The vast reach of the World Wide Web has made personal expression a seeming worldwide hobby. But why in this fashion? Word processors have been around for decades in one form or another (i.e. typewriters included). So why do most people seem to not keep even the convenience of a typed, electronic journal, even before the omnipresent Web? Instead, now everyone has a blog or regularly visits/updates their Facebook profile. Perhaps it is not about thinking and finding oneself through introspective thought in writing, but rather showing oneself to and communicating with the rest of the world that is so attractive to so many.
I find myself regularly pruning, as it were, my Facebook profile. I see or find something really cool, it goes on my page’s wall. I watch some awesome movie or show, it goes in my little favorites list. Photos of some event go in my public album. Some use these tools as online resumes or for advertising. I think everyone just likes to have their own social space that they can show off in one way or another. Does that mean that people line up to read what I or anyone else posts or writes? Certainly not, but it fulfills an inner need to be recognized, to be shown, to feel more complete.
There is no real point in my writing this… I am essentially thinking out loud and pointing out the obvious. But is it not true in some way?
Have you ever seen those expensive computer multimedia authoring programs for sale like Roxio or Nero? They tend to cost upwards of $80+ USD. For what? Not much, usually just a cluttered interface and overlapping capabilities… most, if not all, of which can be done for free. Ever been confused or intimidated about trying to burn a disc on your computer?
Solution? Enter Ashampoo Burning Studio (Free), an excellent freeware burning program which lets you do the same things the overpriced commercial programs do. It can even work with Blu-rays. I have been using it for a time (after having much experience with Roxio 10 and the like), and I am very impressed with it. Also, its user interface makes commercial programs look like a spam site. All tasks are clearly displayed and categorized in a concise manner.
No, this is not an ad. But I do believe in spreading the word about great things. Don’t give this program a miss! Save yourself some money and accomplish more at the same time.
Some time ago I wrote a post about The Hunt For Gollum, an independent fan film produced by Independent Online Cinema, based on Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings. Now, Actors At Work Productions has published another amazing film titled Born of Hope, which tells the story of Aragorn’s parents approximately 70 years before the beginning of The Lord of the Rings plot.
At over 110 minutes long, this virtually feature-length film is stunning. Its visuals and cinematography are impeccable for such a relatively low budget and no large studio backing. The acting is superb, and the costumes and make-up even better.
For trademark reasons the production is not available for purchase, but it can be viewed online in 720p high-definition via internet streaming. Subtitles in multiple languages are available via the onboard menu. For your convenience I have embedded it below. For best results, click the fullscreen button and increase the streaming quality to HD (if your connection and/or computer can handle it). It is also suggested to let the video load for a while before watching so that it does not need to pause frequently.
Enjoy this wonderful work of pure talent and dedication!
Posted by N. Palmer 
Have you ever seen those expensive computer multimedia authoring programs for sale like Roxio or Nero? They tend to cost upwards of $80+ USD. For what? Not much, usually just a cluttered interface and overlapping capabilities… most, if not all, of which can be done for free. Ever been confused or intimidated about trying to burn a disc on your computer?
