Part 1.
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Category: General
Flip Video Ultra Series Camcorder
With dimensions of 4.17 x 2.16 x 1.25 inches, the Flip Video Ultra Series
Camcorder is perhaps the most compact video recorder ever conceived. With the
ability to record one hour of footage by simply using the on/off button, this
new gadget has become a rave among consumers.
The Flip Video features include:
* Simple to use, pocket-sized camcorder with one-touch recording and digital
zoom
* Holds 60 minutes of full VGA-quality video on 2GB of built-in memory; no
tapes or additional memory cards required
* Convenient USB arm plugs directly into your computer for easy viewing and
sharing
* Built-in software lets you easily e-mail videos, upload to YouTube and AOL,
and capture still photos from video
* Watch videos instantly on TV with included cable
* Screen size: 1.5 inches (diagonal)
* Screen resolution: 528 x 132 pixels
* Screen type: Transflective TFT (for bright daylight)
* Resolution: 640 x 480
* Low-light sensitivity: Very high sensitivity (>2.0V/lux-sec)
* Video compression: Pure Digital Video Engine 2.0
* Frame rate: 30 frames per second (constant)
* Video format: Advanced Profile MPEG4 AVI
* Auto White Balance and autoexposure: Auto-adaptive white/black balance and
exposure (Next generation–improving color fidelity, exposure control, and
dynamic range)
* Lens type: Fixed focus (0.8 meters to infinity)
* Zoom: Smooth multi-step 2x digital
* Interface: 8 buttons (Power, Play, Delete, Record, and 4-way navigation)
* Time from power-up to record: Less than 3 seconds
* Clip length: Minimum of 1 second, maximum of 60
minutes
* Power Saver (auto shut-down): Yes
* Delete All function: Yes
* Play All function: Yes
* Set date/time function: Yes
* Dimensions (H x W x D): 4.17 x 2.16 x 1.25 inches
* PC connection: Built-in flip-out USB arm (up to USB 2.0 speed)
* Speaker: Built-in speaker
* Microphone: Built-in wide range microphone (improved sensitivity and
accuracy)
* TV out: NTSC (cable included)
* DVD processing: Pure Digital DVD processing (nationwide retail service)
* Supported battery types: 2 x AA batteries (1.5-volt AA alkaline, Energizer e2
Lithium, 1.2-volt NiMH rechargeable)
* Battery life: Improved battery life: up to 2.5 hours with 2 x AA Alkaline
batteries; up to 6.5 hours with 2 x AA Energizer e2 batteries; battery life may
vary between batteries and use pattern
* Tripod mount: Yes
* Supported operating systems: Windows XP, Windows Vista, Mac OSX
* Minimum system requirements (Windows): Intel Pentium 4 2.0 GHz computer with
at least 512MB of RAM, Windows XP SP2 or Windows Vista, SVGA display monitor
(1024 x 768) and video card, Windows Media Player 9.0, Microsoft DirectX 9.0
* Minimum system requirements (Mac OSX): PowerPC G4 1.0 GHz, Intel Core with at
least 512 MB of RAM, Mac OS X 10.3.9, SVGA display (1024 x 768) monitor and
video card, QuickTime 7 or later
* Auto start: Windows: yes; Mac OSX: no
* Online sharing (may require download of latest version of Flip Video
software): Unlimited private sharing; video greeting cards; upload to YouTube
(public and private); upload to AOL Video (public and private); prepare for web
publishing (any other site)
* Video editing: Video truncation (set start/end points); compose a new Movie
Mix (including 6 movie styles)
* Snap still photo from video: Yes (VGA still photo)
* File management: Play, Copy/Move, Delete, Rename, Archive on PC
* Software update: Check for updates online (automatic and on demand)
* What’s in the box: Flip Video Ultra 30-minute camcorder, carrying pouch,
wrist strap, video out cable
Easy to use, the Flip Video Camcorder has a start/stop red button for easy
filming; let’s you know how much time you have to record; has a zoom in/zoom
out below the red button, and has a built-in microphone for commentary. The
playback feature only requires one button as well.
The best feature of the Flip Video is that you can connect the Flip to your PC
via a USB port, which is available on the camcorder, and upload videos for
future viewing. The Flip Video Software is included and is easy to install.
While you may think this camcorder is expensive due to its many features, it
currently sells at approximately $139.00. Consumers who have purchased this
video camcorder have touted the Flip as one that is easy it is to
use, offers quality video, and is so compact it can fit in one’s pocket. Available in
black and white, the Flip Video Ultra Series Camcorder has become the most
popular video camera to date.
