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Pleasant Hill Middle School in Oregon Featuring: Oliver!

2009 is the year where we will all be witnesses to the talents and showmanship of the youth in Pleasant Hill Middle School as they feature the musical Oliver! This timeless and famous musical garnered wide acclaims from theatre goers and crtiics worldwide.

The musical is loosely based on the novel Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens. Oliver! is a British produciton and its music and lyrics are created by Lionel Bart. It was first seen in 1960 at London’s West End. The story is about a boy named Oliver who was first seen as an orphan, not knowing that his family is rich.

The theatre tells the story of how Oliver’s adventures on the streets ultimately lead him to the family he never knew existed. He managed to escaped the place after he got several beatings and ended up working as a slave to a cruel coffin maker and his equally cruel wife. He then escaped and got into a gang of pickpocketers. He was a lonely orphan before who was mistreated and half-starved by their cruel caretakers.

He met Nancy, the girlfriend of cruel Sikes and immediately kind-hearted Nancy developed a motherly affection for Oliver. They became friends together with Nancy’s sister Bet. When it was time for Oliver to practice his pickpocketing skills (he actually does not know that they are pickpocketing- he thought that they were doing handkerchief tricks), he got Mr. Browlow a wealthy old man as a victim. He got arrested but was released when found not guilty. At that time a locket was found from Oliver containing his mother’s picture (Mr. Browlow’s granddaughter) indicating that Oliver is sole heir ot the old man’s riches.

Nancy found out about the locket and set to bring Oliver to Mr. browlow but was waylaid and murdered by Sikes. The plot ended as Mr. Browlow was reunited with his long-lost grandson.

Tags: art, blogs, business, events, family, festivals, food, hobby, home, outdoors, Photographing Children, Photography, Travel Photography, women   Posted in Photography

Canon Rebel XSi ” Plus Image Processing Softwares

Canon Rebel XSi Digital SLR Camera is a 12.2-megapixel camera that belongs to Canons Electro-Optical System (EOS) line of digital SLR cameras. It has a fast power up time and the ability to shoot up to 3.5 frames per second. It comes with EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS lens and a 3-inch 230,000-pixel TFT LCD monitor.

It features exposure control using 35-zone TTL full-aperture metering with four metering modes. These modes include spot, partial, center-weighted average, and evaluative metering. This function was built to analyze light, which enables you to choose the right exposure for your image.

It has EOS Integrated Cleaning System that removes dusts on the sensor by using ultrasonic vibration. This sensor is automatically activated whenever you turn the camera on or off. You can also manually activate this system by a special collar positioned around the sensor. Dusts can also be erased through Canon Digital Photo Professional version 3.3 or later software.

Canon Rebel XSi allows you to use a wide range of Canon lenses and accessories. Canon lenses can deliver unprecedented performance using the advanced optical expertise and micron-precision engineering. Canon accessories, such as the Canon Speedlite 430EX, can also be used with this camera. Canon Speedlite 450EX, with its tilting and swiveling head, can produce bounce flash.

To extend your Canon Rebel XSi digital SLR camera experience, Canon developed applications to aid you with your image problems. These applications are contained in a disc, which is included in the EOS package.

The disc includes Canons Zoom Browser EX for Windows (Version 6.1), which is also compatible with the new Windows Vista. Like the Image Browser for Macintosh OS X (Version 6.1), this software is used for viewing and editing JPEG and RAW image files. These applications are used to search image files and to rename single images or batches of files. Both offer options for printing, which rids you of having to use a separate image-editing program.

Digital Photo Professional (Version 3.3) is an image processing program that features Dust Delete Data Detection, an image cleaning tool. It has support for the different RGB color spaces and enables RAW image processing. It also enables high-speed previewing for real-time image adjustment.

Canon designed the EOS Utility (Version 2.3) for you to be able to connect your camera to a computer through USB. This application allows you to download file from the camera to the computer and vice versa. It also allows remote controlled shooting from the computer. You can also use it with Canons Zoom Browser/Image Browser or to Digital Photo Professional.

