Mr Petcam - See the World through Your Pet's POV

For pet owners curious about what the world look's like from their pet's eyes, there is the Mr Petcam animal cam.

Ever wonder where your cat goes on its daily adventures? Are you curious about what your dog does when you're not at home? Or are you simply interested in seeing the world through your dog's eyes? Mr Petcam gives pet owners a chance to see the world from their pet's POV.

Product Features of Mr Petcam

Mr Petcam arrives in a bubble mailer containing the following: 1 Mr Petcam video, 1 mounting adapter assembly, USB charger/transfer cable, 2 GB Micro SD card, driver CD, a ball chain safety lanyard, an identification sticker, a spare adapter and nut/bolt. The instruction manual is a double-sided 8-1/2 X 11' sheet of paper.

Although Mr Petcam comes with a 2 GB micro-SD card, you can use 8 GB or 16 GB cards. There is a built-in microphone.

It fits comfortably into the palm of your hand and weighs 48 g. Technical specifications of Mr Petcam are as follows:

• Video format: AVI

• Video resolution: 680 X 480 pixels

• Video length: 2 minutes

• Video capture: 29 f.p.s.

• Compatibility: Microsoft Windows 98, 2000, XP, Vista and 7. Mac OS10.x and Linux

To mount onto your pet's collar, first mount the camera onto the adapter frame. Then, loop the collar through the lanyard loop. Finally, use the clip to secure the camera frame to the collar.

Using Mr Petcam Animal Camera

Camera operation is fairly simple. Once the camera is in position, press the power button for one second (more like three). To record, press the record button on the top. The indicator light will flash red.

There are two recording modes: standard and sound-activation mode (SAM). SAM will record only when it senses movement.

To upload the videos to your computer, plug it in via the USB cable. You can charge the camera this way as well. Alternatively, you can use the plug-in charger. The instructions warn users to charge for three hours or less, otherwise, the camera sustains damage. The reset button is located on the same side as the micro SD drive.

To change the date on the camera, plug Mr Petcam into your computer. Open up the files and click on the one labelled "time". The default date is whenever the camera left the factory.

These are some video footage that Maestro has taken using Mr Petcam:

Under the Chin Mount

By the Ear Side Mount

Top of the Head Mount

Pros and Cons of Mr Petcam

Mr Petcam is extremely easy to use. You could get by without reading the instructions. Just be sure to heed the warning about not overcharging this pet camera.

The case is sturdy enough to handle a few bumps here and there. The mounting frame is secure. Mr Petcam hasn't fallen off the frame once. That's a good thing, considering that the clip has slipped off the camera a couple of times. Between the ball and chain lanyard and the camera frame, I have been able to rest easy that Maestro will not lose the camera on his adventures.

Another major plus is the price. Mr Petcam is one of the cheaper models out there at $39.99 USD.

When the camera is on SAM, the indicator light doesn't flash to indicate whether or not it is recording. Thankfully, the indicator light does work in regular mode. However, I've had to reset this dog cam a couple of times because it would jam when I tried turning off (or was I turning on?) the recording function.

The camera body on Mr Petcam is too long for a small dog. Maestro stands 14" tall from the withers. Even with adjusting the camera angle, Mr Petcam gives us mostly chin and floor shots when it is mounted under the chin. If he was as big as his Irish Terrier friend, then there would be no problem. As it stands, we have figured out some workarounds but haven't yet discovered the ideal camera position.

As an amateur photographer, I would have preferred to see more than one video format. Ditto for resolution size. If any of Maestro's adventures take us somewhere scenic, then I'll have to use my GoPro2, which is much heavier on the little guy.

Another major drawback is if your pet loves water. Mr Petcam isn't waterproof.

One minor issue is that I have had to correct the date every single time I plug Mr Petcam into my computer.

