E3 2014

The famous E3 Logo from E3

It is that time of year again for gamers and tech geeks. This year's E3 (Electronic Entertainment Expo) was more focused around the games than the hardware (minus the new augmented reality "Project Morpheus" from Sony! There were many ups and downs, but most importantly, there were AWESOME announcements for games.

Uncharted 4, Star Wars Battlefront and of course, a NEW Star Fox game! This year will truly be remembered as a year of games from E3, and the next year shall unveil many more fantastic announcements that have yet been released!

Here's to another good year!

Microsoft Office 365 and why it will probably fail

Quite possibly one of the most frustrating ideas with today's technology is the idea of subscription based models of payments for computer programs and apps. Recently, I have ben reminded of Microsoft's latest "scam." While we all use Microsoft Office, Microsoft has created a new project called "Microsoft office 365." It is everything you get buying with normal office, but you pay around $100 a year, instead of the simple payment of around $140. 

I believe that when you buy something, you own it. So as one can probably tell already, I don't really like this payment model. What really made me frustrated was the recent release of Microsoft office on IOS devices (iPad, iPhone, etc...). While excited like everyone else with such a device, we were all disappointed when after downloading the app, one discovers that one has to have an office 365 account. (so, pay over $100 a year to have access). Even that I have the entire office 2013 professional suite, I would have to pay for using it, which in my opinion is bollox. Apple's equilavent such as Pages, numbers, etc... are all free, and have full wonderful access to printing, iCloud, etc... Myself and many others believe that Microsoft has once again made a horrible decision in using this pricing model, and I personally believe it should be free access to all. One can make office documents online and on your iDevice VIA OneDrive, so why does one even need this app in the first place? 100% rip-off. 

While the app does look nice, it is a disappointment that no one will be able to use it. 

Internet Copyright Laws + Conservatives = No Privacy

Many Canadians are not aware of the new Bill S-4 in parliament at the moment, however they should be, as it compromises the most basic internet privacy rights.

National Post Article Here

Personally, it makes me kind of scared that the government can just peek into your internet usage if the bill passes (I don't believe it will). With all of the internet privacy problems recently from the NSA to the "new" Heart Bleed bug, internet privacy is at it's highest risk since being created. While there are the issues of piracy and other crimes, they will still have other means of preforming these crimes. There will always be some crime, its just part of human nature. However, if the bill DOES pass, it will affect only the 99.99% of the population that DOES have a conscious. It is a really scary thought and I believe that the government has a ways to go in finding a properly balanced solution to their problem.

Donating Blood

Quite possibly one of the most easiest, yet most important ways of saving a life here on Earth is donating blood! It only takes a minute and you can save up to 3 lives with one donation!

I remember my first donation, and it was pleasant and easy! Don't be afraid! It's such an amazing experience and is even better with friends like I did!

Check out Canada Blood Donation here: blood.ca

I Wish I did Sports as a Kid

Hmm, probably one of my greatest regrets of both elementary and High School is not getting involved in sports more.

I've only gotten involved in them within the past year or so, and they have been rather light, such as competitive XC running (I've always been a runner but never ran competitions before). There's so many sports and things I wanted to try as a kid, such as Track and field, Soccer, Hockey, Swimming Biathlon, Skating, Competitive XC Skiing, etc... The list goes on. While I am active in my daily life, and enjoy many sporting and recreational activities, I think that I would have benefited nth physically and mentally from being involved in sports as a kid. I just wish I actually put my foot in the door, and gave it a shot.

Luckily, we humans can learn from our mistakes and continue into the future with a little lesson or two. I'm trying new things all the time now, and can't wait to sign up for some sports with my college next September!!!! (Plus a fun and active summer ahead, going to run a few marathons!).

What Would You Do if the World Ended?

Just to let you know, this article is a little morbid. Stay away if you are in a good mood! ;^)

Recently I read an article on the Huffington post (Article Here) that civilization as we know it is headed for its end. However, this is not the first time humanity has talked about civilizations' demise, and certainly wouldn't be the first time of it actually happening either.

