I made new Pictures in the last days – please tell me when you like them:

Tell me if you like them – i love to discuss the photos with you!

from: Terus Site
Skys Weblog

The technology firm LG Electronics has confirmed itself to have a Tablet PC based on Google’s Android in the works. To date, the firm should only appear on Windows 7 Tablet basis. Furthermore, given that the expected product is to be different than previous tablets.

The step in the direction of Android is not a big surprise: The operating system is well established and at a very mature level. With the integrated App Store, there may well compete with Apple’s trend devices.

Further details on the upcoming LG-tablet were previously not disclosed. In the fourth quarter of 2010, the unit will appear, perhaps there is indeed in advance of the IFA or elsewhere a few more information. Plans are also further smartphones with LG branding and Microsoft’s Windows 7 Phone, this, the company also agrees not covered.

military loans military loans veterans of the United States and those who are signed up right in the armed forces, certain benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs military loans. so constructed to provide military housing loans to private financial support to buy a house. However, many of the 30 million people in the United

LG DP1W Stylish HD Media Player with WiFi

Latest report on LG DP1W Stylish HD Media Player with WiFi :

LG has announced its new DP1W Stylish HD Media Player on their blogs Ukraine. The DP1W is a WiFi-compatible HD Media Player that there is no internal storage, but is equipped with two USB ports for external storage. There are ports for connectivity Full HD and HDMI output, composite outputs.

The device also supports DLNA, Ethernet port, it includes support for the mainstream media formats and through WiFi access to online content. There was no release information or pricing details announced on the blog, but we'll keep you posted.

Source: LG

Sony Kamera bei Amazon kaufen

from: Desankas Weblog

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I was photographing in the last months – please tell me if you like them:

Mother's Day Project: Photo-Clips, Gardens of memories for
mom!
“Give mom a garden of memories.”

This Mother's Day, give mom a garden of memories adorned with stylish wire
photo-clips wand pictures of cherished loved ones.

Hands-on time: Approximately one hour to make 6 wire photo-clips.
Total time: add drying time if you choose to paint wires in assorted colors.
Skill: Easy and tween and teen friendly.

Materials & tools:

Craft wires, 22 to 24 gauge in assorted colors

Wire cutters, round or needle-nose pliers

Assorted beads in assorted colors,
sizes and shapes
(available at craft stores, dollar stores and
specialty stores)
Screws or nails in assorted sizes
(to make curls and corkscrew shapes for the
dragonfly tail)

Assorted family photographs

Craft scissors with fancy edges like zigzag,
scalloped, wave or pinking pattern
Planter or flower presentation of your choice.

This Mother's Day, give mom a garden of memories adorned with stylish wire
photo-clips with pictures of cherished loved ones.

These glittering wire photo-clips are easy to make in no time at all. They can
range from simple flat spirals shapes to elaborate flowers or dragonflies which
can be beautifully enhanced with beads. This is a simple project to try if you'
ve never worked with wire or beads, even tweens and teens can create
something special for their moms.

Select colored wires and beads to coordinate with your planter presentation.

Spiral photo-clips;cut a wire piece of about 50 cm long with wire cutters and
make a small hook shape at one end with pliers. Make four to five spirals by
working around the loop, wrapping the wire around it several times, growing
ever-larger using pliers or your fingers. You can thread assorted beads at
different intervals along the stem or onto the tip of the spiral. To make a leaf
shape, cut a wire piece 15 cm long in a green color, make a curved loop
shape, twist the wire ends together and then twist it around the stem to secure
in place. The spirals can be shaped to form square, star or triangular spirals.

Flower shaped Photo-clips; with a wire length of 1 meter, at one end make
a shape spiral of four turns slightly overlapping, creating the clip part to hold
the picture. To make the petals make five loop shapes with your fingers
bending the wire back and forth around the spiral center. After creating the
last loop, the wire continues as the stem part. To embellish the flower, wrap
silver wire around the petals and stem. Use wire to attach small beads and
leaves to the flower by twisting the wire around the flower.

Dragonfly photo-clips; at the end of a 1 meter wire length, make a small
spiral of four turns to make the center clip. Continue to make the wings with
two loops shaped with your fingers then tuck the long wire through the spiral
to make the stem. Open the spiral to create a balloon shape and insert a
glass marble or bead inside, then close the spiral to secure the marble inside.
For the antennas cut a 10 cm piece of wire in a contrasting color, make a
small eye loop at each end semi spiral, bend the wire in half and twist onto the
wings to attach them into place. To make a corkscrew of tail wrap a 10 cm
piece of wire around a screw, and twist off to release. Attach the corkscrew
tail, to the spiral part just under the marble by twisting it to the wire. Adorn the
stem with contrasting wire colors and leaf loops.

For each photo-clip,make a V, U or triangle shape at the end of each stem
and bend the wire to make a foot like shape, to use as an anchor base to
insert the wire-clips into the planters. Simple add favorite pictures.

Let your imagination soar to create several types of free-form photo-clip
shapes, by making a variety of spiral shapes and by adding combinations of
corkscrews and assorted beads. To put a twist on things make each stem
different with assorted curves and zigzag bends to spring shapes, the
variations are truly endless.

Tips:Grass takes a week to grow from seeds, this give you just enough time
to grow it to make a unique presentation for Mother's Day. Try growing grass
in a rectangular bread pan or in a muffin tray which has been painted in fresh
spring pastels or silver. Enhance your planter presentation with a little Zen
appeal simply by adding colored pieces of tumble glass, glass bead nuggets
or assorted rocks. Instead of buying wire in several colors you can paint wire
with glass, acrylic or spray paints.

Variations: Individual wire photo-clips can be added as an accent to decorate
a gift or added to a bouquet. You can make a spiral shape base for each
photo-clip or make stands with self-drying clay in assorted shapes from
squares to triangles.

To view more pictures and variations of the Mother's Day photo-clips project visit www.miycreations.com

You may use these HTML tags and attributes: <a href="" title=""> <abbr title=""> <acronym title=""> <b> <blockquote cite=""> <cite> <code> <del datetime=""> <em> <i> <q cite=""> <strike> <strong>

What a day! The first day of the Food and Light workshop was fantastic, although it started off a bit rocky. I set my alarm last night and, exhausted, fell asleep around 9h30. I must have turned off my 7h00 alarm in my sleep, because I awoke at 7h46 in a panic – the workshop begins at 8h00. I ran around like an idiot getting ready, shoving my contacts in, grabbing my camera and laptop, etc. and – to my utter amazement – appeared, presentable, on time at the gallery across the street! But oh man, what a way to start the day!

