teaglielefanti: 2013

Sunday, December 15, 2013

Whale of a time: Juno the beluga whale in hilarious wedding photobomb

<big christmas cardsp>By Daily Mail Reporter

PUBLISHED: 01:08 EST, 15 December 2013 | UPDATED: 01:08 EST, 15 December 2013

Amanda Leigh and her husband Patrick Leigh of West Haven, Connecticut, were posing for wedding photos at the Mystic Aquarium when the hilarious picture was snapped by their wedding photographer.

Juno, an 11-year-old male beluga whale managed to place himself directly between the pair and flash a huge smile just as the photo was taken.

'That was just a lucky photo,' Amanda Leigh, 27, told Good Morning America.

According to the Mystic Aquarium website, Juno loves watching visitors at the underwater viewing area.

The Leighs say Juno made their wedding day - and they're planning a return visit to the aquarium for next year's Christmas cards.

Thursday, December 12, 2013

Animal shelter opens its doors to new visitors

Holiday event provides introduction for public

By Lauren Cappuccio

lcappuccio@publicopinionnews.com @LCappuccioPO on Twitter

CHAMBERSBURG >> Over the weekend, the Cumberland Valley Animal Shelter opened its doors to visitors for its first holiday open house at its 5051 Letterkenny Road address to show off the 30 dogs and 80 cats housed at the shelter.

Jennifer Vanderau, director of communications, said that between Saturday and Sunday, they had shown some people the shelter for the first time.

"It's the first year we've had it here and it's one of the big draws," she said.

The shelter expanded from its 2325 Country Road location in January to the larger and more advanced location. Inside, visitors were asked to bring donations of items for the shelter animals, such as food, leashes and collars, or donations, and then were invited to hang cards on their tree in honor or memory of their own animals.

Santa also waited to take pictures with the four-legged friends in one of the shelter's back rooms, decorated with presents and a Christmas tree.

About 50 people came in on Saturday and fewer on Sunday due to the snow, she said, but she said it's one of the year's biggest fundraisers.

Joe and Pam Peters from Chambersburg brought Lilah, 3, a mixed breed that was rescued from a home in Fayetteville.

Lilah wasn't too sure about the man in the red suit and kept her distance for a while before posing for a picture. The couple adopted Lilah after losing two of their other dogs within a six week period.

"It was rough," said Joe. "But she's a blessing."

Heather Souders and mother Toni Uglow, Chambersburg, have taken their dogs Bam-Bam, an 8 month old bulldog and bespoke christmas cards mix, and Bella, an 8-year-old Boxer, to many of the events the shelter has held but today, it was all about getting their picture with Santa.

"They loved it," Souders said. "He's still a puppy and it's healthy for him to get out," she said.

Lauren Cappuccio can be contacted at 262-4754.

Sunday, November 24, 2013

Nikon COOLPIX S6500 specs and in-depth review

CLICK THE IMAGE TO ENLARGE

By Alan Ng Posted 24 Nov 2013, 23:31

If you are looking for a new camera to buy this month and also want to buy a recognized brand, we may have a good contender for you. The Nikon COOLPIX S6500 camera features specs that could tempt you into a purchase this month, especially if retailers opt to sell this for a low price.

While smartphone cameras are obviously getting very popular in today's world, sometimes you just can't beat the real thing. The Nikon COOLPIX S6500 is part of Nikon's brand new camera series and it features a 16 megapixel camera sensor.

It also supports full HD video recording, with 1080p resolution at 30FPS for those that like taking videos. You'll be able to view your photos and videos on a 3-inch TFT quality display, and capture up to 7 images at once with a handy multi-shot feature.

Zooming in for those up-close moments will be a breeze too, with a 12x optical Zoom-NIKKOR ED glass lens built into the camera - after all, smartphone camera zooming continues to disappoint time and time again.

You can view full specs over at Nikon's website here, also confirming that the COOLPIX S6500 is available in a variety of colors. For a more in-depth look at the camera though, you'll find this Nikon COOLPIX S6500 review that we have added below very helpful.

Are you leaning towards picking up a new camera this month after being disappointed with your current smartphone camera? Give us your thoughts on this model below.

You can add us to your circle on Google+, follow us on Twitter, join the photo community on Pinterest, or like our Facebook page to keep updated on all the latest news.

Source: Product-reviews

Thursday, November 14, 2013

Nikon Releases D5300 Digital SLR Camera

<Nikon D5300 Discountp>/PRNewswire/ --

The new Nikon D5300 with built-in Wi-Fi® and GPS makes it simple to share high quality images

Nikon Singapore Pte Ltd is pleased to announce the release of the D5300, Nikon's latest entry-level DX-format digital SLR camera.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20131110/652912 )

The D5300 offers an effective pixel count of 24.2-million pixels and is equipped with a Nikon DX-format CMOS sensor with no optical low-pass filter, as well as the new high-performance EXPEED 4 image-processing engine. It is Nikon's first digital SLR camera to offer built-in wireless LAN (Wi-Fi®) and GPS functions, so users can easily share high-quality images captured with the D5300 and NIKKOR lenses via a smart device. These functions also allow users to look back on routes taken on vacation or with outdoor activities using a log feature that is part of the built-in GPS function.

The D5300 is designed with a structure made of a new material to bring about a smaller and lighter body while maintaining the necessary strength and durability. The camera is also equipped with a number of features that support various shooting situations, including a 3.2-inch, approximately 1037k-dot vari-angle monitor with a wide viewing angle for shooting from a variety of angles, a full-HD movie recording function that supports recording of smooth 1920 × 1080/60p movies, and a Special Effects mode with nine options that can be applied to photos and movies with shooting for a variety of creative effects.

The Zoom/Focus Assist Lever NAL-1 for exclusive use with NIKKOR lenses will also be released at the same time as the D5300. The NAL-1 is a lever that enables smoother zooming and focusing when attached to the zoom ring or focus ring on a NIKKOR lens and is especially convenient for movie recording.

D5300 Primary Features

1. An effective pixel count of 24.2-million pixels anda Nikon DX-format CMOS sensor with no optical low-pass filter, and the latest image-processing engine, EXPEED 4, for superior image quality and definition

The D5300 offers an effective pixel count of 24.2-million pixels and is equipped with a DX-format CMOS image sensor developed exclusively by Nikon. It supports a broad range of standard sensitivities from ISO 100 to 12800, as well as an additional expansion of up to ISO 25600 equivalent (Hi 1) for high-definition images exhibiting very little noise with shooting at a broad range of sensitivities. In addition, the high-speed performance of the latest image-processing engine, EXPEED 4, optimized for high-performance digital SLR cameras, provides superior results with noise reduction (NR), auto white balance, color reproduction characteristics, tone processing, and image quality at high sensitivities. The absence of a low-pass filter maximizes the superior resolution of the high pixel count and rendering capabilities of NIKKOR lenses.

2. Built-in Wi-Fi for transferring high-quality images to a smart device for ease of sharing

As Nikon's first digital SLR camera equipped with a built-in Wi-Fi function, high-quality images with an effective pixel count of 24.2-million pixels captured from a variety of angles using the flexible vari-angle monitor can be transferred to a smart device for sharing with others[*1]. This expands the ways in which images are enjoyed after they are taken by enabling immediate image transfer for sharing photos with family and friends via blogs or social networking sites anytime, anywhere.

Transfer function:

Remote shooting function:

Manual upload function:

[*1] The Wireless Mobile Utility app must first be installed on the smart device (the app can be downloaded free of charge from the smart device's app store).

[*2] Effective only when AF-area mode is set to "Normal-area AF" or "Wide-area AF".

3. A built-in GPS function that records location data and tracks movement

The D5300 is Nikon's first digital SLR camera with a built-in GPS function, enabling recording of location data (longitude, latitude, altitude) with images. It also works seamlessly with ViewNX 2, NIKON IMAGE SPACE, and commercial mapping software enables display of images where they were captured on maps, as well as sharing of images with location data. The A-GPS function also makes detection of location data smoother. This capability allows users to look back on memories or track their movement, on vacations or with outdoor activities by shooting location, and date and time of capture.

4. Designed using a new material for a smaller and lighter body that is strong and durable

The D5300 is designed using a new material. As the camera cover and body are formed with a rigid, integrated structure, there are fewer joints. This enables a smaller and lighter camera with a width of 125 mm, height of 98 mm, and depth of 76 mm, and weighing just 530 g[*], all while maintaining the necessary strength and durability.

* Including battery and SD memory card; excluding body cap.

5. A 3.2-inch, 1037k-dot vari-angle LCD monitor with wide viewing angle for simple shooting from any angle

The D5300 features a larger 3.2-inch (approximately 1037k-dot) LCD monitor with wide viewing angle for a crisp and clear display. The side-hinged vari-angle monitor opens from 0 to 180° at the side, and can be rotated up to 90° clockwise and up to 180° counter-clockwise. This enables shooting from a wide variety of angles, from low to high, making even self-portraits possible.

