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I give up – I've been waiting for days to finish this little photo shoot of all the wreaths and garden decorations we have going on over here, but, weather. Then an entirely different photo shoot preempted (more on that later). Then New England Grows trade show (more coming on that too). And now, it is Friday and well, I am going with what I have. If the stars align again so that I am not finishing the rest in the dark or the rain or both, and I can shoot some more, then there will be a part two – but let's not hold our breath – it is December in New England after all.
Festivities started with post-Thanksgiving walks (with pruners in one hand and the canvas log carrier in the other) to forage for materials from the local hedgerows. Winterberry, sumac, mosses, evergreens of all sorts, and a wide variety of unknown wild berries and pretty dried weeds made their way back to my work area. I am always amazed by the selection and especially love how some materials don't seem like much in the wild, but once you gather a quantity they suddenly become substanital enough to really make something beautiful.
Additionally, I gathered pieces from my garden – grassheads, callicarpa berries (that is the purple), rose hips (both wild and cultivated) and garden greens (my favorite are juniper and spruce varieties). I find the collection all laid out to be so inspiring.
I start with the simplest, cheapest pre-made fresh wreaths that typically only have one type of evergreen in them. You can certainly start with a bare frame, but I find that this saves time and I can easily add and layer in other textures without having to worry about having enough to fill it out completely.
I make bundles of mixed materials, wrapping each with floral wire and then I attach them to the wreath tucking them in among the existing greens. This wreath is large (a 36″ frame – which means that the finished wreath is 4+ feet across) and it will hang above our garage door. Because of the size, larger bundles work well – anything too small will not be substantial enough to be seen from below.
*I'm not actually using the spray paint on this one….but if those hydrangea heads dry out….round two will certainly have a little golden luster.
I kept the palette simple on this – Holly, Boxwood, Blue Spruce (taken from the base of our christmas tree) and grasses from the garden. It leaves me to use so many of the more dainty materials I gathered on smaller wreaths.
I am a strident anti-bow person when it comes to holiday wreaths and decor in general. I keep thinking that someday I will discover a bow technique that will not be a complete pain-in-the-neck to make, and will complement rather than compete with the wild garden look that I prefer. So far, I haven't found it, so I try to make foliage do the work of creating a focal point.
So here, it is 90% done (I always add a little more once I get it hung in its spot to repair any damaged pieces, and to balance and fill in gaps that inevitably show up as I heft it up the ladder and position it – I already see where it needs something over there on the right…).
I can't wait to see it hung, all lit up and festively greeting us every time we come home. If I can get a lovely shot, I'll try to update this post – but mostly likely you will find it on instagram first.
Hello Garden Maker!
You really can be your own garden designer and I can help. Get access to my free resource library full of helpful tools, sources, plant lists and more!
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Football Israel Podcast November 17, 2014 Israel Defeats Bosnia 3-0!
Right click here to download the Football Israel Podcast from November 17, 2014
Roy Jankelowitz, reporter for Israel Sport and the man behind the fantastic Facebook Page HaShishit B'Europa joined me on the Football Israel Podcast to discuss Israel's big 3-0 victory over Bosnia in EURO 2016 Qualifying! Israel tops group 2 with 9 points in 3 matches!

subset: commoncrawl


text: INC endorses Duterte, Marcos ABS-CBN News Posted at 05 May 2016 12:14 PM | Updated as of 05 May 2016 03:29 PM Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Google+ Pin it Share on LinkedIn Rodrigo Duterte for president and Ferdinand ''Bongbong'' Marcos Jr. Fernando G. Sepe, Jr./ Jonathan Cellona, ABS-CBN News MANILA (UPDATE) – The influential religious group Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC) is endorsing Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte for president and Senator Ferdinand ''Bongbong'' Marcos Jr. for vice president in next week's elections. Members of the INC were told last night by the INC leadership to vote as one, after which they were given sample ballots. A copy of the sample ballot sent to ANC had the name of Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte for president and Senator Bongbong Marcos for vice-president. A news report by INC-run Eagle News also confirmed the endorsement. '' The moment INC members receive that decision — since we are fully convinced about the biblical basis for upholding unity — we will abide by that decision," EagleNews quoted INC spokesman Edwil Zabala as saying. The sample ballot also had the names of 12 senatorial candidates. In the EagleNews report, the twelve who got the Iglesia endorsement are: Joel Villanueva, Richard Gordon, Franklin Drilon, Risa Hontiveros, Francis Tolentino, Martin Romualdez, Ralph Recto, Manny Pacquiao, Vicente Sotto, Sherwin Gatchalian, Panfilo Lacson and Migz Zubiri. Duterte, the current front runner in presidential voter preference surveys, said he met with INC executive minister Eduardo Manalo last April 22. Marcos, who is tied with administration bet Leni Robredo in the latest ABS-CBN survey conducted by Pulse Asia, met with Manalo last April 26. Duterte's opponents Jejomar Binay, Mar Roxas, Grace Poe, and Miriam Defensor Santiago also met with Manalo. President Benigno Aquino III also had a meeting with Manalo, in what was seen as an effort to boost the chances of administration bet Roxas. An INC source told ABS-CBN News that an internal survey among INC members, which Duterte reportedly topped, was a key factor in the decision of the INC leadership to support the Davao mayor. INC requires its members to vote as one, in accordance with the church's beliefs and the importance it places on unity. Eagle News reported that Manalo, in a circular, reminded all the INC brethren ''to follow God's teachings on unity when they go to the polls on May 9." INC BLOC-VOTING STRENGTH Social Weather Stations (SWS) president Mahar Mangahas, in an Inquirer column last September, estimated the voting strength of the INC in the May 2016 elections to be 1.7 million. "[The] proportionate strength of INC voters was about four and one-fourth percent of the electorate in 2010. My guess is that it will be the same in 2016. Assuming population growth of 2 percent per year, a number of 1.5 million votes in May 2010 would become 1.7 million votes by May 2016," Mangahas said in his column. "This does not allow for either conversions to INC or withdrawals from INC. So I think that the claim of 2.0 million