The disc also contains Raw Image Task (Version 2.8), which is compatible with Windows and Macintosh operating systems. It is an application that enables you to process RAW images. It has the same characteristics as Canons in-camera JPEG processing. Also included in the disc are the Picture Style editor (Version 1.0), Photo Stitch and PTP Twain Driver.

Tags: canon camera, Canon EOS 450D, Canon EOS Kiss X2, Canon Rebel XSi, Canon Rebel XSi digital SLR camera, digital camera, Digital Photography, Digital SLR, digital slr camera, digital technology, Photography, slr camera, technology, Travel Photography   Posted in Photography

Nikon D3 Digital SLR Camera ” With Virtual Horizon Graphics Indicator for Accurate Positioning

Nikon D3 Digital SLR Camera is not just Nikons very first full frame digital SLR camera, it is also the worlds first camera with a virtual horizon graphics indicator. This digital single lens reflex camera has a vast array of features including EXPEED, Active D-Lighting, A/D Conversion and Live View shooting modes.

Nikon D3 Digital SLR Camera is an FX format digital single lens reflex camera with a 12.1 megapixel CMOS sensor. It is a full frame camera, which means that it has a 35mm frame that most professional photographers are used to. To help you level your camera in the same position as the horizon, the Electronic Virtual Horizon Graphics Indicator was added. This indicator can be seen through the viewfinder or on the top portion of the LCD monitor.

This powerful camera offers blazing shooting speed fit for sports and fast-action photography. It has the ability to shoot up to 9 frames per second at full resolution. In the DX crop mode, it can shoot up to 11 frames per second. It has a durable shutter system that was tested to 300,000 cycles.

It has an expandable base sensitivity of ISO 200 to 6400 and with 25,600 available as a boost option. It has selectable expanded range: Lo-1 with 100 ISO, Hi-1 that offers ISO 12,800 and Hi-2 of 25,600 ISO.

Nikon D3 digital SLR camera can give you high quality images at blazing processing speeds. It features Nikons exclusive image processing technology called the EXPEED. EXPEED is a system which refers to the whole concept of producing superior quality images at blazing speeds.

The camera also enables you to choose the bit depths for your images. It has 12-bit or 14-bit A/D conversion function, which yield high quality images. If you choose 12-bit, you will have 4,096 tones or smaller image files at faster operating speed. If you choose 14-bit, you will have 16,384 tones or larger images files at slower operating speed.

Nikon D3 features 2 Live View shooting modes, hand-held and tripod, which helps you shoot in varying situations. Picture Control settings were also added to give you different color options. You can use the 4 preset options which are standard, neutral, vivid and monochrome. There are also 9 additional customizable settings.

It has a large 3-inch super density 920,000-dot VGA color monitor, which provides you with 170-degree wide-angle viewing. The LCD monitor also comes with tempered glass protection. It also features 51-point auto focus that is fast and accurate and has 3D focus tracking as well as 3 dynamic AF modes.

Nikon D3 digital SLR camera also features SRS or Scene Recognition System for auto white balance detection. It also provides faster and more accurate auto focus performance. It has an improved 1,005-pixel 3D Color Matrix Metering II for additional autofocus capabilities.

Another feature is the Active D-Lighting that adjusts metering and provides image enhancements. This feature also applies D-lighting curve. It helps you achieve the right level of contrast by controlling light intensity and exposure compensation.

Nikon D3 digital SLR camera is protected by a magnesium-alloy body. Magnesium-alloy is also used for its chassis and mirror box. This protective material, with the series of O-rings and specialized seals, can protect its parts against moisture, dusts and electromagnetic interference.

