Buying the Right Television - Part 2 - Options

Television technologies
Several types of television receivers are available, each with upchecks and downchecks:
CRT
Cathode Ray Tube is the standard the older generations grew up watching. It's like a large light bulb, the screen end coated with phosphorescent pixels, the other with an 'electron gun' which, when charged with electricity, emits electrons; the electrons hit the pixels, the pixels glow. Older CRTs have a curved screen, but newer models are 'flat screen TV'--not to be confused with 'flat panel TV,' meaning the whole TV is thin. Upchecks: Being well established technology, it is least expensive to buy and repair. CRTs project a really dark black. Downchecks: Bigger and heavier than others. If you put something nearby with a big magnet (like a large speaker) you can affect the picture.
DLP TV
Digital Light Processing are projection TVs; they shine light through a color wheel onto a semi-conductor chip with microscopic mirrors. The light is reflected through a projection lens on to a big screen. Upchecks: Clear images with seamless clarity at any size; stunning, bright picture with rich, dark shades; light in weigh, fairly sturdy and not affected by heat, humidity or vibration. Downchecks: Only available in big-screen. A DLP television is flat panel, but needs about as much space as CRTs because they require good ventilation and must sit away from the wall. For a DLP TV, wall mount isn't an option and they don't produce sharp text. They have a very hot light source lamp that needs to cool down properly or it won't last as long as it should. Viewing angles are not as wide as other types.
LCD TV
Liquid Crystal Displays, or LCD TVs, were first used as computer monitors. They have tiny crystals embedded in the screen which glow red, green or blue when hit by an electrical charge. Varying the charge varies the color intensity; varying which crystals get charged varies the color. Upchecks: Images can be very sharp and very bright. If the set is near a window, LDC televisions are less affected by glare. LCD TVs are great for TV wall mounts. Downchecks: LCDs don't do really dark black, and if you want a really big screen, you won't find it on an LCD flat screen TV.
Plasma TVs
Plasma televisions are like a neon sign controlled by a computer. Two plates of glass have microscopic bubbles of neon & xenon gas and pixels between them. When this gas is excited by electrical charges, it becomes plasma, giving off photons which make the phosphor pixels glow. Upchecks: High resolution; a smooth, even image across the whole screen; plasma televisions can display billions of colors for a truly realistic picture; a distortion-free wide viewing angle; a plasma TV is also light enough for a TV wall mount. Downchecks: Black levels are only okay; if left on the same image too long, screen-burn can occur, meaning a permanent 'ghost' image is visible (bigger problem with video games than movies or TV); plasma TVs are heavier and more delicate than LCD televisions of comparable size.
Television features
Aspect ratio
Two numbers describing how screen width relates to screen height. Standard screen is 4:3, meaning a 480i resolution screen is 640x480 pixels. Wide screen is 16:9, meaning a 1080i screen is 1920x1080 pixels. Go wide screen if you can -- you will thank us later.
Cable or Dish TV
If you subscribe to satellite television or cable, your service provider will give you a satellite dish or cable box to decode their signals.
Closed captioning
Text appears across the bottom of the screen to aid the hearing impaired -- also useful for those learning a language -- it's a built-in feature of most televisions and DVDs.
Contrast ratio
The difference between the brightest and dimmest colors the set can show; the higher the ratio, the better the image -- 5,000:1 is good; 10,000:1 is fabulous; 15,000:1 is, well, really expensive!
HDTV versus HD-ready TV
An HD-ready or HD monitor cannot display high definition pictures unless the signal is processed through an external HD tuner before it goes into the set. A true HD television has a factory-installed HD receiver.
Picture-in-picture
A small second picture appears in a corner of the TV screen so viewers can watch two programs at one time. The wife can watch her reality show, and the husband can watch his game, or vice versa.
Response time
The amount of time it takes for a pixel to go from black to white and back again. It's like a camera's shutter speed; the lower the number, the faster the speed, the better the picture.
Screen size
Because one number is more convenient, screen sizes are measured diagonally--a 32-inch LCD TV screen is a little under 28 inches wide x 16 inches high. Difficult as it is to believe, there is such a thing as a too-big television (well, that's what they tell us). Movie and sports fans, especially, want the biggest TV screen they can get, but they also want to see the whole image clearly. Choose a screen that fits your room. If you will sit 5-7 feet away, go up to 41-inches; 8-9 feet, up to 44 inches; 10-11 feet, up to 50 inches; 11-13 feet, up to 60 inches; 13-14 feet, up to 70 inches; over 15 feet, over 70 inches. Of course, you really haven't seen the opening of the first Star Wars
movie until you've watched it sitting 5 inches from a 50-inch TV!
Mounts
TV wall mounts can hang your set on the wall like a picture--great for uncluttered decor schemes. A few sets include a TV wall mount, but most must be purchased separately. If you go this way, get a TV set with a wide viewing angle so you can see it from the side as well as straight on. Be sure you attach the TV mount securely and directly to the studs -- a flat panel TV is still not all that light. A TV shelf is another great wall option.
Final thought: Buy a combo meal instead of a sandwich.
If you have a television, most likely you also have a DVD or VCR or both. You can save money and space by getting a TV/DVD/VCR combo. Choices include TV-VCR, TV-DVD, DVR-VCR, etc. Whatever your platter of choice, these are especially good for dorm rooms, apartments and other small spaces.

