Summary. Below is the full version of the movie adaptation of the book 1984 by George Orwell.
Aug 03
Effective Living (Places) > India
Summary. This page offers general information about Nainital, India. This is part of a series studying Indian culture and urban planning.
“I was very impressed during my time in Nainital, India with how clean the area was. This is partly the result of stiff penalties for littering. Plastic bags are illegal in Nainital, so they won’t be found in use at local shops. Lake Naini is meticulously cared for, including a complete aeration system to ensure freshness of the water. As a result, the lake is full of fish. From what I could see, there was nobody fishing. This is probably due to the predominant Indian culture of compassion toward all living creatures. From casual observation, there were very few people smoking, and most of them were smoking what seemed to be a natural chemical-free rolled tobacco. I’m usually bothered by second-hand smoke because of the chemicals and toxins in commercial cigarettes, but I wasn’t bothered by the second-hand smoke here. It’s not hard to find nutritious and delicious vegetarian food here since that’s the standard diet of most people. As a result, the restaurants were plentiful and quite good.” ~ Gregory Johnson
Photos. Follow the links below to photo galleries of Nainital, India.
- 20100728we – Day 1 – Going to Nainital
- 20100729th – Day 2 – Hike to Snowview Point
- 20100730fr – Day 3 – Governor’s Estate and Rainy Day Photos
- 20100731sa – Day 4 – Streets, Food, and a Small Van
Video. Below is a video tour of Nainital, India hosted by Gregory Johnson.
Jul 22
Summary. Below is a humorous video inspired by the teachings of The Rebbe, Menachem Mendel Schneerson (pictured here).
The video offers an inspiring presentation of transcendent Judaism, which reaches deeper and broader than past expectations and experiences to transform every area of life.
Religions with traditions and teachings that date back thousands of years can be viewed as “old world” and something that simply doesn’t apply in any practical or relevant way today.
However, as this video conveys, in a fun way, the organization Chabad is a very relevant and engaging Jewish organization that reaches out to inspire all who are looking for fulfilling growth in their religious journey.
“I’m really interested to see how video can be used in a variety of capacities to educate, inspire, and entertain. I found this video interesting in that it accomplishes all three of these goals. It’s creative and well produced. The Rebbe, is able, through analogy and allegory, to use words to paint memorable pictures that convey a message. It was fun to see this message conveyed through video. I’m often surprised by Chabad’s creative use of contemporary technology, media, and video to convey ancient lessons. Chabad is a good organization for others to study and emulate – both how and what they teach. Their creativity and passion are inspiring.” ~ Gregory Johnson
This video is republished here courtesy of Chabad Rabbis Avremel and Chaya Blesofsky who are based in Iowa City and offer a weekly newsletter.
Jul 08
Effective Living > Technology > Apple | Video
Summary. The Apple iPhone 4 offers high definition video recording at 1280 x 720 pixels of resolution.
Highest Quality Video. A 1280 x 720 resolution video of 9 minutes in length will be about 700MB in it’s native file size when stored in the phone or transferred to a computer. When played directly on a computer, this video looks great. Were this video to be burned to a DVD, it would still look quite good.
Recording Tips. For best video quality, there should be an abundance of diffused light during recording and limited background noise. The video camera and subject should be moving as little as necessary. The touch screen can help with focus and light metering on the subject.
YouTube Upload From iPhone. When uploading to YouTube directly from the iPhone, the HD quality will be lost. This is because a reduced quality video is produced before uploading to save on Internet network bandwidth usage. The 700MB video mentioned above will be reduced to about 37MB, and the loss of about 660MB (about 95% of your original image information) is obviously noticeable. The reduction in file size is achieved by reducing the video size from 1280 x 720 to 480 x 270. In addition to the reduced number of pixels, video compression (like image compression) is used. Normally when reducing a photo or video, you can choose to reduce the dimensions but retain the image quality for a smaller picture that is very crisp and clear. Unfortunately, the video compression used in the upload process with YouTube is not very good. So, the resulting video image is small and fuzzy.