Alternatives to Mr. Petcam & Ordering Information

Mr Petcam is one of several animal POV cameras on the market. Other popular animal cams include Dogtek Eyenimal Digital Videocam for Pets ($80 USD), Uncle Milton Nat Geo Wild Pet's Eye View Camera ($17.99), Buddy Pet Video Cam Digital Camera with Audio (Black) (69.98 USD). Both the Eyenimal and Buddy Pet cams are waterproof.

At this point, Mr Petcam can only be purchased directly from the manufacturer's website.The cost is $39.99 USD and can be shipped worldwide. Acceptable modes of payment include Paypal or Google Wallet.

Mr Petcam - Final Verdict

As far as cheap entertainment goes, Mr Petcam fits the bill. Maestro lavishes the attention he gets when he wears the pet cam.  Family, friends and dog lovers are getting a good chuckle over what Maestro captures with his animal cam.

However, if you are looking for something a bit more durable and/or waterproof, spend the extra money and spring for one of the waterproof ones.

Japanese Language Learning Apps

こんにちは みな-さん! As promised, I touched base with some of my classmates at the Calgary Japanese Language School to find out what iPhone or Android apps they like to use to help study Japanese. どうぞ！

Japanese Study Apps for iPhones and iPads

My classmates shared four dictionary and study apps that they use on their "i-Devices". These are: imiwa?, KanjiBox, Kanji Flip and Midori.

imiwa? by Pierre-Phi di Costanzo

imiwa is a free Japanese dictionary app for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch. The latest version is 3.1.1 and requires iOS 5.0 or later. App size is 187 MB. imiwa supports English, French, German, Italian, and Spanish.

This app has a Japanese keyboard to look-up words in kana/kanji. You can also use the traditional Chinese character recognition keyboard for on-screen drawing of Kanjis. Alternatively, you can look words up using romaji.

KanjiBox by Unknown Genius Software

Kanji Box helps students study kana, kanji, vocabulary, reading and writing through the use of drills, quizzes and flashcards. There are six levels of study in this offline language app (plus one "sensei" level). Students can check their progress and scores.

You can use the KanjiDraw and KanaDraw add-ons to practice your handwriting. KanjiBox contains over 6,000 kanji and over 34,000 words.

Kanji Box is designed for iPhone and iPad and costs $5.99 USD. The app is 46.7 MB and supports English, French, German, Japanese and Spanish.

Kanji Flip b

y Proffitt Ink

Kanji Flip is similar to flashcards. However, after you "flip" to the answer, you choose whether you were Right or Wrong. This app contains 2,230 Kanji and 255 kana required for four levels of the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT). It also contains hiragana and katakana.

This app costs $5.99 USD and operates completely offline. It is compatible with iPhone, iPod touch and iPad with iOS 3.0 or later. Unfortunately, Kanji Flip is only available in English to Japanese.

Midori by Sukolsak Sakshuwong

At $9.99 USD, Midori is the most expensive of the apps listed here. However, this one packs a punch. This Japanese-English, English-Japanese dictionary app contains over 146,000 word entries and 150,000 example sentences.

Midori also contains over 12,000 kanji. In addition, the stroke order is shown for over 6,000 of those characters. This app stands out with over 720,000 Japanese proper names, place names, surnames, given names, company names and product names.

Japanese Dictionary and Study Apps for Android Phones and Tablets

My fellow Android friends and I have been using a variety of free apps to study Japanese. These are: JED, Obenkyo, Japanese Verbs and JLPT Words.

JED by Attila Korompai

This offline dictionary app contains 166,344 entries. You can search by category. Typing or handwriting the words in English, romaji and kana is supported. The app contains 3,133 kanji and sample phrases and expressions.

JED supports English-Japanese, French-Japanese and Spanish-Japanese. I have yet to explore the  Radicals lookup in depth. I must say that the tags feature and animated kanji stroke order diagrams are very handy.  Size is 795k.

Obenkyo by Atomusk

With this app, you can study hiragana, katakana and kanji. You can study or test yourself by drawing, or taking a multiple choice quiz. It contains numbers in romaji, Hiragana, or kanji.