Children's Photography Tips

Children's photography is a business model that pays quite well. Parents and grandparents want to have a record of their children from those first cute baby pictures, all the way through their growing up years. Special occasions such as birthdays, Christmas and Thanksgiving are favorite times for a new portrait of the little ones. All these photo opportunities can create a good residual income for a photographer, especially one with plenty of regular clients.
There are ways to increase the number of sales, that you may not have considered. Wouldn't it be great if you could find a way to have those parents bring their children in more frequently?
This article will give you a choice of different ways that you can make more money with the same clients, ways that will cost you very little to put into practise.
The first idea is to set up and advertise a "When I Grow Up" day. Have the parents ask their kids what they would like to be when they grow up, then bring them to your studio suitably dressed. A would-be cowboy could wear his jeans and a plaid shirt, while a little girl dreaming of being a ballerina could wear a tutu.
Here is how you can do this. You will not need elaborate sets or backdrops. Set up a green screen with the proper lighting and take the children's portrait in front of this. Have a few props available - a mask and stethoscope for a future doctor or nurse, a cowboy hat, a fireman's helmet. Any aspiring scientists? You might need a toy microscope! Take the child's portrait, and then use the simple chroma key software to place them in the proper environment.
Another way to use a green screen for a very different portrait opportunity is something you might call the "brag book" technique. For this type of portrait, have the parents bring in something that their child has accomplished, that they are quite proud of. It could be a Good Citizenship award from school, a picture that the child has painted or a sports trophy that they have earned. Create a digital background where for instance, their painting or award is displayed on the wall of an art gallery. Then take the child's portrait as if they are standing proudly looking at their own exhibit. For the sports star, have him or her stand sideways leaning on a wall that is covered with a green screen. In the chroma key software have them leaning against a giant football (or other sports item) or against a giant version of their trophy.
Finally, use the child's favorite book or character as a theme. If they are into "Harry Potter", you can use pictures of old narrow streets or craggy castles as a background, using your chroma key software to vary the color and set the creepy mood. Other favourites, the "Narnia " books or "Lord of the Rings" could be suggested with beautiful outdoor backgrounds. Use your imagination, you will find unlimited ways to produce unique children's portraits using your green screen.