6. D-Movie function for recording full-HD 1920 × 1080 60p movies

The D5300 is equipped with a D-Movie function that supports recording of 1920 × 1080/60p movies. The combination of NIKKOR lenses, a high pixel-count CMOS image sensor unit which does not include an optical low-pass filter, and an effective pixel count of 24.2-million pixels, enables recording of high-definition movies exhibiting superior rendering characteristics. In addition, autofocusing during movie recording is possible using contrast-detect AF. When the focus mode is set to full-time-servo AF (AF-F) and AF-area mode is set to Subject-tracking AF, the camera automatically maintains focus on moving subjects. Manual movie settings are also available, allowing users to choose the desired shutter speed and ISO sensitivity in live view mode and with movie recording. Movie frame rate with full-HD recording can be selected from 24p, 25p, 30p, 50p, and 60p. In addition to recording of high-quality sound via the built-in stereo microphone, the optional Stereo Microphone ME-1 can also be used to record stereo sound.

Toy Camera Effect:

HDR Painting

7. Toy Camera Effect and HDR Painting added to Special Effects mode (total of 9 effects) for more creative expression with still images and movies

The D5300 is equipped with a Special Effects mode, with which effects can be selected and applied with recording of both still images and movies. The effects can also be previewed in the camera monitor in real time before shooting or recording begins. A total of nine special effects are available, including the seven built into the D5200 (Selective Color, Color Sketch, Miniature Effect, Night Vision, Silhouette, High Key, Low Key), as well as the new Toy Camera Effect and HDR Painting*. This allows users to easily utilize dramatic effects like those seen in art and the movies. This mode was incorporated into the D5300 to respond to the creative intent of users who were searching for a way to express their own unique style and creativity.

* HDR Painting cannot be applied to movies. Further, results of the HDR Painting effect cannot be previewed in the camera monitor.

8. Designed with a firm grip using just one hand and available in 3 colors, including a new gray option

The grip on the D5300 is designed to fit comfortably in the palm of the hand for a firm hold using just one hand, making framing via both the optical viewfinder and the monitor's live view display easier. In addition to the popular black and red colors, the D5300 is also available in a new gray option. Metal parts on the D5300, such as the microphone cover and plate over the mode dial, have also been designed with a surface finish that gives the camera an elegant appearance.

About Nikon

Pricing and Availability

The Nikon 5300 will be available in three colors (Black, Red and Gray), starting in November 2013 at the suggested retail price (SRP) of AED 3,999. For more information on the new Nikon D5300 and other Nikon products, please visit http://www.nikon-mea.com.

Nikon, At the Heart of the Image. Nikon is the world leader in digital imaging, precision optics and photo imaging technology and is globally recognised for setting new standards in product design and performance for its award-winning consumer and professional photographic equipment. Nikon Singapore Pte Ltd distributes consumer and professional digital SLR cameras, NKKOR optics, Speedlights and system accessories; Nikon COOLPIX compact digital cameras; Nikon sports optics as well as the Nikon 1 advanced cameras with interchangeable lens system in over 50 countries.

For more information, visit http://www.nikon-mea.com. Connect with Nikon and other photographers on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/NikonMEA and get the latest news and information from Twitter by following @NikonMEA.

SOURCE Nikon Corporation

* Read more articles by Nikon Corporation

Source: Sacbee

Tuesday, November 12, 2013

Nikon D5300 Rumors, Specs, Price and Release Info: Camera Company Recently Releases Full Specs

<Nikon D5300 Cheapp>Nikon has recently come out with a full list of specs for the new D5300.

The latest model of the DX-format DSLR has 24.2 megapixels, a DX-format CMOS sensor with no optical low-pass filter, built-in Wi-Fi capabilities, a built-in GPS, a durable light body, a 3.2-inch 1037k-dot vari-angle LCCD monitor with wide viewing angle, NAL-1 features for zoom/focus assist, and more.

It also has a full-HD 1920x1080/60p capability for movies, where selection can range from 24, 25, 30,50, and 60p. There are also 9 special effects for creative expression.

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As previously reported, Nikon Rumors reports that the Nikon D5300 is expected to be introduced before the Photo Plus show in NYC at the end of the month or the CES show in Las Vegas in January.

It is reported that this will be the first camera to get the new EXPEED 4 processor. Some other rumored specs include 24 Megapixels, 39 AF points, built-in Wi-Fi and built-in GPS.

Photography Bay reports that the D530 will be introduced as an entry-level APS-C format camera. There are no reports yet of whether or not it will have better image quality over the D5200, but it would make sense to add additional video features to the D5300.

No prices have been reported yet either, but Inferse reports that it may be priced lower than the D5200 was when it first was released.

Source: Designntrend

Monday, November 11, 2013

Spec Sheet: Nikon Df takes on Sony's tiny full-frame cameras

<Nikon D5300 Cheapimg src="http://cdn1.sbnation.com/entry_photo_images/9285929/ss_large_verge_medium_landscape.jpg">A lot of products come out each week - we don't highlight all of them, but all of them make it into The Verge Database. In Spec Sheet, a weekly series, we survey the latest product entries to keep track of the state of the art.

Nikon struck back at Sony in a major way this week with the introduction of a (relatively) small full-frame DSLR, the Df. It's an exciting new device that continues to signal the slow but inevitable shrinking down of massive DSLRs, but whether it's an appealing purchase is another question entirely. At $2,999.99 for a body and kit lens, it's no cheaper than the cameras it's trying to replace and far more expensive than Sony's competition - so is there any great appeal to it?

Little competition for cameras in its price range

At nearly $3,000, the Nikon Df is priced directly beside Nikon's own D800E and slightly beneath Canon's popular 5D Mark III. The Df can't keep up with either of those cameras - it can't even shoot video - but in reality, it's not supposed to be a direct competitor to either of them. Nikon is aiming for the pros who have long pined for a more compact full-frame camera, something with plenty of power that can also be easily carried around all day. The bad news for Nikon is: Sony's Alpha 7 does just that for a much lower price, $1,999.99 with a kit lens.

When paired side by side, Nikon's camera falls behind in a number of the more quantifiable ways. It's a little bit bigger, a little bit heavier, and has much fewer megapixels - though its megapixel count could be a good or a bad thing, depending on how concerned you are about noise and resolution. The two are pretty evenly matched on speed, with each doing a bit better than the other in a couple areas, but neither particularly trouncing the other in any of them.

The pricing of Nikon's Df makes a bit more sense when it's put beside the other half of Sony's tiny full-frame lineup, a potentially more powerful model named the Alpha 7R, but the story doesn't change much. Though the Alpha 7R costs $2,299.99 body-only, that's still nearly $450 less expensive than the Df's body costs.

Nikon's lens system makes all the difference

But there are two really big differences between the Df and the Alpha 7, both of which will ultimately be the reason the Df might find some fans. For one, the Df has an optical viewfinder with 100 percent coverage - not an electronic one like the Alpha 7 does. And more importantly, it takes lenses on Nikon's F-mount, meaning there's a wealth of glass available for it, unlike Sony's still-spartan offerings.

Df sample image from Nikon. Click for full resolution. If you want to learn more about any of the products mentioned above, all of our information on them can be found through the database box located beneath the article. For more on cameras, speakers, and just about every product around, you can check out the full Verge Database right here.

For a photographer who's long been invested in Nikon's lens system, it's easy to see the appeal of the stylish and powerful Df, so long as they're absolutely certain they don't need video. But for a new buyer, the Df doesn't put up the strongest fight with its high price. The camera is an important signal from Nikon that it's paying attention to what Sony's been doing, but its price still leaves it out of reach for most - at least for now.

A few other interesting products were added to the database this week:

Source: Theverge

Monday, November 4, 2013

Nikon D5300 hands-on review

<Nikon D5300 Discounth2>Nikon D5300 at a glance:

24.2-million-pixel, APS-C-sized CMOS sensor
1.037-million-dot, 3.2in, 170° LCD screen
Expeed 4 image processor
39-point AF system with nine cross-type sensors
ISO 100-25,600
Price £730 body only

Nikon D5300 - Introduction

While the serious enthusiast is unlikely to be swayed into buying a Nikon DSLR over a Canon model purely because the Nikon camera is newer, the reality is that at the non-premium end of the market this is how some people make their buying decisions. 'Newer' must mean 'better'.

This demand for the 'new' explains why we see such short product cycles in the camera market, and why manufacturers feel the need to introduce even small advances in technology or feature sets in cameras with completely new names - rather than a 'Mark II' type of naming format.

Those familiar with Nikon's range of DSLRs may not see the sense in the company's introduction of the new D5300, especially as Nikon will maintain the D5200 alongside this model in the range - new and old together. By doing so, though, Nikon expands the number of cameras it has on offer and the number of price points it can cover, while also being able to have a model that can carry a 'New' sticker, and which introduces new features to the price band in which it will sit.

That's not to say that the Nikon D5300 isn't different to the D5200, though, as a new processor, new body design and the integration of wireless communications do genuinely bring additional benefits to the photographer.

Nikon D5300 - Design and handling

Nikon is very pleased that it has achieved a new way of constructing camera bodies, which it describes as a 'monocoque'. Instead of there being a chassis, onto which the components and the body shell are attached, the D5300 is designed to have everything screwed to the insides of the body form itself: exoskeleton, rather then the usual endoskeleton.

Image: The top of the camera houses only a few control points, keeping the layout simple and unintimidating for newcomers. A stereo microphone lives in front of the hotshoe

The D5300's body shell is also made of a new material, although Nikon won't say what that new material is - just that it is new. The upshot is that the body is less heavy than it might have been, and is 25g lighter, including the battery, than the camera it doesn't replace, the D5200.

