Here is the link to listen to Brendan Benson’s performance at The Current Studios  on August 1 2005.

• Listen (128k mp3)
• Listen (RealAudio)

It includes an interview and some acoustic songs together with Dean Fertita: Cold hands warm heart, Spit it out and Strong boy (Gram Parson cover).

Link to the site: http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2005/08/01/brendan_benson/

Kruse: Das Internet ist eine Einladung zur Kommunikation in einer neuen Dimension; http://j.mp/7is0Wv (via @klauseck)

The Holy Sea – Interview (mp3)

Emma and Dave from the Holy Sea popped in for a chat and spoke to Cassie and Jon about joining the band…

J-Hock of AHA MEDIA talks about Bill 18 – Assistance to Shelter Act in Vancouver Downtown Eastside

Read about Bill 18 – Assistance to Shelter Act – where the Homeless get picked up by Police to go into shelters!

http://www.leg.bc.ca/39th1st/1st_read/gov18-1.htm

According to

VANCOUVER (NEWS1130) - Opponents of the province’s new ‘Assistance to Shelter Act’ are holding a rally today in the Downtown Eastside, intensifying the fight over what to do about Vancouver’s homeless during the Olympic Games.

Opponents call it the “Olympic Kidnapping Act’, saying the act is unconstitutional.  The province maintains it is simply trying to help people who cant, or wont, help themselves.  Some claim the homeless are being chased out of the city altogether before February 2010.  A drop-in centre in Kelowna is reporting a 20 per cent increase in traffic, with many of the new clients saying they are from Vancouver.

http://www.news1130.com/news/local/more.jsp?content=20091125_142744_7224

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In this video, J-Hock of AHA MEDIA speaks on Bill 18 – Assistance to Shelter Act in Vancouver Downtown Eastside ( DTES )

This was filmed by April Smith of AHA MEDIA on a Nokia N95 mobile cameraphone. April is passionate and skilled in making Nokia films by exploring mobile media production through the camera lens of a cellphone.For a better quality version of this video, please DM April Smith Twitter.com/AprilFilms or Facebook.com/AprilFilms

Click here to visit Wanhan Consultants official website

How to succeed in the Interviews – Interview tips with few question & answers – - Wanhan Consultants

Interview: Sandi Tighello, Editor of Onya Magazine  

Sandi Tighello has good news. Not only has this lovely Australian-Italian bella launched a patriotic Aussie mag in ONYA to much acclaim, but in recent news, she’s defying the odds and taking her little beauty to print in 2010. Many people who launch online mags will never even dream of taking the leap, but here she is in all her glory, revealing how and why she became a wordsmith, in a testament to why she doesn’t let anything get in her way. You can catch Sandi writing for ONYA, Trespass Mag, and in her personal blog, www.inthethickofit.wordpress.com Plus, look out for her as she releases some delectable coffee-table books soon as well. This is one girl you need to read to believe. Enjoy!

Tell us about your wordsmith career path so far:

I started writing when I was six years old – I’ve always loved it. I used to write poems, songs, musings, stories – I still have quite a few of my old journals – most importantly the one I wrote when I was six that declared, ‘When I grow up I want to be a writer.’

It wasn’t until I hit high school that I pursued the idea further – working on the school newspaper and the end of year poetry anthology. When I was 15 I started writing for my local newspaper on a fortnightly basis – reviewing films and books and writing opinion pieces. In Year 12 I entered a competition being run by The Age. It involved writing a piece on maintaining balance throughout Year 12 and the winner would have their piece published in the newspaper. I got home from school on the Friday at 4.15pm and remembered that the competition closed at 5pm that day, and, even though I had every good intention to submit something, I had not written a word. In fact, I completely forgot all about it. So, I sat down, wrote and then submitted my piece without even reading back over it. On the Monday afternoon I received an email, from the Editor of The Age, saying I’d won the competition and that I had, ‘The gift of words.’ And that was it. From then on, I knew writing was exactly what I would do, because I loved it, and because someone else out there did too.

From there I wrote for university newspapers, print publications, street press, blogs and online publications. I was offered the position of Editor for Mink Magazine when I was 22, and stayed with them for two years. I then launched my own publication, Onya Magazine, on June 1^st, this year.

Writers that work from home tend to comment about the merits of being able to work their own hours, or work in their PJ’s all day. Is that something that appeals to you, or do you tend to structure your day around a routine to keep you more productive?

My days really do vary. Some days I have a brilliant routine – rise early, exercise, healthy breakfast, work, lunch break, work, cup of tea, work and switch off. Other days, I roll straight from my bed to my laptop (or sometimes have the laptop in bed) and am in my PJ’s until 3pm, having worked all day straight. Some days I’m in meetings, dashing from one meeting to another all over Melbourne’s CBD. Some days there are interviews to conduct, places to visit, things to see. I like the variety. I like being able to take a couple of hours out of my day to visit an art exhibit, or roam the streets, or catch up with a friend, or see a movie. In saying that, if have a fairly luxurious day, I usually pay for it by working late that night and on weekends. But I’m happy with the trade.

In addition to having a general media degree, you also have a postgraduate diploma in media production. Was it always important for you to have an additional qualification in production so that you can work with various technologies/opportunities that could take your writing to new heights?

I have a Bachelor of Arts from Melbourne University, with a double major in cultural studies and cinema studies. Throughout the course I also studied history, politics and creative writing. I loved it. Arts was, despite some people’s preconceptions of it being a course people head into when they don’t know what they want to do in life, exactly what I wanted to do. It was my number one preference. I initially thought I should do Journalism at RMIT University – I even completed the entrance test and got accepted – but the thought of studying short hand and interview skills and analysing media issues for three years made me want to tear my curly hair out. I wanted to do Arts because I wanted to know more about the things I loved; history and politics and popular culture and film, and I wanted to debate and research and be immersed in it. Journalism was so restricted, and I felt it better to be more educated, rather than more qualified.

The Diploma in Media Production was, honestly, my way of staying at University for another year (without having to do Honours) – because I loved Uni, and the lifestyle (good training for a freelancer) and the people. The environment is hard to let go, and being at Melbourne Uni was honestly a dream – the lecturers, the resources, the best place for what I loved. The Post Grad course I did included some hands on photography skills – which is another passion of mine – as well as more of the hands on side of media – tech and computers. It was something I was interested in, but knew little about, and it has been invaluable – particularly in this era, when online and digital media is not just the future, but also the present.

Why did you create Onya Magazine, and how have the first few months since its launch been like for you?

There were many reasons as to why I decided to create Onya Magazine, the main ones are because:

• I wanted to do something that was mine. That I controlled, and drove, and could do as I felt with. Something I was passionate about. Something that I loved.
• I was sick of perceptions, from abroad, that we’re a country of singlet wearing bogans that have kangaroos hopping down our city streets.
• I was sick of reading about clothing designers from Denmark and shampoo from the US and shoes from Spain, when there were people and businesses here making the same things and getting no exposure.
• I was sick, and still am, of picking up item after item and seeing them all imprinted with Made in China.
• I was over mainstream Australian media that constantly over exaggerates, people bash and saturates everything – I wanted to create, and portray, a slice of Australia that was positive, whilst still being honest.
• And mainly because I was sick of Australians themselves – for thinking that Australia Day is just an excuse to get drunk. For not supporting our artists and designers and creatives. For thinking that to be somebody you’ve got to hop on an aeroplane and go somewhere that matters, because Australia doesn’t. For thinking anything that’s associated with Australia is cringe-worthy. You see, I believe, and my Australia is one that’s filled with class, and humour, and intelligence, and beauty and a hell of a lot of talent. And I wanted to showcase and support that.

