05/01/06 07:09 - 74ºF - ID#28365
Web Cams
COVER STORY
Computer with a view
Web cams offer a window on our world
By KELLY BOQUARD
SPECIAL TO THE NEWS
5/1/2006
Photo illustration by BILL WIPPERT/Buffalo News
Carrie Bracco checks out views of Niagara Falls on local Web cams.
Robert Kirkham/Buffalo News
"At first we were worried about what someone might do on camera," muses Grant Hamilton, publisher of the East Aurora Advertiser, as he adjusts the Web cam in the second-story window of his newspaper office on Main Street om East Aurora.
We look for them on the TV news and we listen to them on the radio: Local weather updates, traffic reports, skiing conditions, etc. But with advances in today's Internet technology, access to this information doesn't have to be limited to the airwaves.
Local Web cams make it easy to monitor what's going on - down the street or across the world - live 24 hours a day, seven days a week, from the comfort of your computer.
For those who don't know what a Web cam is, it's a digital camera attached to a computer and connected to the Internet. The device allows Web site visitors to view images that are streaming on the camera live, at any time.
Have you ever wondered how congested traffic is on the Peace Bridge, or on the commute downtown?
By visiting www.peacebridge.com/webcam.php, viewers can see a live video shot of cars crossing the bridge westbound into Canada. At www.surfbuffalo.com/webcams.html, Web surfers can get up-to-date traffic images of the Skyway and the 190.
The site also allows visitors to check out ski conditions at Holiday Valley and Peek 'n' Peak. Not to mention a live visual images of Lafayette Square and even a local bird feeder.
Want to see what's happening on Elmwood Avenue?
Visit www.buffalowebcam.com/live_webcams and take a look at Pano's Restaurant, Saigon Cafe or Cole's Restaurant and Bar. There's even a live camera inside Half and Half Clothing Co., located at 1088 Elmwood Ave., which shows an overview of the store . . . shoppers included.
To see Buffalo's first and longest running < Web cam go to www.buffalocam.com/index.html. Depending on which direction the Web cam is pointed, it shows an overview of City Hall, Niagara Square or the McKinley Monument.
Web cams have come a long way since their roots in 1991. The first Web cam ever used was at Cambridge University. A camera was directed at a coffee pot in the computer science room to monitor activity 24 hours a day.
They have been used not only in public places, but in private locations as well. New cams have been added to instant messaging servers such as America Online (AOL) or Yahoo to allow users to look at the person they are sending messages to.
These cams can also be helpful for video conferencing. In this era of corporate penny-pinching, Web-cam technology allows meetings to be held with more ease and convenience and no travel expenses.
Andy Parker, a meteorologist with WGRZ-TV Channel 2, says that looking at Web cams allows him to go beyond the numbers and get a feel for weather conditions at remote locations.
"In the '90s, the ability to see a live picture from a location with just a mouse click was fascinating. It was a challenge to develop the technology needed to create a network of weather cameras, both locally and throughout the country, that would allow anyone in the world to experience that place from their PC," Parker said.
"Going forward, I look for Web-cam content to expand into people-oriented mobile devices like cell phones and Wi-Fi cameras," he added.
Grant Hamilton, owner of the East Aurora Advertiser, has had a live Web cam running for almost seven years in the window of his weekly newspaper office on Main Street in East Aurora. It updates every minute. He uses it to check the weather and to bring people to the Web site, www.eastaurorany.com. "Former residents love it," Hamilton said. "Local residents have been known to line up in front of the camera and hold up a happy birthday sign so a friend abroad could see their friends back home."
"We've seen a number of folks standing by the Web cam and being photographed in front of our building."
For Hamilton, having a Web cam isn't just a business tool. It can also be used for fun, but it brings with it some concerns.
"At first, we were worried about what someone might do on camera," he said, "Otherwise, the only other negative is the "big brother factor' of people on camera without knowing it."
For Western New Yorkers, worldwide Web cams can be just as fun and helpful as local ones. For those trying to get a New York City feel, live cams of Times Square can be seen at
www.earthcam.com/usa/newyork/timessquare, or watch the flow of water over Niagara Falls at www.niagarafallslive.com or travel through cyberspace to Paris to see the Eiffel Tower live at www.abcparislive.com.