Canon PowerShot SD1000 Digital Elph Camera
The Canon PowerShot SD1000 Digital Elph camera has been touted for its
contemporary design and versatility. Unlike other digital cameras with smaller
LCD displays, the Canon PowerShot offers a wide range of features including its
“face detection” capability to ensure exquisite results.
Other aspects of this camera that consumers are raving about are the compact
design, ease of use, and video components. In fact, if you are an eBay seller
the Canon PowerShot digital camera affords you the opportunity to display
pictures that are clear and crisp. Providing pictures with the utmost clarity
can make all the difference when selling items on eBay.
The Canon PowerShot SD1000 offers the following features:
* 7.1-megapixel CCD captures enough detail for photo-quality 15 x 20-inch
prints
* DIGIC III Image Processor; Face Detection Technology and Red-eye Correction
* Vivid, high-resolution 2.5-inch PureColor LCD
* 17 Shooting modes, including 8 Special Scene modes
* ISO 1600 and High ISO Auto settings
* Type of camera: Compact digital still camera with built-in flash, 3x
optical/4x digital zooms
* Digital zoom: 4x
* Focusing range: Normal: 1.0 feet/30 centimeters to infinity; macro: 1.2
inches to 1.6 feet/3 to 50 centimeters (wide), 1.0 to 1.6 feet/30 to 50
centimeters (telephoto); digital macro: 1.2 to 3.9 inches/3 to 10 centimeters
(wide)
* Autofocus system: TTL autofocus
* Viewfinder: Real-image optical zoom viewfinder
* LCD monitor: 2.5-inch low-temperature
polycrystalline silicon TFT color LCD
brightness adjustment: 15 levels
* LCD pixels: Approximately 230,000 pixels
* White Balance control: Auto, Preset (Daylight, Cloudy, Tungsten, Fluorescent,
Fluorescent H), Custom
* Built-in flash: Auto, Auto w/ Red-eye Reduction, Auto w/ Slow Synchro, Flash
On, Flash On w/ Red-eye Reduction, Flash On w/ Slow Synchro, Flash Off
* Shooting modes: Auto, Camera M, Portrait, Special Scene (Foliage, Snow,
Beach, Fireworks, Aquarium, Underwater, Indoor, Kids and Pets), Night Snapshot,
Color Accent, Color Swap, Digital Macro, Stitch Assist, Movie
* Continuous shooting: Approximately 1.7 frames per second (fps)
* Storage media: SD memory card, SDHC memory card, MultiMediaCard
* JPEG compression mode: Still image: Exif 2.2 (JPEG); movie: AVI (image:
Motion JPEG; audio: WAVE (monaural))
* Playback modes File: Still image: Single, Magnification (approximately 2x to
10x), Jump, Auto Rotate, Rotate, Resume, My Category, Histogram, Index (9
thumbnails), Sound Memos, Sound Recorder, Slide Show, Red-eye Correction; Movie:
Normal Playback, Special Playback, Auto Rotate, Resume
* Video out: NTSC/PAL
* Power source: 1. rechargeable lithium battery NB-4L; 2. AC adapter kit
ACK-DC10
* What’s in the box: Canon PowerShot SD1000 digital camera, lithium battery
pack NB-4L, battery charger CB-2LV, SD memory card SDC-32M, wrist strap WS-DC2,
Digital Camera Solution CD-ROM, USB interface cable IFC-400PCU, AV cable
AVC-DC300
* Compatible with Windows Vista
In addition, taking videos on the Canon PowerShot allows you to utilize three
different resolutions which can also be edited and you can add your own
commentary as well. Or, if you prefer, you can create a slide show for family
and friends. With June just around the corner, the Canon PowerShot is perfect
for graduation ceremonies, weddings, and for just about any occasion.
Pictures are worth a thousand words. It’s no wonder that consumers have
touted the Canon PowerShot as the best digital camera available to date.
Belkin USB 7 Port Hub
If you own a computer which is more than two years old, you may find that the
PC only has four USB ports. The Belkin USB 7 port hub is a wonderful device that
gives you additional ports without having to overload your PC with numerous
cables.
For example, two years ago Windows XP was replaced with the Windows Vista
operating system. Depending upon the type of PC you purchased, it may have up
to six ports. This is standard in older computers. However, let’s assume you
wanted to add a camera, scanner, upload pictures with a digital camera
(which requires a USB port), or other peripherals – and you’ve run out of USB
ports. Having a Belkin port hub is ideal since it is compact and is attached to
one port on the back of your PC. All peripherals are then connected to each
port on the hub.
Newer computers have ports on the front of the PC as well as the ones in back.
