The Internet may have had military origins, but sharing information with as many people as possible has far surpassed the original user profile. Staying current and in touch with people and places from around the globe is at its very core.

Blogs (logging diary entries on a web site for all to read and react to) is now one of the most popular ways to use the web, with blogs on everything from a day in the life to current global issues being discussed online. On thisisthelakedistrict we have film producers, documentary producers, people living abroad, and family members searching for long-lost relatives all using the site to connect. Follow this road map and get on track.

New on the site is Lifestyle column Amy Poses, which explores social issues for today's women living in the Lakes. Amy's thoughts will be posted monthly at www.thisisthelakedistrict.co.uk/leisure/kendalleisureamy/ . From speed dating to fitness, to liberty, follow Amy's take on life. Each story is activated with a chat forum, so you can register and post your thoughts as well. Join the discussion.

The Artist in Residence section, launched last September, is now home to more than five arts-related projects.

Film buffs may want to join Shira's Reality Bytes Kiev Street Kids documentary blog at www.thisisthelakedistrict.co.uk/kendalair/kendalairkiev/ . Shira was inspired by local community guru Pat Wright on her mission to set up a retreat for homeless children in Kiev (which has just celebrated the opening of the New Beginnings home). Seeing the stories on thisisthelakedistrict, documentary film artist Shira Pinson, London, began work on her own project. She agreed that having an ongoing dialogue online about the project would be a way of keeping the world in touch with her project and enlighten even more people about the issue.

"I'll be going on the last week of June and will be joined by my assistant on the second week of July and we shall then start filming and are expected to film for five weeks," said Shira Pinson.

Editing and sound editing will take around two to three months.

"We are aiming to have it ready for the One World screening in late November.

"I had some very moving responses from people who read the log and said it reflected very well their experiences in Kiev, of people who wanted to help in many ways or just give us information and advice," Shira said, " and of people who just enjoyed reading it and were surprised to hear about this problem."

The official film web site is www.streetkidsdocumentary.co.uk You can follow the making of Cumbria's first feature-length film, by visiting the Frozen film diary, www.thisisthelakedistrict.co.uk/kendalair/kendalairfrozen/ , supplied by the publicist on location during shooting at Fleetwood. Do check back with the site, they have just been in touch and will be offering opportunities to go to the film screening later this year.

Other residents in the Artists In Residence section include the South Cumbria Poet Laureate Lucy Crispin at www.thisisthelakedistrict.co.uk/kendalair/kendalairpoet/ . You can find out about Lucy, her poetry and her community projects. Lucy will be one of the judges of our E Short Story and Poetry Contest, running in partnership with WordMarket. Details are online at www.thisisthelakedistrict.co.uk/kendalair/kendaleshortstory/