On December the 1^st, Onya will celebrate its sixth month as an online publication. We are still so young, but I often think of Onya in much the same terms as Australia – a country so young, bursting with talent and ideas, but with such a long way to go. The first few months of being at the helm of Onya were great – and they still are now. Each week we’ve grown, and each week, each day, I’ve learnt something new. I’m so fortunate to have such an incredible bunch of writers to work and collaborate with, and to be able to provide their work a platform to be published on has been one thing I’m very proud of.

What were some of the difficulties that you encountered when working on such a big project? And how did it feel to complete it?

I still don’t feel like I’ve completed it. It’s a constant work in progress. The ideas are never ending. But, when it went live an hour before our launch party on June 1^st, I felt incredibly proud. Because whatever it was at that moment in time, it was good. And it could only get better. And it has. And will continue to.

One thing I’m very insistent on is quality – because I believe, particularly in online media, there is too much rubbish around. I will not publish something of terrible quality, or something that I do not believe falls in line with Onya’s values, just to get website hits. My stance on quality has proved challenging at times – I’ve not accepted work from writers because it’s under par, and Onya doesn’t do under par. I’ve knocked back more businesses (for content and advertising) than I can remember because their company may be Australian owned, but their product is certainly not Australian made.  It’s about ethics and values and I won’t budge on those.

The other challenges are time and money. There never seems to be enough of either. I do most things at Onya and I am most people. I’m the advertising sales manager, and the editor, and the director, and the online content manager, and the receptionist and the list goes on. My inbox seems eternally full. My to-do list never ending. And just when you get on top of it, it fills up again.

You can spend all day working on something, but see very little in terms of results. You can have a lot of brilliant ideas, but not necessarily the money to bring them all to life.

Doing so many things is what I wanted though – I wanted to captain the ship. I wanted to steer it. And I’m learning so much, and meeting so many amazing people.

You also do a little bit of blogging, and write columns for various print and online publications. How important is it for you to stay abreast of other editorial opportunities despite having created your own in Onya?

Oh, it’s incredibly important. I’m trying to balance it further, to ensure I don’t spend every moment on Onya, because it’s not healthy and you can lose sight and focus very quickly. There is so much more I’m interested in beyond Onya and I still want to be able to nurture that. It’s important for my writers that I keep it up too – so I don’t become stale or my ideas stagnant. And it keeps my foot in the door with other publications, other personal opportunities. I’m the Editor and Director of Onya, but first and foremost I’m a writer, and I always will be.

What is a typical day in the life of Sandi Tighello, freelance writer?

Well, it’s pretty typical for me to not have a whole day devoted to writing anymore, because so much of my time is devoted to Onya, but a typical day (and one that I’m working towards perfecting and re-enacting more) is; kick starting the day with some exercise and then a big breakfast and coffee, replying to emails, writing or attending to Onya editing/uploading, having a break, organising future articles, liaising with writers, and then doing some personal writing for my columns, blog or future book – or even some photography.

What are some of the perks associated with your job? And what are some of the difficulties?

The freebies. Beauty products, books, tickets…the freebies are a definite perk. It’s funny, I went to see a movie the other day and I was almost slightly annoyed that I had to purchase my ticket (I’m only joking, well…half joking). Also the people I’ve met and the friends I’ve made. The media industry really isn’t that big and I’ve made some truly incredible friends from it. The best perk, hands down, would have to be what you can do and learn. One day you’re interviewing a musician, or a 90-year-old Holocaust survivor, the next you’re creating a media kit, or brainstorming with a team of creative folk and then the next day you’re writing a review on a theatre show and having a nice dinner.

Time is a perk. When everyone is commuting, stuck in an office, then commuting again, it makes what I do seem rather luxurious. But it’s not. And that’s one of the difficulties – some people don’t take you seriously. They view your work as frivolous. It used to bother me, but I couldn’t care less anymore. A steady wage is another difficulty. And because the media industry is so small, there never appears to be enough jobs available – especially when companies are chopping people from publications left right and centre and using the GFC as an excuse.

But you don’t launch into this career without knowing that. So, I believe, if you accept it before you launch into a career as a writer, then you shouldn’t complain. Because I don’t know many other people, honestly, that wake up every morning with the same zest for life and enthusiasm that I do.

Have you consulted any mentors or guides to make the process of establishing writing career a little easier?

I haven’t had any one mentor that I’ve consulted with over and over again, it has been more of a case of collecting small gems of wisdom along the way. I’ve certainly met with various people over the past couple years – some incredibly accomplished, famous authors, like Tara Moss, that I’ve had coffee with for an hour and have drilled and had wonderful advice passed onto me, but I’ve also been just as inspired by the randoms that I have come across – the bookshop owner, the café entrepreneur. If you’re interested, everyone has a story and you can learn something from every person you meet.

What is the freelance feature writing like? Did you find it difficult to establish contacts that enabled you to get some freelance work?

It’s usually fairly easy to find a contact, but sometimes getting work from them can be hard. Once you’re in though, you’re usually in. And if you’re a good egg, you can usually stay around for a while. Feature writing is great – so many words and so much to say – but doing so effectively and clearly can be difficult.

Who are you writing for at the moment? / What are some of your current projects?  

I’m writing my column, ‘The Small Matter Of…’ for Trespass Magazine, and I’m also writing articles for Onya. I started a new blog called In The Thick Of It a week and a half ago, and it feels great to be back blogging. I’ve also got a few projects lined up with other publications – print and online – but none are set in stone as yet. And I’ve just started working on a coffee table book, which will be a merging of my writing and photography, and it’ll be incredibly motivational and pretty.

Are we allowed to have a sneak peak at your goals list?

Sure. My current goals involve completing and publishing my coffee table book, marking Onya’s place in the print world as a publication of brilliance and uniqueness, building my new blog, and writing, writing and more writing.

How does it feel to be able to take Onya Magazine to print?

I feel the best way to sum that up, because you can probably get a sense that I tend to waffle rather than be succinct, is to read this post that I wrote when I broke the news: http://www.onyamagazine.com/articles/extra-extra-read-all-about-it/

What advice would you offer to aspiring novelists, freelancers and wordsmiths who want to follow a similar career path?

Every writer has a style. Don’t be afraid to embrace yours. The best compliment I’ve ever received was someone who told me that when they read my work it was almost like I was sitting there next to them, talking. It was uncomplicated and fresh.

And there’s my next piece of advice – don’t overcomplicate things. I’m a strong believer in keeping things simple, but that’s just my style. I’ve always thought that there’s no real reason to be overly academic in your writing unless you’re writing an academic paper – because if you’re work is not accessible, then no one will access it.

Don’t be afraid to put out a strong opinion – you’ll always get strong opinions back, but that is only fuel for a stronger fire within.

To write well, you must read well.

If you start your own business, do it because it would be an injustice if you didn’t. Don’t do it to be cool or popular or to get discovered. I guarantee you that three months into your growing business, the work will swallow you, and if you don’t love what you’re doing and if you’re not prepared to put time and effort into it, then you will be a world away from cool and popular.

Don’t expect to be a brilliant editor, if you are not a brilliant writer. As far as I’m concerned the two are intrinsically linked.

