Cigars In Brazil: An Uncertain Future?
Those who know their cigars well also, by that same token, know Brazil - albeit as a source of great tobacco rather than as a top cigar-producing nation. Brazilian tobacco, mainly produced in the country 's temperate northeastern and southern regions, turns up in such world-class cigars as Carlos Torano 's Toro, but the country 's cigar producers themselves haven't always gotten the same respect. But that may be about to change. After all, Brazilian cigars - including the Angelina, Dannemann and Dannemann, Le Cigar, Don Pepe, Dom Porfirio, and Dona Flor (named for Jorge Amado 's classic novel Dona Flor and Her Two Husbands) - have already convinced many US cigar aficionados that this country 's cigars are as good as its tobacco.
But Brazil 's own rich history - and its sure-to-be-turbulent future - make it an important place for cigar smokers to understand. How has one of the world 's important tobacco-producing nations come to be the home of one of the strongest anti-smoking movements in the Western Hemisphere? And will these two opposing tendencies continue, uneasily, to coexist? Only a prophet could say - but perhaps a brief backgrounder on this Latin American nation can provide some helpful context.
The first thing to know about Brazil is that it 's big - in resources, landmass, and people. It 's the fifth-largest country in the world, and the fifth most populous. Among the world 's pro forma democracies, it ranks fourth in population size, and it controls a powerful economy, ranking ninth in the world in purchasing power. It 's a diverse country, too, with one hundred-eighty-eight living languages, and, interestingly enough, the world 's largest confirmed reserve of uncontacted peoples' small pre-industrial tribes that, for all practical purposes, have stayed sealed off from the rest of the world. In this single nation, then, an ultramodern economy exists side-by-side with some of the world 's last refuges of pre-industrial life, and gleaming cities (Sao Paulo and Brasilia) share the same boundary with huge swaths of rainforest.
What kind of culture does such a diverse country produce? Well - a similar situation produced artistic riches for the United States, and things are hardly any different for Brazil. Consider tropicalismo, one of the country 's major artistic exports. This musical movement, spearheaded by the legendary band Os Mutantes and the singer-songwriters Caetano Veloso, Gilberto Gil, Gal Costa, and manic genius Tom Ze among others, fuses all the diverse musics of this country (along with a hefty dose of Bob Dylan, Velvet Underground and jazz) to create some of the best-regarded music of the 1970s. Whatever political and logistical headaches it may pose, such bursting-at-the-seams diversity is good fortune for any artist lucky enough to benefit from it.
Like many Latin American countries (and like the US), Brazil was originally the colony of an ambitious European nation - in this case, Portugal. Led by its Portuguese-born regent, Pedro I, the country won its independence in 1822. What followed was a long power struggle between Pedro (eventually replaced by his son Pedro II), various rebelling factions of the population, and the country 's economically dominant classes, who found Pedro variously useful and irksome, depending on the situation. Following the deposition of Pedro II in 1889, the country became a republic; during the twentieth century, though, Brazil fell frequently to military coups, some of them (most infamously in 1964) made possible by covert US assistance. Its current relative freedom has lasted only since 1985.
Made up of twenty-six states and a federal district (think Washington, D.C.), the country 's exports include (among others) coffee, iron ore, ethanol, textiles, shoes, and cars. With a major modernizing initiative underway - in 2007, the country 's government, under President Luis Ignacio DaSilva, dedicated three hundred billion dollars to renovating power plants, roads and ports - Brazil clearly intends to keep those exports booming. Including tobacco? Well - that 's dicier. Brazil is incredibly rich in natural resources, but that rainforest shrinks every day. The resulting controversy raises issues for tobacco farmers: only a sustainable ecology will ensure that Brazil continues to yield those fine tobacco crops, and yet some sustainability measures may threaten farmers' short-term profits (small farmers, many of them, and small profits). It 's a difficult balance.
More threatening, perhaps, for those of us who value Brazil 's contribution to cigar culture, is the strength of its anti-smoking movement. The country has some of the toughest anti-smoking laws in the world, funnels large amounts of money into anti-tobacco campaigns, and forbids tobacco-products advertising in any form. Still, the total number of smokers grew slightly during the past decade. Some business experts forecast that the country 's tobacco industry will have to get used to a shrinking overall population of smokers, and concentrate instead on increasing brand value, making better and safer products. Cigars, designed to be used in moderation and savored, may well flourish in this environment. At any rate, the reported use of genetically-modified tobacco crops in the country 's southern region suggests that tobacco-related controversies will continue in Brazil.