Tags: digital camera, Digital Photography, digital slr camera, digital technology, DSLR, nikon camera, Nikon D3, Nikon D3 digital SLR camera, Nikon digital SLR, Photography, slr camera, technology, Travel Photography   Posted in Photography

Flea Market Finds for Decorating a Room

You can almost find anything in a flea market. From household items to clothing to garage equipments, the possibilities are endless. Flea markets are also the place where designers on Shabby Chic concept themes and budget friendly projects are to be seen. They are creative enough to scour for unique pieces and finds that could leave them to create a beautiful and fabulous space without spending for more.

Furniture pieces can have a new life by giving it a fresh layer of paint and providing embellishments that can also be seen on flea markets. Funky and chic wall paper can be wrapped on a piece of wood purchased from a flea market that should add character to a bedroom when used as a headboard. Hand painted knobs are great for dressing up an old armoire.

Create a focal point from your living room by reviving an old piece of door from a flea market. Coat it with fresh paint or wood stain. The door can be an excellent conversational piece and a good focal point when it is simply leaned on a living room wall. The natural wood color from the stain can blend well to the Asian theme youve been planning for your home. Accent with wicker furniture, lamps and other small accessories from the flea market and you can have a redecorated room with fewer expenses.

Springtime is a very good design concept for spaces nowadays. Pretty floral fabrics from flea market that had otherwise been labeled as outdated can make a charming comeback in your bed sheets. A small accent chair on the side can be an excellent addition in your already charming bedroom. Adorn your night table with fresh spring time flowers and crisp white translucent curtains for your windows. What a refreshing room to wake up with indeed!

At the Holiday Flea Market at Torns River, New Jersey, exciting finds are to be seen that can add function and flair to your home!

Tags: art, directory, events, fairs, family, festivals, flea markets, hobby, home, leisure, listings, new jersey, outdoors, Photography, Travel Photography   Posted in Photography

Moby Dick Exhibit

Moby Dick is an All-American Classic Tale. It was written in 1851 by an American novelist named Herman Melville. The story is about the battle between an angry ship captain named Ahab and a ferocious white sperm whale. Moby Dick is a story that was regarded the high value of being discussed in American schools as part of their curriculum. The tale has a curios history because it was not accepted by the mass at its release. It wasnt until 1930 when the book was republished with illustrations that it finally gained popularity.

American painter Frank Stella made several art works focusing on the concept of Moby Dick from 1985 to 1997. He created one artwork or two to each of the novels 165 chapters. The varying artworks altogether sum up to about 266 pieces of sculptures, metal relief, murals and prints. Stellas likeness and passion for the novel indeed bordered down to obsession for being able to create this massive collection. His works are currently considered as one of Americas priceless treasures.

An exhibition of the Moby Dick works by Frank Stella will happen at the Grand Rapids Art Museum, Michigan. It will not feature all of the Moby Dick artworks but some 30 pieces including his acclaimed masterpiece The Fountain. The exhibit will be opened to the public and everyone is encouraged to see it on January 23 up to May 3, 2009. The event is a great time for families to enjoy and for parents to bond with their kids.

Moby Dick is a literary piece that marked itself in American History. It was a popular tale and a classic favorite. One interesting fact about the story is its inclusion of a character named “Starbuck” that is the main inspiration of the famous coffee chain. Starbuck is the young mate of Captain Ahabs ship who is the sole person who contradicts Ahabs plan to fight and kill the whale. His character was of a gentle and possibly coward nature who longs to go back home to his young wife and son.

Catch a glimpse of the exhibit. Be inspired at the talent of an all-around American artist.

Tags: art, directory, events, fairs, family, festivals, hobby, home, leisure, listings, michigan, moby dick, outdoors, Photography, Travel Photography   Posted in Photography

Handmade Crafts and Their Advantages

Handmade crafts are becoming more popular as days pass because of its unusual charm and beauty. Handmade crafts are special pieces of items because they are created with care and devotion by the crafter. Hand made crafts are usually cheap because raw materials that are used for these are safe and economical. Some people say that handmade crafts are done by housewives or hands-on moms who want to earn income at home. They are simple people who were able to turn their hobbies to money making opportunities.

