text:
October 20, 2004
white mountains on the tropical island
Friday, October 15
My sister was here visiting us in Hawaii this past week, and we were going places here and there, being busy watching things that this island has to offer, all at the same time me having work to do. I wanted to cook for her as much as possible while she was here, but I couldn't find time to do so as much as I had hoped... but at least I managed to make something she LOVES: mont blanc.
I am not sure how popular this dessert is here in this country, but mont blanc is a dessert made of meringue, whipped cream, and chestnut cream whose name seems to come from its resemblance in appearance, apparently, to the French Alp moutain Mont Blanc.
This chestnut dessert has a huge popularity in Japan, in so much that you would find some sort of stuff called mont blanc in virtually every cake shop you stumble across, and I am not exaggerating (unless it is purely a domestic Japanese-style sweet shop). My sister loves it and whenever I hear about a cake shop that has good mont blanc, I'd thought of her.
Even so, I don't think I had ever made one myself, mainly because the complicated process involved in making ones - making meringue, creme chantilly, chestnut cream, and putting them all together. That said, there aren't really very difficult procedures as long as you have good creme de marron or sweetened chestnut paste, but I have been way too lazy to make something that I need more than two mixing bowls.
But I somehow brought myself to try it, taking this opportunity for treating my sister who came to see me all the way from Japan. I began by looking for a good, easy recipe and settled down with this one (in Japanese, but you can see an image of the dessert). I had a decent jar of creme de marron from France, quality chestnuts in syrup from Italy, and aromatic rum from France (mellower than Myers's)
While an authentic mont blanc is supposed to have meringue as a base, I couldn't really bother to make one myself and I don't fancy meringue anyways, so I decided to make it in a tartlette (small tart) form. I made sweet tart shells using this recipe (also in Japanese), a rich dough using groung almonds.
Tartlette shells were now ready (burnt, though) and making creme chantilly (whipping heavy cream) and chestnut cream (whipping creme de marron and butter) was really nothing, and here came the most challenging part of all - composition. Now, I didn't even have a pastry bag OR tip, and all I could do was using regular plastic bags for piping the cream, and that was basically what I did. I placed tartlette shells, put creme chantilly, then one chestnut on top of each, mounted creme chantilly again, dusted with cocoa powder, then piped chestnut cream.
I first attempted to make my mont-blanc looking like the one seen in the image in the recipe linked above, but I quickly changed my plan, due to an insurmountable difficulty in terms of - eh - skills, if I have to tell you. So I ended up with ones in a bit different style, but it was okay, as I have seen many mont blanc with chestnut cream piped like this, even though those made by professional patissiers would sure look by far fancier and sophisticated. Oh, I didn't forget to dust them with confectioners' sugar to make sure the small goodies would be true to their name mont blanc, or white mountain, but by the time I shot these pictures the "snow" had melted away for the most part...
And most importantly, my mini mont blanc tartlettes pleased my sister a lot, who excitedly gobbled up one when she came home from going to surf. They had such a mellow, airy texture you'd think you can eat up a couple of them at once easily, but beware, the truth is, they aren't light at all with a sinful amount of cream and butter (and sugar from chestnuts products) concentrated into one small tartelette.
By the way, after the mont-blanc treat, we went off for a stay in Waikoloa on the west side for a weekend. On the way we passed a heavily-raining area and then saw a gorgeous rainbow on the horizon. It was so huge I couldn't have the whole thing in one picture, so I tried and caught it in two separate pictures and then put them together - not very successfully, as you can see (I do have a software for that, but it didn't quite work this time). But I guess you can still get a general idea of how big it was.
(Click on the image for a larger view)
12 comments:
- Reid said...
Hi Chika,
When I saw the first photo, my thought was some kind of noodle dish! When I read further and found it was made from chestnut paste, I was intrigued. Sounds yummy, looks good, and too bad I've never had this!
- 10:36 PM, October 20, 2004
- chika said...
Hi Reid,
you are so kind saying that. One of the feedbacks I got in my other blog was that they looked like space alien's brain. :(
Well, I guess it isn't a widely-known dessert at all, even in Hawaii... not even in Honolulu? Well people just don't eat chestnuts much, probably? That's too bad.
- 12:58 PM, October 22, 2004
- Estelle said...
Hi Chika! I don't think this actually looks an alien's brain, even though I have never seen any myself ;) I actually also thought it was pasta and I had never heard of such a dessert. Anyway, it looks really delicious and I *love* chestnuts, especially as puree ("creme de marrons"): it's a shame it's so hard to find here!!
- 3:24 PM, October 23, 2004
- kristie said...
the dessert really looks good! I've never seen or heard anything like this before, it looks absolutely yummy :)
- 6:51 AM, October 24, 2004
- chika said...
Estelle - the discussion of where and how this mont-blanc was developed is contradictory, some say it was in Japan, others say it is in Paris (a Paris cafe called Angellina has got one), or yet others say it was in Switzerland or Italy... in any case, I can assure you'll like those if you like creme de marrons... if you don't find them, you can probably try and make them! :)
kristie - really funny, this is definitely one of the most well-known sweets that virtually everyone knows of, back in Japan! Shame it has little publicity outside the country :P
- 1:25 AM, October 25, 2004
I have been looking for a recipe for mont blanc. Your picture looks exactly like what I have enjoyed in Paris. Could you please email me the recipe? I would love to make it. Many thanks.
Posted by Burt
- 2:00 AM, April 08, 2005
I would really like to make this for my friend's birthday (it is his favorite dessert, it is so yummy). All of the links you show here are in Japanese. I could get him to translate but, I would really like to surprise him. I would greatly appreciate it if you could email me the recipes that you used. Thank you so much.
Posted by Jackie
- 7:51 AM, May 05, 2005
omg.. this is my fav dessert.. i luv mont blancs.. pity they dun have this in singapore. seriously think this is a japanese thing. y do the japanese have such a fascination w french desserts? so do i, so do i!!:P
Posted by sherise
- 11:43 PM, August 03, 2005
Hi, I've seen the little boxed confections of these "Petit Mont Blanc". They look smooth and delicious. I really don't see a negative image of them. Please e-mail the recipe in English. I would really appreciate it. Thanks.
Posted by P.L.
- 11:34 AM, February 13, 2006
Yay! I'm so glad there ARE other people who have heard of Mont Blanc in this country! xD;;
I think I'll try making some as well...! :] Thanks for inspiring me!
- 2:53 PM, November 08, 2007
- maikeru said...
Konnichiwa! O-genki? I was searching for a mont blanc recipe and stumbled across your blog. Actually, a friend of mine also loves mont blanc (I guess almost everyone in Japan have a liking for mont blanc) and I am planning to make one this Christmas. Though my friend really doesn't like sweets, this is one of the exemptions. Will be trying out the recipe from the link you provided and will inform how it went.
Again, arigatou gozaimashita. Yoroshiku.
- 6:32 PM, December 16, 2007
I came from Japan and now live in Mississippi and I have a good chestnut harvest from our tree in the backyard this autumn. While searching for the Mont Blanc recipe, i came across your blog and enjoyed it. I will check the recipe link and try it. And yes, Mont Blanc is a favorite in Japan.
- 5:27 PM, September 05, 2009


text:
I'm trying create a line in /etc/sudoers that allows members of group "users" to mount cifs shares anywhere inside their own home directory. In my first attempt I tried:
%users ALL=/bin/mount -t cifs /home, /bin/umount /home
...which admittedly doesn't restrict them to their own home directory. As a user when I try the command:
sudo mount -t cifs ~/mount //hostname/sharename -o username=myuserid,domain=mydomain
...I get prompted for the password then receive error:
Sorry, user myuserid is not allowed to execute '...command...' as root on servername.
Is there any way to coerce sudoers to specify what I want?

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Possible Duplicate:
What ORM does Stack Overflow use with their ASP.Net MVC project?
The ADO Entity framework, as we all know, is replacing LINQ to SQL as the default ORM Microsoft recommends.
I just wonder whether SO is maintaining the its data access layer in LINQ to SQL, or is planning for a migration to ADO Entity for better support?
Edit: SO was using LINQ to SQL as the DAL. Just not sure whether it is still now, or in the future.


text:
Palin faces ethics complaint for SarahPAC role
A new ethics complaint filed Wednesday against Gov. Sarah Palin says her role in the political action committee SarahPAC poses a conflict with her official duties as governor.
The complaint was brought by Anchorage resident Sondra Tompkins, who describes herself an advocate for children with disabilities and mother of a special-needs child. Her son has autism.
The complaint says the governor abdicated her governor duties at a critical time – the end of the legislative session, when she went to Indiana for two events, a Right to Life banquet and a breakfast for families with Down syndrome children.
"The recent partisan trip to Indiana by the Governor was purely to benefit personal interests, had no benefit for the State of Alaska and was in direct conflict with her official duties," the complaint said.
SarahPAC paid for the travel, a spokeswoman for the group has said. Palin essentially has a "contract" with SarahPAC to work for its interests on national issues, even when those interests don't match Alaska's, the complaint said.
Palin's office shot back, calling the complaint outrageous and the allegations false, ridiculous, and an abuse of the state ethics act.
To read the complete article, visit www.adn.com.


text:
David Arquette unburdened himself to Howard Stern's audience on why he and Courteney Cox split, telling the shock jock they stopped having sex months ago and that she was sick of being his "mom."
The intimacy between the star couple ended around one month before they started shooting "Scream 4" in Michigan, Arquette, 39, said. Cox insisted they try separating right after their 11th wedding anniversary back in June ... after she told David that she was "tired of being your mother."
Cox., 46, told Arquette, "I don't wanna be your mother anymore,'" the actor recounted. "I appreciated that. I respected it. I've been going to therapy. I'm trying to grow up. I'm trying to be true to myself. Trying to figure out myself and my world, as is she."
Arquette said he was having a tough time with the breakup.
"It breaks my heart," he said of their decision to separate, adding that he is "not the one that called this [separation] in order." "I've been begging Courteney to get back with me," he later added. "She's conflicted too."
Arquette told Stern he never cheated on Courteney before the split -- but admitted bedding "one conquest" since.
"I am a single man," he said.
Arquette said he confronted Cox about reports she had gotten together with her "Cougar Town" costar Brian Van Holt, and she denied an affair.
"I do believe her ... I truly don't think she ever had an affair," he said, adding that if anything perhaps they formed an "emotional" bond.
The Tinseltown staple, who met on the set of the 1996 slasher flick "Scream" and tied the knot three years later, gave a joint statement before Arquette opened up to Stern.
"The reason for this separation is to better understand ourselves and the qualities we need in a partner and for our marriage," Cox and Arquette said in their joint statement.
They also pledged to "remain best friends and responsible parents" to their 6-year-old daughter Coco, and added they still "love each other deeply."
The pair, set to star opposite one another again next year in "Scream 4," has at times been the focus of tabloid and gossip site speculation on the state of their marriage.
"I want her to be happy," Arquette told Stern, "more than I want happiness for myself."