Friday, November 7, 2008
The Enjoyment of Collecting Antiques
The Enjoyment of Collecting Antiques
The range of antique collectibles is very wide indeed: right from old baseball cards to 1940 's magazines, old matchboxes with pictures of vintage cars on them to old china and silverware, sepia pictures or even soda bottles from the time of the first fuzzy drinks, anything and everything can be considered an antique worthy to be collected with the passage of time. And it is not even necessary to have the mentality of a collector from the very beginning. It is simply enough to collect, and suddenly you realize that you have started loving something which you are collecting.
Collecting antiques is an intoxicating pastime which not only allows you to explore and quest after an object that you avowedly love, it thereby allows you to cultivate a worldview in which any old object can suddenly assume the gleam and dignity of being the object of your love. It is a very sobering experience. On the other hand the activity of collecting also makes for a great pretext for bonding with family and friends, the occasion for many gifts and surprises, as also for many pranks and jokes.
When it comes to deciding exactly what you want to make a collection of, just close your eyes and let your wish decide. No matter how obscure the item 18th century 1st edition quarto editions of anthropological monographs! - or how supposedly pedestrian - Macdonald freebies - each is just as valid and significant as the other as long as you can find satisfaction and engagement with it.
Once you have made your decision is perhaps when the real excitement begins. In all that you do and everywhere that you go, your moments will be held together by an overarching search for the object of your choice. It is not for nothing that love plays such a big part in this hobby. It is love, on this side of obsession.
But apart from the aspect of personal fulfillment through the investment of time and love, collecting antiques is also an investment of money. And many collectors chose their specific kind of collectible on the basis of the projected market value of the items they collect. Take for example the field of numismatics: the hobby of collecting coins. One can collect all kinds of coins, but the older and rarer these coins are, the more valuable they become.
Some of the most convenient places to find such antique coins are auction houses, antique shops, coin shows, etc. But for the more serious numismatist, the trail of the antique coins often leads to old city bazaars and sites of archaeological excavations. Since the value of the coin is directly proportional to its historical age and the rarity of its origins, trying to source coins from places of antiquarian interest is an advantage.
When buying an antique coin, there are a few additional indicators you would do well to keep in mind:
First and foremost, try to ensure that the coin you seek to buy is genuine. This may appear to be an obvious and self-evident point, but you should be vigilant at the time of inspecting the coin to verify its authenticity and guard against being sold a replica or a counterfeit coin.
It is usually advisable to begin your coin collection slowly and cautiously, especially if you have a restricted budget. As your collection grows you might reach apposition where you could resell some of them at a profit and invest in more valuable coins. It is always a good idea to have a professional appraiser certify any coin that you think to be an important investment as a genuine original before you finalize the purchase to prevent any rude shocks later on.
Collecting antiques is an all round exercise that allows you to grow and mature not only as a human being but also constitutes a reliable potential investment from which you can expect suitable returns if and when the occasion arises. Imagine: if you had preserved the wrappers of all the chocolates you had consumed as a child, or had cared to keep all the small Dinky toys and their boxes that you received as presents, today you could make thousands at an auction sale.
The range of antique collectibles is very wide indeed: right from old baseball cards to 1940 's magazines, old matchboxes with pictures of vintage cars on them to old china and silverware, sepia pictures or even soda bottles from the time of the first fuzzy drinks, anything and everything can be considered an antique worthy to be collected with the passage of time. And it is not even necessary to have the mentality of a collector from the very beginning. It is simply enough to collect, and suddenly you realize that you have started loving something which you are collecting.
Collecting antiques is an intoxicating pastime which not only allows you to explore and quest after an object that you avowedly love, it thereby allows you to cultivate a worldview in which any old object can suddenly assume the gleam and dignity of being the object of your love. It is a very sobering experience. On the other hand the activity of collecting also makes for a great pretext for bonding with family and friends, the occasion for many gifts and surprises, as also for many pranks and jokes.
When it comes to deciding exactly what you want to make a collection of, just close your eyes and let your wish decide. No matter how obscure the item 18th century 1st edition quarto editions of anthropological monographs! - or how supposedly pedestrian - Macdonald freebies - each is just as valid and significant as the other as long as you can find satisfaction and engagement with it.
Once you have made your decision is perhaps when the real excitement begins. In all that you do and everywhere that you go, your moments will be held together by an overarching search for the object of your choice. It is not for nothing that love plays such a big part in this hobby. It is love, on this side of obsession.
But apart from the aspect of personal fulfillment through the investment of time and love, collecting antiques is also an investment of money. And many collectors chose their specific kind of collectible on the basis of the projected market value of the items they collect. Take for example the field of numismatics: the hobby of collecting coins. One can collect all kinds of coins, but the older and rarer these coins are, the more valuable they become.
