Nikon D60 Announced
Filed Under Photography
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Nikon just announced a new model that will be joining its impressive line of budget DSLR’s in March. The Nikon D60 is a 10.2 megapixel, small form factor, DSLR with a dust-reduction system (air blown across the imaging chip) that is a first in their lineup. It also comes packaged with a 18-55 “carry around” lens that has Vibration Reduction (VR) built in. I think this too is a first as the VR is normally not supplied in the base package, and is well worth the money.
Announcements like these upset me just a little bit…kinda like the iPhone purchasers that got mad when Apple dropped the price $100 only a few months after they hit the market. I bought a D80 back in October of 2006. It too has a 10.2 megapixel chip and is the top-of-the-line ‘prosumer’ model. Since I bought it, Nikon has released the D40 and now the D60. Neither are as powerful as the D80 in terms of functionality, but it’s a bit frustrating being an ‘early adopter’. Nevertheless, I really enjoy my camera and use it often. It’s probably overpowered for my knowledge, but I’m learning more about it each time I use it.
Wired Magazine has an article about it as well as other manufacturer’s new offerings.
Professional Engineer (PE) Test
Filed Under Engineering
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Today is January 31st. That means tomorrow is February 1st. That date on my calendar is a big one, as it is the drop-dead date to start studying for the Professional Engineer’s test being administered in April.
The PE test is similar in nature to the bar exam in the legal field, the medical boards for a doctor, or the CPA exam in accounting. It’s a professional license for engineers and indicates a good general knowledge of the specific engineering discipline chosen by the individual. The major fields include electrical (that’s me), mechanical, civil, and industrial, but there are other smaller disciplines as well.
The test itself is a day-long affair filled with 80 headache-creating problems. The first half is a general test over the electrical engineering areas of interest…circuits, electronics, motors, transmission lines, etc. The afternoon session offers a choice of several different “focus areas”. I’m choosing the “electrical and computer” section mainly because I hated the subjects of the other two options back in school, and I work with computers and control systems every day.
I’ve taken the test once before, back in 1999. I was first eligible (5 years work experience) to take it back then, and really kinda blew it off and didn’t study as hard as I should have. I hadn’t planned on taking it again, but 1) it’s required for a management position in my department at work, 2) I’ve got several coworkers taking it along beside me, so there’s some peer pressure to help motivate me, and 3) it’s something I failed once, and I don’t much like quitting on anything.
So, basically, I’ve got a little over two months to study. The so-called experts recommend 200-300 hours of studying. Dividing that among the 50 or so weekdays left before the test, that leaves 4-6 hours a day of studying. Think I’ll make that…nah! But, I do expect to study more than the last attempt, and due to the fact the format is a bit different this time compared to last, I feel just a little better about it.
Wish me luck!
Diamond Refunds - Class Action Lawsuit
Filed Under Money
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One of my relatives told me last night about a recent class action lawsuit against the De Beers Group. They are the largest rough diamond distributor in the world. The lawsuit is based on the premise that De Beers fixed diamond prices during the specified time period.
Apparently the settlement provides for roughly $272 million (exact amount varies depending on which report you read) to be distributed to those people who make claims.
To be considered to a “claimant” you must have purchased a diamond(s) between Jan 1, 1994 and March 31, 2006 in the United States. There are other different qualifications for consumers and diamond resellers.
The exact amount of the payouts will be based on a pro rata basis, meaning that if the claims are more than the alloted $272 million, then the payouts will be based on how much you paid for the diamond compared to other claimants. I’ve also read that the claims will be based on the price the reseller paid for the diamond, not what you paid for the diamond. This is to prevent the value of the setting or other stones from affecting the claim amount.
More information can be found at https://diamondsclassaction.com/index.htm
They encourage you to fill out a claim online. It doesn’t appear that much documentation is required up front, but you may be required to produce some receipts later on.
A New Order of Things
Filed Under Quotes
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There is nothing more difficult to take in hand, more periolous to conduct, or more uncertain in its success, than to take the lead in the introduction of a new order of things. Because the innovator has for enemies all those who have done well under the old conditions, and lukewarm defenders in those who may do well under the new.
- Niccolo Machiavelli in 1513
7 things to say (and 7 things not to say) to your kids
Filed Under Parenting
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A parent, or anyone else who interacts regularly with kids, knows that communicating effectively with them can be difficult. Common words and phrases, no matter how well intended, can do emotional and psychological harm. Kids can’t be expected to process words, context and nuance (sarcasm, for instance) the same way that an adult’s brain does.
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