text:
By John Goralski
Sports Writer
One pitch got away from Jordyn Moquin in her first game last week, and the hit batsman cost her a perfect game. She still managed a no-hitter, but that's nothing new. Two days later, Moquin proved that with her third no-hitter of the season.
Hall managed to claw out two hits in Moquin's third contest, but a Lady Knight miscue cost her a third shutout of the week.
The Knights are winning easily, but that's not the focus of Coach John Bores. He's looking toward the postseason, and trying to hone his team against a litter of lesser opponents. Winning isn't enough. Bores wants perfection.
"Jordyn's been terrific. She had two no-hitters and a two hitter. Our pitching has been great," Bores said. "Defensively, we have a lot of enthusiasm. We're just looking to have more consistency. It's tough with our schedule."
Bores is looking for a challenge, and that may be tough in Southington's conference schedule. The early non-conference schedule offered a home-away series with Bristol Eastern and a 4-3 loss to Bristol Central in a gmae that featured a number of Southington mistakes.
Now comes the hard part. Southington needs to hone their skills for a postseason run during a conference schedule that seldom offers the challenge of a Bristol Eastern or Bristol Central. That's why Bores is so critical even when his team wins easily.
"I want to see consistency," he said. "I want to consistently win. I don't want to give up any runs. I want to keep getting good pitching, and I want to be consistent 1-9 in the lineup. I'm looking for execution, I guess."
That's why the little mistakes irk him. The 25-0 win over NW Catholic on Monday was almost perfect. Moquin pitched four innings with just one hit batsman, and Kendra Friedt threw a perfect inning of relief.
Sarah Carangelo, Rachel Harvey, Natalie Wadolowski, and Caitlin Downes collected three hits apiece as Southington rallied for 25 runs in five innings on 24 hits. Harvey and Moquin hit homeruns. Wadolowski had two of Southington's seven triples and one of their three doubles.
On Wednesday, the Knights scored another five-inning win with 12 hits in a 15-0 shutout win against Farmington. Moquin had 11 strikeouts with no hits. Moquin, Haley Arduini, Wadolowski, and downs had multiple hits, and the Knights put the game away with a seven run rally in the third inning.
But Bores focused on the fact that five players went hitless when 13 girls scored hits the game before. In a 10-1 win over Hall on Friday, Southington collected 12 hits, but only Kaitlin Paterson (3-for-4, 2 runs, 2 RBI) and Lauren Zazzaro (2-for-3, 1 run) scored multiple hits. Even worse, the defense committed two errors resulting in one unearned run.
"Some habits are hard to break, but I want this one broken…quickly," he said. "We really hit the ball well on Monday and Wednesday, but today we were only so-so. Before today, we've been starting to play really good defensively, but we made a few errors. I'm not happy about that."
Bores is, however, happy with his team's 7-1 record to keep on pace for a No. 1 seed in the Class LL tournament. Now, he wants more.


text:
Caractéristiques de série
Système de résistance K2
The premium grade K2 Electromagnetic Resistance System offers numerous advantages over alternative systems such as "servo motor" or "eddy current" that rely on magnets that physically move to adjust resistance levels.
Firstly, the K2 electromagnetic system is fixed and has no moving parts, which greatly enhances reliability and durability. It also offers a much wider range of resistance, allowing the same piece of equipment to be suitable for rehab work as well as strength training. Another great advantage is the instant resistance changes as the K2 system can go immediately from Level 1 to Level 20 simply by changing the electricity strength where as alternative systems rely on a motor to gradually move the magnets making them not suitable for anaerobic interval training. Finally, the K2 Electromagnetic System is silent and does not emit annoying buzzing noises each time the servo motors adjusts the resistance like some models do.
Touches en silicone SK
Silicone Keys offer many advantages over standard membrane or plastic keys such as being more responsive, durable and reliable. As a result, Bodyguard Fitness uses Silicone Keys on the main keypad on all our equipment. These principle keys are the ones used most often, especially during exercise, and are prone to wearing out if an unsuitable material is used. With Silicone Keys a user gets a response even if they just catch the edge of the key, which is very common when in the middle of workout with the heart pounding. And because Silicone Keys do not crack over time, your console will continue performing like new long into the future.
Capteurs tactiles de fréquence cardiaque
Bodyguard's Digital Contact Heart Rate Sensors offer far more accurate Heart Rate readings than standard analog sensors. Also, our dual sensor plates provide improved contact readings, which is a big advantage for users who traditionally get intermediate contact heart rate readings due to "soft" pulses in the hands.
Programmes contrôle de fréquence cardiaque
Bodyguard Fitness offers a range of fully customizable Heart Rate Control programs ideal for both beginners and advanced users that will help maximize the results from each and every workout. From fixed Target Heart Rate workouts to Heart Rate Interval Training (only available on certain models) that moves the user through various zones there is something for everyone no matter the exercise level.
Working out in a specific heart rate zone that suits your training needs is a great way to ensure you are not under training or over training, both of which can greatly limit your ability to meet your fitness goals. After selecting the desired workout zone or zones in the case of Heart Rate Interval workouts, users may fine-tune their selection by both % of Maximum Heart Rate or by selecting an exact Target Heart Rate value within that zone. Furthermore, treadmill users can then choose the Mode in which the machine will adjust to maintain the user at their desired Target Heart Rate.
Bodyguard offers 3 treadmill modes to select from to make adjustments during Heart Rate Training programs; Speed only, Incline only, or a combination of Speed and Incline. The Speed only mode is particularly popular with runners who do not wish to incorporate hill climbing into their Heart Rate Workouts, the machine will simply speed up and slow down in small increments to keep the users heart rate in line with their target. The Incline only mode is more popular with walkers who wish to benefit from Heart Rate Control programs but do not wish to increase their speed and be forced to start jogging or running. With the Elevation only Heart Rate Control mode there is no excuse for a walker to not get a fantastic walkout and thanks to Bodyguard's ESC feature (see the ESC section for more details) the program will feel just like hiking up the hills outside. Finally, for those looking for a variety in adjustments then the Speed and Incline mode is the perfect fit. During this mode the unit will automatically make 2 speed adjustments followed by 1 incline adjustment in order to keep the user at their target Heart Rate Value.
Espacement des pédales 6,5"
Correct body alignment is one of the most important aspects a user should be aware of when choosing a bicycle. Our indoor bikes have been co-designed with engineers from Rocky Mountain Bikes (www.bikes.com) to ensure that bio-mechanically correct pedal spacing is incorporated on our indoor bikes. This allows a rider to correctly align their hips, knees and ankles reducing the potential for injury.
Siège tout confort CCS
When in comes to long rides the comfort of the seat is crucial. Our ergonomically contoured ComfortCush Seats are shaped to offer great support without restricting the users range of motion and cutting into the thighs.
X-Technology is an interactive way to train by allowing users to complete custom programs that target specific goals as well as review their results and statistics via the X-Technology website. Click Here to go straight to the X-Technology website.
Programmes watts cible
This unique program allows the user to set a target output of wattage they wish to constantly achieve. The console will then constantly adjust the resistance as the stride rate changes so that they always are producing the targeted wattage output. That way, if the user slows down there stride rate then the console will automatically increase the resistance so that the targeted wattage is maintained. Alternatively, if the stride rate increases causing the wattage to go above the target then the resistance will be reduced to offset the change in stride rate. It's for this reason that Target watts is known as an "anti-cheat" program because once set, if a user gets a little lazy and reduces their effort then the console will automatically increase the resistance so you have to achieve your target. The Target Watts program is a great alternative to Heart Rate Training for people who do not like to wear the chest straps. Simply set the Target Watts to a level that achieves your desired heart rate and the unit will then keep you there for the entirety of the workout.
Caractéristiques supérieures
Design libre d'accès
Getting on and off a recumbent bike has never been so easy thanks to the step-thru design. For extra stability use the two console handlebars when entering or exiting the seat area so you do not need to touch the console and risk damaging it.
Console à profil bas
Whether you prefer to watch television while riding or simply want to have a clearer view out the front of the bike, the low cut console is a simple but practical design that is extremely popular for users. The low cut console also helps the bike to seamlessly fit into its surroundings without taking over the area.
Dossier en filet
The R-Series mesh seat back has been designed to offer a cooler riding experience by allowing clearer airflow to the rider's back. This reduces the perceived exertion of the workout and makes for a far more comfortable riding experience.
Commandes aux guidons
The handlebar toggle switches allow the user to fully operate the console from the seat. This is particularly useful for making changes to the resistance levels while exercising.
Dossier inclinable
The reclinable seat back can be easily adjusted into a wide range of positions so everyone can find their perfect riding position. Changing the seat back angle is also a great way to target different areas of the quadriceps during riding.
Ajustement du siège
Correct seat positioning is very important for comfort as well as injury prevention so the V-Series Fore-Aft seat uses a quick-lock mechanism capable of infinite positions making it easy to find the perfect seat setting for each and every user.
Compartiment à magazines
Neatly located under the seat the storage pocket is a great place to put your favorite magazine, newspaper or anything you want to keep close by for easy access during a workout.