INC votes for 2016 is an overstatement." The INC leadership endorsed then Senator Benigno ''Noynoy'' Aquino in 2010, incumbent President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo in 2004, and then Vice-President Joseph Estrada in 1998. All of them won. In the 1992 elections, the INC supported businessman Eduardo ''Danding'' Cojuangco, candidate of the Nationalist People's Coalition, who ended up third behind Fidel Ramos and Miriam Defensor Santiago. Mangahas, citing the 2010 exit poll, said "Catholics went 43.4 percent for Noynoy Aquino and 28.2 percent for Erap Estrada, whereas INCs went 77.1 percent for Aquino and 12.0 percent for Estrada." "In the vice presidential election, on the other hand, Catholics went 43.8 percent for Jejomar Binay and 39.8 percent for Mar Roxas, whereas INCs went 17.6 percent for Binay and 73.8 percent for Roxas. Roxas' great 56-point advantage among INCs did not overcome Binay's mere 4-point advantage among Catholics, since Catholics were over 74 percent of the voters." DUTERTE KEEPS WIDE LEAD The INC's endorsement emerged following the release of the results of the latest Pulse Asia survey commissioned by ABS-CBN. Duterte kept his 33% rating for a 2nd week in a row, in the April 26-29, 2016 survey. Administration standard-bearer Mar Roxas is in a statistical tie for second place with Senator Grace Poe. Roxas got 22%, 11 percentage points behind Duterte and 2 points up from his previous rating, while Poe got 21%, a point below her previous 22% rating. Vice President Jejomar Binay polled 17%, a point down from his previous 18% rating. Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago got a 2% rating for a second week in a row. In the vice-presidential race, Camarines Sur Rep. Leni Robredo now shares the lead with Marcos after getting a 30% voter preference rating, which is 4 points higher than her rating in the previous ABS-CBN Pulse Asia survey conducted on April 19-24. Marcos got 28%, down 3 points from the previous survey. Senators Francis Escudero (18%) and Alan Peter Cayetano (15%) didn't see changes in their ratings. Senators Antonio Trillanes IV and Gringo Honasan had 3% and 2% ratings, respectively.


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Over 300 runners and walkers attended the Desmoid Dash this year in Mendota Heights, Minnesota, just outside of Minneapolis! This special event is held in honor of Matt Zechmann, but this year, he welcomed approximately 15 other survivors from the area to rally their teams! Thank you to the Zechmann family, the race planning committee, and everyone who participated- it was an amazing event, and we can't wait til next year!
The Desmoid Dash raised over $88,000!
View pictures here!


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PREVIOUS VIDEO: 4. What is a Corporate Strategy?
We will use three terms interchangeably–action, implementation, and execution–to denote what we do to convert our business and corporate strategies into actions that get results.
We know that managers spend most of their time taking action. That is because the tasks associated with implementation are complex processes that require nearly constant monitoring and adjustment. There is a very good reason that we separate implementation processes from the decisions we make to create a strategy. That reason is discussed in this video.
Learn more about creating better business strategies:
join the BetterStrategies.com Club by completing the form above.
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Downloads: 100k
Time and the date now are taught with the balloon that the cat had in the hand.
Cat''s kind, the balloon, and clothes such as hats can be freely selected.
Please coordinate cat''s clothes and balloon according to feelings and clothes on the day.
When the media volume is raised, the cry is heard because the cat mews when a set screen is opened.
* This is a free version of Clock cat.
* The advertisement is displayed on a set screen.
* The advertisement is not displayed in a pay version though there is no functional difference.
Start method
1.In the home screen, it is a long push as for the screen.
2.Because the menu panel is displayed, "Widget" is selected.
3."Clock cat" is selected from the list of the widget.
Function explanation
- The cat gives the following information with the balloon that has it in the hand.
1. Time now
3. Time
4. A day of the week
- When the cat is done in the tap, a set screen is displayed. The following can be set on a set screen.
1. Cat
2. Hat
3. Body paint
4. Balloon (4)
5. Meow (Type 1-4 / OFF)
6. Image size of cat (ORG/FIX)
- ORG: It is the same as the first version. The size of each model is decided.
- FIX: Update version. Fixed-size.
* Please choose the size suitable for the terminal.
7. The text size can be changed by doing the balloon in the tap.
* Only when ORG is specified for an image size, the change in the text size is effective.
*** INTERNET_ACCESS and PHONE_STATE for Ads. ***


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Picha Drill Permit received; Property Option Agreement extended
Feb 06, 2013, 16:30 ET
VANCOUVER, Feb. 6, 2013 /CNW/ - Network Exploration Ltd. (the "Company") (TSX.V: NET) is pleased to announce that, along with its partner Lara Exploration Ltd. ("LARA") (TSX.V: LRA), written authorization has been received from the General Mining Directorate of the Ministry of Energy and Mines of Peru to start the previously announced drilling campaign at its Picha copper-silver porphyry project. This permit is one of the first to be granted to the Peruvian mining industry since the implementation of new permitting rules in July 2012.
The Company is also pleased to announce that due to exceptional permitting delays, it has come to an agreement with its partner LARA to extend the initial period of its option agreement from 6 December 2012 to 6 June 2013.
The Company is planning to start its drilling program in the mountainous region of southern Peru as soon as possible and weather permitting. The initial campaign (see news releases dated July 25, 2012 and April 2, 2012) will include approximately seven diamond drill holes totaling approximately 1500 meters.
André Gauthier, LARA president commented: "This written permit is the result of a very long and complex series of activities that are part of the new rules implemented in July 2012. The process includes an official surface rights agreement signed before public notary and registered at the official Registry Superintendence -SUNARP, a due diligence report by COFOPRI - the privatization and titling entity on surface owners, the SENAMHI (meteorological institute) and laboratories specialized in local open forum round table; the DREM Moquegua participation (Mining Directorate branch) and the technical base line DIA approved in September by the General Directorate of Mining Environmental Affairs of the Ministry of Energy and Mines. The entire process took approximately eight months from the start of the permitting process. LARA is proud of and thankful to all government entities and professionals that have contributed to this long, and ultimately successful, process."