History has shown that civilizations rise and fall with time. They seem to be apart of nature, just like the rising and falling of the Earth's tides. While it may still be decades away, one would (and should) ask, what would you do if the world "ended"?

Many would look at how it ended and react off of that. For example, if it were a zombie apocalypse (as in the hit show and graphic novel, The Walking Dead), they would act accordingly and try to survive. The same goes for more realistic scenarios such as WWIII or worldwide economic devastation.

We may never truly know how we would personally reach until the time comes, yet it is a good reminder to live your life to the fullest. No matter what happens, you mean the world to someone, and are the father, mother, brother,  and/or friend to many amazing people. Do what makes you happy, and follow your heart. The world ending is overrated anyways! ;^)

Starting my own Company... Coming soon!

Part of my Program Aviation Management are 3 semester long coops. For my first one this upcoming summer (April-September) I am starting my own business! I am very excited to venture into following my passions and sharing my gifts with others.

While it is still in Mid-late stages of planning, I will not be sharing any significant details as of yet, however, I am excited to do so when I do! Stay tuned!

Henry

Divergent - Film Review

Very often, we see movies before we read the books. This was reversed when I read the Harry Potter series, as I read all of the books THEN watched the films as I grew up. When I ventured into seeing the movie Divergent by myself one late winter night (this was around a month ago - old story) I wasn't too sure what to expect, due to me seeing the movie before the novel.

Please note - I kept spoilers at a minimum today for your sake, just go see this movie!

One of the many posters. Used from Summit (Owners).

After seeing the film in all of it's post-apocalyptic/future glory, I now understand why A) People see movies sometimes before reading the novel, and B) Why Divergent is so successful as a film AND novel.

I really, really enjoyed the film. As a 19 year-old, I had a lot in common with the main protagonist, who was going through a some-what identify crisis, and is eventually literally thrusted out of her home into a new life of adulthood and humanity. The film works on many unique and interesting ideas of humanity, while maintaining an atmosphere both pleasing to the viewer, and keeps them on their toes. I felt a real connection to the actress Shailen Woodley (Main character). She continues her journey through life, unsure, yet wants to keep going forward. Honestly, she's VERY good looking, but she did an excellent job acting as well. The audience really connects with her character and I can feel the connection with her character and the events in the story.

Overall, I highly recommend the movie, and LOVED Shailen in the film. I am excited to read the book now due to me having the connection with the characters, and having an easier visualization of the world. Sometimes, this can damage a connection with a book, but in this case, I think it is going to assist due to the movie being so well thought-out and done. Overall, I feel a 9/10 for this film *personally!

My Generation and the Future

In the end, I am both nervous as well as excited. My generation in the future will have many serious challenges to face, yet also many wonderful and exciting things as well! Here are some personal thoughts about the cons and pros (save the best for last!) about my generation and our future! Please note, I am not a scientist and the following are just opinions. I was just bored and wanted something to do...

Negative Future

• Environment: Devastation of forests, greenhouse gasses, pollution, toxic chemicals, etc... contribute negatively to the world
• Privacy: Computers and social connections, government internet tracking and more in such a digitalized world will privacy almost instinct!
• Handwriting extinct: The skills of handwriting is sadly a dying art as phones, computers and other technologies take over our lives. Now we must only speak and technology such as Apple's Siri can write for us.
• Social skills: Less physical interaction with people can take away social skills and even produce more anxiety and depression due to isolation.
• Healthcare crisis: The baby boomers will be reaching the age where heal care is needed in daily life. The Canadian healthcare system is already stressed without a generation of boomers to worry about

Positive Future

• Improved medicine/ technology in healthcare: Possible lengthened lifespan from new medicine and medical practices
• More green energy development: Hopefully, the world will move towards a higher usage of renewable energies such as wind and solar
• Space: Development of the commercial and private sectors will make space travel available to a higher number of people than ever before
• Transportation: Easier means of transportation. From new, more efficient cars to better aircraft and cleaner boats
• Politics: Possible that our generation is a lot more proactive and accepting than generations before