The first part of the workshop covered the pretty basic fundamentals of photography and the camera, etc. and spent a lot of time doing hands-on work with different props and other things. Grabbed an unbelievable lunch at The Kitchen – “Boulder’s Community Kitchen” – which stocks locally sourced ingredients (including Udi’s gluten-free bread!!) and is generally eco-friendly (the kitchen runs on wind-powered electricity and the used oil is recycled to run the owner’s car). I had their amazing fire-grilled lamb burger with pepper, tomato and mango chutney on Udi’s bread, with french fries and a green salad with a big, refreshing glass of iced tea – delicious, filling, and perfect in the heat!

Neueste Kommentare (RSS)

• Filmhass: Der Trailer ist gut gemacht, aber die Mucke ist ein Griff ins Klo…passt null.
• Moe: @Wallace: w00000t?! hätte ich doch mal weiter ‘blättern’ sollen trotzdem gefällts mir bunt nich so gut. sonst hat der zeichenstil seinen eigenen charme
• brainwasher: @POPO THE GREAT: hehehe kenn ich. hätte nicht gedacht, dass die kleinen verwinkelten Strassen in Kyoto und Tokyo wirklich so aussehen wie in den Mangas.
• Norman E.: Wahnsinn! Der allergeilste Trailer, den ich je gesehen hab! Hab ihn mir jetzt dreimal angeschaut
• Tobias: So sehen halt Produktionen ohne Budget aus.
• ANDY: Hm, vielleicht gehts ja gar nicht darum mega gut zu sein, sondern einfach sich selbst n lustigen Anreiz zu setzen etwas zu machen. Also ich habs jetzt nicht getestet und weiß nicht ob ich nach der Zeit nicht vielleicht doch einfach alles…
• David: Den Humor finde ich toll und an den Zeichenstil gewöhnt man sich als gelegentlicher Manga-Leser schnell. Bin gerade bei Band 4, hab auch letzte Woche erst Band 1 gelesen, geht ja recht fix, besonders dick sind die nicht.
• BRAAAINS: an den zeichenstil gewöhnt man sich irgendwann, hatte damit anfangs auch meine probleme… genau wie mit michael cera als scott-darsteller
• reeft: ZAC EFRON WAR IN FIREFLY?! MIND = BLOWN
• Moritz: @Finefin: Das is echt großartig

Vor einem Jahr

• links for 2009-07-13
• Rezept für einen Pangalaktischen Donnergurgler
• OMG! They killed Lego-Kenny!
• Original Ghostbusters Ectomobile auf Ebay
• Cheech and Chong recreate Tron, diskutieren dabei die Finanzkrise!
• Videomaterial von ursprünglich weißem Boba Fett
• Gizmodo 79 und jamaicanische Marihuana-LPs
• Shaun of the Dead-Map für Left 4 Dead
• Alyas Batman en Robin's Bizarre Ending
• The Colony Experiment: Doku über den Wiederaufbau nach der Apokalypse
• Michael Jackson, simpsonized

Nerdcore Buzz

• 10 Stickermags Klebstoff#02 zu verlosen! (195)
• Paul, the psychic Octopus, predicts Germany victory over England (63)
• Paul, the psychic Octopus, predicts… SPAIN! (60)
• Naked Mom plays the Rockband Drums (54)
• Spanish Braised Octopus in Paprika Sauce (54)
• IT Crowd S04E01 Online (48)
• Pavel, the psychic Krakauer, predicts Germany victory over Spain! (44)
• JavaZone Drama-Trailer (42)
• Space and Time and Mathematics sez: „Deutschland wird Weltmeister“ (39)
• IT Crowd Series 4 – Trailer (38)
• Best Schlafsack ever! (36)
• The Big Bang Theory #00×00 – Unaired Test Pilot (35)
• Mushroom Lamps (35)
• The Country-Hip Hop-Dance (35)
• MAD Mag shits on the iPad (34)
• Finally: Soccer Officially Announces It Is Gay (34)
• Ban football from Vuvuzela concerts! (32)
• Climategate is officially Bullshit (32)
• E3: Microsofts Project Natal heisst jetzt Kinect auf Acid (31)
• Breaking Bad als Sitcom (31)

NC Linkdump (RSS)

after a client meeting yesterday, we did a little shopping at the mall and stumbled upon some amazing finds that we bought for future shoots.

one of our favs were these sparkly, gold, glitter heels from forever 21… you can’t beat $23 for these babies. we love the peep toe!

we are dying to use these for a boudoir shoot! who wants to wear them?!

from: Tiahnas Weblog

Bilder

from: Bakkirs Site
Kristians Blog
Thadinas Site

T-Mobile announced Samsung Gravity 3, Gravity T and Smiley | T …

With T-Mobile's web2goSM service, all three devices can access the Web (optimized for the phone), personalize the phone's Web home page for easy one-click access to favorite websites, receive fast and easy search results and live news feeds with web2go, and have access to a plethora of T-Mobile offerings, including the latest ringtones, games and wallpaper. ..

GORGEOUS, INTUITIVE AND ENTERTAINING, SAY HELLO TO THE NEW INSPIRON R LAPTOPS FROM DELL
                                 
·        Dell’s Most Popular Laptops Designed to Keep Families Organized and Entertained
·        Available at Dell’s Newest U.S. Retail Partner, Fry’s Electronics on June 25

ROUND ROCK, Texas, June 21, 2010 – Today, more than ever, families are looking to technology as an extra set of hands – one that helps them stay connected, quickly cross items off daily ‘to-do’ lists, and keep them entertained. The new Inspiron R laptops were designed with this in mind – making it easier than ever to access personal files and securely share photos and videos wirelessly, as well to enjoy the ideal mobile personal entertainment hub, offering smooth video playback, surround sound and a built-in Webcam.

Wrapped in curvy edges, smooth lines and available in four unique colorful finishes with chrome accents, the Inspiron R laptops are as beautifully designed as they are useful. With several display sizes ranging from 14-inch models that fit perfectly in a messenger bag, to home and dorm room-friendly 15- and 17-inch versions, the Inspiron R boasts a contemporary and sleek appearance that will make anyone feel good about bringing it out in the classroom or the local coffee shop.

Dell also built in unique features and timesavers like the Dell Dock, which reduces time searching applications and files – photos, videos and most commonly used apps are placed right at the top of the screen. For those who choose the optional Intel Wireless Display* feature, the Inspiron R makes it easy to project what is on the laptop display on a nearby HDTV without the need for cables. Students have the option to purchase any version of Microsoft Office 2010 pre-installed on their Inspiron R laptops, to ensure they have the tools they need to kick off the school year.

“The Inspiron R takes the rock solid Inspiron line and amps up the cool factor with a sexy and practical machine for entertainment, and social networking along with all the usual home, school and work functions,” said Glen Robson, vice president, product marketing, Dell. “Photos, videos and personal files can also be securely stored and shared with DataSafeOnline for peace of mind right out of the box. This is a laptop that moms will love and youths will ask for.”