If sight-seeing isn't your cup of tea, other sites offer live animal coverage. Look at cheetahs, flamingos, elephants, ferrets and more at nationalzoo.si.edu/Animals/WebCams.
Or look at live fish tanks at wp.netscape.com/fishcam/fishcam.html and the Piranha tank from Nashville, Tenn., at www.piranhapictures.com/livepiranhacam.html.
For a different spin, some sites offer a you-control-it cam. Www.clickiton.com/webcam takes one step further by giving users access to interact with a Web cam instead of just watching it. This cam is a view of a home with various lights in it. By using X10 Home Automation modules and a broadband connection, the creator allows visitors to turn the different lights in the room on or off or switch on a Coors beer sign.
Under the FAQ's section of his Web page, the creator of the "clickiton" site says that the reason he created an interactive site is because "most of the Web cams you see are of a tree at night, someone watching television or working on their computer. Not a lot of fun. I thought there must be something more you can do. I thought it would be fun to put together a site with a Web cam that would be fun to look at as well as be interactive."
For another great "you-control-it" site, go to www.engr.cornell.edu/explore/quad-cam.cfm. The live cam is set up at the Cornell University engineering quad in Ithaca. Users can move the camera around, zoom in or out, and change the lighting. A visitor can also take a snapshot of whatever they have chosen to look at. The camera also has "presets" which allow users to choose from a menu to view different buildings on campus or take in the scenic seasonal panorama of Cayuga Lake.
To get a look at some popular worldwide Web cams, www.Earthcam.com, a Web cam server, has listed their top 25 most popular cameras for 2005. These cams are the ones that get the most hits from Internet users.
Check out www.earthcam.com/top25/2005/index.php to get a view of Honolulu, Spain, Sweden, Germany, Egypt and more. The world awaits at the click of a mouse.
Permalink: Web_Cams.html
Words: 1285
Location: Buffalo, NY
Category: photos
04/30/06 12:13 - 67ºF - ID#28364
Bandits win
Permalink: Bandits_win.html
Words: 260
Location: Buffalo, NY
Category: lax
04/28/06 06:35 - 53ºF - ID#28363
They Need our Help
The reason I say the Bandits Need ourHelp is for two Reasons. First of all it will be a tough game for them. Secondly Rochester being close often has a lot of Nnighthawks Fans there. Granted we can't play the game for them but we can chear them on and atleast give them support. For those who like indoor lacrosse this is an important game. I know for some people it isn't there thing but I had to at least let people know about it.
Permalink: They_Need_our_Help.html
Words: 88
Location: Buffalo, NY
Category: body art
04/27/06 08:36 - 53ºF - ID#28362
Body Art Search
Permalink: Body_Art_Search.html
Words: 173
Location: Buffalo, NY
04/26/06 07:02 - 49ºF - ID#28361
House Sabre
Permalink: House_Sabre.html
Words: 55
Location: Buffalo, NY
Category: music
04/25/06 07:43 - 45ºF - ID#28360
lyrics So What Reason
HOOBASTANK LYRICS
"The Reason"
I'm not a perfect person
There's many things I wish I didn't do
But I continue learning
I never meant to do those things to you
And so I have to say before I go
That I just want you to know
I've found a reason for me
To change who I used to be
A reason to start over new
and the reason is you
I'm sorry that I hurt you
It's something I must live with everyday
And all the pain I put you through
I wish that I could take it all away
And be the one who catches all your tears
Thats why i need you to hear
I've found a reason for me
To change who I used to be
A reason to start over new
and the reason is You [x4]
I'm not a perfect person
I never meant to do those things to you
And so I have to say before I go
That I just want you to know
I've found a reason for me
To change who I used to be
A reason to start over new
and the reason is you
I've found a reason to show
A side of me you didn't know
A reason for all that I do
And the reason is you
So What
[Original: Anti Nowhere League]
So fucking what!
Well, I've been to Hastings and I've been to Brighton,
I've been to Eastbourne too.
So what, so what.
And I've been here, I've been there,
I've been every fucking where.
So what, so what.
So what, so what, you boring little cunt.
Well, who cares, who cares what you do.
Yeah, who cares, who cares about you, you, you, you, you.
Well, I fucked a queen, I fucked fuck,
I've even sucked an old man's cock.
So what, so what.