Go Bionic With EyeClops

From films, to audio recording and reproduction, to video games, and now toys, it seems that almost everything in this day and age is already going bionic. Bionic in the sense that technology is now consistently more integrated in our day to day way of life.
Well, the world is now embracing the futuristic, ultra-modern, robotic era. As a result, even the onset of various hi-tech toys on the market these days like the EyeClops devices from Jakks Pacific predominantly have a bionic element.
Actually the younger generation nowadays certainly has a thing about toys that are extraordinary to them. Something that is bizarre or superhuman. That is why, the EyeClops ultra-modern gadgets are mostly the thing of the young people these days. Because it has an exceptional bionic factor that catches the attention of a lot of people especially the children.
If truth be told, EyeClops devices will surely make your ordinary day into something extraordinary. Nonetheless, here are the various technologically advanced EyeClops products that will definitely magnetize you:
Night Vision 2.0
Now you can already catch what goes on right after they kill the lights with the Night Vision 2.0 Infrared Stealth Binoculars. This technologically advanced binocular has a real night vision technology that allows you to see up to 50 feet in complete darkness. It also has a maximum surveillance mode for a long range detection as well as stealth mode for close proximity. These binoculars also provide a clear window to a never-before-seen world because of its high contrast dual-eye LCD display and an adjustable focus.
Mini Projector
The EyeClops Mini Projector is a portable digital LED projector that fits in the palm of your hand and projects a screen size of up to 60 inches. Simply put, it is a big screen in the palm of your hand.
It can extraordinarily enlarge into super-size any TV show, movie, or game for up to 60 inches. It works with video game systems, DVD players, MP3's, iPods, iPhones and other digital multimedia devices. All you need to do is to attach the Mini Projector to your favorite media player or game console in a dark room using some standard RCA cables.
Bionic Eye SE
Now you can already get up close and personal with almost anything with the Bionic Eye SE Plug-in TV Microscope. It is a hand held electronic magnifier that plugs into the television and allows users to see practically anything magnified 200 times closer. And it also allows you to focus on anything up to 400 times its original size. Thus, this will definitely give everyone a new perspective on the world around them.
BioniCam
The EyeClops BioniCam Video Microscope is a one of a kind portable and recordable bionic eye. It makes it easy for you to take digital pictures and capture video in order to document new discoveries. It lets you see the world around you like you've never seen them before.
Accessories
Jumbo Mystery Maps and Bug Vacuum are the two awesome accessories for your EyeClops. Believe it or not, purchasing these accessories for your EyeClops will definitely allow you to enjoy yourself more!
-Jumbo Mystery Maps
The Jumbo Mystery Maps have secrets hidden in them but you can only see them by making use of the BioniCam or Bionic Eye. Actually through the EyeClops Bionic Eye, you can reveal micro printed clues and images in this Jumbo Mystery Maps.
-Bug Vacuum
Now you can watch as your specimens take over the big screen as the EyeClops BugVac allows you to see creepy-crawly insects magnified larger!
BugVac actually provides a safe way for kids to look at bugs up close. There is a removable viewing chamber that allows hands-free capture of any little creepy crawly. The chamber can then be stick on to the Bionic Eye for extreme close ups. And when finished, the bug can be released.
For only more than a decade, Jakks Pacific has really proved its worth in the toy industry. And by manufacturing the EyeClops devices, it ultimately gained a position among any other high-tech toys on the market these days. When you come right down to it, the EyeClops devices are exactly what you're looking for in this bionic era.
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Signs and Symptoms of Bladder Cancer

By now you likely know that cancer, or malignant neoplasm, can affect any part of the body. By definition, cancer occurs when otherwise healthy cells multiply at an abnormal and almost unstoppable rate, overtaking neighboring tissues and organs, and traveling through the lymph system to affect other parts of the body.
To this day, cancer is an uncomfortable topic for most people; nevertheless, more people are diagnosed and die annually. Cancer develops as a result of exposure to toxins such as pollution or radiation or as the result of poor life choices such as smoking and poor diets. And despite great medical advances in treating cancer, it remains a leading cause of death.
The bladder is the fifth most common area to be afflicted with cancer. There five common symptoms associated with bladder cancer that you should know.
1. Urine tinged with blood.
2. Pain in the bladder area.
3. Feeling an urge to urinate but being unable to do so.
4. Feeling a burning sensation when urinating.
5. Being unable to hold a normal amount of urine.
Of course the symptoms could be caused by other ailments, but if you experience any of the above problems, you should consult with your physician as soon as possible. Your medical professional can order a number of tests to determine the root of the symptoms.
Your doctor will likely first check for blood in the urine. Usually, a physician will use a microscope to see red blood cells in the urine; sometimes the blood will be visible without a microscope.
An intravenous pyelogram, or I.V.P., is a test conducted to screen for tumors or abnormalities in the bladder. During an I.V.P., an iodine dye is injected into the body and the bladder is scanner with an x-ray.
A cystoscope, a small lighted tube, inserted into the bladder through the urethra can be used to look for growths or abnormal tissues.
And if an abnormality is detected, your doctor will want to use a CT scan to see if the cancer has spread.
Treatment options for people with bladder cancer vary depending on the stage of the cancer, the patient's age and overall health. Typical treatment options include chemotherapy and radiation, surgery for tumor removal and biological therapy.
As with any cancer, early detection and treatment necessary to ensure recovery and to lessen the likelihood of the cancer to spread. Protect yourself: See your doctor immediately if you are experiencing any symptoms or signs of bladder cancer.
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Assessment With the Digital Microscope - Science Education Technology