Designed to stand up to the rigors of active families and students on the go Inspiron R models feature smudge-resistant palm rests, a full-size, comfortable keyboard and a stiffer frame for a solid, quality feel. Available Intel Core i3 and Core i5 processors and optional ATi graphics ensure great performance today and tomorrow.

Prices for Inspiron R laptops begin at $449 at www.dell.com. For students and families who need a laptop as soon as possible, popular configurations of the new Inspiron R are also available via Dell’s FastTrack* program, which can ship systems within 24 hours. By upgrading to next business day shipping,* new Inspiron R systems can arrive within 48 hours. The new Inspiron R laptops are also available through authorized retailers, including Dell’s newest retail partner in the U.S., Fry’s Electronics. Select Inspiron R laptops will be available in all 34 Fry’s Electronics stores starting June 25.

Common Technical Highlights for the Inspiron 14R, 15R and 17R:

·        Intel Core i3 and i5 mobile processor options for outstanding everyday performance with Microsoft Windows 7
·        Choice of models offering bright 14-, 15-, and 17-inch displays, with high definition (HD) resolution offered on all systems
·        Choice of optional colors on select models : Mars Black, Peacock Blue, Tomato Red and Lotus Pink
·        Built-in wireless connectivity
·        Optional Intel Wireless Display that allows for a cable-free connection to most HDTVs when paired with a separate third party Intel Wireless Display TV adapter
·        SRS Premium Sound provides an excellent stereo surround soundstage
·        Built-in media card readers speed up transferring photo and video files.
·        Optional 1GB ATi graphics provide realistic video effects
·        Up to 640GB* hard disk drives on select models for storing large photos, music and video collections
·        Up to 8GB* DDR3 memory performs tasks quickly and seamlessly
·        Built-in Webcam enables Web chats on the go
·        Touchpad with integrated scrolling and gestures makes using the laptop more intuitive and simple to use
·        Dedicated 10-key number pad on the 15-and 17-inch systems that gives gamers additional keys for more shortcuts
·        Dell Dock organizes music, videos and photos and puts most commonly-used apps right up top
·        DataSafeOnline data backup & recovery keeps data & memories secure outside of the system
·        DataSafeLocal, a secure, simple and reliable way to create backup copies of the factory image

Haartrockner billiger

The Panasonic Th-103PF9UK 103” Professional Series Plasma TV – Hold on to your remotes because this modern technological wonder retails for a whopping $69,999.95. No, it is not a typo, my friends; it is one penny shy of seventy thousand dollars. For all those Techs who like to have the biggest, this is it. This Panasonic TV has the world’s biggest plasma screen. It is loaded with superior features. To find it with the $69,999.95 price tag, go to: http://store.techcctv.com/th103pf9uk.html

Upon a more reachable but still lofty cloud, Panasonic, Sony, and others offer some nice, cool 42” models that range between $1000 and $2000. You can shop and compare at: http://shopping.yahoo.com

The Dell XPS M2010 Laptop – Affectionately known as The Showstopper, the Dell XPS M2010 is not your average notebook. It is a total multimedia and entertainment solution that sports a big 20.1 inch widescreen. Pricing for this portable entertainment center begins at $3,199. Notebooks may be customized to fit Techs in versions such as: Processor: Core 2 Duo; Processor Speed: 2 GHz; Installed Memory: 2 GB; Hard Drive Capacity: 240 GB for $3,748. This beautiful machine handles movies, music, games and more.

Bose Lifestyle 48 Series III DVD Home Theater System – Nostalgic memories of watching a movie at Grandma’s house will not surface with this Bose Baby in the room. This top of the line system features Bose's uMusic™ which keeps up to 340 hours of music organized and ready. It has a built-in DVD, Surround Sound consisting of the world renowned high-quality Bose Speakers, Dolby, and more. Bose little bit of heaven for the senses retails for $3,999.

The Cannon EOS-1Ds Mark II Digital SLR Camera Kit – Great for professional photographers or for those who just want to take pictures like one. This Canon camera is top of the line in every aspect: Performance, Reliability, Image Quality and Software. It is such a highly professional piece of equipment that you may want to add this warning: Don’t use with the kids by the pool. Canon’s retail price for this hot bundle of pix wizardry is $7,494.95.

Voodoo Elemental Omen PC – This ultimate gaming PC is golden, literally, for it is actually encased in gold. However, everyone knows it is not what is on the outside but what is on the inside that counts. So, just what is inside of this serious gaming PC? It features two 512-MB ATI Radeon X1900XTX graphics cards, 4 gigs of RAM, and 2 terabytes of hard-drive space spread across four 500-GB drives. This machine is definitely not fooling around. Every good gaming PC needs a good monitor. The Voodoo Elemental Omen’s monitor goes beyond good. Techs can really enjoy all the action on its 46” Samsung gaming LCD which is the size of a TV rather than a monitor. The Omen is so cool it drives the whole world to ask the universal question, “How much?” The answer: A mere $24,000, including FREE shipping.

Sony High-Def Camcorder – Give the gift that keeps on giving for it captures life’s precious memories in their original beauty. The Sony HDR-FX1 HDV Handycam has features like a giant 3.5-inch LCD screen, a 12X optical zoom lens, and 3-chip CCD imaging. Life flies by in fleeting instants. Babies become Moms and Dads. Rambunctious puppies become too heavy to pick up and curious little kittens become content to rest curled-up in a ball. Let this Sony High-Def Camcorder make this year the last year for precious memories to escape capture. Retail price: $3,700

Pioneer Digital Sound Projector – Not available in America (but what do you care you have the Internet), the Pioneer Digital Sound Projector puts an end to having surround sound speakers all over the room. It is one 500-watt panel consisting of 254 speaker drivers that delivers true 5.1 surround sound. The PDSP-1 Digital Sound Projector is only 5” thick, so it will fit perfectly under your $70,000 Pioneer 103” Plasma TV. How much will this listening pleasure cost? A cool $40,000, but you will have 50 times the number of speakers as the Joneses.

Bang & Olufsen BeoLab 5 Speakers – Without a doubt, these are the coolest-looking speakers on the planet. They are the perfect gift for those who love it sleek and stylish. The BeoLab 5 Speakers are, by no means, all looks. Each speaker boasts 2,500 watts of power for a total of 5,000 watts. Now, we are talking, or I should say listening, LOUD. However, all of that power does not distort their crisp, clear sound. Beauty and functionality rolled into one set the price of this pair of BeoLab 5’s at about $16,000. 

For those interested in more down-to-earth gifts, please check out my Down-to-Earth Holiday Gift Guide.

Happy Holidays!

from: Tallias Site
Nareesas Site

Download Free PDF Manual

PDF Resources – Find any manual books from gadget, digital camera, cell phone, notebook, software and many more …

It may sound like the stuff of James Bond films, but face recognition is now being proposed as a way to give users a more secure way to log on to their laptops.