Network Exploration President Alexander Helmel commented: "Achieving a written permit is the official and respectful way for local communities, surface rights owners and exploration companies to work together for the purpose of executing mutually beneficial exploration programs. We look forward to drilling our first priority targets."
Picha Project
The 6,000 hectare Picha Copper-Silver Project is located within the Tertiary Volcanic Arc of Southern Peru, host to various epithermal gold-silver deposits and copper porphyry-skarn deposits. The Property is adjacent to the properties of Gold Fields Limited and Compañia de Minas Buenaventura S.A., that are host to the recent Chucapaca discovery with reported mineral resources of 7.5 million gold equivalent ounces.
Network has identified seven priority targets based on the available geochemical and geophysical data for the Picha project. Five of the first series of targets are closely associated with significant IP anomalies (Numbers 1, 2, and 5, as interpreted by Pezzot - see abovementioned press releases) and two of the targets (Cobremani and Maricate) are geochemical targets with the highest copper (up to 12% from a chip sample) and silver (up to 77 g/t also from a chip sample) showings but no anomalous IP response.
Option Agreement Extension
The Option Agreement has been amended to move all obligations required for 6 December 2012 deadline to 6 June 2013. All other terms and conditions remain the same. See news release dated 13 December 2011 for more information.
Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
"Alexander Helmel"
Forward-Looking Statements: This news release contains forward-looking statements regarding the future success of the business of the Company that is subject to risk and uncertainties. Examples of such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements concerning the Company's option of the Picha Project and exploration activities at the Picha project and generally, government regulation of exploration and mining operations, indications and benefits of exploration, drilling test work and engineering assessments, environmental risks, title disputes or claims, and the Company's intention to raise additional capital and financing. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risk and uncertainties that may cause the Company's actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied in these forward-looking statements. These risks include risks related to the option agreement, key personnel, competition, risks related to newly acquired businesses, the uncertainty of timing or approval of permitting and licensing requirements, uncertainty of social and community requirements, uncertainty and dilution as a result of additional financing and the ability of the Company to service its current and future debt obligations, as well as the risk factors described in the Company's Management Discussion and Analysis filed on SEDAR at www.sedar.com and the risks described in any Management Information Circular of the Company. The forward-looking statements contained herein are made as of the date of this news release and are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. Except as required by law, the Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any such forward-looking statements to reflect any change in its expectations or in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such forward-looking statements may be based, or that may affect the likelihood that actual results will differ from those set forth in the forward-looking statements.
SOURCE: Network Exploration Ltd.
For further information:
please contact Alexander Helmel, at 604-638-7363, or visit the Company's website at www.networkexploration.com


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Anyone who has heard a cat mournfully bellow during a car ride to the vet's office or watched it cower from the terrors of the vacuum cleaner probably wouldn't choose felines as suitable candidates for acupuncture. But to one California veterinarian, squirming animals pose no problem in the practice of a treatment she believes can reduce stress and prevent disease in pets.
Dr Hilary Wheeler practices veterinary medicine in a California town appropriately named Los Gatos. Wheeler insists that a combination of acupuncture and herbal remedies can control pain in animals with joint and bone problems and reduce the side effects of allergies, inflammatory conditions and autoimmune disorders, the Weekly-Times reports.
In her practice, the vet focuses on preventing, rather than treating, diseases through exercise, diet and stress management. Acupuncture has become her favored technique to limit stress and promote pet health.
"Surprisingly, cats do very well with acupuncture," Wheeler told the news source. "It causes endorphin release and it relaxes them. Some fall asleep and some just become very relaxed."
One pet owner, Joyce Taylor, noticed that her dog Dewey could move significantly better after a single acupuncture treatment administered by the California vet.
According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, the average veterinary expenditure per households with pets in 2006 was $366.


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Dumpster rental services do not have to be a hassle. It all depends on who you hire in Rochester, NY. Let 1 Stop Dumpster Rental assist you. Give us a call at 888-279-5557. Do not stress out trying to handle things that we can do for you. Rent a dumpster for an excellent price and get rid of all that extra waste!
Renting a dumpster can greatly improve your business by containing waste in a clean, organized fashion. There is no need to load as much waste into your family automobile as you can. That wastes time and cash. Give us a call and we'll walk you through the steps of renting a dumpster.
Why should you choose 1 Stop Dumpster Rental in Rochester, NY?
When you hire 1 Stop Dumpster Rental, you are only able to gain. We can provide you with several different alternatives and you can find one that meets your needs. All of our garbage removal costs are included so you do not need to worry about hidden service fees when you get your bill. At 1 Stop Dumpster Rental, customer care is our top concern so you'll always be in great hands.
You probably won't think your constant trips to the landfill in New York are a large strain on you, but once you get a dumpster, you'll see the difference it will make.
If you and your loved ones are hauling your own trash to the local dumpster, you might not be saving money. First, you have to realize the risk you take when you remove your own junk. All the liability is on you if you do something wrong. Second, you spend a great deal of time traveling to transport your junk when you could be doing other more enjoyable things. Last of all, you may be improperly disposing of your trash which could hurt the natural environment and get you penalized at the same time. When you hire specialists to manage your garbage removal, all those problems disappear.
While you may have come to the conclusion that you need to rent a dumpster, you might have no clue how to do so.
Obtaining dumpster rentals can save you a whole lot of money and are simple to get started. First, figure out what size dumpster you need. The dumpster rental company you work with can help you find out what you need. It all depends on what renovation project you need it for and how much waste you're producing. Then, you contact a business, obtain your estimate, make your transaction, and wait to obtain your dumpster. As a customer, all you need is peace of mind. 1 Stop Dumpster Rental in Rochester can give you just that. Contact us at 888-279-5557 for a free estimate.
As the name implies, a roll off dumpster is a transportable container that is rolled off a delivery truck when it's all set to be used. It is normally very large and it has an open top. Lots of people use these dumpsters in Rochester NY to handle the waste from big projects around the house. Building and demolition projects utilize these frequently. By dialing 888-279-5557, you will be able to learn more about ordering a roll off in Rochester.
