Photo#4, 5 & 6
More shots of Havana architecture on the fringe of the old city, not everything requires a lengthy commentary.
Photographer's Note: The middle shot is slightly out of focus, as this photography novice is still learning how to control the zoom function properly. I think my favourite shot is the one at the top.
Photos: C.Leporati
Photo#3
Once again this photo was taken in Old Havana but a little further away from the main tourist streets that have had their buildings and streets refurbished.
Although the refurbished streets were gorgeous archtitecturally, there was something about the areas that hadn't been 'touristified', as I called it, that was significantly more real to me and no less beautiful. Knowing that eventually these streets are bound to be 'done up' over time made me appreciate them even more.
As you would expect Greg and I had a number of discussions about how the architectural dilapidation that we found so charming is in reality probably a rough way to live. We also pondered how once the 'touristication' takes hold, where will the people living there go, as we assumed it would mean the further infiltration by hotels and the like and increases in rent costs etc.
Idealistically, although the tourist contribution to the economy is significant, it is a shame that changes are made to accommodate the comfort of vacationers before the residents.
Yes, I am being a little socialist and idealist.. Blame Che if you will!
Photo#2
I met this gentleman in Old Havana and brought a newspaper from him. As we tried to speak to each other, I wished (as I did often while I was in Cuba) that I spoke more than basic, tourist Spanish. Regardless, we smiled at each other a lot and somehow managed to communicate.
I wish I was as photogenic and relaxed in front of a camera as he is.
Photo: C.Leporati
I am known for never taking photos, if I take a camera at all, when I travel. This trip was different, I was pretty snap happy, and Greg and I still have to collate and sort our photos.
I don't want to be entirely self-indulgent and inundate people with a never-ending stack of photos, nor do I want to act like I am the only person who has ever been to Cuba, or on a trip ever. Therefore, I will only post my favourite photos and hope people will indulge me a little.
Photo #1:
This photo was taken in Old Havana. I will be honest enough to say I like it primarily because the building was so beautiful, but also because it was one of the first photos I have ever taken that I think actually doesn't look too bad.
Photo: C.Leporati
The CBC has reported that Tim O'Reilly is proposing the introduction of the Blogger's Code Of Conduct. The first draft of the code has appeared on his website and on Wikipedia founder Jimmy Wales' site wikia.com.
The development of the code is cited as a reaction to events such as the suspension of prominent blogger Kathy Sierra's blog due to violence and death threat postings on her blog and on other websites.
Personally, I am in two minds about the proposed code, though I have to admit I have done no more than scan read it at this stage. On one hand I think that basic courtesy and respect for people's rights and privacy should always be a given, hence the code could be a useful tool to reinforce that. On the other hand, in our increasingly regimented society where there are so many rules and regulations for absolutley everything, part of me is a little saddened that the code is deemed necessary, even if it's intended to be self regulated.
Technorati, the blog-indexing company, cites that there are some 74.9 million blogs on the net, so obviously if the code is required not everyone was taught that if you can't say anything nice, you are better off saying nothing at all.
Apple® today announced that the 100 millionth iPod® has been sold, making the iPod the fastest selling music player in history. The first iPod was sold five and a half years ago, in November 2001, and since then Apple has introduced more than 10 new iPod models.
“At this historic milestone, we want to thank music lovers everywhere for making iPod such an incredible success,” said Steve Jobs, Apple’s CEO."
Press Contact:Tom Neumayr, Apple
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I own a shuffle and just about everyone I know owns some manifestation of an iPod, be it a Nano or Mini. One friend (who admittedly does work for Apple) owns five, each one devoted to a different type of music.
It wasn't long ago that seeing the white ears buds on someone as they walked down the street was a designation of the 'cool techno-hip'. I still remember arriving in Toronto and seeing the posters and ads with the black silhouettes on brightly coloured backgrounds dancing to 'Do You Want To Be My Girl' by Melbourne band Jet.
Despite not normally being interested in technology (I was using a Sony Walkman radio/tape deck at the time and owned all of 13 CDs, yes 13) I desperately wanted one and soon joined the 'revolution'. I loved the packaging almost as much as the product, as it often the way with anything Apple.
Call it what you wish, I do love my iPod and it would appear so do 100 other million people.
Howze them apples!
Sometimes it is the small ironies that amuse me most.
I just spent a week in Cuba on holiday. In all likelihood I will rave on about my most enjoyable trip with accompanying photos in the next few days.
For the moment I am just enjoying the irony that I spent most of the week, sitting either on the beach or by the pool in the lovely warm sunshine reading a book called 'Snow', which incidentally is a great read and the author deserved to win the Nobel Prize for Literature.