Ten in the Hot Seat:

1. Describe yourself in one word: Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious
2. Biggest accomplishment to date: I take nothing for granted. Every piece I’ve ever had published makes me smile. Every time I publish a writer’s work in Onya I smile. But, if I had to choose, probably building a business on my own, from the ground up, all on my own with no backing, and succeeding so far, has been a point of great satisfaction in my life.
3. You wish you wrote: Oh, The Places You’ll Go by Dr Suess
4. Can’t leave home without: My BlackBerry, notebook, pen, lip balm, keys and wallet. And sometimes my MacBook Pro and Canon EOS.
5. One thing you are currently writing: I never leave a piece unfinished. That’s why I haven’t dared to write a novel yet. But I’ll get there.
6. First thing you wrote: Without retrieving the journal, it would be hard to say, but one particular pearler that stands out is this line by six year old me, ‘If a kid ever beat me in a running race, I’d probably bash them up.’
7. Addicted to reading: Yes, entirely addicted to reading. It’s safe to say I devour words, so if it’s in a book, magazine or online, I’m generally reading it. 
8. Top spot on your goals list: I have a couple, in equal place. Publishing Onya Magazine – the print version – in late 2010. It’s going to be one hell of an adventure. And getting my coffee table book completed, and published.
9. If you were a character in a classic, you’d be: I’d love to say Holly Golightly from Breakfast at Tiffany’s but I’m much more like Atticus Finch from To Kill A Mockingbird.
10. The best thing about being a wordsmith: Being read. Every time someone reads your work you are making them think or feel or remember. You might even teach them, or inform them, or better still inspire them.

Over 200,000 Australian’s live every day with the debilitating impact of dementia. As well as patients, many more are affected by the illness though caring for friends and family members.

Now they are being supported though a new scheme that it is going to see 3 million dollars go into a new care network. Glenn Rees from Alzhimer’s Australia told Tom more….

DOWNLOAD INTERVIEW or CLICK BELOW TO LISTEN

A co-owner of a popular wine shop in Islington Jamie Hutchinson isn’t just another wine seller.

When he and his partner Dawn Mannis finally opened the Sampler in December 2006 after long planning they set out to be an independent shop. Jamie sees it as a key to stay unbiased.

Being free from any commercialised restrictions from a big chain is the main reason for an unprecedented success of this small wine shop. Jamie said: “For us is important not to be brand centric and be quality driven as well as offering good personalised service.” Not like many commercial merchants who should be more interested in wines and have more personal approach to their customers.

The individual approach was rewarded by winning the Decanter Readers Choice Small Wine Merchant of the Year 2009 and many other awards. Although Jamie treasures the readers choice the most as they are his customers.

What distinguishes the Sampler from the majority of sellers is that you can taste the wine before you actually buy it! What a wonderful idea saving you from disappointment and waste of money. Wines can be pricey and Jamie with his team knows it. He said: ” The idea is to get people comfortable or to try different wines. They can experiment and hopefully find the wine they enjoy because they would not have otherwise even found it.”

That is why the shop is equipped with the Enomatic wine dispensers enabling sampling of smaller amounts of variety of wines. There are 80 dispensers and wines are being changed regularly so you will never get bored by The Sampler. This system originates in Italy where Jamie has seen it for the first time while visiting a Tuscan village Greve in Chianti.

You may ponder about how the wines stay fresh and do not oxidise after opening. The smart Enomatic system solves this problem as it keeps wines under nitrogenium environment preserving it for up to three weeks from oxidation. So you can get to taste such a treasures like Chateau La Tour. The most expensive bottle The Sampler ever put to taste cost £1500 and Jamie nods that it was not a £15 per sip deal.

How sampling actually works? You buy a prepaid card and then just stick it into the reader on the dispenser with wine you wish to taste, and then just pour the wine into a glass provided in the shop. Easy. You can spend as little as 30p but you can get to £100 if you want to get something special. Furthermore, if you want to taste more you can choose the multiple dispensation and assure yourself that this is really the wine you want to buy.

You may be tempted to visit The Sampler to get couple of glasses, but this is not the point. Jamie stressed: “We are not at all a bar. We do not provide much seating so people realise that our main thing is to sell wine. We don’t charge enough for the glass to cover the cost. Nevertheless, we give customers an opportunity to know beforehand what they are buying. Nearly all people buy at least a bottle after sampling.”

The wines are organised by the grape variety and the country they are from making your choice easier. The worldwide selection isn’t just a matter of variety. Jamie had been exploring wine countries since he was a child which contributed to his excellent knowledge about wine. From all the regions he has visited he liked the Douro Valley in Portugal the most. He said: “Concretely the central part of the Douro is incredibly beautiful. Looking from the river up to the steep vineyards is an unforgettable experience.”

Getting back on Earth from our daydreaming we discussed today’s trends in Britain. Jamie sees significant potential in sparkling wines in the British wine industry. With global temperatures rising some areas such as Rioja in Spain will benefit and Jamie recognises the similarity between the Champagne region in France and Southern UK.

The popularity of organic products gets along with The Sampler’s vision. Jamie said: “I like to see it on the label is it shows the effort and care the winemaker put into his wine.”

Charity became also part of The Sampler. Movember, a charitable organisation helping men with prostate problems, touched hearts of the team as they appeal to their customers to contribute to a good cause.

You can not only sample and buy wine plus get a professional advice at The Sampler but also you can attend one of their tasting events. The earliest one takes place this Sunday from 1- 6pm and is in the spirit of Christmas. Jamie disclosed me the wine selection and I must just add you should not miss it. Although I won’t tell you what you will taste as it is good to be surprised sometimes.

The Sampler is located on 266 Upper Street in Islington, London and is open daily.

]]> http://radioadelaidebreakfast.wordpress.com/2009/11/27/new-police-laws-for-wa/ Thu, 26 Nov 2009 21:32:56 +0000 okt87 http://radioadelaidebreakfast.wordpress.com/2009/11/27/new-police-laws-for-wa/

There has been fiery debate in West Australia’s Parliament recently over the government’s legislation proposing greater stop and search powers for police, with comparisons made to Nazi Germany.

The legislation, known as the ‘Criminal investigation Ammendment Bill 2009′ would allow police to search people for weapons and drugs in public areas without having to prove grounds of suspicion.

As expected, these proposed laws have caused an outrage among civil rights groups as well as others, but what exactly do the new laws mean and how much do they impinge on civil rights.

Tom asked Vice-President of the West Australian Law Society, Simon Walters, about what impact the new laws are having…

DONWLOAD INTERVIEW or CLICK BELOW TO LISTEN

]]> http://tbjfansuk.wordpress.com/2009/11/26/fraud-alert/ Thu, 26 Nov 2009 20:44:06 +0000 tbjfansuk http://tbjfansuk.wordpress.com/2009/11/26/fraud-alert/

Beware of fraudsters using Facebook to deceive people.

Beware of the users, ‘Tb Joshua’ and ‘Pastor TB Joshua’,

claiming to be Prophet TB Joshua, contacting people and

asking for donations and offering to send anointed water.

THEY ARE FRAUDSTERS AND HAVE NOTHING TO DO

WITH THE SCOAN OR PROPHET TB JOSHUA.

PLEASE BEWARE.

]]> http://futureperfectpublishing.com/2009/11/26/e-book-alchemy-an-interview-with-olive-technologys-virginia-thomas/ Thu, 26 Nov 2009 19:29:52 +0000 orionwell http://futureperfectpublishing.com/2009/11/26/e-book-alchemy-an-interview-with-olive-technologys-virginia-thomas/

By almost any reckoning, e-books are a fast growing segment of the book publishing industry.  Many self-published authors and traditional publishers who have been reluctant to publish in e-book format are now considering it.  However, because there are many competing standards, navigating the technical / logistical ins and outs of e-book publishing can seem a bit daunting at first. 

