August 26, 2005

IT'S A SMALL WORLD AFTER ALL

The Internet, love it or not, is a definite enabler. It is a virtual portal that reduces distance and compresses time. For all its known pitfalls and misuse, you do find great sites that project positive influences and also gives visitors a "feel good" ambiance. Indeed, it is up to each and every individual to decide how one should use the web. This rule applies for both content providers and users.

Just like the influential books that I come across with at certain times in my life, I find that web surfing favorite sites have also been serendipitous events. The Internet's high-values are the ability to bring the world closer and the easiness to communicate. More so, it is the opportunity to find, meet and discover wonderful individuals who may never have had the forum for exposure in a non-Internet arena. This power exponentially magnifies when a collaboration of sort transpires. Here are three of my favorite web finds:

I want to compliment and thank Peter John Ross for his multiple talents and generosity. He is an inspiration and a resource for my new interest and projects in video making. His website provides free information, tips, and templates on indie-film making processes. He even offers royalty free music of his own creation. The addition of two of his musical pieces, "Ascension from the Well" and "Drone" bring the much needed ambient dimension to my two short video sampler clips of the Mayon Volcano eruptions. A passionate artist, Peter continues the work on his first full feature indie-film, "Horrors of War." As you may not be aware of, indie-film making is a serious and major feat. I will continue to keep an eye on and support this talent.

A few days ago, through Peter John Ross, I discovered another gifted and quite exceptional talented individual and I am now a fan. He is William Cushman from Nashville, Tennessee. An improvisational pianist-composer with a good heart and a purer soul, his personal style and quite unique artistic approach to creating his pieces is quite enchanting.

After going through his nicely done website (a blog actually) and listening to his work, I was enthralled and captivated not only by his music, but by his humanity. It almost feels like I've known him for a long time. Why? Because he has opened himself up and shared his gifts to the world -- with no hype or fanfare. He considers his music as a gift from above needing to be shared. The Net is sure the right medium. He shares his royalty free music to those who can use them properly.

My Photography Showcase page is now more powerful with one of his composition -- "Meditation." More likely, he will be a source for many more of my projects, particularly, as I venture into film making. I can't wait to blend his music with the right visuals. I know that he will be rewarded and more recognized someday soon.

Yes, the world is flat! And there's too much negativity and global crap lately. When the world is spiraling to a downward doom, something or someone comes up to effect a change, whether intentional or not. A week ago, I came across another person and website after watching an MSNBC TV interview. Originally from Connecticut, he stated that he gave up his videogame developer job in Brisbane, Australia, settled in Seattle. He decided to take a break from the rat race to travel the world. What started out as a way to report to his family and friends of his whereabouts, he began filming himself dancing at each visited site and sent the feeds via his website. With the viral speed of the Internet and the plug from the MSNBC and Inside Edition, the word got out and the rest is history.

He is likely on his way to being the #1 ambassador of goodwill for all of mankind. His growing fan base from all over the world are extending him invites to dance at their home places. As for his becoming famous, I think he's got the right personality to handle it. And I like a guy who answers back to my email, no matter how famous or busy one gets. I wish him well as he continue to bring joy and happiness around the world. The world is sure in dire need of people such as Matt.

If you have not seen the dancing man yet, check out Matt's video at www.wherethehellismatt.com. While you are at it, get to know Matt better and figure out where (the hell) in the world Matt is at the moment. He is indeed roaming the world, having fun and spreading fun, which is a great thing to do nowadays.

Above are three fine examples. Ah the web - cool isn't it?  Who knows what creative collaborations would transpire next. I can just the potentials to be limitless. I am sure there are more gems to find. All these are enabled by the power of the world wide web.