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Streaming Video From a Motorcycle Required Equipment
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Month: January 2008
First Ubuntu Post
My Ubuntu internet computer is now operational and I am exploring the unique personality it has. I am considering using a Ubuntu or other Linux OS for the notebook computer(s) I will use on the Live More Lightly Tour.
There are three reasons that I would like to try this:
- Cost: I wanted to buy a Mac G4 dual core Powerbook to replace the single core I recently sold, but it seems that the model I need will cost approx. $3500. I could put a Ubuntu OS on a dual core platform for much less. I would also like to put my limited resources behind Open Source software because I have spent all of my money on computers and music technology for decades. When I bought my Powerbook, it took all the money I had. Then I had to go and work to buy the software. I did not get as much use out of my notebook as I might have because I had to have paying work to buy the tools I needed. If I start spending my money on Open Source I can expect that next time the tools will cost less — not more. Another issue is the cost of constantly updating software as I update my hardware. I still have my Windows 2000 computer because it has Corel Draw and several other programs I bought for that computer that would not run on XP. Now, with Ubuntu, I will try Open Office drawing programs and if I am able to meet my requirements, then I won’t have to worry about buying the upgrade all of the time.
- Green Power: I think that open source is inherently less energy consuming. I am going to have to research this point, but it seems that the corporate system of OS and software production is so huge and profit oriented that a community based alternative must be better. As they say in Wikipedia … citation needed.
- Community: The Ubuntu Community may be willing to assist me in my desire to move the internet down the highway streaming from a motorcycle (at perfectly legal speeds, of course). I am trying to open a dialog with Apple as well. I really did love my old G4 Powerbook, but it was very costly to be a part of that community and my object is to produce Art not impress with a fashion statement. Aesthetics are a part of the artistic process, but in my case, the “look” of my computer is not the most important thing.
The Power of Women
Part of the purpose of the Live More Lightly Project is to encourage people who are already acting to save the planet. During many of my face-to-face conversations with people they ask me questions in a way that is actively discouraging. I plan to start a FAQ section to respond in bulk, but the point I want to make here is to note the general response. The general reaction to taking the initiative to try to do something about the condition of our planet is that is a waste of time and it will not make any difference.
I believe that one person can make a difference.
Especially if that one voice is joined by other voices.
My song is designed to encourage people to make a change in the environment by pledging to do one small thing. I think it’s a start and if a person has to think about the one thing they are going to do — then they might think about doing more things. It is about making a start.
I have always thought that in this consumer culture, the only way to get companies to go greener and change their ways is to refuse to buy wasteful and polluting products. I have noticed that even large supermarket chains are carrying organic food now because they have been steadily loosing customers to organic grocery stores. One woman who agrees with this idea is Diane MacEachern who believes in using women’s spending power to change the world. Her sites Big Green Purse and The World Women Want tell us that “The power is in your purse”. Diane has written books and toured the US to bring her message to the women who are searching for ways to make greener choices.
The Ditty Bops, who are also women musicians, did their tour by bicycle! This is a link to their blog about the tour. A friend of mine told me about them after I talked about being inspired by a person I met this summer who was riding his bike from the prairies to the west coast and back.
There are many women’s stories and I have found a lot of inspiration on the internet. Even CNN has started a list of tips on how to live a greener lifestyle, so someone is making a difference!
Working on Administrative Tasks
The blog should be better organized now as I have provided a site map page (see under Pages at Left). What do you think of the green background? I am trying to do some new things in wordpress. My video pop plug-in still is not working, but the link to my song for Womens Day plays in Quicktime. I am trying to find some sponsorship and working on contacting venues that might want to host a workshop or performance. It is a lot of detailed work, but this is my environmental initiative and I want to do the best job I can.
I also have started a page called “Sources of Inspiration” because my Blogroll was getting kind of crowded. I am listing others who inspire me with their work and businesses that I find useful. I will put a little bit about each one and will put a link to my relevant page if there is more info there.
I am hoping to get some dates confirmed soon and I am working on doing a couple of local presentations in Vancouver so I can make a video clip. It would be nice to stream it for an example, but I am waiting until after the MacWorld Expo to buy a new notebook. There are many rumours about new features and I am going to wait until the end of January. Mike has informed me that he has managed to install Ubuntu on my 1.5 Ghz Intel computer, and I plan to pick it up on Tuesday. This will be my first Linus OS computer, so I expect a learning curve.
I did buy a Kaos Pad to develop my electronic music show a bit more. Sound files will be uploaded soon, but I do miss my G4 notebook for music production.
I hope the new site map helps with navigation and I hope to have some confirmed dates and project news soon. See you on-line.
Song for International Women’s Day
This is a video of a song written by Victoria Gibson in honour of International Women’s Day. Performed by Victoria and the Seaquam Secondary School Choir for the Society of Women in Science and Technology Conference in 2000 held at the school.
I have performed this song almost every year since I wrote it in 1994. The song was written to include the audience in affirming and celebrating International Women’s Day by giving them the line “Way-way-oh-way-oh” to sing or chant. I chose these syllables because my teenagers were arguing and one was insisting “Way”, while the other stated definitely “No way”. This sparked the idea in my mind that “way” could be a synonym for agreement and also indicate a positive direction, path or way.
This is a Quicktime link
Link to Women’s Day Song
Link to Womens Day Song Information and Lyrics
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Victoria will be performing the Womens Day Song
live in Bellingham on March 8th, 2008
[WA] Whatcom County Intl. Women's Day Celebration -
The Bellingham Intl. Women's Day Celebration in Bellingham
with Farmworkers Whatcom County Women's International Day Celebration****
TIME: 4:00 PM LOCATIONS: Bellingham, Washington Maritime heritage Park (500 Block of West Holly Street), the rally will kick off with a performance by the Raging Grannies and a short talk by Andreia Borges Ferreira of the Brazil Landless Workers Movement. At 4:30pm we will be marching downtown Bellingham and ending up at the DreamSpace (1318 Bay Street) for an evening celebration of dancing, divas, and desserts! Focus: Rural Women confronting globalization fight for food sovereignty!
Check out Womens Day events near you on this site:
