Welcome to Sophie's World
Top View of 7* Hotel Burge Dubai - "Yesterday is but today's memory, tomorrow is today's dream - Kahlil Gibran (1883-1931)"
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Sunday, April 13, 2008
April 12 - Le Dolce Vita Gala - SF
S0 it was a great night out in SF...very Italian the beautiful people. I asked my Italian friend GianCarlo to take me to the event, since he was Italian. We birth had a grant time, meeting new people in the community. It was a fund raising for Italian Kindergarden school. A very elegant event. Some pics to share below...
Friday, April 11, 2008
BBC NEWS | Technology | The Tech Lab: Vint Cerf
BBC NEWS Technology The Tech Lab: Vint Cerf
Vint Cerf is known as one of the founder fathers of the internet and played a key role in the development of the protocols which underpin the global net. He was a founding member of the Internet Society and is Google's Chief Internet Evangelist.
Vint Cerf is known as one of the founder fathers of the internet and played a key role in the development of the protocols which underpin the global net. He was a founding member of the Internet Society and is Google's Chief Internet Evangelist.
Sunday, November 11, 2007
Between Nov-2007 ..ICANN LA
Last day for Vint Cerf, so I felw from Kigali to LA for the occasion.... some pics below.
all I recollect from here is few parties I went to and being prepared for what 2008 will bring. I forcasted a great year ahead, depsite the economy. Some pictures from event that happened ..i will log ...below
all I recollect from here is few parties I went to and being prepared for what 2008 will bring. I forcasted a great year ahead, depsite the economy. Some pictures from event that happened ..i will log ...below
Saturday, October 13, 2007
Kigali Summit Oct 29-30
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Kigali was the most amazing African city I have ever been.... I have been to 240 cities in the world to date and found it is the cleanest city I have ever seen....some highlights below....JPG)
Left - signing the visitor notebook , after the Genosite site visit
Kigali Summit 'Connect Africa' -with Mr. & Ms. Toure - Right.
Was a very sucessful summit . I did my presentation for CIIN - http://ciin4africa.blogspot.com/
With Happy and Samia - below
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Night Life is limited in Kigali....butThursday, June 28, 2007
Comments on the San Juan meetings
Ok, I am sitting in one of the boardrooms going over the new gTLD policy for the 17th time it seems since I joined ICANN. I am takling to myself "I have given them my opinion already" I recalled the DC and Marina Del Ray meeting where I felt I put my brain energy in it. So should I be subject to yet another meeting of the same topic in San Juan. Maybe this is why they take care of my bills. It seem that we are made to suffer more thru 'abusive thinking', than even the industry people who are 'waiting' for years until this policy is approved. Yes, I have to be here for 3 hrs.
Saturday, June 23, 2007
ICANN San Juan - Porto Rico
http://icannsanjuan.pr/
15th century charm, 20th century attitude, San Juan is everything you want it to be. One of the largest islands in the region, Puerto Rico encompasses mountains, underground caves, coral reefs, white-sand beaches and a rain forest big enough to supply water to most of the island. But it's also heavily developed -- San Juan is a big city with a bustling business district, the Caribbean's largest convention center, glitzy resorts and casinos as well as one of the most stunning colonial zones in Latin America. A sophisticated hub for business and commerce. A picturesque home to more than one million people, where old-world charm and historic architecture blend with modern-day comforts and technology. Located just minutes from forts dating back to the 16th century are the world’s most prestigious hotel chains and ultra-chic shopping centers. 
Bacardi Rum Plant LEFT: Home of Bacardi rum. The new Casa Bacardi Visitor Center highlights our heritage and tradition since 1862 as PR's position as the number-one premium distilled spirits brand in the world. You will enjoy Bacardi through sight, smell, touch and taste.
15th century charm, 20th century attitude, San Juan is everything you want it to be. One of the largest islands in the region, Puerto Rico encompasses mountains, underground caves, coral reefs, white-sand beaches and a rain forest big enough to supply water to most of the island. But it's also heavily developed -- San Juan is a big city with a bustling business district, the Caribbean's largest convention center, glitzy resorts and casinos as well as one of the most stunning colonial zones in Latin America. A sophisticated hub for business and commerce. A picturesque home to more than one million people, where old-world charm and historic architecture blend with modern-day comforts and technology. Located just minutes from forts dating back to the 16th century are the world’s most prestigious hotel chains and ultra-chic shopping centers. 
The San Juan Metropolitan Area is a historical jewel, for shopping, dinning and water sports!.
San Juan was recently designated as a BestCities member, the world’s first and only convention bureaus alliance with eight partners on five continents. It is also the only Spanish-speaking city in the alliance and the only one in the Caribbean and Latin America to receive such a distinction. As a BestCities member, visitors are guaranteed a level of expertise unprecedented anywhere else in the Caribbean. Choosing a BestCities destination, like San Juan, provides you with unique data, information and the best service practice exchange process.
Today, San Juan stands as the epicenter of technological development in the Caribbean. With an ever changing and ever growing infrastructure, and new urban developments, San Juan stands at the forefront of development in the area. Serving as the main and largest volume generating teleport in the region, San Juan possesses a state-of-the-art commutation network, which includes fiber optics and systems for cellular and satellite communications.
Bacardi Rum Plant LEFT: Home of Bacardi rum. The new Casa Bacardi Visitor Center highlights our heritage and tradition since 1862 as PR's position as the number-one premium distilled spirits brand in the world. You will enjoy Bacardi through sight, smell, touch and taste.
We stayed at the Caribe Hilton, on the Atlantic Ocean, has an oceanfront pool complex, private beach, spa and kids' club.... has 6 restaurants: The premier steakhouse, Morton’s of Chicago Palmeras Restaurant, serving Caribbean and Mediterranean cuisine Olas Health Bar with a gourmet fare that tastes too good to be healthy Madrid San Juan Restaurant and Tapas Bar featuring Spanish delicacies Rotisserie IL Giardino and Bar, offers Italian cuisine. Massages by the beach, starbucks, ... http://icannsanjuan.pr/venue.php
Thursday, June 21, 2007
Invited to UN GAID as expert advisor
So, an invitation came from UNGAID to be included as expert advisor to the upcoming 'Connectvity Africa' submit...that was nice! ok I accepted...love to go to Rwanda!
Sunday, June 17, 2007
Parguera Divers' Dive Sites
Parguera Divers' Dive Sites: " Black Wall, San Juan
Parguera Divers has over 25 divesites from Guanica "
Parguera Divers has over 25 divesites from Guanica "
Pictures for Caribe Hilton, San Juan - Yahoo! Travel
Pictures for Caribe Hilton, San Juan - Yahoo! Travel: "Caribe Hilton pictures "
Friday, June 1, 2007
UN Wire
UN Wire: "Analysis: Annan is gone, but Africa still key to UN
Five months after native Ghanaian Kofi Annan retired as head of the United Nations and was replaced by South Korean Ban Ki-moon, Africa's crucial role at the world body remains intact, the East African Standard reports. Ban so far has expressed strong commitment to the continent, including appointing Tanzania's former foreign minister, Asha-Rose Migiro, as deputy secretary-general. AllAfrica Global Media/East African Standard (Kenya)"
Five months after native Ghanaian Kofi Annan retired as head of the United Nations and was replaced by South Korean Ban Ki-moon, Africa's crucial role at the world body remains intact, the East African Standard reports. Ban so far has expressed strong commitment to the continent, including appointing Tanzania's former foreign minister, Asha-Rose Migiro, as deputy secretary-general. AllAfrica Global Media/East African Standard (Kenya)"
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
Gone was my innocence...
I did not think I will be able to forget this day for the rest of my life. In fact, it is the beginning of the first day of my BUSINESS life. I was shocked, perturbed, and left with my confidence shaken, as one my confidant friend worded it last.
It was who I call my best colleagues that worked at the UN who said it to me. I asked his intervention on some politic I was navigating to get my project approved and send him copies for his own confidence. Here came the feedback. 'Sophia, you do not have the credibility", what? I asked? what the h... r u saying? getting mad of course. He said it has got nothing to do with your accomplishments or what you can do. It is just that u r good looking and people will never say No to you as you ask their support, but will never support you in fact, unless they put their mouth to paper. That was the point he was trying to make. Need it in writing, of all the verbal supports I depicted in the memo of the big boys, that he read.