Rather than 7 different cables running from the back and front of the PC to your
power surge outlet, the Belkin gives you the flexibility to use it as the sole
hub for all peripherals including your printer, mouse, keyboard, external hard
drive, or iPod. Plug the Belkin cable into one of the PC ports and connect each
USB cable into the hub.
The features of the Belkin USB 7 Port Hub include:
* Adds connections for up to 7 USB devices to your computer
* Features 2 top-load USB ports for quick access
* Includes an internal weight and stay-put pads to keep Hub anchored to
the desk
* Requires no external power supply (for most devices)
* Prevents damage to your computer and devices with over-current protection
* Model: F5U307-WHT
* Hardware Platform: PC
* Connectivity Technology: Wired
* Data Link Protocol: Hi-Speed USB
* Network Data Transfer Rate: 480 Megabits Per Second
* Warranty: Limited lifetime warranty
The benefit of having a Belkin USB 7 port hub is that it not only organizes the
cables attached, but is easy to use and can be placed on top of your computer
desk or on a shelf within the desk itself. There is no need to move the PC to
find port space, but with the Belkin having two top load ports, offers quicker
access.
In addition, the Belkin has a light for every port. When you turn on the PC,
all of the ports that are being used light up. However, if one of the lights
does not go on or goes out while you are online, you can quickly determine
which peripheral is not working.
The Belkin USP 7 port hub is a must have for PC users who not only have a
number of external peripherals that require connection via USB port, but keeps
the number of cables used down to a minimum.
Belkin Wireless Cable/DSL Router
Although desktop computers are still popular, wireless laptops have become the
norm due to the fact that you can use them anywhere in your home. With the
Belkin Wireless Cable/DSL Router, this technology offers you the freedom to work
in any room in your home or apartment.
For home businesses, the Belkin router is ideal because there are no cables and
wires that inhibit movement from one room to another. Even in a small
apartment, the Belkin allows you to network between your desktop and laptop in
an easy and affordable way by offering up to 400 feet of coverage.
You can transfer files from one computer to another and
print information in one room while the printer is located in another. In fact, with the summer
weather approaching you can utilize your patio and enjoy the outdoors while
attending to whatever work needs to be done.
The Belkin router includes the following features:
* Offers backward-compatibility with all 802.11b devices
* Sets up easily with Belkin Easy Install Wizard
* Ensures data and network security with wireless 64- and 128-bit WEP
encryption
* Uses NAT and SPI firewall to protect network from outside intrusions by
hackers
* Device Type: Wireless Router
* Form Factor: Desktop
* Wireless Network Standards: IEEE 802.11g
* Wireless Network Standards: IEEE 802.11b
* Wireless Data Transfer Rates: 54 Mbps
* Security Protocols: 128-bit WEP
* Security Protocols: 64-bit WEP
* Networking Standards: IEEE 802.3 Ethernet 10Base-T
* Networking Standards: IEEE 802.3u Ethernet
100Base-TX
* Routing / Firewall Protoccols: DHCP
* Routing / Firewall Protoccols: Network Address Translation (NAT)
* Firewall Features: MAC Address Filtering
The Belkin router is compact and easy to install. In fact some users have
commented that they set up the router in a closet and still maintained strong
signals from it. It is compatible with Windows Vista as well as other operating
systems, and most users were amazed at not only how easy the software was to
install, but afterward had an instant connection. Moreover, the fact that the
Belkin works with a cable modem and DSL line is a plus!
While there are many individuals who are tied to desktop computers, many have
purchased a laptop with the Belkin wireless router to afford them the
opportunity to work from any room in their home. More importantly, however, the
ability to network has become more popular today than ever before.
Home businesses find networking a necessity, and the Belkin provides an alternative
to desktop computing.
If you have a desktop PC at home and have purchased a laptop that you would
like to use as part of a network, check out the Belkin Wireless router.
Bridal Shower Games
If you’re hosting a bridal shower, there are literally hundreds of games to choose from. Some are silly, some are serious, but all are about having some fun with the bride before she’s married. Here’s a sampling of ideas for bridal shower games.
One fun game really puts the bride on the spot with regard to her knowledge of her husband-to-be’s life. Prior to the party, have someone ask the groom a series of questions, such as where he was born, what his favorite food is, or similar personal questions.
Then at the bridal shower, put the bride on the spot by asking her the answers to the questions. See how many she can get right (hopefully at least half!). If she does well, give the girl a prize; she deserves one. If she doesn’t, she may want to brush up on her groom, quick!
One all-time favorite game is the toilet paper wedding dress. This game involves separating the guests into teams consisting of at least 2 people and no more than 5. Give each team a roll or toilet paper (or 2) and have them fashion a wedding dress out of the toilet paper. One of the team members will volunteer as the model.