Chinese computer maker Lenovo is preparing to showcase its IdeaPad notebook, which is the first PC to feature Lenovo’s VeriFace face recognition software. The technology – which allows the user to log onto their computer just by sitting in front of it, using their face as their password – will be shown at Lenovo’s forthcoming Innovation Tour in London on 22 June, an event aimed at press and partners.

Facial features matched to photos

Lenovo’s VeriFace combines the Windows log-in and file encryption to password-protect individual files. It identifies users by matching unique features of their faces to photographs taken by the 1.3-megapixel webcam built into the laptop.

When Windows users start up their PCs, a camera window pops up in the login frame. The user then just has to adjust their position so their face appears in the window, and VeriFace logs them in automatically.

Unauthorised users may not get onto the system, but VeriFace does give them a consolation prize: the chance to leave a video message for the real computer user.

The software is a registered trademark of Lenovo, and currently only works on Windows XP Home and Professional, Windows Vista and Windows 7.

A few years ago Lenovo was one of the first laptop makers to fit fingerprint readers, and included finger-activated hard-drive encryption in its ThinkPad notebooks. This allowed people to use their fingerprint to log on to a computer, rather than typing their passwords each time.

HP “racist” software

Lenovo may find itself sailing into dangerous water, however, as rival laptop maker Hewlett-Packard found last year. HP shipped facial recognition in some of its PCs, but the software was branded as “racist” when a YouTube video surfaced showing the software and camera failing to recognise an African-American man. In the video, the software seemed to recognise the white woman featured in the video but not her black co-worker.

“I’m going on record and I’m saying it: Hewlett-Packard computers are racist,” the black man Desi said in the YouTube video, although he appeared to be joking and smiling through most of the impromptu demonstration.

HP was quick to counteract the accuation, attributing the problem to insufficient foreground lighting. “Everything we do is focused on ensuring that we provide a high-quality experience for all our customers, who are ethnically diverse and live and work around the world,” said an HP spokesperson at the time.

Categories: Desktops & Notebooks, Development, News

from: Damanis Site
Lanaias Weblog
Adelines Site

Apple MacBook Air
——————–

Apple’s Ultrathin Laptop Gets Even Faster!
The MacBook Air laptop computer is still ultrathin and ultraportable, and now it’s faster and more powerful than ever! This MacBook Air includes 2GB of memory and a 1.86GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor that gives you the kind of speed you’d expect from a desktop computer, not a lightweight notebook. Its graphics card has been updated to give you faster, cleaner images on the 13.3″ display. Other great features include a large trackpad, full-sized keyboard, and more hard drive capacity. Now, it’s easier and more convenient than ever to take your computing with you, thanks to the MacBook Air!

Apple MacBook Pro 15″ 2.66GHz Core i7
—————————————-

Inside this sleek shell of carved aluminum lies one of the most powerful laptop computers in the world. The Apple MacBook Pro is a truly advanced technological core you can build your studio around. From running the industry’s top recording software to editing and producing music on the go, you can always count on the MacBook Pro’s rock-solid reliability. From its light, thin, and super-durable case construction down to its blazing fast Core i7 dual-core processor, Apple’s MacBook Pro was designed with serious performance in mind. Check out some of the details!

Apple MacBook Pro 15 in. 2.66
——————————

* 2.66GHz Intel Intel Core 2 Duo / 4GB DDR3 SDRAM / 320GB Hard Drive / SuperDrive DVD
±RW/CD-RW * 15.4in 1440 x 900 Display / NVIDIA 9400M, NVIDIA GeForce 9600M GT / IEEE 802.11n
(draft), Bluetooth 2.1 EDR, Gigabit Ethernet
* Mac OS X v10.6 Snow Leopard / 5.5lb(s) / 1 Year Warranty

It’s all about performance. If you want enhanced pro features, a breakthrough built-in battery, and a brilliant display, you want the all-new MacBook Pro.
Every new MacBook Pro features a breakthrough, long-lasting battery that delivers up to 7 hours of wireless productivity on a single charge (8 hours on the 17-inch MacBook Pro) and can be recharged up to 1000 times – nearly three times the lifespan of typical notebook batteries. The new LED-backlit display has a 60 percent greater color gamut than that of previous generations, giving you richer, more vibrant colors. Advanced nVidia graphics processors make it the perfect solution for the latest 3D games and graphics-intensive applications. And with the latest Intel Core 2 Duo processors, it’s the most powerful Mac notebook ever. All in a precision aluminum unibody enclosure that’s less than an inch thin.

For any inquiries, please feel free to contact us at
MSN:mobilecity160@hotmail.com
mobilecity160@yahoo.com

Also, earlier when the previous Core series of processors were used, the memory controller was on the North Bridge of the motherboard chipset. Now, memory controllers are integrated into the CPUs such as the new Core i5 and i7 processors. Since, Nvidia is not licensed to make chipsets for any Intel CPU which has a built in memory controller, they have to use Intel chipsets, which have comparatively inferior onboard graphics. Now, since Apple could not kill the feature of toggling between onboard and discrete graphics, what they've done is that, they've integrated a separate discrete Nvidia GPU on the motherboard alongside the onboard Intel GPU.

The 13-inch models have stuck with previous Intel Core 2 Duo CPUs, mainly because even if they go with an Intel GPU but with an Intel Core i5 processor, the power consumption will increase, hence draining battery resources. But, with Intel coming up with more powerful and energy-efficient CPUs, it’s a matter of time before we can get smaller MacBooks Pro laptops with refreshed hardware.
Previously, if you wanted to toggle between GPUs, you had to log out and log back in. But, now this happens in real time. The machine detects your work load and switch on/off the discrete graphics. This might sound familiar, because Nvidia offers a similar technology called Opitimus, but this is different.

I taken a lot of Photos in the last couple of months – please tell me if you like them:

{Blog zum Thema Stammzellen in der Forschung

Claudia Schiffer has been attacked for offending black people after posing on a magazine cover made up as a black woman. The 39-year-old German supermodel wore black foundation and an afro-style wig in the photograph taken by fashion designer and photographer Karl Lagerfeld.

Lagerfeld had Schiffer made up as a black women in one of six photographs he took while putting together an advertising campaign for the vintage champagne Dom Perignon. The photos were published by German fashion magazine Stern Fotografie when it celebrated its 60th anniversary.

Accusations against Schiffer and Lagerfeld followed from Shevelle Rhule, the fashion editor of a London black lifestyle magazine, Pride. Ms Rhule said:

“It shows poor taste and it's offensive. There are not enough women of colour featured in mainstream magazines. This just suggests you can counteract the problem by using white models. I don't believe they deliberately set out to offend. They obviously see it as being arty and feel that they are pushing boundaries. But clearly no thought has been given to the history behind what they have done and the comparisons it draws with minstrel shows.”

