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Live coverage as the shadow foreign secretary makes a foreign policy speech at Royal United
Services Institute
1.09pm: Hague says restoring the strength of Britain's economy will be essential
if the Conservatives want to restore its standing in the world.
The economy needs "change and modernisation". But if Labour wins the election, Britain will move
backwards to a 1970s economic model. The trade unions would become more powerful and Britain
would be saddled with high debt and high taxes.
1.04pm: Hague starts with a compliment to RUSI. He says it's one of Britain's
premier institutes.
He says he has already set out five themes that will guide Conservative foreign policy.
He and his team have already visited 50 countries while developing their policy framework.
One concern is that Labour has "accelerated and intensified" Britain's economic decline.
By 2015, Britain is forecast to drop out of the top 10 world economies, he says.
1.02pm: I'm at RUSI. Professor Michael Clarke, the RUSI director, is introducing
Hague. He describes Hague "as a rather young grand old man".
11.44am: William Hague is giving a big speech today. It's on the "foreign policy
framework of a new Conservative government" and Hague is delivering it at 1pm at the Royal United
Services Institute in Whitehall. The Tories have already released some excerpts in advance and my
colleague Nicholas
Watt has already written a blog about what Hague's speech means for the Foreign Office, while
I've
written a story covering some other aspects of what Hague will say.
But Hague is also promising to take questions. This will be his first major public outing since
we learned last week that he had been kept in the dark about Lord Aschroft's tax arrangements for
nearly 10 years. Hague did not want to talk about this when he gave an interview to the
Financial Times – beyond saying that Ashcroft never tried to influence
party policy – but there's a chance that we might have more luck today. We'll
find out soon.
It's not a micro four
thirds, but Pentax has lifted the lid on the 645D medium format camera, which will be available
this May for close to $10,000. Why so expensive, you ask? There's that 40MP Kodak sensor for
starters.
It's also got a SAFOX IX+ autofocus system with 11 sensor points, a Pentax original Real Image
Engine, 14 bit A/D converter, and is the ultimate kick-around camera, with 70 seals making it
dustproof, weather resistant and cold-proof. There's also a dust removal II system, just in case.
It takes SD/SDHC memory cards, and while that May release is scheduled for Japan, the rest of the
world should be getting some Pentax love soon after. [Photography
Blog]
Full (UK) release below:
The PENTAX Imaging Systems Division of HOYA Corporation in Japan will announce on 10th March 2AM
CET (1AM GMT) a new digital medium-format camera, the 645D, and its 55mm lens, which will be
launched in Japan only.
Here are the main features of the 645D.
PENTAX 645D
- 40 Megapixels sensor (44 x 33mm), designed by Kodak
- PENTAX original Real Image Engine
- 14 bit A/D converter
- Dustproof, weather-resistant and coldproof body (70 seals)
- Dual SD/SDHC card slots
- New SAFOX IX+ autofocus system, with 11 sensor points
- Dust Removal II mechanism
- Trapezoid-shaped glass prism viewfinder
- Weight: 1480g loaded and ready with battery and 2 SD cards
PENTAX D-FA 645 55mm F2.8 AL [IF] SDM AW
- Equivalent to 43.5mm in the 35 format
- Dustproof, weatherproof
- Aero Bright coating
- First PENTAX completely rounded diaphragm
- SDM focus mechanism
- Weight: 416g
Planned launch date in Japan: May 2010.
The 645D does not have a RRP in Japan but is expected to sell for ¥850,000 while the
lens is expected to have a street price around ¥100,000.
It is not yet decided whether this camera will be available in other markets.
Pentax Press Release
HOYA CORPORATION PENTAX Imaging Systems Division is pleased to announce the launch of the PENTAX
645D lens-interchangeable, medium-format digital SLR camera. Thanks to the incorporation of a
large image sensor, equal in performance to professional-standard digital camera backs, this high-performance model
delivers super-high-resolution images with approximately 40 effective megapixels. It also offers
outstanding dependability and superb operability and maneuverability to make outdoor shooting
effortless and comfortable for demanding photographers.
The PENTAX 645D has been developed to provide super-high-resolution images produced by large
image sensors - something previously available only on professional models - to serious landscape
and outdoor photographers. It combines exceptional image quality with excellent maneuverability
and outstanding reliability to simplify professional-level outdoor shooting. Thanks to the
incorporation of a large, high-performance image sensor (measuring 44mm by 33mm) and
PENTAX-original image-processing technology, it produces extra-sharp, super-high-resolution
images with approximately 40 effective megapixels. It features remarkable durability and
dependability, thanks to its lightweight but solidly built body featuring a magnesium-steel-alloy
frame, reinforced glass LCD panel protectors and a reliable dustproof, weather-resistant
construction. In addition, it is designed to be compatible with the majority of the existing
PENTAX 645 system, so that current PENTAX 645-series camera users can take advantage of their
valuable assets, including high-performance smc PENTAX 645 interchangeable lenses.
Major Features
1. Unprecedented image quality
1. Super-high-resolution images made possible by approximately 40 effective megapixels
The PENTAX 645D incorporates a high-performance CCD image sensor produced by Kodak. It measures
44mm by 33mm, and is approximately 1.7 times larger than its 35mm-format counterparts. Thanks to
approximately 40 effective megapixels, it assures a wide dynamic range to faithfully reproduce
the prevailing ambience and the sense of depth in super-high-resolution images that are rich in
gradation and truthful in texture description. In order to bring out the full potential of the
lens and the image sensor and assure the highest level of image-resolving power, the CCD unit is
designed with no low-pass filters.
2. High-performance, high-speed PRIME II imaging engine
The PENTAX 645D features the acclaimed, PENTAX-original PRIME (PENTAX Real Image Engine) II as
its imaging engine. Thanks to its high-speed data-processing capacity and new algorithm
exclusively programmed for medium-format digital SLR cameras, this high-performance imaging
engine produces super-high-quality images rich in gradation and faithful in color reproduction,
while allowing speedy data transmission of large-volume image data - even RAW-format images as
large as some 50MB per file.
3. 14-bit A/D converter for faithful conversion of image data to digital signals
The PENTAX 645D features a high-performance A/D converter, which faithfully converts the large
volume of analog image data output by the large CCD image sensor to digital signals carrying an
extensive amount of image data, including resolution and gradation.
2. Solid, maneuverable body
The PENTAX 645D's main frame is made of lightweight but strong magnesium-steel alloy, while the
chassis is made of diecast aluminum to minimize the expansion and extension caused by heat and
also to optimize kinematic accuracy and thermal stability. The LCD panels - one on the camera's
top panel, another on the back panel - are covered with tempered glass plates for extra
protection. The PENTAX 645D's body is also designed to be a compact and highly maneuverable
medium-format camera, despite the incorporation of such dependable features as a dust-proof,
weather-resistant construction with 70 special seals, outstanding cold-resistant performance to
assure solid operation at a temperature as low as –10°C, and a
newly designed shutter unit with a top shutter speed of 1/4000 second that can withstand as many
as 50,000 shutter releases.
3. Dual SD/SDHC memory card slots
The PENTAX 645D has a pair of memory card slots for the recording of images on both SD and SDHC
memory cards. This dual-slot design gives the photographer extra data-storage options: for
instance, recorded images can be assigned to different cards according to recording format (such
as RAW or JPEG), or one of the cards can be used as the backup of the other. The settings for
each memory card slot can be easily made by dedicated button.