I'm not entirely sure that when I used the camera I could appreciate the exact weight loss that has occurred, but I was able to enjoy the fact that this is truly a lightweight DSLR, of the type that we might not mind carrying all day, over the shoulder, in a bag or in a large pocket. The body is very small too, although it is balanced with a reassuringly large grip for the right hand. It seems ironic that a small and light camera should need a large grip, but I found it allowed me to be aware I was carrying the camera, and should a larger lens be attached it will help to support the forward pull of such a weight distribution.

Image: The body styling will be familiar to those used to the Nikon 5000 series, as will the standard menu. The 3.2in flip-out screen has impressive visibility

The buttons are arranged much as one might expect, with all the principal controls falling easily to the finger or thumb. The rear 3.2in LCD is very nicely bright and clear, with its 1.037-million-dot resolution. Nikon has set the viewing panel into the glass screen, so there are no gaps or internal reflections, which produces good contrast and a clear view from a quoted angled of up to 170°. I am impressed.

In live view, the screen works well when the camera is held low or high, and I found the AF quick enough and seemingly accurate. The response of the shutter in live view also seems good.

Image: Nikon has retained its choice of layouts for the rear-screen display, with text-based and graphically expressed options to suit personal preferences

Nikon D5300 - Still to test

The principal changes in this model are of the sort that will only be proved in testing, but at this stage their potential is worth pointing out. Using the higher-capacity Expeed 4 processor, Nikon claims it has been able to reduce noise in its images through the use of more complicated calculations. A related benefit is that now noise levels are lower the company is comfortable offering a higher ISO setting - the Nikon D5300 allows ratings of up to ISO 25,600. More complex calculations also provide the potential for better white balance assessment in automatic modes via a more comprehensive assessment of the scene, and a better rendition of colour overall.

Lower noise should also lead to better resolution of detail from the 24.2-million-pixel sensor, as should Nikon's decision to do without the micro-blurring effects of a low-pass (anti-aliasing) filter. Leaving the low-pass filter off the sensor has become very fashionable, and I suspect it will be a great draw for many photographers. Moiré in images created by a sensor with 24 million pixels, even an APS-C-sized sensor, is still something that is quite likely to occur, but there is also plenty of software to correct it after the event.

The other thing to note is that this model sees the introduction of a new battery cell, which Nikon says increases capacity from 500 shots to 600 compared to the cell used in the D5200. It annoys me when companies change their battery forms, but on this occasion the new cell and that used in the D5200 are interchangeable.

Obviously, I couldn't test the battery life of the camera, but we should take the increase as good news. I will also have to wait to test the Wi-Fi and GPS capabilities of this new model, but neither can be held as negative points just for their inclusion. The Wi-Fi integration means users will be able to control the camera from an Android or iOS device, and will be able to wirelessly transfer images for viewing, editing and sending while on the go.

Image: The new battery, which is backwards compatible with the D5200, offers a longer life. There is no low-pass filter on the sensor, for extra resolution

Nikon D5300 - Conclusion

It would be easy to dismiss the Nikon D5300 for being too similar to the D5200, but that really isn't the point. There is not much wrong with the D5200, and the changes that this new model brings can only make it better. Perhaps Nikon could have called it the D5200 ll, but I'm not sure it matters one bit.

The Nikon D5300 will cost around £730 body only and be available from 14 November.

Source: Amateurphotographer

Wednesday, October 30, 2013

Nikon Coolpix S6600 review

<Nikon D5300 Cyber Monday Dealp>What's great?
The vari-angle screen, photo filters and glamour effects make it seriously fun to use.

Gesture control doesn't work, it's a bit slow to process effects and image quality is not top priority.

The bottom line:
Not a camera for enthusiasts but as fun as your mobile and better at photography.

Nikon Coolpix S6600: Review

The concept of the selfie photograph has become so huge in today's world of social networking profiles that the word made it into the Oxford English Dictionary in August 2013. So then, it should be of little surprise that imaging company Nikon has dreamed up a compact to perfect the art of the digital self-portrait.

This is the Nikon Coolpix S6600. It's a device with a £199 price tag that buys you a 16MP image sensor and a 12x optical zoom lens. More importantly, though, its 2.7-inch LCD screen is a full, flip-out vari-angle display which you can turn all the way back on itself to the point where you can be looking straight at the lens and also at the shot that's about to be taken at exactly the same time. Throw in eight glamour retouch features and built-in Wi-Fi for photo sharing, and you've got a compact born and bred for parties and social networking. Sounds good on paper, so how does it fare in real life?

Nikon Coolpix S6600: Pocket camera

That screen aside, there's very little either noteworthy or novel about the Nikon S6600. It's small and light. It weighs just 165g and measures 97 x 57 x 27mm. So, it's something like the size of a stubby mobile phone and, just as one would hope and expect, it fits in your pocket nicely enough with the added bonus that you can turn the screen around and when you stow it so that your keys and coins won't scratch the display.

In the aesthetics department, it's certainly classy enough. The plastic finish of the front face is smooth and modern, and the back has a matte metal look. There's nothing freakish or awkward about the position of the battery, memory card slot or the basic controls on the back but it does take a little getting used to that both the scene selector and the playback mode controls are on the top of the camera next to the shutter release, power and zoom.

There's only two things that would make this compact easier to use. The first is a video record button on the top. The vari-angle screen means that you end up shooting from the hip and even lower quite a lot and the switch on the rear isn't always easy to find. The other modification is that the S6600 is screaming out to be touchscreen controlled. All the retouching functions would work fantastically well. It's just a pity that it would probably end up pricing this device out of the market if Nikon had ended up including one.

Nikon Coolpix S6600: Selfie style

The flip-out, full spinning, 2.7-inch LCD screen on the Nikon S6600 absolutely makes this camera. It's a worthy and welcome inclusion in a compact and far from typical in these kinds of models. Even at its most basic, it's superb for taking to parties or grabbing a two-shot of you and your buddy out and about wherever you are without having to ask some random to grab the pic for you. This screen means that you can compose it just the way you want and capture a moment while it's still there. Given that much of photography is about trying to do just that, it's not something that we credit lightly.

The fun begins when you decide you wish to take things a bit further. The S6600 has eight beauty effects to make any one or more of your subjects even prettier than they already are. You can whiten teeth, whiten eyes, widen eyes, remove bags, smooth skin, make cheeks rosier, brighten faces and make faces smaller too. You can take any one of these to the extreme or, more effective is just to select one or two of them at their lower settings. Ultimately, none of these will turn you into Brad Pitt/Angelina Jolie but they're highly effective at removing the odd flushed face, smoothing out a bad skin day or making a 6am snap look a little less wired.

Finally, there's also a gesture control mode that Nikon has squeezed in to help out with those times when you want to prop your camera up on a wall but would rather not have to make the self-timer dash. Instead, the idea is that you raise you palm and then tell the device whether you want to take the shot or zoom in or out a bit first by moving your hand around to select some on-screen options. It's a really nice idea but sadly it doesn't work. It's quite good at sensing your palm but not much cop at any functions beyond that. It's a pity but certainly not an experience-ruiner.

Nikon Coolpix S6600: Effects and filters

Everyone loves a bit of post-production these days with preset filters all the rage over the more laborious and painstaking boredom of spending your life in Photoshop. Like all good camera manufacturers, Nikon has shown its customers that effects aren't just for mobile phones and there's a very healthy selection indeed available inside the S6600. It's all the usuals from Pop Art, Cross Process and Toy Camera all the way to colour selections, Fisheye and Miniature mode too. You can even set the camera to offer up these settings straight after you've captured each shot just like Instagram although that does slow things down a bit.

Speaking of which, that's one of the major issues we have with this compact camera. Yes, it's great to have all these fun features, filters and beautifying effects but the image processor insides isn't quite up to the task. It can do the job but it takes half a second or two too long. If only Nikon had put a more powerful computer inside to crunch those graphical numbers, then this would be a very impressive compact indeed.

Finally, there is one mode that will offer hours of fun and it's not one we've come across before. Hidden between the high and low key options is Mirror which captures a symmetrical image. You can get lost in patterns and funny faces for quite some time.

Nikon Coolpix S6600: Picture quality and video

If you're used to using a CSC, DSLR or even a high end compact camera, then the results from the S6600 are a bit disappointing. The colours are well handled and, when sharp, photos look excellent but the reality is devices like this one are more about the fun than they are about pure image quality. They're simply not built with big enough image sensors and the manual settings to ensure that your snaps are perfect every time.

Things are mostly good outdoors but, as soon as you get into artificial light situations, you really need the flash to get anything that's neither too noisy nor too blurred to use. It's also not that good at keeping up with your subject when in motion in daylight either. In the majority of the family snaps that we grabbed, the young kids tended not to come out as clean as they could, and that's pity. Our advice would be to shoot in Sports mode where possible to avoid this kind of problem rather than rely on the Smart Scene selector to do it for you. Ultimately, though, one shouldn't expect the Earth in terms of image quality from a device like this one.

That said, we would like to give a quick nod to the video at this point which was largely excellent. The sound recording is a bit tiny, naturally, but footage was always well focused and the vari-angle screen makes it really good to use.

