Saturday, February 28th, 2009 at
1:09 pm
Roy C. Smallwood 3rd asked:
A Good Day to Go Birding
I stand in my kitchen, coffee cup in my hand. Like many mornings, I beat my alarm. No, I didn’t use a hammer. I mean that I’m awake before it goes off. I’m already dressed, boots and birding vest on. The vest pockets are already filled with my field guides, checklist, notebook and pen, compass and map. My binoculars and spotting scope already carefully stowed in the car. Coffee’s good this morning. I need to get my hat and coat. I checked the weather forecast last night (the internet is my friend): cool crisp morning will give way to sunshine and a bit of wind. I’ll grab my sunglasses just in case.
As light seeps into my backyard, the feeders and bird bath already draw visitors. There are robins on the grass; goldfinches and house finches at the feeder. A wren flits in the Rose-a-Sharon near the bath. Stealing into the yard from the ravine’s edge is a flock of Dark-eyed Juncos.
Camera…I have to get my camera. Maybe, there will be a chance at a good shot. I grab my cell phone, which I’ll carry only in case “someone wants or needs me”.
A bottle of water and an apple for a snack; I’ve got to go. It’s a good day to go birding.
Saturday, February 28th, 2009 at
11:53 am
Ricky Lim asked:
Photographers are always looking for cheap digital binoculars. However, they do not sacrifice quality from quantity. If ever they do go for cheap digital binoculars, they make sure that the product delivers and meets their expectations.
They’re only being practical especially during times like these. But of course, the photographer must know where to look for cheap digital binoculars. He also has to make sure that the binoculars he’ll buy have the features that he needs.
An example of cheap digital binoculars is the Bushnell Image Capture. This is the perfect choice for lovers of sports, outdoor activities, and travelers. They not only want to view what they see, they also want to record the action that they are witnessing.
These cheap digital binoculars are so compact that it can be slipped into the pocket of the user. But the size does not determine its capabilities because it has very powerful performance features making it such a big hit in the market.
The specs of the Bushnell Image Capture include a 10x magnification, field of view of 122 m @ 1000 m, a close focus of 3m and weighs 232 g. The features include a fully coated optical surface, foldable eyecups, internal 16 MB memory, VGA single exposure, rubberized and textured surface for extra grip and BK-7 glass material.
The package includes the item itself, a USB cable, a CD-Rom, neck strap, and a nylon bag. Imagine getting all that for only $30.
Another example of cheap digital binoculars is the Barska Point N View. It is a futuristic combination of a digital camera and binoculars. The Barska Point N View is a breakthrough in dynamic image taking and technology of exploration that is possible in only one unit.
It was engineered to meet the technical precision which most photographers want in cameras and a precise accuracy which most nature lovers want to capture.
The user can magnify the world around him and capture the images he wishes to capture. These photographs are recorded and can be shared. The specs of this cheap digital binocular are 8x22 mm and it has multi coated optics which provides superior clarity.
These binoculars are very easy to use and so compact that it can be brought from one place to another. It is so appropriate for outdoor use and has longevity. The user can definitely invest in the Barksa Point N View.
The good thing about these all is that its price is just below $50. That is a very good deal.
Thursday, February 26th, 2009 at
2:50 pm
Paul Banas asked:
Ask any father what he wants for Father's Day, and the answer will be "Not another tie or golf club". It's easier to buy gifts for moms, considering there are so many options available for women. But when it comes to buying Father's Day gifts for dads, it's easy to run out of ideas. What will dads like to get on Father's Day?
Well, it depends. Does your dad like to read? Or is he one of those types who can spend hours with maps? Here are some ideas for great customized Father's Day gifts sure to please your dad, depending on if he is a(n):
1. Environmentalist Dad Belkin conserve : Here is a gift idea for dads trying to make all those subtle changes to our lives that conserve energy. By now, everyone has heard that a lot of energy is wasted on all those devices that sit drinking up juice while in "stand-by" mode. This power strip allows you to really turn off six of its eight outlets using a tiny remote control (you can glue it to the wall - I think it's mostly there to save you the energy of bending down to the wall outlet). Two plugs are left unswitched so you can keep the DVR or VCR (does anyone have those now?) on while you're out or away.
