InspirArte by Laura Gil

A window to show my passion for communicating about the experiences I have as a bilingual journalist navigating the global scenario.

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Extraordinarios con... Laura Gil

An interview I made with the great Venezuelan journalist, Yayett Peralta. We talked about careers, goals, immigration, and how you can rebuild yourself no matter where you are. #Inspirarte #quehacemigente #spanish

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How is Pulse, the gay club in Orlando where the worst massacre in US history occurred?

Laura Gil Special for BBC World, Orlando June 13, 2016

Under a magenta neon light, a transexual version of Jennifer López (JLo) is seen on stage. With her vibrant voice, suggestive attire, and physical attractiveness, not few of the almost 300 people inside Pulse Bar succumb to her charms and crowd at the foot of the small stage in the lounge of the now-famous night spot.

Hurrying to ingratiate themselves with the performer, they place greenbacks on her clothes in recognition of an unforgettable performance.

This is one of the most expected shows in the so-called Latin nights at Pulse, one of the largest nightclubs in Orlando, Florida.

However, this Saturday's Latin night ended in tragedy.

Run away

Shortly after 2:00 a.m. local time, the nightclub posted on its Facebook page: "Everyone gets out of Pulse and keep running."

"We heard several shots. Many of us threw ourselves to the ground. Where I was. I could not see the attacker or if there were any wounded," Ricardo Negrón Almodóvar, who was at the premises, told the BBC.

It is now known that Omar Mateen entered the premises armed with a semi-automatic pistol and an assault rifle. He took hostages, and three hours later, he was shot down by 11 police officers.

He killed 49 people and left at least 53 wounded, some seriously.

But except for this tragic night, Pulse was a safe place.

Wildness

Inside Pulse, the Ultra bar, surrounded by satin sofas, is one of the places described as unique by regular visitors.

"In the Ultra bar, you could watch videos and enjoy the excellent service of the bartenders, in my opinion, the best in the city, since many have been in business since its opening almost 15 years ago." Scott, a client, told BBC Mundo, who preferred not to give his last name for security reasons.

Visiting Pulse was a date with fun and sensuality to dress in fashion and connect with what is trending in the city.

The site was selected on many occasions to celebrate birthdays and theme parties, set to the preferences of the gay public in the area.

The focal point of the venue was always the stage where the artists -professionals and amateurs- fully exploited their interpretive virtues, always inspired by the eclectic atmosphere of the place reflected in its famous paper lanterns, and state-of-the-art lighting.

Emblem community

Orlando is home of a very active gay community in the arts, business, and entertainment fields, known and respected for having a high educational and socioeconomic profile and for contributing through their work to consolidate the city's reputation as an entertainment capital.

Pulse is located in the financial and cultural heart of Orlando, Florida, known worldwide for being the headquarters of the Disney and Universal Studios theme parks. Still, since this Sunday, it shows a different face of what is conceived as family enjoyment.

In addition to being a regular visitor to Pulse, Scott worked at one of the seven gay-friendly nightspots in Downtown Orlando and described the venue as "relaxed and friendly." People went to "have fun and enjoy the drinks served in the Ultra Bar, one of its three spaces, and the other two were the Adonis Room and the Lounge."

A Fiesta Latina was promoted on June 11, with salsa, merengue, reggaeton, and bachata music, unusual rhythms in Pulse's musical repertoire, more accustomed to Top 40 hits and disco pop.

This offer particularly excited customers of Hispanic origin who attended the call.

Some regulars at the place described it to BBC Mundo as a place with a "good atmosphere," where you could eat, play poker, smoke hookah, and enjoy live shows and good music.

This establishment was one of the oldest in the area, which allowed it to cultivate the loyalty of its customers.

"It was a place for young people under 40 years old, a not very large space with several environments, the focal point was the DJ when the stage was empty, and a lot of pop music was playing. It was safe, and you had a great time there," This is how Daniel expressed himself (who also refused to give his last name).

Prime location

Pulse has been operating since 2004 in one of the most exclusive areas of the city, the " Downtown " or financial center and headquarters of the prominent companies in central Florida.

There are many other nightclubs frequented by young people, mostly professionals with high purchasing power.