Some of the most convenient places to find such antique coins are auction houses, antique shops, coin shows, etc. But for the more serious numismatist, the trail of the antique coins often leads to old city bazaars and sites of archaeological excavations. Since the value of the coin is directly proportional to its historical age and the rarity of its origins, trying to source coins from places of antiquarian interest is an advantage.
When buying an antique coin, there are a few additional indicators you would do well to keep in mind:
First and foremost, try to ensure that the coin you seek to buy is genuine. This may appear to be an obvious and self-evident point, but you should be vigilant at the time of inspecting the coin to verify its authenticity and guard against being sold a replica or a counterfeit coin.
It is usually advisable to begin your coin collection slowly and cautiously, especially if you have a restricted budget. As your collection grows you might reach apposition where you could resell some of them at a profit and invest in more valuable coins. It is always a good idea to have a professional appraiser certify any coin that you think to be an important investment as a genuine original before you finalize the purchase to prevent any rude shocks later on.
Collecting antiques is an all round exercise that allows you to grow and mature not only as a human being but also constitutes a reliable potential investment from which you can expect suitable returns if and when the occasion arises. Imagine: if you had preserved the wrappers of all the chocolates you had consumed as a child, or had cared to keep all the small Dinky toys and their boxes that you received as presents, today you could make thousands at an auction sale.
Clay Pot Crafts: Make a Bell for the Porch
Clay Pot Crafts: Make a Bell for the Porch
Clay pot crafts are a cute way to make home decorations. In clay pot crafts, clay flower pots can be crafted into a variety of decorative things that appeal to gardeners. Usually, the crafter begins with new pots. The pots are often decorated with paint as well as being tied together with rope or cord to create things.
Pots for clay pot crafts can be purchased in many different sizes, from tiny ones not more than 2 inches in diameter, to huge ones over a foot across. For a beginning project, start with smaller pots. The beginner should also choose clay pot crafts that don't use too many pots in too elaborate a design.
An example of a good craft for someone new at clay pot crafts is to make a bell from two clay pots. Buy one pot that is about five or six inches in diameter, and another that is very small. You will use the small one as the clapper for the bell. You will also need some decorative cord, two large wooden beads, and paint in desired colors. You may also wish to purchase some glue-on jewels to decorate the bell. The bell makes a nice decoration for a front porch.
Cut the cord two feet (60 cm.) long. Fold the end over 3 inches (8 cm.) and tie in an overhand knot, making a loop. This loop is for hanging the bell from a hook or a nail. Now turn the larger clay pot upside-down. Pass the loose end of the cord down through the hole in the pot. Lay the pot on its side and slide one of the large wooden beads up the cord until it is about 10 inches (25 cm.) from the loose end. Now tie the cord around the bead so that the bead cannot slip from its position on the cord. If you have done this correctly, you can lift the pot by the loop. In clay pot crafts, the beads must be large enough to stop the cord from going through the hole in the bottom of the pot.
On the loose end of the cord, you are going to attach the small pot in the same way. Slide the small pot up the cord to make it easier to tie the other large wooden bead on the end of the cord. Now when you lift the entire arrangement by the loop, the smaller pot should hang freely inside the larger pot, making a pleasant sound when it claps against the larger pot.
Decorate the outside of the larger pot with paint as desired. You may like to paint it in black and white patches for a Holstein cow theme. You may also like to decorate the top of the bell with silk or dried flowers and greenery and a ribbon bow.
For a variation on this craft, make three of the bells and hang them from a horizontal piece of driftwood or other interesting piece of natural wood. When making hanging clay pot crafts, always make sure the beads are large enough and are tied tightly in place, because the clay pots will break if they fall to the ground.
Other clay pot crafts include making a large doll or scarecrow of nested pots strung together and painted. The doll can sit on a chair or a step of the front porch. Paint his face to look like a scarecrow, a jack-o-lantern, a gnome, or a child. Clay pot crafts are especially suited to being displayed outside.
Clay pot crafts are a cute way to make home decorations. In clay pot crafts, clay flower pots can be crafted into a variety of decorative things that appeal to gardeners. Usually, the crafter begins with new pots. The pots are often decorated with paint as well as being tied together with rope or cord to create things.
Pots for clay pot crafts can be purchased in many different sizes, from tiny ones not more than 2 inches in diameter, to huge ones over a foot across. For a beginning project, start with smaller pots. The beginner should also choose clay pot crafts that don't use too many pots in too elaborate a design.
An example of a good craft for someone new at clay pot crafts is to make a bell from two clay pots. Buy one pot that is about five or six inches in diameter, and another that is very small. You will use the small one as the clapper for the bell. You will also need some decorative cord, two large wooden beads, and paint in desired colors. You may also wish to purchase some glue-on jewels to decorate the bell. The bell makes a nice decoration for a front porch.
