listen. You’re covered.