Nikon Coolpix S6600: Wi-Fi and uploads

As with just about every camera we're seeing this year, the Nikon S6600 comes with a Wi-Fi module built in. You can't use it to hop onto your home network or any other local loop out there. It's all about broadcasting a mini-system of its own. The idea is that you can then set your tablet or smartphone to hook up with it and use the Nikon Wireless Mobility app to transfer images, take remote control pictures or add a geotag from your device's GPS.

As ever, it's a nice touch but perhaps not vital. The best uses are for sharing pictures with others while out and about as well as uploading to Facebook and Twitter. It would be nice to have the facility in the app to go straight to these social networks but that's not the case. You need to transfer the pics first and then go to your mobile or tablet's image library and take it from there. It's not super smooth but it certainly works.

Nikon Coolpix S6600: Verdict

Photography purists should stay well away from the Nikon Coolpix S6600 but then photography purists have no business in the the mid-to-low-end compact market. This is a party camera, a people's camera and a self-portrait camera and of that there should be no mistake. The image quality could be better and it really needs to process the funky effects a lot quicker but, if you're after something to take on a night out, touch up and then post to Facebook while you're still revelling, then the S6600 is a really good option.

Source: Msn

Tuesday, October 29, 2013

Kodak wins in patent dispute with Ricoh, and Nikon goes after Polaroid

<Nikon D5300 Black Friday Dealp>by Tim Barribeau

The world of legal battles between camera companies is a murky one. Between technology patents, similar looking and sounding cameras, and all sorts of licensing, it can be difficult to keep track of who owns what, and who owes what to whom. But recently, a number of companies have become involved in courtroom battles for an array of technologies.

According to the Rochester Democrat and Chronicle, Ricoh has agreed to pay Kodak $76 million in a patent battle. Kodak alleged that when Ricoh purchased Pentax in 2011, they owed back royalties since Pentax had never licensed the imaging technology from Kodak. Ricoh said there was no evidence of Pentax having violated Kodak copyright. However, it seems that now Ricoh has agreed to pay out $75.8 million over the issue. A Kodak spokesperson talked to Amateur Photographer, and said "'Kodak is gratified that both the judge and jury have validated our contract claim. These decisions certainly also demonstrate the value of the technology that Kodak created.'

While that lawsuit is ending, another is just getting under way. Remember the unexpected (and slightly bizarre) Polaroid mirrorless camera, the iM1836 manufactured by Sakar? Nikon is filing a lawsuit "for design patent and trade dress infringement". The company alleges that the Sakar/Polaroid camera for looking too similar to Nikon products. And looking at the comparison below (via Engadget), you have to admit it's a dead ringer for the Nikon J1. According to the press release, "Nikon seeks injunctive relief against Sakar in the lawsuit to prevent them from manufacturing and selling their Polaroid brand digital still camera, "Polaroid iM1836"." The iM1836 has popped up on Amazon recently, where it's being widely disparaged, despite not yet having shipped.

Source: Imaging-resource

Sunday, October 27, 2013

Nikon refines its enthusiast-level DSLR with GPS-equipped D5300

Oct. 17, 2013 at 8:18 PM ET

The latest from Nikon D5300 Buy Cheap is a refresh of the popular D5200 that doesn't fix anything that wasn't broken, but makes a few welcome changes under the hood, such as adding built-in Wi-Fi and GPS.

The predictably named D5300 doesn't just add extra bullet points to the feature list, though. The actual picture-taking parts have gotten an upgrade as well. Its 24-megapixel sensor has lost the anti-aliasing filter - this optical filter was necessary on digital cameras for years, but recent advances in high-resolution sensors and in image processors have made it obsolete. Removing it can improve image quality, and that's just what Nikon has done.

Also updated is the image processor, which will allow the D5300 to shoot five stills per second, or video at 1080p and 60 frames per second. It's only a small step up from its predecessor, but every little bit counts.

Its articulating rear LCD has also gotten slightly larger, and the viewfinder is a bit better now as well. Again, nothing that will make D5200 owners particularly jealous.

Wi-Fi and GPS, however, might come in handy. Being able to geotag your shots and sync them with Dropbox quickly becomes indispensable, and perks like being able to activate the shutter from your smartphone don't hurt either.

At $800 for the body or $1,400 with a capable 18-140 F/3.5-5.6 zoom, the D5300 is competitive with the likes of Canon and Sony for consumer-grade DSLRs. That said, if none of the new features are calling your name, just remember: pretty soon you'll be able to pick up the D5200 for a song.

Devin Coldewey is a contributing writer for NBC News Digital. His personal website is coldewey.cc.
Source: Nbcnews

Friday, October 11, 2013

Fred Couples Should Be Next Ryder Cup Captain | Golf Channel

Fred Couples said he's interested in being the next U.S. captain at the Ryder Cup. (Getty Images)

Happy New Year. OK, Happy New Season. If it seems like Henrik Stenson was hoisting the FedEx Cup just a few days ago it is because, well it was. So before we turn the page to the new season, Cut Line would like to put the finishing touches on 2013.

Made Cut

Hall pass. In this case, no action is better than continued bad action.

The World Golf Hall of Fame announced this week it will forego an induction ceremony next May to go through a "strategic review" of the selection process and officials plan to even take a closer look at the timing and location of ceremony.

The overhaul follows months of second-guessing over an antiquated selection criteria that saw both Phil Mickelson and Ernie Els inducted before they added to their major championship resume at the last two Open Championships.

For starters, let's hope the Hall raises the minimum age for induction from 40 years old to something closer to true retirement - let's say 55. There is also the hole in the system that allows an induction even if no one receives 65 percent of the vote provided that person gets at least 50 percent of the vote.

This is not the Hall of Pretty Good. If no one gets the required number of votes, so be it. Watering down the Hall just for the sake of having a ceremony isn't helping anyone.

Oh, captain. Neither the last putt nor the last raindrop had fallen in Dublin, Ohio, last week when the chorus had already started to name Fred Couples a Ryder Cup captain.

After three successful turns as a Presidents Cup captain the lobbying was already underway for Boom Boom to have the job in 2016 at Hazeltine National and even Couples seemed open to the idea, telling Golf Channel insider Tim Rosaforte he would like to captain a Ryder Cup team or even a Junior Ryder Cup squad.

The PGA of America showed a healthy dose of gumption when it named Tom Watson next year's captain. Let's hope that outside-the-box vibe lasts long enough to earn Couples his turn at the helm.

As for who will be named the U.S. Presidents Cup captain for 2015, some have suggested Davis Love III, one of Couples' assistants at Muirfield Village, but the veteran seems more interested in playing for the American side in Korea.

"Freddie asked me if I was ready (to captain)," Love laughed late Sunday. "I'd love to do it, but I would love to do it down the road."

Mr. Haas, Mr. Jay Haas. You have a call on Line 1.

Made Cut-Did Not Finish (MDF)

Missing the point(s). Another anticlimactic Sunday, another lopsided loss for the Internationals and another round of handwringing over the PGA Tour's reluctance to reduce the total number of points at the Presidents Cup and, in theory, make the matches meaningful.

Had Tour commissioner Tim Finchem listened to International captain Nick Price, Greg Norman and Ernie Els, this year's muddy mess at Muirfield Village may not have been another blowout (18 ½ to 15 ½).

"If you took out one team match per (team) session imagine how good this would have been," said one International caddie on Sunday at Muirfield Village in reference to his side's 7 ½-point advantage in singles play.

Instead, the United States improved to 8-1-1 in the biennial blowout with little hope things will turn in time for the 2015 matches in Korea.

As an aside, if the PGA of America is interested in making next year's Ryder Cup more competitive (Europe has won seven of the last nine matches) may we suggest playing six team matches each session. It couldn't hurt.

Tweet of the week

Courage Award...a huge honor! Thank you family, transplant community, friends, fans, @PGATOUR @DonateLife_, @Titleist @HUGOBOSS sincerely EC

- Erik Compton (@ErikCompton3) October 9, 2013

The Tour is off to a good start in 2013-14, giving the inaugural Courage Award to professional golf's Mr. Courage after Compton, the two-time heart transplant recipient, retained his Tour card this year.

But we are still not sure why the Tour had to trade the Comeback Award for the new Courage trophy. It seems like 2013 would have been a good year for comebacks. #HenrikStenson #BooWeekley

Missed Cut

A flawed finals. The 2013-14 Tour season is barely underway and already the circuit's new qualifying system is being nitpicked and prodded.

At issue is how some of the Web.com Tour's regular season money winners - the top 25 on the money list were assured Tour cards, but their status heading into the new season depended on how they performed in the four-event Finals - now find themselves in a difficult position.

The last 11 players from the Web.com Tour Finals category failed to get into this week's Frys.com Open, and the field next week in Las Vegas looks similarly restricted for these players.

Consider Kevin Tway, who finished eighth in regular-season earnings on the secondary circuit, but he struggled in the Finals and is 46th out of 50 in the category and only got into the Frys.com Open on a sponsor exemption.

Nor does it help that the fall events have 132-player fields, instead of 144. At this rate players toward the tail end of the Web.com Finals category will likely only get one or two starts before the first reshuffle at the end of the fall.

"I think it's just a terrible mistake (by the PGA Tour)," Alex Aragon told GolfChannel.com. "The way it works, people say, 'Oh, you have your Tour card.' It doesn't work that way."

Funny, Cut Line attended the Web.com Tour Finals closing ceremony and didn't hear any mention of a Tour card light.