To which I would reply: 'Shevelle, lighten up'. Her comment is the kind that perpetuates raw nerves about race and creates a path of spikey eggshells for people, black and white, to walk on. Society doesn't need race relations zealots, quangocrats or Pride fashion editors lecturing designers (or filmmakers or writers or rap singers…) on what they can or can't do. It's small-minded. Already an online magazine has responded to the photos with conformist knee-jerk political correctness by saying one of the other photos, of Schiffer as an Asian, is “just wrong”, scolding that Lagerfeld should have used more than one model in the interests of racial diversity.

Fashion, like fiction and film and other creative industries, should be free to play with any images it chooses. Did Ms Rhule also take offence at white French actor Gerard Depardieu recently playing mixed-race Alexander Dumas (using black make-up)? Or Eddie Murphy impersonating a white (jewish) person? Or black British actor Adrian Lester who played the white Danish prince, Hamlet? Or the black actor, David Oyelowo, who played white English king Henry VI?

Would she criticise images of Bob Dylan or the Rolling Stones dressed up as women? How about pantomime dames, women actors dressed as men, Eddie Izzard in frock and lipstick, comedians pretending to be children…?

As soon as you get into determining whether blacks can play whites and women can play men but not the other way round, you're proscribing the creative process and engaging in censorship. Clamping down on the arts in that way (even commercial arts like advertising) is as restricting as squashing free speech.

As for Rhule's comment that Lagerfeld and Schiffer were suggesting the photograph of a 'black' Schiffer would substitute for using black models in mainstream magazines – that's just plain foolish. Rhule then seems to have chucked minstrels into the discussion just for shock value.

In fact the photo was one of a series of six in which Lagerfeld was playing with Schiffer's image. Another showed her as a secretary, a third as an Asian woman. In a fourth she was dressed and made up as eighteenth century French queen, Marie Antoinette and in a fifth she was androgynous. The fashion shoot theme was fantasy and imagination. Lagerfeld wanted to play with Schiffer's face and Shiffer's image. He didn't want to use other models. He wasn't trying to portraying racial diversity – he was portraying imaginary Claudia Schiffers. And has every right to.

A spokesman for Lagerfeld responded to Rhule's criticism, saying she was taking them out of context: “The images were designed to reflect different men's fantasies. The pictures were not intended to offend, they were done very creatively and are some of Karl Lagerfeld's favourite images of Claudia. People should not jump to conclusions.”

Yet there are many people with vested interests in Britain and other liberal democracies who make a good living from jumping to conclusions and playing the race card in cases which can only trivialise genuine instances of racism. Political correctness about race and ethnicity has battened onto society like a barnacle on a boat. It would be a democratic step forward if those who have a professional interest in taking offence at 'racism' and other -isms would pick their battles more wisely.

It would also be good if the race relations industry ditched the term “people of colour”. What is it supposed to indicate?! What colour? Black? Dark brown? Sienna? All those and more? Does it imply that white people – with their variously pink, peachy, creamy, olive-toned, ugly red, bluey-white, brown or orangey skin – have no colour? Why aren't whites called “people of non-colour” then? Or “people of no-colour”?

Black and white are just words. They're quick and easy terms to use for those who want or need to indicate skin colour and they're neutral. People (like Ms Rhule perhaps) who want to take offence at one (and not the other) always will. But they're misguided. Countering racism is always worth doing. But cranking up and maintaining raw nerves unnecessarily does no-one any good. It just increases division between black and white and injects a zealous, scolding tone into debate which would benefit from more freedom, less 'sensitivity' and – in a case like the Schiffer/Lagerfeld photos – a bit of playfulness.

Nature photography relies on your sensitivity to the natural light above all else. You have surely heard that for good landscape photography, you generally want sunny conditions, early or late in the day when the light is low and soft. However, this does not apply to every situation, and busy lifestyles do not always allow us to choose the conditions in which we take our photos.

Have you ever planned and set aside a day to get out and practice your nature photography, only to wake up to grey, cloudy skies? You are not alone, this happens to us all; professional and beginner alike. And of course when you are traveling, you often only have one chance to take your photos before moving on, so you have to make the best of the situation as you find it.

Photographers, don’t despair. There are many situations that suit cloudy skies just fine; in fact, there are some situations when cloudy skies are the best option for a good nature photo. Here are just a few situations that you could explore when cloudy weather threatens to derail your photography outing.

#1. Rainforest Photography. When the sun shines through the trees in the forest, it creates a patchwork of light and shade that makes correct exposure almost impossible. You simply can’t manage the contrast in these conditions. Cloudy weather is actually the best way to take good rainforest photos. Some would say the cloudier the better, because if your rainforest is high enough to be in the clouds, you can capture some very atmospheric misty effects in the forest.

I live in South East Queensland, so I am close to both the beach and some fabulous rainforest. My rule is: If it’s sunny, go to the beach. If the weather is grey and cloudy, grab your camera and head for the rainforest.

#2. Wildlife Photography (Pets and People Too). Bright sunlight can be a problem when shooting wildlife. In the middle part of the day, the sun can create heavy shadows which make exposure difficult, and rob your photo of essential colour and detail that gives the subject its character. Worst of all, sunlight can create shadows on the face of your subject. As you know, the critical part of any good wildlife photo is the eyes. If the eyes in your photo are lost in shadow, the personal connection with the subject is lost.

Animals do not like looking into the sun any more than you do, so even early in the morning and late in the afternoon, when the light is softer, photography can be difficult. More often than not, you will probably find your subject turning away from the light.

If you take your photo on a cloudy day, you can capture your wildlife subject in soft, even light that allows perfect exposure without ugly shadows. There will also be less glare reflecting off shiny surfaces (a snake’s skin, a bird’s feathers etc.) so your picture can actually appear more colourful.

#3. Sunset Photography. Clouds create a much more interesting sunset photo than clear skies. All you need is for the sun to break through the clouds as they cross the horizon. A good nature photographer learns to read the sky and try to predict what is coming. Often on a grey, cloudy day you will notice that the only patch of clear sky is far away near the horizon. If that is the case, you can go looking for a good location and set up for your sunset photo.

With a bit of luck, there will be several breaks in the clouds before the sun goes down. If so, you could be on the spot to photograph spectacular sunbeams, a truly wonderful effect that every nature photography hopes to capture.

Like all things in nature photography, all the planning in the world means nothing without a bit of luck. You may get your photo all set up, only to see the gap in the clouds close and your chance of a good photo disappear. Persistence wins in the end, so keep trying and from time to time you will end up with some breathtaking sunset photos.