YouTube Upload from Computer. For better quality video, it’s recommended that you transfer the video from your iPhone to your computer and then upload it to YouTube using the video uploader application on your computer or directly from your YouTube account page. This will result in the following compressed videos being available for viewing on YouTube: 1280 pixels wide by 720 pixels high (130MB file), 853 x 480 (81MB file), 640 x 360 (54MB file), and 427 x 240 (28MB file). Regardless of what video you choose to view, the quality is obviously not as good as the original 700MB file since much of the video information has been removed to save file size and bandwidth. However, the HD setting on YouTube should offer the best quality.
Understanding Video Compression. There are two ways to reduce the file size of a photo or video. One method is to retain the clarity and sharpness, but simply reduce the dimensions. The other way to reduce photo or video file size is to reduce the clarity. When saving JPG images, it’s common to see a slider control that allows you to determine the clarity of the resulting image. The same is true for video, unless it is an automated system (as with YouTube uploads).
YouTube Video Quality Comparison. Using the two video samples below, it’s possible to compare by playing them both at the same time (use pause and then play to synchronize).
YouTube Video Sample – 480 x 270. Below is a high definition video sample that was uploaded from the iPhone 4 to YouTube. Notice that the original HD dimensions are reduced during the upload process.
YouTube Video Sample – 1280 x 720 HD. Below is a video sample recorded on the iPhone 4 that was uploaded to YouTube as a 700MB file with full 1280 x 720 HD video. YouTube converted it to be the same dimensions, but a file size of 130MB making it reduced quality from the original.
YouTube iPhone 3GS Video Sample – 640 x 480. Below is a 6 minute video sample that was recorded on the Apple iPhone 3GS. The video was transferred to the computer and then uploaded to YouTube. The original size was 640 x 480 and 160MB. The compressed size retained the dimensions of 640 x 480 (480p), but lost about 75% of the video information and resulted in a file size of 39.7 MB. Surprisingly the quality is still okay.
Video Samples. Below are six samples of the same video that was recorded and edited on the iPhone 4. The first three have been transferred to a computer from the iPhone 4, and then uploaded to YouTube. The next three were uploaded directly from the iPhone 4. They were created using iMovie on the iPhone 4 and exported/saved to three different sizes into the iPhone 4 camera roll. Be sure to select the maximum playback quality for the most accurate comparison.
Below is a video test produced by Gregory Johnson as follows: video recorded on the iPhone 4, edited in iMovie on the iPhone 4, exported from iMovie to the camera roll in 1280x720p format with a resulting file size of 327MB. Then, copied over to the computer and uploaded to YouTube.
Below is a video test produced by Gregory Johnson as follows: video recorded on the iPhone 4, edited in iMovie on the iPhone 4, exported from iMovie to the camera roll in 960x540p format with a resulting file size of 164MB. Then, copied over to the computer and uploaded to YouTube.
Below is a video test produced by Gregory Johnson as follows: video recorded on the iPhone 4, edited in iMovie on the iPhone 4, exported from iMovie to the camera roll in 640x360p format with a resulting file size of 110MB. Then, copied over to the computer and uploaded to YouTube.
Below is a video test produced by Gregory Johnson using the iPhone 4 to directly upload to YouTube a video of 1280x720p that is 327MB.
Below is a video test produced by Gregory Johnson using the iPhone 4 and uploading from the phone to YouTube in 960x540p format.
This is a test by Gregory Johnson uploading a 640x360p video from the iPhone 4 directly to YouTube.
Jun 30
Technology > Photography | Video
Summary. IOGEAR recently released a 56-in-1 memory card reader, model GFR281.
Photo cameras and video cameras are adapting new standards of higher speed and higher capacity memory cards. Video cameras in particular are shifting from tape, disc, and hard drive storage to memory card storage.
The 56-in-1 memory card reader model GFR281 from IOGear is a versatile device that can read most photo camera and video camera memory cards as well as memory cards from other devices like cell phones.
At a purchase price from $20 to $35 depending on where you buy it, the device is relatively economical. Buy locally if you can, or click here to purchase from our store.