We recently had the opportunity to discuss print to e-book conversion and the outlook for e-books with Virginia Thomas, the Business Development Manager at Olive Technology, a leading provider of eBook conversion services. Virginia has lived and worked in Alaska, Argentina, Oregon, California, Texas, Hawaii, India and Colorado and was previously in corporate sales with Paradigm Engineering.  (One of her favorite book genres is confessional memoirs.)

FPP:  What e-book formats should a publisher consider absolutely essential for their titles?

VT:  Since the arrival of ebooks and eReaders, the number of digital content retailers has significantly increased. Each retailer would want to cover most device formats. Since the two most popular readers, the Amazon Kindle and Sony Reader use ePub and Mobi, it is recommended that Publishers should at least have these two formats available.EPUB is an open standard created by the IDPF, and is used on numerous devices such as the Sony Reader, the Barnes and Noble Nook, and the Stanza iPhone app. Mobipocket, or .mobi, can be read on the Kindle, but also on a Blackberry, Windows Mobile device, Symbian or Palm device. .azw is Amazon’s proprietary format for the Kindle, for which they provide free conversion when a title is listed in Amazon.com’s eBook store. Like .azw, .mobi can be read on a Kindle, but unlike .azw, it can be sold in a number of distribution channels including Symtio and a publisher’s own website.

FPP:  What steps a publisher should take to prepare for submitting a title for conversion into an e-book?

VT:  Publishers looking at reaching a wide market should first develop a basic idea of planning their marketing and decide on how they would like to take care of the digital rights management. Subsequently, they should identify a reliable technology team that can do a high quality conversion work that can replicate the original book experience into digital format. As they identify the team, the publisher should have their high priority titles organized by the different available format such as hard copy, PDF, Quark Express, InDesign etc. This would allow the conversion team to organize their own conversion steps.

FPP:  What occurs during the process of e-book conversion?

VT:  Depending on the format, the conversion process involves:

1. Converting the original source format (such as PDF) into a editable format, such (MS Word or HTML)
2. Reformatting of the editable format so that it can be seamlessly ported into a conversion tool. Depending on the type of book, this step may involve extensive coding to re-create the formatting from the original book. Aspects such as clickable footnotes, endnotes and images are all taken care of in this phase.
3. The formatted file is then ported into a conversion tool that can then generate the needed extension required. Aspects such as Table of Contents, book details and Metatags are taken into consideration at this phase. (Metatags are information about information—they help identify and position the digital content in order of relevance. For more information see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metatags).
4. An eBook conversion team then takes a thorough line-by-line comparison with the original book to make sure that all the needed formats and expressions have been replicated in the converted book. This is a very important step as it ensures a good reading experience for the reader. Depending on the service provider, a conversion team would have multiple quality checks by different members of the team.

FPP:  What are the most common problems that occur in e-book conversion?

VT:  Formatting errors can come in easily, especially inserting spaces into words. This is why Olive Technology does not rely solely on software for corrections. Olive’s proofreading team pores over every word in the eBooks they convert.

FPP:  What is the typical turnaround time for an e-book conversion?

VT:  Average turnaround time for a 200 page book is 2 working days. However, it may take additional time if there are lots of footnotes and endnotes that require extensive coding of tags or there are lots of images that need to be edited before including in the eBook.

FPP:  How much should a publisher budget for converting a title into the most popular e-book formats?

VT:  This depends on how long the book is, how many titles are being converted in the batch, and how complicated it is to convert. Most conversion companies provide a price per page. The more special formatting, pictures, charts, graphs, sidebars, etc. a work has, the more difficult it is to convert.As for a ballpark, conversion of a 200 page novel with a few illustrations from PDF to EPUB and Mobipocket, Olive Technology would charge $160.

FPP:  What limitations / differences in appearance should a publisher expect when going from print to e-book?

VT:  Because of limitations in the eReaders, it is not possible to enforce the original font types into the eBook formats. However, some eReaders allow the fonts to be changed. Since the reader has options to change the font size to large print or smaller print, there are no set page numbers in an eBook. Also, the style of s Table of Contents is limited to one column. All required images would render as black and white in most eReaders, but in smartphones they can be in color.

FPP:  Do you think we will get to a single e-book standard in the near future?

VT:  That’s the question of the hour. Members of the IDPF would scream “YES! EPUB!,” and the industry has already seen a great adoption of the EPUB format. However, Forrester has said that of the 3 million eBook readers predicted to be sold in 2009, 60% of them are Kindles. While Bbeb may be a dying breed, I think .azw and Mobipocket will be around with EPUB for years to come—especially if Amazon keeps making mobile apps. Unless, that is, Jeff Bezos decides to become an open format fan. That will probably occur the same day Steve Jobs endorses Windows 7.

FPP:  Does having a title in XML format simplify e-book conversion?

VT:  Not necessarily. In fact in our experience the reformatting of DocBookXML can be even more challenging and costly. However, the use of XML allows quicker conversion to any future formats that would be made available.

FPP:  How important are mobile phones in the e-book market now?

VT:  According to research done by Nielsen in 2008, younger people favor the idea of books downloadable to mobile phones or iPods over eReaders or PCs (A third of 16-30 year olds compared to 23% of over 30s). The mobile phone market share is relatively small, but growing. The most popular mobile phone for eBook reading now is the iPhone, which only had 6.5% of the eBook downloads in the first two quarters of 2009. However, in a November 1 report the research firm Flurry predicted that with thousands of eBook apps being produced, the iPhone will be in a serious position to steal market share from the Kindle in reading the way it stole from the Nintendo DS in gaming.F

PP:  How do you see the e-book market evolving in the next 3-5 years?

VT:  With the fast adoption rate and decrease in price of eReaders, the only certainties I see are growth, increasing involvement of Google, and device convergence. According to Association of American Publishers, eBook sales have grown by more than 300% in last 2 years. While eBooks are still a small portion of book sales, they more than tripled from the second quarter of 2008 to the second quarter of 2009, and the exponential growth is predicted to continue.

Also, I think it’s a matter of time before foldable/flexible mobile devices cause device convergence to occur. The problem now is that eBook readers are too big to be phones, and phones are too small to read on without a whole lot of scrolling. However, when mobile phone manufacturers roll out devices that can be folded or unfolded to the size of a phone or eReader, consumers will probably opt for the convenience of only carrying around one device. Motorola is said to be hard at work on their line of flexible devices.

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• Penguin 2.0 – The March to the Digital Kingdom Continues

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]]> http://thehiphopcosign.wordpress.com/2009/11/26/humor-mill-tv-one-on-one-with-comedian-chris-spencer/ Thu, 26 Nov 2009 19:22:49 +0000 bigced http://thehiphopcosign.wordpress.com/2009/11/26/humor-mill-tv-one-on-one-with-comedian-chris-spencer/

We chat with comedian Chris Spencer as he discusses his upcoming projects, plus about being a writer in Hollywood. Not too many folks know that he is the driving force for a lot of comedies that are aired and even Award Shows. Anyway we chat with him about everything that is on his plate and he drops some news on us about something that he has in the works! Check out the interview!