I hope these tips encourage you to get out and enjoy your photography, no matter what the weather is like. As your experience grows, you will find it easier to read the light and know what sort of photography suits the conditions. Until then, practice, practice, practice!

Maciej Pestka June 3, 2010

Answering “are none of the photos real anymore?”
No! And surprisingly they never were!

All of the techniques shown in above article, were used almost since photography was born! Only difference is that it is all done on the computer now, not in the darkroom.
Best and most known example would be Richards Avedon photography. Have you ever seen one of his shots before postproduction? – nothing special except very correct analogue shot. It was postproduction that made it so amazing.

Photography as a medium, fashion photography to be more specific have to sell… Be colourful and eye catching.
So it doesn’t matter how much you have manipulated the shot! Most important is to end up with image that doesn’t show that it was manipulated.

The only technique used, that is unique for computer editing is Liquifying, changing facial structure. But I suppose that is one of the advantages of developing photographs on your screen, not in the darkroom.

peace!

The Creators Project assembled this incredible video profile of Curt Morgan, a snowboarder-cum-filmmaker whose team,
Brain Farm, uses the world’s most advanced cameras to capture extreme sports as they’ve never been seen before. Think Planet Earth on forty Red Bulls. More

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from: Lillees Weblog
Tatianas Weblog

Lukas Podolski Trikot

With the USA soccer team actually having a good chance to do some damage at the 2010 World Cup, fans across the United States want to know when they can check out their team play. In addition, soccer and football fans everywhere want to know about when, how and where they will be able to catch all of the World Cup 2010 games on television. Check out the World Cup 2010 schedule with complete TV schedule, channel and time information.

USA World Cup Games TV Schedule

The first match for the US soccer team is on June 12, against England. The game will air on ABC at 2:30 pm.

The second USA soccer World Cup game on TV is June 18 at 10:00 am. The match is against Slovenia and will be shown on ESPN.

The final group stage US soccer game will be June 23 at 10:00 am against Algeria, shown on ESPN.

These three matches determine if the USA soccer team will advance to the Round of 16. If they did, they would play on either June 26 at 2:30 pm on ABC, or June 27 at 10:00 am on ESPN, depending on their position.

Complete 2010 World Cup TV Schedule

With the US soccer World Cup television schedule out of the way, here's the complete breakdown for all of the matches, times and channels for the FIFA South Africa World Cup 2010.

All of the 2010 World Cup games will be shown live, which means they will air in the morning and early afternoon in the United States. All of the games will be broadcast on ESPN, ESPN2 or ABC, and all times listed below are Eastern. A few noteworthy games along the way are italicized and underlined.

World Cup 2010 Group Stage TV Schedule

June 11 - South Africa vs. Mexico, 10 am, ESPN; Uruguay vs. France, 2:30 pm ESPN

June 12 - South Korea vs. Greece, 7:30 am, ESPN; Argentina vs. Nigeria, 10 am, ESPN; England vs. USA, 2:30 pm, ABC

June 13 - Algeria vs. Slovenia, 7:30 am, ESPN; Serbia vs. Ghana, 10 am, ESPN; Germany vs. Australia, 2:30 pm, ABC

June 14 - Netherlands vs. Denmark, 7:30 am, ESPN; Japan vs. Cameroon, 10 am, ESPN; Italy vs. Paraguay, 2:30 pm, ESPN

June 15 - New Zealand vs. Slovakia, 7:30 am, ESPN; Ivory Coast vs. Portugal, 10 am, ESPN; Brazil vs. North Korea (Korea DPR), 2:30 pm, ESPN

June 16 - Honduras vs. Chile, 7:30 am, ESPN; Spain vs. Switzerland, 10 am, ESPN; South Africa vs. Uruguay, 2:30 pm, ESPN

June 17 – Argentina vs. South Korea (Korea Republic), 7:30 am, ESPN; Greece vs. Nigeria, 10 am, ESPN; France vs. Mexico, 2:30 pm, ESPN2

June 18 – Germany vs. Serbia, 7:30 am, ESPN; Slovenia vs. USA, 10 am, ESPN; England vs. Algeria, 2:30 pm, ESPN2

June 19 – Netherlands vs. Japan, 7:30 am, ESPN; Ghana vs. Australia, 10 am, ESPN; Cameroon vs. Denmark, 2:30 pm, ABC

June 20 – Slovakia vs. Paraguay, 7:30 am, ESPN; Italy vs. New Zealand, 10 am, ESPN; Brazil vs. Ivory Coast, 2:30 pm, ABC

June 21 – Portugal vs. North Korea (Korea DPR), 7:30 am, ESPN; Chile vs. Switzerland, 10 am, ESPN; Spain vs. Honduras, 2:30 pm, ESPN

June 22 – Mexico vs. Uruguay, 10 am, ESPN; France vs. South Africa, 10 am, ESPN2; Nigeria vs. South Korea (Korea Republic), 2:30 pm, ESPN2; Greece vs. Argentina, 2:30 pm, ESPN

June 23 – Slovenia vs. England, 10 am, ESPN2, USA vs. Algeria, 10 am, ESPN; Ghana vs. Germany, 2:30 pm, ESPN; Australia vs. Serbia, 2:30 pm, ESPN2

June 24 – Slovakia vs. Italy, 10 am, ESPN; Paraguay vs. New Zealand, 10 am, ESPN2; Denmark vs. Japan, 2:30 pm, ESPN; Cameroon vs. Netherlands, 2:30 pm, ESPN2

June 25 - North Korea (Korea DPR) vs. Ivory Coast, 10 am, ESPN2; Portugal vs. Brazil, 10 am, ESPN; Switzerland vs. Honduras, 2:30 pm, ESPN2; Chile vs. Spain, 2:30 pm, ESPN

Round of 16 World Cup TV Schedule

June 26 – 10 am – 1A vs. 2B, ESPN; 2:30 pm – 1C vs. 2D, ABC (potential USA game)

June 27 - 10 am – 1D vs. 2C, ESPN (potential USA game); 2:30 pm – 1B vs. 2A, ABC

June 28 – 10 am – 1E vs. 2F, ESPN; 2:30 pm – 1G vs. 2H, ESPN

June 29 – 10 am – 1F vs. 2E, ESPN; 2:30 pm – 1H vs. 2G, TBD

Quarterfinals World Cup TV Schedule

July 2 - 10 am – Winners Matches 53 & 54, ESPN; 2:30 pm – Winners Matches 49 & 50, ESPN (potential USA game)

July 3 – 10 am – Winners Matches 51 & 52, ABC (potential USA game); 2:30 pm – Winners Matches 55 & 56, ABC

Semifinals World Cup TV Schedule

July 6 – 2:30 pm – Winners Quarterfinals 1 & 2, ESPN

July 7 – 2:30 pm – Winners Quarterfinals 3 & 4, ESPN

World Cup Finals TV Schedule

July 10 – 2:30 pm – Third Place Game – ABC

July 11 – 2:30 pm – Championship Match -ABC

So please bookmark this page to always have your 2010 World Cup TV schedule, times and channels available so you can catch your favorite team and all of the big games live on television.