Disney's Frozen

The Digital Cast of Frozen. (From: Disney)

One of the most talked about and popular movies amongst my age group at the moment remains to be the Disney movie 'Frozen'. While it has been out since late 2013 and is soon to be released on Blue Ray, DVD, etc... The film continues to capture the hearts of kids, teenagers and young adults everywhere. Possibly the most notable impact is amongst young women due to the general idea of sisterhood, being yourself and growing up. However it also had a large effect for those around my generation that were raised with the magic of Disney movies, and continue to look forward for more heartwarming productions from the studio. Today, I am going to go over what made it special for me (both as a person and as a guy) and explain why I actually liked the film.

Besides the fact that most of my friends, both male and female like the film, I wasn't really interested in the trailers and what-not. I was skeptical and didn't necessarily have high hopes for the film. That's how I was, well, until after I saw it. From the fun references to other classic childhood disney movies to the beautiful soundtrack and Oscar winning song "Let It Go", the movie was a refreshing move from Disney.

---Spoiler Warning(s)! You have been warned! ---

All of us young adults, male, female, black, white, purple, young, old, short, tall, straight, gay, fit, fat, etc... We all are different people with our own unique gifts. That is what makes the world such a wonderful place. Elsa, the older sister in the movie, has special ice powers (that through a series of events and an accident regarding her "normal" sister, Anna) is forced to hide her powers from everyone else and make sure she controls and assimilates herself to be a "perfect queen" for her kingdom. Eventually when they grow up, her power overwhelms her and accidentally shows her powers off in front of everyone. This forces her to flee her home and become an exile in the tall, lonely mountains. While being exiled, Elsa discovers that she could now be herself, release anything holding her back from being not herself and learning to "Let It Go" (As one can possibly tell, this is where the famous song comes in with a very epic feeling to it). This is a very iconic moment and pivotal part in the story. This gives a real personal view with the themes of "staying true to yourself" and "Love yourself". Many, many young adults have these pressures in the real world today. From social media, family issues to body image, youth today are continuously assaulted with images and thoughts of the ideal person. Filled with fear and regret, many people never stay true to themselves and learn to resent their natural gifts. they hold themselves hostage within their own body. Not until they let it out, and learn to take their fear and societal conventions and "Let It Go", will they learn of true happiness and joy.

The next most iconic part of the film was that Disney actually did something new! Yes, they actually added a twist to this film! While just like other Disney stories such as Cinderella , there is a love interest involved. Anna, looking for her sister, accidentally has her heart "Frozen" (movie title!) by her sister's fear. While only true love can save her, another protagonist, tries to save her with his love for her, but surprisingly he is too late and to the viewers sadness, Anna is Frozen forever, that is, until a love even more powerful appears. Elsa cries for her fallen sister and gives her a warm hug, in term de-frosting her and saving the day. For once, the "stereotypical prince" didn't save the day but instead, the love of two sisters.

In the end, Frozen is a well produced, marketed and overall great joy to have experienced. While ending it perfectly, I was satisfied, among millions of others with it's loveable characters, themes and story. I am no longer skeptical, and have learned to keep an open mind! All of us have been reminded the important lesson of taking our fears and the past, and learning to let it go.

First time at Mixed Martial Arts (MMA)

The other day, I was invited by my friend Kyle to his mixed martial arts club called "Empire MMA". While being a little nervous, I decided to accept his invitation to this new adventure.

As I stepped into the building, I was greeted by a tough, heavily tattooed man, yet he had an honest smile as he greeted all kids, teens and adults to the class. As I met up with my friend Kyle, the class began. I was surprised to see around thirty people already doing some kind of wrestling in the ring. They were all seniors practicing Jui-jit-sui.  As the seniors cleared out and we and our fellow beginners entered, our class began our intense warm up, and then proceeded to Muay Thai, otherwise known as traditional "kick boxing". 