]]> http://bigced.wordpress.com/2009/11/26/humor-mill-tv-one-on-one-with-comedian-chris-spencer/ Thu, 26 Nov 2009 19:22:45 +0000 bigced http://bigced.wordpress.com/2009/11/26/humor-mill-tv-one-on-one-with-comedian-chris-spencer/ http://baitspot.wordpress.com/2009/11/26/bait-spot-interview-tony/ Thu, 26 Nov 2009 18:59:32 +0000 chrisperks93 http://baitspot.wordpress.com/2009/11/26/bait-spot-interview-tony/

CP: Yo Tony! First off, was it hard finally giving up as a consistent participant of the contest? What have been the pros and cons of becoming a panelist member? Has it been what you’ve expected thus far?

TONY: Hi Chris. At first, it was pretty tough. When I discussed the idea with Chris M, I was pretty hesitant about giving up the right to send baits. I knew it was a good idea because it would open new opportunities for other writers, and I even tried to discuss perhaps for some months giving up my panel spot to send baits. But either way, I was up for something new and as of right now I think it’s solid. Of course the pro’s are, for one, the contest is still around. The second is I believe that with the panel we have, we can have solid and professional critiquing. The cons, of course not being able to bait and not being able to read the other panelist’s baits. Other then that, not many cons I can think of. All of the panel are trustworthy when making their decisions so I worry about no personal bias.

CP: When you were originally asked to become a panel member did you think the idea was initially a good idea? How long did it seriously take you to take up the job? It’s very obvious you’re an individual with many ideas that have yet to be told.

TONY: Me and Chris M actually kicked the idea around one night in chat. It made me feel a little better about the situation knowing that other great writers were giving up their baiting rights to go along with this, so I wasn’t alone in this. Of course, nothing is out of the water yet. I’m sure in the near future the panel will be able to take an absence for a certain month and be able to re-enter the contest so hopefully myself and others will be able to write our ideas and send them out once again…buut that’s an idea for another time. Right now, we’re just trying to get people to submit baits and keep the contest alive.

CP: In a way, do you think you’re departure as an author will allow other writers to become stronger not only with their baits but as well with the competition? You have to admit that you really were one of the only ones receiving awards left and right during the contest’s rising demise. Not to say that’s a bad thing because obviously your writing is amazing, but do you think your wins became sort of predictable to some people who added more of a lack of interest concerning the contest? I noticed your comment on the blog.

TONY: I doubt my absence will encourage writers to become stronger. If it makes them feel that good about themselves that myself and others have departed from the contest..then maybe. As for competition, of course. Obviously, someone with my career resume, along with the other panelists, yourself, Chris M, DW, Maia, etc, competition is definitely more wide open.

Yes, I did receive multiple best picture nominations during the contest’s demise and it may have become ”predictable” for the newer writers and it probably did add lack of interest. The way I see it though, instead of bitching and complaining about moaning about it, the only way for people to stop it is to write a better bait than mine. Or, better yet, write a better bait than the 5 best picture nominations of that month. I can honestly say, and I mean this with no self-conceitedness, I felt like my best picture nominations through the months of January to March (estimates where the contest started to fall apart) were completely justified. I’m not an idiot, neither are the people who vote for the awards and neither are most of the people who send in baits. We can all clearly see that the lack of quality in baits were on a downward spiral. For anyone, anyone to tell me that the reason I was nominated so many times is because I got along with people in the contest is absolutely ridiculous. Obviously, this has been sparked by one individual so by me even reacting like this I’m just feeding the troll, but I feel like this is the best way to do it..right here on the The Bait Spot (nice plug huh? haha.) I truly felt like I wrote good enough baits within that time to earn my nominations. Batman, not a strong month, good reviews. Seed of Rebellion, one of the best reviewed baits of my entire career. Stalemate, another weak month, but obviously deserving to be in the top 5. And I’ll also add that most of the reviews for all of those baits, the people who wrote those reviews didn’t even come into Chatzy nor did I even conversate with them. I’m no politician, nor am I a leader in any way. I write baits that statistically people have liked. I have bad months like everyone else, I lose like everyone else. You have someone like Chris M, who has earned a best picture nomination for every bait he has ever written (I think.) Is this because of personal bias? No, it’s because Chris is immensely skilled. I just did what I normally do, I write baits, send them in, and read results. Chris, I’m sorry for ranting about this in your questionnaire but this is the last time I’m ever addressing this issue since obviously the contest is in its rebuilding mode and this shit is all in the past. But the main point is, if people didn’t like my nominations, write better…that’s all.

CP: What did you think of this month’s selection? Did it meet your expectations? What do you think baiters should do in order to progress with both the contest and their writing?

TONY: I thought this month was..expected. Honestly, I didn’t expect any eye openers because lets face it, the contest is in rebuilding mode. There’s a lot of pressure on all the writers to do something incredibly special because this is literally the contest’s second life. I will say this, this month could have been worse. I haven’t wrote reviews for the baits, wanting to keep my opinions secretive for now..but the one thing I really could say about the month as a whole as far as advice and progress…be creative and organized. I’m sure an entire novel can be written about critiquing baits, but that’s the best advice I’ve got for now. When I say this, I don’t mean have the most random cast and crew all that jazz. Just taking that as an example. If you’re going to have a director and a cast that has worked with that director, something else has to stand out in the bait for us just to not go “not again.” If the point of your bait is to be dry or bland, you need something to make us understand this…which is creativity in of itself. I can name tons of examples, but to sum it all up, it’s just to be creative. And one more thing, sometimes it’s not about what you want, but what you think the readers want. Every writer goes through this. A perfect example would be Jame’s “The Wall.” He’s made it loudly known he doesn’t like that bait with a passion, but he wrote it anyway because I’m sure in his mind, he thought it would be something others would like. And trust me, I’ve been told seeeeveral times to go out of my comfort zone and try something else. Creativity…once again. Go outside your box and explore other options. The first time I did this, it won me my first Best Picture.

CP: I remember seeing somewhere in the forums where you said you weren’t really big on seeing films like “Julie & Julia”. I believe it was the Oscar forum. You also said the same thing about “Doubt” back when the chat was around. What did you particularly mean by that? Is that you don’t really enjoy seeing films with female leads or movies with Meryl Streep?

TONY: Haha, yes I did say that. I’m not quite sure I said the same about Doubt, since that was a film I did see in theaters. But there is a vast difference in Julie and Julia and Doubt. What I basically meant was is that stories like that just doesn’t appeal to my interest. It’s not that it has to do with female leads. I’ve enjoyed quite a lot of films with a female lead, but it’s particular ones like that to which I have no interest. With “Julie and Julia” it just didn’t appeal to me. A story about two cooking show hosts in different time periods with complexities and problems…it doesn’t sound good to me so I choose not to see it. “An Education” again, the performances might be good, but the premise has little to no interest for me what so ever.

CP: Its damn near the end of the decade and that probably means bloggers, Oscar followers, etc will be making list of the best films released during the 2000-2009 period. Well, what do you consider to be the worst movies released during this era?

TONY: So many to choose from. One that instantly comes to mind and will always come to mind until the day I die when discussing the worst movies I’ve ever seen, Spider-Man 3. I loathe that film more than anyone has ever hated a film in their life. If I were to make a top 10 worst movies within the last 10 years, that would definitely be on there. I’d have to give it more thought to actually narrow it down to a list but just to name a few off the top of my head, Alone in the Dark, The Master of Disguise, 88 Minutes, Wild Hogs, Cars (yes, Cars) Fear Dot Com, Last House on the Left, Shrek 3, Meet the Spartans, Pearl Harbor, Dreamcatcher…yeeah.

