debraweiss: 2013

Friday, December 27, 2013

SÃ£o Paulo techies demand 10% pay rise in 2014

<xo so mien bacp>Summary: IT professionals want a share of employer's profits

The Information Technology Workers Union of São Paulo (Sindpd) will kick off its yearly demands for better pay and benefits for sector professionals.

Nearly 100,000 São Paulo-based professionals are represented by Sindpd, which is the largest technology workers union in the country. Demands include a 10 percent salary increase, profit sharing plans and an increase in daily meal allowances.

The union will also demand that employers provide training subsidies - according to Sindpd, the salaries paid by tech companies are not compatible with the cost of IT-specific courses.

According to the union's president Antonio Neto, considering that the IT sector saw an average growth of 10 percent this year in Brazil, it is only fair to increase techies' salaries at the same rate.

Sindpd's demands will be delivered to Seprosp, the union representing the employers. Negotiations should commence in January.

In 2011, Sindpd led a much-publicized IT strike involving hundreds of professionals from several large technology companies based in São Paulo. The case ended up at the Regional Labour Tribunal, where employers offered a 7.5 percent boost in pay against the 11.9 percent increase originally demanded by the workers union.

Thursday, December 19, 2013

The Selma Timesâ€‘Journal

Residents step to help Angels, children

Published 10:40pm Thursday, December 19, 2013

Hundreds of underprivileged families can rest easy knowing their children will get the pleasure of having presents this Christmas.

The Salvation Army handed out about 550 bags of bespoke christmas cards Tree program donations to recipients Thursday at the Old National Guard Armory. The program pairs donors with a child from a low-income family to provide Christmas gifts.

"It's really satisfying," Major Steve Welch of the Salvation Army said. "Because of the Angel Tree Program, most of the kids are getting something that's on their wish list."

About 550 of the 590 angles were from the Dallas County area.

Selma Resident Tamika has benefited from the program for two years. She said her three girls are always pleased to receive the gifts they get from the Angel Tree program.

"It feels good, because it's a help when you can't buy," Tamekia said. "I have three girls, so it's rough."

Selma resident Tanikki is using the program for the first time to provide for her boy and two girls.

"It feels good, because sometimes it gets hard through the year," Tanikki said. "Some people aren't able to buy their kids toys. It's a blessing that someone helped you buy your kids something for Christmas."

Although the organization had a rough start, the organization was able to adopt out all of the 590 angels with the help of several community residents and the JCPenney and Target gift cards that were donated a day after the deadline.

Welch said he appreciates those willing to donate their time, money and effort into making sure children from low-income households were still able to have a Merry Christmas.

"There were so many businesses, individuals and organizations that sponsored angels," Welch said.

Monday, December 9, 2013

Why Don't Wars Get the Same Empathy as Natural Disasters?

<old navy maternityp>No sooner had Typhoon Haiyan, the most powerful storm ever recorded, swept across the Philippines than everyday acts of courage and humanity surged forth in response to its aftermath. On the ground neighbours pitched in to dig loved ones from the rubble, doctors rushed to the towns most affected, and ordinary citizens brought food to those in need. Around the world, humanitarian organizations scrambled to send relief supplies. Aid workers volunteered and everyday citizens responded with empathy and support. The work was led by determined and experienced disaster responders in the Philippines, who had responded to four typhoons in 2012.

Working with Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders (MSF), I felt the same empathy and desire to respond as many of you. I wished I could have been on one of the 13 flights of medical and relief cargo that MSF sent to the Philippines. This included three planeloads of relief supplies (tents, blankets, kitchen kits and water purification tablets) which we secured from the Canadian Government.

We are right to empathize and feel compelled to act in the face of such suffering. This is one of the core features of our humanity -- empathy and a desire to care for people we have never met. With over 200 doctors, nurses and support personnel, staffing four hospitals and many more mobile clinics, MSF is doing its best for the people of the Philippines. Our donors gave generously and we are grateful for their support. Yet we also struggle to rebuild our core emergency funds, depleted by the needs in Syria and the Central African Republic.

Humanitarians must respond according to need with complete impartiality. But the outpouring of support, media coverage and political preoccupation with conflict situations seldom corresponds to the scale of suffering and needs we witness on the ground.

For me, the needs of families caught up in a civil war or the aftermath of a natural disaster are the same. People need the basic building blocks of life -- food, water, medical, care, shelter and safety.

I have often described how, in a conflict like the ongoing civil war in Syria, people struggle to feed their families, care for their children and earn a living. They must push thoughts of loss, death and an uncertain future out of their minds in order to go about the everyday business of surviving.

Typhoon Haiyan's winds and high waters washed people's lives away in minutes, leaving them forever scarred. Yet they had international attention and care to help pull them from the rubble, feed and clothe them and to help them start the painstaking task of rebuilding their lives.

In Syria, such assistance is most often absent and even the possibility of escaping the rubble and seeking medical care is denied to civilians. In fact civilians have been placed at the centre of war. Bread lines, schools and hospitals are regularly targeted and bombed.

Healthcare and civilians are under fire, as are MSF's medical teams. As a result we have had to establish underground clinics and semi-clandestine hospitals, some of which are further from the front lines than we would like. Civilians are forced to travel long, circuitous routes to get there, for fear they will be detained or disappeared.

Another factor which may be inhibiting our collective empathy for the Syrian people is the sheer scale of the needs. With two million refugees, four million people displaced inside Syria, and one million homes destroyed, the task at hand may seem overwhelming. Where to begin?

Adding to this challenge is the complication of conflict. While we can all imagine those caught up in a typhoon to be faultless, in a conflict we are less sure.

We hear of rebels, infighting, jihadists and chemical weapons, all of which complicate the picture and interfere with our natural empathy. As we struggle unsuccessfully to understand the conflict, we turn off and turn away. We forget that basic lifesaving needs are simple to understand: healthcare, shelter, clean water -- the same basics we are delivering the world over wherever there are families in need.

I have accompanied MSF's teams and the Syrian people on two missions this past year, and despite the challenges I can tell you that delivering humanitarian aid is possible. MSF is running six hospitals inside Syria, offering surgical care, maternity wards, a burn unit and chronic care.

Our reach extends further -- we are also supporting 30 hospitals across the country with drugs, equipment and training. We provide reconstructive surgery, healthcare, mental health and sanitation to Syrian refugees in Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon and Turkey.

Syria was a middle income country whose people enjoyed a good standard of living. Now they have lost everything: their homes, their loved ones, and their dignity. Most never imagined a conflict in Syria, nor that they would one day become refugees.

With Typhoon Haiyan we have together risen to the occasion. But in Syria, we as an international community are failing the civilian population.

It shouldn't and needn't be that way. Much more can be done. MSF has redoubled its efforts and we intend to continue our medical work in Syria and the surrounding countries for as long as we are needed. But we do not hold the solution. For that, political leaders must assume their responsibilities.

Most know that MSF's primary goal is to save lives, but we also have a second duty to bear witness on behalf of the populations we serve. By reading my blog you help me live up to my responsibilities of bearing witness, of giving voice, of building empathy. Together we can ensure that relief is delivered impartially -- where assistance is most needed -- and help to remind political actors of their collective responsibility to resolve humanitarian catastrophes, wherever they may be and whatever the cause.

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Follow Stephen Cornish on Twitter: www.twitter.com/Stephen_Cornish

Tuesday, November 26, 2013

New And Exclusive Micro-Site Content

ePHOTOzine's Micro-Site Roundup - Find out what's been happening on our five Micro-Sites.

Posted:

Here's a roundup of the exclusive content we've got for you to have a read of on our five micro-sites this week:

On PENTAXPORTAL this week, you can take a look at some top tips for photographing seals with your Pentax camera, and check out some top Pentax sunset photos. Plus, the brand new K-3 DSLR has been reviewed on site this week, and there's news of new images from Ricoh Imaging brand ambassadors.

Over On EIZO ColorZone, you can learn how to perform a monitor viewing angle check and find out why ColorNavigator software is a great tool for aiding calibration. Plus, there's news of a new 3D CG colour management handbook that's now available.

Meanwhile, on Olympus Image Space this week, there are techniques on how to use blur creatively, and there's news on Olympus workshops taking place over the coming months with Damian McGillicuddy and Steve Gosling. Plus, news on the Olympus Impressions 'Fall' competition, and £100 accessory cashback when you buy an Olympus OM-D E-M1 camera have also gone live.

On Totally Tamron this week, you can learn some top tips for taking better photos of ice with your Tamron lens, plus there are some top Tamron portrait photos for you to take a look at. Don't forget to take a look at David Pritchard's blog the days zoom past, too, as he's been out-and-about with his newly acquired Tamron 24-70mm lens.

Last but not least, on Nikon Nation this week, you can check out some ideas and tips for on location portrait shoots, get creative with colour balance and lots more. Plus, don't miss the Nikon D5300 Black Friday Deal DSLR review and news of ono-to one training with Nikon School in December.

Make sure you check back to the Micro-Sites regularly, as new and exclusive content is posted weekly!

Source: Ephotozine

Sunday, November 24, 2013

New And Exclusive Micro-Site Content

ePHOTOzine's Micro-Site Roundup - Find out what's been happening on our five Micro-Sites.

Posted:

Here's a roundup of the exclusive content we've got for you to have a read of on our five micro-sites this week:

Make sure you check back to the Micro-Sites regularly, as new and exclusive content is posted weekly!

Source: Ephotozine

Latin Times

<Nikon D5300 Couponsp>By Armando Tinoco, Nov 22, 2013 09:05 PM EST

DSLR Cameras For Black Friday

Black Friday 2013 is getting closer and DSLR cameras will have their prices slashed at a number of retailers. DSLR cameras are perfect for taking pictures as the image quality is much more crisp and shutter speed that much faster. The cameras have better color reproduction, dynamic range and perform better under low light situations. Black Friday makes the perfect excuse for one to update the little point and shoot camera and take pictures like a professional as there are various discounts on this busy shopping day extravaganza. With a new DSLR camera you'll be ready to snap photos this Christmas and New Year's and store memories so you will never forget. Check out the Black Friday deals we have found for you down below! RELATED: Tablet Black Friday 2013 Deals: See The Best Sales For iPad, Kindle Fire, Galaxy Note And More!

RELATED: Black Friday 2013 Deals Roundup: Guide To All The Best Sales At Walmart, Best Buy, Target For Tablets, Laptops, Televisions And More!

BEST BUY: The Canon EOS Rebel T3 DSLR camera with 18-55mm IS Lens is $399.99 with a free camera bag. If you pay $449.96 for the same camera plust the 75-300mm lens you get the free camera bag plus a 16GB SDHC memory card. The Nikon D3200 DSLR camera double zoom lens kit with 18-55mm VR lens and a 55-200 mm lens is $499.99 with a free camera bag and a 16GB memory card. For the Canon EOS Rebel T3i DSLR camera which has the 18-55mm IS lens include it is $549.99, if you buy the bubdle with an additional 55-250mm IS lens, a 32GB memory card and the camera bag, the cost will be $749.96. The Nikon D7000 DSLR camera with 18-140mm VR Lens is $799.99 and the bundle is $1099.96 with a 55-300mm VR lens, 32GB memory card and a camera bag. RELATED: Apple Black Friday 2013 Deals: Where And How To Get iPad Air, iPad Mini, iPhone 5S Discounts

only has the Nikon D3200 2-lens bubdle with the 55-200mm zoom lens and the 18-55mm standard lens at $499.99. WALMART: The Nikon D5100 is $499 with a 18-55mm lens that shoots video in 1080p costs $499. The Canon T3 bundle includes a 75-300mm lens, a camera bag and an 8GB memory card for $449. Digital cameras are also on sale with the Nikon L27 for $49, Canon Powershot SX160 at $79 and the Fujifilm S4420 at $99. TARGETSTAPLES has a deal with the Canon Rebel T3 kit with the 18-55mm lens for $449.98 if you buy the 75-300mm zoom lens as well. The Canon Powershot SX170 is $149.99 and the Canon PowerShot A2500 is $79.99, while the A1400 model sets you back $69.99.

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Source: Latintimes

Friday, November 22, 2013

New And Exclusive Micro-Site Content

ePHOTOzine's Micro-Site Roundup - Find out what's been happening on our five Micro-Sites.

Posted:

Here's a roundup of the exclusive content we've got for you to have a read of on our five micro-sites this week:

Last but not least, on Nikon Nation this week, you can check out some ideas and tips for on location portrait shoots, get creative with colour balance and lots more. Plus, don't miss the Nikon D5300 Coupons DSLR review and news of ono-to one training with Nikon School in December.

Make sure you check back to the Micro-Sites regularly, as new and exclusive content is posted weekly!

Source: Ephotozine

Wednesday, November 20, 2013

New And Exclusive Micro-Site Content

ePHOTOzine's Micro-Site Roundup - Find out what's been happening on our five Micro-Sites.

Posted:

Here's a roundup of the exclusive content we've got for you to have a read of on our five micro-sites this week:

Last but not least, on Nikon Nation this week, you can check out some ideas and tips for on location portrait shoots, get creative with colour balance and lots more. Plus, don't miss the Nikon D5300 Discount DSLR review and news of ono-to one training with Nikon School in December.

Make sure you check back to the Micro-Sites regularly, as new and exclusive content is posted weekly!

Source: Ephotozine

Friday, November 1, 2013

Nikon D5300 specs, features, and price

TOKYO - Nikon Corporation is pleased to announce the release of the D5300, the first Nikon DX-format digital SLR camera to offer built-in Wi-Fi and GPS functions.

The Nikon D5300 will be available November-mid onwards across India in Black, Red and Grey color variants at an MRP of Rs. 54,450 for the body only, Rs. 59,950 with 18-55mm VR lens, and Rs. 75,950 with 18-140mm VR lens.

The Nikon D5300 features an effective pixel count of 24.2-megapixels and a Nikon DX-format CMOS sensor. Measuring 125 x 98 x 76 mm (4.9 x 3.9 x 3 inches) and weighing 530 g (1 lb 2.7 oz) the D5300 is slightly smaller and lighter than its predecessor.

The D5300′s built-in Wi-Fi connectivity feature can be used for transmitting images to a smart device for sharing as well as for remote shooting.

Built-in GPS also means images can be geotagged with latitude, longitude, and altitude data, without the use of external adapters. Full HD 1080p video can now also be recorded at 60/50 fps and a new pentamirror increases viewfinder magnification to approx. 0.82x.

Speaking on the announcement, Hiroshi Takashina, Managing Director, Nikon India said that the D5300 features Nikon's latest innovative technologies, allowing users to instantly shoot, store and share images.

Sajjan Kumar, Vice President-Imaging, Nikon India, elaborated explaining that It's also been upgraded to use the Nikon EXPEED 4 image processing engine which enables a larger ISO range of 100 to 12,800 (expandable to 25,600 equivalent) though the camera still has a top continuous burst speed of 5 frames per second.

Source: Associatednews

Thursday, October 31, 2013

Nikon ad teases retro-styled full-frame DSLR, possibly called the Nikon DF

<Nikon D5300 Black Friday Dealp>Rumors about Nikon launching a retro-styled full-frame shooter have been confirmed by the camera giant with the release of a teaser ad this week.

The first of five ads in Nikon's "Pure Photography" ad campaign shows a guy "alone in a bleak landscape", as the accompanying blurb informs us, adding, "Something has been missing in his creative life."

He certainly looks as if he has things on his mind; perhaps he's worried about how much he'll have to shell out for the new camera, or maybe he's concerned about claims that it'll have no video functionality.

Being a teaser (check it out below), Nikon doesn't actually show us the camera. Instead, we can hear it in all its retro glory. By that, we mean we can hear the heavy clicks as the actor turns the shooter's dials, and then, the real giveaway, the sound of the shutter, one that'll be familiar to those with experience of film SLR cameras and which may cause a warm, fuzzy feeling in their tummies. Go on, have a listen and lose yourself in a haze of nostalgic bliss.

Nikon Rumors claims the new camera will be called the Nikon DF, with DF standing for Digital Fusion. Design-wise, it's expected to resemble the camera maker's old F3 film cameras (above) popular with professional photographers in the 1980s and beyond.

The DF's autofocus system is rumored to be the same as Nikon's recently released entry-level full-frame D610 camera, with 39 points. Additionally, the upcoming camera is thought to incorporate settings for 1:1, 3:2, and 16:9 aspect ratios. Add a full-frame FX sensor, an EVF/OVF hybrid viewfinder, and a Nikon 50mm f/1.8G lens and we may have ourselves a very stylish piece of kit.

Now Nikon has rolled out its first ad, we probably don't have too long to wait before the big reveal - in fact, there's already a space for it on Nikon's website alongside its other full-frame offerings.

Source: Digitaltrends

Sunday, October 27, 2013

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

Oct. 17, 2013 at 8:18 PM ET

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Nikon Releases Cryptic Teaser for New DSLR Camera

<Nikon D5300 Buy Cheapp>A man stands in an open field, a soft breeze rustling long strands of green grass around him. He gazes out at the landscape.

Though that scene might seem like a perfect opener for a gritty, independent film or a self-reflective novel, it's actually the beginning of Nikon's new teaser ad. Viewers watch a mysterious man, clad in a beige trench coat, as he adjusts something unseen with a couple of clicks. Right when he lifts what we know to be a camera to his face, the scene changes back to him in the midst of the gloomy landscape.

That teaser doesn't show the camera but it includes a very important sound that excited many camera fiends online - the distinct click of an old-school shutter. That small clue paired with one line of dialogue at the end - "It's in my hands again" - seem to hint that Nikon will release a retro-styled DSLR camera.

Little else is known beyond hearsay, with Nikon Rumors conjecturing that the full-frame camera will be called the Nikon DF, for "digital fusion." The post also claims the camera will include the same autofocus system found in the D610 and that it will offer settings for aspect ratios of 1:1, 3:2 and 16:9.

On its official site, Nikon explains the short video as the first in a series called Pure Photography. The videos follow a photographer traveling through Scotland as he "reunites with his creative self during this uniquely ambitious trip."

Have something to add to this story? Share it in the comments.

Image: YouTube, Nikon Asia

BONUS: 5 Fun DIY Camera Kits

Source: Mashable

Friday, October 25, 2013

Nikon D5300 accessories | LetsGoDigital

Nikon D5300 accessories
Mark Peters : October 24th 2013 - 14:50 CET

Nikon D5300 camera accessories : Nikon introduces Nikkor lenses and accessories for the new D5300. One of the D5300's greatest advantages is its compatibility with Nikon's wide range of Nikkor lenses and powerful system accessories. Combine the Nikon D5300 body with such versatile partners, and your creative options become limitless. Nikkor lenses are renowned across the world for their superior optical performance, and the new D5300 is compatible with the full range of DX-format lenses. From compact zoom lenses that are perfect for general use or travel, to fast prime lenses that enable beautiful 'Bokeh effect', as well as wide-angle and micro lenses, there is a lens for every photographic situation.

Nikon D5300 accessories
In addition to theNikkor lenses , Nikon Speedlights like the SB-400 and SB-700 open up opportunities to get creative with light, and optional wireless remote control devices like the Nikon WR-R10 and WR-T10 let you control key camera functions from a distance, even if there are obstacles between yourself and the D5300. Whichever you choose, you can enjoy the precision and flexibility to make the most of the camera's 24.2 megapixel resolution and capture pictures with amazing vivid colour and striking contrast, or experiment with great cinematic effects when shooting Full HD movies.

Nikon camera tools
For even more possibilities, a range of in-camera tools put creative techniques conveniently at your command. Enjoy optimum results in high-contrast situations with HDR (High Dynamic Range) mode or quickly capture perfect shots in various situations using any one of the 16 scene modes. When you want to explore different ideas, let your creativity run wild with the D5300 in-camera tools of special effects for photos and HD videos; evoke a certain mood by isolating specific colours, or create a retro look-and-feel with the Toy Camera effect. Visit the official site for more product information and availability of optional Nikon D5300 accessories.

Nikon D5300 accessories

Source: Letsgodigital

Sunday, October 20, 2013

Pumpkins can be so much more than a spooky face

<cooking pumpkin seeds gamesp> When is a pumpkin not a pumpkin? When it's a jack-o'-lantern, sure, but Halloween's jolly orange elf can be so much more."For me, it's like my favorite time of year when you see them out in the marketplace," said Marcie McGoldrick, editorial director of holiday and crafts for Martha Stewart Living magazine.Whether outside or at a party, pumpkins are an "icon of the season that people really try to transform every year," she said. "It's always fun to see what people do."Some ultra-easy ways to show off pumpkins: Pumpkin vasesHow about scooping out the insides and poking in your favorite seasonal flowers? Try orange Chinese lantern flowers. Or go for scary flourishes such as faux flies and snakes wending through wilty blood-red roses. Fill with dirt and use a pumpkin as a planter that can go straight into the ground after a few days on Halloween duty. Arrange small pumpkins, colorful gourds, Indian corn and crunchy leaves in a window box. Pumpkin bowlingDecorate butternut squash like bowling pins and set them up on grass to entertain kids. Arm your young guests with a smaller variety, sugar pumpkins, leaving the stems on for easy slinging down the "lane," McGoldrick suggests. Another good kid game: pumpkin leap frog, she said. Pumpkin coolersCut a carving pumpkin open about a third down from the stem, or wide enough to accommodate wine, beer and soda. Clean and fill with ice. Insert a plastic or glass bowl to prevent leakage or softening as ice melts. Carve out toothy jags around the lip for effect. You can paint the pumpkin ghostly white or spooky black and adorn with store-bought webs crawling with faux spiders. Pumpkin bird feedersWhy should humans have all the pumpkin fun? Create bird feeders by poking holes along the pumpkin's sides for hanging with rope by a tree branch, or just leave one sitting on a fence post. Scoop and cut a wide hole or scoop, clean and cut smaller holes with perches. Any seed and any size would work. Live in deer country? They'd appreciate a pumpkin, too. Pumpkin candle holdersPumpkins are often set alight by votive candles, but try poking holes and turning them into candlesticks. Especially festive later this year for American Jews who want to turn their pumpkins into nine-candle menorahs as Thanksgiving falls on the night for lighting Hanukkah's second candle. Or cut out the stem and nestle a little tea candle in the crook of an uncut pumpkin. Find a tall, narrow one and add an inexpensive glass hurricane top to be lit by a votive candle. Pumpkin servers Cut, scoop, clean and brush insides with oil. Season and bake on a baking sheet as individual servers for soup. Or use them raw for crudites or candy. Punch bowl? Yes, with a regular bowl inside. McGoldrick said individual servings of stew might also be good in a seasoned, softened pumpkin bowl.

Source: Heraldnet

Friday, October 18, 2013

Weekly-Weekend-What-To-Do (10.18-20.13)

Rocketman Elton John Tribute, Free show!
This free show is open to all! 8pm at Jannus Live, 200 1st Ave N.

TFO Rock Series: The Classical Mystery Tour
The Classical Mystery Tour returns for a night of all the greatest Beatles hits. This performance exemplifies all of The Beatles breakthrough periods of creativity with perfect vocal harmonies, mannerisms, stage banter and precise costume changes reflecting the original Fab Four. Tickets available here. 8pm. The Mahaffey Theater, 400 1st St. S.

Fiddler on the Roof
The classic Broadway musical Fiddler on the Roof is getting a unique freeFall spin this fall. The musical score will no doubt include "If I were a Rich Man", "Sunrise Sunset", "Matchmaker" and "Tradition" but buzz about the cast, innovative puppetry, and more will keep us on our toes. The show will run September 21 - November 3, general admission $29-$44. Shows are Fridays at 8pm, Saturdays at 2pm and 8pm, and Sundays at 2pm. freeFall Theatre, 6099 Central Ave.

Latin Night @ Everything Dolce
Live music every day at Everything Dolce! Fridays are stacked with Happy Hour from 5-7pm (2 for 1 drinks), Date Night with romantic Latin guitar by Julian Camaz from 8-11pm. Free, 8pm-11pm, 937 Central Ave.

Nitty Gritty Dirt Band's John McEuen & Jazzmaster David Amram
This rare performance by John, a multiple Grammy winner, and David, who has pulled in a number of Lifetime Achievement Awards, define Americana on this tour of jazz to classical, folk to country, and blues to bluegrass. $30 general, $50 VIP which includes refreshments and private reception with the artists. Show starts at 8pm. The Palladium, 253 5th Ave N.

Making Strides Against Breast Cancer
Each step you will take is personal and each dollar you raise will help save lives. Put on your pink bra this October and help end breast cancer forever. Registration opens at 8am, walk begins at 9am, details here or call 727-812-7025. Vinoy Park, Mole area.

Saturdays @ Everything Dolce
Doggie Social from 9-11am. Free treats for the pooch! Blues Jam from 12-3pm with Eddie Fingerhut and friends. The evenings are always different with live music booked talent from 8pm-11pm. Everything Dolce, 937 Central Ave.

Saturday Morning Market
With up to 10,000 customers a week, and 200 vendors rotating through 130 spaces, the market is widely considered the largest farmers market in the southeast US. Meet your local farmer, buy some plants, browse the crafts, chow down some great food and listen to live music. 9am-2pm. Al Lang Stadium Parking Lot, 1st Ave. S and 1st St.

3rd Annual St. Petersburg Science Festival and Marine Quest
The St. Petersburg Science Festival is a celebration exploring the wonders of science, technology, engineering and math. It is held in conjunction with MarineQuest, the annual open house of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, and both feature hands-on exhibits displayed along the USFSP waterfront. Parking and admission are free. More details here and here. For maps and directions, click here.10am-4pm, Bayboro Waterfront, USFSP Campus and FWRI headquarters.

Free Museum Day for Families Connected by Adoption
The Heart Gallery of Pinellas and Pasco Counties is partnering with Great Explorations Children's Museum and Eckerd Community Alternatives for a free day of play to kick off National Adoption Month. Foster families and adoptive families will be treated to free admission to the Great Explorations Children's Museum. Teenage volunteers from The Junior League of St Petersburg will be doing face painting and cookie decorating. 10am-2pm, Great Explorations Children's Museum, 1925 4th St. N.

Autumn Harvest at the Pinellas Pioneer Settlement
Enjoy an old fashioned Fall Celebration & Farmer's Market w/ $2 hay rides, bobbing for apples, sack races and more. More details here or call 727-893-7326.Free admission. 10am-4pm. The Pinellas Pioneer Settlement at Boyd Hill, 3130 31st St. S.

Around the 'Burg: 4th Annual Fall Paddle Festival SUP Race
The stand up paddle board event is designed to bring awareness to the booming sport and its overall health benefits. The event is free for spectators and will feature a full day of stand up paddle board races, demonstrations for those new to the sport and plenty of fun in the sun. There will be an Elite 8-mile race, a Fun 3-mile race a kids race and a relay race. For more information on the event or to register to race, click here. 10am. Caddy's on the Beach, 9000 W Gulf Blvd., Sunset Beach.

Dali & Beyond Film Series: [REC]
This film series is free to all every Saturday! This week is [REC] - "Trapped in a quarantined Barcelona apartment building with residents, firefighters and a growing horde of ravenous zombies, television reporter Angela (Manuela Velasco) and her cameraman, Pablo, record brutal deaths and terrifying events while trying to stay alive. Filmed entirely from unseen Pablo's point of view, this tension-filled Spanish horror film thrills viewers with its aggressive action. Paco Plaza and Jaume Balaguero direct." -Netflix (Balaguero and Plaza, 2007, 78 min; Spanish with English subtitles; Rated R). Free. 1pm. Dali

Museum, 1 Dali Blvd.

Green Bench Brewing Co. Grand Opening Block Party
Come drink and be merry in celebration of the 'Burg's latest local craft beer brewery! Featuring an outdoor seating area you have to see to believe and a cozy indoor section, Green Bench Brewing Co. is open just in time for the perfect Fall weather. 3pm. Green Bench Brewing Co., 1133 Baum Ave N.

Around the 'Burg: Art Up! Free Art Exhibition
Art Up! features original works handpicked by art dealer Beatriz Baraybar. Baraybar traveled the country of Peru in search of painters with unique techniques and styles. In addition to the paintings from Peru, she will also feature photographs from local artists. 4pm-9pm. Suntan Arts Center, 3300 Gulf Blvd., St. Pete Beach.

Pints for Paws Pub Crawl
Blue Banyan Tours is proud to organize the first annual "Pints for Paws" Pub Crawl to benefit Senior Pet Connection, a local 501(c)(3) non-profit organization comprised solely of volunteers who help seniors and their pets. Tickets include drink specials, five free raffle entries for each bar prize, souvenir "Pints for Paws" Pub Crawl Can Koozie and entrance to the post-party with live music. $20, registration from 5:30-7pm at Ale & the Witch, 111 2nd Ave NE, and the crawls ends at Wood Fired Pizza, 344 1st Ave S.

Donny Simmonds
Join in welcoming Donny Simonds, "the Gulf a Mexico songwritin' shrimp boat captain costume captain from Hudson" back to the Hideaway Café for a night of original music. Doors open at 6pm for dinner and drinks. Music starts at 8pm. $5. 6pm. Hideaway Café, 1756 Central Ave.

Austin Mahone @ Jannus Live
Austin Mahone and special guests W3 The Future, Becky G, and Midnight Red are coming to St. Pete! More details here. 6pm. Jannus Live, 1st Ave N. and 2nd St. N.

10th Annual Haunted Hike
Tours through Euclid/St. Paul's, St. Petersburg's most paranormal neighborhood will leave the intersection of 13th Ave. and 13th St. North in St. Petersburg (33705) every 15 minutes between 6:30pm and 8:30pm. The family-friendly Hike is a one-mile walking tour and takes approximately one hour to complete. Friendly leashed dogs are permitted. Advance tickets are $6 for adults and $2 for kids 12 years old and under and can be purchased at the Dairy Inn located at 1201 MLK Jr. St. N. Kids under 2 years old are free. More information here.

Lore, A solo Exhibit
Artist Calan Ree explores the mystery of folklore with the muses of clay, wood and bone. The exhibit runs from October 19th to November 9th. Opening reception is today from 7-11pm. Bluelucy Gallery, 653 Central Ave.

Hellview Cemetery
This free attraction accepts donations for the St. Jude Foundation for Cancer Research. They offer "Scooby-Doo" tours for the first hour every night from 7pm-8pm. Kids go through and shout "Scooby-Doo" and the monsters won't scare them, but the kids can still see all the creepy stuff. Last year they had nearly 3000 people in only 3 days, so this year they are expanding to two weekends to accommodate. Free, 7pm-10pm. 510 49th Ave N.

Tampa Bay Rowdies vs San Antonio Scorpions
Soccer fan? Root for the home team as they take on the San Antonio Scorpions. Purchase tickets and look up more info here. Tickets $16-$50. 7:30pm. Al Lang Stadium, 180 2nd Ave SE.

Florida Orchestra: Pops in the Park and Fireworks!
Pack a picnic basket and enjoy a free Park Concert under the stars with The Florida Orchestra. Bring extra canned foods and non-perishable food to donate to the Tampa Bay Harvest. Free. Music starts at 7pm, fireworks at approximately 9pm. Vinoy Park.

Burrito Boarder 5th Anniversary in the Burg Party
$1 draft beers, tacos and chips n' salsa and free swag! DJ Huff will keep the party bumping into the early morning. 8pm-1am, 17 3rd St. N.

Fit2Run Training Group Run
Make fitness a part of your Sunday morning! Marathoners meet at 6:30am, Half Marathoners meet at 6:30am and everyone else meet at 7am. Fit2Run, 256 2nd St. N.

2013 World Shuffleboard Singles Championship
The biggest event of the year for shuffleboard is being hosted by St. Pete! Elite players fro all over the world are gathering for a show down for the ages! More details here and here, the event goes on through the week, October 20th-25th. Mirror Lake Shuffle Board Complex, 559 Mirror Lake Dr. N. http://www.world-shuffleboard.org/index.php/st-pete-2013

Source: Ilovetheburg

Thursday, October 17, 2013

Team Rousey blog: Jessica Rakoczy on 'The Ultimate Fighter 18,' episode No. 7

If people really want to understand Ronda Rousey, they need to watch the " Breaking Ground" special that debuted in September. She's very hard and very much exactly the way you see her on TV, but people are not seeing her soft side, as well. Once you get to know her a little as a friend or teammate, she's actually very cool. You saw a little bit of it with her bringing Father's Day gifts to the guys.

Part of Ronda's childhood was losing her father very early on in her life, so I think she felt a sort of connection to the guys on Father's Day, and it was cool of her to think of them. I thought it was a nice gesture, and I know it meant a lot to them.

All of us parents were missing our kids, of course. I talked to Chris Beal, and he was really missing his son. He made a conscious decision not to bring pictures because he didn't want to be emotional while he was there, but he was so happy when he got those pictures. All of the guys were. It just made them so happy.

With the prank situation, I honestly thought it was very stupid. It was actually just like Ronda said: If you're going to say something, just say it in somebody's face, not going behind their back and smile in their face. When Ronda's angry, it makes her look bad. It makes her look like she's being sour for nothing, but she has a reason why she's acting the way she is because she's acting a certain way behind her back. Just say it in her face.

That said, I didn't think the photos were meant to be racist. I think they're just pointing out that Edmond Tarverdyan had a unibrow. Big deal. But Edmond and Ronda are both very on-edge type of people (though both very loving when you get to know them), and Miesha Tate's team knows they're going to snap, so they're trying to get a reaction and make them look a little crazy. We didn't know that Dana White had stepped in and prevented this prank from happening until Anthony Gutierrez stepped in and saw the picture in the sauna. But we didn't know there were originally more everywhere else.

I did see the Count Dracula they left in the locker room earlier in the season, and I said we should just throw it out. Anthony ended up telling Edmond then, too. Anthony's like a little kid, and he wanted to see everybody fighting. He was always over in the other team's locker room, as well. He's just a little kid that doesn't understand the repercussions of what he did, and that it can boil over. We didn't want Edmond losing it and getting kicked off. We needed him. We were worried something was going to happen and he'd be gone and we'd have no striking coach.

The drills that they showed Ronda putting us through were just a small sample of all the stuff she did. I hope they show more just because I want to remember it all and put it in my routine. There were so many little techniques that she had that were amazing.

Ronda really was a fantastic coach, especially for me being so new to MMA. All the little thing she was doing really helped me. I felt like I was starting from scratch, and she was fantastic. I know all the girls felt the same way, and I'm sure the guys did, too.

The fight between Michael Wootten and Josh Hill was fantastic. I forgot that it went three rounds. It's so different watching on TV from seeing on live. You see so many more little things. I really did thing Michael was in trouble in the first round, but he's so strong, and he has heart. He wasn't going to lose.

Afterward, Miesha tried to come over and congratulate Ronda, who told her to go f--k herself. But remember, that's right after everything that happened with the pictures and stuff, and I'm sure Dana told her what had happened. That's the type of stuff where it's like, "Say it in our face or don't keep doing it." To come over and shake her hand? Why would you even bother shaking her hand when you're trying to make fun of her and clown faces pictures her? It doesn't make sense.

I really see it now. At the time, I kind of thought Ronda was being a little short, too, but now you see all the stuff Miesha was doing behind her back. No wonder Ronda was pissed off. I don't blame her.

We felt good about the last two matchups. Peggy Morgan is huge. I have no idea how she makes 135 pounds. Sarah Moras is very good on the ground, so it's a good matchup, but it's the one we wanted. And with Anthony, we knew Cody Bollinger was missing his family a lot, so he was probably going to have a hard time managing his emotions. We felt like both matchups probably favored us moving forward.

"The Ultimate Fighter 18" cast member Jessica Rakoczy blogs each Thursday exclusively for MMAjunkie.com. The women's bantamweight prospect takes readers behind the scenes of the FOX Sports 1-broadcast series, which airs Wednesdays at 10 p.m. ET.

Source: Mmajunkie

Pickin' the perfect pumpkin

Visitors to the Pheasant Fields Farm search for the perfect pumpkin as an employee moves pumpkins with a front loader.

- image credit: Seraine Page

The crunching leaves, hot cocoa and cool, crisp air are all signatures that a blissful time of year has arrived. But the fall season isn't complete without a trip to the local pumpkin patch.

Since opening her gates on Oct. 1, Pheasant Fields Farm owner Nikki Johanson has seen hundreds of visitors flock to her pumpkin patch. Her favorite part of owning a u-pick farm is watching the children come in to go through the corn maze and pick out their very own pumpkin.

"They have a good time. It's fun," she said, smiling as she looked around the families milling about on a recent sunny day.

The farm has been around for more than 120 years, and it was opened to the public for picking in 1999. Her pumpkins go for 40 cents a pound, something she prides herself on when she knows she is competing with big-time supermarkets in the pumpkin sales department.

"I think our prices are good," she said, placing a pumpkin on a scale.

Johanson credits the recent sunny weather for an uptick in visitors. And, despite the drought her farm and others in the area suffered through over the summer, she's happy with her turnout of produce and pumpkins this year. Surrounded by falling autumn leaves and a variety of produce in the farm's store, it is easy pumpkin crafts to fall into the mood of Halloween and fall festivities, like the selling of locally-produced jam and the corn maze refined just for kiddos.

The Danskin family found that three times is a charm when it came to hunting down the perfect pumpkin patch. Pheasant Fields Farm was their third stop of the day, and the group was relieved to see the patch was open. They visited the farm the previous year, but this was the first year that 8-month-old Jaiden had the opportunity to visit her first patch. Her family picked up four pumpkins in a wheelbarrow and took time to introduce Jaiden to the pumpkins.

"She's all kinds of smile until you put a pumpkin in her face," said Brian Danskin.

Danskin said that for him to pick a pumpkin, there are certain traits the round, orange fruit must possess.

"They gotta have a good handle," he said. As for what he and his family will carve into their pumpkins, he was unsure even as he picked his perfect pumpkin.

"It doesn't usually hit me until we start carving," he said.

While carving is always an option, there are other ways to get creative with the favored fall centerpiece. Painting and using a variety of pumpkins to make a bigger creation are always options as well, Johanson points out.

"Some people are really creative," said Johanson. One of her favorite ways to decorate the pumpkin is not to carve, but to paint the outside. A variety of designs can be painted on the outside with acrylic paint, she said. She also advises a pumpkin with a good handle and "no soft spots" as that indicates the pumpkin may be rotting.

For adults looking for a little more thrill than what's offered in the pickings of the patch, Wild Woods is another option available at the farm. On Oct. 18, 19, 25 and 26, Johanson's woods are overtaken by volunteer actors to provide a haunted 5-acre walk through the woods. In addition to a wagon ride, a guide will take groups into the woods for a 30-minute trek that brings guests face-to-face with the grim reaper, a crazy butcher, a jailhouse, a haunted house and more.

The first year wasn't exactly what Johanson would call thrilling. One of her guides got lost, and the guests were climbing over logs trying to find their way out of the woods. Another went in the back way and did the tour in reverse. Nowadays, the volunteers are all trained and safety comes first, ensuring that no one gets lost in the haunted woods forever.

"It is supposed to be scary and funny," she said.

The tours are from 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. and cost $8 per person. Children 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult.

Check out our local listings to choose the perfect patch for the whole family to enjoy:

* Minder Farm Corn Maze & Pumpkin Patch: Pick your own pumpkin in this U-Pick patch. Kettle corn, apples and other snacks available. Military discount for those with a valid ID.

Sunday: noon to 6 p.m., Wed.-Thursday: 4 p.m.-7 p.m., Friday: 4 p.m.- 8p.m., Saturday: 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Located at 1000 Gluds Pond St. NE, Bremerton. Call 360-620-3707 or visit http://www.mazeplay.com.

* Santos Family U-Pick Farm: Check out this family farm that uses organic practices for cultivating its pumpkins. Thurs.-Saturday: noon until dusk. Located at 9573 West Belfair Valley Road in Bremerton.

* Creek House Farm

This farm has an organic pick-a-pumpkin patch, a variety of farm animals and autumn crafts. There's also a "Patch the Pumpkin Forest Adventure" and pumpkin games. Friday: noon to 6 p.m., Saturday: 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Sunday: noon to 6 p.m. Located at 6060 East Collins Road in Port Orchard. Call 360-871-7267 or visit www.creekhousefarm.com.

* Pheasant Fields Farm: This farm offers a pumpkin patch, corn maze and haunted woods tour.

Located at 13274 Clear Creek Road NW in Silverdale. Open Mon.-Saturday: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday noon to 6 p.m. Call 360-697-6224 or visit www.pheasantfields.com.

Source: Bremertonpatriot

Friday, October 4, 2013

Qualcomm exec calls Apple's 64-bit iPhone 5s processor a 'gimmick'

There has been a lot of discussion surrounding the iPhone 5s iphone cases political animals cast's new 64-bit processor ever since Apple unveiled the chipset last month. Some have applauded the upgrade to the iPhone while others have implied that the new chip might not be much of an upgrade at all. Techworld reports that Qualcomm CMO Anand Chandrasekher is in the latter of those two groups. In an interview, Chandrasekher said that he believes the announcement was nothing more than a "marketing gimmick. There's zero benefit a consumer gets from that."

Chandrasekher also said that the 64-bit processor is only necessary when running a device with greater than 4GB of RAM, whereas the iPhone 5s only contains 1GB of RAM. Others have argued that despite the early implementation of the 64-bit chip, Apple has cleared the way for developers to begins production of 64-bit apps on future devices by striking first. Other smartphone makers are clearly taking note as well, as evidenced by Samsung's insinuation that the Galaxy S5 will also contain a 64-bit processor.

The iPhone 5s also slaughtered rival smartphones in performance tests, so Apple is clearly doing something right.

Chandrasekher went on to say that Qualcomm, developer of Snapdragon processors, will inevitably move to 64-bit as well at some point in the future. The hardware will eventually demand a more powerful processor, but Apple's preemptive strike might have come a bit too early.

Source: BGR

Thursday, October 3, 2013

The Best Bags from the Spring 2014 Runways

Fashion Month is finally over! Now it's time to kick back, relax, and look back at all of the pretty handbags that the spring runways had to offer.

Prepare for a lot of clutching action this spring. From drawstring backpacks at Burberry to quilted portfolios at Chanel, designers took a literal approach to handbags this season as models held their purses in their hands instead of with a strap.

While Lanvin decided to experiment with a classy take on the trash bag, a number of designers stuck to classic shapes for their bags: Miu Miu and Dolce & Gabbana took on a timeless classic, the snap bag, while doctor bags got the 3.1 Phillip Lim treatment.

Click through to see all the must-have bags from the Spring 2014 runways. Let the ogling begin.

Photos: IMAXtree
Source: Fashionista

Otterbox releases the Defender Series case for iPhone 5s

Protection, protection is one of the greatest needs of human. Not just from the malicious intent of other people that might cause harm to them. Well, dying is the worst result without it and it's really frightening. Other than that, we need protection from natural disaster, you know, something that happen naturally like it can't be helped to be harm if you're not being careful in an accident. To put into a scenario, it's like driving a motorcycle on a rainy day and on the wet road without a helmet or a police diving into a bank robbery scene alone without a bulletproof vest, yes it's suicidal. Well, danger is only right there (please don't ask where. >.<) and all we can do is to be more careful, sharp and use materials for protection and safety assuring devices. Right, protection is something you, me, and everyone needs.

But in this world, we are not the only ones that need protection. Of course, even plants and animals need it. And on the other side, even "Things" need it. Like your beloved PC or laptops, you install an anti-virus into it in able to avoid the incoming information with harmful data in your computer. That is to avoid harming the system or the parts of your CPU, or corruption of files and many other annoying results that a virus can bring to your life.

Now, let me tell you the main story of this article. You probably know it already by now. Yes, I want to tell you guys that even your precious iPhone 5s or iPhone 5c is still in danger. Talking about inevitability, we can't help sometimes to experience that, "whoops!" and then found your iPhone 5s lying on the floor, with a crack on its screen then you give the final roar, "OMG !!!" Yes, that's how it is.

OtterBox

So let me introduce you the Otterbox, a company with the innovation of protective solution for the leading global handheld manufacturers, wireless carriers and distributors, they've got technology covered! Yes, they also produce a tough case to provide protection from any accident that might face by your precious smartphones. OtterBox is also known for its 5s iphone cases otterbox camo types with the capability of handling rugged conditions, protecting iPhone owners from drops with three layers of material. It's a huge case, but many swear to it.

Defender Series

They already release the Defender Series for iPhone 5s days after the Apple released their latest mobile to the public. This three layers in Defender Series can be found on its screen protectors, carbonate inner layer, and a silicone outer layer that handles the protection you need. Other than this Defender series are Commuter series, Reflexive series and Prefix Series for iPhone 5s.

Commuter Series

As the Defender series has three layers. The Commuter Series possess with only two layers, they made it for user who needs protection but they don't like the size of the natural case so OtterBox deduct one layer to make its physical appearance smaller than a three layer.

Reflexive Series

It is the lightest case among the four cases released by OtterBox.

Prefix Series

Prefix series is like what they had done to commuter series. This series offer only one layer for protection.

And this is the OtterBox. It provides protection for your smartphones. I hope you discover a new way to protect your devices. As for others who know it already. Thumbs up for OtterBox.

Source: Thebitbag