Transforming the hobby of crafting to business is a piece of cake especially for people born with creativity. Creativity comes naturally and well, it runs in her blood. Creativity alone however could not make a thriving business because you need to be financial literate also to make your business last. This means that creativity and great ideas alone could not make your business thrive. Try to attend seminars and financial workshops that would make you learn more about money and how it works.

There are many handmade things that can be done like handmade soaps, handmade candles, clothes, baby diaper wipes, toys, etc. Be thrifty and make your own version of baby diaper wipes by cutting small pieces of second-hand or used cotton/ flannel fabrics. Place them in a container. Mix water with a few drops of oil and alcohol, put in empty spray. Remember that water is still the best and safest to use for wiping your babys bottoms!

Handcrafted toys are also very popular buys among craft fairs because of their charming and nostalgic appeal. It can be done simply by carving through a piece of very pliable wood. Give the wood a fresh coat of paint or perhaps, create hand painted patterns on it. Top off with a nice glaze or topcoat to give it a fresh, new look.

It is time to check out your local neighborhood crafts fair listings now to get a glimpse of crafts fairs schedules.

Tags: A, art, c, crafts, d, Destinations, directory, e, events, f, fairs, family, festivals, h, hobby, home, i, k, l, leisure, listings, o, oklahoma, outdoors, p, Photography, r, t, travel & leisure, Travel Photography   Posted in Photography

Nero’s Domus Aurea – An Ancient Rome Tourist Attraction Delight

If you are looking for a fascinating attraction in Rome, the ancient ruins of the Golden House of Nero have just recently been opened after years of being excavated and restored. This is great news because even though the house was found during the Renaissance period, it took a big recovery effort in the 1990s to finally make it available.

Nero’s luxurious home was built after the famous fire that almost wiped out Rome while Nero fiddled. Nero built his palace in 64 AD and turned it into a storehouse of riches and art works. When it was at its finest, there was gold foil everywhere and the ceilings were covered with fine gems and ivory. But these lovely things were stripped from the palace after Nero’s death.

Nero’s opulent home actually covered a huge 350 acre grounds which boasted fine vineyards and a lake made just for him. But something unusual about this “home” of Nero’s is that there were no bedrooms in any of the 300 rooms. This is not to say that during those wild orgies we know about, many didn’t just fall in a stupor all around the house and grounds.

One of the most striking features of the palace at the time was the 40m (130ft) high bronze likeness Nero had done to honor himself. This amazing art work is still on display outside the Colosseum.

Time has taken its toll on the Palace of Nero, but it’s still worth taking a few hours to go on the audio tour that is offered. It’s a fascinating and satisfying tour and if you are in Rome in the fall, the city is friendly and the weather perfect.

A great way to take in this ancient structure is through the guided underground tour that goes lets you view the amazing paintings in the vaults and rooms. This is a rare chance to see artwork done by the famous artist Fabullus who used the Pompeii artistic style.

For us, the artist Fabullus may not be well known, but great artists such as Michelangelo and Raphael were inspired by him, and those that saw his work at the Golden House of Nero left their names etched into the walls. Names like Casanova and the Marquis de Sade can also be found there if you look for them.

You won’t get bored on your tour – you will see some rooms in ruins where it’s difficult to see the artwork. Then around the next corner you will be greeted by beautifully restored rooms, their walls glistening with stunning art and gold and marble ornaments as striking as when Nero admired them.

It’s great to admire the many grottos in the underground rooms but when you get to the Octagon Room, that will be a memory maker. The art in this room was how Nero honoured the Greeks (he was a big fan of their work), including a wonderful statue of the Dying Gaul that is now on display at the museum at Palazzo Altemps.

You can conclude your tour with a view of the lush gardens. And don’t miss seeing a replica of the original octagonal room. It will help you feel what life in the ancient Golden House of Nero must have been like so long ago.

Tags: Travel Photography   Posted in Travel Photography