Things I learned in Interactive Media Design

Posted on July 9, 2011 by jessicam

Five weeks feels like five minutes. The pace of this class is what I imagine parallels maintaining a professional blog. Once you’re done with one, you’re prepping for the next one. Whew!

blogging cartoon

Image by Nitrozac & Snaggy

Twitter isn’t just for the Kardashians. It’s actually pretty easy to use and gets you straight to the point of news. And that news is about the Kardashians. Just kidding. I’m still blown away by the citizens of Iran tweeting real-time about the protests going on surrounding their recent political elections. Truly amazing technology.

YouTube is more than cute kitten videos. I found the tutorials in our modules very helpful when completing the projects. Also, before this course I only used to the program to search for Al-Qaeda training videos. (It’s for my thesis, please don’t call homeland security.) I was always intimidated to create a video, but it’s actually really simple.

Cross-promoting is cool! As much as I swore at my computer while putting together the projects, I always felt accomplished seeing the end result. Including a Flickr gallery, video and/or podcast as part of your blog adds dimension and attracts more readers.

Sometimes Murhpy comes to visit. During week 4 I was mysteriously dropped from this class. It didn’t take the IT folks too long to get me back online, but wow, did I panick. Fortunately, I was able to rely on “old” media (email) and continue working.

I’m not a social media reject. Programs can be very forgiving. The “undo” button is a favorite. And, I actually know how to do stuff now. In time I’d hope my design skills would become more polished, but at least I have the basic idea.

I really enjoyed reading everyone’s blog each week. There are some seriously talented people in this class. Best of luck to all of you in your future endeavors and enjoy the rest of your summer!

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North Las Vegas’ public safety crisis

Posted on June 30, 2011 by jessicam
Image of dismissal stamp

photo courtesy of shutterstock.com

In an effort to recoup North Las Vegas’ $30 million dollar plus shortfall, 40 firefighters received pink slips June 13.

Unfortunately, this significant cut is anticipated to be followed by another round of layoffs this October or next July.

The move comes from the 2012 budget approved by North Las Vegas’ city council May 17, in which a total of 250 city positions were identified to be cut.

In talking with firefighters debating the issue and waiting to find out their fate, the story takes an interesting turn. Although perspectives vary in the fire house, one thing is agreed upon.

Following the news closely these days is important, as a discussion to hold a special election for North Las Vegas’ Ward 4 council is scheduled to take place Thursday.

In a one-vote victory, local dentist Wade Wagner defeated incumbent councilman Richard Cherchio 1,831 to 1,830 on June 7.

Several days after the election, the Clark County Elections Department discovered that one invalid vote had been cast in Precinct 4306. When Cherchio called for a recount, Wagner sued.

Thursday’s meeting determines if a new election will be held for the precinct in question. The idea of a new vote in a largely democratic precinct surely doesn’t bode well for republican Wagner.

Wagner is the North Las Vegas’ unions favorite, as Cherchio voted for the public safety budget cuts that led to the firefighter layoffs.

Union members would likely vote for Wagner, as they’ve been known to aggressively campaign against Cherchio. One paid advertisement in particular pictures a burglar breaking into a house, with the message that Cherchio is to blame for the city’s alleged increased crime rate.

It’s also been reported that the majority of Wagner’s campaign funds came from the valley’s public safety unions.

A tough job is ahead for whoever ultimately wins the council seat, as North Las Vegas continues wading in economic turmoil.

(Additional information collected from Las Vegas Sun, firefighternation.com, CBS Las Vegas, and Las Vegas Review Journal.)

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Las Vegas’ housing crash

Posted on June 25, 2011 by jessicam

Just a few years ago it was almost impossible to purchase a home in Las Vegas. People were shopping on the Internet from out of state and bidding site unseen. And then, like a casino leftover from the Rat Pack era, no longer drawing in the crowds, it imploded.

The housing bubble burst across the nation, and Nevada was certainly not immune. However, Las Vegas seems to have been one of the hardest hit and slowest recovering cities.

It’s become a buyers’ market, with forclosures ripe for the picking for first-time home buyers or those purchasing in cash. Unfortunately, for many who have had houses before, it’s an uphill battle to credit history recovery.

In talking to people on either end of the spectrum, the message is the same - we’re all hoping and waiting for economic recovery. But although market experts disagree on some points, they concur that Las Vegas’ housing future remains grim.

The culprit, as we’ve all learned, were those adjustable rate mortgages. Homebuyers now are extremely wary, insisting upon fixed mortgage rates. But the damage has already been done.

Driving through neighborhoods in the Las Vegas Valley turns up a for sale sign on practically every corner. Some houses appear intact, but the damage is evident in others. Owners finding themselves between a rock and hard place take their frustration with housing lenders and the defunct system out on the property.

Others choose to move on quietly and start again. Now equipped with market experience and caution, they find a place to call home again in a revised American dream.

The dire circumstances don’t stop in suburbia, as much contstruction of retail shopping centers and even Strip properties has come to a screaching halt.

But the bright lights and slot machine noise hide that away from tourist eyes. Sin City is a place to come to to escape a mundane life. No one wants to see the rickety, collapsing frame underneath their Xanadu.

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