And I fucked a sheep, I fucked a goat,
I rammed my cock right down its throat.
So what, so what.
So what, so what, you boring little fuck.
Well, who cares, who cares what you do.
And, who cares, who cares about you, you, you, you, you.
And I've drunk that, I've drunk this,
I've spewed up on a pint of piss.
So what, so what.
I've had scank, I've had speed,
I've jacked up until I bleed.
So what, so what.
So what, so what, you boring little cunt.
Well, who cares, who cares what you do.
Yeah, who cares, who cares about you, you, you, you, you, you.
I've had crabs, I've had lice,
I've had the clap and that ain't nice.
So what, so what.
I fucked this, I fucked that,
I've even fucked a school girl's twat.
So what, so what.
So what, so what, you boring little fuck.
Well, who cares, who cares what you do.
And, who cares, who cares about you, you, you, you, you, you.
So fucking what! Yeah!
Permalink: lyrics_So_What_Reason.html
Words: 694
Location: Buffalo, NY
Category: photos
04/24/06 06:54 - 45ºF - ID#28359
Bandits Represtation
Wish My camara Bateries didn't die on me so I would have more pics to chose from but this is a good representation of the game. The Wrestling PPV last night was good.
Permalink: Bandits_Represtation.html
Words: 47
Location: Buffalo, NY
Category: lax
04/23/06 07:10 - 49ºF - ID#28358
Update on the update
On another subject I know some of us here me included seem to cumplane (my new spelling should only be used when talking about bad sex) about a lot of stuff. Things that suck still suck and it is good to vent and get things off your chest. But it is also important to remember all the good things and the things you are forunate enough to be able to do. Best example I can give is the Bandits and Sabres I would love to go to there games with two hot chicks and when the smooch came comes on we have a 3 way kiss for everyone to see. But I also remember that I have a good job that lets me be able to go to the games and some sabres games and concerts. I am also able to walk in to the games and don't have to sit in the wheel chair section. Some cities don't have Hockey and Lacrosse teams to watch. Often it is hard to think positivly but it is important to at least try to think that way. It is good to see what others have and to want that and to strive for it. Aslong as it isn't so much that it bums you out. Hopefully one of these days I'll have some other interseting political ideas or issues to talk about.
Permalink: Update_on_the_update.html
Words: 303
Location: Buffalo, NY
04/23/06 11:16 - 50ºF - ID#28357
update
Last night I taped Family Business and watched it this morning it is a verry interesting show for those who want to find out more about it you can go to sho.com . I also listened to and then watched some of Bill Maher. Is it political yes, do I agree with all of it, No Do I find it interesting and funny, Yes.
I was thinking about going to See "Movin Out" after the bandits game today. Gotta get ready for that soon and go. But then I forgot there is a TNA Wrestling PPV I want to watch tonight so since I still havn't got tickets I guess it will be the PPV but I have to get tapes first. Maybe I'll check online and see if there are any tickets but I'm guessing I'll go with the PPV.
On another note I noticed something interesting about (e:strip) the other day. You know above your page it lists how many you have of everything like videos, images, hangman. Myself and some others who post pictures don't have images listed and somepeople do, does anyone know why that is? Not sure if there is anyway to celebrate earth day but for those of you who did something or helped clean up somewhare I hope you enjoyed your day. Hope everyone had a good weekend. I also wish that I had more to say to peeps on line in chat, but oh well.
Permalink: update.html
Words: 283
Location: Buffalo, NY
04/22/06 04:26 - 57ºF - ID#28356
weekend
Tonight The Sabres play there first playoff game. Should be a great game, I'm not going I'll watch on TV. I am going to the Bandits game at 2pm on sunday the bandits had better win. It should be a great game also.
I Saw Scary Movie 4 today. It was funny and goofy and sord of what I expected. The one disapointment was that it was PG-13 instead of R. There where a couple scenes where boobs could have been shown. I just spelled saw like the movie Saw that is funny I will keep the capital.
Permalink: weekend.html
Words: 173
Location: Buffalo, NY
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- This user has zero favorite blogs selected ;(
It didn't actually throw a snowball, of course; it added the snowball in to the pictures digitally - but it's still cool. The Internet has come a long way since 1994 - you could never get away with that kind of stuff in the Air Force now.
- Z