A digital microscope is the latest advent in the field of microscopy. This device comes in very handy when the teacher wants to asses the performance of students. Capturing of images has become simple as well as fast, compared to other conventional methods such as practical experiments. Performance standards are generally chalked out in the education system. Sometimes it becomes difficult to justify and carry them out well. The use of a digital microscope helps solidify the existing performance standards of the school.
Digital microscopes such as the SmartScope provide one of the most effective methods of assessing a students' ability to observe, study and record various aspects of the sample under consideration, be it Biology, Earth Science, Chemistry or Environmental Science. As Dr. Martin G. Horejsi suggests"Instead of the conventional lab notebook drawing, the students can capture a plethora of images authentically detailing their journey into the micro world." (Horejsi, M. (2007). A picture's worth of words: Digital imaging as a powerful assessment tool Conference proceedings of the ED-Media World Conference on Educational Multimedia, Hypermedia and Telecommunications, Vancouver, Canada).
The digital microscope can be used to take still images, which is a much better way of presenting the data captured compared to conventional drawing, which may not be very accurate. The digital microscope can be connected using the USB port and images captured in an instant by simply clicking the mouse. The device is simple to operate and can be easily handled even by young students. The changes in the sample under observation can be accurately noted, by taking an image at the right time. This is a great way of documenting static samples.
The images can then be presented using PowerPoint. The images can be zoomed in to get a closer look at different parts of the sample, helpful in accurate and detailed study. The students can also present the images to exhibit a particular process under observation. For instance, the images in a chemical process such as confirmatory tests can be captured at different stages, where the color or state of the substance, can be easily taken at the correct time and depicted in a series of images on the slideshow.
In case of studies involving recording the behavior of a sample over a period of time, the digital microscope provides the option of videos and time-lapse videos. For instance, a seed under examination for the process of germination can be easily recorded using the SmartScope. The video can be taken over several hours, where the result can be seen within a minute. This can be done up to the limit of 180:1, that is, a video taken over a time of 180 minutes can be seen in one minute. The changes can even be measured using the measurement feature of the digital microscope.
Once the students have compiled the necessary data using images, video, PowerPoint slideshows or completed worksheets, it can be easily archived on a CD, thumb drive, emailed or posted online for others to view. This compilation can also be assembled as portfolios, to verify and assess students' progress. Use of digital microscopes such as the SmartScope makes it easy for the teachers and for the school to make accurate assessment, as it consumes less time and takes much lesser effort. This time can then be utilized with the students to help them better understand the concepts.
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What is Required to Work in Wholesale Optical Labs?

Individuals who look for work in wholesale optical labs are often referred to as optical mechanics, eyewear technicians, eyewear professionals or optical engineers. These people are technicians in this area as they work with sensitive optical laboratory equipment. Some of their most significant duties include preparing lenses for contact lenses as well as eyeglasses. They also prepare lenses for such things as cameras, microscopes, medical instruments and refractors.
If you would like to find work in a wholesale optical lab then you must be interested in science because this is a field that is part scientific and part medical. You must also have a mechanical side to your nature as you will be working with a variety of machines in your working environment. As an eyecare technician you will be cutting, grinding and polishing plastic or glass materials and turning them into eyewear for patients.
To work in an optical laboratory that is wholesale your attention to detail must be exceptional. Your competence and your ability to work with small items is important as you will be preparing eyeglasses and contact lenses for new patients all of the time. The precision, craftsmanship and reliability of your work will directly impact the effectiveness of the products. Eyewear that is not manufactured properly can bring about any number of health problems such as headaches and eye strain.
Working in a vision lab involves being able to read the directions you are given as well as the patients' prescriptions. Reading these instructions is so essential because if you make errors this could cause problems for the individuals involved.
Employees who work in vision environments such as wholesale optical labs not only must create new lenses but they also must be capable of fixing broken lenses as well as repairing scientific instruments. You need to be able to develop quality optics that last if you wish to work in this field of optical science.
For those interested in this field you need to be mathematically inclined. If you are not proficient in math or science then this is probably not the industry for you. You will be working with numbers a lot. While you are in high school it is important that you take the relevant subjects. Examples of these include biology, algebra, geometry, computer skills, mechanical drawing, chemistry and industrial arts. You also need to be good in English.
Being competence with computers is very beneficial as you will be doing an abundance of recording, deciphering and transmitting information by way of e-mail.
You must also be able to work alone as you will be doing a great deal of that in the laboratory. If you do not enjoy working solo then this is probably not the most fitting occupation for you.
Seeking work in wholesale optical labs means that lenses are your business. You do not need to attend college to be in this line of work, however some technical experience and/or some schooling at a technical school is useful. In some cases you may be able to be trained on the job.