text:
Subaru Forester General Diagnosis Cost
Know what price you should pay to get your vehicle fixed.
What is General Diagnosis?
As a customer with an uncommon vehicle issue, you may find it is best not to speculate on the issue, and simply tell the technician "fix it". Any information you can provide the technician is helpful, and the technician will go into diagnosing an unknown issue, also known as general diagnostics.
How does General Diagnosis Work?
When a vehicle comes in for repair, and there is an obvious fault, such as "the wheel bearing is grinding or the brakes squeal at stop lights", these problems are generally not diagnosed, as the technician already understands the problem after inspecting the vehicle. Problems such as, "I hear a thump sometimes" or "my car feels like I'm in an airplane", are more vague, and until the technician knows what system is at fault, or verifies the existence of a fault, the process used is general diagnostics. With general diagnostic procedures, the servicing will systematically move through the systems of a vehicle until the fault is uncovered.
What symptoms require General Diagnosis?
Like we noted in the last section, general diagnosis symptoms are the most vague of the bunch. There are several diagnostic spectrums, electrical diagnosis, drivability diagnostics, engine diagnostics, transmission diagnostics, and the list could continue for about 5 or 10 more spectrums of diagnostics. The most important take-away here, is that general diagnostics are diagnostics that have no other spectrum in which they fit, or the problem is unknown. This means that any vehicle left outside of a repair facility with the keys and an authorization to perform diagnosis will be diagnosed under the general diagnosis spectrum.
Can I drive my vehicle before it is diagnosed?
As far as general diagnostics go, the answer is maybe. If it is uncertain if a vehicle is safe to drive, take the safe route and have it towed. If the issue is just a random noise, or the check engine light pops up, driving the vehicle is normally not an issue. However, if the vehicle is unsafe to drive, difficult to keep under control, or responds poorly to driver input, the vehicle should be sent to a professional technician.
How often is General Diagnosis needed?
Vehicles are under general diagnosis every time they have an inspection performed. When a technician takes a vehicle on a road test, and does a complete visual inspection, the technician is, much like general diagnosis, systematically checking the fitness of each system in the vehicle. However, thousands of vehicles with a wide array of issues undergo general diagnosis every day, and their age and mileage can be vastly different.
How are unclear automotive issues diagnosed?
When a vehicle must be diagnosed, the technician will establish a diagnostic strategy based on the observed symptoms. There are a few general starting points which are assigned according to what the vehicle will, or will not do. For instance, a vehicle that will start, but the engine immediately stalls is called a "start and stall" issue, and a specific diagnostic process is used to identify the cause of the condition. It is important to keep in mind that general diagnostics will lead to another form of diagnostics once the issue is able to be categorized according to the system that is causing the failure.
How are General Diagnostics done?
Corrections for general diagnostics issues usually involves replacing simple components, such as the battery, alternator, a blown fuse, or a bad coil. However, due to the wide variety of components that can possibly cause a problematic condition, repairing this issue could involve replacing a fuse, or replacing the engine, and repair procedures are on a case-by-case basis.
RepairPal Recommendations for General Diagnosis
Diagnostics in general can be problematic, and there are many variables to account for when the issue, or the cause of this issue is unknown. When problems arise, diagnostics may take several hours to complete, or just a few minutes. This will significantly impact the cost of repairs. Choosing a facility with proper equipment and training for their staff may significantly reduce diagnostic time needed.
What to look out for when dealing with General Diagnosis
Diagnosing modern automotive systems without proper knowledge and training can be frustratingly difficult, but without proper technique the diagnosis will only be reached through changing parts on a hunch. Automotive systems, especially in the last several years, have become extremely advanced, and most vehicles have a communication network that allows all of the systems to communicate. This is a blessing for the trained technician, and a curse for the DIYer who would rather save money on the repair.
Can I perform general Diagnostic myself?
General diagnosis should be attempted by the experienced DIYer, with a good understanding of all affected vehicle systems, and the proper tools and techniques to diagnose a variety of issues. The task of diagnostics should be left to a professional technician once all knowledge and tooling resources are dissolved, as damage may occur without excellent knowledge, skill, and tooling.
- Repair shops in Sterling, VA
- Repair shops in Dulles, VA
- Repair shops in Leesburg, VA
- Repair shops in Herndon, VA


text:
Be a part of a unique online community that connects post production professionals and film academics worldwide.
You'll have access to personalize your news feed, access to Live Post Talks and much more. Contribute to the community by posting interesting post production content.
June 4, 2019, 6:45 am
Apple has unveiled its long-awaited new design for its Mac Pro professional workstation at WWDC 2019.
November 16, 2019, 2:13 pm
Winter is right around the corner for many of us. As the dark nights set in and the heating goes on, you might be struggling for inspiration when it comes to your video content. Here are three cool templates you can use to add some winter spice to your brand this season.
November 15, 2019, 5:19 pm
Come have a look at the work of Pixomondo on the first season of THE BOYS...
November 15, 2019, 2:10 pm
Autodesk Flame 2020 update 2 now offers a semantic keyer for human body extraction, enhanced workflows, Catalina compatibility and more.
November 15, 2019, 2:10 pm
Election season is just around the corner! Don't want to tune into the existing media channels on election night? Start producing your own coverage for the big night in 2020 with the help of these Adobe Premiere templates.
November 14, 2019, 9:06 pm
AJA used the Inter BEE show, in Chiba, Japan, to show some of its new products, one of them the new openGear 12G-SDI distribution amplifier for broadcast and live event production.
November 14, 2019, 9:06 pm
Mo Sobhy started his VFX career in 2003 at Framestore. He then worked at MPC and Cinesite before joining Rodeo FX in 2019. He worked on many films such as X: FIRST CLASS, GODZILLA, BATMAN V SUPERMAN: DAWN OF JUSTICE and STRANGER THINGS.
November 14, 2019, 9:06 pm
So, Apple reached out and wanted someone to attend a PR event in the Tribeca neighborhood of New York and I agreed to wing my way to the Big Apple on a blisteringly cold day. As I was waiting with other invited members in an upscale presentation space, the details of what we were going to be previewing were released on the internet. Apple announced that the New Mac Pro and XDR display would be shipping in December and that the latest laptop, the 16" MacBook Pro would ship next week.
November 14, 2019, 9:06 pm
In visual effects, 'cloud rendering' has been a buzz term now for a couple of years. But what does it really mean, and what's involved in starting the process of rendering your project in the cloud?
November 14, 2019, 5:11 pm
Boris FX has released Silhouette 2020, the company's first update to the popular rotoscoping and paint tool since it aquired original developer Silhouette FX earlier this year.
November 14, 2019, 2:29 pm
Come have a look at the work of Rodeo FX on THE KID WHO WOULD BE KING...
Gordon sits down with Spencer Averick to discuss editing "When They See Us" and his working relationship with Ava D ...
Lawrence Jordan joins Gordon to discuss editing, 2-pop, and his new venture Master the workflow.
Tom Ohanian is legendary; he helped create Avid and make it the industry standard in post-production and now, he has released ...
Choose what Post News gets sent directly to your E-Mail, daily or weekly.
Get your post news on your favourite Apple device, when you want it where you want it.
Get your post news on your favourite Android device with the AOTG Android App.


text:
Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey
195 Little Albany Street
New Brunswick, NJ 08903-2681
Pronounced: Hor-dee-OH-lum
A hordeolum is an infection of an eyelash follicle or a nearby gland. It is also known as a stye. The infection causes a red bump on the eyelid that may look like a pimple.
There are 2 types of hordeolums:
Copyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.
A hordeolum can form when the oil produced from a gland of the eyelid thickens and can no longer flow. If bacteria are trapped in the this gland or an eyelash follicle, an infection can develop. This can result in the development of fluid and pus. It is possible to have more than 1 hordeolum at a time. It is common for them to reoccur.
Factors that may increase the risk of developing a hordeolum include:
A hordeolum usually begins as a red and swollen area on or in the eyelid. Often, the area is tender and painful. In addition to the red, painful bump, some other symptoms of hordeola include:
Internal hordeola are usually more painful and are less likely to come to a point without the assistance of a doctor.
In most cases, a simple eye exam is all that is necessary to confirm the diagnosis of a hordeolum. Other than looking at your eye, special tests are not usually needed for diagnosis.
Often, hordeola resolve on their own. Treatment may include:
A warm compress is applied to the affected eyelid several times a day. It will assist with drainage.
Drainage of the lesion is the first step in treating the hordeolum. If the hordeolum does not drain on its own, your doctor may assist drainage of the infection by lancing the hordeolum. The pus and contents of the swollen area can then be drained. It is important never to try to lance the hordeolum without the assistance of a doctor. Permanent damage to the eye or eyelid can occur.
In some cases, antibiotics are also given to ensure that the entire infection is eliminated. Antibiotics may be given in oral form, or as eye drops/eye ointment. In many cases, antibiotics alone are ineffective.
To prevent the development of a hordeolum, consider the following:
The American Academy of Ophthalmology
The American Optometric Association
Canadian Association of Optometrists
Canadian Ophthalmological Society
Hordeolum. The Merck Manual: Professional Version website. Available at: http://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/eye_disorders/eyelid_and_lacrimal_disorders/chalazion_and_hordeolum_stye.html. Updated September 2014. Accessed May 9, 2016.
Hordeolum and chalazion treatment, the full gamut. Optometry Today website. Available at: https://pedclerk.bsd.uchicago.edu/sites/pedclerk.uchicago.edu/files/uploads/Treatment.pdf. Published June 28, 2002. Accessed May 9, 2016.
Hordeolum (stye). Johns Hopkins Medicine website. Available at: http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/healthlibrary/conditions/pediatrics/hordeolum_stye_85,P01075/. Accessed May 9, 2016.
Pasternak A, Irish B. Ophthalmologic infections in primary care. Clinics in Family Practice. 2004;6:19-633.
Last reviewed May 2018 by Michael Woods, MD Last Updated: 5/26/2015