Somehow it sounded right..but after I hang up the phone, it is almost 5 days now and I am still reeling down my past, present and potential experience through what he said. I was shocked to how most could have been thru and how naive I was that I never knew, that the YES was just to be nice ... although I hate my friend for telling me the truth and it hurts so much, it is an eye opening statement, one that would live with me the rest of my life. I just hope it does not present a stumbling block instead.
It was who I call my best colleagues that worked at the UN who said it to me. I asked his intervention on some politic I was navigating to get my project approved and send him copies for his own confidence. Here came the feedback. 'Sophia, you do not have the credibility", what? I asked? what the h... r u saying? getting mad of course. He said it has got nothing to do with your accomplishments or what you can do. It is just that u r good looking and people will never say No to you as you ask their support, but will never support you in fact, unless they put their mouth to paper. That was the point he was trying to make. Need it in writing, of all the verbal supports I depicted in the memo of the big boys, that he read.
Somehow it sounded right..but after I hang up the phone, it is almost 5 days now and I am still reeling down my past, present and potential experience through what he said. I was shocked to how most could have been thru and how naive I was that I never knew, that the YES was just to be nice ... although I hate my friend for telling me the truth and it hurts so much, it is an eye opening statement, one that would live with me the rest of my life. I just hope it does not present a stumbling block instead.
Monday, May 14, 2007
Saturday, May 12, 2007
Taking Liberties is released June 8th
Thursday, May 3, 2007
Getting on..
Went to my World Affairs Council regular meeting.. topic was NGO work in Kenya. Interesting to hear from the horses mouth. Really shows that people do vacation in Africa take photos of slums and create a whole "let us raise funds" charity around Africa.. brilliant idea..the org they are affiliated with gave then 2500 plus they have to raise their travel ticket themselves they said. Ok let us do the math... save few moneys, couch class ticket to East Africa can be obtained between 700 to 1500 depending when u planned. so the money raised by the institutions will go for maybe car rentals meals or photo hire and other administrative moneys, even 10k could not make a big impact let alone 2500.
Will try and see the positive side, these people at least told their story, but admit it would never be sustainable for those communities they visited or even other. Africa needs a massive effort to change and local US NGO will never make a difference i that what is required. Funny how one fellow from the audience came later and approached me with a proposal for testing his aids medicine in Africa over say a 400 people community, after hearing me make comment and ask questions to the speakers and introducing myself as an Ethiopian. Of course I have to turn him down gracefully after explaining to him to watch the movies related to these stories., which he does not seem to have a clue about.GC and i went for drinks some o'dervs after to Bings, Prima & then Scala for cafe latte. Cheers..I am back! s
Will try and see the positive side, these people at least told their story, but admit it would never be sustainable for those communities they visited or even other. Africa needs a massive effort to change and local US NGO will never make a difference i that what is required. Funny how one fellow from the audience came later and approached me with a proposal for testing his aids medicine in Africa over say a 400 people community, after hearing me make comment and ask questions to the speakers and introducing myself as an Ethiopian. Of course I have to turn him down gracefully after explaining to him to watch the movies related to these stories., which he does not seem to have a clue about.GC and i went for drinks some o'dervs after to Bings, Prima & then Scala for cafe latte. Cheers..I am back! s
Saturday, April 28, 2007
Back to Walnut Creek -the usual ways
Ok back to regular lifestyle of Wk, although I came back without my travel bags and only my carry on...Early Gym seeing my buddies, (Jet lag is also best for this), happy I did not gain any weight in this trip, coffee at Pitts & Scala, post office, wholefoods, Prima 4 drinks, shopping the stores for what is new, movies , calling friends , I sure feel back. Although I travel well, (business class seats & lounges for Internet, 5 star hotels with Gym & concierge services, carry my wholefoods with protein and other V-stuff), there is nothing like coming home again around my books, music (although I carry my MP3 on my trips), art, NPR radio and especially my regular hangouts of WAC, the IIE, parties at A-list, and being able to read my regular magazines and browse the Internet in my bed!
Sunday, April 8, 2007
Addis 4 Easter Friday!