Source: Golfchannel

Thursday, October 10, 2013

Apple Reportedly Cutting iPhone 5c Production as Chinese Gray Market Prices Drop

Apple is reportedly cutting iPhone 5c production in half from 300,000 units to 150,000 units per day, according to claims by C Technology [ Google Translate], which leaked a number of photos of the iPhone 5s iphone cases ncaa and iPhone 5c ahead of their launches last month. As highlighted by Unwired View, gray market pricing for iPhone 5c units has also been falling as availability has remained solid.

The official price of iPhone 5c in China is 4448 Yuan ($726). But there is a thriving grey market over there, with iPhones bought in the U.S, Europe and Hong-Kong, illegally smuggled into the country. With real people taking real risks with their real money, this market is very sensitive to the real demand for any gadget, and very quick to adjust prices accordingly.

Care to guess the current price of unofficial iPhone 5c in China? 3000 to 3300 Yuan ($489-539), according to checks done multiple by local tech sites, and a quick review of offers on China's main online marketplace - Taobao. That's a drop of 30% below the official price. And, according to some sources, you can now sometimes find iPhone 5c as cheaply as 2600 Yuan.

The iPhone 5c has been available in much greater supplies than the iPhone 5s, which continues to be difficult to find and for which gray market prices in China remain high. There has, however, been some dispute about how much of the plentiful iPhone 5c supplies might be due to weak demand and how much is a result of Apple simply having been able to ramp up production sufficiently to meet early demand.

While a decrease in iPhone 5c production would be a signal that Apple has plentiful supplies in its distribution channels, it is not necessarily an indication that the company significantly overestimated demand for the device, which retails for just $100 less than than the iPhone 5s. Apple no doubt ramped up production leading up to the iPhone 5c launch in order to meet pre-order and launch-day demand while also shipping a significant number of units into its distribution channels to stock retail locations for sales in the following weeks. Apple was unable to make a similar production ramp for the iPhone 5s, reportedly due to fingerprint sensor shortages, leading to very tight supplies that continue to be an issue three weeks after launch.

Apple will certainly be adjusting its iPhone 5c production orders to meet customer demand as it did by immediately boosting gold iPhone 5s production, but it is unclear whether the currently alleged iPhone 5c production changes have been part of Apple's strategy all along or if they are a response to weaker than expected demand.

Source: Macrumors

Essential accessories return as weather cools | Nashville Shopping

<socketsp>October 9th, 2013 | by Cathi Aycock |

Comments

Dear boots and equally beloved scarves,

I have missed your ability to elevate a basic tee and jeans into an off-duty-model ensemble. And your comfort factor, especially stacked-heel boots and easy-to-throw-on infinity scarves. You two rate higher on the accessory food chain than almost any other option. Without you, women everywhere would shiver needlessly and lament the coming of cold weather. Instead, they eagerly await the first frost so that they can pull you out of summer storage and wear you with effortless ease.

In short, dear boots and scarves, you two make my heart race like no other. You are the best part of fall fashion - timeless, comfortable and, best of all, no matter how much weight I have gained, you always fit.

Love always,

Diva

Source: Tennessean

Thursday, October 3, 2013

Response to recent conversation

<100p>The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Commenters on the AJC Get Schooled blog had a range of reactions to Thursday's release of the 2013 national and state SAT scores. After a leap last year, Georgia's 2013 average score remains unchanged and below the national average. The stagnant national scores led the College Board to call for a concerted effort to get more kids, especially minorities, into tougher courses that lead to improved SAT performance. Here is a sampling of what blog readers had to say under their chosen screen names:

Retired: Do students take advanced coursework in high school? Yes, about the same percentage as certified as "college ready" by the College Board. Do all students have the opportunity to take advanced coursework? Yes. Then, all the hand-wringing begins from on high. Why are there not more students taking advanced coursework? This is not rocket science, people. A student must work, and work hard, for all the grades pre-k to 10th to be successful in advanced high school coursework.

Don't tread: More work done by a student who wants to learn equals better test scores equals a better chance of success in college (and life). Really? Who would have guessed that? Apparently, not the people in charge of the public schools. Social promotion and grade inflation must end now. It only artificially inflates the performance metrics for the people in charge (so they can get their bonuses) and does nothing for the student.

Bi Curious: Why do we have to keep lowering our educational standards just to accommodate the most lazy, unmotivated and unintelligent students?

OldDog: So, how much of this "flatness" is attributable to more students taking the SAT, and more "borderline" students at that? The high-achieving students will always take a college-placement test; it is the ones who are lower achievement who may or may not. It is too bad we don't have an independent, outside testing agency that has a good test and require every high school senior to take the test before receiving a diploma. It would be instructive to see some SAT scores if every senior had to take the test. Some might score in the negative range.

Walter: As a teacher of six years, I have to admit that we in Georgia are involved in a "Race to the Bottom" - the bar keeps getting lower and lower. National tests like the SAT demonstrate this unfortunate fact. I've seen "A'"students do very poorly on the SAT yet seem to do well with grades. I think this is primarily due to grade inflation because of the HOPE scholarship. I'm a gifted-class teacher, yet only a few students in my gifted classes are truly gifted. The rest are what we used to call good students.

Jack: Video games, smartphones, Internet. We're all getting dumber

DC: So as soon as folks start talking about using the results of the SAT to evaluate the effectiveness of teachers (you know, kind of like how the scoreboard is used to evaluate athletic coaches), then the eduacracy will embark on a campaign to stop SAT testing, just like they've been attacking other standardized testing.

BCW: Too much testing focus and not enough teaching focus makes one an average student. When are our so-called educational leaders going to wake up and realize this? This is really frustrating to those of us who are in the classrooms and realize what the problem is. But are we ever asked what we think?

Trefusis: What does it say about the SAT that the wealthiest, most stark-white county in the state - Forsyth - scores highest on the exam?

Source: Ajc

Dengue cases on the rise in Jhapa

KAKADVITTA, OCT 03 -

Dengue , an infectious disease caused by mosquito bite, is taking its toll in Jhapa district lately.

Health workers said 17 people, including 13 from Mechinagar Municipality alone, are found to have been infected with the disease.Lekhnath Khatiwada, assistant health worker at the Kakadvitta Health Post, said dengue 5s iphone cases on ebay are found mostly in Kakadvitta and its adjoining areas.

The disease, which is transmitted by female mosquitoes named Aedes aegypti, causes fever and severe pain in the joints.

Bed Prasad Ghimire, official at the District Public Health Office (DPHO), said his office has carried out publicity and awareness programmes in order to control the disease in the affected areas.

The health officials suspect that the disease was transmitted to local people who went to Indian town of Siliguri which is greatly affected by dengue in past few months.

Meanwhile, the number of patients suffering from the disease reached 25 in Parsa district. DPHO chief Arun Kumar Mahato said 12 patients are receiving treatment in various hospitals while 13 others returned homes after treatment.

Source: Ekantipur

LifeProof Debuts Two New Galaxy S4 WaterProof Cases

Case maker LifeProof has announced two new additions to its popular case line, both of which are compatible with Samsung's latest flagship device: the Samsung Galaxy S4.

The first case in the new Galaxy S4 compatible line-up, the LifeProof nuud Galaxy S4, offers much of the same profile that users get with the nuud Samsung Galaxy S3. That includes the company's drop protection for falls of up to 6.6 feet, water resistance for up to 6.6 feet and clear rear-facing and front-facing shell. That clear shell allows users to still showcase the color of their device, while protecting the particularly fragile Galaxy S4 from dirt, dust snow and ice. Although the case does nearly completely encapsulate the Galaxy S4, users shouldn't have a problem accessing its buttons and jacks. The LifeProof nuud, will debut at $89.99.

For $79.99, Galaxy S4 fre case allows users to protect their investment completely, thanks to a built-in screen protector. That's in addition to the case also being fully submersible in water for 6.6 feet, and rated for drops as high as 6.6 feet. Users can still show off the color of their phone with the rear-case window and it too allows users access to the headphone jack and USB port of the Galaxy S4 without any trouble.

As for looks and functionality, both 5s iphone cases lifeproof dock connector mirror the LifeProof nuud Galaxy S3 case GottaBeMobile reviewed last month. We found the case to be particularly well made, going so far as to declare it the "best Galaxy S3 waterproof case we've tried."

Read: LifeProof nuud Galaxy S3 Review: Waterproof Case

While users can't purchase either of the cases just yet, they can sign up to receive an email alert from LifeProof the moment the cases are available. A press release made available to GottaBeMobile indicated that users should expect each case to go on sale this month.

Although some users might balk at both cases' price tags, it's likely that they will thank themselves for making the large investment should they ever drop their device in water or on a hard surface. The Galaxy S4 is legendary for providing small software based features meant to enhance user's lives, however most users would agree that its somewhat flimsy back and plastic edges mean the phone is very susceptible to trauma.

Source: Gottabemobile

Tuesday, October 1, 2013

House passes Round 3 of spending bill

WASHINGTON - The House voted Monday evening to pass yet another version of a government funding bill, one that also delays Obamacare for one year and takes away the government healthcare subsidies for lawmakers and staff.

The vote passed 228-201, with 12 Republicans voting against it and nine Democrats voting for it.