Prior to renting a roll off dumpster in New York, there are always a few things you need to understand. Take the time to learn more before you begin. Anytime you need a container for garbage disposal, take some time to get the necessary information first because every job has specific needs. As soon as you request your dumpster, you will have to select a location to place it. When the container is delivered, fill it with your debris and make arrangements for its removal.
1 Stop Dumpster Rental makes ordering a dumpster in Rochester, NY quick and convenient.
It should be simple to rent a roll off in New York. Using a trusted, professional company is important as well. A hassle-free rental procedure with a trusted service provider will make your job go considerably smoother. You don't need to be troubled with undependable dumpster services during your job.
If you're considering renting a roll off dumpster in New York, there are some specifics to consider first.
The location where the roll off will be used needs to be planned carefully. It can't be on bare ground, but should always be on gravel, pavement or cement. It's possible for the dumpsters to break any surface, particularly as it is filled, so you might want to place plywood in the space it will sit.
You will want to also seek advice from authorities in Rochester to make sure that no permits are needed prior to the delivery of your unit. There are more restrictions when it comes to public property. Ordinarily, you won't need a permit if you're using the unit on a personal site.
If you're wanting to use a roll off dumpster in Rochester, the process is hassle-free and affordable.
Your first task is to find out what size you will need as well as how long you might need it.
Do your best to be as accurate as possible to avoid any unanticipated fees or hold ups. Stray on the side of caution. Do not forget that the timeline of your plans should really suit your selected drop off date.
A lot of people who have not taken care of dumpster rentals in Rochester before have other sorts of concerns. If you aren't new to this concept, you will still need to gather details about this individual rental. 1 Stop Dumpster Rental can present you with every last bit of information you need. Just dial 888-279-5557.
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Let us help you through your personal injury case hassle free.
Welcome to the Perenich lawyers website, the home of Mark Perenich and Michael Perenich. Both of us work at Perenich Caulfield Avril Noyes in Clearwater Florida. We wanted to build a website dedicated to the 3 generations of injury lawyers in our family. If you have been injured please call us now 727-386-9677
We handle the following cases
- Professional Malpractice
- Wrongful Death
- Auto Accidents/ Car Accidents
- Drunk Driver Victims
- Pedestrian Accidents
- Unreasonably Dangerous Products
- Workers' Compensation
- Motorcycle Accidents
- Bicycle Accidents
- Medical Malpractice
- Boating / Waverunner Accidents
- Uninsured Motorist Claims
- Defective Products
- Gun Accidents
- Social Security Disability / SSDI
- Aviation Cases
- Toxic Torts
- Sick Building
- Drownings
We have offices in Pinellas-Clearwater, St. Petersburg (St. Pete) Pasco- New Port Richey, Hernando-Spring Hill. Hillsborough–Tampa. We can meet you anywhere in Florida.
If you have a case or a referral please call me for a free case evaluation : If you have an Iphone click here →727-386-9677 Android or windows phone → 727-386-9677. Or click on the case evaluation button on the right hand side of the page.
Mark Perenich is a member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum and Multi-Million dollar advocates Forum: a distinction given to attorneys that have won over a million dollars for their clients multiple times.
Mark is a member of the Multi-Million and Million Dollar Advocates Forum
Need to talk to someone now? Call the after Hours line 727-386-9677
Perenich Injury Lawyers Clearwater


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Samsung is massive, but I didn't know it was this massive.
If you live in South Korea, you could go through a whole day only using Samsung products and services.
In Vocativ's video above, their reporter gets access to the company's headquarters, Samsung Digital City, and that's pretty much what it looks like—a city.
With 250,000 employees, it's not surprising that it accounts for 20 per cent of the country's economic output.
Despite what you might think, the South Korean behemoth is not just about electronic goods. Through its subsidiaries and affiliated businesses, it is also involved in advertising, insurance, the food industry, real estate, hospitals, and security, being just some examples.
Heck, they even make nuclear power plants in the United Arab Emirates, and are developing killer robots for the South Korean army.
Samsung is so big, the above video only touches on part of what it does. A more comprehensive look on what they do is below:
A bit of history
Owned by the Lee family, Samsung began its existence way back in 1938 as a food exporter, shipping products such as dried fish and flour to Manchuria and Beijing, says the company's website.
According to an article by Reuters: "The founders of Samsung and Hyundai emerged from the ruins of the 1950-53 Korean War to help build a modern industrial state that has been dubbed 'The Miracle on the Han.'"
But it wasn't until the late 1990s that it began making and selling cell phones, which today are the most profitable side of its business.
As of last month, Samsung was the world's largest smartphone vendor by volume. It's hard to find a correct up-to-date figure on how much the company is worth, but it is somewhere above $200 billion.
What they prefer you didn't know
The above may sound all well and good, but the company has a somewhat shady history as well. There have been serious instances of corruption within the company, financial scandals, labor abuses in China (its suppliers), and price fixing.
And while Samsung first ventured into electronics in 1969, it wasn't much about innovation or quality. Industry insiders say the company has a history of patent infringements, with the best known being its legal battles with Apple. It appears part of its game plan.
"When another company introduces a breakthrough technology, [Samsung would] muscle in with less expensive versions of the same product. And the strategy had worked, helping the Samsung Group to grow from almost nothing into an international behemoth," wrote Kurt Eicenwald in an in-depth Vanity Fair article.
Don't think I can add more to that, but I'm going to finish with this video below on how the global electronics industry in general has benefited from cheap labor in China. From a human rights perspective, it's appalling.


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Information on Manual Focus Micro-Nikkor 55mm f/2.8 Lens
The Micro-Nikkor 55mm f/2.8 lens was first introduced in December, 1979. It carries an Ai lens specification in a revised optical formula and a faster maximum lens speed. A year later in 1980, an equivalent lens with an updated Ai-S lens coupling system was followed.
Credit: Image of this interesting scale of the three generations Micro-Nikkor lenses courtesy of Mr. "Todd Goodheart" <email@example.com> Copyright 2002. All rights reserved. Another similar image with the lenses at original position can be accessed here.