Obenkyo contains over 2,300 kanji characters and over 14,600 words (Level 1-5 JLPT or Jouyou 1-7). There are animated stroke order tutorials, translation, readings, flash cards and a drawing game.

Japanese Verbs & JLPT Words by Szymon Trapp

Designed by Szymon Trapp, Japanese Verbs and Japanese Words are full of multiple choice vocabulary quizzes. On a good week, I try to do one of these multiple choice quizzes a day. Let's just say that the past few weeks have not been good ones for studying and leave it at that.

Japanese Verbs contains 641 verbs which can be looked up using kanji, kana, or romaji or English. Each entry contains information about the conjugation group, JLPT level and whether the verb is transitive or intransitive. The big bonus is that this app contains 13 conjugation forms for each verb. It also tracks your progress.

JLPT Words contains a dictionary of words required for the JLPT3, JLPT4 and JLPT5 exam. Words can be searched by kanji, kana (hiragana/katakana), or romaji.

Like Japanese Verbs, JLPT Words has multiple choice quizzes in Japanese or English. You can be tested in kanji, kana or romaji. You can also select which level(s) you'd like to be quizzed on. It keeps track of your progress as well.

Anata wa? Which Android or iPhone apps do you use to help you study Japanese?

Back and Shoulder Stretches for Musicians

Many musicians complain of back and shoulder pain. Regular stretching will ease pain in the shoulder and back, increase flexibility and prevent repetitive strain injury.

Musicians sit or stand in the same position for extended periods of time when practicing. Common complaints include:

• shooting pain through the shoulder and back

• dull ache in the shoulder and back

• stiffness

The degree of pain varies from mild discomfort to debilitating. If unchecked, these chronic conditions can end one's musical career.

Musicians are prone repetitive strain injury such as Thoracic Outlet Syndrome, Bursitis and Tendinitis. Pain and injury in musicians stem from poor posture, faulty technique, repetitive strain and overuse. Musicians can alleviate shoulder and back pain and avoid injuries by incorporating stretching exercises into their regular routine.

How Musicians Should Stretch the Back and Shoulder Muscles

Musicians should stretch prior to practicing or performing. Stretches can be done after a shower or after performing light exercises. Musicians should take breaks frequently to stretch. For example, stretches can be done before moving onto a new technical exercise or piece or after drilling a trouble spot.

Refer to the exercises and photos below:

1 Shoulder Shrugs

Purpose: To ease shoulder tension, alleviate shoulder pain and loosen up the shoulder muscles.

Performance:

• From a standing or sitting position, shrug your shoulders, drawing them up towards your ears.

• Hold your shoulder muscles taut for five seconds.

• Relax.

• Repeat at least two more times.

2 Shoulder Blade Pinch

Purpose: To ease shoulder tension, alleviate shoulder pain and loosen up the shoulder muscles.

Performance:

• Interlock your fingers and place them behind your head. Keep your elbows straight out to the side.

• Pull your shoulder blades together to produce tension in your upper back and shoulder blades.

• Hold this position for five to ten seconds.

• Relax.

• Repeat three to four times.

3 Shoulders & Pectoral Stretch

Purpose: To ease tension in the shoulders and pectoral muscles, alleviate shoulder pain and loosen up the shoulder muscles.

Performance:

• Interlace your fingers behind your back.

• Slowly turn your elbows inward and straighten your arms.

• Hold the stretch for five to 15 seconds.

• Relax.

• Repeat at least twice.

4 Prayer Stretch

Purpose: To ease tension and provide back pain relief.

Performance:

• Kneel on the floor.

• Reach out with both arms straight in front of you along the floor.

• Lower your body onto your heels.

• Hold this position for 20 - 30 seconds.

• Relax.

• Repeat at least twice.

5 Downward Facing Dog

Purpose: To ease tension and relieve pain in the back.