Here I am ..my mother land..I smell the Ingera for Easter..too excited, I know the country will be in a frozen status for 2 weeks before they go back to their regular living. Easter is a big holiday. So my VIP recipient did not come this time at the airport, cause the had to get his wife to deliver in Germany. They had a baby boy!
Checked-in at the Hilton Addis. http://www.africaguide.com/accomm/index.php?LocationID=88&ItemID=23?LocationID=88&ItemID=23 Room over the pool..lovely. Sure culture is wondering why not with Mom @ home. Spoiled and a rebel in my old age, I opted for my regular travel lifestyle at a cost of 100 US a day. Not bad for a 5star considering my intl stand.JPG)
ards stay-ins. There is more than money issue in Addis.. stress comes from family, being a socialites, business issues anything! So in order to stay balanced, I worked by the pool most of the time instead of at the office, dipping-in and out depending on the shade/sun weather, which seem to adapt 4 seasons in 1 hr. Aside from the Hilton pool you are seeing me at (did I mention there is wi-fi by the pool)!, the pic below you see is a vacation resort called Debre Zeit, a local hangout.JPG)
turned, "members only" yes, capitalism is back! just for the exclusive elite locals and the international crowd and the privileges Diasporas like us.. amazing place; first class facilities, with health club, manicure, hair styling, massage Asian style, with all the flower on the bed and each room comes with a bike and a motorboat (see details pic in my travels section). Rooms booked 6 months ahead, with some privileged rooms available for the VIPs of course...now I believe why they say Addis was growing at 10%. Also from the buildings in town that you see ( which includes on eof my family towers BTW), many resorts and intl restaurants have flooded the country and yes, if you are staying in a 5star hotel, and go the places I go daily, the 10% growth goes quickly to a 20% right in front of your eyes.
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So what else did I do..oh.. yes, my advocacy work...the Rotary Club and my fund raising pet project "Solar Cooking" for Ethiopian villages. Photo Op belo.JPG)
w! and some of the meetings I used to go to the government offices trying to get projects mobilized for the Country's Eduction. Yes, I got to look chick at times..not bad for a gIRL diaspora trying to get her feet wet in her "mens" country!
u go girl!
Checked-in at the Hilton Addis. http://www.africaguide.com/accomm/index.php?LocationID=88&ItemID=23?LocationID=88&ItemID=23 Room over the pool..lovely. Sure culture is wondering why not with Mom @ home. Spoiled and a rebel in my old age, I opted for my regular travel lifestyle at a cost of 100 US a day. Not bad for a 5star considering my intl stand
.JPG)
ards stay-ins. There is more than money issue in Addis.. stress comes from family, being a socialites, business issues anything! So in order to stay balanced, I worked by the pool most of the time instead of at the office, dipping-in and out depending on the shade/sun weather, which seem to adapt 4 seasons in 1 hr. Aside from the Hilton pool you are seeing me at (did I mention there is wi-fi by the pool)!, the pic below you see is a vacation resort called Debre Zeit, a local hangout.JPG)
turned, "members only" yes, capitalism is back! just for the exclusive elite locals and the international crowd and the privileges Diasporas like us.. amazing place; first class facilities, with health club, manicure, hair styling, massage Asian style, with all the flower on the bed and each room comes with a bike and a motorboat (see details pic in my travels section). Rooms booked 6 months ahead, with some privileged rooms available for the VIPs of course...now I believe why they say Addis was growing at 10%. Also from the buildings in town that you see ( which includes on eof my family towers BTW), many resorts and intl restaurants have flooded the country and yes, if you are staying in a 5star hotel, and go the places I go daily, the 10% growth goes quickly to a 20% right in front of your eyes..JPG)
So what else did I do..oh.. yes, my advocacy work...the Rotary Club and my fund raising pet project "Solar Cooking" for Ethiopian villages. Photo Op belo.JPG)
w! and some of the meetings I used to go to the government offices trying to get projects mobilized for the Country's Eduction. Yes, I got to look chick at times..not bad for a gIRL diaspora trying to get her feet wet in her "mens" country!u go girl!
Saturday, March 31, 2007
The Algarve..@ The Golden Triangle..