Cut the cord two feet (60 cm.) long. Fold the end over 3 inches (8 cm.) and tie in an overhand knot, making a loop. This loop is for hanging the bell from a hook or a nail. Now turn the larger clay pot upside-down. Pass the loose end of the cord down through the hole in the pot. Lay the pot on its side and slide one of the large wooden beads up the cord until it is about 10 inches (25 cm.) from the loose end. Now tie the cord around the bead so that the bead cannot slip from its position on the cord. If you have done this correctly, you can lift the pot by the loop. In clay pot crafts, the beads must be large enough to stop the cord from going through the hole in the bottom of the pot.
On the loose end of the cord, you are going to attach the small pot in the same way. Slide the small pot up the cord to make it easier to tie the other large wooden bead on the end of the cord. Now when you lift the entire arrangement by the loop, the smaller pot should hang freely inside the larger pot, making a pleasant sound when it claps against the larger pot.
Decorate the outside of the larger pot with paint as desired. You may like to paint it in black and white patches for a Holstein cow theme. You may also like to decorate the top of the bell with silk or dried flowers and greenery and a ribbon bow.
For a variation on this craft, make three of the bells and hang them from a horizontal piece of driftwood or other interesting piece of natural wood. When making hanging clay pot crafts, always make sure the beads are large enough and are tied tightly in place, because the clay pots will break if they fall to the ground.
Other clay pot crafts include making a large doll or scarecrow of nested pots strung together and painted. The doll can sit on a chair or a step of the front porch. Paint his face to look like a scarecrow, a jack-o-lantern, a gnome, or a child. Clay pot crafts are especially suited to being displayed outside.
An Invigorating Family Past Time: Sports Activities
An Invigorating Family Past Time: Sports Activities
If you are feeling bored, listless, and out of shape, you need a new past time. Sports activities will get your blood pumping and help you get back into shape. Not only will you be getting good exercise but you will be starting a valuable family past time. Sports activities are a great way to spend time with your kids. So get up off the couch, put down that soda, and get out in the yard for a little touch football.
If touch football is not for you, why not play a little kickball with your kids. Set up a diamond similar to a baseball diamond. Now the pitcher rolls a large soft ball, like a playground ball, on the ground to the "batter." Only in kickball, the batter kicks the ball and runs to first base. Since the ball is soft, the fielding team can throw the ball at the runner to get him out. Since the kicker will almost always manage to kick the ball and foul balls are rare, this is a classic game to play with young kids and others who are not very athletic.
A fun family game that makes a good past time sports activity is tetherball. This rousing game can be played with one or two people. Tetherball is called that because the ball is on a tether - it is on a rope tied at the top of a pole. The ball hangs about hand level. The object is to hit the ball and make the rope wrap around the pole. The two players attempt to make the ball go different directions. If you have never played tetherball, you should give it a try. It is really fun! And it really gets you moving (and laughing!)
Sand volleyball may have started on the beaches, but many towns are now installing sand volleyball courts in their public parks. The littler kids can sit in a safe place and play with their sand toys while Mom, Dad, and the older kids hit a beach ball or volleyball back and forth over a net. The sand feels good on bare feet (but not so good inside your shoes!) The kids will enjoy this past time sports.
A cross between volleyball and tennis that many families enjoy is badminton. In this game, the object is to use lightweight rackets to volley a "birdie" back and forth over a net. The birdie looks like a little plastic funnel attached to a firm rubber ball. You hold the birdie by the plastic and drop it onto your racket to serve to the other team. Badminton moves more slowly than tennis and is a leisurely way to get moving with the kids. You'll get some exercise, though!
Kids are naturally energetic and active, making past time sports activities extremely attractive to them. Since parents need to be spending more quality time with their kids as well as needing to get more exercise, too, these vigorous games are a good idea for everyone. Some say that the family that plays together stays together. This could be so, since exercise gets positive hormones flowing in your mind, putting you and everyone else in a better mood. Don't get so competitive that your family past time sports cease to be fun. Just volley that ball or birdie for fun and exercise.
If you are feeling bored, listless, and out of shape, you need a new past time. Sports activities will get your blood pumping and help you get back into shape. Not only will you be getting good exercise but you will be starting a valuable family past time. Sports activities are a great way to spend time with your kids. So get up off the couch, put down that soda, and get out in the yard for a little touch football.