Provide them with a “dress up trunk” filled with jewelry and shoes. They must make the dress out of the toilet paper, but they can accessorize with the provided jewelry, shoes, gloves and hats. Place a time limit on this (5 minutes is adequate) and have the bride vote on the best dress. Be sure to provide prizes for the winning team!
Another fun game that’s always a hit is making the bride get dressed while blindfolded. Tell the bride she is to pretend she’s on her honeymoon and the power has gone off. She must prepare for her wedding night in complete darkness. Provide her with a suitcase filled with items and then blindfold her. She must get dressed in a certain period of time (2 minutes is adequate) while completely blindfolded and with no help from the guests. Include some silly items like oversized sunglasses, garden gloves or a flannel nightgown just to make it fun. This is a photo opportunity, so be sure someone is waiting to record the end result!
Another fun game which puts the bridal shower guests more on the spot than the bride is the handbag game. Everyone puts their purses in the center of the room. Create a list of items commonly found in a purse and assign a point value. Then create a list of less common items and give them a higher point value. So you might give lipstick 2 points, a tampon 3 points, and sunglasses 5 points. But a granola bar could be 10 points and a staple remover 15 points.
Then go through the purses awarding points and give the person with the highest number of points (and therefore, the most items and probably highest number of unusual items) a prize.
Before the bridal shower, create bingo cards for this shower bingo game. In the squares, put pictures of items you think the bride will receive at the shower. So, boxes might include things like lingerie, towels and the like.
As the bride opens gifts, have people mark off that item on their bingo card. If nobody gets a “bingo”, give a prize to the person who marked off the most number of items.
Another bridal shower game is a derivation of a popular game often played at bachelorette parties involving a stripper. This is the clean version.
About 30 minutes into the party, have the bride leave the room and pass out pieces of paper. Have everyone write on the paper everything they can remember about the bride’s outfit, hair, etc. How many rings is she wearing? What color is her blouse? Is she wearing open or closed toed shoes? Once everyone is done recording their observations, the bride comes back into the room and a prize is awarded to the person with the best observation skills.
One thing is for sure, there are lots of games you can play at your bridal shower which will keep all of your guests engaged and involved, so it is not just all about opening presents and making small talk.
FURTHER READING:
Lifestyle Changes for Weight Loss
A new article has been published at our sister site Nutrition Goddess on the topic of
Lifestyle Changes for Weight Loss
It also comes with a link to a great new special report on this topic.
So if anyone is struggling with this issue, this report and its further resources should help.
DVD Review: Planet Earth – The Complete BBC Series
Planet Earth – The Complete BBC Series
DVD ~ David Attenborough
Price: $54.99
5.0 out of 5 stars
Totally wonderful, one of a kind. The BBC edition is terrific.
I first saw the series on the TV in the USA, and was so stunned by the photography, that I instantly wanted to own the DVDs. Even my parents stopped talking and sat there staring with their mouths open, it was so gorgeous.
So, once I had decide to by the DVD, I went to Amazon, read the reviews, and was thrilled when I found out that the BBC had its own edition, with world-famous British naturalist David Attenborough’s as the commentator, rather than Sigourney Weaver for the American Tv edition.
Well the difference is like night and day. I love Attenborough’s excellent, engaging commentary, his enthusiasm and passion for his subject, compared to Weaver’s flat monotone.
I know Attenborough can seem to get a bit carried away, but there is nothing like an expert who really knows what he is talking about versus someone reading from a script Or even worse, trying to make jokes about what she sees, and totally misses the point of what is happening on screen. Some of the comements were crass, tasteless, and diffeintely not educational.
The BBC edition is a real keeper, but if you any reason you can’t find it, get the DVD no matter what. This will be a great gift for children so they can have a record of animals and habitats that might not be around for much longer!
The DVDs are a real visual feast, totally fascinating. The shows are organized by habit, to help us understand the kinds of creatures that can live in each.
The footage of the Himalayas and the snow leopards is the only film of its kind in the world and was totally incredible.
The birds in Papua New Guinea performing their ritual mating dances is a show stopper. I wanted to show one of my friends that one segment. He not only played it back 10 times, he insisted on watching the whole episode even though he had to run to work!
The ocean episode is totally fascinating, and I believe are the deepest photos ever taken, using a robotic submersible. It makes you realize that man has gone to the moon, but still doesn’t know much about the things living on the sea floor. The vampire octopus really has to be seen to be believed.
This is one of those landmark TV programs from the BBC that anyone will be hard put to surpass. Own a bit of history, and get it now before global warming renders our polar bears and other arctic creatures extinct.