Valerie’s Weblog

Stephen Boyd is a graduate of Waterloo University with a degree in Environmental studies. However, Boyd had an artistic endeavor. Stephen is Centennial’s Digital Artist-in-Residence and specializes in designing interactive experiences for public spaces and events.

Steven uses math or algorithms with pixels to create beuatiful colourful abstact images. His work includes peices such as Declare 1 in which he uses the declaration of independance. By rewriting the pixels on the photo, it mimics the texture of cloth.

Steven’s Tsu Ean which was created by running an interpretation of the population density of the north eastern US. The abstract image looks like wavey strands of dark hair.

In addition to art work and istallations, he works with clients by implementing technology for them.

Jim Babbage gave the Interactive Digital Media class an informative talk on his expertise on Abobe Foreworks. However, his expterise isn’t just limited to this softeare program. Jim’s knowlede extends to Dreamweaver, Photoshop, Acrobat, Web Design, Imaging, Commercial Digital Photography Immersive Imaging and Design.

Not only does Jim teach imaging, web design and photography at the School of Communications, Media and Design at Centennial College, he is also co-owner of NewMedia Services in Toronto

Jim taught the advantages of Fireworks as a great way to show prototypes of websites to thier clients. Clients can also change and add content with fireworks.

Candace Lee, a regular guest speaker at Centennial College, has appeared in events such as the Hybris Media Panel in October 2006. Recently, she gave an informative talk to the students in the New Digital Media Program at the college. She was a Multi-Media Producer at CanWest Interactive and a graduate of the joint New Media Program at Centennial and the University of Toronto.

During her talk, Candace shares her experience with the New Media class. She emphasis the importance that there is a need for good quality online content. Also, she states that strong video content will be will be very important for websites in the near future.

Candace also spoke about advertising online. She says that advertiser have a “unique opportunity to reach an audience” either at a micro or macro level. They can go beyond mere banner ads or button links.

Lastly, Candace share with us the dos and don’t of a first job:
be compent, always deliver, pick a company that is a reputable and always have a positive attitude.

Although coffee is mostly consumed for its stimulant caffiene, there are other benefits and risk associated with coffee.

For example, coffee contains the anticancer compound methyloyridinium which is an antioxidant not found in significants amounts in other foods. Coffeee also reduces heart disease and rids the blood of lipids. It is also a laxative which is considered to reduce constapation. Many people use it as an enema to cleanse the colon.

However, there are risks to this powerful stimulant. It can cause anxiety and irritability and of course insomnia. Also, coffee might put people in risk of high blod pressure. Coffee might also cause coronary artery didease.

Fair Trade is a social movement which promotes fair wages to farmers who produce commodities such as coffee, nuts, tea, bananas. sugar, cotton, cocoa etc.

FINE created the most widely recognized definition of fair trade , Association of the four main fair trade networks: Fairtrade Labelling Organizations International, International Fair Trade Association, Network of European Worldshops and European Fair Trade Association):

“Fair trade is a trading partnership, based
on dialogue, transparency and respect,
which seeks greater equity in international
trade. It contributes to sustainable development
by offering better trading conditions to,
and securing the rights of, marginalized
producers and workers – especially in the
South. Fair trade organizations (backed by
consumers) are engaged actively in supporting
producers, awareness raising and in
campaigning for changes in the rules and
practice of conventional international trade.”

For those who want to support Fair Trade, watch for Fairtrade labelling. The product must carry either the International Fairtrade Certification Mark or the Fair Trade Certified Mark, it must come from FLO-CERT inspected and certified producer organizations. Fairtrade certification guarantees not only fair prices but also ensuring crops grown and harvested in accordance with the international Fairtrade standards set.

Coffee can be seen in almost every aspect of our lives. We drink coffee with pasteries, cakes and sandwiches. We drink coffee almost every morening to give us that caffeine perk.We drink coffee as a means to socialize with friends at cafes and restaurants We serve coffee to our guests as a good host or hostess should. Coffee comforts our being and arouses our senses. We cannot deny that coffee isn’t just any beverage we consume; it is an integral part of our daily lives.

Where does coffee come from? Brewing coffee first began in Etheopia. Legend says that a shepherd in Ethiopia found his goats chewing on the leaves of an unkown plant. The goats then began to be excited. He be began eating the berries of the plant and felt energetic and exhilerated.

Ethiopians talk much pride in thier coffee. When they drink coffee, it is usualy communal meaning they gather together as the mistress prepares the brew. First she roasts the beans when they are green. As the beans are being roasted, she spreads the aroma of the smoke in front everyone being served. After, she grinds the beans then brews it then serves the coffee in small ceramic cups. Before dinking the coffee, it is usualy preceeded by prayers.

Coffee eventually spread to Egypt and Yemen, and by the 15th century, it had reached the rest of the Middle East, Persia, Turkey, and northern Africa. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:PalestineCafe.jpg