text:
All of 2012 I've featured a different country each month, except the month I was travelling in Sri Lanka. All the countries were requested by readers. We've had Croatia, Chad, Bosnia, Iran, Scotland, Cambodia, Sweden, Afghanistan, Germany, Indonesia and finally, in December I featured Southern American recipes.
I posted seven delicious recipes in December inspired by the Southern states of the USA. But with all my Xmas cooking and other posts, I unfortunately didn't get the time to make and share all the things that I would have liked - so I ended up posting a couple more in January. I took a month off the featured countries this month, as I fancied having a break. Infact, this blog has been a bit quieter than usual in January while I take some time to cool off (figuratively and literally - as it's been super hot here!).
Starting tomorrow - the 1st February - I'll be back on the World Food Challenge for another year. Tomorrow we'll start delving into the delights of Costa Rican cuisine! I'm very excited and I've been busy consulting people who know more about it than I do to devise a delicious array of veganised Costa Rican dishes.
But first - here is the recap of the Southern USA posts I've had over the last two months. AND two very important questions which I've love your feedback on, if you have a moment to spare.
1) Which of the 11 countries have you enjoyed the most in 2012?
2) What dish do you think looks the best from the Southern USA?
|Chilli Pone
This is a dish that I had never heard of until a reader suggested that I try it for USA month. I'm so glad they did because it was wonderful and I'll definitely be making it again! It's an American "chili" style casserole - the chili is made from bulghur instead of mince meat - with delicious light and crispy cornbread baked on top. As soon as I ate it I wondered why I hadn't always been putting cornbread on my casseroles! Possiibly my favourite dish of the month (though, that is a tough call and I may change my mind later...) Check out the recipe here.
Remember that cartoon character that used to say "Sufferin' Succotash!" (I think it was Sylvester?) Well, I can't imagine how succotash could cause suffering to anybody! At first glance I thought it looked a bit plain and boring - it's just a big pot full of beans, corn and tomatoes. But I gave it a go and goodness was it good! It's lightly but perfectly spiced, and a good reminder that vegetables are simply delicious just the way they were made and stand up perfectly as the main event of a meal! The succotash was a huge hit with my dinner guests. Check out the recipe here.
|Vegan Mushroom and Bean Jambalaya
Jambalaya is a new favourite of ours now! This jambalaya is special. It's jam packed full of flavour and you don't miss meat in it at all - why would you when you've got juicy field mushrooms, two types of beans and tasty vegetarian sausages all through it? This dish can be made with white or brown rice and tastes just as good with either! Check out the recipe here.
|Vegan "Fried Chicken" and Waffles
This is the kind of dish I never thought I would cook! But it was very enthusiastically requested by several readers when I asked about dishes from Southern USA - so I obliged. Fried chicken on waffles is apparently a Southern American classic, and I do relish a challenge. It sure was a challenge! Once I had decided on a method to cook some tofu in the same batter and spices of Southern Fried Chicken - I then had to get my hands on a waffle maker and make up some vegan waffles. Well, mission was accomplished and it tasted great! Good news is, now I own a waffle maker - so look out for more waffle recipes coming your way! Check out the recipe here.
|Peach Bourbon Cobbler
Cobbler is a gift from American to the rest of the world. There was no way I was going to feature USA without making a cobbler! Peach seems to be the classic cobbler fruit in the USA, so I stuck traditional but with a twist of bourbon to give it an even more American feel! Check out the recipe here.
|Pecan Pie with Whipped Pumpkin Cream
Pecan pie was up very high on my list of things to make for December. I decided to make a slightly adult version though - using thick luscious blackstrap molasses in the place of sweeter thing like maple syrup. The result is a pecan pie which is much less sweet than usual and has the slightly adult taste of molasses. It is perfect accompanied by the spiced pumpkin whipped cream, which offsets the richness of the molasses. Combining pecans and pumpkin makes it a perfect autumn dish (or "fall" as the yanks would say), but you can enjoy this one any time of year. Check out the recipe here.
|Candied Sweet Potatoes
|Mint Julep
I'm always keen for an excuse to try out a new cocktail, so I was excited to find several cocktails when I started to research the cuisine of the Southern USA states. The easiest one was a Mint Julep, apparently popular particularly in Kentucky, where they use spearmint. It was very refreshing served over lots of ice, perfect for a hot summer day! Check out the recipe here.
|Home Made Smoky BBQ Sauce
Last but not least - home made BBQ sauce anyone? You won't believe how easy it is to make your own delicious BBQ sauce, free of chemicals, preservatives, artificial flavours or artificial colours. Perfect for a summer BBQ or as a marinade for just about anything. Get this stuff on your burger! Check out the recipe here.
That's all folks!
Are you ready to start 2013 with a Costa Rican bang? Well, keep your eyes on this blog and I hope ya'll like rice and beans and corn. Sleep tight and I'll see you tomorrow in Central America!


text: Welcome to the Western and Pacific Child Welfare Implementation Center (WPIC). The Center partners with public child welfare systems to implement strategies designed to improve the quality and effectiveness of child welfare services for children, youth and families in Regions IX (Arizona, California, Nevada, Hawaii, American Samoa, and Guam) and X (Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and Alaska). Learn more about us.


text:
COMMUTER traffic in Winchester was brought to a standstill following a small car fire at Winnall.
Firefighters were called to Winnall roundabout, near junction 9 of the M3, after reports that a Mazda had caught fire.
It is not yet known how the fire began.
No one was injured and the flames were distinguished within half an hour after one Winchester appliance was sent out at 7.20am.


text:
President Barack Obama has signed a bill that boosts taxes on the wealthiest Americans, while preserving tax cuts for most American households.
The bill, which averts a looming fiscal cliff that had threatened to plunge the nation back into recession, also extends expiring jobless benefits, prevents cuts in Medicare reimbursements to doctors and delays for two months billions of dollars in across-the-board spending cuts in defense and domestic programs.
The GOP-run House approved the measure by a 257-167 vote late Tuesday, nearly 24 hours after the Democratic-led Senate passed it 89-8.
Obama, who is vacationing in Hawaii, signed the bill using an autopen, a mechanical device that copies his signature.
He also signed a $633 billion defense bill authorizing fiscal year 2013 expenditures for the Defense Department. The measure tightens penalties on Iran and bolsters security at diplomatic missions worldwide after the deadly Sept. 11 atack in Benghazi, Libya.
Obama had threatened to veto the measure due to a number of conerns, including limits on his authority to transfer terrorist suspects from the U.S. military prison at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, for one year, but acknowledged "the need to renew critical defense authorities and funding was too great to ignore."


text:
Scott returned shelter dog
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Shortly after winning the GOP nomination in 2010, Rick Scott announced to the world through Facebook that his family had rescued a Labrador retriever.
And with help from his Facebook friends, Scott gave it a name: Reagan.
Story Continued Below
"The Scott family is proud to announce that the name (chosen by you) for their newly adopted pup is Reagan! Thanks to everyone who participated in the fun contest," read Scott's announcement on his Facebook page.
( PHOTOS: Real 2012 political animals)
Commenters were ecstatic, congratulating Scott for getting a rescue dog instead of a purebred like Bo, the Portuguese water dog President Barack Obama adopted in 2009. And friends saluted the dog's name, an homage to former President Ronald Reagan.
"What a great looking dog! Glad you rescued him. Reagan will like the Governor's Mansion!" wrote Christine Haut of Fort Myers.
"Welcome Reagan! What a great family," wrote Debbie Wiest, Ann Scott's friend of 40 years.
But where is Reagan today?
The last time Reagan made the newspapers was the day before Rick Scott was sworn in as governor in January 2011. John Kennedy, then a reporter for the News Service of Florida, reported seeing the governor-elect walking Reagan in Tallahassee.
Asked last week what had happened to the dog, Scott's current and former communications directors refused to answer.
( PHOTOS: 9 pols who sought forgiveness)
Brian Burgess, communications director during the campaign and for more than a year after Scott took office, now holds a similar position for the state Republican Party. When a Times reporter asked him where the dog is, Burgess said he thought it "weird" that two Times reporters would contact him six minutes apart with questions dating to the 2010 campaign.
But he wouldn't say where the dog was and accused reporters of "surfing some old Facebook or website pages." At one point, an exasperated reporter asked Burgess if he had killed the dog; Burgess denied ever killing a dog but still wouldn't say where Reagan was.
The governor's staff obviously is aware of publicity that dogged Republican Mitt Romney last year over reports that he once tied his dog, Seamus, to the top of a car while on a family vacation.


text:
BERLIN (Reuters) - Sony Chief Executive Kazuo Hirai said on Thursday that its new gaming device Vita was mostly selling in line with its expectations, though in some places it was off the pace.
Vita hit the stores earlier this year, the latest in a line of mobile gaming gadgets in the spirit of Nintendo's Game Boy and Atari's Lynx, but some analysts have questioned whether there is room for such a device in a market increasingly dominated by games played on smartphones and tablets.
"Worldwide, the Vita is pretty much along where we would expect it to be, maybe trending behind in certain territories," Hirai told Reuters on the sidelines of IFA, Europe's biggest consumer trade show, held in Berlin.
He declined to disclose where sales were lagging.
When he took the helm at Sony in April, Hirai vowed to revive the fortunes of the company, maker of the Walkman music player and PlayStation games console, after years of competition from foreign rivals had broken its dominance in consumer electronics.
Part of the plan is betting Sony's future on mobile devices such as the Xperia smartphone, gaming and digital imaging, while developing new businesses, including a medical unit.
Sony has high hopes for its PlayStation Mobile gaming service, in which Vita plays a key role, and which will be launched later this year along with a range of new games.
Previously branded the PlayStation Suite, it will provide a platform for third-party software developers and publishers to create new content such as games for portable devices.
"Back in 2006-2007 people were saying PlayStation 3 is not happening, it's dead, but today it's a great platform, contributes bottom line to us. You need to look back 5, 10 years for these platforms to tell whether they are successful," Hirai said.
In Berlin Sony launched three smartphones and one tablet, all powered by Google's Android platform, saying patent challenges facing the software had not affected its business.
Sony Mobile chief Kunimasa Suzuki told Reuters he was confident of selling more cellphones in fiscal year 2012-2013 than the 34 million the company shifted in the previous year.
This would put Sony roughly on par with Google's Motorola, the eighth largest cellphone maker, which analysts expect to sell 37 million phones next year and well ahead of BlackBerry-maker RIM, whose sales are seen sinking to 28 million.
After Sony returned a record net loss of 455 billion yen ($5.8 billion) for the fiscal year to March 31, Hirai promised 10,000 job cuts and big cost reductions in the TV unit, which has clocked up losses of about $12 billion in the past decade.
Hirai said the group was ahead of plan to return the TV business to the black. "This fiscal year we will halve our losses from what we made last year. We are ahead of track."
Sony is also in talks with several companies which could be interested in its chemicals business, Hirai said. The unit makes materials used in consumer electronics products and employs several thousand people. He declined to elaborate.
As for other Japanese exporters, the strength of the yen weighs on Sony's results. The currency has become a safe-haven destination for many investors as debt concerns undermine confidence in both the euro and the dollar.
"The currencies are a real pain," Hirai said. We can complain about that, but it is the reality we have to face."
Since Sony's European sales account for a fifth of all revenue, compared with a tenth at both Panasonic Corp and Sharp, it is particularly sensitive to currency swings against the euro.
($1 = 78.7400 Japanese yen)
Reporting by Harro ten Wolde and Tarmo Virki; Editing by Will Waterman and Giles Elgood


text:
Distances are calculated in a straight line and may not reflect actual travel distance.
It is important to note that this mortgage calculator is for guidance purposes only. Mortgage lenders have their own affordability criteria therefore it is important you speak to one of our Mortgage Advisers for further information and a more accurate indication of what products may be available to you and what your monthly mortgage payments are likely to be.
Attractive character double fronted cottages offers flexible living accommodation and consists of entrance hall, reception room, reception 2/bedroom, kitchen, downstairs bathroom, two double bedrooms and private garden. Additional benefits include gas central heating and double glazing. Viewing recommended.
Contact branch for relevant Energy Performance Certificate
Oops, something went wrong!
This site requires the use of Cookies to work correctly. It appears that your browser does not support Cookies, or that they have been turned off. Please check your security settings and allow cookies for this site, or obtain a new browser such as Firefox, Chrome or Internet Explorer.