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So I jet set to the Algarve..and stayed at the 'Vale do lobo', most established resort of Algarve and considered the Golden Triangle. 100 metres from the beach and I stayed at the La Meridian on the Vale do Lobo estate., the largest most modern resort. I wanted to be close to Vilamora and the marina.Then I took a limousine taxi the hotel calls for you (yes I pay 4 it gee.. why are not some things 4 free? just put it on the room so I do not feel it right!) great driver tough..dropped me at shopping center 20 minutes from the resort ...my style of designers, Zara, Salsa, Berska, Stradivarius, all the Spanish & Portuguese designs... I got an amazing jean shoes..back with a taxi, I then walked to the Hotels night club withing the compound.. were the English has colonized the place, all drunk as usual..one step inside, a group zoomed on me and as I sat at the bar and ordered a drink and lite up my cigar, they have already figured out who is to make the 1 or 2 or 3 move.. and who finally will take me home.. so here it comes. are u a model...wow! "yes, sometimes..but my body has checked out tonight" was my line...has a great time tough... their accent is entertaining for the lack of having fun w the Portuguese...so we danced and laughed all morning, ...and split civilly with everyone...
Few days of pampering, I got bored at the resort and asked the concierge to book me another hotel in Vilamora itself..( my, was that magnificent hotel and view) and Vilamora is Vilamore..very commercial, but was time to people watch.JPG)
and go out every night.. next is a pic from my catwalks on the avenues of the Vilamora marina.. i love it when i get the whistles.. many Irish/English type.. great fish and port of course in every restaurant... I took a days trip to Albufera, 2 hrs room town, had great time at the Vilamora Casino one night, Russian everything, naked dancers ...very classy...see more pics in My Travel section.
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and go out every night.. next is a pic from my catwalks on the avenues of the Vilamora marina.. i love it when i get the whistles.. many Irish/English type.. great fish and port of course in every restaurant... I took a days trip to Albufera, 2 hrs room town, had great time at the Vilamora Casino one night, Russian everything, naked dancers ...very classy...see more pics in My Travel section.Cheers
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
ICANN - Lisbon (Social Activities)
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Friday/Sat: First day dinner at the marina (Dock 6) and walkabout. Similar evening next day dinner at Severe Restaurant listening to Fado etc...then went to the Marina for same music and dancing. Run into the club that were sponsoring the Vilamoura Black Jack Dancing Girls. Won one of their CDs from the dancing girls as she picked e from the crowd, maybe she noticed I was dancing to her tune.Tue: Next Gala dinner was at the famous 'Convent' Museum.
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Wed: site seeing with colleagues... dinner 2x @.......restaurant, hosted by Russians, They got accredited plus in honor of my assistance to the group coming to ICANN and IDN WG. Then we went again for a crab grab upong Yoav's request. Next day was City tour with Yoav and Kohn. Vsited the 'Castel de Sao Jorge' castle also called Tower of Ulysses, named after the founder f Lisbon, a 360 degree view of Lisbon real time. Then stopped for coffee at the town square sitting outside and watching beautiful people, smoke cigar, great dester they have...those Euro cookies that I grew up with. ...very delicious.JPG)
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Thru: Lunch with RR..sexy and witty..a dangerous liasion in ICANN.
Fri: Off to Casino in ....with the Russians..
Fri: Off to Casino in ....with the Russians..
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Sat: Off to Algarve
ICANN - Lisbon (My Accomplishments)
- IDN Language group convened
- GNSO Update to African Group (Agenda)
- Africa Group formalized
- dot.africa initiated
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
Thursday, March 15, 2007
My Reflections @ ICANN
The email boo boo I did last started to make me think what I am doing at ICANN and giving my free time to create opponents. Ok, I am not in the domain registration business per se. Yes, I have found my niche in representing he underrepresented 'the IDN" observers that which ICANN does not have a constituency. So it became my passion to win it for them. I also reflected while I agree with the mission statement and objective and mandate of ICANN, and I am elected on the policy board to advise on policy matters of Internet governance, it seem like the governance aspect is all about politics and dot technical.The technical part is in fact very easy just like any technology. ICANN is a single point where the root server is managed and in fact, making sure that there is a secure and stable environment is more critical than giving domain names to various registrars, which ends up in a whole battle field, where everyone comes with a sword to kill without mercy!.
