Panoramic View

I have downloaded a new app for my iPhone, Pano, on the advice of Tom.  It is extremely simple to use in fact I would go so far as to say it was idiot proof.  If any idiots find that they cannot use it, you are welcome to try to put a comment on this blog - if you can, but I suspect you will not as using the Pano is easier.  In fact it's so easy I'm probably a bit guilty of over using it.  However, this "panoramic" view does throw things into a different perspective, figuratively and literally.  

Take the photo of my garden above, my intention had been to take a photo of the chickens for a friend, Mij - long story, I'll save that one I think.  The photo does contain the chickens but also as you pan across you get to see the subject in the context of numerous other influences.  Your mind fades out elements that are not of interest currently and focuses on those that are, whilst keeping some sense of perspective on those other elements.  It is much more natural to us to view in this way, in our usual sight, we have a central area of vision and the peripheral vision is often only subconsciously aware of the bigger picture.  My only concern with the way we view these projections is that they are just that, a three dimensional projection onto a two dimensional flat page and the resultant distortion can render the picture awkward and difficult to look at.  I shall get much more practice and hopefully master the art.

Watching Will on his Xbox last night it struck me that console games would benefit considerably from the wrapped around image created from panoramic viewing, probably more so than 3D although 3D is pretty amazing on a console.  I suspect then, that some kind of projector that would display an image giving you a sense of what lay just outside of your field of view would be a useful add on to console gaming.  

(c) McDermott 2011 - patent pending (actually pending review that it actually doesn't already exist).  

It's a real weepy

I went to see Avatar with the family at the weekend.  I couldn't help a "Wossy" style review on Twitter trying to apply for the role of Film 2010 host.  I still haven't read any reviews or any hype, I confess I actually thought it was something to do with a TV series that the kids watch and I have joined them occasionally.  In fact it tuned out to be a fabulous movie and not related to the TV show at all.  I feel that my response to the movie will be forever affected by one particular factor, that moved me so profoundly that I need to, "share with the group".

Not long after my daughter was born she developed a lazy-eye and a squint.  She was very young when she was diagnosed primarily due to the vigilance and professionalism of the GP Surgery.  This is her when she was in the middle of patching.  A practice that in some cases can correct the problem.  In Ellie's case it didn't and ultimately she needed surgery.  In the lead up to the surgery, a traumatic experience for any parent, we were advised that Ellie would never have binocular vision.  Her plans to be an airline pilot were thrown in to chaos but more importantly as a parent we were quite shocked that she would have a lasting permanent effect due to our intervention.

We had that unenviable situation of choosing the lesser of two evils.  Over the years we have not made an issue of this deficiency in her vision, but in the main we have avoided buying "Magic Eye" books or going to 3D movies.  Avatar was in 3D.  We agonised and debated over the best approach - should we avoid making her feel different, will she get upset with everyone else going ooohh arrrrhhh?  We weren't sure and in the end decided that we would explain the potential deficiency in her vision and then hope she could cope with the movie and want to give it a go.  She did.

So the movie starts, I note that its not the same as the TV show and get thumped by one of the kids and soon we settle back in to an auditory and visual extravaganza.  All the time my wife and I have one eye on Ellie to see her response.  The story starts to evolve and, as I said on Twitter, its clearly a modern day parable extolling Eco awareness.  In fact it is truly stunning visually and you soon find yourself absorbed in to the characters.  We reached one part where we began to experience the elemental presence of nature as some supreme force for good.  It was moving and slightly emotional, as spores from the tree of life were floating all around, they were literally (apparently would be more accurate) all around us and then in the soft light, with the pleasant tones of the melodic sound track caressing us, Ellie reached up and tried to grab one of the spores.

Gulp, I'm crying again writing this.  Whats wrong with me I'm 41 and I seem to be loosing control of my emotions.  Yes my daughter has 3D vision.  Either binocular or more likely she has developed sophisticated coping mechanisms that allow her to perceive 3D.  Either way she is able to make the most of the new wave of 3D entertainment that will come our way this year.  I shall probably have to return to Sky HD in the near future.  BT have got me for 12 more months!