Naturally, we would assume all subsequent manual focus Micro-Nikkor lenses introduced since then would carry an Ai-S lens specification. Not only this Micro-Nikkor 55mm f/2.8s lens features a faster maximum aperture than the earlier f/3.5 counterpart but it has an improved macro identifications with an overall better finishing. The immediate benefit of the speed gain is a brighter image presents inside the viewfinder and it minimizes chances of darkening of split image rangefinder in a standard Nikon K-type focusing screen. The overall brighter finder also enables easier focusing and picture composing in many low available light situation or when an extension tube or a bellows unit is used in conjunction with the lens.
The 55mm f/2.8 Micro Nikkor lens has a modified Gauss-type optical design. It has a slightly more complex 6 elements in 5 groups in its optical formula (Compared to 5 elements in 4 groups used in last versions of Ai-Spec f/3.5 Micro-Nikkor which again different from early versions of f/3.5 lens that has a simpler 5 elements in 3 groups design). The lens incorporates a floating element system in the rear lens group which was aimed to maintain its high optical performance at its closest focusing distance. In fact, a significant factor contributes to great popularity of Micro-Nikkor lenses among photographer and professional users is, these series of lenses are not just specialized lenses for high magnification ratio photography; but they are also excellent optic for handling general photography. Because high definition and distortion-correction remain virtually unchanged over the entire focusing range, this has made micro-Nikkor lenses such an attractive alternative to standard lenses at similar focal length.
Credit: Image of this Ai Micro-Nikkor 55mmf/3.5 lens courtesy of Mr Chris Wakeen <firstname.lastname@example.com> of www.wakeenphotography.com © Image Copyright 2002
Next, virtually all modern Micro-Nikkor lens family has been treated with Nikon NIC ("Nikon Integrated Coating " process - a proprietary multi-layers lens coating process by Nikon for their lenses on air-to-glass surfaces to mainntain high image contrast and minimizes flare at large lens apertures). The treatment of NIC also enables uniform optical quality and superior color rendition across all the spectrum.
This highly rated lens can reach a maximum magnification ratio of 1:2 (0.5X) with its internal helical focus mechanism. With a matching PK-13 Auto Extension Ring, the ratio can reach 1:1 Life Size (1X)- so does when it is used in combination with a 2X teleconverter such as Ai-TC-200 or Ai-S TC-201. If you wish to achieve an even higher magnification, this lens is best to with a Bellow Unit such as Nikon PB-6 Bellow Unit. With such a possible combination, the magnification ratio can even be reaching to an astonishing 1:3.5 !
Credit: Image courtesy of Mr. Tony K <email@example.com>Copyright © 2002, All rights reserved.
The focusing and rotation of thhe lens provides a smooth and assuring operration for photographers. it focuses continuously from infinity to 9-13/16 inches (25cm) at its closest focusing distance and a reproduction ratio of 1:2 (half-life size) is reached at that range. Although most photographers preferred to use the PK Auto Extension Ring for life size magnification photography, but there are also series of Nikon Extension Rings which you can either use singularly or in combination to achieve the desire degree of magnification ratio. However, if you often works in the field and requires a more flexible alternative, a Bellow Unit is a more logical choice then.
All Ai Micro-Nikkor lenses usually have a rather colourful but well illustrated scales to provide appropriate information relating to focusing distance(B). The 55mm featured here is no exception, with scales of various magnification ratio of the primary len and another when PK-13 Auto Extension Ring is used. The inner scale, with figures from 1:10 to 2, represents reproduction ratios obtained when the lens is used alone. The outer scale figures (from 1:2 to 1:1) represent possible ratios when the lens and PK-13 ring (A) are used together. Using either of these scales, you can photograph at a predetermined ratio without calculating distance.
The depth of field scales (C) are equally well illustrated with f/32. f/22. f/11 printed in colour strips to indicate the depth of field range in relation to a particular aperture used at specific focus, an additional red infrared index (C) is also provided which locates just beside the focusing, aperture index (6) on the lens mounting ring (10). The lens was designed with a minimum aperture of f/32 (11) which provides maximum depth of field control, essential for extremely macrophotography. The orange minimum scale of f/32 also serves as reminder for locking to this setting of the lens's minimum aperture when used with previous Nikon FA, F501 and other Nikon SLRs that capable of providing Automatic Programmed AE control. Other features includes ADR scales (9) to display the aperture in use inside the camera's viewfinder; a meter coupling shoe (8) for use with Non-Ai Nikon SLR bodies; the aperture ring has a customary Nikon modern lens design (12) which provides a positive, secure hand grip in changing lens aperture. Overall, this lovely lens also has been extremely well corrected for any possible optical aberrations and has an exceptional flatness of field and thus, it is also a perfect optic for duplication and/or copying works.
As Nikon 35mm photographic system has an enormous amount of system accessories to cover this specialized application, and it has been a popular lens not just for leisure photographic use but also comes in handy for many industrial usage. Anyway, possibilities in its usage can be quite broad scope for this lens. Other popular applications include slides duplication, close-up photography with Nikon Bellow Units etc.
<<< -- The 55mm Micro Nikkor is a great companion lens for those who requires to work frequently in reproduction, copying work. An typical example of macro system setup at left may consist of Nikon F3/T SLR camera, 6X Magnification Finder, MD-4, Bellow Unit PB-6E, Slide Copying Adapter PS-6, Bellows Spacer PB-6D, PG-2 Focusing Stage and a Micro-Nikkor 55mm f/2.8s lens.
Well, there are few areas which you need to take not of, especially in the handling and maintenance of the lens. Like any other micro-Nikkor lenses of short focal length, this lens has a rather long extension when you focus to its closest working range. A precaution when you handle this lens is, the rear section will move inwards deeply at its macro focusing range but without any physical protection at its rear. It is necessary to take extra care to avoid any possible foreign particles penetration via the rear section. It is not advisable frequently perform lens changing in dusty environment. So, it is not uncommon to see many of such used lenses has its lens elements resulted in dust accumulation.