If touch football is not for you, why not play a little kickball with your kids. Set up a diamond similar to a baseball diamond. Now the pitcher rolls a large soft ball, like a playground ball, on the ground to the "batter." Only in kickball, the batter kicks the ball and runs to first base. Since the ball is soft, the fielding team can throw the ball at the runner to get him out. Since the kicker will almost always manage to kick the ball and foul balls are rare, this is a classic game to play with young kids and others who are not very athletic.
A fun family game that makes a good past time sports activity is tetherball. This rousing game can be played with one or two people. Tetherball is called that because the ball is on a tether - it is on a rope tied at the top of a pole. The ball hangs about hand level. The object is to hit the ball and make the rope wrap around the pole. The two players attempt to make the ball go different directions. If you have never played tetherball, you should give it a try. It is really fun! And it really gets you moving (and laughing!)
Sand volleyball may have started on the beaches, but many towns are now installing sand volleyball courts in their public parks. The littler kids can sit in a safe place and play with their sand toys while Mom, Dad, and the older kids hit a beach ball or volleyball back and forth over a net. The sand feels good on bare feet (but not so good inside your shoes!) The kids will enjoy this past time sports.
A cross between volleyball and tennis that many families enjoy is badminton. In this game, the object is to use lightweight rackets to volley a "birdie" back and forth over a net. The birdie looks like a little plastic funnel attached to a firm rubber ball. You hold the birdie by the plastic and drop it onto your racket to serve to the other team. Badminton moves more slowly than tennis and is a leisurely way to get moving with the kids. You'll get some exercise, though!
Kids are naturally energetic and active, making past time sports activities extremely attractive to them. Since parents need to be spending more quality time with their kids as well as needing to get more exercise, too, these vigorous games are a good idea for everyone. Some say that the family that plays together stays together. This could be so, since exercise gets positive hormones flowing in your mind, putting you and everyone else in a better mood. Don't get so competitive that your family past time sports cease to be fun. Just volley that ball or birdie for fun and exercise.
10 Useful Tips for Beginners to Birdwatching
10 Useful Tips for Beginners to Birdwatching
Birdwatching is a wonderful pastime that can be enjoyed by all the family. It is low cost and gives you the opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors. If you enjoy watching wildlife programs on television, then why not go out into the countryside and experiencing the fascinating world of birds for yourself.
Here are ten tips to help you get started with birdwatching:
1. Purchase a good field guide.
Don not buy the encyclopedia of birds in hardback as you will need to carry the field guide with you. A pocket sized book that identifies all the main species and has good illustrations is ideal. When joining the RSPB (Royal Society for the Protection of Birds) you can receive an excellent field guide as a free gift.
2. Wear camouflage clothing.
Wear clothing that match your environment. An orange jacket in a green field is not a good idea. Try to avoid materials that make a load rustling noise. When approaching your target make use of natural features such as trees and keep low.
3. Get a good pair of binoculars.
Keep your binoculars around your neck as it is difficult to remove binoculars quickly from a case without disturbing a bird. Don not allow them to swing from your hand as they can soon get damaged.
4. Keep your eyes on the bird.
Do not look down when you have spotted a bird. Keep looking at it and raise the binoculars to your eyes. It is easy to loose sight of your target if you look away, especially if the bird is in flight.
5. Take a notebook with you.
Use the notebook to record the bird 's size, shape, colour and markings. Focus on the beak and tail shape. These notes can then be used to identify the bird in your field guide, after it has flown away.
6. Learn to recognise bird calls and the tracks they leave in sand or mud.
You will probably hear the bird before seeing it so being able to recognise its call is a great help. Also the tracks the bird leaves in wet sand or mud will give you a good clue to its identity.
7. Put a bird feeder up in your garden.
It will attract a wide variety of birds to your garden and is good for identification practice from the comfort of your armchair.
8. Birdwatch early in the morning or at dusk.
These are the best times to watch birds. Some birds, such as starlings, gather in large numbers when returning home to roost. It is a spectacular display.
9. Use a telescope for long range viewing
The enhanced magnification of a telescope is a great help if viewing birds at a long distance. You will need a tripod to keep the telescope steady. Again think lightweight when choosing your equipment. It may need to be carried a long way to your birdwatching location.
10. Join the RSPB.
Members have access to over 100 nature reserves maintained by the RSPB. You will also receive a quarterly magazine packed full of advice and interesting features. Most importantly you will be helping the RSPB protect endangered birds and habitats for future generations to enjoy.
Whether searching for the rare Golden Eagle, watching Red Kite in Wales or enjoying the company of a Red Robin while doing the gardening, birdwatching is a very rewarding activity. So pick up your binoculars, grab a notebook and head out into the countryside. It 's a great day out and you never know what you might find.
Birdwatching is a wonderful pastime that can be enjoyed by all the family. It is low cost and gives you the opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors. If you enjoy watching wildlife programs on television, then why not go out into the countryside and experiencing the fascinating world of birds for yourself.
