Sandor Panton in association with the Gleaner Online guides you through what's new, cool and interesting on the Internet. From Jamaica to the wider Caribbean and the rest of the World, this is the 'Week on the Web'.
IN SIMPLE terms, a blog is an online diary or journal. A 'diary' in the tangible world (not Internet) would typically be updated by writing or typing the entries on paper. A blog is a website that serves much the same purpose, but with the obvious difference being that it is updated and viewed on the Internet (hence it is also known as a weblog).
Mention of the word 'diary' may evoke thoughts of schoolgirls scribbling privately about their likes, dislikes and other ramblings. A blog, however, is global in its reach, making it readable by just about anyone online; thus, the demographic of the typical 'blogger' (person who blogs) is a lot different from what some may envision. Now, examples of bloggers range from companies that use them to communicate with customers, to individuals who simply want their own personal soapbox on which to stand and rant about whatever topics they choose.
A FEW POPULAR BLOGS
http://www.google.com/googleblog/ Get insight into the news, technology and culture of the company behind the world's most popular search engine.
http://pamelaanderson.blogs.friendster.com/ Pamela Anderson is just one of many celebrities with their own blog.
http://thepopeblog.blogspot.com/ A blog maintained by two fans of the new Pope, Benedict XVI
WEBSITES OF THE WEEK
http://techwatchcaribbean.blogspot.com Launched recently by local technology writer and publisher, Ingrid Riley, Techwatch Caribbean promises to be a Jamaican blog of interest and relevance for some time to come. Through it, she offers interesting commentary and insights into technology and telecom-related happenings and trends here in Jamaica, as well as for the wider Caribbean.
http://yamfoot.com/gallery/ Cricket fans who didn't make it to Sabina Park for the recent One-Day Internationals between the West Indies and South Africa can view dozens of photos from both matches at 'Yamfoot's Photo Gallery'. The photos include close-ups of players from both teams, the pitch and spectators, with each picture having its own sentence or paragraph of text describing the scene. The site also features photographs from previous regional cricket matches, including the recently-concluded Carib Beer Series.
DO YOU INTEND TO PAY YOUR TAXES ONLINE?
The Ministry of Commerce, Science and Technology recently launched its e-Government programme, offering taxpayers the opportunity to pay some taxes and fees online. It is definitely a welcome option for those who may be fed up with joining lines to make payments, but how many will actually utilise the service? Do you intend to pay your taxes online? Please send us an email feedback@jamaica-gleaner.com to let us know your plans and views on this subject.
Taken from The Gleaner, Wednesday May 18, 2005