Performance:

• Start on all fours.

• Drop your head down.

• Raise your buttocks straight up towards the ceiling while straightening out your arms and legs. Keep your heels on the floor.

• Allow your spine to sink into your body and lengthen.

• Hold this stretch for 20 - 30 seconds.

• Relax.

• Repeat at least twice.

6 Cat Stretch

Purpose: To ease tension and provide back pain relief.

Performance:

• Start on all fours.

• Drop your head down.

• Raise your spine up between the shoulder blades while maintaining an abdominal hollow.

• Allow your spine to relax.

• Hold this stretch for 20 - 30 seconds.

• Relax.

• Repeat at least twice.

6 Standing Forward Bend

Purpose: To ease tension and relieve pain in the back.

Performance:

• Stand with your feet hip-width apart.

• Slowly bend forward, one vertebra at a time, allowing your head and arms to drop towards the floor.

• Keep your knees soft..

• Allow your spine to lengthen.

• Hold this stretch for 20 - 30 seconds.

• Relax.

• Repeat at least twice.

7 Cross Spiral Stretch

Purpose: To ease tension and provide back pain relief.

Performance:

• Lie on your back, holding your arms outstretched to the side.

• Bend your right knee and bring it over to your left side towards the floor, allowing it to drop over your left leg.

• Turn your head to the right.

• Hold this stretch for 20 - 30 seconds.

• Relax.

• Switch sides.

• Repeat.

For further advice, musicians should speak with a doctor, chiropractor, physical therapist or massage therapist. Alternately, musicians can take a class that involves a high degree of stretching, such as yoga.

An excellent set of stretches is outlined in Madeline Bruser's book The Art of Practicing: A Guide to Making Music from the Heart. You may also find the following articles useful: Oh, My Aching Back!, The Benefits of Yoga and How it Helps Healing, Understanding Musician Injuries.

By dedicating as little as five minutes a day to stretching, musicians can ease shoulder pain, treat back pain and prevent musician injuries.

The Godchild Movie Review

Space and time can be altered, but the truth never changes. This sci-fi fantasy film redefines the space time continuum through one unique boy's journey.

“Everyone’s connected,” says Peter as he shares some of his lessons to the audience regarding his travels through time and space. This interconnectedness is displayed in various ways throughout The Godchild.

The Godchild is a 2010 indie film by Canadian independent film director Philip Spink, which stars Kari Townsend, Steve Dhillon, Riah Fielding-Walters, Michael Heltay, Grant Spink and Hazel Valdez. This independent film features an all-Albertan cast and crew. The themes of interconnectivity, love, loss, fear and truth are clearly communicated in this work.

The Godchild Plot

Peter, played by Grant Spink, is a young boy from the Midwest. His godmother (and guardian) has been missing for quite some time. On what seems to be a normal day at school, Peter’s class is discussing Pompeii. When Kate, the teacher, compliments Peter on his drawing of ancient Roman columns, Peter informs her “I am there now.” In this way, the “mystery of Peter” is introduced.

As Sister Beth Myers, played by Kari Townsend, along with Peter’s teachers (Riah Fielding-Walters and Hazel Valdez) doctor (Steve Dhillon) and lawyer (Michael Heltay) attempt to solve the mystery behind Peter’s “episodes,” they are drawn into his world and are forced to face their own inner demons in the process. No character remains unchanged at the end of the journey.

Well Paced and Well Balanced Story in The Godchild

Although Grant Spink (Knights of Bloodsteel) plays the central character Peter in The Godchild, the true “star” of the movie is the story itself. There are four interconnected stories that weave around Peter's story. For the most part, these are well balanced, giving each leading actor a chance to shine, without seeming contrived.

Philip Spink captured the fleeting emotions on each character’s face effectively through lighting and camerawork as they wrestled with their thoughts and fears. The transformation from shock to disbelief to fear was artfully done when Kate is transported away from the school. Riah Fielding-Walters (The Wizard's Christmas) does a spectacular job of projecting those emotions through only her eyes.

