A Real Dog of a Summer
The headlines are confirming what none of us in South Central Alaska have missed: It’s been a real dog of a summer. Hardly a true summer at all! But maybe our canine friends can help remind us one can get wet and have a ball at the same time. Yes, indeed!
A new web site: Seaplanes!
I wanted to announce the debut of a new Alaska website:
SeaPlane Alaska!
I just started on it so it will take some time to whip it into shape. Seaplanes (alternatively dubbed Floatplanes) have been an emerging interest since I came to Alaska. The site celebrates the state’s pilots, adventurers, and the amazing planes they fly.
This Anchorage FileMaker Database Expert says “Let’s Go!”
I literally have used FileMaker Pro since version 1! That was twenty years ago! Back when I was just a kid in Texas I ran an authorized FileMaker training center and developed dozens of FileMaker solutions for clients including GTE Visnet, JC Penny Life Insurance and WFAA (the Dallas ABC network affiliate).
So what great news it was last month when FileMaker Inc. announced the release of FileMaker Go–a mobile version for iPhones and iPads. Sweetness!
Picture Alaska: Canon EOS-1 D Mark IV
In June a new tool was added to my creative arsenal: Canon’s EOS-1D Mark IV. I’ve already begun using it both in photographic and video projects, and I’m thrilled with the camera.
This baby has a redesigned 45-point AF system including 39 cross-type points, can shoot 10fps in burst, and handles extremely low light conditions with ease. (ISO range of 100 – 12800). For video projects I can now use Canon’s famous L lenses and shoot in 1080, or 60fps 720p. Wahoo!
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.