Kyle was an excellent peer, as well as teacher. As the entire class practice it's movements and tactics, Kyle and I went over every single detail and scenario, he taught me both persuasion and form. The next few days that proceeded were full of body pains from stretched muscles that I never knew I had! It was a very positive experience for me, and just goes to show what fun can be had when you are spontaneous and try new things.

Growing Up, Differently? ~ Haiku Poem

Creative dreamer

Falling leaves landing softly

Not easy nor hard

~H

Winter Olympics Sochi 2014

While it is outdated now with them long over, I still wanted to post this (I have been too busy).

Putting all of the politics and problems aside, I [was] very excited about the olympics in Sochi this year!  As Canadians, we own the slopes and rinks when it comes to the Winter Olympics. "We are Winter" as the company 'Sports Check' says!

I was very excited to see the skaters this year due to Alex and Mitch from Barrie Ontario going to the olympics. I know them, and know that they have worked their butts off (like everyone else there) to get where they are. Both of the hockey teams did excellent getting gold, and every other athlete from Canada did amazing as well.

While I am going to cut this post short due to it being so late, I just wanted to share my feelings of pride and joy to each and every one of our athletes, for they both inspire and dream beyond most others. Thank you, and see you all in Korea, as well as the Paralympic athletes in the weeks to come!

First Rink Shoot

Yesterday, I woke up bright and early before College and joined the AMAZING skaters at Mariposa. I know a few of them, and they said that they would be delighted to help out with my personal portfolio (and they knew they could get some cool shots too!).

The shoot started out with a very warm welcome from all the skaters on the ice. From young to old, their spirit was absolutely breathtaking, as they both trained, yet  played hard as well. They glided across the ice just like birds on a warm summer's day.

They were all excellent, and very photogenic. Camera wise, the rink is a mess trying to get a decent shot. The lighting is horrible and skaters move very fast, which is a terrible combination for photos. As I described to the skaters about the situation, they seemed surprised how hard it was. They pointed to the lights above and said that it was very bring in the rink. That maybe so to the human eye, but not to an SLR camera. Since the skaters were moving so fast, I had to change the shutter speed so it was going very fast (around 1/500 of a second) But since the shutter was moving faster (so they wouldn't be blurry) there was less light coming into the lens, so I had to raise the ISO (the sensitivity of the camera in regards to light), however, a greater ISO means more fuzziness, so I needed to find the right balance (which turned out to be a shutter speed of 1/500 and an ISO of around 800). I shot in both JPEG and RAW formats, so it would be easier to edit most shots.

 After just over an hour of fun, I believed I got my shots. I still cannot believe that such an amazing place is so near, yet I never spent time at the rink. A small yet important lesson learned.

In the end, the shots turned out, and many friends were made. I spent an hour or two fixing the salvageable shots up and uploaded them to Facebook for the skaters and my website. I learned that RAW makes it so I don't have to worry 'too' much about the lighting in the rink, however, I learned a lot in regards to both the camera (and different lenses and filters I used) as well as the social and editing aspects of photography.

I can't wait for next time!


All of the new photos can be found at http://www.henrybailliebrown.com/sports.html

An amazing practice.

Getting on a New Aircraft (DA-40)

Hopefully tomorrow (If the weather holds up!) I will be flying the DA-40 for the first time. I have so far been rated in a few gliders, Learned to fly in a DA-20 and have flown a C-172 for a year now. I am very excited for this new experience, and cannot wait for the stories I will have to share.

I have been studying the aircraft for a while now: checklists, the 'red' pages, airspeeds, systems, etc... I feel a little odd about being able to "feather" the propeller, but I feel I will manage just fine with a little practice. Best of all, the aircraft that I will be flying out of Collingwood has a G1000 glass cockpit - even newer than the G500 glass cockpit and normal steam gages that I am used to. I cannot wait to get flying! Here's hoping that the weather holds up for us!

A Watermark that is a little "too" good.