Testimonial. Below is a testimonial from Gregory Johnson about the product and where to buy it.
“We have the IOGEAR 56-in-1 memory card reader available in our online store for about $20. So, with the free shipping of Amazon Prime, it’s a fairly good deal. However, I paid $3 more and bought it at our local downtown office supply store, Iowa Book and Supply. I like to support local downtown merchants because they make life more convenient, and at Iowa Book the prices are low enough that my cumulative aggregate savings are usually better than buying anywhere else, even online at my own store.” ~ Gregory Johnson
Learn More. Below are links to more information about this device.
Jun 28
Activism | Effective Living > Music | Lifeways
Summary. The song What About Now by Daughtry has been hugely popular for it’s inspirational and motivational message about making a difference in the world.
At a time when the world is in crisis on a large-scale level as well as down to the individual level, this video paints a picture of the challenges we face, yet it also presents hopeful solutions and images of people who are making a difference in the world.
Video. The music video (below) has had over 3 million views. Use the volume control as needed to adjust the sound level. You can click the [x] in the upper right corner of the advertisement in the video to close it and move it out of the way.
Lyrics. Below are the lyrics to What About Now by Daughtry.
Shadows fill an empty heart
As love is fading,
From all the things that we are
But are not saying.
Can we see beyond the stars
And make it to the dawn?
Change the colors of the sky.
And open up to
The ways you made me feel alive,
The ways I loved you.
For all the things that never died,
To make it through the night,
Love will find you.
What about now?
What about today?
What if you’re making me all that I was meant to be?
What if our love never went away?
What if it’s lost behind words we could never find?
Baby, before it’s too late,
What about now?
The sun is breaking in your eyes
To start a new day.
This broken heart can still survive
With a touch of your grace.
Shadows fade into the light.
I am by your side,
Where love will find you.
What about now?
What about today?
What if you’re making me all that I was meant to be?
What if our love, it never went away?
What if it’s lost behind words we could never find?
Baby, before it’s too late,
What about now?
Now that we’re here,
Now that we’ve come this far,
Just hold on.
There is nothing to fear,
For I am right beside you.
For all my life,
I am yours.
What about now?
What about today?
What if you’re making me all that I was meant to be?
What if our love never went away?
What if it’s lost behind words we could never find?
What about now?
What about today?
What if you’re making me all that I was meant to be?
What if our love never went away?
What if it’s lost behind words we could never find?
Baby, before it’s too late,
Baby, before it’s too late,
Baby, before it’s too late,
What about now?
Jun 28
Effective Living > Music | Lifeways
Summary. The song How to Save a Life by The Fray was influenced by band member Isaac Slade who worked as a mentor at a camp for troubled teens. The song was the title song for the album How to Save a Life.
The song has sold over two million downloads. The music video of the song (below) has been viewed over 10 million times. It is one of the fifth longest charting singles on the Billboard Hot 100, at 58 consecutive weeks.
Music Video. The music video of the song (below) shows images and videos of troubled youth combined with words and other images that convey how delicate life is. The green caterpillar shown here on the piano keyboard is juxtaposed to the image of a butterfly elsewhere in the video. You can click the [x] in the upper right corner of the advertisement in the video to close it and move it out of the way.
Lyrics. Below are the lyrics to How to Save a Life by The Fray.