The 12 Republicans who voted no were Minnesota Rep. Michele Bachmann, Texas Rep. Joe Barton, Georgia Rep. Paul Broun, Pennsylvania Rep. Charlie Dent, Florida Rep. Mario Diaz Balart, Georgia Rep. Phil Gingrey, Texas Rep. Louie Gohmert, New York Rep. Peter King, Iowa Rep. Steve King, Kentucky Rep. Thomas Massie, Alabama Rep. Mike Rogers, and Texas Rep. Kay Granger.

This is the Republican-controlled House's third offering of a government funding bill. Twice now, the Democratic Senate has flatly rejected House's bills, stripping them of amendments and sending them back as simple spending-increases. This third attempt will almost certainly face that same fate.

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid has said repeatedly that the Senate will not accept any bill that affects Obamacare in any way, and that the only way to avert a shutdown is for the House to pass the Senate bill.

This latest offering from the House was met by opposition from both sides of the Republican Party. Some conservative Republicans were wary of it, feeling that it did not do enough substantively dismantle Obamacare.

"The proposed changes would not keep Obamacare from taking root," wrote Heritage Action Fund in a statement opposing the plan.

Club for Growth, on the other hand, supported the plan.

Moderate Republicans also raised opposition to the bill. Rep. Peter King of New York reportedly told Boehner he had gathered enough Republicans to vote against the bill to keep it from passing. King voted against the rule for the bill, but his revolt never materialized.

Less than three hours remain until the government is set to shut down. The bill now goes back to the Senate, where, according to a Senate Democratic aide, "within about an hour of the House vote," the Senate will strip out the amendments and send it back to the House in the exact same state as the last two times.

Follow Alexis on Twitter
Source: Dailycaller

Monday, September 30, 2013

The Cutest Sleeping Bags For Kids of All Ages

<personalized halloween bagsp>Remember the days of sleepovers? When you packed up your Caboodle, cutest pajamas, and sleeping bag and headed out for a long night of late-night munchies, movies, and countless games of MASH (at least that's what happened when you were a little girl of the '80s!)? Well, today's kids have much cooler options when it comes to at least one must-have sleepover category: the sleeping bag. We tracked down some absolutely adorable options from Pottery Barn Kids, The Land of Nod, and more, designed to fit kids of all ages. Keep clicking to find a sleep sack that will take your child to their next overnight in style.

Source: Popsugar

Friday, September 27, 2013

GoPro Hero4 specs on the horizon

For adrenaline junkies across the world the GoPro Hero3 is the action cam of choice, but we could soon see them hankering after the GoPro Hero4.

GoPro's chip supplier has just released its new model, giving us a taste of what's to come in the Hero4. And while the GoPro Hero3 isn't exactly old, and is certainly no slouch, the specs of the new chip show welcome upgrades all round.

The chip at the heart of the Hero3 is made by Ambarella, and its new A9 4K Ultra HD Camera SoC is likely to be the brains inside the Hero4.

To recap, the current top-level Hero3 Black Edition will do 4K but up to a maximum of 15 frames per second (fps), 1080p at 60fps and 720p at 120fps with 12MP stills.

The new chip, destined for "mirrorless, sports, and digital still cameras" has a 4K Ultra HD H.264 encoder, shoots 1080p at 120fps and 720p at 240fps, 700MP overmulti-exposure HDR, Wi-Fi and electronic image stabilisation. That's a doubling of frame rates, plus a lot of incremental improvements that should make the GoPro Hero4's performance even closer to professional camcorders.

The Ambaralla chip will also cope with a maximum 32MP resolution, though it's unlikely that the GoPro 4 would sport a sensor with such a high pixel count.

There's no word from GoPro about a Hero4 yet, but we're hoping it turns up in time for a spot of summer adventuring.

Source: Pcauthority

Wednesday, September 25, 2013

Altronix New NetWay 4ESK Kit Accommodates Up To Four PoE Devices Over A Single Structured Cable

Maximizes IP Infrastructure with Extreme Cost Efficiency

At ASIS 2013, Altronix is showcasing its new NetWay 4ESK kit that transmits IP data and delivers power for up to four PoE+ cameras/devices over a single CAT5/6 cable. NetWay4ESK consists of a four-port managed NetWay4ES PoE+ switch and a NetWay1E midspan injector. This kit provides an extremely cost-efficient means of maximizing IP infrastructure while reducing overall equipment and labor costs.

"NetWay4ESK four-port managed PoE+ switch with midspan injector kit eliminates the need for third party network switches in the field while adding IP cameras," said Alan Forman, President, Altronix. "This latest addition to our line of NetWay PoE solutions provides a highly efficient way to expand security systems without additional cabling costs."

The NetWay4ES four-port managed PoE+ switch provides integral IP management that allows for remote camera/device reset, monitoring and reporting via various IP protocols. Local or remote monitoring indicates port status, device status and real-time power consumption. In addition to supporting PoE and PoE+, the unit also accommodates products incorporating LTPoE++ technology. Individual ports may be enabled or disabled as desired. Auto-detection and protection of legacy non-PoE cameras/devices prevents against damage.

The NetWay1E midspan injector provides power up the CAT5/6 to accommodate PoE+ cameras/devices. The unit is available in 115VAC or 230VAC input.

The NetWay4ESK four-port managed PoE+ switch and midspan injector kit is UL listed in the U.S.A. and Canada, and CE and C-Tick approved. All Altronix products are made in the U.S.A and feature a lifetime warranty.

About Altronix
Altronix Corporation is the leading designer and manufacturer of quality low voltage electronics for the video surveillance, security, fire, access control and automation markets. The company continues to enhance its series of products that deliver "More than just power" including eBridgePlus and eBridge Ethernet over Coax Adapters with or without power, NetWay PoE Midspan Injectors, HubWay UTP video solutions, VertiLine rack mount power solutions, ReServ UPS series for video surveillance, WayPoint Outdoor Power Supplies, and StrikeIt panic device power and control. Altronix's U.S. corporate headquarters located in Brooklyn, NY occupies over 100,000 square feet, with the latest manufacturing technologies for the highest levels of quality and performance. Altronix is an ISO 9001:2008 registered firm. All Altronix products carry a lifetime warranty and are manufactured in the U.S. For more information, visit www.altronix.com.

SOURCE: Altronix

Source: Bsminfo

Monday, September 23, 2013

Woody, Buzz & The Gang Are In For a Fright In 'Toy Story Of TERROR!'

<div>

We can't get enough of Woody, Buzz, Jessie and the rest of the "Toy Story" gang, which is why we're counting the days until October 16, when Disney Pixar's "Toy Story of TERROR!" premieres on ABC. Above, HuffPost TV has an exclusive first look at the trailer for the Halloween special, which hasn't been shown outside Disney's D23 convention in Anaheim.

What starts out as a fun road trip for the "Toy Story" gang takes an unexpected turn for the worse when the trip detours to a roadside motel. After one of the toys goes missing, the others find themselves caught up in a mysterious sequence of events that must be solved before they all suffer the same fate in "Toy Story of TERROR!"

The half-hour Halloween special features the returning vocal talents of all your movie favorites, including Tom Hanks as Woody, Tim Allen as Buzz, Joan Cusack as Jessie, Timothy Dalton as Mr. Pricklepants, Don Rickles as Mr. Potato Head, Wallace Shawn as Rex and Kristen Schaal as Trixie. Carl Weathers also joins the cast as Combat Carl/Combat Carl Jr.

"Toy Story of TERROR!" premieres Wednesday, October 16 at 8 p.m. ET on ABC. Are you looking forward to seeing more of Woody and friends?

Source: Huffingtonpost

Sunday, September 22, 2013

WASHINGTON -- Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) didn't have much to say Thursday in response to obamacare-house-republicans_n_3950901.html">House Republicans fuming at him for conceding that the Democratic-controlled Senate doesn't have the votes to repeal Obamacare and leaving the battle -- and all its political perils -- for House conservatives to fight.

In fact, Cruz, a tea party favorite who has championed an Obamacare repeal, went further and said even some Senate Republicans don't support the latest push for defunding President Barack Obama's signature health care law. He also said a full repeal of Obamacare doesn't have a chance until at least after the 2014 elections.

"Right now, [Senate Majority Leader] Harry Reid has 54 Democrats and they presumably are going to stand with him ... and a number of Senate Republicans have expressed that they may support the Democrats here," Cruz told a couple of reporters, just after his remarks at an event hosted by the National Auto Dealers Association.

"I think it is likely that it will take another election for a full repeal," he said.

During his NADA speech, Cruz addressed the latest House GOP strategy -- this will be the 42nd repeal vote -- to sink the Affordable Care Act. House Republican leaders on Friday will bring up a measure to permanently defund the law and tie it to a must-pass resolution that keeps the government running.

Cruz hailed House Republican leaders for the strategy, and said it is a "testament" to their commitment to bring down Obamacare. Still, he doubled down on what he said Wednesday: Efforts to sink the law aren't going anywhere in the Senate, or as long as Obama is in the White House.

"We know with an absolute certainty that President Obama and Harry Reid are going to push back, are going to fight to defend Obamacare," Cruz said, emphasizing that the only way repeal can happen is through a sustained grassroots effort. "It's going to depend on making the case to the American people."