While still constructing my portfolio site henrybailliebrown.com, I recently redesigned my watermark that I put onto my photos that I post on my site. Before I changed the watermark, it was a nice red "Henry Baillie-Brown" with some red paint dabs in the bottom right corner of the screen.

Seeing a few other photos with the "new 'x' design", I decided to change it due to the rise in copyright issues on the internet. I feel a lot more safer with the new watermark, yet I feel like it is affecting the actual photo now. My father says that it does not look professional anymore, and can tell that I am paranoid, but it gives me security knowing that no matter what, people cannot simply crop out my name anymore.

How the new watermark works. As seen in one of my photos.

I feel as though I am at a crossroads, especially since I want to extend my portfolio into other places such as Flicker and DeviantArt. I am starting to lean to go back to the old one so viewers can enjoy the photos more. Only a little more thought will tell.

Canadian Olympic Skating Team is Ready for the Olympics!

This year marks the 2014 Sochi Olympics in Russia, and many of my friends, family and I are excited for the Canadian Skating Team!

I am very fortunate to have many, many friends involved with Mariposa, the Canadian skating community. With the Canadian Olympic Team being announced just yesterday, the pair skating duo Alexandra Paul and Mitchell Islam made the team! (From Mariposa and know them). The Canadian Skating team is very young this year, yet marks remarkable opportunity with such amazing youth competing. The torch has indeed, been passed down to the next generation of Canadian Athletes. 

Check Out the Official Skate Canada Site here!

They have all worked so incredibly hard, and it is AMAZING to see athletes that I know from my hometown being involved. My many skating friends, as well as my friends and family are so amazed and happy for all of the athletes who made the cut for the Olympic team. I feel so very fortunate to be connected to the Olympics through friends.

Alex and Mitch recently became Bronze medalists within all of Canada!

The image above is from their Tumblr account located here.

Best of luck, everyone! Bonne Chance, and GO FOR GOLD! GO CANADA GO! :^D

Why So hard? - A Story of Motivation During the "Winter Brain-fart"

Have you ever said you wanted to do something, but never got around to it? It is indeed a very annoying feeling. When you have the same word file, task, idea, etc.. for days on end, practically sitting in front of you, yet procrastination, laziness or just general avoidance takes over.

It really is a weird concept. If I want to do something so badly (such as writing a story) why then does it take so much effort and motivation to even start it - let alone stick with it?

It is a phenomenon seen much this time of year, but I personally feel affected by this "mini-plauge" of the winter brain-fart.

Besides this post, things have not been the most exciting or productive. Hopefully, being active again and sticking at it will get me out of this darn loop soon!

Have a good day, all!

;^)

Funding Cutbacks in Cadets Canada

An old photo of me and fellow Cadet friends with our winter Cadet parkas, a soon to be extinct uniform part.

With budget cuts across the board, the Cadets are once again affected. Now, cadets are only going to receive ONLY one uniform, and that is it. No more PT gear (gray cadet gear such as shirts and shorts), no more running shoes and most surprisingly, no more parkas. The last one really surprised me. Sea, Air and Army cadets throughout Canada operate all year around, and they are losing so much. The organization is run out of love for the program, and many volunteers as well. I know for a fact that my old squadron and it's sponsoring committee has some of the greatest volunteers out there, and now, after all of their hard work, they can no longer warm their cadets because Harper wants to spend millions of dollars on his election ads instead of parkas for Cadets across Canada.

While the effects of the cuts are actually from the Department of Defense (DND) they are indeed cut from the reduced DND funding from the government, which, could have vocalized its support for the Cadets program; a youth program which indeed creates amazing new generations of aspiring Canadians.

Both myself, as well as many other fellow retired Cadets are saddened by the recent years' decline in many fields of the cadet program, and wish that the next generation will be able to experience those amazing adventures we were able to experience. I encourage you to write to your MP if you live in Canada, and help support Cadets Canada.

After being involved with it for more than 7 years in my life, I still make connections through the program, and will always be, inside, a proud cadet.

Carry on.