4. Dependable DR II mechanism to minimize dust spots
The PENTAX 645D comes equipped with the highly dependable DR (Dust Removal) II mechanism, which
effectively minimizes annoying dust spots on recorded images, even when the lenses are changed in
dust-prone outdoor settings. By shifting UV/IR-cut filters placed in front of the CCD image
sensor at supersonic speed using a piezoelectric element, this mechanism effectively and
efficiently shakes dust off the image sensor. Thanks to the user-friendly dust-alert system, the
photographer can check at a quick glance for dust adhering to the image sensor prior to the
actual shooting.
5. Newly designed, high-precision 11-point wide-frame AF sensor
The PENTAX 645D's new SAFOX IX + wide-frame autofocus system features 11 sensor points (with nine
cross-type sensors positioned in the middle) to assure the extra-high-precision focusing demanded
of medium-format digital SLR cameras. To develop this sophisticated AF system, the entire optical
system was redesigned, at the same time with the addition of the new functionality to analyze and
make use of the light sources data in the field of view.
6. Advanced 77-segment multi-pattern metering
The PENTAX 645D employs a state-of-the-art, 77-segment multi-pattern metering system to assure
super-high-accuracy light metering. The exposure accuracy is further enhanced by collecting such
additional data as image orientation (horizontal or vertical) and the distance to and
magnification of the subject using the sensors installed inside the camera body, with the
obtained data incorporated into exposure calculations.
7. Large, easy-to-see optical viewfinder
Incorporated in the PENTAX 645D's finder unit, a trapezoid-shaped glass prism not only assures an
approximately 98% field of view, but also greatly contributes to the downsizing of the camera
body. Coupled with a bright, easy-to-focus Natural-Bright-Matte focusing screen, the PENTAX
645D's viewfinder offers a large, clear view of the subject.
8. Custom Image function to create desired visual effects with ease
The PENTAX 645D's Custom Image function lets the user easily control an image's finishing touches
to more precisely reflect the user's creative intentions, or to more faithfully reproduce the
ambience of the scene. The user can select one of eight modes, including the new Reversal Film
mode designed to create images with the colors that are typical of reversal film. In addition,
all parameters - such as saturation, hue, contrast, sharpness, key, and highlight/shadow contrast
- can be easily adjusted to desired levels, so that the photographer can shoot images with great
ease.
9. Versatile, multi-mode exposure system for faithful reproduction of creative intentions
1. Hyper Program function
The PENTAX 645D's Hyper Program function allows the user to instantly switch from Programmed AE
mode to Shutter- or Aperture-Priority AE mode with a simple turn of the electric dials positioned
around the grip. A single push of the green button shifts the exposure mode back to the original
Programmed AE mode.
2. Hyper Manual function
When shooting in the Metered Manual mode, the PENTAX 645D's Hyper Manual mode lets the user to
instantly set the proper exposure for the subject with a single push of the green button.
3. Sensitivity-Priority mode
The unique Sensitivity-Priority (Sv) mode automatically selects the optimum combination of
aperture and shutter speed for the user-selected sensitivity. The sensitivity can be shifted
swiftly by electronic dial on the back panel. The variable amount of the ISO could be configured
to either 1/2 or 1/3 steps per click.
4. Shutter/Aperture-Priority mode
Taking full advantage of the unique capability of digital cameras for the automatic shifting of
sensitivity at any time, the Shutter/Aperture-Priority (TAv) mode automatically selects the most
appropriate sensitivity for the user-selected aperture/shutter-speed combination. It allows the
user to effortlessly experiment with a greater range of photographic expressions.
10. Large, easy-to-view 3.0-inch LCD monitor with approximately 921,000 dots
Positioned on the camera's back panel, a large 3.0-inch color LCD monitor with approximately
921,000 dots provides a clear, bright view of onscreen images and menus. Since its wide-view
design allows quick, effortless confirmation of the monitor image from approximately 170 degrees
both horizontally and vertically, the photographer has little difficulty shooting images from low
and high angles. The LCD monitor is also treated with exclusive AR (Anti-Reflection) coating to
minimize reflections on the screen, even in the outdoor locations under bright sunshine.
11. Long battery life
The PENTAX 645D is powered by a large-capacity, rechargeable lithium-ion battery, which can
capture approximately 800 images* when fully charged.
* Under testing conditions prescribed by PENTAX, when using a rechargeable D-LI90 lithium-ion
battery with no flash.
12,. Other features
1. HDR (high dynamic range) function to create one composite image with an extra-wide gradation
range from three images with different exposures
2. Dynamic-Range Expansion function to compensate for both whitewashed (excessively overexposed)
and blacked-out (excessively underexposed) areas
3. Digital Level function for easy checking of the image's levels
4. Automatic compensation of distortion and lateral chromatic aberration (available in
combination with the D FA 645- and FA 645- series lenses)
5. Versatile white-balance control system, including the CTE mode designed to emphasize the
dominant color components of the captured images, which works especially well with such scene
like sunset.
6. Mirror shock/operation-noise reduction function to assure smooth, quiet operation of the
mirror during shooting
7. Attachment of copyright credits on recorded images
8. Compatible with the SDM (Supersonic Direct-drive Motor) autofocus mechanism, designed to
assure smooth, quiet operation using the supersonic motor installed inside SDM lenses
9. HDMI terminal (for type C mini connectors) for high-resolution image data output
10. User-friendly, color-classified control buttons/switches, based on the color universal design
concept
11. PENTAX Digital Camera Utility 4 software package, including a RAW-data processing application
(based on the popular SILKYPIX RAW-data processing engine developed by Ichikawa Soft Laboratory)
and browser application
HOYA CORPORATION PENTAX Imaging Systems Division is pleased to announce the launch of the smc
PENTAX-D FA 645 55mm F2.8 AL[IF] SDM AW. Developed as the first model of the PENTAX-D FA 645 lens
series, it not only features new optics optimized for high-quality digital photography to assure
exceptional image-description performance, but also provides an image circle covering the image
area of existing 645-format film SLR cameras. This unifocal standard lens also comes with a
dependable, dust-proof, weather-resistant construction for active outdoor photography.
Major Features
1. State-of-the-art optics to accommodate the requirements for super-high-resolution photography
using medium-format digital SLR cameras
Incorporating high-performance, hybrid aspherical optical element in its optics, this new
standard lens offers exceptional image-resolving power with outstanding brightness levels even at
the edges, while compensating various aberrations to a minimum. All lens characteristics are
optimized for digital photography: for instance, flare and ghost images are minimized by applying
exclusive lens coatings to optical elements and employing anti-reflection materials for the
interior of the lens barrel. As the result, this lens can bring out the full potential of the
PENTAX 645D medium-format digital SLR camera.
2. Versatile standard lens
When mounted on the PENTAX 645D camera body, this standard lens offers a focal length of 43.5mm
(in the 35mm format), which produces an angle of view close to that of the human eye. As the
result, it can be used for many different kinds of subjects and applications, including
landscapes and portraits.
3. Dependable dustproof, weather-resistant construction
Using seven special seals, the lens' dustproof, weather-resistant construction effectively
prevents the intrusion of dust and water to the lens interior. By coupling this lens with the
PENTAX 645D camera body, the user is assured of a durable, reliable digital SLR camera system
that performs superbly in outdoor settings, even in rain or mist or at locations prone to water
splashes or spray. PENTAX plans to use the "AW" (All Weather) designation in the product name of
all dustproof, weather-resistant medium-format interchangeable lenses to be marketed in the
future.