Here are ten tips to help you get started with birdwatching:
1. Purchase a good field guide.
Don not buy the encyclopedia of birds in hardback as you will need to carry the field guide with you. A pocket sized book that identifies all the main species and has good illustrations is ideal. When joining the RSPB (Royal Society for the Protection of Birds) you can receive an excellent field guide as a free gift.
2. Wear camouflage clothing.
Wear clothing that match your environment. An orange jacket in a green field is not a good idea. Try to avoid materials that make a load rustling noise. When approaching your target make use of natural features such as trees and keep low.
3. Get a good pair of binoculars.
Keep your binoculars around your neck as it is difficult to remove binoculars quickly from a case without disturbing a bird. Don not allow them to swing from your hand as they can soon get damaged.
4. Keep your eyes on the bird.
Do not look down when you have spotted a bird. Keep looking at it and raise the binoculars to your eyes. It is easy to loose sight of your target if you look away, especially if the bird is in flight.
5. Take a notebook with you.
Use the notebook to record the bird 's size, shape, colour and markings. Focus on the beak and tail shape. These notes can then be used to identify the bird in your field guide, after it has flown away.
6. Learn to recognise bird calls and the tracks they leave in sand or mud.
You will probably hear the bird before seeing it so being able to recognise its call is a great help. Also the tracks the bird leaves in wet sand or mud will give you a good clue to its identity.
7. Put a bird feeder up in your garden.
It will attract a wide variety of birds to your garden and is good for identification practice from the comfort of your armchair.
8. Birdwatch early in the morning or at dusk.
These are the best times to watch birds. Some birds, such as starlings, gather in large numbers when returning home to roost. It is a spectacular display.
9. Use a telescope for long range viewing
The enhanced magnification of a telescope is a great help if viewing birds at a long distance. You will need a tripod to keep the telescope steady. Again think lightweight when choosing your equipment. It may need to be carried a long way to your birdwatching location.
10. Join the RSPB.
Members have access to over 100 nature reserves maintained by the RSPB. You will also receive a quarterly magazine packed full of advice and interesting features. Most importantly you will be helping the RSPB protect endangered birds and habitats for future generations to enjoy.
Whether searching for the rare Golden Eagle, watching Red Kite in Wales or enjoying the company of a Red Robin while doing the gardening, birdwatching is a very rewarding activity. So pick up your binoculars, grab a notebook and head out into the countryside. It 's a great day out and you never know what you might find.
Digital Camera Definitions that You Need to Know
Digital Camera Definitions that You Need to Know
So you are considering purchasing your first digital camera, or perhaps you are now looking to upgrade your digital camera. No doubt you are feeling quite happy knowing that you are soon going to have your new gadget in your hand which you can not wait to play with, and taking advantage of the cameras full ability and technical ability. However do you really understand the mechanics of a digital camera and the common terms associated with this item? If not, then read on, because this article will help boost your knowledge and we all know that knowledge is power, and with power you will be better positioned to get yourself the best deal available on the camera perfect for you.
Common camera definitions include:-
Aperture:
The aperture is a tiny opening that allows light to travel inside the digital camera to where exactly the sensor is situated.
Digital Zoom:
Digital zoom is the enlarging of one aspect of the picture but without quality enhancement, therefore using digital zoom will reduce picture quality.
JPEG:
JPEG is the actual description of the compression of a digital photo. The Joint Photo Experts Group composed a compression ratio that reduces the picture size. This reduction will result in a loss of picture quality. If you go into Google images and search for various subjects, a lot of the pictures displayed will be in JPEG format.
Megapixels:
One megapixel equals one million pixels which is of course the quality the picture is measure in.
Memory:
This is an obvious one, however just in case you are not aware, memory is the storage space that the digital camera holds to store pictures. A higher memory will result in higher convenience. Also make sure you consider cameras with internal memory and cameras which use memory cards.
1 MP Camera:
A 1 MP Camera simply shoots a picture that consists of one million pixels.
Optical Zoom:
The optical zoom alters a lens' focal length and magnification, therefore a camera with a large optical zoom will result in great pictures being able to be taken far away
Pixels:
Pixels is actually an abbreviated term (Picture Element) that has a numerical value between 0-255. There are three color channels in each pixel (red, green and blue).
Pixel Count:
A pixel count is the number of pixels in each image.
PPI:
PPI (pixels per inch) describes how quality a picture is. The higher the PPI, the clearer and more resolved the photo, the lower the count, the lower the quality.
RAW/NEF:
These are two terms that refer to the uncompressed picture shot by the camera. The RAW format is used by Canon digital cameras and the NEF format is used by Nikon digital cameras.