House Republican leaders have been counting on Cruz and other Senate conservatives to lead on the issue in their chamber. Particularly after being berated by Cruz on the need to keep a government shutdown on the table in the Obamacare fight, House conservatives are not happy with Cruz appearing to throw up "a white flag" now, as one lawmaker put it. Still, Cruz made the case Wednesday that people need to keep fighting on the issue.

"You lose 100 percent of the battles that you start out by surrendering," Cruz said.

He initially ignored questions by The Huffington Post about his response to House Republicans who say he's blown GOP messaging on the issue and unfairly punted the fight into their court. He finally bit, saying they are the ones who will ultimately decide how the debate carries on.

"I salute the House Republicans for their fight on this," he said, adding later, "the House of Representatives, where Republicans have the majority -- the House has to drive this process."

UPDATE: House Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio) pushed back on the idea that Cruz and other Senate conservatives are off the hook once the House passes the Obamacare repeal bill.

"We'll deliver a big victory in the House tomorrow. Then this fight will move over to the Senate -- where it belongs," Boehner said during his weekly briefing. "I expect my Senate colleagues to be up for the battle."

Also on HuffPost:

Source: Huffingtonpost

serene, tempting atmosphere or the plea's of momma could lure these Kogi State proteges away from sharing their musical abilities with their ever growing fans in Nigeria. Rowlands are the elder brothers of Gbemisola Rowland of Project Fame - they've been in the quest for self expression via music for years which saw them mastering the etiquettes of professionalism in the music arena.

"Oxygen" featuring Gbemisola of Project Fame @gbemisola_pfame produced by @iam_eldon is a stormy whir pool blazing its way to the hearts of Naija's fun loving music followers. In their words, "Oxygen" is just a tip of the Iceberg compared to the volcanic masterpiece which would soon be unleashed into the music world". The music video was directed by Michael Williams. With a span of musical genres ranging from R&B, dancehall to rock music; More to come from Rowlands! Rowlands in the building!!!

Source: Spyghana

GRI-report-300x199.jpg">By Elaine Cohen

Those of you who have been following my Twitter account may have noticed my G4 Tip of the Day (using the Twitter hashtag: #UG4) published over the last month or so. Here, in a convenient, one post format, is a recap of all the 31 tips in this "G4 on Twitter" month. (I had to shorten a few to make them tweetable, below are the full versions). But, before you go to the tips, here's something else I wanted to mention:

Understanding G4 can help you navigate G4 with relative ease. I'd be happy to spend a day with you talking about it and sharing my insights, working approaches and recommendations. In fact, that day is October 22, in London, when I will be conducting the first Understanding G4 Master Class, an intensive G4 day, in which I walk a small group through the paces of G4.

You can't write a G4 report with a G3 mindset. Make the shift to G4. It's a different paradigm.
G4 recommends including at least 3 years of data when responding to indicators (Implementation Manual, page 71).
"Accountability strengthens trust between the organization and its stakeholders. Trust, in turn, fortifies report credibility." (Implementation Manual, page 10)
Specific Standard Disclosure G4-EN2 includes a methodology to calculate the percentage of recycled input materials.
Total energy consumption in G4 should be reported in joules or multiples.
G4-33 requires reporting of whether senior executives are involved in seeking assurance for the organization's sustainability report.
G4-52 is a new disclosure required at "In Accordance" Comprehensive Level and requires a description of the process for determining remuneration.
Remember that each word is important in a G4 Sustainability Report. Somewhere, there is a stakeholder who might read it.
G4 reports may be shorter than G3 reports. Or longer. Or the same length. Your materiality process will decide.
Did your Board read your Sustainability Report? Ever? G4-48 asks you to spill the beans (In Accordance, Comprehensive Level).
Only go for In Accordance G4 Reporting at Comprehensive Level if you have very robust governance disclosures.
G4 reporting is not a race and not a competition. Going slow, and doing it with integrity, is more important.
Sustainability reports published after 31 December 2015 should be prepared in accordance with the G4 Guidelines.
G4-1 disclosure - CEO statement - includes reference to "key events, achievements, and failures during the reporting period."
It is possible, but not recommended, to produce a G4 Sustainability Report with one material issue.
Readers of G4 Sustainability Reports must know what to expect. More forest. Less trees.
In a G4 Sustainability Report, material issues should smack you in the face. If they don't, it's not G4.
G4 does not require companies to list the awards they have received. But, go for it anyway.
G4-12 is a simple disclosure: Describe the organization's supply chain. Piece of cake? Maybe not.
G4-EN18 requires GHG emissions intensity ratio. Pick your normalization factor carefully and be consistent.
Read my book, Understanding G4, before you even start thinking about writing a G4 Sustainability Report.
Engage your Top Team in the selection of material issues for your G4 Report. The CEO must sign off.
G4 Reporting is about ownership and accountability, not about how many boxes you can tick.
Probably best not to select more than 200 Material Aspects for your G4 report. Otherwise it will take you more than a year to write it. Less is more.
Transition from G3 to G4 with consistency. But remember the objective is G4, not G3 plus new bits.
Go for CORE unless you have a really good reason to go COMPREHENSIVE with your first G4 Sustainability Report.
Embedding good reporting process is the key to G4. Bluffing doesn't work all that well.
Don't try to be In Accordance with G4 if you can't be. Better to "refer" to G4 and transition when the time is right.
Don't expect your stakeholders to praise you for your G4 report. Acknowledgement is also good.
A G4 report is hard work. Don't be deceived by it's slick looks. You have to invest.
This is the last G4 Tip for this month. It's a short tip. Read all the G4 Tips again and then, just do it!

Good luck with your G4 Reporting. With so many useful free tips, you have absolutely nothing to fear :-)

See you in London in October?

Elaine Cohen is a CSR Consultant and Sustainability Reporter, founder/manager of Beyond Business Ltd and author of the CSR Reporting Blog.

[ image credit: revedavion: Flickr cc]

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Source: Triplepundit

fergie-baby">Fergie baby pics have arrived. On Sept. 17, Fergie and her husband, Josh Duhamel, shared the very first photos of their son, Axl Jack. According to MSN, the almost 3-year-old made his debut on Facebook. Fergie and Josh posted some of the very first photos that they took of their new son, sharing their baby joy with all of their fans -- and baby Axl did not disappoint.

Wrapped in a hospital blanket, Axl slept comfortably as his parents snapped newborn photos of him. They didn't share the pictures on his Aug. 29 birthday, but they did choose to share the photos today -- not landing a deal with a magazine or what have you.

The new Fergie baby pics are making their rounds on the Internet today. Naturally the little guy is quite adorable -- given his genes, that's not surprising at all. He looks so sweet and serene and it seems more than obvious that his mom and dad are just so in love with him.

Fergie and Josh couldn't wait to become parents and they were both really excited to have a baby boy. They named their son after Axl Rose from Guns 'N Roses but whether or not he follows in the rocker's shoes remains to be seen. Chances are he has a great set of pipes -- most babies do -- but it will be a couple of years before mom and dad discover their baby's talent (or lack there of).

Check out Fergie baby pics here.

Source: Examiner

IRVING - Rookie safety J.J. Wilcox will get his first NFL start Sunday against St. Louis in place of veteran Will Allen, Cowboys executive vice president Stephen Jones said Friday evening on KRLD-FM 105.3.

Wilcox has received a lot of the first-team repetitions the last two days in practice in place of Allen, who started the first two games.

Wilcox, the third-round pick out of Georgia Southern, only played safety his last season in college. Wilcox showed promise in training camp, though he missed about two weeks after his mother died in Georgia.

The Cowboys made Allen, who is in his 10 ^th season, one of their two off-season free agent signings. He struggled at times in pass coverage the first two games.

Wilcox was asked Friday about his increased role this week.

"What, on special teams?" he said, smiling.

Cowboys coach Jason Garrett said Friday that Wilcox "has improved a great deal" since training camp. Wilcox said he's learned a lot from Allen.

"He's probably been the best mentor I've had," Wilcox said. "He took me under his wings, no hesitation. He's a great, wonderful person."

BRIEFLY ...

A big topic this week has been the Cowboys' slow start in the running game and their lack of commitment to the run. At the forefront of the discussion has been starting back DeMarco Murray, who had only 12 carries for 25 yards Sunday against Kansas City. But Murray said Friday he's not worried about the lack of touches. "I'm definitely not frustrated," Murray said. "I'm fine. I'm fine." ... DE DeMarcus Ware was limited in practice all week after suffering a neck stinger Sunday against Kansas City but will play against St. Louis on Sunday. ... Starting CB Morris Claiborne, who was limited in practice Wednesday and Thursday while managing his dislocated left shoulder injury, fully participated in practice Friday and is expected to play against the Rams. ... LB Ernie Sims has been ruled out for Sunday's game against St. Louis. He also didn't play last week at Kansas City because of a groin injury.

Follow Brandon George on Twitter at @DMN_George. MORE COWBOYS NEWS dallas-cowboys-cb-orlando-scandrick-vs-st-louis-rams-wr-tavon-austin.html/">Matchup to watch: Dallas Cowboys CB Orlando Scandrick vs. St. Louis Rams WR Tavon Austin Could Dez Bryant get 20-25 targets in a game? Jason Garrett: 'If the opportunities present themselves' DE DeMarcus Ware poised to etch his name atop the Cowboys all-time sacks list Dallas Cowboys WR Dez Bryant: 'I can roll'; My sore back is 'nothing major'

Source: Dallasnews

Two touchdown passes from Tom Brady to Kenbrell Thompkins has the Tampa Bay Buccaneers trailing the new England Patriots 17-3 at halftime in Foxborough.