4. Aero Bright coating to dramatically improve image description in backlight
The lens is treated with PENTAX-original Aero Bright coating, which delivers brilliant,
high-quality images by preventing annoying flare and ghost images more effectively than ever
before. Born as the fruit of PENTAX's advanced nanotechnology, this exclusive coating effectively
reduces lens reflectance and greatly increases light transmittance by forming a silica aerogel
layer with uniform pores on the surface of optical element.
5. Rounded diaphragm to produce a beautiful bokeh
This is the first PENTAX medium-format interchangeable lens to features a completely rounded
diaphragm. It creates a natural, beautiful "bokeh" (out-of-focus rendition), while minimizing the
streaking effect of point light sources.
6. Smooth, quiet SDM autofocus mechanism
The SDM (Supersonic Direct-drive Motor) autofocus mechanism operates smoothly and quietly using
the supersonic motor installed inside the lens barrel.*
* Only manual-focus operation is available when this lens is mounted on the PENTAX 645N or PENTAX
645N II camera body.
7. SP coating to block dust and dirt
The front surface of the lens is treated with PENTAX-original SP (Special Protect) coating, which
applies an exclusive fluorine compound to the lens surface through a vapor deposition process.
This SP coating not only effectively repels dust, water and grease, but also makes it easy to
wipe off fingerprints and cosmetics.
8. Other features
1. Image circle covering the image area of 645-format film SLR cameras
2. Functional, simplified design, with no aperture ring
3. Quick-Shift Focus system for instant switching to manual-focus operation, after the subject is
captured in focus by the AF system
4. PL filter window for easy installation of a polarizing filter without removing the lens
hood
5. PH-SA67 Square Plastic Hood (optional)** for more effective prevention of flare and ghost
images when mounted on the PENTAX 645D camera body
** This hood cannot be used with a 645-format film SLR camera body, as it causes vignetting.
Forrester analyst Mark Mulligan believes that the
problem for the recording industry is one of demographics. Mulligan uses the fact that the
billionth application purchaser on iTunes, 13 year-old Connor Mulcahey, was much younger than the
10 billionth iTunes music purchaser, 71 year-old Louie Sulcer, to highlight the issue: older users
may still pay for music tracks, but younger users are more likely to "part with their cash" for
apps than for music. To Mulligan, the problem is with the current digital-music product itself.
Thus, he prescribes a
feature-rich app as the savior -- and the future -- of the music industry. He proposes a music
application that wraps digital tracks with social networking, live on-demand footage, song lyrics,
games, and forums. This sounds like an interesting idea, which could see some success (if
well-executed), but if the music industry is seeking a "silver bullet" business model, this is not
likely to be it.
It's pretty well understood that what has driven the recording industry for decades now is
"format
change," where the record companies have continually asked their customers to essentially
re-buy their recordings each time a new format is adopted -- from records, to cassettes, to CDs.
With each new technology, customers were compelled to buy the products not by legislature or law,
but rather, by a continual desire to have their music be more accessible. First, the phonograph
made music more affordable and accessible, as compared to hiring a band of musicians to come and
play in your living room. In the 80s, the cassette tape made listening more portable, albeit with a
loss in audio quality. Then, in the 90s, the CD combined both portability and high audio quality
into one small package, leading to a huge up-swell in recording purchases. For years, the recording
industry has had a fantastic, well-defined business model: Record music that people want to hear on
physical media. Sell that media. Repeat. Then, the 00s brought the latest maturation of the
recording format, the mp3, with its near-infinite portability and an audio quality that can only
really be contested by audio snobs. Since it could be easily copied and used in many different
devices, it had the opportunity to become the most widely used music format ever. But, because of
its near-infinite portability, the recording industry's old tried-and-true business model of
selling physical media was no longer as viable.
The evolution of recording formats shows that what has really driven the industry has been a hunger
for increased accessibility and portability, not necessarily the introduction of new features. So,
while Mulligan's music application idea may drive some interest in recoded music, by empowering the
audience to do more with it, it is very unlikely to drive the type of purchasing behavior that, in
the past, came with each new recording format -- and it certainly won't "save recorded music." The
problem is that the user is no longer locked into the recording industry's physical product for the
distribution of music. There is no "one thing" they can sell that the audience will have no
alternative but to buy. To be successful, the recording industry is going to have to experiment and
figure out how make revenue from many different sources, which requires creativity that the labels
have so far been unable or unwilling to muster. While the industry is out there looking for the
"silver bullet" of a business model, the reality is that the answer is more like a whole clip full
of silver bullets, coupled with some garlic, and finished off with a wooden stake or two.
By Jane Martinson: Jonathan Miller, head of digital media at News Corporation
(NYSE: NWS), said today that “dual revenue streams” are likely to
co-exist as media organisations try ways of making money online.
Miller claimed the media industry had to return to charging, whether through subscription or some
other method. “The choice between paywall or free is not mutually exclusive. They can
co-exist based on quality of content and geography,” he sai.
By Jane Martinson: Jonathan Miller, head of digital media at News Corporation
(NYSE: NWS), said today that “dual revenue streams” are likely to
co-exist as media organisations try ways of making money online.
Miller claimed the media industry had to return to charging, whether through subscription or some
other method. “The choice between paywall or free is not mutually exclusive. They can
co-exist based on quality of content and geography,” he sai.
A 22.54-meter-high model of a DNA molecule built by Konan University has been recognized as the
worlds largest by Guinness World Records. The model, completed in May last year, reproduces the
double helical structure of the deoxyribonucleic acid. It is 1 billion times larger than an actual
DNA molecule. A section of glass wall that spans the second to seventh floors of the school's
Frontier Institute for Biomolecular Engineering Research building serves as the display case. The
model is...
Love grousing about cable TV? Then I’ve got a list for you. It comes from industry analyst
SNL Kagan, and I came across it via a research note Barclays Capital’s Anthony DiClemente
sent out last week. DiClemente was arguing that the bundled approach to cable
TV–whereby subscribers get dozens or even hundreds of channels for one
big fee, no matter how many networks they actually watch–wasn’t
going anywhere for quite some time. If ever. But if you’re the kind of person
who thinks we’re headed for an a la carte model in which programmers compete directly for
consumer dollars, you can use this as fodder for your argument. Because you can see just how much
you’re paying for stuff you don’t want. Obviously these are wholesale
prices, not retail. But this gives you a very good idea of where the money
goes–to a lot of channels you likely never, ever, look at.
Buffalo has today revealed its new HD-PVRU2 series of portable hard drives which includes 320GB and
500GB models set for a release later this month. The upcoming drives measure 81 (W) x 16 (H) x 130
(D) mm and weight 190 grams, have a USB 2.0 interface, the Turbo USB technology to boost transfer
speed, and the eco Manager software which enables them to spin down their platters when idle in
order to save power.
The 320GB and 500GB HD-PVRU2 HDDs will be available in Japan late this month @ $100 and $150,
respectively.