Sensor:
The sensor is indeed very important and is the digital strip within the digital camera that receives the light. The job of the sensor is comparable to the negative in a non-digital camera.
Shutter Speed:
Shutter Speed refers to the length of time the aperture of the digital camera is open and allowing light inside the camera.
TIFF:
TIFF stands for Tagged Image File Format, a format that uses a large file size, but has the benefit of no loss of information.
White Balance:
White balance alters the white color quality of your image. Digital cameras usually have adjustable settings for electronic flash, shade, sunlight, fluorescent lighting and tungsten lighting.
Now you are fresh with this knowledge, you can be more confident going out and buying that digital camera. Remember do your research and always find the best camera for you.
So you are considering purchasing your first digital camera, or perhaps you are now looking to upgrade your digital camera. No doubt you are feeling quite happy knowing that you are soon going to have your new gadget in your hand which you can not wait to play with, and taking advantage of the cameras full ability and technical ability. However do you really understand the mechanics of a digital camera and the common terms associated with this item? If not, then read on, because this article will help boost your knowledge and we all know that knowledge is power, and with power you will be better positioned to get yourself the best deal available on the camera perfect for you.
Common camera definitions include:-
Aperture:
The aperture is a tiny opening that allows light to travel inside the digital camera to where exactly the sensor is situated.
Digital Zoom:
Digital zoom is the enlarging of one aspect of the picture but without quality enhancement, therefore using digital zoom will reduce picture quality.
JPEG:
JPEG is the actual description of the compression of a digital photo. The Joint Photo Experts Group composed a compression ratio that reduces the picture size. This reduction will result in a loss of picture quality. If you go into Google images and search for various subjects, a lot of the pictures displayed will be in JPEG format.
Megapixels:
One megapixel equals one million pixels which is of course the quality the picture is measure in.
Memory:
This is an obvious one, however just in case you are not aware, memory is the storage space that the digital camera holds to store pictures. A higher memory will result in higher convenience. Also make sure you consider cameras with internal memory and cameras which use memory cards.
1 MP Camera:
A 1 MP Camera simply shoots a picture that consists of one million pixels.
Optical Zoom:
The optical zoom alters a lens' focal length and magnification, therefore a camera with a large optical zoom will result in great pictures being able to be taken far away
Pixels:
Pixels is actually an abbreviated term (Picture Element) that has a numerical value between 0-255. There are three color channels in each pixel (red, green and blue).
Pixel Count:
A pixel count is the number of pixels in each image.
PPI:
PPI (pixels per inch) describes how quality a picture is. The higher the PPI, the clearer and more resolved the photo, the lower the count, the lower the quality.
RAW/NEF:
These are two terms that refer to the uncompressed picture shot by the camera. The RAW format is used by Canon digital cameras and the NEF format is used by Nikon digital cameras.
Sensor:
The sensor is indeed very important and is the digital strip within the digital camera that receives the light. The job of the sensor is comparable to the negative in a non-digital camera.
Shutter Speed:
Shutter Speed refers to the length of time the aperture of the digital camera is open and allowing light inside the camera.
TIFF:
TIFF stands for Tagged Image File Format, a format that uses a large file size, but has the benefit of no loss of information.
White Balance:
White balance alters the white color quality of your image. Digital cameras usually have adjustable settings for electronic flash, shade, sunlight, fluorescent lighting and tungsten lighting.
Now you are fresh with this knowledge, you can be more confident going out and buying that digital camera. Remember do your research and always find the best camera for you.
Solar How To: Roof Gardening
Solar How To: Roof Gardening
Energy is the latest buzzword to garner media attention. Fuel costs are rising, and finding an alternative and economical fuel source is vital to todays economy. Concern for the environment is also at the forefront of the energy issue. Solar energy is both an economical and eco-friendly alternative fuel source.
One simple step in harnessing solar power is planting. Growing fruit tress or having a vegetable garden is a healthy and natural way to use solar power. Home-growing fruits and vegetables also cuts down on grocery bills. Plants convert carbon dioxide into oxygen, which helps to clean the air of toxins. This idea can be taken a step further by planting a roof garden. Roof gardens can be planted on the tops of houses, garages or sheds.
Roof gardens help to insulate and retain heat in houses more efficiently than conventional thermal insulation. They also use natural precipitation for water, which reduces run-off and a homeowners sewer costs. Roof gardens also absorb ultra-violet light, which can strip a roof over time.
There are three different types of roof gardens:
o Extensive living roofs
o Semi-extensive living roofs
o Intensive living roofs
Extensive living roofs are the easiest to maintain and require the shallowest soil systems. They are also the lightest and are ideal for sheds or garages. The downside is that extensive living roofs lack the visual appeal of the other two types of roof gardens.