Step one you say we need to talk
He walks you say sit down it’s just a talk
He smiles politely back at you
You stare politely right on through
Some sort of window to your right
As he goes left and you stay right
Between the lines of fear and blame
You begin to wonder why you came
CHORUS:
Where did I go wrong, I lost a friend
Somewhere along in the bitterness
And I would have stayed up with you all night
Had I known how to save a life
Let him know that you know best
Cause after all you do know best
Try to slip past his defense
Without granting innocence
Lay down a list of what is wrong
The things you’ve told him all along
And pray to God he hears you
And pray to God he hears you
CHORUS:
Where did I go wrong, I lost a friend
Somewhere along in the bitterness
And I would have stayed up with you all night
Had I known how to save a life
As he begins to raise his voice
You lower yours and grant him one last choice
Drive until you lose the road
Or break with the ones you’ve followed
He will do one of two things
He will admit to everything
Or he’ll say he’s just not the same
And you’ll begin to wonder why you came
CHORUS:
Where did I go wrong, I lost a friend
Somewhere along in the bitterness
And I would have stayed up with you all night
Had I known how to save a life
CHORUS:
Where did I go wrong, I lost a friend
Somewhere along in the bitterness
And I would have stayed up with you all night
Had I known how to save a life
How to save a life
How to save a life
CHORUS:
Where did I go wrong, I lost a friend
Somewhere along in the bitterness
And I would have stayed up with you all night
Had I known how to save a life
CHORUS:
Where did I go wrong, I lost a friend
Somewhere along in the bitterness
And I would have stayed up with you all night
Had I known how to save a life
How to save a life
Jun 28
Summary. The music video Some People Change by Montgomery Gentry is an inspirational video about how people can turn their lives around.
One examples given in the video is of a young man who’d been raised to have racist beliefs.
The other example is of a woman (pictured here) who turns away from a life of alcohol addiction. At the moment when she makes this decision, she opens the window and bright white light rushes into her life.
The lyrics to the song, and the music video are included below.
Video. Below is the music video of Some People Change by Montgomery Gentry. You can click the [x] in the upper right corner of the advertisement in the video to close it and move it out of the way.
Lyrics. Below are the lyrics to the song Some People Change by Montgomery Gentry.
His old man was a rebel yeller:
Bad boy to the bone.
He’d say: “Can’t trust that other fella,”
He’d judge ‘em by the tone of their skin.
He was raised to think like his Dad:
Narrow mind full of hate.
On the road to no-where fast,
Till the Grace of God got in the way.
Then he saw the Light an’ hit his knees an’ cried an’ said a prayer:
Rose up a brand new man; left the old one right there.
Here’s to the strong; thanks to the brave.
Don’t give up hope: some people change.
Against all odds, against the grain,
Love finds a way: some people change.
She was born with her mother’s habit:
You could say: “It’s in her blood.”
She hates that she’s gotta have it:
As she fills her glass up.
An she’d love to kill that bottle,
But all she can think about,
Is a, a better life, a second chance,
An’ everyone she’s letting down.
She throws that bottle down.
Here’s to the strong; thanks to the brave.
Don’t give up hope: some people change.
Against all odds, against the grain,
Love finds a way: some people change.
Thank God for those who make it:
Let them be the Light.
(Let them be the light)
(Some people change.)
Here’s to the strong; thanks to the brave.
Don’t give up hope: some people change.
Against all odds, against the grain,
Love finds a way: some people change.
Some people change.
(Some people change)
Jun 20
Activism > Advertising | Effective Living > Music
Summary. In 2010, Pepsi launched the Pepsi Refresh Project and their Refresh Everything campaign using an inspirational music video featuring the song One Tribe by Will.i.am.
The Refresh Everything campaign was established to offer grants to small charities that might not otherwise receive funding.
This is an example of how an advertising campaign can be merged with philanthropy.
Advertisements that are uplifting are more likely to get promoted at the grass roots level by friends telling friends through social networks.
Video. The video of the advertisement is below.
Jun 20
Summary. Nike created a humorous series of videos with Steve Nash including the one below with Nash as the 60 Million Dollar Man.
Traditional advertising places a product or service at the center of attention. However, a new approach to advertising has become more common where the primary message of the advertisement is either hope or humor. This kind of media is a fusion of advertising and entertainment.
Making advertisements funny increases their appeal, and with the help of friends telling friends through social networks, a simple advertisement can quickly generate a huge number of viewers.
This hybrid approach to advertising has been hugely successful. If you are a professional in advertising or marketing, do all you can to help promote this kind of advertising. It’s better for your brand and it’s better for the world and allows for two messages to be presented simultaneously.
Video. Below is the Nike advertisement with Steve Nash as the 60 Million Dollar Man. This is a parody of the television show titled the Six Million Dollar Man.