In 2007, steampunk musician Yoshi Akai
wrote his master's thesis on how to turn color into sound, and he's been dreaming up unorthodox
ways of producing music ever since. Case in point: the Lego Sequencer MR II, a contraption that
uses three-dimensional Lego structures to emulate a
three-channel, eight-step sequencer, where each differently colored plastic brick produces a
different sound and complex combinations (including tremolo and overdrive) are possible when the
blocks are stacked. Akai tells us it works using resistors embedded in each and every block, with
parallel networks of resistors formed as the bricks pile up, equalling lower resistance and thus a
higher frequency sound generated by the contraption. While the result certainly won't back a techno
track -- Akai says he's "building sound more than playing sound" -- it looks like a good step up
from the lethargic phaser noise produced by his
Wireless Catcher, a lot of fun to play with, and much less expensive than hiring
a team of hot models. Video after the break.
February was a politically tense month in Ecuador, as gatherings in Quito and Guayaquil were organized by the opposition to
President Rafael Correa's government. Perhaps the one which had the greatest visibility was the
“March for Dignity” held on February 11, 2010, which was organized by the Guayaquil Municipal government [es] and headed by its mayor and
former presidential candidate Jaime Nebot.
The organizers say that the march's main purpose was to protest the amount of money allocated to
the city's budget, however, others believe that the march was more political in nature.
During his speech at protest, Nebot compared the per capita allocation that Guayaquil receives
with that of other Ecuadorian cities. According to Nebot,
each resident in Guayaquil receives US$0.75 and residents of other cities receive up to US$508
[es]. He added that even though most other cities will receive an increase in their 2011
budgets from the central government, Guayaquil's budget will decrease.
Nebot's administrative headquarters - Guayaquil City Hall. Picture by Flickr user Roofwalker and
used under a Creative Commons license.
The government has defended its budget allocation indicating that Nebot's numbers are incorrect.
This, in turn, began a war of words between Nebot and Finance Minister María Elsa Viteri, as
well as with Fernando Cordero Cueva, President of the Legislative Assembly, who
was called a “liar” by Nebot. It went as far as the Municipal government of
Guayaquil declared Cordero
persona non grata.
The campaign is continuing with slogans such as “Funds to Guayaquil” and
“Defense of its Model of Development,” and various other local demands. However,
there are some who see this campaign as propaganda, and that Mayor Nebot only wants increased
political power. This tension can be seen in the blog of Rafael Mendez Meneses, who lives in the
community of Naranjal about an hour from Guayaquil, and published a
fictional conversation between a protest supporter and a protest opponent [es]. Here he
attempts to debunk some of the rhetoric used by Nebot and his supporters about their reasons for
the march. In addition, Mendez criticizes the fact that local government employees are granted a
day off from work to attend the march.
This video
produced by YouTube user mehagopipinebot says that they will not attend the march and asks why
does Nebot want more money for the municipality? By placing photos of nice public parks and
tourist attraction next to neglected areas of the city, they make the argument that Nebot has not
attended to the needs of residents.
The recent march also gave increased political visibility to Nebot, who has emerged as one of the
most recognizable of opposition leaders. However, he is criticized by blogger Xavier Flores
Aguirre, who writes that Nebot
lacks credibility and that it benefits the central government having an opposition figure as
incompetent as Nebot:
Al final, la revolución ciudadana tiene el opositor ideal: territorialmente limitado, sin
propuestas nacionales y sin horizonte político”. Corolario: Nebot está encerrado
en un cajón con vista al Guayas (un cajón, al que se le colocarán en algún
momento cirios para que sea lo que está destinado a ser: el ataúd para el último
dinosaurio de la llamada partidocracia). Corolario2: la oposición (no me refiero, en este
punto, necesariamente al Alcalde Nebot, sino a los políticos –o
políticos wanna be- que depositan en él sus expectativas) es la mejor aliada del
Gobierno central.
Ultimately, the citizen's revolution (Correa's government) has the ideal opponent:
territorially limited, without national proposals and no political horizon. Corollary: Nebot is
enclosed in a box overlooking the Guayas river (a box, where candles will placed at any time for
whatever it is destined to be: the coffin for the last dinosaur called particracy). Corollary2: The
opposition (I do not mean, at this point, Mayor Nebot necessarily, but politicians-or wannabe
politicians who had placed expectations on him), is the best ally of the central government.
One blogger who believes that Nebot has a case for defending his city, and thinks that he should
be more firm is El
Libertario, a Quito-based blogger. He writes that in terms of business, these resources must
be better managed and its own revenues used more efficiently:
En vez de estar mendigando más rentas al gobierno central, Nebot debería plantarse duro
para que los impuestos cobrados a sus conciudadanos se queden en su ciudad o aún mejor en
los bolsillos de los propios guayaquileños para que ellos los destinen de forma voluntaria a
mejorar su ciudad; eso si haría una verdadera diferencia.
Instead of begging more revenues from the central government, Nebot should stand tough so that
the taxes collected from its citizens stay in his city or even better, in the pockets of
Guayaquil’s people so they can voluntarily improve their city; that would make a real
difference.
Today only, ThingFling.com has the Philips Universal Remote Control, model no. SRM7500-37, for
$43.99 with $6 for shipping. That's the lowest total price we could find. This 7-in-1 universal
remote features a backlit LCD display, learning functionality, an...
The Future of Book Publishing Business Models (Stephen Walli) -- some good thoughts about the book
publishing industry and ebooks. When does Amazon create the iPhone/Android app and the programme
that will allow bookstores to receive a cut of every Kindle edition they sell? I scan the book's
in-store barcode with my smartphone, and I get the Kindle edition...
Pentax has today finally made an official announcement regarding its more or less long-awaited 645D
medium-format DSLR camera. This still upcoming model measures 156 x 117 x 119 mm, weights 1.4kg
without the D-LI90 rechargeable battery, has a magnesium-steel alloy chassis, and packs a 40
megapixel CCD sensor made by Kodak, a PRIME (PENTAX Real Image Engine) II image processor, a 14-bit
A/D converter, a DR (Dust Removal) II mechanism to keep the lenses clean, a 11-point wide-frame AF
sensor, and two SD/SDHC memory card slot.
The 645D also features a 3-inch (921,000 dots) LCD screen, a HDR (high dynamic range) function, a
glass prism viewfinder, the SDM (Supersonic Direct-drive Motor) autofocus mechanism, plus USB, HDMI
and Video out ports.
Pentax's camera is expected to reach Japan this May with a price tag of around $9,400.
Sony aims to ship 20-25 million LCD TVs in 2010 worldwide of which six million will be LED-backlit
models, and 3D LCD TV shipments are expected to reach 10% of its total shipments in 2010, according
to Sony Taiwan.
Fingerhut.com offers the Celestron FirstScope Tribute Tabletop Telescope, model no. DV307, for
$14.88. With $4.99 for shipping, that's the lowest total price we could find by $20 and the least
expensive telescope we've seen. It features a 76mm aperture ref...
The MMO market is still very similar to the days before World of Warcraft according to Vigil
Games creative director Joe Madureira.
"A lot of people have entered the fray and failed miserably, but I don't think that core of the
way MMOs play, or the business model in general - for the most successful ones - it really hasn't
changed that much. At least not in the US," Madureira told our trade-only sister site
GamesIndustry.biz.
Madureira's Vigil Games is currently working on a Warhammer 40,000 MMO for publisher THQ.
Google vient d’annoncer le lancement de Google Apps Marketplace. Google Apps est
la solution professionnelle des outils de Google. Aujourd’hui environ 2 millions
d’entreprises ont choisi de confier la gestion de leurs emails et de leurs agendas à
Google. Google Apps offre aussi un accès centralisé à Google Documents sa
suite « office like » 100% en ligne.
En lançant une place de marché Google cherche à créer un vrai
business pour les progiciels web-based et ainsi continuer à manger le gâteau de
Microsoft. Les entreprises qui souhaitent vendre leurs applications devront payer 100$ pour
entrer dans le MarketPlace et Google conservera 20% du prix de vente.
Bien qu’il soit tôt pour juger de l’impact sur le marché de cette
annonce, il est évident que tous les services de productivité en ligne vont se
pencher sur la question. En effet l’intégration dans Google App offrira
d’abord un « single sign in » , une centralisation de
l’accès à des services tiers et une capacité à gérer de
manière centraliser l’administration des outils en ligne.
A noter aussi que le business model de Google évolue car pour une fois la firme laisse
tomber la publicité.
There's been lots of talk about the band Ok Go lately, with its latest album coming out
and two viral videos (of the same song) in the last few weeks. Of course, the whole thing has been
a bit of a mess between the band and its label. When the first viral video came out, Capitol
Records/EMI decided to ban
embeds of the video, which seems like the best way to totally kill off a viral video. The band
responded with a mild, but
still somewhat exasperated note about how the label didn't fully grasp the situation, but while
also partly blaming YouTube for the way it (supposedly) handles payments on music in embedded
videos. Later, Ok Go's lead singer, Damian Kulash, penned a NY Times Op-Ed again suggesting the label was out of
touch, and highlighting how much damage was done by not allowing the viral videos to go out.
EMI/Capitol, for its part, tried to replace this with a faked viral campaign where you
could get a free track if you blindly retweeted a message. Finally, somehow the band (and EMI?)
were able to line up a
sponsor in State Farm to allow for its latest video -- a rather stunning Rube Goldberg machine
timed to the music -- to be offered up as an embed: However, reports are coming out now -- still in rumor stage, but apparently with quotes
from both -- that the
band has been dropped from the label and is free to promote the latest album as it sees fit:
The band has formed its own independent label, Paracadute Recordings, and will take over all
distribution and promotion for their latest album,Of the Blue Color of the Sky,
which came out in January. "We'd like to thank the people at EMI Music who have worked so hard on
our behalf," said the band's Damian Kulash. EMI Music said: "We've really enjoyed our relationship
with OK Go. They've always pushed creative boundaries and have broken new ground, particularly with
their videos. We wish them the greatest success for the future." Fascinating. The report also
claims that: Unfortunately, the huge traffic their videos generated never quite translated into
album sales. The band's best seller was 2005's Oh No, their second, which included the treadmill
hit, "Here It Goes Again," and sold around 200k, while their latest is languishing at 20k.
This was the same point that was made back last year by someone from Billboard in dismissing online viral sensations
as being unimportant for "real" sales. But, as the band itself noted, the success of the video
brought out huge crowds and made the band quite profitable to the label. This is the problem you
run into when you only think about the music industry as if "album sales" are everything. Selling
music directly is not a very good business model, and focusing on how many album sales there are
totally misses the mark these days.
The question now, is what will the band do when freed from the record label. It will be interesting
to see, since the band seems to relish its reputation as being creative well beyond the music.
Hopefully that means taking on some of the basic principles of successful cool music business
models and taking them to a new level. At least I hope that's what we'll see...
Epic Games' senior console programmer Josh Adams officially introduced game developers to the new
iPhone edition of Unreal Engine 3 at the Game Developers Conference this week.
While much of the presentation concerned how Epic's Windows-based tools interfaced with the
Mac-based "XCode" workflow of the iPhone development kit, Adams also showed a working model of an
Unreal Tournament level running on the Apple device, with the developer confirming that the demo
refreshed at a rate of 25 to 30 frames per second.
Adams described the process of bringing UE3 to iPhone as a fun "can we do it?" project, based on
Open GL ES 2.0, meaning it will only work on the newer Apple devices such as the iPhone 3GS, the
iPad, and the third-generation iPod Touch. UE3 won't work on older iPod Touches and iPhones as
they do not support the programmable pixel shaders that the engine requires, but, as newer,
faster devices in the mobile Apple family appear, Epic's engine will obviously scale with them.
Prostacyclin synthase and thromboxane synthase signaling via arachidonic acid metabolism affects a
number of tumor cell survival pathways such as cell proliferation, apoptosis, tumor cell invasion
and metastasis, and angiogenesis. However, the effects of these respective synthases differ
considerably with respect to the pathways described. While prostacyclin synthase is generally
believed to be anti-tumor, a pro-carcinogenic role for thromboxane synthase has been demonstrated
in a variety of cancers. The balance of oppositely-acting COX-derived prostanoids influences many
processes throughout the body, such as blood pressure regulation, clotting, and inflammation. The
PGI(2)/TXA(2) ratio is of particular interest in-vivo, with the corresponding synthases shown to be
differentially regulated in a variety of disease states. Pharmacological inhibition of thromboxane
synthase has been shown to significantly inhibit tumor cell growth, invasion, metastasis and
angiogenesis in a range of experimental models. In direct contrast, prostacyclin synthase
overexpression has been shown to be chemopreventive in a murine model of the disease, suggesting
that the expression and activity of this enzyme may protect against tumor development. In this
review, we discuss the aberrant expression and known functions of both prostacyclin synthase and
thromboxane synthase in cancer. We discuss the effects of these enzymes on a range of tumor cell
survival pathways, such as tumor cell proliferation, induction of apoptosis, invasion and
metastasis, and tumor cell angiogenesis. As downstream signaling pathways of these enzymes have
also been implicated in cancer states, we examine the role of downstream effectors of PGIS and TXS
activity in tumor growth and progression. Finally, we discuss current therapeutic strategies aimed
at targeting these enzymes for the prevention/treatment of cancer. Mary-Clare Cathcart, John Reynolds, Kenneth O'Byrne, Graham Pidgeon
LG Electronics has today introduced the Andro-1 aka KH5200, its first Android-based smartphone to
reach South Korea (LG's home country). Looking a lot like the GW620 model introduced last year, the Andro-1 measures 109 x 54.5 x 15.9 mm, has GSM
and HSDPA support, a 3-inch (320x480) display, a slide-out QWERTY keyboard, a 5 megapixel camera,
170MB of built-in memory and a microSD card slot.
The KH5200 also includes WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity, GPS, an FM radio, and a 1,500 mAh
battery. The smartphone will hit Korean shops next month at about $574.
Ross Pruden points
us to the news that Zen Films, a decade old production house, is launching a new storytelling project, which they admit is partly inspired by the CwF+RtB model that we talk about
here. One of the cool things here is that rather than just making a "movie" or a "book," they've
this is a "transmedia" project. That is, it's a single story, but told from the viewpoints of (at
least) three different participants in the story. One participant's story will be told via a
novella, another via a blog and the third via video webisodes. They're still working on the full
"reasons to buy," but the initial focus appears to be on offering a combination of convenience and
time saving (two important scarcities) by letting you buy
access to the full package of content (even as they're just releasing initial segments slowly
online). The project is being written by an award winning crime/thriller author. Zen Films is also
looking to sign some sponsors (selling the attention scarcity) but seem open to other ideas as
well. It definitely sounds like an interesting experiment -- but perhaps we can have a discussion
here about additional scarcities that could be offered. Also, I'm wondering if there are ways to
make the "connection" element stronger. A great story is certainly one way to connect, but I wonder
if Zen Films can also set up a way to build a bigger community around the story, that makes them
feel more connected to it and more bought into the concept...
On the March 9 edition of Fox News' The O'Reilly Factor, host Bill O'Reilly and former
CNN host Lou Dobbs suggested that undocumented immigrants "dodge taxes," with O'Reilly asserting
that the notion that they pay taxes is "crap." In fact, according to the Congressional Budget
Office and the Social Security Administration, undocumented immigrants pay all kinds of taxes,
including individual income, sales, property, and social security taxes.
O'Reilly: "You know it's crap" that undocumented immigrants pay taxes
From the March 9 edition of Fox News' The O'Reilly Factor:
DOBBS: I think people have to understand clearly and unequivocally that this is not a substitute
for border security, nor port security. We still have to survey what is happening with cargo
being brought into this country. We still have responsibility for the security of our borders.
O'REILLY: Right. But it's getting better down on the southern border. I mean, that fence is
working, and partially due to the economy, there are much fewer aliens. But, look, here's the big
deal on this ID card: the money that would come in to the U.S. Treasury would be enormous because
you can't dodge taxes anymore. You can't get paid off the books anymore --
DOBBS: Bill, what are you talking about?
O'REILLY: -- you know.
DOBBS: All of the open borders advocates -- all of the unconditional amnesty advocates say that
illegal immigrants are already paying taxes.
O'REILLY: No, that's all talk. You know it's crap.
In fact, undocumented immigrants do pay taxes
CBO: "[I]mmigrants pay individual income, sales, and property taxes." In a
December 2007
report detailing the impact of undocumented immigrants on the budgets of local and state
governments, CBO found that "[a]ccording to available estimates," there were about "12 million
unauthorized immigrants in the United States" at the time and "those immigrants pay individual
income, sales, and property taxes." CBO further reported that "the IRS estimates that about 6
million unauthorized immigrants file individual income tax returns each year. Other researchers
estimate that between 50 percent and 75 percent of unauthorized immigrants pay federal, state,
and local taxes."
According to available estimates, there are about 12 million unauthorized immigrants in the
United States. Federal, state, and local governments spend public funds that benefit those
immigrants, and those immigrants pay individual income, sales, and property taxes. Most available
studies conclude that the unauthorized population pays less in state and local taxes than it
costs state and local governments to provide services to that population. However, those
estimates have significant limitations; they are not a suitable basis for developing an aggregate
national effect across all states.
Data from the Social Security Administration (SSA) and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) suggest
that some unauthorized immigrants use false or fraudulently obtained Social Security numbers
(SSNs) to satisfy paperwork requirements during the hiring process and that employers use those
numbers to withhold federal, state, and local income and payroll taxes for employees. Workers who
do not qualify for SSNs can use Individual Tax Identification Numbers issued by the IRS to file
tax returns, make payments, and apply for refunds. Although there are no reliable data on
unauthorized immigrants' rate of compliance with tax laws, the IRS estimates that about 6 million
unauthorized immigrants file individual income tax returns each year. Other researchers estimate
that between 50 percent and 75 percent of unauthorized immigrants pay federal, state, and local
taxes. For example:
The SSA assumes that about half of unauthorized immigrants pay Social Security taxes.
Several of the states whose estimates CBO reviewed used a model developed by the Institute for
Taxation and Economic Policy (ITEP) to determine state and local taxes paid by unauthorized
immigrants. ITEP assumes a 50 percent compliance rate for income and payroll taxes.
Researchers from the Urban Institute, the Migration Policy Institute, the Pew Hispanic Center,
and the Center for Immigration Studies have assumed a 55 percent compliance rate for income,
Social Security, and Medicare taxes.
As part of a larger study on migration, the Center for Comparative Immigration Studies at the
University of California at San Diego conducted a survey of unauthorized immigrants and found
that, in 2006, 75 percent had taxes withheld from their paychecks, filed tax returns, or both.
SSA: "Among illegal immigrants, SSA actuaries currently assume that about half actually
pay social security taxes." In a December 2005
brief by the Social Security Advisory Board on immigration, the section examining the impact
of immigration effects on social security finances stated that "[a]mong illegal immigrants, SSA
actuaries currently assume that about half actually pay social security taxes although they are
very unlikely to collect benefits."
CBPP: "[U]nauthorized immigrants paid as much as $13 billion in Social Security payroll
taxes in 2007." In a November 2008
piece summarizing a report on immigration by the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities,
senior fellow Paul N. Van de Water wrote that, according to Stephen Goss, Social Security's chief
actuary, "unauthorized immigrants paid as much as $13 billion in Social Security payroll taxes in
2007. About $1 billion in benefit payments were made based on unauthorized work."
From Van de Water's November 20, 2008, post:
The presence of unauthorized (undocumented) workers in the United States also has a positive
effect on the financial status of Social Security. The earnings of unauthorized workers are less
likely to be reported for tax purposes than the earnings of the rest of the population and even
less likely to result in future benefits, according to Social Security's chief actuary.
Although the magnitudes cannot be precisely determined, the actuary has estimated that
unauthorized immigrants paid as much as $13 billion in Social Security payroll taxes in
2007. About $1 billion in benefit payments were made based on unauthorized work (for
example, survivor benefits paid to U.S. citizens who were dependents of deceased individuals who
had made payments into the Social Security system while performing unauthorized work).
Thus, undocumented immigrants improved Social Security's cash flow by an estimated $12 billion in
2007.
The New York Times also reported in an April 2005
article: " 'Our assumption is that about three-quarters of other-than-legal immigrants pay
payroll taxes,' said Stephen C. Goss, Social Security's chief actuary, using the agency's term
for illegal immigration."
Dobbs' long history of immigration misinformation
Dobbs has a long history of spreading immigration information and conspiracy
theories. He has routinelydiscussed the North American Union conspiracy
theory,
incorrectly claimed that undocumented immigrants drain social services and don't pay taxes,
and repeatedly
amplified the falsehood that undocumented immigrants are disproportionately violent. He has
been an unrepentant purveyor of hateful attacks, fraudulently claiming, for example, that
immigrants are spreading leprosy and
seek to reconquer the southwestern
United States. And in 2009, he legitimized the thoroughly debunked birther
conspiracy theory concerning the authenticity of President Obama's birth certificate.
So here’s a deal, but
it’s a bit odd. The Toshiba R600 is advertised as being Toshiba’s ultimate notebook,
and for the price it better be. You can buy it from Toshiba’s website for $2,099 for the
base model which includes a 160GB hard drive, 3GB of RAM, and a 12.1″ screen, and comes
standard with Windows 7. But that’s not the deal.
If you don’t want to use Windows 7, and would prefer OpenSolaris, you can buy the exact
same machinefor $500 less.
Odd, I know. And it definitely makes you wonder exactly how much you’re paying for that copy
of Windows 7 Starter.
Publication Date: 2010 Mar 5 PMID: 20208068Authors: Johannes, F. - Wardenaar, R. - Colome-Tatche,
M. - Mousson, F. - de Graaf, P. - Mokry, M. - Guryev, V. - Timmers, H. T. - Cuppen, E. - Jansen, R.
C.Journal: BioinformaticsMOTIVATION: ChIP-chip and ChIP-seq technologies provide genomewide
measurements of various types of chromatin marks at an unprecedented resolution. With ChIP samples
collected from different tissue types and/or individuals, we can now begin to characterize
stochastic or systematic changes in epigenetic patterns during development (intra-individual) or at
the population level (inter-individual). This requires statistical methods that permit a
simultaneous comparison of multiple ChIP samples on a global as well as locus-specific scale.
Current analytical approaches are mainly geared towards single sample investigations, and therefore
have limited applicability in this comparative setting. This shortcoming presents a bottleneck in
biological interpretations of multiple sample data. RESULTS: To address this limitation, we
introduce a parametric classification approach for the simultaneous analysis of two (or more) ChIP
samples. We consider several competing models that reflect alternative biological assumptions about
the global distribution of the data. Inferences about locus-specific and genomewide chromatin
differences are reached through the estimation of multivariate mixtures. Parameter estimates are
obtained using a version of the Incremental Expectation Maximization algorithm (IEM). We
demonstrate efficient scalability and application to three very diverse ChIP-chip and ChIP-seq
experiments. The proposed approach is evaluated against several published ChIP-chip and ChIPseq
software packages. We recommend its use as a first-pass algorithm to identify candidate regions in
the epigenome, possibly followed by some type of second-pass algorithm to fine-tune detected peaks
in accordance with biological or technological criteria. AVAILABILITY: R source code is available
at http://gbic.biol.rug.nl/supplementary/2009/ChromatinProfiles/ Access to Chip-seq data: GEO
repository GSE17937 CONTACT: f.johannes@rug.nl.post to:
CiteULike
Tamron vient de présenter son dernier objectif SP 70-300mm F/4-5.6 Di VC USD
destiné aux appareils Reflex plein-format de Nikon. Equipé de la technologie
« Vibration Compensation » de Tamron, cet objectif offre une stabilisation optique.
L’optique embarque également un moteur « Ultrasonic Silent Drive » pour
des opérations plus rapides et plus silencieuses.
Cet objectif vient en fait fêter le 60ème anniversaire de la marque.
Des montures Sony Alpha et Canon devraient suivre après la sortie officielle de la monture
Canon.
Enfin, l’objectif peut-être utilisé avec les appareils APS-C où
l’équivalent en 35mm sera de 109-465mm
Communiqué de presse:
New optical system optimized for digital cameras achieves top resolution in the 70-300mm
class with specialized glass elements including an XLD (Extra Low Dispersion) lens
This lens’ advanced optical design employs a sophisticated XLD (Extra Low Dispersion) lens
element made from specialized high-grade glass that has lower dispersive properties than standard
LD lenses (where refraction causes the dispersion of white light into spectral hues). The
dispersive properties of the XLD lens are at a level similar to fluorite, and in combination with
a LD element make for an optimal optical design that delivers best in class resolution with
advanced axial chromatic and magnification aberration correction – major inhibitors of
image quality enhancement. The result is a lens that delivers sharp contrast and better
descriptive performance throughout the entire zoom range.
Fast focusing USD (Ultrasonic Silent Drive), the ultrasonic autofocus drive
The lens is equipped with Tamron’s first-ever ultrasonic auto-focus drive USD (Ultrasonic
Silent Drive). It achieves faster focusing making this telephoto lens perfect for photography of
sports, motor racing, and other fast-moving subjects. With advanced motor technology and newly
developed software, Tamron’s USD delivers precise and noiseless focusing at turbo speed.
USD (Ultrasonic Silent Drive)
Tamron’s USD works with the high-frequency ultrasonic vibrations that are produced by a
ring called a ‘stator’. Energy from the vibrations is used to rotate an
attached metallic ring known as the ‘rotor’. Piezoelectric ceramic, an
element that produces ultrasonic vibrations when voltage of a specific frequency is applied is
arranged in a ring formation on the stator. This electrode configuration of piezoelectric ceramic
causes two ultrasonic vibrations to occur in the stator.
By effectively combining these two ultrasonic vibrations, it is possible to convert the energy
from the vibrations that produced simple motion into energy known as
‘deflective traveling waves’, which then moves around the circumference
(rotation direction) of the ring.
With the USD, the friction between these deflective traveling waves created on the metallic
surface of the stator and the surface of the rotor produce force, causing the rotor to rotate.
The focusing ring lens, which is linked to the rotor, is thus moved, creating a fast and smooth
auto-focus drive.
Equipped with Tamron’s VC (Vibration Compensation) image stabilization
The SP 70-300mm F4-5.6 Di VC USD employs Tamron’s esteemed image stabilization
mechanism–VC (Vibration Compensation) seen in both the AF18-270mm Di II VC
(Model B003) and SP AF17-50mm F/2.8 XR Di II VC (Model B005). With VC, the photographer has the
freedom to shoot at a shutter speed that is an extra four stops slower without having to worry
about blurring. This makes capturing handheld, evening, night, and interior shots much easier.
VC (Vibration Compensation) Tamron’s VC mechanism employs a three-coil system, whereby
three driving coils activate the shake-compensating VC lens group electromagnetically via three
steel balls. The VC lens elements are held in place only by contact with the steel balls,
achieving smooth movement with little friction. This provides a stable viewfinder image with
excellent tracking performance that eliminates the blur from camera shake for cleaner, crisper
shots.
Full time manual focus at your fingertips
Auto-focus has many benefits but sometimes the photographer needs the control of manual focus.
Full time manual offers just that: the crossover from auto-focus to manual focus by simply
adjusting the focus ring, allowing the photographer to make adjustments on the fly. This feature
helps the lens produce impressive results even in telephoto situations where the depth of field
is narrow.
Better balance and consistent length with internal focusing
When focusing, the internal elements of the lens move and the lens’ external size does not
change. This offers better balance and easier telephoto shots. Moreover, the barrel is not
subject to stray light entering from external helicoids that can negatively affect images. And
because the external elements do not move, it makes it easier to utilize polarizing filters and
the flower shape hood to control the amount of light that enters the lens.
Enjoyable photography for a wide range of enthusiasts, from those using traditional film
cameras, to digital SLRs with full-frame or APS-C size sensors
With a full-frame digital or 35mm SLR, portrait and medium telephoto shots can be achieved on the
wider 70mm end of the range and spectacular telephoto shots at the longer 300mm side. When using
an ASP-C sensor camera the angle of view changes, giving it the equivalent range of 109-465mm for
bold ultra-telephoto shots. And with a maximum magnification ratio 1:4, the lens can be used to
explore in the realm of semi-macro photography.
Uncompromising countermeasures to reduce ghosting and flare
Digital photography requires extreme precision, which is why Tamron incorporates new BBAR
(Broad-Band Anti Reflection) multilayer coatings that reduce reflection into the lens elements.
This ensures excellent performance in all photographic conditions and enhances light transmission
on both long and short wavelengths. Also, Tamron applies internal surface coatings on cemented
surfaces of lens elements to make images sharper with better color reproduction and balance.
Simple yet beautiful exterior design
Tamron adopted a simple design with a smooth silhouette to ensure that this lens fits well with
various SLR cameras. The exquisite textured paint gives a well-crafted finish to the exterior.
Flower-shaped hood with excellent stray light shielding properties–a
standard accessory
The flower-shaped hood has been designed specifically to block out damaging light rays and
ensures clear, sharp descriptive performance.
If I were Neil deGrasse
Tyson—host of the Pluto Files and director of the Hayden
Planetarium—I wouldn't be able to sleep at night. Not after reading the hate mail from thousands of outraged American kids.
The kids wrote to de Grasse Tyson demanding an explanation about why scientists changed Pluto's classification from
planet into a Kuiper Belt object. The Natural History Museum also retired it from their Solar
System model, which logically got a lot of kids reaching for their pellet guns.
Neil, they may sound sweet, but they are vicious, those beasts. [PBS]
It sure took 'em
long enough -- just over
four months if you're keeping score -- but MSI has finally shipped its next-generation netbook.
The AMD-powered Wind12 U230 has left the docks today in two distinct flavors (the U230-033 and
U230-040), with both touting Windows 7 Home Premium, a 12.1-inch WXGA (1,366 x 768) display, ATI's
Radeon HD3200 graphics, 2GB of RAM, 802.11b/g/n WiFi, a 6-cell battery and a 1.3 megapixel camera.
The duo also features three USB sockets, VGA / HDMI outputs, an Ethernet port, audio in / out, a
4-in-1 card reader and a chassis that weighs in at 3.3 pounds. As for the differences? The former
ships with an AMD Athlon Neo MV-40 under the hood
and a 250GB HDD, while the latter sports an Athlon X2 L335 CPU and a 320GB platter. Both are
available for the taking right now at NewEgg, though it's on you to decide if the the second model
is really worth the extra $50 over the $429.99 base price.
Tamron have introduced a SP 70-300mm F/4-5.6 Di VC USD lens for Nikon full-frame DSLR cameras.
Equipped with Tamron’s ‘Vibration Compensation’ technology, the
lens offers optical stabilization. The lens also features an ‘Ultrasonic
Silent Drive’ motor for fast, quiet operation. It is being marketed as a 60th anniversary
edition lens. Â Sony Alpha and Canon mounts will follow shortly after the Nikon mount
is released.
The lens can be used with APS-C sensor cameras where the 35mm equivalent zoom range will be
109-465mm.
Press Release:
New optical system optimized for digital cameras achieves top resolution in the 70-300mm
class with specialized glass elements including an XLD (Extra Low Dispersion) lens
This lens’ advanced optical design employs a sophisticated XLD (Extra Low Dispersion) lens
element made from specialized high-grade glass that has lower dispersive properties than standard
LD lenses (where refraction causes the dispersion of white light into spectral hues). The
dispersive properties of the XLD lens are at a level similar to fluorite, and in combination with
a LD element make for an optimal optical design that delivers best in class resolution with
advanced axial chromatic and magnification aberration correction – major inhibitors of
image quality enhancement. The result is a lens that delivers sharp contrast and better
descriptive performance throughout the entire zoom range.
Fast focusing USD (Ultrasonic Silent Drive), the ultrasonic autofocus drive
The lens is equipped with Tamron’s first-ever ultrasonic auto-focus drive USD (Ultrasonic
Silent Drive). It achieves faster focusing making this telephoto lens perfect for photography of
sports, motor racing, and other fast-moving subjects. With advanced motor technology and newly
developed software, Tamron’s USD delivers precise and noiseless focusing at turbo speed.
USD (Ultrasonic Silent Drive)
Tamron’s USD works with the high-frequency ultrasonic vibrations that are produced by a
ring called a ‘stator’. Energy from the vibrations is used to rotate an
attached metallic ring known as the ‘rotor’. Piezoelectric ceramic, an
element that produces ultrasonic vibrations when voltage of a specific frequency is applied is
arranged in a ring formation on the stator. This electrode configuration of piezoelectric ceramic
causes two ultrasonic vibrations to occur in the stator.
By effectively combining these two ultrasonic vibrations, it is possible to convert the energy
from the vibrations that produced simple motion into energy known as
‘deflective traveling waves’, which then moves around the circumference
(rotation direction) of the ring.
With the USD, the friction between these deflective traveling waves created on the metallic
surface of the stator and the surface of the rotor produce force, causing the rotor to rotate.
The focusing ring lens, which is linked to the rotor, is thus moved, creating a fast and smooth
auto-focus drive.
Equipped with Tamron’s VC (Vibration Compensation) image stabilization
The SP 70-300mm F4-5.6 Di VC USD employs Tamron’s esteemed image stabilization
mechanism–VC (Vibration Compensation) seen in both the AF18-270mm Di II VC
(Model B003) and SP AF17-50mm F/2.8 XR Di II VC (Model B005). With VC, the photographer has the
freedom to shoot at a shutter speed that is an extra four stops slower without having to worry
about blurring. This makes capturing handheld, evening, night, and interior shots much easier.
VC (Vibration Compensation) Tamron’s VC mechanism employs a three-coil system, whereby
three driving coils activate the shake-compensating VC lens group electromagnetically via three
steel balls. The VC lens elements are held in place only by contact with the steel balls,
achieving smooth movement with little friction. This provides a stable viewfinder image with
excellent tracking performance that eliminates the blur from camera shake for cleaner, crisper
shots.
Full time manual focus at your fingertips
Auto-focus has many benefits but sometimes the photographer needs the control of manual focus.
Full time manual offers just that: the crossover from auto-focus to manual focus by simply
adjusting the focus ring, allowing the photographer to make adjustments on the fly. This feature
helps the lens produce impressive results even in telephoto situations where the depth of field
is narrow.
Better balance and consistent length with internal focusing
When focusing, the internal elements of the lens move and the lens’ external size does not
change. This offers better balance and easier telephoto shots. Moreover, the barrel is not
subject to stray light entering from external helicoids that can negatively affect images. And
because the external elements do not move, it makes it easier to utilize polarizing filters and
the flower shape hood to control the amount of light that enters the lens.
Enjoyable photography for a wide range of enthusiasts, from those using traditional film
cameras, to digital SLRs with full-frame or APS-C size sensors
With a full-frame digital or 35mm SLR, portrait and medium telephoto shots can be achieved on the
wider 70mm end of the range and spectacular telephoto shots at the longer 300mm side. When using
an ASP-C sensor camera the angle of view changes, giving it the equivalent range of 109-465mm for
bold ultra-telephoto shots. And with a maximum magnification ratio 1:4, the lens can be used to
explore in the realm of semi-macro photography.
Uncompromising countermeasures to reduce ghosting and flare
Digital photography requires extreme precision, which is why Tamron incorporates new BBAR
(Broad-Band Anti Reflection) multilayer coatings that reduce reflection into the lens elements.
This ensures excellent performance in all photographic conditions and enhances light transmission
on both long and short wavelengths. Also, Tamron applies internal surface coatings on cemented
surfaces of lens elements to make images sharper with better color reproduction and balance.
Simple yet beautiful exterior design
Tamron adopted a simple design with a smooth silhouette to ensure that this lens fits well with
various SLR cameras. The exquisite textured paint gives a well-crafted finish to the exterior.
Flower-shaped hood with excellent stray light shielding properties–a
standard accessory
The flower-shaped hood has been designed specifically to block out damaging light rays and
ensures clear, sharp descriptive performance.
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It's not a micro four
thirds, but Pentax has lifted the lid on the 645D 
So here’s a deal, but
it’s a bit odd. The Toshiba R600 is advertised as being Toshiba’s ultimate notebook,
and for the price it better be. You can buy it from Toshiba’s website for $2,099 for the
base model which includes a 160GB hard drive, 3GB of RAM, and a 12.1″ screen, and comes
standard with Windows 7. But that’s not the deal.
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