The lighting was especially effective when Steve Dhillon (Money, ODC, 419: The Nigerian Scam) as the guilt-ridden doctor faced himself in his apartment. The theatre felt chillier with the dim steel blue lighting and the haunting strains of the soundtrack.

If anything, more information on Kate’s back story would have brought a bit more depth to her character. The doctor’s story did receive more screen time, but also could have been fleshed out just a bit more, although for both characters, the essentials were covered for their stories.

Michael Heltay as Bernie (Knights of Bloodsteel) and Hazel Valdez as Sister Valdez also deliver strong performances in the film. Valdez even injects a bit of Filipino cultural humour into one scene.

The movie soundtrack weaves into the story seamlessly. The melancholy minimalist themes enhance the character's emotions beautifully, from angst to frustration and from sadness to desperation.

The soundtrack is scored by Canadians James Guttridge (Voyage of the Unicorn, X-Files) and Peter Jancewicz. The Godchild marks Jancewicz’s debut in composing for film. His compositions are published by Alfred Music Publishing and Alberta Keys.

Grant Spink and Kari Townsend Shine in The Godchild

Grant Spink and Kari Townsend (The Call, Who Dressed You This Morning?) both delivered riveting performances in this movie. Both roles demanded a wide spectrum of emotions (some work with the blue screen). Their stories are fleshed out the most throughout the movie.

Townsend’s Sister Beth was portrayed as a strong woman trying to keep her world – the school – afloat. As the story progresses and viewers learn of her tragic story, Townsend aptly project’s the good nun’s vulnerabilities and desires.

Grant Spink brings a balance of youthful impetuousness, tempered by sweetness to the role. Both are needed to help audiences relate to his extraordinary character. At his core, Peter is just a child who’s trying to find his godmother. Trying to find the truth.

The Godchild – The Facts

The Godchild (2010) is a sci-fi fantasy movie rated PG. Running time is 83 minutes.

This sci fi film is based on an original screenplay by Philip Spink. Among Spink’s writing and directing credits are numerous sci-fi TV shows and mini-series, including Knights of Bloodsteel, The White Crane Killers, Once in a Blue Moon and Voyage of the Unicorn, which was ranked as Hallmark Entertainment’s highest rated two-night mini-series. His works have also appeared on RHI, SPIKE TV, Showtime TV and the Sy Fy Channel. He runs a production company, Philip Spink Productions in Calgary, Alberta.

The Godchild is available to buy or rent on the movie's website.

The Godchild – More Than a Time Travel Story

The story of The Godchild is well-paced. The development of the characters and the projection of their emotions are not rushed in the least. Although the premise of the story is space time travel, it’s the interconnecting storylines, along with the interaction between all the main characters that make this film enjoyable to watch (the space travel metaphysics is just a bonus for sci-fi fans).

The coin-flipping scene from the trailer and the film's ending? They need to be seen to be fully appreciated.

The Godchild stars Kari Townsend, Steve Dhillon, Riah Fielding-Walters, Michael Heltay, Grant Spink and Hazel Valdez. It had a limited run in Calgary, showing at the Canyon Meadows Cinemas on October 16, 23 and 30, 2010 at 10:00 A.M. Tickets and CD soundtrack were $5.00 each. This science fiction movie premiered Saturday, October 9, 2010 in Calgary, Alberta.

Rating: 4.5/5

Originally published on October 12, 2010 on Suite101.com. Updated March 21, 2013. All rights reserved by Rhona-Mae Arca.

Eric Whitacre's Virtual Choir, Live at TED 2013

I am very excited about this one. Although I wasn't able to participate, it is just a delight to be able to watch this and know that I've made connections with some of the people in the Virtual Choir who participated in this special project.

This time, Eric Whitacre had a live choir perform onstage with a virtual choir on screen. Just wild.

Virtual Choir for the world!

The full TED Talk: