text:
Mashable just wrote about how the release of Qualcomm's new audio dev kit will open the door for new Alexa clones. However, the clones are already here.
A number of companies have already come out with audio solutions AVS devices are hitting the market. There are now dozens of varieties of Alexa speakers that are listed on Amazon now. The real issue to come will be whether these clone devices don't have degraded DNA.
Already, there are some poor reviews for tap-to-talk devices and it's definitely easy to build a device that doesn't work well. The real test will be whether the market accepts these as equal to the Echo.
Almost done…
We just sent you an email. Please click the link in the email to confirm your subscription!


text:
Submitted by farhan on
Dear A.S.S. Editor
The ICA have warned the public on yet another scam where concerning them. This time around, scam callers have been impersonating ICA officers, and are trying to obtain people's passport numbers. The ICA also warned that members of the public have been receiving calls from +6562148427.
In a statement released on Friday, ICA said that "The ICA would like to clarify that these calls were not made by our officers. ICA does not call members of the public to request for personal information over the phone". The agency has alerted the police on this latest scam.
ICA advised members of the public to ignore such calls. Those who receive such calls should not provide any personal information or carry out any financial transactions as instructed by the callers.
Stephanie Han
A.S.S. Contributor
Editor's Note:
Do you have a story to share? Please use our submission form or email us at [email protected]. If not, why not give us a 'Like'?

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Fanouropita (St. Fanourios' pie)
A classic, traditional recipe for the pie that... works wonders!!!
300gr. self-rising flour
½ teaspoon of cinnamon powder
½ teacup olive oil
½ teacup sugar
1 teacup orange juice
½ teaspoon of baking soda
1 freshly grated lemon
½ teacup walnuts (chopped)
½ teacup raisins
A little sugar powdered for garnishing at the end
Stir all the ingredients together in a large bowl (add the flour at the end, little by little). Pour the mixture in a lightly oiled pan. Preheat the oven in 350F/175oC and bake the pie until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, about 25 minutes. Take out of the oven, let it cool and sift powdered sugar evenly over the top of the pie.
In case that the mixture is too thick, you may add a little more orange juice or water (not too much).


text:
Streaming media, since the time of its inception, has thrived on the idea of net neutrality i.e. all Internet traffic is treated equally. However, a recent court ruling has changed everything, and now the ISPs are in a better position to charge the video streaming companies like Amazon.com, YouTube and Google can charge them higher for using greater bandwidth.
Major Internet companies across the world have been hit hard by the recent ruling and major streaming media companies like Netflix will have to raise their expenses by quite a few million dollars. Now, as the court ruling brings down the curtain on an era of preferential treatment to the Internet biggies, tougher times lie ahead for both the providers as well as the consumers.
Table of Contents
What exactly is net neutrality?
Net neutrality is a concept where all Internet-based content is treated equally, irrespective of their popularity. Thus, the bigger players in the market are on a level playing ground with the smallest of the Internet companies. Thus, if you have purchased a package with 3.2 Mbps download speed from your Internet Service Provider (ISP) then all the websites would be loaded under the same cap. Thus file downloads or web browsing or online games will be transferring data at the same speed as you have subscribed for.
What are the effects of net neutrality on customers?
The effects of net neutrality will not change anything in principle but you and I as customers will have to dole out higher prices for availing services like IPTV. In the absence of net neutrality, we might be facing a situation where the smaller players in the market will face a stiff challenge from the bigger fishes that enjoy a larger market share. With net neutrality in force, customers are going to witness a huge change in the way they avail information or entertainment and they will have to even pay higher for the services.
Supporters of net neutrality Vs Naysayers
The biggest supporters of net neutrality are the smaller Internet companies, human rights organizations, and customer advocates. They are against preferential treatment to larger companies like Amazon, Netflix, YouTube, etc. They are advocates of net neutrality wherein all the companies providing Internet services get an equal opportunity when it comes to bandwidth sharing and data transfer rates.
On the other hand, we have the major players voicing their arguments of the negative impact of net neutrality. These people are worried about losing out on their customers and do not wish to be treated at par with Internet companies that have just blossomed. Even the Internet service providers like AT&T, Verizon, and Comcast are opposed to net neutrality. These leading ISPs are of the belief that without the use of net neutrality regulations, they can provide better services by efficient cost management.
Who are the biggest gainers of net neutrality?
Undoubtedly it is the smaller Internet companies and consumers who come out as the biggest gainers. The smaller companies will be able to compete better with the larger intent companies and thus the market competition would result in an increase in the service quality. On the other hand, the customers will be able to avail of new and better products because a healthy market competition would lead to the development of improved services.
The best thing about net neutrality regulations is that it will help the smaller companies gain footholds in the market and at the same time come up with innovative solutions. We must always remember that the coolest ideas are seldom brought to the market by the bigger companies – smaller companies thrive on their ability to come up with something new every now and then.
Image source: Shot of network cables and servers in a technology data center


text:
Invitation to Bid for Construction of Septic Vault @ Sanitary Landfill Site, Sampao, Mambago-A, IGaCoS under P.R. No. 2017-05-2324
The Local Government Unit of the Island Garden City of Samal (LGU-IGaCoS), through the 20% DF (2017) intends to apply the sum of Eight Hundred Seventy Nine Thousand Five Hundred Seventy Five Pesos and Ninety Seven Centavos (Php 879,575.97) being the Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) to payments under the contract for Construction of Septic Vault @ Sanitary Landfill Site,Sampao, Mambago-A, IGaCoS under PR No. 2017-05-2324. Bids received in excess of the ABC shall be automatically rejected at bid opening.
The LGU-IGaCoS now invites bids for Construction Construction of Septic Vault @ Sanitary Landfill Site,Sampao, Mambago-A, IGaCoS under PR No. 2017-05-2324. Completion of the Works is required Seventy Five (75) Calendar Days. Bidders should have completed, within ten (10) years from the date of submission and receipt of bids, a contract similar to the Project. The description of an eligible bidder is contained in the Bidding Documents, particularly, in Section II ITB.
Bidding will be conducted through open competitive bidding procedures using non-discretionary pass/fail criterion as specified in the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act 9184 (RA 9184), otherwise known as the "Government Procurement Reform Act".
Bidding is restricted to Filipino citizens/sole proprietorships, partnerships, or organizations with at least seventy five percent (75%) interest or outstanding capital stock belonging to citizens of the Philippines.
Interested bidders may obtain further information from BAC Secretariat, BAC Office, City Hall Compound, Peñaplata, IGaCoS and inspect the Bidding Documents at the address given below from July 24 to August 15, 2017 during office hours .
A complete set of Bidding Documents may be purchased by interested Bidders from the address below and upon payment of a nonrefundable fee for the Bidding Documents in the amount of One Thousand Pesos (P1, 000.00).
The LGU-IGaCoS thru its Bids and Awards Committee will hold a Pre-Bid Conference on August 1, 2017 1:00PM at BAC Conference Room, BAC Office, City Hall Compound, Peñaplata, IGaCoS which shall be open to all interested parties who have purchased the Bidding Documents..
Bids must be delivered to the address below on or before 12:00 noon of August 15, 2017 at BAC Office, City Hall Compound, Peñaplata, IGaCoS. All bids must be accompanied by a bid security in any of the acceptable forms and in the amount stated in ITB
Bids will be opened on August 15, 2017 at exactly 1:00p.m. in the presence of the bidders' representatives who choose to attend at the address below. Late bids shall not be accepted.
The LGU-IGaCoS reserves the right to accept or reject any bid, to annul the bidding process, and to reject all bids at any time prior to contract award, without thereby incurring any liability to the affected bidder or bidders.
For further information, please refer to:
Prepared by:
Approved by:
Dates of Publication: July 24-31, 2017


text:
Please note: This product contains no electronic part with the straws and straw struts only
Strawbees intro from Strawbees on Vimeo.
Strawbees is a construction kit based on one simple unit that lets you connect straws to each other. You stick a Strawbee into the ends of a standard quarter inch (6mm) straw to make struts and then connect them with another Strawbee. From building mathematical shapes like the platonic solids to mechanical birds, claws, or even huge animated snakes.With the Strawbees you can always modify things as you go, add straws, cut straws, or add new connections to get a stronger, more flexible or bigger construction.
It's a wonderful system for trial and error construction and allows you to do a lot of things impossible with other systems.
The Crazy Scientist kit contains 141 pieces of connectors in 2 random colors and sample straws .
Perfect for testing Strawbees and to build a bridge, your own umbrella or just a random creature. We promise fun and a "I want more pieces"-feeling.
For any technical support or suggestion, please kindly go to our forum.
Technical details


text:
We earn a commission for products purchased through some links in this article.
Pizza slaw
Place the courgette in a food processor and pulse the button until chopped. Remove any extra chunky pieces and pop back in if you need to (courgette is a tricky customer for a consistent chop!). Place in a waiting bowl.
Squeeze the tomato purée over the mix and add the vinegar. Depending how the mixture stirs, you may need to add a little extra vinegar.
Yields: 4
More Information
Who would have thought that pizza could be good for your skin? Research shows that tomatoes help protect against sunburn and skin ageing caused by the effects of UV exposure. This is all down to the antioxidant lycopene (which gives tomatoes their red colour). It is most effective when heated.
Recipe taken from Super Slaw by Jill Greenwood (Ebury, £12.99), out now.


text:
Best Entry Level DSLR
Let's get one thing straight – the best entry level DSLR cameras aren't just limited to photography beginners.
Photographers on a budget, those who don't have specific requirements, or even those who want a second camera – an entry level DSLR is a great place to start your camera hunt!
Even professional photographers love the compact simplicity of these more basic forms of DSLR camera. I spent a month with Nikon's entry level DSLR camera and was really impressed by it.
So if you're in the market for a no-fuss DSLR that won't break the bank, I think you'll find this review useful.
Best Entry Level DSLR of 2020
|Nikon D3400 w/18-55mm LensOUR #1 CHOICE
|View Price →
|Canon EOS Rebel T6 (1300D) w/ 18-55mm LensGREAT VALUE
|View Price →
|Canon EOS 6DTOP RATED
|View Price →
|Canon EOS 77D
|View Price →
|Nikon D3300
|View Price →
|Canon EOS Rebel SL2 (200D) w/18-55mm Lens
|View Price →
|Canon EOS T7i (800D) w/18-55mm Lens
|View Price →
|Nikon D7200
|View Price →
|Canon EOS Rebel T5 (1200D) w/ 18-55mm Lens
|View Price →
Some of my choices above may surprise you…
Let's first answer this question: What is an entry level DSLR? Most would say it's the cheapest DSLR that a camera manufacturer offers.
I'd like to improve on this definition by saying that:
…an entry level DSLR is one that appeals to first purchasers, or photographers who want simplicity.
Entry level DSLR cameras typically won't have every bell and whistle of more expensive or newer camera models, but this isn't an important consideration for the buyer.
The best entry level DSLR cameras of 2020 aren't necessarily the newest models, since this is where the real bargains lie.
Professional photographers may leap at every new camera release no matter the cost, but everyone else can take huge advantage of discounted older models – these DSLRs would not have been considered 'entry level' at their release, and offer great bang-for-the-buck to consumers today.
The factors I took into consideration when choosing the DSLRs in this review were:
- Value for money – much more important than having the latest camera. Pro-grade DSLRs can be had for entry level DSLR prices!
- Ease of use – those shopping for entry-level demand simplicity, whether due to their lack of experience as new photographers, or simply by choice.
- Functionality – the DSLRs need to have useful functions that appeal to beginners who are used to fancy smartphones.
Entry Level DSLR Cameras
I've written about DSLRs vs mirrorless cameras in the past, and am a fan of compact cameras, instant cameras and everything in between. So why are DSLRs so good?
For many, DSLRs offer a real photography experience. Everything from the OVF to the shutter sound to the camera grip – it just feels better.
DSLRs may not be the most modern way to take a photo, but for everyone from those learning photography all the way up to the real photography purists, sometimes only a DSLR will do.
So let's look at some of the best entry DSLR cameras available here in 2020.
Nikon D3400 w/ 18-55mm Lens
Megapixels: 24.2 megapixels
Dimensions: 3 x 4.9 x 3.9″ (124 x 98 x 75.5 mm)
Weight: 395 g (0.87 lb / 13.9 oz)
This is the camera that I spent a month with recently, and recommend to all my friends who are after a great basic DSLR that won't break the bank.
I've always had a soft spot for entry-level DSLRs, ever since I bought my first one in Tokyo in 2008. It was a Nikon D40, similar in size and feel to the Nikon D3400, and it really ignited my passion for photography.
With all the new fangled mirrorless systems and fancy point and shoot cameras available here in 2020, it's easy to lose sight of what I call real cameras.
You could argue that a real camera is a film camera, but my point is this: no camera feels as good in the hands, nor offers more organic operation than an SLR or DSLR. There's something about the audible, physical 'click' of the shutter, the mechanical nature of the dials, the optical view finder (with its inherent limitations)… photography just somehow becomes more visceral.
All the entry-level DSLRs in this list can offer you this experience for an affordable price, but my pick of the bunch is this Nikon D3400.
You can read my full review of the Nikon D3400 if you want to see some sample photos, but suffice to say, the image quality blew me away. I just couldn't believe that a camera at this price point (see latest price here) could produce an image so similar in quality to one I'd take with a camera 3 times the price.
Obviously, there are limitations with entry-level DSLRs when comparing them to full frame cameras, but for general shooting for the average photographer, they offer incredible bang for the buck.
So what's so good about the Nikon D3400? First off, battery life. This is the main drawcard of the D3400 vs D3300 – 1200 vs a measly 500.
It's rare for an entry-level camera to offer such great battery life, and it's nice to know that you don't need to be looking at your battery meter when out on a shoot. Yes, you can buy multiple batteries if you own the D3300, but who really wants to do that?!
On the topic of the D3300, there are some nay-sayers who prefer the older model for its slightly reduced price, but for the reasons I touch on in this review, there really isn't any reason to not get the Nikon D3400.
Paired with the 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 VR kit lens, the entire camera weighs next to nothing, and is compact enough to throw in your bag, or even have to hang around your neck for an entire day.
[Related: Best Nikon D3400 lenses]
The 'VR' in the lens refers to vibration reduction, and does a fine job in helping you shoot at slower shutter speeds handheld – this can mean the difference between using an ISO which produces clean images, or a higher ISO which results in a lot of grain. It's particularly useful for indoor or low light situations where you don't want to use the flash.
I'd also highly recommend you invest in the Nikon 35mm f/1.8G – with its larger maximum aperture, you'll be able to blur the background in your photos, as well as shoot in lower light without the need of a flash.
The 11 focal points of the Nikon D3400 are closely grouped together, which is normal for entry-level cameras. This means that unless you are focusing on a subject in the centre portion of your frame, you'll need to focus and recompose your shot – an essential technique used by professionals every day.
Auto-focus speeds are decent for a DSLR of this price, and holding down the shutter button fires off 5 consecutive photos per second (5fps). In good light, I found the auto-focus and burst mode fast enough to capture shots of our 3 year old running around, although it worked best when I kept the subject relatively centred in the frame.
In lower light, the auto-focus did struggle a little, but this is to be expected at the entry-level.
If you're just getting started with photography, Guide Mode is a very handy feature of the Nikon D3400 (and one of the reasons I recommend this camera for beginners). Like having your own personal tutor, Guide Mode offers advice to help you learn how to shoot in various situations.
The 24MP APS-C CMOS is the heart of this camera and the reason for its ability to produce images that look like those shot with far more expensive cameras. 24 Mega Pixels will allow you to blow up your photos when printing, or crop into them easily when editing.
When shooting RAW, the Nikon D3400 produces images that offer impressive dynamic range – slightly better in fact than the Nikon D3300. This means that when shooting at the base ISO level of 100, you can use software such as Adobe Lightroom to bring back detail in the shadow areas of your image.
I thought Nikon's Snap Bridge feature would be a gimmick on the Nikon D3400, but it's actually quite fun. Using Bluetooth to pair your smartphone with the camera, you can take photos and have them transfer in real time straight to your phone.
Image transfer via Bluetooth only takes a couple of seconds. I found it to be a great way to create backups of images I was shooting or to transfer to my iPad to be able to view the images on a much bigger screen.
If you're serious about shooting video, you may be slightly disappointed with the Nikon D3400, since it doesn't offer an external mic output like its predecessor. However, it does still offer Full HD (1920 x 1080) video at up to 60 frames per second.
Overall, I'm a big fan of this camera. I wish it had an articulating screen (like the Nikon D5300), but aside from this one quibble, you're getting a lot of camera for a great price.
Canon EOS Rebel T6 (1300D) w/ 18-55mm Lens
Megapixels: 18 megapixels
Dimensions: 13.5 x 8.5 x 23.5″ (129.0 x 101.3 x 77.6 mm)
Weight: 440 g (9.5 lb / 15.52 oz)
Here's another excellent camera under $500 which will set you off in the right direction as a new photographer. Note that the T6 is also known as the 'EOS 1300D', depending on the country you are in.
There's always been a lot of heated discussion between Nikon and Canon – deciding between the two is tough for many. While I believe that the Nikon mentioned above is a better camera than the Canon T6, there is one notable advantage of investing in a Canon entry-level DSLR, and that's the lenses.
Entry level DSLRs don't usually contain AF motors, meaning that the lenses need to contain them if you want to use your camera's auto-focus. Since the 1980's, Canon has been producing many 'EF' lenses, which all contain motors. Nikon also produces many lenses with internal motors, but they are traditionally more expensive.
If you invest in an entry-level Canon like the Canon T6, you can take advantage of a wide range of cheap Canon lenses. By way of comparison, this 50mm Nikon lens is around $175, whereas a newer Canon version is $125.
If you're looking to build a big lens collection, it may be important to you to go with Canon. However, most photographers buying entry-level cameras are only interested (at least initially), in using the kit lens, or perhaps one more additional lens.
Anyway, let's have a closer look at the Canon T6 itself…
Featuring an 18MP APS-C CMOS sensor and a DIGIC 4+ image processor, the T6 offers great image quality with a native ISO range of 100-6400 (expandable to ISO 12800), to suit working in low or poor indoor lighting conditions.
If you want more Mega Pixels, the Canon T6i offers 24.2MP, as well as faster burst mode (3fps vs 5fps), more AF points (9 vs 19), and a tilting touch screen. It's definitely a better camera, but it's also over $200 more expensive than the Canon T6 (see our comparison for more: Canon T6 vs T6i.)
If you can afford the Canon T6i, I'd say go for it – you're getting a lot for your money. However, I still think the Canon T6 is one of the best entry-level cameras. It offers some great features, and gets you into the world of Canon DSLRs and all their sexy lenses for a very affordable price ;-)
Aside from its great price, what else does the Canon T6 have to offer? 9 AF points and only 3fps may not sound like much when compared to some other entry-level cameras, but unless you're shooting sports or other fast moving subjects, it's actually good enough.
Shooting at a slower frame rate also has the advantage of basically having an unlimited buffer (when shooting in JPEG). This means that if you hold down the shutter button, the Canon T6 will continue to shoot at 3fps right up until the point when your memory card fills up. If you're shooting RAW, the buffer is only 6 photos.
As for video, the Canon T6 shoots 1080p at up to 30 fps, and 720p video at 60 fps. Similar to the Nikon D3400, there's no external mic.
The Canon T6 also offers Wi-Fi and NFC connectivity. When paired with Canon's iOS or Android app, this wireless connectivity makes it easy to transfer images straight from your camera to your mobile device.
For wired connections, you have a USB 2.0 port, a Type-C Mini HDMI port, and a wired remote trigger jack.
The 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS lens that comes with the T6 is of similar quality to other entry-level DSLR kit lenses at this price point – it's a great focal range that's offers a perfect starting place for beginner photographers to experiment with.
The 'IS' refers to image stabilization, helping you get a sharper shot in low light when hand-holding the camera. Since entry-level APS-C sensor cameras struggle with high ISOs, it's good to be able to reduce shutter speeds to allow for lower ISOs.
Having said this, if you're keen to shoot in low light (or indoors in poor light) without a flash, I'd recommend investing in the Canon 50mm f/1.8 STM lens, which will also help you achieve that coveted blurred background look to your photos.
In conclusion, the Canon T6 can produce some great looking images in a compact, ergonically-pleasing package, all for a bargain-basement price. If you can afford the Canon T6i, I recommend the upgrade, but if not, I'm sure you'll be happy with the hugely popular T6.
Canon EOS 6D
Megapixels: 20.2 megapixels
Dimensions: 13.5 x 8.5 x 23.5″ (129.0 x 101.3 x 77.6 mm)
Weight: 680 g (1.7 lb / 24.0 oz)
Before you get all excited reading about how great the Canon 6D is, be forewarned – this camera is twice as expensive as the two I've previously reviewed above! (See latest price here). However, I believe it's twice as good too…
The Canon 6D is what is known as a full frame camera. You can read more about full frame cameras here, but all you need to know right now is that being full frame, the Canon 6D has some big advantages over the crop sensor (APS-C) sensor DSLRs in this list.
First off, image quality, or rather, image quality in low light. With an ISO range of 100-25600 (expandable to 102400), the Canon 6D can pretty much shoot photos in the dark without a flash.
Should this matter to you? Well, maybe… maybe not. For professionals who need to capture images in all environments, being able to use higher ISOs to get clean images without the hassle of using a flash is incredibly useful.
For a beginner, using high ISOs can be fun… but it's probably not essential. You have to decide what's most important for you.
The next full frame advantage that may or may not be relevant to you is the increased dynamic range a full frame camera such as the Canon 6D can offer over the others in this list. Being able to pull back details in shadows, or recover your missed exposures using Lightroom can be useful for some.
Being full frame, lenses remain their intended focal length. This means that if you use a 50mm lens, your field of view when taking the photo is 50mm. On an APS-C sensor camera like the Canon T6, using the same lens will result in a field of view of around 80mm (a 1.6x multiplication factor).
Some photographers enjoy being able to use wide angle lenses at their intended widths; others prefer being able to get extended reach from their lenses with an APS-C sensor camera.
OK, now that the whole full frame vs crop sensor debate is out the way, let's focus on the Canon 6D, and why I've chosen to include it in this list of the best entry-level DSLR cameras of the year.
'Entry-level' here is taken to mean the most basic camera in the full frame range. The Canon 6D was released in 2012, and replaced recently with the Canon 6D Mark II (reviewed here). Due to this, the Canon 6D has become an absolute bargain of a camera.
Check out the short video below to see why one photographer deliberately chose the Canon 6D over more modern cameras, even here in 2020.
Make no mistake – despite its excellent price, you can easily shoot professionally with this camera. The 20.2MP full-frame CMOS sensor combined with Canon's DIGIC 5+ Image Processor produces beautifully detailed, rich images even in low light.
The 11 point AF includes a high-precision center cross-type AF point with EV -3 sensitivity, which basically means that in low light, you can acquire focus very easily with the central focal point. The focusing is actually even better than cameras costing twice the price.
4.5fps shooting speed is more than adequate for most situations, and when shooting JPEG the buffer will fill after around 1250 shots, and around 14 shots when shooting RAW.
Since full frame cameras are intended for professionals, you get excellent build quality with the Canon 6D. It feels solid in your hand, and buttons and dials are reassuring in use. I love the size of the Canon 6D – it has all the advantages of a small, lightweight entry-level DSLR, whilst still retaining excellent ergonomics, and much more robust components than cheaper offerings.
The Canon 6D isn't a weather-proof DSLR, but Canon describes its build as being 'dust and drop-proof'.
There's built in Wifi for faster image transfer and remote control via Canon's iOS and Android app, but the feature that excites me the most is the built-in GPS. Although it does drain the battery much quicker, it's great to shoot with the GPS enabled while on holiday, only to be able to track your photos using Lightroom Map functionality when back at home.
I know several professional photographers who chose the Canon 6D over the Canon 5D range (traditionally much more expensive). Despite having only one memory card slot (pros usually want two), the reduced size, weight and obviously price of the Canon 6D made it incredibly attractive.
Admittedly, I'm stretching the term 'entry-level DSLR' a little with the inclusion of a full frame camera, but at this price point, it's actually even cheaper than many APS-C sensor offerings.
Don't be put off by the relative age of the Canon 6D compared to some of the other cameras in this list – newer doesn't always mean better., and in many cases, you're getting a lot more bang for your buck by investing in an older or superseded model.
If you're looking for an entry-level DSLR with the best image quality, look no further – the Canon 6D will simply blow you away. It offers functionality for beginners and professionals alike and could be the only camera you ever need.
One caveat: this camera may not still be available when you read this! My advice – if you find it still in stock, snap it up quickly.
Canon EOS 77D
Megapixels: 24.2 megapixels
Dimensions: 3 x 5.2 x 3.9″ (131.0 x 99.9 x 76.2 mm)
Weight: 493 g (1.2 lb / 17.39 oz)
The Canon entry level DSLR line up is rather confusing, especially when one includes older model of camera (as I've done in this list).
Here in 2020, the Canon 77D occupies a space in between the CanonT7i and the Canon 80D. It shares the same excellent 24.2MP APS-C CMOS sensor as the others and the same Digic 7 processor as the T7i (the 80D using the older Digic 6).
What this means is that the Canon 77D offers a lot of its bigger brother's advantages for almost $300 less (see latest price here).
Perhaps most notably, the 77D features Canon's impressive Dual Pixel auto-focus system, which improves on AF performance across the board. DPAF is a complex technology, but all you need to know is that you'll be able to focus on a subject much quicker and track the subject more effectively across your frame than ever before.
If you're tracking a subject and another object briefly obscures it, DPAF will stay focused on the original subject. Even unwanted subjects that are much closer to the camera than the primary subject will be largely ignored by the DPAF system until they completely obscure or convincingly overtake the frame.
If you use Live View a lot, or you're a video shooter, DPAF is amazing for switching focus points quickly. The 3″ vari-angle touchscreen of the Canon 77D makes this much easier – you're able to slide your finger from one point to another, to 'rack' focus in a smooth fashion.
Canon leads the way with its DSLR touchscreen technology, offering much snappier, fuller featured options than the other brands. It's great being able to use all the two finger gestures you're used to from your smartphones on the LCD of the 77D.
In addition to DPAF, the Canon 77D offers a 45-point AF system with all cross type points, greatly increasing its ability to focus in low light.
Having lots of focus points isn't all that important on an entry level DSLR, but if you're trying to track movement (sports photography, wildlife photography, etc.), more focus points usually means more chance of getting a sharp photo.
One unique feature of the Canon 77D is the Colour Detection AF, which helps to detect skin tones in a scene – I have no idea what kind of black magic wizardry allows the camera to differentiate between so many skin tones!?
When a skin tone is detected, AI Servo AF starts off on skin-coloured focus points, then tracks the subject based of the original AF point's colour information, maintaining focus on the person even when they're moving. It's pretty incredible to see in action.
Another great feature is Anti-Flicker shooting, which helps to minimize disparities in colour and exposure, especially during continuous shooting in sub-optimal lighting situations. If you've ever tried to shoot near a fluorescent light source, you'll have seen some odd 'banding' on your photos – this feature attempts to eliminate that.
Other features include Wifi, Bluetooth and NFC for fast image transfer and remote control, twin control dials for easy one-handed shooting, a top plate LCD for quick reference, built-in interval timer for time lapses, eye-sensor to turn off the read LCD while shooting, mic port for audio recording and great image stabilization during video recording.
Although this review focuses on stills photography, it should be highlighted that the Canon 77D is one of the best DSLRs for shooting video – the features mentioned above, coupled with dual AF and the rotating touch screen makes this a very popular camera for vloggers -this is one of the only entry-level DSLRs that offer easy and dependable auto focus while shooting video.
The Canon 77D is a well-rounded and capable camera at its price point. For a decent discount compared to the Canon 80D, you get the same sensor and auto focus performance, with the addition of a newer processor, which has an impact especially on Live View performance.
I'm a big fan of shooting using Live View, (which is why I love mirrorless cameras), and the Canon 77D offers Live View performance which is as close as you're going to get to mirrorless.
It's a lot of fun to shoot, and feels well balanced and rugged in your hands – definitely a big step up from the Rebel series, whilst still maintaining the size/weight advantage of an entry-level DSLR over bulkier full frame models.
Image quality is superb, with beautiful skin tones as you can expect from a Canon sensor, and 24MP is more than enough to print large photos or crop while editing.
Overall, the Canon 77D is a great camera if you can afford it. It gives the beginner room to grow, and offers all the features even a pro will appreciate.
Nikon D3300 w 18-55mm Lens
Megapixels: 24.2 megapixels
Dimensions: 3.9 x 4.9 x 3″ (122.4 x 92.6 x 69.8 mm)
Weight: 406 g (0.9 lb / 14.32 oz)
It may seem a little confusing that I'm recommending the Nikon D3300 here in this list of the best entry level DSLRs – after all, didn't I just say that the Nikon D3400 is better?!
Well yes, in some ways it is, but I've decided to include this camera as it still offers a great deal for a great price (check current price here).
If you've got a modest budget and are looking for a cheap DSLR, look no further – for under $400, you can get a DSLR that can take awesome photos, feels good in the hand, offers some neat features and offers a mic port.
Let's look at the Nikon D3300 specs first. It all starts out with Nikon's superb 24.2MP sensor, which offers an ISO range of 1200 – 1800 (expandable to 25600). In testing, I found that ISO800 still looks ok, but you wouldn't want to go much higher unless you're planning on viewing (or printing) the photo quite small.
5fps continuous shooting isn't too shabby for an entry-level DSLR, but you may find the 11 focal points a little limiting if you need to track a subject across the frame. This isn't a DSLR intended for sports photography, but that said, it's easily fast enough to keep up with children in good light.
I don't want to spend too much on the Nikon D3300 after recommending its big brother earlier on in this review. Its only real advantage over the D3400 in my opinion is the lower price, but despite this, there are many, many loyal fans of the D3300.
If you can live with the somewhat sub-par battery life (500 shots per charge), and you're not bothered about the ever so slightly better dynamic range of the D3400, you're actually getting a big saving for not much sacrifice.
My advice – use the money you save in buying the Nikon D3300 to get a spare battery and your first prime lens (the Nikon 35mm f/1.8G is my top pick), and you've got yourself a decent camera set up at a very attractive price.
Canon Rebel SL2 (200D) w/ 18-55mm Lens
Megapixels: 24.2 megapixels
Dimensions: 2.7 x 4.8 x 3.6″ (68.58 x 121.92 x 91.44 mm)
Weight: 453.59 g (1 lb / 16 oz)
After the huge success of the first iteration of Canon's SL camera back in 2013, we've waited a good few years for the release of its successor – the Canon SL2. (Note that the SL2 is known as the EOS 200D in certain markets.)
Featuring the latest 24.2 Megapixel CMOS (APS-C) sensor and DIGIC 7 Image Processor, this is a camera packed with some great features, all at an attractive entry-level price point.
63-zone evaluative metering helps the Canon SL2 achieve optimal exposure with a diverse array of subjects and lighting conditions.
Shooting 5fps in continuous burst mode coupled the snappy 9 point AF system means that you've got a better chance of getting a photo in focus. 9 AF points are quite minimal (and a good reason to spend a little more on the T7i if you're into sports photography), but it's still of course a viable option to focus and recompose if your subject lies outside the centre-clustered AF points.
The Canon SL2 also features the latest Canon Dual Pixel technology, which means that AF in Live View is much more responsive than we've ever seen before on an entry-level DSLR camera.
Equipped with phase-detection, it can quickly and accurately determine how far away a subject is and where the lens should focus, and offers fast, smooth and precise auto focus that stays locked onto your subject, even if they are in motion, for both photos and videos.
On the topic of video, 1080P at 60fps, an external mic jack, dual pixel AF and a glorious 3″ touchscreen swiveling LCD monitor are a few of the reasons by this is a very popular camera for vloggers.
As mentioned before, being able to slide your finger from one subject to another using Live View is a great way to 'rack focus' while shooting video, or simply to switch focus points quickly when shooting stills.
Wifi, Bluetooth and NFS is pretty standard on this category of entry level DSLR, but it has to be said that the Canon implementation works very well – I found that my iPhone was able to pair quickly and easily via the iOS app, and controlling the camera remotely worked well with minimal lag too.
On thing to remember is that you can't send the RAW photos via this method to your smart devices – only JPEG. If you want to transfer RAWs, you'll need to use some kind of memory card reader for your smart device, and compatible software of course.
There's a bit of confusion as to how the Canon SL2 differs from its big brother, the Canon T7i. At first glance they may look similar, but when you pick them both up, you'll notice an immediate weight difference – the Canon SL2 is smaller and 79g lighter.
Aside from minor differences in both cameras, it's interesting to learn that the cheaper, smaller Canon SL2 actually offers more shots per battery charge than the T7i – 650 vs 600. (You'll have to read my review of the T7i below to see why it's still worth those extra dollars though…)
Check out the video below – it's more focused towards video shooters, but still gives you a good idea of why the Canon SL2 is so good for stills shooters too.
One neat inclusion on the Canon SL2, and an indication that it's an entry-level camera aimed at beginners, is the Feature Assistant. By explaining and illustrating the camera's shooting modes and their effects with sample photos of each mode, the Feature Assistant encourages experimentation and provides guidance for creating the photograph you're striving for.
Despite being lightweight and compact for a DSLR camera, the Canon SL2 features a nice, deep grip, and the great ergonomics that we've come to expect on Canon DSLRs. Even with my large hands, I felt comfortable carrying and shooting with the SL2.
The main benefit of the Canon SL2 for me seems to be the inclusion of the same Dual Pixel AF technology found in Canon's much more expensive cameras, all in a small, lightweight, affordable body.
If you're budget is around 500 bucks, it's hard to find a DSLR camera with more technologically advanced features. It's also a good backdoor route into the fantastic world of Canon lenses… :-)
Canon EOS T7i (800D) w/18-55mm Lens
Megapixels: 24.2 megapixels
Dimensions: 16.2 x 13 x 8.7″ (411.48 x 330.2 x 220.98 mm)
Weight: 485 g (7.55 lb / 17.11 oz)
At a couple of hundred dollars more than the SL2 (see latest price here), the Canon T7i (' EOS 800D') is an extremely popular choice for many beginners and enthusiast photographers this year.
Sharing the same 24.2 Megapixel CMOS (APS-C) sensor and DIGIC 7 Image Processor as the SL2, image quality is very similar, if not identical.
High ISO performance is on par for a crop sensor camera of this calibre – you can shoot over 800ISO if capturing the moment is your biggest priority, but at this point or lower is where I'd recommend you stay for the best detail and minimal noise.
JPEG images straight out of the camera are vibrant and detailed, and skin tones have a beautiful warmth to them that's become associated with Canon sensors.
Overall the build quality is nice on the Canon T7i. It's definitely a smaller build than most DSLRs which could be a big bonus if you like to travel or walk around with a lighter camera.
The articulating, touchscreen LCD is a great feature of the T7i, and thanks to Dual Pixel AF and face recognition, focusing in Live View is a breeze. Being able to tap your subject and have your camera focus on them in a split second is something formerly only mirrorless cameras could do.
One key area where the Canon T7i differs with the SL2 is in the number of AF points. While the SL2 only features 9 AF points, the T7i ups the ante with 45 AF points, all of which are horizontally and vertically sensitive.
Taking full advantage of the Dual Pixel AF, the Canon T7i can track subjects around the frame just as well in Live View mode then it can when you're looking through the viewfinder, which is perfect if you just want to tap the screen and have the camera follow your child at they run around.
Traditionally, Live View performance, particularly on entry level DSLRs was atrocious. Now however, DPAF means that the shooting experience whether using the optical viewfinder or Live View is actually almost identical.
For video shooters, 1080P at 50fps is the same performance as the SL2, but having those extra AF points spread further over the frame will help keep your moving subject in focus.
The kit lens that comes bundled with Canon entry-level cameras is a standard 18-55mm offering, allowing you to shoot at an approximate field of view of 28mm at the wide end, and 88mm at the long end (with Canon APS-C sensor cameras such as the Canon T7i, there's a 1.6x multiplication factor to calculate the 35mm equivalent).
It's a basic, lightweight lens that obviously struggles in low light, but actually does a fine job in decent light and focuses very quickly indeed. As always, I'd recommend upgrading to a fixed lens such as the Canon 50mm f/1.8 STM if you're keen on shooting without flash in low light.
All in all, the Canon T7i is a full featured camera at a competitive price point – it feels more like a 'serious' camera than some of the cheaper Canon DSLR models, with the sturdier build quality and a few more dedicated buttons.
My recommendation would be to check out the video above to see the differences between the T7i and the SL2 and work out if they are important to you.
Nikon D7200
Megapixels: 24.2 megapixels
Dimensions: 5.3 x 3 x 4.2″ (135.5 mm X 106.5 mm x 76 mm)
Weight: 675 g (1.49 lb / 23.9 oz)
The Nikon D7200 is Nikon's high-end APS-C camera, and one of the few DX format cameras in their range to support auto focus on older Nikon lenses without built-in motors.
This means you can take advantage of classic, lightweight, affordable lenses such as the excellent Nikon 50mm f/1.8D (which would give an equivalent 85mm field of view on this camera).
At the heart of the Nikon D7200 is Nikon's excellent 24.2 MP APS-C CMOS sensor combined with the EXPEED 4 image processing engine. Image quality is impressive – sharp, vivid and rich JPEGS, and RAW files that retain a lot of dynamic range for some fun while post processing.
Native ISO runs up to 25,600, extendable up to 102,400, although at this upper limit you're limited to black and white only. This is a fair compromise though since at these kinds of ISOs there'd be very little colour detail left anyway.
At low ISOs, there's a complete lack of banding in shadows, and in practice, clean files can be achieved up to around ISO 800. Depending on how big you're printing your photos, you can push the ISO a little higher with some success in low light, but being a crop sensor camera, don't expect to be able to see in the dark.
The area where the Nikon D7200 really shines is in Auto Focus. The basic AF point layout is the same as one its predecessor the D7100, with 51 AF points, the centre 15 being more sensitive cross-type AF points. To aid in low light shooting, the AF points are now sensitive down to -3EV (a full stop better than the D7100), allowing you to lock on to your subject even quicker.
DPReview actually made the bold claim that the AutoFocus in low light is so good on the Nikon D7200 in fact that it beats other full frame cameras such as the Nikon D810 and D750 – cameras that are almost twice the price!
In addition to the souped up AF system, the Nikon D7200 also offers some impressive buffer capabilities – you can now shoot continuously for up to 27 RAWS (12-bit compressed), or over 100 JPEGs. The maximum burst rate is an impressive 6fps.
The Nikon D7200 features Nikon's WiFi/NFC Snap Bridge technology, which allows you to transfer your photos to a linked smart device in real time while shooting. A practical application for this could be to give a linked iPad to a client while you shoot, so that they can see your images as you shoot – wireless tethering.
Battery life on entry level DSLRs is always a bit of a worry, but the Nikon D7200 excels in this regard with a claimed 1110 shots per charge. This is 160 shots more than its predecessor, and a welcome addition particularly if you plan to use the Nikon D7200 for traveling.
As for video shooters, the Nikon D7200 was actually the first DX format camera to offer time-lapse movie capabilities with smooth exposure variations entirely in-camera. You're also able to transfer uncompressed footage onto an external recorder with an optional cable while recording simultaneously to the internal memory card – something that many much more expensive DSLRs cannot do.
With some many similar entry level DSLRs on the market this year, it can be hard to make buying decisions. I'd say that this Nikon is for sports shooters, or those that need to capture fast action, such as kids' sports days, shots of pets running, or even motorsport.
Thanks to the age of the Nikon D7200 (released in 2015), you can now take advantage of some massively reduced prices (see here for example), making it a very attractive DX format camera indeed, and a big step up from more basic entry-level DSLR offerings such as the Nikon D3400.
Disclaimer: All recommendations are impartial and based on user experience, with no bias to the products or the brand. The products in this post may contain affiliate links.
Mark Condon is a British wedding photographer based in Australia and the founder of Shotkit.


text:
On those summer days when it's too hot to cook, blenderize some cold Spanish style soup. As you know, DH and I love spicy foods, but our DDs do not. I make my gazpacho mild and add a splash of Tapatio or Tabasco in ours. Add some bread and slices of cheese to the table and you have a full meal that's perfect for summertime. Though my recipe calls for using a blender or food processor, you don't need one if you like chopping vegetables. You can make it very smooth – like a homemade V-8, or you can make it chunky and eat it with a spoon.
- 4 cups tomato juice - canned or bottled unless you're a rockstar and have enough tomatoes to make your own.
- 6 ounce can tomato paste
- 1/4 cup red wine vinegar - optional
- 1/8 cup lemon juice or juice from 1/2 a lemon
- 3 cups chopped tomatoes. You could peel, seed and juice them if you want, but I use the entire tomatoes.
- 2 cups peeled, chopped cucumber - depending upon the size of cuke you have available this might be one or two.
- 1 cup chopped red bell pepper
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 tablespoons herbs as desired - tarragon, thyme, parsley, cilantro - chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, peeled and chopped
- Salt
- Jalapeno pepper, finely chopped to taste - optional
- Garnish - parsley sprigs, cheese sprinkles, or croutons
- Put the first 4 ingredients into your large blender or food processor. Blend to mix.
- Add the rest of the ingredients and pulse until you reach desired consistency.
- Garnish and serve.
Sarah Christian
You must be logged in to post a comment.


text:
Keep calm and continue practicing
Sometimes, as a musician, you have setbacks. Maybe your equipment has trouble. Maybe business slows down and you lose all your gigs in one week. The solution: keep calm and continue practicing. A musician is someone who plays music every day, so as long as I'm playing music, I'm fulfilling my life's purpose. I don't need anyone else's permission or approval to be a musician.
Other times, things are going really well. You meet people who promise you the world, tell you you're amazing, and that they're going to open doors for you. What should you do in that situation? Keep calm and continue practicing. I've heard a lot of wild promises that never amounted to anything, but you know what always pays off? The time you spend practicing.
Because success is something shallow people chase after, but greatness comes from within you, and the only way to achieve it is to cultivate it a little bit at a time, every day. There are no lucky breaks that lead to greatness, no personal connections, no secret handshakes.
And if you don't have the discipline to develop your craft now, when you have lots of free time, do you think you'll magically acquire it when you start to become successful, and you have a million other distractions and obligations? I doubt it. Better develop good habits now.
Because like Aristotle said: "We are what we do repeatedly. Greatness, therefore, is not an act, but a habit". Make it a habit to be great, and let success take care of itself.


text:
Entrance fees; Shared air-conditioned vehicle; Welcome drink; Lunch at the waterfalls; Carabao cart rides; Services of a professional English-speaking guide; A cultural presentation on weekends (Friday to Sunday) and holidays.
Approximately seven (7) to eight (8) hours.
Tour departs from and returns to guest hotel.
Additional Information
Wear light, comfortable clothing, walking shoes or sandals. Bring along a swimwear for those who plan to take a dip in the swimming pool, and extra change of clothes.
**2 Passenger Minimum Required per Booking**
Complete information, including local telephone numbers at your destination, will be included on your Confirmation Voucher.
**All information requested must be supplied or booking is subject to automatic cancellation**


text:
Shark Week begins July 23 on Discovery, but it's never too early to continue our education — especially when it's sex ed.
Discovery Digital has launched "Shark Week Listicles," a series of videos showcasing the best of sharks and the annual programming event in their honor. Yahoo TV has an exclusive sneak peek at the video that will debut July 10: "5 Things You Never Wondered About Shark Sex." For instance, male sharks have two penis-like organs called "claspers," and some female sharks have been able to reproduce without having sex with either of them.
The "Listicles" will be shared via Facebook, SharkWeek.com, Sharkopedia, and YouTube.
Below is the full schedule for Shark Week 2017, which includes two specials featuring Michael Phelps. The most decorated Olympian of all time will preview his "race" against a great white in an interview that will be posted June 11 on Yahoo TV.
Great White Shark Serial Killer Lives (Sunday, July 23 at 7 p.m. ET/PT)
Every two years in October — in 2008, 2010, 2012 and 2014 — a secluded beach on the central California coast has been the scene of great white shark attacks. Is it the same shark returning again and again? And will the attacks continue in October 2016? Dr. Michael Domeier believes the Surf Beach attacks may be more than a tragic coincidence. With the help of shark experts Ralph Collier and Cal Lutheran, and using satellite tags and DNA technology, he wants to out the killer once and for all.
Phelps Vs. Shark: Great Gold Vs. Great White (Sunday, July 23 at 8 p.m. ET/PT)
They are one of the fastest and most efficient predators on the planet: Sharks. He is our greatest champion to ever get in the water: Michael Phelps. 39 world records. 23 Olympic golds. But he has one competition left to win. An event so monumental no one has ever attempted it before. The world's most decorated athlete takes on the ocean's most efficient predator: Phelps Vs. Shark — the race is on!
Shark-Croc Showdown (Sunday, July 23 at 9:10 p.m. ET/PT)
Dr. Mark Meekan and conservationist Paul de Gelder go on an expedition to one the sharkiest places in the world — a remote wilderness called the Cobourg Peninsula in the Northern Territory of Australia. Meekan is there to count sharks and species as part of Vulcan's Global FinPrint project — Paul de Gelder's going because he heard that sharks and crocs fight over sea turtles out there. What happens when 14-foot crocodiles move into shark infested waters? That's what they're going to find out! Produced by Big Wave.
Devil Sharks (July 23 at 10:10 p.m. ET/PT)
From active to extinct, and at every stage in between, volcanoes hold a strong attraction for sharks of all kinds. Across the world, sharks congregate and concentrate around volcanoes and volcanic islands. What is it about volcanoes that make them shark hot spots? Dr. Mike Heithaus dives in several volcanoes to find out.
Shark Vortex (July 24 at 8 p.m. ET/PT)
Each summer the Gulf Stream pushes north into the waters of southern New England, bringing with it 30 species of shark. Greg Skomal and Joe Romeiro study the annual spectacle, focusing on three sharks — makos, great whites, and porbeagles — that can outswim, outthink, and outcompete all the others.
Return to the Isle of Jaws (July 24 at 9 p.m. ET/PT)
Divers and scientists "return to the isle of jaws" to unlock the mysteries of this new great white hot spot, just south of Western Australia. They make a startling discovery that causes us to rethink everything we thought we knew about great whites.
Alien Sharks: Stranger Fins (July 24 at 10 p.m. ET/PT)
Alien Sharks is back in search of some of the world's strangest sharks. Dr. Craig O'Connell goes to the Bass Strait for sawsharks, while Victoria Elena Vasquez and Dr. David Ebert go into deep water in Tokyo Bay to find the star of the show, the goblin shark. They find both sawsharks and goblins — and many more, including ghost sharks, frilled sharks, and the amazing luminescent lantern shark.
Sharks and the City: LA (July 25 at 9 p.m. ET/PT)
Along the coastline of L.A., great white sharks are increasing and they seem to be hunting out of season. Dr. Chris Lowe, director of the CSULB Shark Lab, wants to know why. His investigation takes him to Guadalupe Island, off the coast of Mexico, where he finds the answer.
Sharks and the City: New York (July 25 at 10 p.m. ET/PT)
For decades, great white shark numbers were in decline in the waters around New York. But now, seals are back in New York Harbor — can the great whites be far behind? Marine biologist Craig O'Connell tries to find out how close they really are and shows what a future with great whites in New York will look like. Narrated by Chris Noth.
The Lost Cage (July 26 at 9 p.m. ET/PT)
A team of explorers float in a one-of-a-kind shark cage, 500 miles into the Gulf of Mexico. Acting as human lures in the open ocean, will they encounter its deadliest shark?
Great Hammerhead Invasion (July 26 at 10 p.m. ET/PT)
Early every November, giant hammerheads arrive off Bimini, in the Bahamas. But why? Leading shark scientist Tristan Guttridge tags and follows these normally solitary sharks to find out. Many appear to be pregnant females, as an ultrasound of a female hammerhead shows. Guttridge believes they spend winter in Bimini to feed the growing young in their bellies, and then move on to the Florida coast to prey on migrating blacktips — and the evidence is unmistakable.
Shark Exile (July 27 at 9 p.m. ET/PT)
In Brazil, Dr. Hazin has successfully reduced the number of shark encounters by simply catching and moving sharks out to the open sea. What's his secret? And can this solution work in Australia, where encounters are a problem?
Shark Swarm (July 27 at 10 p.m. ET/PT)
At various times of the year and in different locations around the world, sharks of many kinds gather, swarm, and spiral. Dr. Tristan Guttridge conducts a study of just what brings them together, and what's going on in these shark "societies."
African Shark Safari (July 28 at 9 p.m. ET/PT)
Madagascar is not known as a location for great white sharks. According to the shark sanctuary here, both great whites and tigers are "extinct" in Madagascan waters. So why has a great white shark, tagged in South Africa, traveled 1500 miles up the African coast to Madagascar? Craig O'Connell and the team make the long journey to the remote island nation to investigate whether Madagascar will be the next big great white shark hot spot.
Lair of the Sawfish (July 28 at 10 p.m. ET/PT)
Experts unravel the mystery behind one of the sea's strangest creatures, the sawfish, from its evolutionary links to sharks and rays, to its key role in the marine ecosystem. Their goal is to bring the sawfish back from the brink of extinction.
Sharkmania (July 29 at 9 p.m. ET/PT)
A rundown of the greatest moments from Shark Week 2017, featuring the closest calls, biggest bites, greatest gadgets, and viewers' top picks for the best of Shark Week history.
Shark School With Michael Phelps (July 30 at 8 p.m. ET/PT)
Michael Phelps joins Doc Gruber and Tristan Guttridge of the Bimini Shark Lab to get a crash course on everything "shark." They'll dispel the myths and common misconceptions, teach him how to safely dive with sharks — including how to stay calm when a hammerhead swims two feet above his face — and get Michael Phelps up close and personal with the incredible power of a great white.
Shark After Dark, the late-night talk show hosted by Eli Roth, returns this year to close out each of the first five nights of Shark Week.


text:
Tags: kuantan
Wedding of Jimmy & Chui HsiaDecember 19th, 2012
Link: Jimmy & Chui Hsia's Wedding Gallery
This is by far my longest outstation job. We stayed 4 days and 3 nights in Kuantan as my wife and baby decided to tag along to have a short break there which is famous for its beautiful beaches. A bright blue sky and breezy wind accompanied by a few fluffy high clouds was simply perfect to start the day for Jimmy and Chui Hsia's wedding. Wonder if Jimmy was prepared and informed by Chui Hsia beforehand about the way grooms and his entourage would be tortured by our 'Malaysian style' since he's from Hong Kong, somehow he was quite calm throughout. And as the game session went on, I began to understand why. He had a very gung ho uncle in his team. So gung ho till he even tried to kick Chui Hsia's room door open. What a din he made but at the same time he created an uproar excitement and laughter from everyone. I even asked him to kick another time and even harder with ompphh Lastly, would like to take this opportunity to thank Chui Hsia's parent for their warm hospitality the night we were there and also kind enough to upgrade my hotel room to a family sized room. Thank you, thank you
Wedding of Hung Yee & See YunnJuly 6th, 2011
Link: Hung Yee & See Yunn's Wedding Gallery
After kissing my wife goodbye, I told her i'll mostly probably be back the night itself although the wedding reception was in Kuantan. So, off I went to Sri Petaling to kick start the day's assignment in See Yunn's house. Then to Hung Yee's house in Kuantan after the tea ceremony. About almost the end of the reception, I have at my watch. Well the time is not so late, whereby I can still drive back . However, some thoughts of stories I've heard about the Karak Highway...hmmm..After the assignment, I gave my wife a ring informing her I'll only be back the next day..ahaha..chicken out!!
Nicky & Jane (Pre-Wedding)June 2nd, 2010
Link: Nicky & Jane Pre-Wedding Gallery
We started our journey at 5am in the morning for Kuantan with hope that the weather would be promising enough for our pre-wedding outdoor photography session since there are more rainfall over there. Although it's not so favourable upon reaching, however the sky started to clear later in the afternoon and we set off to work grabbing each opportunity we had of the beautiful scenery around us which evolved with time. Work apart, many thanks to the generous groom who treated us to sumptuous meals after meals till we got to call it quit..haha


text:
Here you find a selection of our nutritional Premixes and Antioxidant blends.
The products you find here give an impression of what Vitablend can do for you.
Select the products by consumer product group, functionality, form or ingredient group.
Vitablend will always try to develop the perfect tailor-made product for your application.
If you can not find the products you are looking for please contact us at firstname.lastname@example.com
Product chooserConsumer Products Functionality Forms Groups
Vitamin Premixes
Powder or oily vitamin premixes.
Products >>
Mineral Premixes
Marco and ultra trace minerals premixes.
Products >>
Nucleotides Premixes
Diluted or pure nucleotides formulations.
Products >>
Amino Acids Premixes
Diverse amino acids premixes.
Products >>
Nutraceuticals Premixes
Diverse nutraceuticals Premixes.
Products >>
Natural AntioxidantsAntioxidants from natural sources.
Products >>
Synthetic Antioxidants
Synthetic Antioxidants
Products >>
Natural AntioxidantsAntioxidants from natural sources.
Download Brochure Natural Antioxidants for food applications
ParoloxAn antioxidant system based on Rosemary and Ascorbyl Palmitate antioxidants showing enhanced and superior stability for Fish oils.
Rosemary Liquid
Liquid Rosemary Antioxidant.
Rosemary powder
Powder Rosemary Antioxidant.
Tocoblend AT
A powerful synergistic natural antioxidant combination available in both powder and liquid forms for use in all foods against oxidation.
Tocoblend GTT10
A Natural antioxidant liquid combining Synergistic aspects of Tocopherol and Green Tea together in one blend.
Tocoblend L70
70% Natural Mixed Tocopherols in oil
Tocoblend PD30
30% Natural Mixed Tocopherols in powder form
Tocoblend TR
A powerful synergistic natural antioxidant combination available in both powder and liquid forms for use in all foods against oxidation.
Tocopet AT
Natural Mixed Tocopherols (NMT;E306) plus Ascorbyl Palmitate (AP;E304)
Tocopet IP
Natural Mixed Tocopherols in oil
Vitablend 160
Liquid Antioxidant with 12,5 % Ascorbyl Palmitate (AP; E304), 2,5 % D L Alpha Tocopherol (AT;E307).
Vitablend 166
Liquid Antioxidant with 10% Ascorbyl Palmitate (AP).
Vitablend D200
A synergistic combination of Vitamin E and Vitamin C for use in the protection of oxidation in prepared meats such as Sausages.
For more information and details please contact us


text:
Belgian franc BEF
Exchange them for dollars!
We buy Belgian francs (BEF)
Do you have Belgian francs or other currency withdrawn from circulation and replaced by the Euro? We can help you exchange these bills.
Exchange rates. Last update 2020-10-19 14:00:10
|Currently in circulation
Belgian Franc 100 BEF
Belgian francs withdrawn from circulation
- These bills were replaced by the Euro in 2002.
- They are no longer legal tender in Belgium and cannot be exchanged at banks or currency exchange offices.
- We can quickly and easily exchange your Belgian francs.
Change francs into dollars!
Do you have Belgian francs? Would you like to exchange them?
Get cash for your francs. With forgottenbucks.com, you can exchange your money quickly and easily.
Exchange old bills from Belgium and other countries which have adopted the Euro. Remember that you can still exchange old, discontinued bills at forgottenbucks.com. We can help you exchange Austrian schillings, German marks, Maltese lira, Dutch guilders, Irish pounds, Czech crowns, and many other currencies.


text:
So on the mainpage (you guess which one I mean) yesterday's sponsored ad laid out summer lawn games. That's fine. I happen to love summer lawn games. In fact, it's the one of the three parts of summer I enjoy because it pairs well with drinking outside, which happens to be my favorite activity. The other two parts are bonfires and concerts mainly because, you guessed it, drinking outside.
But I'm getting past the point here which is this: while the list included such crucial games as Bocci, ladder golf, and the out-of-fashion-because-its-could-kill-you lawn darts, it was missing one crucial summer game which dominates all of the other summer lawn games. A game of skill, patience, and grace unmatched by all other ball-based sports.
I of course speak of Croquet.
Croquet is, for those who have never played it, the greatest of all of the mallet sports and possibly the greatest game involving balls, lawns, and strategic hitting through tiny gates. A bold assertion? You just shut your mouth. Because Croquet is the greatest lawn game. Anyone who says otherwise is a dumb-faced liar who should just stay inside and leave summer to people who know how to have classy, drunk fun.
But the rules, you say. The rules! So confusing! I know. It's an English game. And while all English games are regimented that doesn't mean that the rules make any goddamn sense. That's why Croquet is the best. Are there turns? Of course there are! But you aren't penalized for going out of turn. And the color of your ball determines when your turn is. What's more English than that!
Not to mention you get a giant fucking hammer which looks like a gavel. It's like you're the judge and jury of the lawn in which you play. It also leads to a detente to future hostilities as all players have a hammer and thus ensures a peaceful game. Unlike lawn darts which basically gives you a javelin and encourages the inner hoplite in all of us or ladder golf which gives you a double-sided sling in which to David the shit out of somebody's face.
But what I say is that you should have fun with Croquet. Play around with it. The rules say you don't have to have a "perfectly" manicured lawn in which to play so don't worry about a perfect pitch. Also, the rules don't exactly specify about obstacles. Why not make yourself a Croquet mini-golf set up complete with windmill and wrecked pirate ship? Surely you'll need drink stations for that next beer or to freshen up your cocktail. Snacks and barbecued foods are a must. I personally enjoy a game that spans across two or three lawns to make it a truly epic time in which drunken revelry is had and the game never really quite finishes. Breaks and/or player substitutions are encouraged. As far as dress goes, why not have fun with that too?
No furries, though. Don't you fucking ruin Croquet with furries.
So I hope you enjoyed my ode to the Sport of Kings. I hope it inspires you to take up the mallet!


text:
17 Sep 2012
New York railroads Metro-North and Long Island try cell phone ticketing
The Metro-North Railroad and Long Island Rail Road, two of the most popular railroad services in New York, are trying a new ticketing system that uses barcodes in cell phones instead of paper tickets, My Bank Tracker informs.
This system, which is still in its testing stages, allows passengers to use their credit or debit cards to pay for any kind of ticket, which will appear as a scanned barcode in their smart phones.
Without a doubt, this is a great technological advance for one of the most used railroad services in the United States.


text:
at year end. Here's some things that I've gathered quickly from the memories of the past months. Some of my favourite from 2015!
1 The good and beautiful community, by James Bryan Smith
2 Visions of vocation, by Steven Garber
3 Yawing at Tigers, by Drew Dyck
4 Creating a missional culture, by JR Woodward
5 Giving blood, by Leonard Sweet
1 Swiss mountain-views with Julie, Northumbrian wide open spaces and Cornish coastlines were thrilling
2 Summer-sunshine water-play and pure silliness with Noah & Esther, sans wifi!
3 Culling a serious excess of stuff – was both helpful and healthy!
4 the ongoing preciousness of new and deepening relationships
5 the delight of being-spent daily for Christ and His cause. Easily the best!
1 Capital
2 River
3 Luther but more episodes please!
4 Suffragette
5 Humans
And yes this is miserable proof I've watched little!
And more randomly….
1 Griddled beef from Keevil & Keevil, with red wine & good people around the table.
2 "So let my deeds outrun my words, and let my life outweigh my songs" Matt Redmans new song
3 Adele's brilliant song even with it's narrative hopelessness! Haunting stuff!
4 My new armchair:- because refurbished possibilities are always better than new, right?
5 Oh and moderate amounts of Terry's chocolate orange!
And yes it was far too full in some ways…..but ever so glorious. And Noah, Esther and I didn't get the Christmas tree lights tangled at all!


text:
How to create a successful PT Business
If you are wondering how to create a successful PT business then the answer lies in 1 word, marketing. Marketing and lead generation are like any business, the lifeblood of success. Many personal trainers either leave the industry or continue to make under par wages simply because they donât know how to get more PT clients. Again, this comes down to understanding successful marketing principles and learning strategies on how to increase PT clients.
If you are asking yourself the question and wondering how to market my pt business, then you must start gaining your knowledge in things such as social media which is probably the easiest form of marketing and promoting your PT business.
If you are wondering where to start because you are wondering how to attract more personal training clients, then there are a few things you must understand to make sure your marketing efforts will be fruitful moving forward. Understanding things such as the importance of building an email list of contacts is crucial if you want to attract more pt clients. You need a database to market your business to and if you are not building a list, then you are simply relying on friends and family and potentially only a social media audience. While your social media audience is good to have, being able to actually market to them via email is still higher converting by percentage.
How to attract more personal training clients will also come down to your systems. Having a presence on social media for example is not enough. You need to be consistently adding value as well as a mix of promotion. You need to start branding yourself as the fitness expert and go to person. Simply things like creating a workout of the week video and starting a Youtube channel is a good way to start. As your videos are shared throughout social media you will start to build a following. People will start to recognise you and see your brand online. This is a great strategy on how to attract more PT clients. People are attracted and more open to people they already know, like and trust. If you can build that trust and get people to like you through adding consistent value through something as simple as a workout of the week video this is a good start.
If you want to know how to get more PT clients then you also need to understand the importance of follow up systems and referrals. These systems need to be followed and tweaked to allow you to get the most out of every new lead to your business.
For example, you might have a system where you get a new lead via an online opt-in form. Having a system around follow up will help you to know exactly what the process is to follow in order to have the maximum chance of converting that new lead into a client. This might consist of a set of calls, email and even sms.
When learning how to market my personal training business you should always keep educating yourself on the latest strategies and techniques and look to action those items. Marketing ebooks such as this one â Fill My Sales Funnel 101 Simple No Cost, Low Cost Ways to Gain and Retain Clients are a great way to learn how to get more PT clients. Another great way to learn how to increase PT clients is through this marketing ebook â Top 7 Ways to Marketing Your PT Business. These 2 ebooks are a great start to learning how to attract more personal training clients.
As mentioned earlier, if you are looking how to increase personal training clients, then a great strategy is to utilize referrals from current clients. Running referral promotions where you reward your members for bringing their friends/family is another great strategy on how to create a successful PT business.
Finally, getting your business systems in order will help save you time and definitely contribute to creating a successful business. Having a client management system such as PT Minder to manage your clients, invoicing and business is a great start. That will give you more time to focus on marketing and learning how to increase personal training clients.
Finally, the best way to learn how to create a successful PT business and know exactly how to attract more personal training clients is to get a business coach. There are many out there to choose from, most of which unfortunately are extremely expensive. It is critical to get assistance in this area however, a business coach will help fast track your success and be able to help transform your business and show you exactly how to get more PT clients and capitalise on the ones you have to make more money. If you would like more information on the worldâs best online PT business training and mentoring program then click here to learn more.


text: What are some simple winning poker strategies? A common goal of poker players is the idea of having an unexploitable range. This theory is sound, but sometimes its important to remember that it is ok to be exploitable. Just remember that if the Villain is not exploiting you then you are effectively unexploitable to them. We don't want to pass up on opportunities to exploit our opponents just because doing so might make us exploitable against a skilled Villain.


text: 'Ivy': Sundance Review 1:01 PM PST 2/3/2015 by Boyd van Hoeij FACEBOOK TWITTER EMAIL ME Courtesy of Sundance International Film Festival A well-acted film that's more ambitious than controlled TWITTER The second feature of Turkish director Tolga Karacelik ('Toll Booth'), set aboard an anchored bulk carrier, was shot by 'Winter Sleep' cinematographer Gokhan Tiryaki The Turkish crew of a cargo ship is stranded off the coast of Egypt when the shipping company they work for comes close to bankruptcy in Ivy (Sarmasik), the second feature of Turkish filmmaker Tolga Karacelik. The director's first feature, the accomplished Toll Booth, looked at the whirling subconscious of a man doing a numbingly repetitive job and here there's a similar disconnect between the through-the-motions toil of the seamen stuck on a vessel they can't leave and what's going on in their increasingly agitated minds, though unfortunately the more complex and ambitious film isn't as carefully controlled and structured as its predecessor. Still, this handsomely shot widescreen affair, with an atmospheric soundscape to match, should have no problems seducing festivals and a VOD platform or two after its world premiere at Sundance. Agitated druggie Cenk (Nadir Saribacak, the teacher from Palme d'Or winner Winter Sleep) and weak-willed hanger-on Alper (Ozgur Emre Yildirim) arrive on the bulk carrier Sarmasik (Turkish for "Hedera," hence the title) to replace two seamen. Since it's only their second ever voyage, their relative newcomer status makes them the perfect substitute for the audience, who are also unfamiliar with the ship and the exact jobs of everyone on board. The portly, no-nonsense captain, Beybaba (Osman Alkas), who mostly keeps to himself, doesn't trust them from the outset and with good reason: Alper wants to leave the ship almost immediately after he's arrived and Cenk has exchanged the life of a petty swindler for a life at sea. He's also got his eye on the meds cabinet that might provide him with the material needed for his next hit. Others on board include the religious first officer, Ismail (Kadir Cermik); the newly appointed cook, the overly sensitive Nadir (Hakan Karsak, from 2014 Berlinale titles The Lamb and Seaburners) and the stoic mechanic Kurt (Seyithan Ozturk), a silent giant of a man. About 20 minutes it, the owner of the ship declares bankruptcy and the rest of the staff is allowed to get off the ship near Egypt, while the above-mentioned six remain aboard as the necessary skeleton crew after the vessel's impounded by a fuel company that's owed a lot of money. What follows is a study in the initially slowly disintegrating power structure, as the days aboard turn into weeks, food and water supplies start to dwindle and there's no sign of a solution in sight. Their passports having been confiscated, the crewmembers can't even leave the vessel and their maintenance work on board is minimal since the ship merely lies anchored off a foreign coast. Like in Toll Booth, the protagonists here start to see things that aren't real, especially after one of the men might have fallen or been pushed overboard and he's subsequently spotted as a ghostly presence back on board. Though undeniably well acted by the small but impressive cast, there's a sense that we've seen all this before. In the director's screenplay -- which was inspired by the works of 19th century English-language literary greats such as Conrad, Melville and Coleridge, with the latter's The Rime of the Ancient Mariner quoted several times onscreen -- the generally unlikeable characters are well-drawn but familiar and there's no real new insight into the shifting power dynamics that slowly derail the initially strictly organized hierarchical structures. The slow change -- the film's a definite slow burn, and Evren Lus's otherwise incisive cutting doesn't suggest how much time passes, though press materials suggest 120 days -- finally results in a final reel that feels at once logical (seen the film's title) but also something of a surprise, as the somewhat surreal happenings haven't been properly foreshadowed (a snail crawling up a wall here or there notwithstanding). Turkey's top d.o.p., Gokhan Tiryaki, has filmed not only all of Nuri Bilge Ceylan's films since 2006's Climates but also other recent Turkish marvels of cinematography, ranging from the swirling period epic The Butterfly's Dream to the closed-space pressure-cooker drama Night of Silence. His work here is technically impeccable but feels strangely out of synch with the characters' own slow march towards insanity and violence for too long, with the atmospheric sound work doing a much better job of suggesting how even a big boat can sometimes not be big enough to hide from either your demons or your fellow man. Production companies: Karacelik Film, Cine Chromatix, Inignia Yapim, Kala Film, Jomami Filmproduktion, Vana Film, Asteros Film Cast: Nadir Saribacak, Hakan Karsak, Ozgur Emre Yildirim, Kadir Cermik, Osman Alkas, Seyithan Ozturk, Ahmet Baki Kurtulus, Omer Acar, Onur Ozturk, Serkan Ozturk Writer-Director: Tolga Karacelik Producers: Bilge Elif Ozkoso, Tolga Karacelik Co-producers: Ufuk Genc, Doruk Acar, Hazer Baycan, Michael Kaczmarek, Markus Boehm Director of photography: Gokhan Tiryaki Production designer: Ali Sahin Costume designer: Tuba Atac Editor: Evren Lus Music: Ahmet Kenan Bilgic Casting: Harika Uygur Sales: Karacelik Film No rating, 104 minutes FACEBOOK TWITTER EMAIL ME Boyd van Hoeij firstname.lastname@example.com @thr


text:
Our team at Boyce Precision Engineering are skilled in all aspects of machine prototyping and 3D modelling and can work with you to manufacture your prototype to your specifications.
We can provide CAD design support to produce drawings from your sketches or design ideas. We'll provide advice on the most suitable materials to incorporate into the design, and recommend the most advantageous production methods to utilise to create the best version of your product, or components.
With both 3 and 5-axis machining capabilities, we can produce high quality products within minimal lead times.
Contact Brian Perry for assistance with your machine prototyping projects.


text:
DON PESCI: Congress to public, let'em eat ObamaCare
One of the founders of the American Republic, James Madison, wrote in Federalist No. 57 that the U.S. Congress would not likely frame laws that would be injurious to the general public because the members of Congress also would be affected by the same laws. The Congress, he wrote, "can make no law which will not have its full operation on themselves and their friends, as well as on the great mass of the society."
But the U.S. Congress, the Marie Antoinette of legislatures, has long since learned how to escape laws that members of Congress inflict upon others. Marie Antoinette, not a Queen beloved by her subjects, was saddled with the quote "Let'em eat cake" by anti-monarchical revolutionists. The phrase today indicates the lofty unconcern of rulers with their subjects' abject government induced conditions.
More than two years ago, commentator Stephen Carter, a Yale professor and author of several books, noted with a shrug of disapproval that Congress had just exempted its members from a pending law that applied to everyone else: "The recent publicity surrounding the very old news that members of Congress aren't prohibited from trading stock using nonpublic information has the House and Senate running for cover. Hastily drafted bills are picking up co-sponsors on both sides of the aisle.
"Yet it is something of a wonder that there is so much public excitement at the discovery that regulations that apply to lots of other people turn out to be largely irrelevant to those who serve in Congress. This isn't an exception to congressional practice. It is, far too often, business as usual."
Mr. Carter provided some examples. Many businessmen, he noted, regard the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) as "the bane of their existence" because OSHA sometimes promulgates regulations that are just dumb. "Sometimes the rules are important. Sometimes they are silly. Either way, it's no concern of our national legislature, which, in its wisdom, has exempted itself" from OSHA regulations.
Although the entire federal government is exempt from OSHA regulations, Congress, perhaps anticipating an adverse response from the toiling masses, the equivalent of Marie Antoinette's starving masses, never-the-less required federal agencies to promulgate operational rules consistent with OSHA standards. These minimal requirements, however, do not apply to Congress - "which turns out not to be an agency."
A sigh bursting from him, Mr. Carter notes: "Then there is financial regulation. Critics have lamented that no equivalent of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act applies to Congress. The chief executives of public companies must certify their accounts, and face fines of up to $5 million and as many as 20 years in prison if they do so falsely. Members of Congress (like all federal officials) can make up numbers out of whole cloth without any sanction at all. Incorrect corporate numbers can mislead markets. Incorrect federal budget numbers can mislead the nation. (Perhaps the federal budget, like corporate balance sheets, should be vetted by independent third-party auditors.)"
While federal minimum wage laws apply to private employers and federal agencies, Congress is exempt from the laws because it is not an agency. For the same reason, Congress is exempt from the Freedom of Information Act. The National Labor Relations Act exempts the federal government generally, but special rules concerning collective bargaining and unfair labor practices apply to federal employees - but not to Congress.
No one should be surprised that the Congress is at it again, this time in connection with ObamaCare. Members of Congress and their staffs are required to participate in The Affordable Care Act (ACA). The requirement was supposed to acquaint congressmen with the rigors of ObamaCare they had imposed on the rest of the country. But some congressmen have slipped the noose.
Here in Connecticut, according to published reports, two members of Connecticut's all Democratic Congressional delegation, U.S. Representative Elizabeth Esty and U.S. Senator Dick Blumenthal, have decided not to follow in the footsteps of President Harry Truman, who enrolled as the first Medicare beneficiary in 1965 when the program came on line.
"I support the act," Mr. Blumenthal said, "and believe that federal employees and members of Congress should have access to the new options for health insurance provided by the ACA, including what is available on their local exchanges," Blumenthal said in a statement to a newspaper.
Since Mr. Blumenthal supports ObamaCare, he also supports its mandatory requirements. Under the old dispensation, before ObamaCare arrived on the scene to the blare of heavenly trumpets, Mr. Blumenthal's younger constituents were not forced under penalty of fines to purchase medical insurance. Mr. Blumenthal, who may freely choose whether he does or does not wish to enlist in ObamaCare, will be spared the fines that hang like a Damoclean sword over the heads of younger people who are not congressmen and do not have the luxury of writing laws that do not operate on them.
One wonders how James Madison, quoted above, would have voted on the exemptions enjoyed by congressmen who in effect have said to their constituents "Let'em eat cake."
Don Pesci is a writer who lives in Vernon. E-mail: email@example.com


text:
- applehilluser
- 7 years ago
I'm trying to DIY as much as possible for our daughter's wedding. I have found beautiful and very "real" looking silk flowers and would like to use them for the centerpieces at the reception. My problem is that I"m wondering what people really think about about fake flowers. Has anyone else considered using silks for their wedding?


text:
We will be happy to work with you on your projects by providing qualified and proactive support to create the best response to your needs.
Viale Dell' Industria 8 Grezzana
(VR), 37023 Italia
This content is blocked. Accept cookies to view the content.
We use cookies to make sure you can have the best experience on our site, Cookie Policy


text:
►Read 23 Things to do in Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City), Vietnam: http://migrationology.com/2015/06/things-to-do-in-saigon-ho-chi-minh-city/
►FREE eBook: http://migrationology.com/saigon-ebook/
When I was in Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City), along with eating as much Vietnamese food as I could, one of my goals was to film a travel video about some of the best things to do in Saigon. After putting together a complete list, it turned out to be 23, and I hope this list of attractions will help and inspire you to visit Vietnam's largest and most exciting city.
1. Binh Tay Market – Binh Tay Market is one of the largest wholesale distribution markets, and a perfect place to go if you're looking to go shopping in Ho Chi Minh City.
2. Thien Hau Temple (Pagoda) – Located in Chinatown, in District 5, the temple is dedicated to Thien Hau and I really loved the sculptures and the elaborate design of the temple.
3. Museum of Ho Chi Minh City – This museum offers a glimpse into the history and development of the city and Vietnam.
4. Bitexco Financial Tower – This is the tallest building in Saigon, and you can either go to the Skydeck or a cafe at the top for a view of the city.
5. Independence Palace (Reunification Palace) – Probably one of the most well known tourism things to do in Saigon is to visit the Independence Palace, the the former home of the president of South Vietnam during the Vietnam War.
6. Saigon Cathedral of Notre Dame – With the French influence in Vietnam, the Notre Dame cathedral is a beautiful Catholic church. Attend a service or just visit.
7. Central Post Office – Designe…


text:
Carmelo Anthony embraces mentor role with Kristaps Porzingis
GREENBURGH, N.Y. — Carmelo Anthony is feeling great and said he wants to play the Knicks' final four games, including Wednesday night against the Charlotte Hornets.
"I'm good. I'm good," said Anthony, who sat out Sunday night's 92-87 loss to the Pacers just to get some rest. "I'll play Wednesday, Friday, Sunday and probably Tuesday. We'll see about Tuesday, but I'll probably play the rest of the games."
One player who likely won't be back for Wednesday night's game is Kristaps Porzingis. The 7-3 rookie had said on Sunday that he was hoping to return before the end of the season. Porzingis, who has a strained right shoulder, did not practice with the team or talk with reporters Tuesday. Interim coach Kurt Rambis said he was doubtful for the game.
Porzingis and Anthony apparently have had some pretty intense conversations while sitting on the bench, including during Sunday night's game against the Pacers.
"Sometimes throughout the course of the game, it's a running conversation. Sometimes he has a question: 'What you think about this, what you think about that?' " Anthony said. "I give my input. Obviously he accepts it because he keeps coming back for the advice and the input. I'm more than welcome to sit there and talk to him. What we have is not forced, it's organic. I try not to force it, he tries not to force it. It just comes naturally."
No one can say with any certainty how much longer Anthony will be the mentor. While Porzingis is the future of the team, there has been speculation that Anthony may waive his no-trade clause this summer if he decides he doesn't want to be a part of the Knicks' rebuild.
Anthony, who will miss the playoffs for the third straight season, said he does feel some sense of accomplishment this season, considering he is coming off knee surgery that sidelined him for a chunk of last season. Anthony, who missed 42 games last season, has missed only nine in 2015-16.
"I feel good. Just to know that I didn't really know what to expect this year as far as being able to play the whole season and play as many games as I've played," he said. "For the most part I feel good I was able to do that. I actually got better over the last two months. I got stronger."


text:
|Farmhouse with swimming pool is a small Tuscan village built around 1850 is situated in a panoramic position on a hill, 7 km from the town of Cortona. The cottage consists of 2 apartments located in the 'old house and an old barn, a total of 3 apartments for a total of 12 beds + 4 . The farmhouse is surrounded by a beautifully designed garden that allows individual units to enjoy independent spaces and freely use the swimming pool 8 x 5 m. which is located in a central position. In the garden there is a large stone barbecue for guests. The garage is covered for 3 cars. All apartments are equipped with TV, laundry, dishwasher, refrigerator, oven, hairdryer, telephone, wi-fi, heating.
Powered by Flickr Gallery
|Weekly prices
|Casa 1 – Ground Floor-4 +2 persons – 60 sqm
|The first apartment has a living room with sofa bed, open fireplace, well equipped kitchen area, a double bedroom with bathroom with shower, a bedroom with two beds, a bathroom with bathtub. The apartment is accessed by a private garden with gazebo and table for 6 people.
|€ 950
|Casa 2 – First floor – 4 people – mq65
|The second apartment has a living room with a fireplace and a fully equipped kitchenette, a double bedroom, a twin bedroom, a bathroom with bath and shower. The apartment is accessed by an external stone staircase with a small balcony. It has a green outdoor gazebo with a table reserved for 4 people.
|€ 800
|Cottage – 4 people +2 – mq90
|The cottage is on two floors: the ground floor is a living room with sofa bed, open fireplace, a large well equipped kitchen with dining area, a bedroom with two beds, a bathroom with shower. From a wooden staircase in the living room leads to the first floor where there is a double bedroom with bathroom. From the bedroom you can go outside to a stone staircase that leads directly to the garden. Gazebo with table and chairs for 6 people
|€ 1.050
|Villa eclusive use 12 people
|€ 2.800
|Check in: 16:00 – 19:00 Check-overtime penalty € 50.00
|Check out: 10.00
|Bookings from Saturday to Saturday
|Alta: 02-07 – 20.08 / EASTER / CHRISTMAS
|Bassa: 06.01 – 02.07 / 20.08 – 19.12
|Deposit by Credit Card guarantee
|The total price includes: VAT, electricity, gas, water, bed linen and towels, use of swimming pool, weekly change of bed linen and towels final cleaning, heating.
On request:
baby bed
baby chair
baby sitting service: € 12/h day service – €18/h night service
Pets allowed: € 20/week
extra bed: € 30/weekly
Extra linen: € 10/person
Cleaning fee: € 10/h
|CastiglionlFiorentino: 7km
|Cortona: 20km
|Lago trasimeno: 25km
|Arezzo: 35Km
|Perugia: 40Km
|Firenze: 100Km
|Siena: 80Km
|Activities nearby:
|Archaeological Site
|Art Cities


text:
Displaying posts by tag: movie
For the CROW PHILOSOPHY Fall 2014 Collection debut we have created a short video called, Where're You Going, Episode 1. We think you'll like it. It features Nathan in the Cooper leather jacket, Jock striped woven shirt & Marc cotton twill trouser and our Retail Director Andersen makes a cameo.
We all want to know where we are going. Take a look.
Latest news
Modernization of Old Masters
Original: A Souvenir of Velazquez by John Everett Millais
Crow Philosophy's affinity for art and popular culture has inspired the following contemporary edits of monumental works from the likes of Old Masters including Goya, Titian, Velázquez and Bronzino.
From time to time we offer images and insight on subjects we find interesting and topical. We hope you enjoy these appropriations of Old Master paintings.
An Interview on Fashion, Philosophy & Art
This interview with Crow Philosophy Creative Director, Tom Puls, discusses the origins of CROW PHILOSOPHY, the brands fashion orientation and influences from the areas of philosophy and art. Interesting comments on the artisits, Peter Beard and Jeff Koons.
Where're you going - episode 2
In Episode 2, our guy, musician and composer Moses Christopher, plays one of his songs on the streets of the Meatpacking district, transcending as he plays on. Talented and original, he exudes style and confidence in Crow Philosophy while doing what he enjoys.
We all want to know where we are going. Take a look.