A Prostate Cancer Diagnosis Can Save Your Life

If you experience certain symptoms like frequent night urination, blood in your urine or semen, pains in your lower back, in your pelvis or in your upper thighs all this could be symptoms of prostatitis, a non cancerous swelling of the prostate gland or it could be prostate cancer.
Now there's no need to panic but the fact is that many who choose to ignore signs and symptoms condemn themselves to living with the uncertainty. This has to be worse than actually being diagnosed and knowing if you have prostate cancer or not.
For those who want to continue living, you need to undergo a prostate cancer diagnosis to determine if indeed you have prostate cancer and what can be done to cure it and save your life. There are several stages to prostate cancer and the farther along you let it go without treatment, the more at risk you are of dying due to cancer.
When you discover the symptoms you shouldn't just throw in the towel but try to see what you need to do about it. First, check with your doctor to conduct screening tests of prostate cancer for you. If you've followed previous advice, you no doubt have a baseline PSA test and previous physical tests to begin your diagnosis.
Yet another digital rectal examination (DRE) to check for size and texture of your prostate through the rectal lining but you should know the drill by now. Now's also not time to get sensitive concerning the test. With this examination your doctor can tell if cancer is present in your prostate by checking to see if he can feel a nodule or other types of prostate irregularity.
Next, the Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) blood test will be done and compared with previous results. This test is used to measure the levels of a protein in the blood called prostate-specific antigen. This protein is usually overproduced by prostate cancer cells. So, if prostate cancer is present, there will be an increase of PSA levels in the blood of the victim. Be aware that this isn't completely accurate though is a good indicator.
If after these screening tests cancer is suspected, a biopsy may be performed. Here, a biopsy is used to gain a tissue sample from the prostate to be examined under a microscope. This biopsy tissue analysis is performed to determine the Gleason score or if the tumor is cancerous or not.
At this point, you and your doctor have a good idea IF you have cancer and at what stage it has developed. It's at this point that a strategy for beating prostate cancer is development and options are discussed.
Be aware that in the great majority of cases, the symptoms are caused by prostatitis and are not cancerous. The point however is why anyone would want to stay in denial and think they have cancer instead of going in and getting an accurate diagnosis of the situation. Besides, there are mediations now available to treat prostatitis and help alleviate many of the most common symptomatic complaints

Pure Distilled Water

Pure distilled water is generally free from all impurities and all sorts of toxics that can be found in the taps of your home. It is use in many different ways in our everyday life. It is not only use for drinking but also it can also be use in various chemical and biological experiments in the lab. It is highly recommend to every individuals to drink as it is totally purified from any contaminants even chlorine. This is why it is great for the skin as it is free from any contaminants which would block the microscopic pores of skin.
It is being use on large scale of consumption as it has been purified from all the virtually solid impurities as well as any other liquid contaminants mixed with the water that might cause certain illnesses or create harmful effect in the human body.
Pure distilled water is also primarily marketed for drinking purposes. Besides drinking, there are also other uses of distilled water in and out from the house which you may be interested in. Recommended by some experts, it is usually use in making baby food, food for pets, plant and as well as aquariums. Pure distilled water is being used in these areas because it is generally free from any harmful elements. This type is highly recommenced in making baby food because babies are very sensitive to water borne diseases. Hence to prevent it, pure distilled water is being use. Same goes with giving pets and plants to consume. The usage of pure distilled water is recommended in aquariums as well as watering the plants if you want your fish to live longer and have healthy looking plants. This is because pure distilled water is free of any contaminants.
It is also use in made in storage of contact lenses and for washing of wounds during surgery. Our body's internal organ are being exposed to air when the skin is being cut in a surgery, therefore it is necessary to keep it clean so that nothing unwanted penetrates inside. Since pure distilled water is free from all this unwanted contaminants, it is the best choice in this situation.
We use more than we realise it in our everyday life. The benefits is not only something that human can enjoy but also it is diversify to other users such as domestic usage as well as non-domestic usage.