CP: Final question…”A Nightmare on Elm Street” is one of my favorite horror films. Robert Englund truly delivered an iconic and terrifying performance. I’m not really sure how good the re-make will be next year but I want to know what your opinion is on the film? Don’t you think it at least has promise considering the fact that they got Jackie Earle Haley to ‘re-imagine’ Freddy’s persona? Do you think it could be like Ledger taking on the Joker and making it his own?

TONY: Oh boy, where to begin? Not to quickly point fingers…but Michael Bay is the kiss of death. Chances are, when he’s involved with any type of film, you’re going to get what he wants to satisfy his own stupidity and amusement rather than someone who likes films. Yeah, Jackie Earle Haley is the new face, but that is not as big of a factor as everything else that is going against this movie. I love Englund in the first Nightmare, but what can Jackie Earle Haley really bring to the table that’ll open eyes? It’s just something that really doesn’t need tampered with. You get what you get when you play Freddy, a shit eating grin, gut some teenager in an inevitable gruesome fashion while scratching his knives against pipes. After the first time, it all becomes routine, kind of like the character of Jack Sparrow, Austin Powers, etc…but when you first saw the character, you were mesmerized which is why the first and only time the performance is worth a look was with Englund in Nightmare 1. I’m aware that Haley is one creepy sumbitch, but they could have found any creepy looking guy for the role and I bet they’ll get the same result.

This is what I believe we’re going to get with this movie. A shiny new outlook on the film since technology has changed since 1984, shitty flashy jump scenes in pure Michael Bay fashion, gruesome deaths (more gruesome then the original) and another case of Michael Bay milking original ideas, or at least getting his name in on it, and turning into his own glorified steaming pile of shiny unadulterated dog shit. That’s the keyword with Bay, shiny.

I mean c’mon, look at the track record, ANOTHER music video director on the project. Texas Chainsaw Massacre, Friday the 13th, and The Hitcher, all horror remakes from a music video director and Bay producing. All terrible. TCM: The Beginning, Amityville Horror, and The Unborn, all horror films without a music director that Michael Bay has produced. I think it’s fair to assume we’re going to get the same formula shoved down our throats and not even a great, underrated actor like Jackie Earle Haley can save this film. Of course, it’ll get its early praise, much like the Friday the 13th remake did, but ultimately will be forgotten very soon and will be frowned upon as another waste less attempt of “reiminaging” an old film and making it shiny. Not to mention, Haley is 5′5″. That’s a relatively small Freddy, not so frightening. I’m a little touchy about this film, can you tell? Haha…I would have been like this for Friday the 13th as well…if I liked or had any sort of respect for the original.

]]> http://celebrity-babies.com/2009/11/26/cbb-chats-with-gena-lee-nolin-life-is-crazy-bliss/ Thu, 26 Nov 2009 17:00:33 +0000 Kate http://celebrity-babies.com/2009/11/26/cbb-chats-with-gena-lee-nolin-life-is-crazy-bliss/

Courtesy Gena Lee Nolin for use on CBB

Gena Lee Nolin is enjoying the “crazy bliss” that is her life right now. Mom to Spencer, 12, Hudson Lee, 3 ½, and Stella Monroe, 1 on Dec. 3, the former Baywatch star — who’s married to retired NHL player Cale Hulse — definitely has her hands full.

With two television shows and a book about her battle with postpartum depression in the works, Nolin is gearing up for the holidays, and her daughter’s big first birthday! She recently spoke to CBB about her family’s favorite holiday traditions, her sons’ strong bond and more.

Click below for the interview!

CBB: How’s life with Stella?
Gena Lee Nolin: Oh it’s awesome. I can’t believe it’s already been a year. She has been adventurous, and there hasn’t been a dull moment since we brought her home.

She’s 100 times different than my two boys, which I was sort of ready for, but I didn’t realize they’d be that different. Like, the boys would eat and sleep and were just really easy, whereas she’s a true little lady! She wants attention, she had colic for five months — but it’s been wonderful. Now she’s on a great schedule, and she’s fit in so nicely to the family.

How are you planning to celebrate her first birthday on December 3?
I’ve always been huge into first birthday parties. But this year, we’re going to keep it very intimate, have family and close friends over, and keep it simple. And I think the reason is because I feel like it is a celebration, but the first birthday is more for the parents than it is for the child — the child has absolutely no idea what’s going on. It’s going to be more special, and more meaningful.

For the first two, I had bartenders for the adults, DJs going, bouncies, and the kids were just learning how to walk! So I think we’ll do some cupcakes, and just have grandma and grandpa celebrate with her siblings.

You know that as a girl, she’ll want the big parties and the princess theme at age 3 and 4, and I can’t wait for that. I think I’ll be more excited than her about those!

How are your sons adjusting to her?
The boys adore her! They’re very protective, and it’s cute, especially with Hudson because they’re closer in age. They’re in the tub together a lot, so he’ll try to read her books, but he can’t read, so it’s pretty hilarious. He’s trying to be very much the big brother.

Nathanael Jones/Pacific Coast News

Did you plan for the spread in ages?
I never had a vision as to how things were going to go. I was married 10 years, and had Spence, but he was very much planned.

Then I was working so much, and it didn’t work out that we had another. I was quite content, I was a single mom and doing well with Spence, who’s been a healthy beautiful boy.

I’ve obviously now since remarried, and I did want the two — I knew that I would have more children. I wanted them somewhat close together, just because my siblings and I are.

There’s three-and-half, four years between us, which is perfect. You have a lot in common still, and it’s nice to have that closeness.

While Spence is 9 years older than Hudson, they still have a really special relationship, and I think as special as it is now, when they’re adults, it’ll be amazing to see that unfold.

Spencer is protective — we’ve seen it come out on playground, when a kid will come to Hudson and push him out of the way, or something silly, and Spence will step in and say “My little brother was here first!”

As much as I see it now, it’s a certain kind of relationship, because Spence is so much older. They’re not buddy-buddy, but when they get older, it’ll be pretty special.

Do you have plans for any more children?
I am done with kids! So done! Doing this interview right now, I have a little fight that I can hear on one side of the house, I hear Stella crying in another room, and everything’s fine, but it’s crazy! It’s crazy bliss, I should say.

What are you doing for the holidays?
My tradition, since I was a kid, was to put the tree up mid-November so we could really enjoy it at Thanksgiving. We’d have people over, too.

Now, my tradition as an adult is to have an open-door policy on Thanksgiving. I always host, and I welcome absolutely anyone into my home. I think it’s really special. If people are going through hard times, or not getting along well with their family, they flock to my house. And I’ll have my tree up!

Since I was tiny, on Christmas Eve, we’d go to church, and when we’d get back all the presents would be under the tree. Our parents said that Santa had come — it’s a Scandinavian tradition. We’d have dinner, open our gifts, then have more gifts the next day, since the “special elves” would leave two gifts the next morning.

So it’s much different than the norm, but I just love it. I introduced it to my husband, who was a Christmas morning type, and that was it — he loves it! So we’ll go to church, have an amazing dinner, and it’s very family, very warm.

Does Spence still believe in Santa?
I can’t believe I’ve kept it going for this long, but just this last year he was like, “Mom come on, there’s no way there’s one man who gets to every single child on Earth in a night.” So I sat him down and said, “OK, listen, when you have a child, you’ll get a letter from Santa. You will, on his behalf, get a few gifts for your children, and you’ll basically shop for him.” And he totally bought it! Eventually though, he’ll think I’m crazy.