text:
See The Change USA announced its 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status Wednesday, Feb. 26. See The Change USA is an organization based in Colorado Springs dedicated to providing age-appropriate physics courses to every middle school in the country.
Under Section 501(c)(3) of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code, all donations to See The Change USA are now fully tax-deductible retroactive to the company's founding Aug. 23, 2012. Also, the organization is now eligible to apply for government and foundation grants, which will expand the organization's resources and reach.
According to the 2012 results from the Programme for International Student Assessment, or PISA, the United States ranks 21st in science and 26th in mathematics out of 34 countries. See The Change USA believes the problem stems from a lack of exposure to technical sciences, particularly physics, at earlier ages.


text:
History Class to Study Post-World War Franceby Howard W. Hewitt • March 3, 2005 Share:
A Wabash History class will trek to France to look at modern France in the post-World War era.
Students will travel to Paris and see how France has been dedicated to remembering, preserving, or evoking the past. The historical sites will include WWI monuments and battlefields in Picardie, the Chateau of Versailles, the Louvre museum, Napoleon's Tomb, and other Paris sites.
The Wabash men will visit many other famous French landmarks including the Arc de Triomphe, Eiffel Tower, Champs Elysee, Musee D'Orsay and Notre Dame. Students will be able to identify why certain portions of France's past are currently less recognized - such as France's collaboration government in WWII and France's role in the Holocaust.
In addition, students will be expected to identify how the geographical landscape of Paris has changed and developed since 1850. Students prepared for the experience by reading and researching French history and upon return will have a great understanding of French culture and the country's past.
History professor Michelle Rhoades will lead the Immersion trip as part of History 330.


text:
From left:
Illini Central Principal Ed Jodlowski, Madison Genseal and Bob
Werner of 1st State Bank of Mason City
Madison Genseal is the December Student of the Month at Illini
Send a link to a friend
20, 2014]
MASON CITY — The 1st State Bank of Mason City
and Illini Central High School presented Madison Genseal with the
December Student of the Month award. For demonstrating outstanding
character, she received a Barnes & Noble gift card from 1st State
Bank and an iTunes gift card from the Illini Central High School
In addition, Madi kept busy with a number of extracurricular
activities. She was a member of Family, Career and Community
Leaders, Spanish Club, and National Honor Society. She was also
treasurer of FFA and captain of the volleyball team. In volleyball,
she was awarded first-team Tomahawk all-conference and second-team
Sangamo all-conference.
[to top of second column]
Outside of school, Madison has assisted several years with the
Mason City-to-Peoria St. Jude Run. She has helped with community
recycling, and she has headed up the Memorial Christmas Tree project
for FFA. She is a member of Mason City Christian Church.
Madison graduated at the end of the first semester and plans to
pursue a degree at Illinois State University, followed by a
certified physician's assistant program.
[Text from file received
Illini Central
High School]
Recent articles
Back to top


text:
Sato earns pole at Detroit Grand Prix
DETROIT (AP) — Takuma Sato has earned the pole position for Sunday's second race of the Detroit Grand Prix.
Sato's final lap in the second of two qualifying sessions knocked Helio Castroneves out of the top spot. Castroneves, who won the pole and finished fifth in Saturday's first race, will start third under the Indy Car series qualifying rules.
Canadian James Hinchcliffe, the fastest driver in the early qualifying session, will share the front row with Sato.
Will Power, who won Saturday's first race, will start eighth Sunday.
It was another short qualifying run for Indianapolis 500 champion Ryan Hunter-Reay, who crashed on his first qualifying lap and will start 21st. He had the same starting spot a day earlier and finished 16 after crashing on the last lap.


text:
Small Cells, Broadband Wi-Fi Promise Better Connections
For many of us, the biggest complaint about our mobile devices isn't about the speed of the connection, but about getting a connection at all. That's why I think perhaps the most important thing at Mobile World Congress was a big shift toward "small cells"—mobile phone connection sites that are much smaller than the big "macro cells" that have traditionally provided mobile phone service. Indeed, I often had trouble connecting at the show, so I found myself wishing the technology was already here.
The issue is a simple one: There's only so much spectrum, and the big cells can get swamped by too much traffic and by interference within buildings. The small cells provide one solution to this problem.
Andy Germano, vice chairman of the Small Cell Forum (formerly known as the Femto Forum), said more than four million of the really small "femto" cells will be installed this year—more than all the macro cells. He cited research from Informa Telecoms & Media that says that the total number of small cells, including femto cells and larger pico and micro cells (which are often installed by carriers), will grow from 3.2 million in 2012 to 62.4 million by 2016. This will involve such things as the roll-out of LTE femto cell service and new products that combine cell service with Wi-Fi.
Two years ago, all of the femto cells were in residential locations. Now, only about one-third are; the rest are deployed in enterprises, and in larger metropolitan and even rural installations.
The Small Cell Forum has been working on APIs for interoperability and making sure such cells can interconnect. The goal is to have cells that are self-organized and self-provisioned. One particular area of focus is Integrated Femto/Wi-Fi (IFW), which will allow the cells to wirelessly offload data onto Wi-Fi networks and then to the "backhaul" that connects such networks to the larger Internet, using SIM cards within the cell phones to allow security and seamless log-in.
A variety of other organizations are pursuing similar concepts. The Wireless Broadband Alliance (WBA), a group composed of the major carriers, is putting a big focus on public Wi-Fi, again as a way of taking data traffic off of the cellular network and moving it onto Wi-Fi networks instead. The organization is working on behind-the-scenes necessities, such as interoperability and roaming agreements. In particular, it has worked on a "Next Generation Hotspot," which would look just like traditional Wi-Fi except that you would use your cell phone SIM for a quick and secure connection. WBA CEO Shrikant Shenwai said initial equipment is in trials now and he expects such hotspots to start being deployed within the next year or so.
In a similar but different vein, Ali Sadri, Chairman of the WiGig Alliance, told me in Barcelona that he expects "nano cells" including Wireless Gigabit will allow for very fast wireless connections in places, such as convention centers. Each cell only covers a small amount of physical space so there is less congestion for each cell than the more traditional Wi-Fi connections. Certainly, it was always hard to get any sort of connection on the crowded floor of the Fira at Mobile World Congress and such an enhancement would be great.
The Wireless Gigabit technology has often been pitched as a method for better streaming multimedia content or as a way of creating wireless docking stations for thin machines, such as Ultrabooks. Sadri said the Wireless Gigabit technology was still at the "plugfest" state, but he expects such technology could be deployed by the end of 2013 or early 2014.
All this suggests that the networks we use to connect will undergo big changes in the next few years, with more small cells both inside and outside buildings and with carriers building much more extensive Wi-Fi networks. Already, AT&T is promoting its Wi-Fi service in metropolitan areas and Verizon has recently said it plans an aggressive roll-out of small cells. If that helps us get more reliable connections at a reasonable price, we'll all be happier.


