Visual storytelling: Periscope, drones and more

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Visual storytelling continues to be a hot trend in 2016 – GoPros capture action and adventure from different angles, drones fly and film up high and social media apps allow us to see places and events in real time.

In December 2015, Apple named Periscope the iPhone app of the year. Owned by Twitter, Periscope is a free live-streaming video app. It launched last year and quickly attracted more than 10 million users who created more than 100 million live video broadcasts. In just a few weeks into 2016, Periscope already is integrating and innovating. Some new features include:

  • Periscope live streams and replays in a Tweet. Users do not need a Periscope account or app and can watch the video directly in Twitter. This feature should allow users to reach greater audiences.

https://twitter.com/periscopeco/status/686880541224775681

  • Periscope teamed up with GoPro, so people can live stream on Periscope with a HERO4 Black or Silver camera. Live action video will be on display at the X Games in Aspen, CO this week.

Showing dramatic images from the air, drones continue to gain in popularity.  Because of security, safety and privacy issues, the Federal Aviation Administration requires drone owners to register before flying outdoors. More information about the rules and registration are available on the Unmanned Aircraft Systems Registration web page.

In the Puget Sound area, businesses, individuals and government agencies increasingly use drones to help tell their stories. Some examples include:

How will you incorporate visual communications in the year ahead?

For more information

  • New York Times article about Apple naming Periscope the app of 2015.

Learn about President Xi’s visit to Tacoma and what it means for our region

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Photo of Mayor Strickland speaking

Mayor Strickland shares information about President Xi’s visit to Tacoma at the World Affairs Council Tacoma’s Consular Reception, Sept. 24.

Learn about the President of China’s recent visit to Tacoma and what it means to our region in a free talk at the University of Washington on December 2 at 6 p.m. Tacoma Mayor Strickland and Port Commissioner Bacon will share their insights about President Xi’s September 23 visit and how it may improve our economy and educational and cultural ties.

Photo of trade and investment lunch

Learning about economic development at the World Trade Center Tacoma’s PNW-China Trade & Investment luncheon, Sept. 23.

The World Affairs Council Tacoma and the University of Washington’s Institute for Global Engagement sponsor this free event. For more information or to RSVP, please see the event flyer.

** Update ** The World Affairs Council Tacoma summarizes this first “Global Classroom” event in this event recap.

 

Social media and lighted landmarks help world support France

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Photo of profile picture with French colors

Facebook profile with French colors – in solidarity

The world took to social media to express outrage at the November 13 terrorist attacks in Paris, and to support France and freedom everywhere. In solidarity, many people shared pictures of themselves living in or visiting France and updated their profile picture with the French flag colors of blue, white and red.

Jean Jullien’s “Peace for Paris” image using the Eiffel Tower and the international peace sign captured the world’s emotions and quickly “went viral:”

https://twitter.com/jean_jullien/status/665305363500011521

Social media also provided information about safety (with Facebook’s Safety Check tool), shelter (with the hashtag #PorteOuverte or “open door”), and canceled flights (with the hashtag #StrandedInUS), according to this New York Times article.

As the Eiffel Tower turned off its lights for three days of official mourning and respect, other famous world landmarks lit  France’s tricolors, including One World Trade Center at the site of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attack in New York City. See more information in this NBC News article.

In the Pacific Northwest, Century Link Field shined with France:

You can see many more world landmarks shining in solidarity in this Facebook post from Pulptastic:

Even though we are long distances and times apart, social media continues to connect people around the world and can comfort and show support in times of tragedy and crisis. #PrayforParis

Returning a trail back to the forest at Sehmel Homestead Park

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Photo of volunteers at Sehmel Homestead Park

Volunteers take care of the trail at Sehmel Homestead Park.

Thank you to the volunteers who replaced an unwanted trail with rocks, branches and trees and planted new plants at Sehmel Homestead Park on Saturday. This “Art of Wilderness Gardening” returned the old trail back to the forest.

Photo of volunteer

Volunteers made a difference and had fun, too!

Great Peninsula Conservancy organized this “trail decommissioning” event and partnered with PenMet Parks, Pierce County Master Gardeners, WA Native Plant Society, and Gig Harbor High School. Thank you for your time and for making a difference in our parks and natural areas!

More pictures of the Nov. 7 trail stewardship day are available on Flickr and YouTube.

Disclaimer: Engage Northwest is a communications consultant for Great Peninsula Conservancy on this project.

Apply for a Strengthening Pierce County grant

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Nonprofits can apply for a Strengthening Pierce County grant with The Greater Tacoma Community Foundation. Nonprofits should have annual operating budgets of less than $1 million and share the Foundation’s values of collaboration, leadership, integrity and innovation. Grants range from $5,000 to $20,000. Apply online October 12, 2015 through January 12, 2016.

For more information:

Good luck!