Complaints ? Yeah yeah yeah .... human race does move forward that way right ?? The incapability to provide a continuously to 1:1 life size magnification is my main issue. I have been wondering for quite while why couldn't Nikon provide a similar MF lens that capable of providing focusing continuously down to 1:1 life size reproduction. Well, looks like Nikon has kept all the goodies under their sleeves for the autofocus lens family as the first generation AF-Micro-Nikkor lens introduced in 1986 remained at a similar 55mm focal length and shares an equivalent f/2.8 maximum aperture (Which easily leads others to believe it was a replication of Ai-S MF Micro-Nikkor lens as it has the same number of lens elements in its 6 elements 5 groups design). However, the AF lens has a larger filter attachment size of 62mm BUT incredibly, the lens can focus all the way down to 1:1 life size at its closest focusing distance ! Hmm ... so, it is not entirely impossible huh ?
Credit: Image courtesy of Mr. Tony K <firstname.lastname@example.com>Copyright © 2002, All rights reserved.
Another area which is not so much relating to its design, but rather during actual lens usage. At 0.25m (9-13/16 in.) the lens reaches 0.5X magnification, (with PK-13 ring, 0.225m (8-13/16 in.at 1.0X) at such restrictive working distance between the outer edge of the extension of the lens and subject you intend to shoot, it can be quite uncomfortable to use and the perspective is slightly unnatural. Worst still, if the lighting condition is unfavorable and artificial illumination is required, it is rather hard to tame the strong flash output. Well, since most flash units are not designed to tilt in to shoot macrophotography but Nikon does provide a few versions of Macro-Ringlights such as Nikon SB-21 A/B which provides a softer, more even distribution of flash illumination and it has an edge over other general flash unit.
Except for its lens speed, the Micro-Nikkor 55mm f/2.8s lens is a good substitution for any standard 50mm lens as it is more versatile and provides a wider scope of applications than just use it for handling macrophotography. It represents an overall better investment value than a standard lens which has its limitations especially at close focusing. Well, unless you are a casual weekend photographer, you will soon find it has many other suitable usage on and off the field, indoor or outdoor alike.
<<< --- The car that parked next to mine at a traffic light ... Copyright ©-free Images collection. 2001, leofoo Malaysian Internet Resources
Technical Highlights: * Normal picture coverage of 43 °. * Nikon's Close-Range Correction System is used to maintain equally high close focusing performance even when used to shoo at the minimum focusing distance. * Continuous operation is possible from infinity to a reproduction ratio of 1:2 and, with the PK-13 auto extension ring, from 1:2 to 1:1 life size. * Engraved dual reproduction ratio scales for fast operation at predetermined ratios with or without the PK-13 ring. * High sharpness and extremely well corrected flatness of field achieved by using a simple but superior optical design, with Nikon Integrated Coating to improve color rendering. * Stops down to f/32 to permit maximum depth of field - particularly useful in close-up and macrophotography. * Takes popular 52mm filters which shares with many other lens accessories for Nikkor lenses under 200mm focal length. * Excellent for critical copying of flat objects, such as coins and documents, yet its 43° picture angle makes the 55mm micro also an excellent substitute normal lens for landscapes, candids, and general photography.
The Ai-Spec PK 13 Automatic Extension Ring has a female F-Bayonet; male F-Bayonet on each end and provides a 27.5mm extension while preserving automatic diaphragm with any Ai Nikon camera body. The AI meter coupled Extenson Tube is supposedly a dedicated ring specifically aims to supplement the Micro-Nikkor 55mm f/2.8s to enable the lens reaches 1X magnification, but it can also be used singularly or in combination with other Auto Ring sets for other lenses. It was essentially an Ai-Spec Extension Tube updated from the previous version, a Non-Ai meter coupled PK-3 Ring which is not advisable to use it with any an Ai Nikon camera body.
| Previous | NEXT | Instruction to use the Micro-Nikkor 55mm f/2.8s and Technical Specifications of the lens 1/2
| Early AF Micro-Nikkor 55mm f/2.8s | Micro-Nikkor 55mm f/2.8s | Micro-Nikkor 55mm f/2.8 | Ai Micro-Nikkor 55mm f/3.5 | Pre-Ai Micro-Nikkor 55mm f/3.5 | Non-Ai Micro-Nikkor-P 55mm f/3.5 | Non-Ai Micro-Nikkor-P.C 55mm f/3.5 | Non-Ai Micro-Nikkor 55mm f/3.5 Preset | Special version Micro-Nikkor 55mm f/2.8 | RF Micro-Nikkor 50mm f/3.5 lens
Micro-Nikkor lense Family: Main Index Page (3 parts)
| 50mm | 55mm (AF) | 60mm (AF) | 85mm PC | MF-105mm (AF) | MF-200mm (AF) | 70-180mm (AF) |
| Back | Main Index Page of Micro-Nikkor Lenses
| Message Board | for your Nikkor Optics in a shared environment
| Message Board | Specifically for Dispose or Looking for new/used Nikon/Nikkor photographic equipment
Nippon Kogaku Rangefinder Resources | Nikon F | Nikon F2 | Nikon F3 | Nikon F4 | Nikon F5 | Nikon F6 | Nikkormat / Nikomat | Nikon FM Series | Nikon FE/ FA | Nikon EM/FG/FG20 | Nikon Digital SLRs | Nikon - Other models
Nikon MF RF-Nikkor lenses for Rangefinder cameras:- Main Index Page
Nikon Auto Focus Nikkor lenses:- Main Index Page
Nikon Manual Focus Nikkor lenses:-
Fisheye-Nikkor Lenses - Circular | Full Frame | Ultrawides Lenses - 13mm15mm18mm20mm | Wideangle Lenses - 24mm28mm35mm | Standard Lenses - 45mm 50mm 58mm | Telephoto Lenses - 85mm105mm135mm180mm & 200mm | Super-Telephoto Lenses - 300mm 400mm 500mm 600mm 800mm 1200mm |
Special Application lenses:
Micro-Nikkor Lenses - 50mm~55mm -60mm 85mm -105mm 200mm Micro-Zoom 70-180mm
Perspective Control (PC) - 28mm 35mm PC-Micro 85mm
Dedicated Lenses for Nikon F3AF: AF 80mm f/2.8 | AF 200mm f/3.5 EDIF
Depth of Field Control (DC): 105mm 135mm
Medical Nikkor: 120mm 200mm
Reflex-Nikkor Lenses - 500mm 1000mm 2000mm
Others: Noct Nikkor | OP-Nikkor | UV Nikkor 55mm 105mm | Focusing Units | Bellows-Nikkor 105mm 135mm
Nikon Series E Lenses: 28mm35mm50mm100mm135mm | E-Series Zoom lenses: 36~72mm75~150mm70~210mm
MF Zoom-Nikkor Lenses: 25~50mm | 28~45mm | 28~50mm | 28~85mm | 35~70mm | 36~72mm E | 35~85mm | 35~105mm | 35~135mm | 35~200mm | 43~86mm | 50~135mm | 50~300mm | 70~210mm E | 75~150mm E | 80~200mm | 85~250mm | 100~300mm | 180~600mm | 200~400mm | 200~600mm | 360~1200mm | 1200~1700mm
Tele-Converters: TC-1 | TC-2 | TC-200 | TC-201 | TC-300 | TC-301 | TC-14 | TC-14A | TC-14B | TC-14C | TC-14E | TC-16 | TC-16A | TC-20E
Recommended links to understand more technical details related to the Nikkor F-mount and production Serial Number:
http://rick_oleson.tripod.com/index-153.html by: my friend, Rick Oleson
http://www.zi.ku.dk/personal/lhhansen/photo/fmount.htm by: Hansen, Lars Holst
Recommended Reading Reference on Nikon cameras and Nikkor lenses | about this photographic web site
| Back | Main Index Page of Nikkor Resources | Back | Main Index Page of Pictorial History of Nikon SLRs
Home - Photography in Malaysia
Co-developed with my web buddy, Rick Oleson® & Denmark, Creator of the Nikon Repair Group Mailing-List; A contributing effort to Michael Liu's Classic Nikon SLRs and Nikkor optic site.