text:
Choosing and using a lens for an SLR
Investing in a new lens can help you broaden the type of pictures you take
In a Nutshell
One of the great things about buying an SLR camera is that you can change the lens to suit the shot at hand. But it can be daunting to choose a few from the hundreds of different lenses on the market.
Lens categories are based on their focal length. The most common are wide-angle, telephoto, and macro. Wide-angle lenses are great for panoramic landscape shots. Telephoto lenses bring distant objects closer, but they're great for portraits, too. Macro lenses focus on objects that are very close.
Prime lenses have a fixed focal length. Zoom lenses have a range of focal lengths, so you can frame your shots wider or tighter without moving.
Read the full story to learn about aperture, image stabilization, and other features that can help you get the kinds of shots you're after. Whatever you do, make sure the lenses you're considering are compatible with your camera. Here are shortcuts to shop for Canon lenses, Sony lenses, and Nikon lenses.
Full Story
It started with the purchase of my first digital SLR camera. The kit came with one lens, which was fine and dandy for about two weeks. Then I decided to purchase another lens.
But where would I start? And what in the world did those lens descriptions mean?
It seemed there were infinite possibilities to choose from. And I needed to be sure that the lens I ended up with would work with my camera, and give me the type of pictures I wanted.
Choosing a lens can be a daunting task for all of the reasons mentioned above, so I pulled together some info from my own experiences, as well as those of other Crutchfield shutterbugs.
In this article, we'll help you decode "lens speak." We'll also explain popular types of lenses and the types of photography where they excel.
Deciphering lens lingo
Reading the name of a lens can seem a bit like translating a different language. But once you know what each part means, you'll find that the name gives you lots of essential information.
Here are a couple examples that we've broken down:
The name of a lens will give you a lot of important info about the series, focal length, maximum aperture and image stabilization.
Compatibility: brand, series, and sensor size
Of course, you want to make sure any lens you choose will fit and work properly with your camera. If you're buying a Nikon lens for a Nikon camera, that's a pretty good indicator that you're on the right track. However, if you're buying a third-party lens, you'll want to be sure the lens is intended for your brand of camera.
After confirming the lens will work with your brand of SLR, the next step is seeing if the lens is compatible with your particular camera's model or series.
Different series or lines of digital SLRs, even within the same brand, can use different lens mounts. If you choose a lens that's not intended for your series of camera, it may not work at all, or you may lose functionality, like the ability to autofocus. For example, if you have a Nikon digital SLR camera like the D3100, you'll want to be sure you choose a lens that's listed as AF-S or AF-S DX to ensure full compatibility. You can generally find this info in your camera's owner's manual if you're not sure.
Another thing to consider is the image sensor in your camera. There are basically two different sensor sizes:
- "full frame" sensors, which are the same size as one frame of 35mm film, like those in traditional film SLRs; these are generally in higher-end cameras
- smaller image sensors, like those found in most digital SLR cameras
You'll want to keep your camera's sensor size in mind when you select a lens, because mismatching can give you undesirable effects. For example, a small-frame lens (DX models for Nikon and EF-S for Canon) on a full-frame camera may not work at all, and if it does, it may only let you capture photos at a reduced resolution.
On the other hand, you can usually use a full-frame sensor lens on a small-sensor camera, but your focal length will be subject to "crop factor." That is, a full-frame lens (intended for a camera with a larger sensor) will project a larger image circle than your image sensor can capture, so it'll appear as if you've zoomed in slightly on your subject. For more information on this complex topic, see the discussion in our digital camera glossary.
There are two main types of image sensors: full frame sensors, which are the same size as one frame of 35mm film, and small frame sensors which are found on most digital SLRs.
Focal length
The next info you'll see in a lens description is the focal length. It'll either be a single number or a range of numbers. A single number indicates that you're looking at a lens with a fixed focal length, sometimes called a "prime" lens. You won't be able to zoom in or out from your subject — you'll have to move closer or further away to change your magnification. A range of numbers reflects the minimum and maximum focal lengths on a zoom lens, which allows you to get closer or further from your subject without physically moving.
Lenses can be grouped into a few different categories based on focal length. We'll touch on those we've seen most often: wide-angle, telephoto, and macro.
A wide-angle lens captures a wider view of a scene than the human eye can see, with a focal length or range that's generally less than 35mm. This lens can be great for outdoor shooting when you want to give a sense of the vast size of a location — a sweeping mountain range or a towering skyscraper. You'll find a wide-angle lens is also useful when trying to get a group shot of a lot of people in a little room.
It's worth noting that wide-angle lenses aren't an optimum choice for portraiture. They produce potentially unflattering people shots because they may make people's faces appear stretched out. We'll get into the optimum focal length for flattering portraits a little later in the article.
Here are a couple photos of the same subject, taken at different focal lengths. An abbey photographed with my 18-55mm lens at 55mm (above) and then with my 55-200mm lens at 185mm (below).
A telephoto lens allows you to zoom in on or magnify subjects that are far away. These can be fixed focal length or zoom lenses. The zoom lenses allow you to select the magnification that's right for your subject or scene. You can adjust the focal length to capture candid photos of a birthday party in your yard or focus in on a single child. The higher the maximum focal length, the further away you'll be able to see.
A macro lens lets you get really close to your subject — most of the time mere inches away — but still get crisp and clear photos. It's designed for taking close-ups of flowers and other subjects where you'll really want to show the texture. Macro lenses usually come in fixed focal lengths, and can also be a great choice for shooting portraits or even everyday photography.
A macro lens is helpful for getting extreme close-ups that expose the details of your subject.
Aperture describes the size of the opening in a lens that determines the amount of light let into the camera, and it affects a number of different aspects of photography. It's measured in "f-stops." A higher f-stop number corresponds to a smaller opening, which admits less light. SLR lenses will typically show a single maximum f-stop like f/1.8 or a range of maximum f-stops like f/3.5-5.6. You'll commonly see a range of maximum apertures when you're looking at a zoom lens with a range of focal lengths, while prime lenses will have only one maximum f-stop number.
A lens at minimum aperture (left) lets in only a small amount of light, while a lens at maximum aperture (right) lets in the maximum amount of light possible.
Some lenses are described as being "fast." This relates directly to aperture — a lens with a large maximum aperture (indicated by a lower f-stop number) lets more light into the camera. By letting more light into the camera, you can shoot with faster shutter speeds in settings with less light, and your photos will still be properly exposed.
Faster shutter speeds help you "freeze" images of moving subjects more effectively. This makes a fast lens ideal for shooting indoor sports, a toddler's birthday party, and other events that feature rapidly moving action. Keep in mind, however, that fast lenses use larger, more costly glass elements that can result in added size, weight, and a higher price tag.
Shot at f/2.8
The aperture setting also affects how much of your photo is in focus, also known as depth of field. For example, only the bike is in focus in the image above (taken at f/2.8), while both the bike and the background are in focus in the image below (taken at f/22). Lenses with a large maximum aperture give you more control over depth of field, an important aspect of creative photography.
Shot at f/22
You may also see lenses where either the number of aperture blades or the shape of the aperture blades is described. The aperture opening is created by a series of blades that form a circular hole that lets light pass into the camera. The blades contract and expand to form smaller and larger holes, respectively.
The closer the shape of the hole is to a perfect circle, the better the resulting photos. Because of this, you may see manufacturers increase the number of aperture blades or use curved aperture blades on some high-quality lenses.
Image stabilization
If your camera doesn't have built-in image stabilization, you may want to invest in a lens that has its own image stabilization. You'll see this in the lens description with an IS or VR (indicating "image stabilization" or "vibration reduction," respectively). Image stabilization can be particularly important for telephoto lenses where handshake is magnified as you zoom in on a subject.
Describing the internal components of a lens
You may see information about the makeup of the lens itself — the number of lens elements, the shape of the lens elements, or the type of glass used in those elements. These build features can affect the overall quality of the image, so if you want to shoot extremely crisp, accurate, professional-quality photos, it's good to pay attention to them.
For example, you may see a lens that has aspherical lens elements. The aspherical shape allows the lens elements to be smaller, which also allows the overall lens to be smaller and lighter. It also results in photos where the focus is crystal clear across the entire field of the lens — from one edge to the other edge.
Low-dispersion glass is another indicator of quality. It minimizes "color fringing," where you may see different bands of color on the edge of subjects.
Other considerations when choosing a lens
Pay attention to the size and weight of the lens. While it may not be a deal-breaker if the lens you end up with is big and bulky, it'll influence the bag you choose to cart it around. And it'll certainly affect whether or not it becomes a lens you take on long hiking trips where backpack space is limited.
If your lens weighs more than your camera body, as is sometimes the case, you may end up attaching the tripod to the lens to keep the weight distribution balanced. Most heavier lenses come with a tripod ring, making it easy to secure the lens directly to the tripod.
Common shooting scenarios and the types of lenses we'd use
Below, we've outlined a few common shooting scenes and the lenses that we'd use in these scenarios. Remember to keep in mind that a variety of lenses could work in many situations, but these would be our ideal choices.
All-in-one for travel
If we are traveling and don't want to carry a heavy bag around with us, we'll probably choose a zoom lens that ranges from wide-angle (18-20mm) to telephoto (200-300mm). That'll give us the opportunity to shoot wide environmental shots as well as close-ups of distant objects without having to change lenses. Switching lenses in the field can be nerve-wracking as one tries to keep dust and dirt out of two different lenses as well as the camera body.
The most flattering focal range for portrait photography generally falls between 80 and 150mm, remembering to account for crop factor. For an artistically blurred background, choose a lens with a large maximum aperture, like a macro lens.
Landscapes and expansive outdoor shots
If we are trying to capture sweeping environmental shots, like a tropical beach, a monstrous skyscraper, or a snow-capped mountain range, we'll probably go with a wide-angle zoom lens. That way, we can frame the scene and record the scope of our subject.
For these types of shots, a UV filter will minimize haziness and glare, while a polarizing filter will increase contrast between colors. We'll cover filters in more detail later on in this article.
Nature photography
If we were shooting nature photography, we'd want a telephoto lens that would let us zoom in on distant wildlife. But we'd also want a lens with short minimum focal distance so we could snap macro shots right next to plant life.
Indoor photos
There's typically less light when shooting indoors, so we'd look for a lens with a large maximum aperture. That'd let us use a faster shutter speed and still get properly exposed photos. Here, a wide-angle lens will give you the ability to capture the entirety of a room and all the people within it whereas a lens with a higher focal length gives you better photographs of individuals.
Ideal for action
For action, we'd want a lens with telephoto capability, so we can get close to the action, even when it's occurring across the field. And ideally, a large maximum aperture combined with a tripod will let us really freeze the action of any sporting event.
Lens storage and care
A good camera bag will protect your camera bodies and extra lenses while keeping them accessible
Once you purchase a lens, you'll want to keep it at its best. And a good way to do that is to protect the lens while it's not in use. Keep it in a camera bag when it's not attached to your camera.
You can also invest in lens clothes and brushes to gently remove dust and minor debris from the front of the lens without scratching or otherwise damaging the glass.
It seems pretty obvious to keep the lens cap on the lens when it's not in use, but we know from experience that lens caps are really easy to misplace or lose all together. So here's one tip that we've used with success: purchase a little bit of Velcro® from a craft store, then attach one side of the Velcro to the outside of the lens cap, and the other side to the your camera body or the outside of a frequently used camera bag. This will give you a handy place to store your lens cap when you're shooting photos.
Expand your photography potential with filters and other extras
Filters offer protection for your lens and can give you a variety of photographic effects.
Filters, first and foremost, offer protection for the expensive glass lens. Some filters also add a variety of effects to your photographs.
While some effects can be reproduced using photo editing software, it's helpful to have the filter in the field with you so you can adjust your scene and filter to get the desired effect.
There are quite a few different types of filters. We'll give a brief overview of the most popular filters and what they'll do for your photographs.
A clear filter protects your lens from minor bumps and scratches. In fact, you can purchase a clear filter and keep it on a lens the entire time you use it. It won't protect your lens against major bumps or falls, but it's much less expensive to replace a filter that swings into the wall than to replace a lens. Because these filters are perfectly clear, they offer no optical effects.
UV and haze reduction
A UV filter absorbs UV light as you snap a picture and gives photos a gentle warming effect. A UV and haze filter also minimizes the haze that settles in the distance of landscape photos. One of these filters can help you capture crystal clear panoramic photographs.
A polarizing filter is a good choice for outdoor photography — you'll get photos with increased contrast between blue skies and white clouds.
A polarizing filter is used in outdoor photography. It reduces reflections on non-metallic surfaces like water, ice, and glass. And it increases the contrast between colors, which makes backdrops seem to pop, like a bright blue sky with white clouds. A circular polarizing filter features an adjustable ring. Adjust the ring as you look through the viewfinder, then snap a photo when the sky looks like it's at its bluest point.
Lens hoods
These prevent sunlight from creating "flare" — streaks of light that appear in your pictures — and are sometimes included with lenses. Light at errant angles, especially from the side, can creep into photos and create flare by reflecting across the surface of the lens. Hoods minimize this effect by blocking light from sides of the lens, so your photos are only exposed with the light you want.
Best Sellers in DSLR Lenses
Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM
Medium telephoto prime lens for Canon EOS SLR cameras
Canon EF-S 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6 IS STM
Wide-angle zoom lens for APS-C sensor Canon EOS SLR cameras
Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L USM
L Series telephoto zoom lens for Canon EOS SLR cameras
Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM
Macro prime lens for Canon EOS SLR cameras
Nikon AF-S Fisheye Nikkor 8-15mm f/3.5-4.5E ED
Ultra-wide-angle zoom lens for Nikon DSLR cameras
Nikon AF-S Nikkor 105mm f/1.4E ED
Medium telephoto prime lens for Nikon SLR cameras
Nikon AF-S Nikkor 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR
Telephoto zoom lens for Nikon SLR cameras
Byron from ArthurPosted on 11/18/2018
If you were to choose between a Canon 100-400mm f/4 mk I and a Sigma 150-600mm f/5.6 contemporary which would you go with?Deia Z. from Crutchfield on 11/21/2018Hi Byron, I think the answer would depend on what kind of photography you're into. If you do a lot of sports and wildlife shooting in good light, the Sigma's 600mm maximum focal length would come in very handy. If you're looking for more of an all-purpose telephoto, I'd go with the Canon. I hope that helps. Feel free to get in touch if we can be of further assistance.
carol from saugusPosted on 9/13/2018
Great article. The information will be very useful on my National Parks trip!div>
Bob Macey from TurnersvillePosted on 9/3/2018
I'm a 66 yo man, who has been reading as much as I can on how to start my photography avocation, and this article is one of the best I've read.div>
Ree from Denham springsPosted on 7/24/2018
Excellent article for the beginner photographer! But I am still needing suggestions for what type of lens to use on my Canon 300 DSLR for indoor sports photos that has a range of distances.Deia Z. from Crutchfield on 7/25/2018Hi Ree. For indoor sports shooting with a Canon DSLR, I recommend one of Canon's 70-200mm f/2.8 telephoto zoom lenses. The wide f/2.8 aperture is great for indoor shooting and low light. I hope that helps. Feel free to get back in touch if we can be of further assistance.
Peter M from Seattle, WAPosted on 1/15/2018
I like the concept of this article overall but want to suggest one useful addition: a discussion of consumer grade versus professional glass. There is a huge jump in price between those and while I love my L-series lenses, not everybody needs to spend all that money to be very happy. Most beginners would not be happy with pro glass mostly because of its weight. Moreover, most pro zooms have a smaller zoom range than consumer lenses, which usually adds another heavy lens in my travel bag. I bet a beginner would appreciate the price vs quality vs weight comparison in addition to this pretty nice discussion.div>
G. Rutkowski from Fairmont, MNPosted on 12/18/2017
Excellent introduction to DSLR lenses. However, be wise to ignore Shaun, above. There's a troll in every group these days!!div>
Manish Rajan from IndiaPunjab,FaridkotPosted on 10/5/2017
That's fabulously defined topic on dslr lenses. I have read many articles on dslr and their lenses types but this one is outstanding. Good job done Tara.div>
Shaun from New BrunswickPosted on 8/6/2017
So sad....I thought this would be an article describing zoom lenses et al in general. But, as usual the article panders to Canon, Nikon, and.....Sony? Geez what about Pentax?div>
Trish from Marion, ARPosted on 12/7/2016
So very informative. I have pinned it for future reference again and again. Thank you for sharing!div>
Kelly from AshevillePosted on 5/5/2016
Absolutely a great Guide! Thank you so much! You have made this an easy and very informative piece.div>
Caira from batesvillePosted on 4/2/2016
This was a great article! Thanks so much!div>
D U Amarasinghe from colomboPosted on 3/3/2016
Very compact and impressed article. Thanksdiv>
Kristi Scottaline from CharlestonPosted on 2/11/2016
Amazing. Thank you for clarifying so much! Very well explained.div>
marybeth from pittsburghPosted on 1/27/2016
thank you very much, most helpfuldiv>
Shayla from indiana, paPosted on 1/20/2016
One of the best that I've read so far that is easy to learn from. Lots of information I will be taking from this :) thank you!!div>
MaggiePosted on 12/8/2015
Fantastic read! I have my heart set on a prime lens as my next purchase. I needed validation that I was making the right choice. This post cleared it up for me. Thank you so very much!div>
Vicky from BelgiumPosted on 9/18/2015
This was very clear information, thank you. Do you have any tips on troubleshooting lens issues? I have a 18-55 AF zoom lens, but the manual zooming isn't smooth anymore (after my boyfriend dropped it, ouch!). The lens turns one way (from 18 -> 55) without issue, but turning back from 55 -> 18 is very rigid, as if something is blocking it.div>
David Delgado from San Juan,PRPosted on 8/29/2015
Exelent article. Help me so much.div>
Rich from ValenciaPosted on 5/6/2015
An excellent masterclass. Thank you for the time it took to write and post this. I feel I am learning more eachntime I take out my canon70d and it is partly because posts like the above. Beats trial and error all the time. I look forward to reading more on cokin and third party lens for canon... Regards.div>


