Web Specialist: Alaska Needs Faster Broadband

Google’s Derke Slater says it best: “Broadband is the dial tone of the 21st century. It is essential for participation in civil society and political processes. It’s also essential infrastructure when it comes to economic growth and innovation, and job creation.”

And this is problematic. Though the U.S. has led the world in many aspects of Internet development, we are continuing to fall behind other countries in broadband penetration and access speed.

And lest we forget: Alaska broadband is far behind the average U.S. average data rate. I contend that we need a state initiative to help fund additional broadband fiber to Alaska and around the state.

Read the complete CNN story.

Riding 3D Animation: My TV Commercial Aired During the Super Bowl in Anchorage, Alaska

What an enjoyable Super Bowl and I received a special treat. During the party a TV Commercial that I built for MTA was aired. Knowing how pricey air time is during the Super Bowl I viewed this as a kind of award.

I conceived, wrote, produced and designed the commercial last Spring for MTA. I was hired by a top Anchorage agency, Walsh Sheppard and worked with Tony Shepherd on the spot. I’m a big football fan and was already in heaven watching the game. Seeing the commercial was a huge honor and treat that made the day very memorable.

The spot, entitled “How Quick Can You Click” celebrates the uber cool MTA online directory. There was no “location” outside of a green screen. I built an entire virtual 3d set and married live actors into the 3d camera perspectives. You can see the commercial in the Ice Cave portfolio. It’s the first sample.