This urban center has modern architecture, easily differentiated from the rest of the city based on neighborhoods where art deco and low-rise bungalow styles predominate.

In the "Downtown," there are large buildings, headquarters of the leading banks, shops, convention centers, shows, and exclusive residential buildings surrounding the natural lung known as Lake Eola, which with its black and white swans provides a romantic touch to the area.All the night spots in Orlando can open from 6 in the afternoon to serve dinner and remain open until 2 in the morning, when by law they must close their doors," Daniel, an employee of the Bar, told BBC Mundo. 

"The atmosphere inside Pulse was quite friendly, and it did not have a reputation among the neighbors of being a place that generated danger or problems. Instead, people went to have fun and enjoy the high-quality live shows. ", he highlighted.

The worst massacre in modern US history

Orlando is a city in mourning. Throughout Sunday, community members have expressed their rejection of the events occurred and their solidarity with the gay community, of which they have said they feel very proud.

Additionally, they have expressed gratitude to the local security forces for their defense and rescue efforts for the victims.

The police acted quickly, thanks in part to the fact that many nightclubs have permanent custody of the local security forces, which explains the immediate response of the patrols to the first alarm signals that activated in the place early this Sunday.

The massacre's effects will be felt in a tourist city and capital of family entertainment such as Orlando.

In the last 24 hours, there have been two shootings with fatal victims (on Saturday, the singer Christina Grimmie, known for participating in the television program The Voice, was murdered by a gunman). Then, on Sunday, the events of the Pulse bar, the worst massacre of this kind in America.

Bárbara Poma, the owner of Pulse, expressed - through a statement posted on the company's website - feeling devastated like the rest of the country. She also condolences to the victims' families, on her behalf and that of the club's workers, for the deep sadness that mourns them today.

As Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer said, " This is probably the hardest day in Orlando's history."

Read the original version BBC published in 2016 on this link https://www.bbc.com/mundo/noticias-internacional-36514629

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My Emerging Multimedia Technologies Journey

By Laura Gil Fersaca, DeVry University

This post will reflect the eight weeks I have spent taking the class Emerging Multimedia Technologies at DeVry University to obtain my bachelor's degree in Multimedia Development. This class is designed to introduce students to emerging technologies such as Augmented Reality, 3D printing, the Internet of Things, and gaming. In addition, this course explores emerging and advanced topics in multimedia technology and their implications for the design and development of multimedia products. Among the main objectives of this class, we have to identify existing and emerging technologies used to employ locative media and their impacts on user integration. Assess the influence of computer-generated sensory input on current and future user interaction trends with technology. Finally, analyze the significant considerations for utilizing wearable computers and the effect this technology can have on society. Along with this class, we have discussed the influence on society of converging multiple technologies and judged the effectiveness of current and emerging hardware technologies on societal use. We also took time to examine the usefulness of online collaboration and the issues that could interrupt the partnership. Finally, we debated the outcomes of participating in social media, including data usage and socialization. When I first signed up for the course, I expected to learn about new technologies, such as digital tools, software, and information technologies. However, this class was about genuine technological innovations that dramatically change human beings' lives in general. An example of this is AR and how it has been helpful during the current times in the middle of the Covid 19 pandemic, allowing people to do digital tourism, visit museums, and interact with their loved ones in a very realistic way. I expected that during this class, we would talk about 3D printing but more about materials and specific production techniques; however, the course introduced us to the real challenges and opportunities that this technology can have in civil construction, medicine, and even biotechnology. This class is, in my opinion, an introduction to a human technology perspective and how it will affect the way humans will live in the future to come. New technologies are developed by human beings and are responses to the recent times and challenges we face; many of us have imagined the future crowded with devices and cyborgs with little space for social interaction. However, the reality is very different with online gaming. Although, we can see how people have recreated rooms for innovative social interaction. We can also find compelling examples in AR Apps since many applications include the possibility to participate in live chats and share your experiences with the rest of the group that uses the application. The new technologies are emerging as an exciting mix between humans, spiritual and technological resources; the most successful seek to connect people, make their lives easier, and provide them with more and better time to share with their families. I can see the future with optimism at the end of this journey. I do not feel afraid of being replaced by a robot, but seeing how they can become an extension of our abilities makes us more effective and allows us to expand our limits. Robotics, biotechnology, AR, and 3D printing introduce us to a future full of possibilities. However, life continues to be the main focus and not dehumanization, as it was sold to us at some point. Stay tuned. The future is being created right now!