2. Boy Scout Dad Swiss Tech 6-in-1 Key Multi-Tool : We love the Swiss Tech key tool. It folds into a key-like object that fits unobtrusively on a key ring. It doesn't take any space, looks just like a key, and yet has so many features that any boy scout, pre-adolescent or middle-aged will be pleased. In a small space, you have a Phillips and regular screwdriver, a bottle opener, a knife, and a file. Sure, you wouldn't want to use these tools to renovate your kitchen, but like any pocket knife, all that stuff comes in handy often enough to be glad you've got it. My wife and I both have one and never travel without it. In polished stainless steel. A bit pricey at $19.99, but worth every penny.
3. Book Lover Dad Daddy's Little Girl: Stories of the Special Bond Between Fathers and Daughters by Gregory E. Lang If you have a daughter, it's hard not to get a little emotional reading this collection of anecdotes compiled by Gregory Lang (author of more pithy books like "Why a daughter Needs a Dad: 100 reasons"). This is not a "deep" book, but it does get at a lot of important truths about the importance of a father to little (and big) girls. Sometimes, that's also what dads need to give an extra push to their efforts. We all need to know that all those hours pushing swings and replacing toy batteries are the foundation of an enduring relationship that doesn't end suddenly at adolescence. There has been plenty of research that shows this to be true, but Mr. Lang, in this compilation of his own and others' stories relates how this plays out in different ways. For the dad of a young girl, it also gives a not-always-comfortable (read morbid) look into the future when kids are grown up and dad is looking at what he's leaving behind as a legacy rather than what he is building in the here and now.
4. Cartophile Dad Hometown Map Jigsaw Puzzle Centered On Your Home : From the New York Times store, this unique, made-to-order jigsaw puzzle features a map that centers on your home. The map, an extract from the renowned U.S. Geological Survey, has fascinating details and provides names of main roads, contour lines, transport infrastructure, water features, vegetation, and shows notable buildings/structures. Personalized for $44.95.
5. Gamer Dad Wii from Nintendo : Permission to buy a video game console. It now seems universally permissible to add a Wii to the family entertainment options. Either dad already has one or he's waiting for you to say it's okay to let one in the house. Now with the addition of Wii Fit, even moms can rationalize getting in a round of Mario Tennis before dinner. Unfortunately, if you don't have a strategy, it's still impossible to walk into a store and buy one of these. You'll either have to scope out deliveries at your local electronics store or plan to pay $100 over the MSRP to buy one online. We have found no other real options.
6. Traveling Dad "Bushnell Powerview 12x25 Compact Folding Roof Prism Binocular (Black)" (Bushnell) : With slightly more magnification (12X versus the usual 10X) in a compact package, these are good portable binoculars for travel dads and sporting events. At around $20, this is a great little binocular.
7. Beer Lover Dad Krups BeerTender : For the beer lover, the Krups BeerTender, a countertop "kegerator" for the 5 liter minikegs of Heineken beer is just perfect to give you the perfect pour every time. The tap keeps the beer at 39 degrees Fahrenheit. Some models come with a 30-days freshness countdown counter. Attention: meant only to be used with Heineken mini-kegs.
8. Photographer Dad Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ5K 9MP Digital Camera with 10x Wide Angle MEGA Optical Image Stabilized Zoom Time to get a new family digital camera. We've had great luck with our little Panasonic Lumix D9 with its Leica lens. Now Panasonic has a new model that shoots at 9MP (far more than mortals actually need), but also sports HD output. The optical stabilization is top notch and it has a 10X zoom. Only $350.
Father's Day is not just about burnt toast, breakfast in bed, or that brand new tie. It's a day for children to express their love and gratitude for the unsung hero in their lives.
US $.01