The Bucs took a 3-0 lead on a Ryan Lindell field goal midway through the first quarter. Unfortunately for the Bucs, Lindell has missed another routine field goal beforehand, bringing into question his future with the team.

The Buccaneers defense stood firm in the first quarter but began to unravel in the second especially in pass coverage.

Brady hit Thompkins for a 16 yard score midway through the second in which the Bucs have defensive lineman Adrian Clayborn covering Thompkins.

Brady would hit Thompkins again for a 5 yard score, that was set up on a pass interference call on rookie corner Johnthan Banks.

It got worse for the Bucs as Josh Freeman was picked off by former teammate Aqib Talib with 11 seconds left in the half which set up a Stephen Gostkowski field goal.

To be fair, the Bucs are playing much better than the scoreline indicates. Mike Sullivan has opened up the offense this week, with different formations and personnel being used.

Freeman is 9 of 20 for 124 yards but his receivers stone hands have not aided the Bucs quarterback. The usually steady Vincent Jackson has dropped a handful of easy passes, while Timothy Wright, promoted from the practice squad for todays game, dropped what would have been a touchdown pass.

Doug Martin has 13 carries for 50 yards as he continues from where he left off last week.

The Bucs rush defense has been great as they have got to Brady all game long. Clayborn has himself a sack, while Mark Barron and Lavonte David each have a half sack. Even when the Bucs haven't hit Brady they've forced him to move in the pocket with regularity.

The Buccaneers have been inside the Patriots 40 yard line three times, but have only come away with the one field goal, showing the inconsistency on offense that has bothered them so far this season.

Mike Williams has four catches for 61 yards but he left the game in the second quarter and hasn't been back on the field since.

Source: Thepewterplank

There's little doubt that a sea change is under way in how primary care medicine is organized and practiced in this country.

That doesn't necessarily mean there is a change in the quality of care - some even say the new collaborative model is better.

But the days of the sole practitioner following a patient through most of an adult lifetime and making rounds in the hospital are fading.

The factors are well-documented. A more mobile society puts a lower value on cradle-to-grave care by the same family doctor. Technology has gotten more costly, as has malpractice insurance, but incomes have not risen proportionally. Insurance payments reward volume, not spending more time with fewer patients. And the costs and red tape of dealing with the welter of plans and pre-authorizations take away from the time a family physician can spend with patients taking case histories and reviewing the effectiveness of various medicines and therapies.

Also, as Medicaid expanded access by poor people to preventive care, clinics like Kaiser Permanente in California sprang up to supplant the care the poor had been relying on from county public health departments. Kaiser also took on company group plans under an HMO model and added nutrition, weight-control, smoking cessation and a host of other wellness programs to help patients stay healthier in between visits to the doctor.

PHYSICIAN GAP TO WIDEN

Now, as the Affordable Care Act expands health coverage to millions of working poor and people with prior medical conditions who previously have been denied policies, the pressure to improve the efficiency of primary care will increase. The gap in primary care providers is already wide in many rural areas and poor neighborhoods, and experts see it only getting wider after Obamacare begins Jan. 1.

The law does provide incentives to train not only more primary care physicians but also nurse practitioners and physicians' assistants, but ramping up will take time.

The Flagstaff region, according to a federal study, is not one of those areas underserved by primary care practitioners. Although private family practices are dwindling, the gap is being filled in part by North Country Healthcare, which operates a large Flagstaff clinic and more than a dozen others throughout northern Arizona. The physicians who work there are part of a nationwide trend that has seen the percentage of doctors working for clinics and hospitals go from 43 percent in 2000 to 61 percent today.

But the patient mix at North Country is now 25 percent uninsured after cutbacks in state health insurance for poor, single adults. That has strained North Country's finances, and even when uninsured patients are billed for primary care on a sliding payment scale, there are few specialty procedures that they can afford if they need a referral.

SIGNING UP THE UNINSURED

It's why many wind up going to an emergency room - the hospital is bound by law to treat their acute appendicitis or stress fracture, even if the care goes unpaid for. North Country will see not only more Medicaid patients under Obamacare but also more insured patients, and the challenge will be to respond to higher patient loads with more staffing as more revenues come in. So this fall, North Country is focusing on signing up the uninsured - both from among its patient base and others - for Obamacare, which administrators support as a way to improve overall community health, despite the inevitable start-up glitches.

A new arrangement in family medicine has hospitals setting up primary care practices of their own in advance of Obamacare as a way to give newly insured patients a health care "home."

Flagstaff Medical Center has begun Team Health with three physicians and four nurse practitioners. The hospital already employs physicians - known as hospitalists - to care for patients, leaving Team Health to focus on office visits and coordinate referrals to specialists and hospital admissions and discharges through so-called "navigators," who also coordinate care with the hospital's outpatient programs.

That kind of vertical integration makes sense as the insured patient volume at the primary care level - the so-called "gatekeeper" function in Obamacare - gets set to rise dramatically. It also makes sense financially as Obamacare sets penalties for hospital readmissions that review teams find are not justified - primary care that is focused on prevention is a key way to keep patients out of hospitals.

KEEP NICHE FOR FAMILY DOCS

But hospital-employed physicians also can bill Medicare at higher rates than private physicians to account for higher overhead, a trend that one congressional study estimates costs an extra billion dollars a year.

And as the New York Times has reported, private physicians in some cities like Boise, Idaho, have seen the hospital-owned primary practices become so dominant that they control referrals to specialists and diagnostic procedures and give patients fewer choices. Team Health administrators say their family practice is aimed primarily at better coordination of FMC services for patients of all types, not making a profit for the hospital.

We will take them at their word but urge them to be aware that FMC is already the only choice in the region for many ill patients and to protect a niche in the community for private family doctors, too.

Source: Azdailysun

Over 41,000 runners started Sunday's BUPA Great North Run, Newcastle to South Shields, among them six members of Springwell Running Club.

Ethiopia's Kenenisa Bekele held off a late surge from Britain's Mo Farah to win by the narrowest margin one second in 1:00:09.

kenya's Priscah Jeptoo came close to breaking the course record as she ran the third-fastest time in women's half-marathon history crossing the line in 1:05:45 only five seconds slower than Paula Radcliffe's record.

Alan McKeeman was the first Springwell Runner home in a PB time of 1:34:24 followed by Patrick Higgins 1:39:21, Andy Deal 1:41:55, Mervyn Thompson 1:49:00.

Bryan Edgar paced his wife Margaret to a PB time of 2:07:37.

With Andy, Mervyn and Kay away this weekend Gary Watton took control and welcomed 48 runners to Saturday's Portrush Parkrun.

The low tide left plenty of firm sand with a tail wind helping the runners on the outward journey but they had to battle against the head wind on the homeward journey.

Springwell Jim Breen (21:05 PB) and Karen McLaughlin (21:21) were the first male and female runners home.

Springwell Times: David Irwin 21:17 (PB), Ailbhe Kendall 22:25, Gary Kendall 22:27, Robert Workman 23:07, Catherine Bell-Allen 24:06 (PB), Amy Fountain 26:47, Rozzy Skuce 27:01, Ursula Harper 29:26, Jack Kendall 33:33, Marylen King 34:31, Mike Fountain 37:42, Stephen & Abi Smyth 40:28, Victoria & Hannah Smyth 42:45.

Springwell Runners had a few Parkrun tourists this weekend. Gerry O'Doherty travelled to the home of the Parkrun, Bushy Park completing the 5K course in 19:49.

Kay Hack was at the Colchester Castle Parkrun running 25:04. Alistair Shaw and Kenny Bacon ran the Waterworks Parkrun, Alistair in 19:02 and Kenny in 29:22.

Source: Colerainetimes

Dodgers vs. Padres TV schedule, & starting pitching matchups

The Dodgers are 9-7 against the Padres this season, including 4-3 at Petco Park.

The Dodgers have already captured the National League West, so the weekend series against the Padres in San Diego has less urgency than previously expected. Here is a look at the television schedule and starting pitchers lined up for this weekend at Petco Park (all times PT).

Friday, 7:10 p.m. (Prime Ticket)

Edinson Volquez gets his first start against his old team in the series opener. Volquez led the National League with 105 walks in 2012 and, despite pitching just 159 innings in 2013, leads the NL this year with 105 earned runs allowed. Since returning the Padres in late August, left-hander Robbie Erlin has allowed just five total runs in three starts.

Saturday, 5:40 p.m. (Prime Ticket)

Clayton Kershaw has lost all three starts against the Padres this season and has allowed five home runs in 17⅓ innings against San Diego. Against every other team, Kershaw has allowed six home runs in 205⅔ innings. Burch Smith struck out 10 Braves on Sunday in seven scoreless innings in just his fifth major league start.

Sunday, 1:10 p.m. (Prime Ticket)

Since breaking his collarbone in San Diego on April 11, Zack Greinke has allowed two runs in 15 innings in two starts against the Padres, both wins. Andrew Cashner has lasted seven or more innings in each of his last six starts, with a 1.41 ERA during that span, including 38 strikeouts and seven walks in 44⅔ innings.

Source: Truebluela