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Wearable Technology: AR Mojo Contact Lenses

Wearable technology has reached a point where it offers the same level of monitoring and information for people. Earlier this year, several wearables that went to the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) focused on healthcare and providing personalized data in real-time.

The Mojo contact lenses bring augmented reality (AR) directly into your field of vision. The advanced lens uses microelectronics and a tiny dense display to share information with the user. Currently, several augmented reality systems require the use of outerwear, such as a headset. These headsets are large and cumbersome to wear for extended periods. 

Mojo's goal is to have an AR system that can be worn all day and does not obstruct the user's view. The "Invisible Computing" concept is that information is only displayed as needed. The lens can analyze your daily activities and only display the pertinent information, such as offering the next turn when driving or the next talking point while giving a presentation. According to TechCrunch, the Mojo lens was featured at CES 2020 and recently raised more than $51 million in investment funding, totaling $159 million.

Through augmented reality (AR), data can be presented on displays built into glasses or a headset. For example, you can see turn-by-turn directions while walking, essential steps for replacing an unfamiliar machine, all without holding a device or looking down at a screen. In addition, AR helps you keep your concentration by providing information heads-up and hands-free by using a wearable display.

Trend to Come

We will see more coming out about this technology because it enhances one of the people's weaknesses; their vision is well known that humans have one of the worse sight senses on Earth. This is why we are constantly amazed by devices such as TVs, mobile phones, computers, and monitors that give us a chance to improve our visual experience.

These lenses can provide that experience or AR without others even noticing, and I think this gives the people the experience close to a superpower. It also has the potential to improve or return the vision to those who have lost it due to genetic or heath illness, which could mean a real revolution in the Health field.

 I think this technology will evolve going forward, and we will sed more sophisticated devices in the future with even more features.

 My Thoughts on the Technology

I will stay tuned to the updates on this trend because I am a person with vision difficulties. I will love to see how this technology evolves to get people like me and many others the ability to see better without using glasses or receive a surgical treatment that I am scared off because I feel it's too much risk involved.

Also, this technology has a high potential for the gaming industry to provide an even chance and more realistic experience to the gamers.

 Business fields such as construction and health industries could also be beneficial to perform the task more accurately and have all the necessary content related to a particular assignment at a blink's distance.

 Source:

Mojo:

https://www.mojo.vision/mojo-lens

The American Society of Mechanical Engineers:

https://www.asme.org/topics-resources/content/7-wearable-devices-for-2020

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Fad or Trend

What is the difference between a fad and an enduring product? Many people think that trends and fads are the same, but there are distinctions between trends and fads. They are not only different in meaning but also in the effects and the opportunities they provide. The main distinctions between trends and fads are cause, impact, and durability.

Generally, fads are short-lived, easy to predict, and do not have lasting significance compared to trends. Usually, fads can become famous quickly and decline easily, which means fads become popular quickly and disappear quickly. Fads commonly last for a season or a year. They are typically driven by the media or by a brand.

On the opposite side, trends are more likely to remain longer on the collective mindset. Recent trends include food as a hobby, ethical living, responsible consumerism, authenticity on social media, blurring of gender roles, and wearable technology. 

Some fads that you may have missed include face tattoos, goat yoga, “dad sneakers,” TikTok, and 90s-inspired fashion and music.

One good example of a technology trend is Artificial Intelligence. People now demand in-depth information on specific areas such as intelligent robotics and machine learning. In addition, advanced AI technologies will enable marketers to understand their audience and consumers better. AI can spot relationships between variables that a human analyst just can’t, leading to more effective and personalized experiences, not just in Creative but also in ad delivery, driving results for brands. 

Some good examples of Trends are:

- Conversational AI (computers that people can interact with simply by having a conversation).

- The next generation of electric cars employ AI and facial recognition technologies. Some of the new models are priced at levels targeting middle-income populations, thus making broad usage possible. Equipped with self-driving and data-storage capabilities and other intelligent interactive features.