Semi-extensive living roofs are more aesthetically pleasing than the extensive living roof. They require a denser soil and can support different types of vegetation. They are heavier and are more suited to flat domestic buildings.
The third type of roof garden is the intensive living roof. This type of garden requires a strong structure to support it, such as the roof of a commercial building. The soil is denser and can sustain trees and full working gardens.
Roof gardens can be planted on flat or slanted surfaces. When choosing to plant a roof garden on a slanted surface like a shed, be sure to check for adequate structural support. The best types of plants for roof gardens on slanted surfaces are mosses and lichens.
The first step in planting a roof garden is to layer a moisture-retaining protective mat over the area. A root barrier and drainage layer must also be added. The root barrier protects the waterproofing of the rooftop. The drainage layer allows for collection and proper evaporation of water run-off. A filter layer is added to protect the drainage layer from fine particles being washed out of the soil. The vegetation layer contains a zinc-mineral based soil that helps the plants adapt. There are several different types of vegetation to choose from when building a roof garden.
The choice of plant life for a roof garden should be based on the type of garden and the climate. For extensive living roofs, the lightest vegetation is mosses and lichens. These are small plants that do not flower. They can survive in various different climates and are a hearty option. Sedums are the most widely used variety of plant as they are drought resistant. They also change color based on climate change. Wildflower and Calcareous Grassland plants can also be used for living roofs. These types of vegetation need ample space and would not be a viable option for a shed or small garage.
Roof gardens are a natural way to harness solar energy and insulate buildings. They can add style and beauty to a home while also saving a homeowner on heating and cooling bills. Investing in a roof garden or small home garden is an excellent way to save on natural resources and energy costs.
Energy is the latest buzzword to garner media attention. Fuel costs are rising, and finding an alternative and economical fuel source is vital to todays economy. Concern for the environment is also at the forefront of the energy issue. Solar energy is both an economical and eco-friendly alternative fuel source.
One simple step in harnessing solar power is planting. Growing fruit tress or having a vegetable garden is a healthy and natural way to use solar power. Home-growing fruits and vegetables also cuts down on grocery bills. Plants convert carbon dioxide into oxygen, which helps to clean the air of toxins. This idea can be taken a step further by planting a roof garden. Roof gardens can be planted on the tops of houses, garages or sheds.
Roof gardens help to insulate and retain heat in houses more efficiently than conventional thermal insulation. They also use natural precipitation for water, which reduces run-off and a homeowners sewer costs. Roof gardens also absorb ultra-violet light, which can strip a roof over time.
There are three different types of roof gardens:
o Extensive living roofs
o Semi-extensive living roofs
o Intensive living roofs
Extensive living roofs are the easiest to maintain and require the shallowest soil systems. They are also the lightest and are ideal for sheds or garages. The downside is that extensive living roofs lack the visual appeal of the other two types of roof gardens.
Semi-extensive living roofs are more aesthetically pleasing than the extensive living roof. They require a denser soil and can support different types of vegetation. They are heavier and are more suited to flat domestic buildings.
The third type of roof garden is the intensive living roof. This type of garden requires a strong structure to support it, such as the roof of a commercial building. The soil is denser and can sustain trees and full working gardens.
Roof gardens can be planted on flat or slanted surfaces. When choosing to plant a roof garden on a slanted surface like a shed, be sure to check for adequate structural support. The best types of plants for roof gardens on slanted surfaces are mosses and lichens.
The first step in planting a roof garden is to layer a moisture-retaining protective mat over the area. A root barrier and drainage layer must also be added. The root barrier protects the waterproofing of the rooftop. The drainage layer allows for collection and proper evaporation of water run-off. A filter layer is added to protect the drainage layer from fine particles being washed out of the soil. The vegetation layer contains a zinc-mineral based soil that helps the plants adapt. There are several different types of vegetation to choose from when building a roof garden.
The choice of plant life for a roof garden should be based on the type of garden and the climate. For extensive living roofs, the lightest vegetation is mosses and lichens. These are small plants that do not flower. They can survive in various different climates and are a hearty option. Sedums are the most widely used variety of plant as they are drought resistant. They also change color based on climate change. Wildflower and Calcareous Grassland plants can also be used for living roofs. These types of vegetation need ample space and would not be a viable option for a shed or small garage.
Roof gardens are a natural way to harness solar energy and insulate buildings. They can add style and beauty to a home while also saving a homeowner on heating and cooling bills. Investing in a roof garden or small home garden is an excellent way to save on natural resources and energy costs.
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