Sources: www.espn.com for World Cup 2010 TV schedules, times and channels

from: Kelleys Blog

ESPN is launching the industrys first 3D television network. ESPN 3D is set to display at least 85 sporting events, all broadcasted live, during the first year of its operation. It will start on June 11th, broadcasting the first match for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, which will pit South Africa vs Mexico.

Up to 25 World Cup 2010 matches will be shown on  3-D television network along with college basketball, college football and other US domestic sports events.

The announcements came as representatives of leading electronics firms from around the world gathered in Las Vegas for the annual International Consumer Electronics Show (CES).

“ESPN’s commitment to 3D is a win for fans and our business partners,” said ESPN and ABC Sports president George Bodenheimer. “ESPN 3D marries great content with new technology to enhance the fan’s viewing experience and puts ESPN at the forefront of the next big advance for TV viewing.”

ESPN has been testing ESPN 3D for more than two years. For example, it showed a USC-Ohio State college football game in select theaters and on USC’s campus. Other 3D events will include up to 25 World Cup matches, the 2011 BCS National Championship Game, college basketball and football, and the Summer X Games.

“This is a turning point for 3D,” Consumer Electronics Association CEO Gary Shapiro told USA Today.

To watch the content, viewers must have a 3D-ready TV set, and might need a new set-top box. And yes, viewers also must wear 3D glasses.

It’s coming along to other networks as well, also announced on Tuesday, Discovery Communications said it will launch a 3D channel in 2011.

It’s coming along to other networks as well, also announced on Tuesday, Discovery Communications said it will launch a 3D channel in 2011. Maybe without those glasses.

Mandela (Madiba)

A day of history. A day that will never be forgotten. The day that Nelson Mandela was released from prison. That day South Africa was on everybody’s tongues. History was rewritten on that specific day (not good with dates so sue me for not remembering the exact date but the images are still fresh).

Nelson Mandela walked unto the world scene in a big way. A man of honour and dignity, a man with a heart for the people. This man had all the reasons to hate and to blame, but instead, he came along and started to built a beautiful future for South Africa.

No Bush or Clinton, no Queen or Prince on this earth did more to try and unify, not only South Africa but the world.

Some South Africans, for political reasons, tried to “hate” (more dislike) him but he made it so difficult. Even at the ripe age of 90, closer to 91 (18 July 2009), he is still the statesman of the world and father to South Africans. The man who made long sleeve shirts fashionable in South Africa and brought us a distinctive dance; the Madiba jive.

Madiba, united us wherever he went. In 1995 the country watched the rugby world cup as a unit and rejoiced together in the streets when the Springboks (South Africa) won. He brought us the Madiba magic on the sports fields of the world. I was never big on soccer but that feeling of unity made me watch that historical game in 1996 when South Africa (Bafana Bafana) won the African Cup of Nations.

One day he will be gone (that day South Africa and the world will come to a stand still) but he will never be GONE. Obama, you’ve got some ruling to do.

Want to experience the Madiba magic and learn the Madiba jive, then Sout Africa is your destination.

Long live MADIBA!

Soccer World Cup 2010

Danny Jordaan, you made us very proud. I wish I could describe the feeling of warmth, joy and pride that I had and still have in Afrikaans, my language, when they announced South Africa as the successful bidder of the 2010 Soccer World Cup. I believe that God is on our side as South Africans. You did a great job and I know that you still have sleepless nights but see every difficulty as a challenge to prove to the world that we have arrived big time. When I saw on the news that the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium is almost ready, it was the confirmation that everything is on track.

You deserve a one year paid holiday after the world cup. I will have to speak to the next president of the country, Reverend Kenneth Meshoe, to see to it.

Bafana Bafana, now it is your time to shine. You showed us in 1996 that you are a force to recon with. Okay, there was a long and very worrying slump but you have restored our hope. Just play it game by game and put South Africa first. Well Rev Meshoe can’t give you a years holiday when you win because the Premier Soccer League and FIFA will fight him tooth and nail, but I know that you will receive very big bonuses.

No pressure?  Yes no pressure, can’t help to dream. Just go out there and make us proud.

With the Confederations Cup coming up in a few months, you have the chance to play against the big guns of soccer. Use your opportunity well.

The only problem that I have with the 2010 soccer world cup is the fact that we as a nation asked God, on a big stadium,  to give us favour with the bidding but never thanked Him in the same way when we were announced the winners. I hope we can correct that soon. South Africa will be blessed even more when we bless God.

Thank you Father.

Nations of the world, we are waiting on your arrival. Are you ready for an African experience like you’ve never dreamt of? Book your plane, accommodation and seats now.

Migraines

This morning as I watched Morning Live, a two hour news and actuality show, I just new that we are a nation to be reckoned with. When I switched on the TV, Leanne was talking to a professor about migraines and the breakthrough surgical procedure that is performed in South Africa. Apparently people are flying in from different continents to have this procedure done.

Let me do two possible ads.

1.”South Africa, we take away your headaches. Book your flight now, you’ll never take another headache tablet again.” 

2.”Is your husband giving you a splitting headache, fly to the land of sea, sunshine, wildlife, luxury accommodation, friendly people and Evita’s Party. We will take away your headache and give you a new husband. Men, you can have the same experience.”

Hearts

Years back, when I was still a little boy we gave the world Doctor Chris Barnard, the heart surgeon. He performed the very first heart transplant in the Grootte Schuur Hospital in Cape Town.

What a breakthrough. It is still a mystery and a miracle to me. We thank God for giving us the wisdom and knowledge to be able to performs such wonders.

Need a new life? South Africa will not just give you a new life but also a new heart.

 Having joked about it, I can also see the spiritual significance of a new heart. So many times people would say you need a change of heart that it somehow lost its power. Forgive me, when I think about something I’ve got to say it. I’m no writer with a flow of ideas. I’m just Steven D, who sees and says.

People of the world, don’t we all need a new heart? Are we not tired of wars, hatred and tyranny?  Our hearts need to return to its Maker.

Rugby

Twice the world cup champions. The Springboks is our proud export. England, Australia, New Zeeland, France and others, do you envy us? Please don’t answer me, I might regret asking that question.

Under the spell of the Madiba magic we won the world cup in 1995 and twelve years later we did it again. I know America and some other countries are not known for their rugby, but they’ve got other sporting codes that excel in.

So, if you are in one of those countries and you want to experience the rugby “gees” (spirit) than Newlands in Cape Town or Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria is the place to be.