- Evolution of aerospace technologies. Notable companies that are now making aerospace advancements include SpaceX and Blue Origin. SpaceX is developing the rocket Starship, which will reuse the entire vehicle body. Starship may shorten intercontinental trips to 20-30 minutes via space. In China, the government and private enterprises are making progress.

Some examples of Fads are:

- Apple Maps. In 2012 Apple decided that it had promoted Google Maps for too long as the iPhone’s default maps apps and introduced its own, Apple Maps, featuring fancy 3D imagery and “flyovers” in iOS 6. Unfortunately, the app was built entirely from the ground up, and the launch was a disaster.

- Cryptocurrency (2017–2018) Bitcoin, the Internet’s first cryptocurrency, was hyped as the first currency that could be exchanged digitally, without the backing of any government, built on something called the blockchain. In late 2016, the price of Bitcoin started to grow, and grow, and grow. After that December 2017 peak, a crash ensued. Economists Joseph Stiglitz and Paul Krugman called the craze a “bubble.” Researchers said the computer power needed to mine was terrible for the environment. Plus, the crypto economy was ripe for fraud. Scammers disseminated fake news to manipulate the price of their holdings. 

- The Galaxy Note 7: It was one of 2017’s most well-reviewed phones. Reviewers called it the “best” and “beautiful.” That is until devices started catching fire. Like the cheap, flammable hoverboards, lithium-ion batteries were blamed for the Note 7’s downfall. The difference was that Note 7 was made by Samsung, one of the biggest battery manufacturers in the world.

Sources

- IPL

https://www.ipl.org/essay/Difference-Between-Trends-And-Fads-FKE5RSH4ACFR

- Synthesio

https://www.synthesio.com/faq-items/what-are-some-examples-of-trends-and-fads/

- Fleishmanhillard

https://fleishmanhillard.com/wp-content/uploads/meta/resource-file/2018/tech-trend-report-2018-the-fads-the-fears-the-future-1544811036.pdf

- Venturebead

https://venturebeat.com/2019/12/30/10-technology-trends-that-will-impact-our-lives-in-2020/

BuzzFed:

https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/nicolenguyen/notable-tech-fails-of-2010s

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Resources for Keeping Current on Emerging Technology

Things move fast in the tech world. As new trends constantly emerge, keeping up-to-date can be tricky. But staying on top of the latest technologies shaping your industry is essential for being updated, taking advantage of what new technologies offer to accomplish our goals, and remaining competitive.

The following is a list of 5 best practices that we can follow to stay tuned to ned technology trends and resources:

1. Read the latest research reports

There’s no shortage of digital resources to help you identify new technologies in the market. Thoughtworks Tech Radar is one of the best! It reports on findings from companies within the tech industry and can help to keep you informed on new technologies about to be adopted and those on the edge of the mainstream.

2. Follow tech news

To be informed about new technology, outcomings apps like Panda or Pocket help create a customized dashboard or news feed that you can read offline. Follow leading thought-leaders on industry publications such as TechCrunch and Recode, and watch relevant video content from Two Minute Papers, The Verge, and WIRED. These media outlets condense complex subjects into easy-to-understand readings.

3. Set New Feature alerts

Sign up for ‘new feature’ alerts and announcement emails from leading technology platforms, like Google Cloud, Amazon Web Services, and Microsoft Azure. Opting into these updates ensures the latest developments, best practices, and opportunities are delivered to your inbox every day.

4. Know what’s trending in the open-source community

The open-source community is often the first to adopt new technologies. Trending projects in these communities can be a good indicator of the competitive landscape and general best practices.

Explore trending projects on GitHub to learn what’s going on. While you may not be ready to adopt these technologies, knowing what’s out there can help you identify opportunities and anticipate possible impacts on your business.

5. Divide, share, and conquer knowledge gathering

With so much new knowledge available, staying current can feel overwhelming. Make it more manageable by assigning each team member an area of technology to “own.”

Encourage each teammate to conduct their research and become the go-to thought-leader in that area. Regular meetings bring team members together to share knowledge while setting up a shared space for resources gives the entire team access to the most important findings.

Source:

Medium.

https://medium.com/beyond/6-ways-to-stay-on-top-of-emerging-technology-trends-ca6a7b27bc20

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