Credit: MCLau®, who has helped to rewrite some of the content appeared this site. Chuck Hester® who has been helping me all along with the development of all these Nikon websites; Lars Holst Hansen, 'Hawkeye' who shares the same passion I have; Ms Rissa, Sales manager from Nikon Corporation Malaysia for granting permission to use some of the official content; Ted Wengelaar, Holland who has helped to provide many useful input relating to older Nikkor lenses; Some of the references on production serial numbers used in this site were extracted from Roland Vink's website; Hiura Shinsaku from Nikomat Club Japan. Lastly, to all the good people who has contributed their own expeience, resources or kind enough granted permission to use their images of their respective optic in this site. It is also a site to remember a long lost friend on the Net. Note:certain content and images appeared in this site were either scanned from official marketing leaflets & brochures published by Nikon and/or contribution from surfers who claimed originality of their work for educational purposes. The creator of the site will not be responsible for may discrepancies arise from such dispute except rectifying them after verification. "Nikon", "Nikkormat", "Nippon Kokagu KK" & "Nikkor" are registered tradename of Nikon Corporation Inc., Japan. Site made with an Apple IMac.


text:
Modern Enterprise Business Intelligence and Data Management
1st Edition
A Roadmap for IT Directors, Managers, and Architects
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Nearly every large corporation and governmental agency is taking a fresh look at their current enterprise-scale business intelligence (BI) and data warehousing implementations at the dawn of the "Big Data Era"…and most see a critical need to revitalize their current capabilities. Whether they find the frustrating and business-impeding continuation of a long-standing "silos of data" problem, or an over-reliance on static production reports at the expense of predictive analytics and other true business intelligence capabilities, or a lack of progress in achieving the long-sought-after enterprise-wide "single version of the truth" – or all of the above – IT Directors, strategists, and architects find that they need to go back to the drawing board and produce a brand new BI/data warehousing roadmap to help move their enterprises from their current state to one where the promises of emerging technologies and a generation's worth of best practices can finally deliver high-impact, architecturally evolvable enterprise-scale business intelligence and data warehousing.
Author Alan Simon, whose BI and data warehousing experience dates back to the late 1970s and who has personally delivered or led more than thirty enterprise-wide BI/data warehousing roadmap engagements since the mid-1990s, details a comprehensive step-by-step approach to building a best practices-driven, multi-year roadmap in the quest for architecturally evolvable BI and data warehousing at the enterprise scale. Simon addresses the triad of technology, work processes, and organizational/human factors considerations in a manner that blends the visionary and the pragmatic.
Key Features
- Takes a fresh look at true enterprise-scale BI/DW in the "Dawn of the Big Data Era"
- Details a checklist-based approach to surveying one's current state and identifying which components are enterprise-ready and which ones are impeding the key objectives of enterprise-scale BI/DW
- Provides an approach for how to analyze and test-bed emerging technologies and architectures and then figure out how to include the relevant ones in the roadmaps that will be developed
- Presents a tried-and-true methodology for building a phased, incremental, and iterative enterprise BI/DW roadmap that is closely aligned with an organization's business imperatives, organizational culture, and other considerations
IT and business-side Directors, Managers, Strategists, Architects, and Senior Developers/Analysts involved with BI and data warehousing; BI and data warehousing consultants
Table of Contents
- Preface
- About the Author
- Chapter 1: The Rebirth of Enterprise Data Management
- Abstract
- 1.1. In the beginning: how we got to where we are today
- 1.2. A manifesto for modern enterprise data management: what are we trying to accomplish?