You were featured in PEOPLE for shedding the post-baby pounds. Any tips?
What I’ve noticed, and since I’ve had three, is that each pregnancy and postpartum period is so different. With my first, I gained 40 pounds, in the second I gained 35 and with Stella I gained 25. My thing is to get most of your weight off, or at least get into good eating habits and exercise routinely, the sooner the better.

I found with Hudson, I’d say, “Oh I’ll do it, eventually I’ll get it off.” Then a year went by, he was 2, and I still hadn’t gotten it off — and was bigger than ever before. My tip is to get moving, and get healthy as soon you can. Get into a routine that works for you.

More importantly, don’t be hard on yourself! You just had a baby. It took nine months to get there, and I believe it takes nine months to get back. For me, I really watched what I ate, and exercised as much as I could with three kids.

Courtesy Gena Lee Nolin for use on CBB

What advice do you have for women battling postpartum depression, as you did? How is your book on the topic coming along?
The book is great. As hard as it is for me to do, I’m so compelled to write this because of what I went through — I went through it with all three. And I think that people sort of stereotype me as the blonde Baywatch girl, who’s always in a swimsuit, so I think to tell my story, that I got up to 175 lbs., was so depressed I couldn’t get out of bed, will show that life wasn’t always good for me. Reliving these things has been a bit hard, but it’s going to be a great read.

With my first, I didn’t really know what I was going through. And looking back, I don’t know how I got through it. I had my moments for sure. I went to my OB, and said, “I need help.” I was crying constantly, so I gave him my symptoms, went to a psychologist, sat down to talk, and got the medications I needed.

I believe that every individual has their own way of doing things. Something that works for me might not work for someone else. But be open-minded — some people do need medication, and that’s OK. You can have this tug of war, but in the end, if you’re healthy and it works for you, then that’s what you have to do.

The book might come out before summer 2010. But it’s been a funny learning process — books are not a fast thing! Your editing team basically puts it on the market when they feel the time is right.

What’s next in your career?
Right now I have two shows in development, and I’m so excited about both of them! The concepts are out of this world. Both are mommy-type shows. One is more of a talk show, the other is more of an on-the-field, helping moms in every way program. It’s awesome. I can’t say much more, but I’m very excited.

]]> http://wirhaager.wordpress.com/2009/11/26/im-gesprach-mit-gottfried-schwaiger/ Thu, 26 Nov 2009 16:48:13 +0000 Gerhard Stubauer http://wirhaager.wordpress.com/2009/11/26/im-gesprach-mit-gottfried-schwaiger/

Stadtmarketingobmann Gottfried Schwaiger.

“Wir können stolz sein, was wir in Haag zusammengebracht haben”

Seit Ende Jänner 2009 lenkt Stadtamtsdirektor Gottfried Schwaiger die Geschicke des Stadtmarketingvereins „Wir Haager!“. Was er sich damals vorgenommen hatte, was davon umgesetzt werden konnte und wie er seine Zukunft im Stadtmarketingverein sieht, erzählt Schwaiger exklusiv im Gespräch mit dem „Haag Focus!“. Interview: Gerhard Stubauer.

Focus: Vor einem knappen Jahr (Ende Jänner 2009) haben Sie die Obmannschaft für den Stadtmarketingverein „Wir Haager!“ von Christian Illich übernommen. Angelehnt an den amerikanischen Präsidenten Barack Obama sagten Sie damals „Yes, we can!“. Erfüllte sich die damals verbreitete Aufbruchstimmung?
Schwaiger: Um diese Frage zu beantworten, muss ich etwas ausholen: Seit 1999 gibt es in Haag den Stadtmarketingverein und es ist nahezu unglaublich, wie viele Projekte in den letzten zehn Jahren gemeinsam mit der Gemeinde, den politischen Entscheidungsträgern und der NÖ. Dorf- und Stadterneuerung umgesetzt werden konnten. Die größten Projekte waren die Gestaltung des neuen Hauptplatzes und die Einführung und Etablierung des Haager Theatersommers, der mittlerweile in der österreichischen Kulturszene einen bedeutenden Status genießt.

„Im Herbst 2008 beschlossen
wir, neu durchzustarten“

Ein sehr wichtiges Projekt für die Wirtschaft war die Einführung der Haager Einkaufsgutscheine. Durch die Gutscheine konnte mittlerweile beinahe eine Million Euro an Kaufkraft in Haag gebunden werden. Die Einkaufsgutscheine sind zudem nicht nur für die Haager sondern auch für Menschen aus umliegenden Gemeinden ein sehr attraktiver Geschenkegutschein.  Ein großer Dank für diese Projekte und all diese Arbeit möchte ich hiermit nochmals Christian Illich aussprechen, der den Verein lange Jahre geführt hat. Ein ebenso großer Dank gebührt Kurt Reitzinger für die Leitung des Theatersommers und Mag. Christian Mitterlehner, der über die NÖ Dorf- und Stadterneuerung eine Menge Fördergelder nach Haag geholt hat. Um nun konkret auf die Frage zu kommen: Aufgrund der vielen Projekte, die bereits umgesetzt wurden und die viel Kraft und Energie kosteten, machten sich gewisse Ermüdungserscheinungen breit. Daher beschlossen wir – noch im Herbst 2008 – das Stadtmarketing wieder neu durchzustarten. Und ich glaube, dass wir in diesem Jahr gezeigt haben, dass es mit frischer und neuer Energie wieder gelungen ist, den Verein zu aktivieren und wieder Projekte umzusetzen. Das „Yes, we can!“ erfüllte sich daher aus meiner Sicht – nun heißt es aber auch, entsprechend am Drücker zu bleiben und ebenso intensiv weiterzuarbeiten.

Focus: Eine Herzensangelegenheit in diesem Jahr war Ihnen die Belebung des Zentrums…
Schwaiger: Einerseits war es wichtig für Kurt Reitzinger eine entsprechende Nachfolge zu finden, um den Theatersommer zu sichern, denn natürlich ist das Sommertheater der stärkste Impulsbringer für das Zentrum – heuer kamen rund 17.000 Besucher, die den Hauptplatz während des Sommers in ein lebhaftes Zentrum verwandelten. Ich denke, mit der neuen Theatersommer-Geschäftsführerin Karola Sakotnik wurde eine professionelle und erfahrene Person gefunden, die die wirtschaftlichen Geschicke und die gesellschaftliche Verantwortung des Theatersommers entsprechend positiv leiten und gestalten wird. Damit sollte garantiert sein, dass der Hauptplatz den Sommer über auch weiterhin ein lebhafter Umschlagsplatz in der Region bleibt.

„Belebung des Zentrums ist
eines der Schwerpunktthemen“

Andererseits versuchten wir, zusätzliche Aktivitäten durchzuführen, um den Hauptplatz mit Menschen zu füllen. Daher wurde
heuer erstmalig auch der Haager Kunsthandwerksmarkt durchgeführt. Leider machte uns zwar das Wetter einen Strich durch die Rechnung aber man hat gesehen, dass der Kunsthandwerksmarkt auf jeden Fall ausbaufähig und ein Mosaiksteinchen ist, das Zentrum zu beleben. Ein weiteres Projekt, um die Menschen von Nah und Fern in den Ort zu ziehen, wird gerade ausgearbeitet. Aber ganz wichtig ist natürlich auch das Adventdorf, mit dem garantiert ist, dass während des Dezembers  viele Leute ins Zentrum kommen und hier ihre Weihnachtsgeschenke kaufen.