Peter De Villiers, coach those boys, the next world cup is round the corner. You’ve got two years.

Cricket

Proteas (South African National Cricket Team) you made us proud. Why are the Aussies so quiet. We want you to come and visit our country and experience our hospitality but we’re not sure how to offer that without a smirk. Please, we’ve got nothing against the Aussies, it is just on the cricket field that we know that we’re encountering our biggest enemy.

When you visit South Africa for the second leg of the cricket tour, we will be on our best behaviour except when Ponting hits a six. Don’t expect to hear any cheers when that happens. Off the sports field we will give you all our love.

Having said all of that, remember, we are gunning for the number 1 spot in the test arena as well. Bring your flags and kangaroos but don’t ask for mercy, your not going to get that.

This week the SA open tennis tournament returned with a bang. We’ve got some of the world’s best golf courses. Surfing is big in South Africa. We had our share of world champions in the boxing world. Do you have all of that in your country?

Well, you don’t have a Desmond Tutu!

Mandela (Madiba)

A day of history. A day that will never be forgotten. The day that Nelson Mandela was released from prison. That day South Africa was on everybody’s tongues. History was rewritten on that specific day (not good with dates so sue me for not remembering the exact date but the images are still fresh).

Nelson Mandela walked unto the world scene in a big way. A man of honour and dignity, a man with a heart for the people. This man had all the reasons to hate and to blame, but instead, he came along and started to built a beautiful future for South Africa.

No Bush or Clinton, no Queen or Prince on this earth did more to try and unify, not only South Africa but the world.

Some South Africans, for political reasons, tried to “hate” (more dislike) him but he made it so difficult. Even at the ripe age of 90, closer to 91 (18 July 2009), he is still the statesman of the world and father to South Africans. The man who made long sleeve shirts fashionable in South Africa and brought us a distinctive dance; the Madiba jive.

Madiba, united us wherever he went. In 1995 the country watched the rugby world cup as a unit and rejoiced together in the streets when the Springboks (South Africa) won. He brought us the Madiba magic on the sports fields of the world. I was never big on soccer but that feeling of unity made me watch that historical game in 1996 when South Africa (Bafana Bafana) won the African Cup of Nations.

One day he will be gone (that day South Africa and the world will come to a stand still) but he will never be GONE. Obama, you’ve got some ruling to do.

Want to experience the Madiba magic and learn the Madiba jive, then Sout Africa is your destination.

Long live MADIBA!

Soccer World Cup 2010

Danny Jordaan, you made us very proud. I wish I could describe the feeling of warmth, joy and pride that I had and still have in Afrikaans, my language, when they announced South Africa as the successful bidder of the 2010 Soccer World Cup. I believe that God is on our side as South Africans. You did a great job and I know that you still have sleepless nights but see every difficulty as a challenge to prove to the world that we have arrived big time. When I saw on the news that the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium is almost ready, it was the confirmation that everything is on track.

You deserve a one year paid holiday after the world cup. I will have to speak to the next president of the country, Reverend Kenneth Meshoe, to see to it.

Bafana Bafana, now it is your time to shine. You showed us in 1996 that you are a force to recon with. Okay, there was a long and very worrying slump but you have restored our hope. Just play it game by game and put South Africa first. Well Rev Meshoe can’t give you a years holiday when you win because the Premier Soccer League and FIFA will fight him tooth and nail, but I know that you will receive very big bonuses.

No pressure?  Yes no pressure, can’t help to dream. Just go out there and make us proud.

With the Confederations Cup coming up in a few months, you have the chance to play against the big guns of soccer. Use your opportunity well.

The only problem that I have with the 2010 soccer world cup is the fact that we as a nation asked God, on a big stadium,  to give us favour with the bidding but never thanked Him in the same way when we were announced the winners. I hope we can correct that soon. South Africa will be blessed even more when we bless God.

Thank you Father.

Nations of the world, we are waiting on your arrival. Are you ready for an African experience like you’ve never dreamt of? Book your plane, accommodation and seats now.

Migraines

This morning as I watched Morning Live, a two hour news and actuality show, I just new that we are a nation to be reckoned with. When I switched on the TV, Leanne was talking to a professor about migraines and the breakthrough surgical procedure that is performed in South Africa. Apparently people are flying in from different continents to have this procedure done.

Let me do two possible ads.

1.”South Africa, we take away your headaches. Book your flight now, you’ll never take another headache tablet again.” 

2.”Is your husband giving you a splitting headache, fly to the land of sea, sunshine, wildlife, luxury accommodation, friendly people and Evita’s Party. We will take away your headache and give you a new husband. Men, you can have the same experience.”

Hearts

Years back, when I was still a little boy we gave the world Doctor Chris Barnard, the heart surgeon. He performed the very first heart transplant in the Grootte Schuur Hospital in Cape Town.

What a breakthrough. It is still a mystery and a miracle to me. We thank God for giving us the wisdom and knowledge to be able to performs such wonders.

Need a new life? South Africa will not just give you a new life but also a new heart.

 Having joked about it, I can also see the spiritual significance of a new heart. So many times people would say you need a change of heart that it somehow lost its power. Forgive me, when I think about something I’ve got to say it. I’m no writer with a flow of ideas. I’m just Steven D, who sees and says.

People of the world, don’t we all need a new heart? Are we not tired of wars, hatred and tyranny?  Our hearts need to return to its Maker.

Rugby

Twice the world cup champions. The Springboks is our proud export. England, Australia, New Zeeland, France and others, do you envy us? Please don’t answer me, I might regret asking that question.

Under the spell of the Madiba magic we won the world cup in 1995 and twelve years later we did it again. I know America and some other countries are not known for their rugby, but they’ve got other sporting codes that excel in.

So, if you are in one of those countries and you want to experience the rugby “gees” (spirit) than Newlands in Cape Town or Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria is the place to be.

Peter De Villiers, coach those boys, the next world cup is round the corner. You’ve got two years.

Cricket

Proteas (South African National Cricket Team) you made us proud. Why are the Aussies so quiet. We want you to come and visit our country and experience our hospitality but we’re not sure how to offer that without a smirk. Please, we’ve got nothing against the Aussies, it is just on the cricket field that we know that we’re encountering our biggest enemy.

When you visit South Africa for the second leg of the cricket tour, we will be on our best behaviour except when Ponting hits a six. Don’t expect to hear any cheers when that happens. Off the sports field we will give you all our love.

Having said all of that, remember, we are gunning for the number 1 spot in the test arena as well. Bring your flags and kangaroos but don’t ask for mercy, your not going to get that.

This week the SA open tennis tournament returned with a bang. We’ve got some of the world’s best golf courses. Surfing is big in South Africa. We had our share of world champions in the boxing world. Do you have all of that in your country?

Well, you don’t have a Desmond Tutu!