text:
Learn SAP SD from MNP Training Bangalore
MNP Training Bangalore is a leading Training Instituted located in Marathahalli, Bangalore Providing Quality and Placement Oriented SAP SD Training in Bangalore with Realtime Trainers having minimum of 5+ years of Experience in SAP SD Domain. We recruit only working Professionals with hands on realtime SAP SD Projects Expertise, which helps our students to get industry ready and get placed in MNC's after successful completion of the course.
We at MNP Training Bangalore have designed the Course Material for SAP SD Training as per the latest trends in Market to have an upper hand compared to other training institutes and get placed in major MNC companies within a very short span of time after course completion and we provide placement assistance through our Tie-Ups with Placement Partners as soon as you complete the SAP SD training course. We have framed our syllabus to match from beginner to advanced level of Students.
Our SAP SD Training Labs at our Training centre in Marathahalli, Bangalore is fully equipped with latest infrastructure and we provide complete Course Materials, Assist in Installing Softwares required for SAP SD Training so that you can practice and excel from anywhere and be up to date with your Instructors. Our Trainers can help you in any queries and provide you with real time projects to get an Real time Working atmosphere and Excel in SAP SD Training. We have successfully trained and provided placement for many of our SAP SD Trainees.
MNP Training Bangalore provides classroom, Corporate and Online Training in SAP SD with very economical course fee, we provide regular training classes, Morning Batches, Evening Batches, weekend training classes and fast track training classes.
Contact or Visit us today and get enrolled for a free Demo Class on SAP SD Training with our Expert Real-time Trainers to kick start your career.
Related Modules in SAP Training you would be interested
- SAP ABAP Training
- SAP BASIS Training
- SAP BI Training
- SAP BO Training
- SAP BODS Training
- SAP BW Training
- SAP CRM Training
- SAP EWM Training
- SAP FICO Training
- SAP Fiori Training
- SAP HANA Training
- SAP HCM Training
- SAP HR Training
- SAP MM Training
- SAP QM Training
- SAP Simple Finance Training
- SAP UI5 Training
- SAP Web Dynpro ABAP Training
- SAP WM Training
- SAP Workflow Training
We Cover the following Topics in SAP SD Training
MNP Training Bangalore
4.9 out of 5 based on 78 ratings.
4.9 out of 5 based on 78 ratings.


text:
In order to save on your dentist in Fort Wayne, you need to travel abroad. You will need to compare prices and calculate your general costs:
|Dentist prices
|Fort Wayne
|You save
|2 dental implants
|Fort Wayne –4400 $
|Hungary –1210 $
|You save –3190 $
|2 dental crowns
|Fort Wayne –1500 $
|Hungary –660 $
|You save –840 $
|2 dental implant abutments
|Fort Wayne –968 $
|Hungary –264 $
|You save –704 $
|Total costs:
|Fort Wayne –6868 $
|Hungary –2134 $
|You save –4734 $
Flight costs between Fort Wayne, Indiana and Budapest, Hungary: 1015 $
Price is for return trip and can change depending on the occupation, season and time of booking. The transfer from the airport in Budapest and the hotel/clinic is free!
Our partner hotels cost:
Apartment: from 40 $
3*: from 49 $
4*: from 77 $
5*: from 122 $
The indicated hotel prices are average prices of our partner hotels and can change according to season.
If you're not looking for a dentist in the area of Fort Wayne, go
back to the list of Indiana
and select your city and use the dental cost calculator on that page.
SGS dental implant
Dental crown, metal-ceramic
Dental crown, zirconium (full-ceramic)
Dental implants abutment (number of dental implants)
Minilift bone augmentation/tooth region
Temporary dental crown (number of dental implants)
If you would like to learn more about the prices, then visit our costs pages:


text:
University of Miss,
March 2
My Dear Mother,)
I intended to write to you last Saturday, but as Howard was going up, I did not think it worth while, as he would tell you all the news. He told me he saw you and Pa both Sunday and that you were well I was very glad to hear it. I am very well, and have been ever since I came back. Mr. Mc Mahon took possession of the new Halls last Tuesday. I still continue to board with him, he has a very good table. Tell Pa I have taken nearly all the pills, and that I wish him to send me some more, that I think


text:
Herkimer County Veterans Memorial Park
Located at the north end of the Herkimer College campus at the entrance to Wehrum Stadium, the Herkimer County Veterans Memorial Park honors the men and women of our county who have served their country honorably in the armed forces.
Featuring a black granite wall engraved with the names of more than 650 veterans, the park stands as a reminder of the sacrifices and dedication of Herkimer County veterans and their families and the price of the freedoms we as Americans enjoy.
To visit the Veterans Memorial Park, see its location on the campus map.
View the list of veterans whose names are included at the memorial.
For more information, contact Richard Louis, Director of the Herkimer County Veterans' Service Agency, at 315-867-1127 or email@example.com.