The more I stayed in ICANN, the more it feels like a Shakespeare drama and we all have parts to play and the final being everyone dead. Finally I justified my stay for the lavish parties and the exotic location that ICANN hosts its events. The event people I have met, both interesting and sometimes strange, all with an Agenda of course. The traveling wives who take the same advantage, I have envied for I have to be the man in these situation and be at work. Makes me reflect on the married life that I so resent to get into. So considering this and all that, I even find myself contemplating for re-election and I start preying to God for saving from this and transitioning me to my next adventure, cause I cannot do this for another 2 years!
The more I stayed in ICANN, the more it feels like a Shakespeare drama and we all have parts to play and the final being everyone dead. Finally I justified my stay for the lavish parties and the exotic location that ICANN hosts its events. The event people I have met, both interesting and sometimes strange, all with an Agenda of course. The traveling wives who take the same advantage, I have envied for I have to be the man in these situation and be at work. Makes me reflect on the married life that I so resent to get into. So considering this and all that, I even find myself contemplating for re-election and I start preying to God for saving from this and transitioning me to my next adventure, cause I cannot do this for another 2 years!
Wednesday, March 14, 2007
Email boo boo
So it happened to me -something that I though would never happened. A colleague of mine called @ 7am and asked if I am awake, have my coffee, asked why? he said you need it..did u see your email? not yet why? oh, recall the email you sent to me and few others, well you have sent it to he rest of the WG . No way, I needed a bottle of wine at that time. I literally fainted. So he is an intelligent man, so, he said Sophie nothing that cannot be handled. Allow me to walk me thru..by the time he finished his analogy of 'walking me thru' the ' what you said it perfectly honest and true', but was not intended for that list. I felt relieved even to a point of maybe it was meant to be. Of course this things have a way of altering the perception of people towards you. It is not a kind thing.
Tuesday, March 13, 2007
My Reflection on Traveling
I was happy that I could host my trip movies for free on google, smart ad kind enough to get us over 100mb more than others. So I stated thinking what I always contemplate ad strike conversation with strangers at airport lineups, despite that I ave reached a 'VIP' status on the air.
Next think I ask your people to do is come up with a technology to 'beam us up', when we travel, because despite my fancy accommodations in bus class, I hate the airports with 100k people, line up for luggage, security all makes you feel you are in economy anyway.
Traveling is only a destination, where once you found pleasure starting at the airport where you meet people. No wonder the airports are equipped with fancy lounges, gyms, movie theaters, massage parlors.. you will see it in my movie...class level event better than in your land, you just have to pay for it... finally, the airports have become the DESTINATION!. I rest my case. Will ell u more bout my trip on next posting. Cheers for now. SB
Next think I ask your people to do is come up with a technology to 'beam us up', when we travel, because despite my fancy accommodations in bus class, I hate the airports with 100k people, line up for luggage, security all makes you feel you are in economy anyway.
Traveling is only a destination, where once you found pleasure starting at the airport where you meet people. No wonder the airports are equipped with fancy lounges, gyms, movie theaters, massage parlors.. you will see it in my movie...class level event better than in your land, you just have to pay for it... finally, the airports have become the DESTINATION!. I rest my case. Will ell u more bout my trip on next posting. Cheers for now. SB
Monday, March 12, 2007
AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 DAYS! 3rd Trip in 2006
Movie is Finaly Published...my own movie making experience...
Alright, I started in Brazil, Sau Paulo, is suppose to be winter season, but makes makes California looks like Alaska. It is a beautiful weather, land of the beautiful people, language, music and love. If you have been their before or did your reading properly, yes, you feel all of that I said right from the airport. Additionally it was few months after World cup, so you think of Pele, Ayton Senna....
Sunday, March 11, 2007
My new Vista and movie making
Just finished making my movie on my new Vista, for my 'Around-the-World in 90 days' trip. Terrific! Vista is really made for this stuff entertainment. Once you get a handle on the features, you are on a deal. Only thing is the publishing quality after you host it on the next deteriorates. You look like a picture instead of the 'live human'. Go check it you. I have posted the link here: With over 100MB, maybe that goes without saying. I also needed to sort out a hosting space and google came to the rescue as usual. Thanks google.
Wednesday, January 3, 2007
Saturday, December 16, 2006
Wednesday, December 13, 2006
Saturday, December 2, 2006
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