- 1.3. Chapter summary
- Chapter 2: Assessing Your Organization's Current State of Enterprise Data Management
- Abstract
- 2.1. Introduction
- 2.2. A rapid, consensus-driven starting point to current state assessment
- 2.3. Category 1: operational reporting and querying
- 2.4. Category 2: strategic insights
- 2.5. Category 3: data architecture
- 2.6. Category 4: work processes and human/organizational factors
- 2.7. Building and grading the 4-by-4 scorecard
- 2.8. Interpreting the meaning of the results
- 2.9. Chapter summary
- Chapter 3: Identifying and Cataloguing Key Business Imperatives
- Abstract
- 3.1. Introduction
- 3.2. Cross-brand, cross-geography strategic sourcing
- 3.3. Lean manufacturing
- 3.4. "Mega-processes"
- 3.5. Heightened risk mitigation and management
- 3.6. Enterprise systems initiatives
- 3.7. Enterprise-level business quality initiatives
- 3.8. Chapter summary
- Chapter 4: Surveying Relevant Enterprise Data Management Technologies
- Abstract
- 4.1. Introduction
- 4.2. Databases and data storage
- 4.3. Database administration and maintenance
- 4.4. Data virtualization
- 4.5. Master data management
- 4.6. Metadata management
- 4.7. Data quality and profiling
- 4.8. Data governance
- 4.9. Data interchange and movement
- 4.10. Data retrieval, preparation, and delivery (business intelligence, reporting, and analytics)
- 4.11. Other core and enabling technologies
- 4.12. Staying on top of proliferating technologies
- Chapter 5: Building an Enterprise Data Management and Business Intelligence Roadmap
- Abstract
- 5.1. Introduction
- 5.2. Before proceeding: prerequisites for a successful enterprise data management roadmap effort
- 5.3. The EDM roadmap engagement
- 5.4. Address urgent current state issues
- 5.5. Define the initial version of the EDM future state
- 5.6. Conduct the Stakeholders' Summit
- 5.7. Adjust the EDM future state as necessary
- 5.8. Build the phased roadmap
- 5.9. Execute the roadmap
- Chapter 6: The End Game
- Abstract
- 6.1. Introduction
- 6.2. Achieving lasting buy-in
- 6.3. Architectural tune-ups
- 6.4. Dealing with disruptive seismic events
- 6.5. Managing vendor relationships
- 6.6. Eternal vigilance
- Appendix: Further Resources and References
- No. of pages:
- 96
- Language:
- English
- Copyright:
- © Morgan Kaufmann 2014
- Published:
- 11th September 2014
- Imprint:
- Morgan Kaufmann
- Paperback ISBN:
- 9780128015391
- eBook ISBN:
- 9780128017456
About the Author
Alan Simon
Alan Simon is a Senior Lecturer in the Information Systems Department at Arizona State University's WP Carey School of Business. He is also the Managing Principal of Thinking Helmet, Inc., a boutique consultancy specializing in enterprise business intelligence and data management architecture. Alan has authored or co-authored 29 technology and business books dating back to 1985. He has previously led national or global BI and data warehousing practices at several consultancies, and has provided enterprise data management architecture and roadmap services to more than 40 clients dating back to the early 1990s.
From 1987-1992 Alan was a software developer and product manager with Digital Equipment Corporation's Database Systems Group, and earlier he was a United States Air Force Computer Systems Officer stationed at Cheyenne Mountain, Colorado.
Alan received his Bachelor's Degree from Arizona State University and his Master's Degree from the University of Arizona, and is a native of Pittsburgh.
Affiliations and Expertise
Senior Lecturer, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona
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It's exciting, watching this cycle of life. I've seen it before, in detail, even giving up sleep in order to not miss a single step. And when I get the chance to see it again, I take it. Yesterday, I noticed the chrysalides had started to turn dark, so I brought them into our house and attached them to a stick inside a punch bowl.
I've actually raised monarchs this way before, from the caterpillar to adult stage, with 100% success. I had no reason to think that these two chrysalides wouldn't have adult butterflies emerging from them when the time was right. But sometimes things go wrong. Things you never expect and didn't know could happen.
This morning, I noticed a thin, white thread hanging from the zinnia chrysalis. I thought nothing of it, thinking it was a cobweb or something. I pulled it away. Later in the day, I noticed another white thread hanging from the same chrysalis. Only something alive could be doing this, but I didn't see anything.
I went to the internet to research.
|Click on image to enlarge
It didn't take long to find out that something was wrong and that this monarch would not be emerging alive. One of the monarch's natural predators is the tachinid fly. At various stages in development, the tachinid fly can lay eggs in the monarch caterpillar, or it can even lay them in the monarch when it's only a tiny egg on the leaf. The monarch continues to develop, unaware that it's been parasitized.
|Tachinid fly (from Wikimedia Commons)
Undisturbed, the tachinid eventually emerges from the chrysalis just as it did with ours. I found two reddish-brown pupae on the bottom of the bowl, along with one white maggot. I crushed the pupae and the maggot, once I learned what they were. It's highly unlikely that the adult butterfly will continue to develop now.
|You can see the white thread hanging from the chrysalis, as well as one of
the reddish brown pupa cases and the maggot in the bottom of the bowl.
As if that didn't make me sad enough, I noticed a clear liquid coming from a spot on the daylily chrysalis. I noticed this when I brought it in, but thought it was dew or something. I fear that the same fate awaits this chrysalis, too.
Nothing I did caused this. And there was nothing I could do to prevent it. It just drove home the dangers that these creatures face - dangers that make protecting their habitats even more important. The monarch populations have been dwindling over the years, due to natural disasters, predators, and mostly from disappearing habitat. The first two, we can do nothing about, but the third, we can.
|These two monarch caterpillars on common milkweed (Asclepias syriaca)
in my garden were actually fighting and I had to separate them. There's
enough milkweed for everyone!
I do allow common milkweed to grow in my gardens to some extent. No, I don't like its appearance as a plant, and if it came up in greater quantity than it does, I would likely pull some. But when swamp milkweed (Asclepias incarnata) comes up, it stays. I purposely grow butterfly weed (Asclepias tuberosa) in both orange and yellow forms. Monarchs live and grow in my gardens and I like it that way.
I know there are other chrysalides in my gardens, even though I don't know where they are. Monarch caterpillars will sometimes crawl 30 feet away from the milkweed on which they have been feeding to a protected location to form a chrysalis. I feel lucky when I find one, let alone two.
But this is not a lucky day. I know it's all part of life, this death by predator stuff. But I don't like it and I'm sad. Not that I didn't get to see two monarchs as they begin their lives as butterflies, but because it's two fewer butterflies that will live to fly to Mexico and back again next spring. Two fewer butterflies to start the process all over again.
On the other hand, thank goodness they do lay so many eggs. Predators will do their thing, but many will survive and live out their days the way they were intended and we will be here to enjoy them.
|Migrating monarchs seen in our yard earlier this week.