text:
Double Fine Adventure
The Kickstarter pledge period has ended, but the real fun is just beginning. Visit http://www.doublefine.com/dfa for the most current info about progress on Double Fine Adventure. And if you missed out on the Kickstarter, fear not. It's never too late for adventure! Just head over here to join the party: http://www.doublefine.com/dfapay
UPDATE 5: It's going to be difficult, but please do not continuously refresh the Kickstarter page in these final hours. Instead, join us on Ustream as we broadcast from our offices! Here's a link: http://www.ustream.tv/channel/double-fine-adventure.
And here's a video we put together for folks outside the US that are having difficulty backing the project:
UPDATE 4: Only four more days to get in on the fun!! A new update has been posted, and with that we've announced a new reward, our DF Adventure Backer T-shirts! Check them out:
And here's the full update video:
UPDATE 3: Check out the update tab for a message from 2 Player Productions! They've announced that Terrance Lee will be handling the documentary soundtrack and that Tim will be doing an "Ask me Anything" on Reddit this Sunday at 1PM PST (LINK!) to answer any questions you have. Oh, they also posted this blooper reel:
UPDATE 2: We've added new rewards! Specifically a digital soundtrack of the documentary, a special edition boxed copy of the game and documentary, and The Double Fine Adventure Book. Check the update tab for more info!
UPDATE 1: Proud to announce we're going to be developing for PC, Mac, Linux, iOS, and Android! In addition to Steam codes, we will also be offering DRM free versions. And for all our lovely friends overseas, we'll be localizing the text in French, Italian, German, and Spanish. Thanks for the support!
We did it! 100% funded in just over eight hours. You people are amazing! But it's not over yet. The number keeps going up and now the question is just how much news do we want to make with this? We're getting a lot of attention already and it seems like this little project could have an impact beyond itself.
All money raised will go to make the game and documentary better. Additional money means it can appear on more platforms, be translated into more languages, have more music and voice, and an original soundtrack for the documentary, and more! We're still working to figure out exactly what we can offer, but we'll post more information as soon as possible.
Your backing and comments have been truly inspiring to me and the team, so on behalf of Double Fine and 2 Player Productions I want to say THANK YOU!!!
I can't wait to see where this thing can go!
Welcome to the Adventure
The world of video game design is a mysterious one. What really happens behind the closed doors of a development studio is often unknown, unappreciated, or misunderstood. And the bigger the studio, the more tightly shut its door tends to be. With this project, we're taking that door off its hinges and inviting you into the world of Double Fine Productions, the first major studio to fully finance their next game with a Kickstarter campaign and develop it in the public eye.
Double Fine Productions
Founded in 2000 by industry veteran Tim Schafer (Day of the Tentacle, Full Throttle, Grim Fandango), the San Francisco-based company has established itself as a unique creative force with critically-acclaimed titles such as Psychonauts, Brutal Legend, Costume Quest, Stacking, Iron Brigade, Once Upon a Monster, and Double Fine Happy Action Theater. This year, you'll be given a front-row seat as they revisit Tim's design roots and create a brand-new, downloadable "Point-and-Click" graphic adventure game for the modern age.
Why Kickstarter?
Double Fine's XBLA/PSN/PC title "Stacking"
Big games cost big money. Even something as "simple" as an Xbox LIVE Arcade title can cost upwards of two or three million dollars. For disc-based games, it can be over ten times that amount. To finance the production, promotion, and distribution of these massive undertakings, companies like Double Fine have to rely on external sources like publishers, investment firms, or loans. And while they fulfill an important role in the process, their involvement also comes with significant strings attached that can pull the game in the wrong directions or even cancel its production altogether. Thankfully, viable alternatives have emerged and gained momentum in recent years.
Crowd-sourced fundraising sites like Kickstarter have been an incredible boon to the independent development community. They democratize the process by allowing consumers to support the games they want to see developed and give the developers the freedom to experiment, take risks, and design without anyone else compromising their vision. It's the kind of creative luxury that most major, established studios simply can't afford. At least, not until now.
Tim negotiates publishing rights
Keeping the scale of the project this small accomplishes two things. First and foremost, Double Fine gets to make the game they want to make, promote it in whatever manner they deem appropriate, and release the finished product on their own terms. Secondly, since they're only accountable to themselves, there's an unprecedented opportunity to show the public what game development of this caliber looks like from the inside. Not the sanitized commercials-posing-as-interviews that marketing teams only value for their ability to boost sales, but an honest, in-depth insight into a modern art form that will both entertain and educate gamers and non-gamers alike.
About the ProjectOver a six-to-eight month period, a small team under Tim Schafer's supervision will develop Double Fine's next game, a classic point-and-click adventure. Where it goes from there will unfold in real time for all the backers to see.
Tim's Project Lead debut, point-and-click classic "Day of the Tentacle" (1993)2 Player Productions will be documenting the creative process and releasing monthly video updates exclusively to the Kickstarter backers. This documentary series will strive to make the viewer as much a part of the process as possible by showing a game grow from start to finish, with all the passion, humor, and heartbreak that happens along the way. Double Fine is committed to total transparency with this project, ensuring it is one of the most honest depictions of game development ever conceived.
There will be a private online community set up for the backers to discuss the project with the devs and submit their thoughts and feelings about the game's content and direction, sometimes even voting on decisions when the dev team can't decide. Backers will also have access to help test the game once a beta is available. Once the game is finished, backers will receive the completed version in the available format of their choice.
For fans of adventure games, this is a chance to prove that there is still a large demand out there for a unique medium that inspired so many of us.
RewardsThis whole experience is being offered for the flat backer contribution of $15. We believe that beyond the reward of receiving the finished game, the ability to be a participant in the project makes this a unique opportunity.
For anyone who wants to contribute above and beyond the call, we have a selection of premium rewards ranging from a download of the full documentary series in splendid 1080p HD video with bonus footage, to unique posters, original concept art, and even a mini painting of yourself done by the game's artist!
For those of you who want to be really special, check out www.doublefine.com for details on super premium high level rewards!
ClosingFor anyone interested in the inner workings of the game industry, either professionally or as a fan, this project will be a landmark in exploring the art of development. For people that just love great games, this is an opportunity to help bring one to fruition.
- Exploding Kittens Is the Most-Backed Project of All Time
- Games You Can Play: Wasteland 2 Backers' Picks
- Some Cool Stats on the Coolest Cooler
- The History of #1 UPDATED
- Potato Salad: By the Numbers
- Meet a Backer: Espen Arntzen, Most Arctic
- Over $100 Million Pledged to Games
- The Year of the Game
- Ouya's Big Day
- Amanda's Million
- The History of #1
- Projects in the News
- Blockbuster Effects
- This Week in Kickstarter
- Projects in the News
- This Week in Kickstarter
- Double Fine Day
- This Week in Kickstarter
- This Week in Kickstarter
- Guest Post: Martha Shane on Kickstarting Without a Niche (or a Phone Dock)
- Projects in the News
- 24 Hours
Funding period
- (33 days)


text:
A public tour focused specifically on current special exhibitions is available at 2 pm on the first Saturday of each month. This tour does not require prior arrangements and begins in the Museum lobby.
Francis Alÿs
Rehearsal 1 (El ensayo), 1999-2001
Video Installation
29 minutes 25 seconds
In collaboration with Rafael Ortega Gift of The Speyer Family Foundation, Kathy and Richard S. Fuld, Jr., Marie-Josée and Henry R. Kravis, Patricia Phelps de Cisneros, Anna Marie and Robert F. Shapiro, The Julia Stoschek Foundation, Düsseldorf, and Committee on Media Funds.
© 2013 Francis Alÿs
Image copyright: Courtesy of the artist and The Museum of Modern Art, New York


text:
Monday, January 17, 2011
Tropical Island coconut cake
Its been awhile since my last post, getting back into the swing of things after the holidays has been a bit of a struggle. We are starting the renovations to our home this week including the kitchen. I am not sure what to expect as I have never done anything like this before. I am assuming that my kitchen will have limited use for the next few months. Perhaps a few more raw recipes :P
Edward and Sons sent me another box of goodies to try out, including a bag of organic coconut flour. I have never worked with it before, so I was sort of unsure of how to use it. When I opened the bag I got lost in the sweet smell of coconut. The flour has a course powdery texture. It is also gluten free but because my family and I are not sensitive to gluten I cut it with all purpose flour. They also sent me organic coconut flakes, which are crazy good! I toasted them a little for the topping and "glued" them on with this coconut spread I picked up in Quebec. Spread some blueberry jam in the middle and made a quick blueberry sauce and put it all together to get this....
Coconut Cake Recipe
2 cups flour
3/4 cup Coconut flour
1 cup sugar
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp sea salt
1/3 cup canola oil
1 tsp vanilla
1 1/4 cup soy milk
Combine all the ingredients in a bowl. Mix well.
Pour into a greased pan ( I used a round 8)
Bake at 350 for 45 minutes or until the knife comes out clean.
4 comments:
mmm, that's a nice-looking cake! i'd LOVE a slice right now!=)ReplyDelete
That cake looks so delicious! The ingredients list and directions are so simple and that is a huge plus! Looking forward to you putting up some raw food recipes. I have a friend who has started on a raw food diet and to be sympathetic to her new dietary needs I would love to be able to have some items for her to snack on when she comes over to my house.ReplyDelete
Wow, that is a beautiful cake. Looks yummy too!ReplyDelete
- AnonymousJanuary 19, 2011 at 3:47 PM
I still have some leftover coconut flour in the pantry that I should use up. Clearly, this would be the best recipe for that purpose. What a wonderful cake!ReplyDelete
Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)