Focus: Kürzlich wurde Haag mit dem LandLuft Baukultur-Gemeindepreis ausgezeichnet. Was bedeutet diese Auszeichnung?
Schwaiger: Das ist eine Bestätigung, dass der vor zehn Jahren eingeschlagene Weg richtig ist. Aufgrund der schwierigen Wirtschaftslage ist es aber nun für alle österreichischen Gemeinden sehr schwer geworden, neue größere Projekte zu verwirklichen.

„LandLuft Baukultur-Gemeindepreis
ist Bestätigung unseres Weges“

Die Auszeichnung des Vereins LandLuft (www.landluft.at; Anm.d.Red.) und des österreichischen Gemeindebundes wurde an nur acht Gemeinden verliehen, die gemeinsam mit der Bevölkerung Projekte umgesetzt haben, um öffentliche Plätze und Räume zu gestalten und zu beleben. Kern der Sache ist, dass die heimische Bevölkerung motiviert werden soll, Verantwortung zu übernehmen und ihre unmittelbare, öffentliche Lebenswelt selbst zu gestalten. Theatersommer, Arkade oder die Gestaltung des neuen Hauptplatzes basierten in Haag nicht auf sturen Entscheidungen von Einzelpersonen, sondern es wurde versucht, die Bevölkerung soweit wie möglich in die Entscheidungen miteinzubinden. Das wurde und wird in Haag auch tatsächlich so durchgeführt – und dafür gab es nun auch diese Auszeichnung, die nicht der Gemeinde oder dem Stadtmarketingverein gehört, sondern allen Haagerinnen und Haagern.

Focus: Mega-Einkaufszentren in den umliegenden Großstädten sind eine große Konkurrenz zur heimischen Wirtschaft und ziehen Kaufkraft ab. Was tut das Stadtmarketing, um die heimischen Geschäfte und Betriebe bei der Bevölkerung, den Konsumenten und Käufern, attraktiv zu machen?
Schwaiger: Ein Thema, das mir auch besonders wichtig ist. Deshalb versuchten wir mit einigen Aktionen den Menschen bewusst zu machen, was die heimische Wirtschaft leistet. Und zwar nicht nur hinsichtlich ihrer Produkte und Dienstleistungen sondern auch hinsichtlich des gesellschaftlichen Wertes, den diese Unternehmen leisten. Mit der derzeit laufenden Plakataktion wollen wir deutlich machen, wie viele Menschen eigentlich in Haag ihren Arbeitsplatz finden und dass hier auch eine Menge junger Haager einen Arbeitsplatz in Form einer Lehrstelle finden. Kaufen die Menschen in Haag ein, tragen sie daher auch am Wohlstand ihrer unmittelbaren Lebenswelt bei. Dass ein Einkauf zu Hause zudem Kilometer und Nerven spart, muss ich ja eigentlich gar nicht mehr erwähnen.

Focus: Großes Gesprächsthema in den Gasthäusern sind derzeit auch die Bierdeckel, auf denen Haager Wirtschaftstreibende der verschiedensten Branchen abgebildet sind. Gibt es eine Fortsetzung der Aktion?
Schwaiger: Derzeit sind wir am Überlegen, welche Branchen wir für die nächste Kampagne unter dem Titel „Made in Haag“ auswählen. Wir werden diese dann zuerst wieder auf einem 16-Bogen-Plakat groß präsentieren und anschließend wieder auf Bierdeckel in den Gasthäusern verteilen. Durch diese Kampagne wollen wir auf die große Branchenvielfalt in Haag hinweisen. Es gibt hier fast nichts, was man nicht bekommen würde.

Focus: Damit der Stadtmarketingverein überhaupt funktioniert und entsprechende Mittel hat, um ordentlich arbeiten zu können, bedarf es großer Unterstützung seitens der Wirtschaft. In den letzten Jahren war zu beobachten, dass die Mitgliederanzahl und somit auch die Mitgliedsbeiträge rückläufig waren. Hier hat sich aber in diesem Jahr einiges getan…
Schwaiger: Ja, ohne Unternehmen und deren Mitgliedsbeiträge würde es nicht gehen.  Aber auch da haben wir heuer etwas zusammengebracht, auf das wir zu Recht stolz sein können: Innerhalb eines Jahres ist es gelungen, den Mitgliederstand nahezu zu verdoppeln – derzeit gibt es rund 130 Mitglieder, im November 2008 hatten wir gerade noch 66. Darüber freue ich mich persönlich sehr. Ich diesem Zug möchte ich mich bei allen Mitgliedern bedanken und die neuen nochmals herzlich begrüßen.

„Mitgliederstand wurde innerhalb
eines Jahres nahezu verdoppelt“

Gleichzeitig ist das aber für mich und den Vorstand auch wieder eine Motivation, da es zeigt, dass die Wirtschaft uns gerne unterstützt, da wir offensichtlich gute Arbeit leisten, die entsprechend geschätzt wird. Weitere Mitglieder sind uns herzlich willkommen. Diese werden über die Zeitung „Haag Focus!“ sowie über das Internet der Bevölkerung bekannt gemacht.

Focus: Grundsätzlich wurde vereinbart, die Obmannschaft nach einem Jahr abzugeben und an Mag. Christian Mitterlehner weiterzugeben. Haben Sie nicht doch noch Lust, die Arbeit weiterzumachen? Projekte gäbe es ja noch genug.
Schwaiger: Es war ein tolles, interessantes und aber auch sehr arbeitsintensives Jahr. Es hat mir viel Spaß und Freude gemacht und es stimmt – es gibt noch viele spannende Herausforderungen und Dinge, die darauf warten, umgesetzt zu werden. Aber wir haben den Wechsel im Vorjahr so vereinbart und ich denke, wir sollten das daher auch so machen. Etwas Zeit haben wir ja noch und dann werden wir uns zusammensetzen und darüber  reden.

]]> http://edtechtools.wordpress.com/2009/11/26/product-review-acme-digital-whippersnapper/ Thu, 26 Nov 2009 15:55:08 +0000 Victor Rivero http://edtechtools.wordpress.com/2009/11/26/product-review-acme-digital-whippersnapper/

ALBERT EINSTEIN was born in Ulm, in the Kingdom of Württemberg in the German Empire on March 14, 1879.[5]His father was Hermann Einstein, a salesman and engineer. His mother was Pauline Einstein (née Koch). In 1880, the family moved to Munich, where his father and his uncle founded Elektrotechnische Fabrik J. Einstein & Cie, a company that manufactured electrical equipment based on direct current.[5]

First, we might ask ourselves in what sense the problems of international affairs require today an approach quite different from that of the past – not just the recent past, but the past half-century. To me, the answer is quite simple: due to technological developments, the distances throughout the world have shrunk to one tenth of their former size. The production of commodities in the world has become a mosaic composed of pieces from all over the globe. It is essential and altogether natural that the increased economic interdependence of the world’s territories, which
participate in mankind’s production, be complemented by an appropriate political organization.

I believe the condition in which the world finds itself today makes it not only a matter of idealism but one of dire necessity to create unity and intellectual co-operation among nations. Those of us who are alive to these needs must stop thinking in terms of ‘What should be done for our country?’ Rather, we should ask: ‘What must our community do to lay the groundwork for a larger world community?’ For without that greater community no single country will long endure.

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