Saturday 5 April 2008
Negaraku
"Negaraku" (English: My Country, Jawi: نڬاراکو, Chinese: 我的祖國, Tamil: நெகாராகூ) is the national anthem of Malaysia. "Negaraku" was selected as a national anthem at the time of the Federation of Malaya's independence from Britain in 1957. The tune was originally used as the state anthem of Perak. The tune was also used for a popular song of that time, Terang Bulan[2], which was later borrowed by the song Mamula Moon, sang by Felix Mendelssohn and his Hawaiian Serenaders.
Negaraku, tanah tumpahnya darahku,
Rakyat hidup, bersatu dan maju,
Rahmat bahagia, Tuhan kurniakan,
Raja kita, selamat bertakhta.
Rahmat bahagia, Tuhan kurniakan,
Raja kita, selamat bertakhta.
My country, land where my blood was spilt,
The people live united and in progress,
Blessings of happiness,
may God grant,(And that) our King may reign in peace.
Blessings of happiness,
may God grant,(And that) our King may reign in peace.
Nikon D60 Photographic technology
Amsterdam, the Netherlands, 29 January 2008 - Nikon Europe today announced the debut of the Nikon D60, a digital SLR designed for the consumer who wants to combine top technology with user-friendliness and creative features.
The D60 provides a resolution of 10.2 effective megapixels, Nikon’s exclusive EXPEED image-processing concept, in-camera editing functions and a 3-area auto focus system. The camera offers continuous shooting at 3.0 fps, near instant power-up in just 0.19 seconds and high ISO sensitivity, all in a compact, lightweight body with a user-friendly ergonomic design.
The Nikon D60 is designed to simplify camera operation and allow the photographer to concentrate on taking pictures. The camera’s simple, user-friendly design includes a reduced number of buttons and a combined monitor and information display. A 2.5-inch LCD screen presents information using an easy to understand graphic user interface, with three types of presentation style to suit all users. The symbols and numbers in the display rotate through 90 degrees, presenting information in the correct orientation according to how the camera is being held. The D60 also includes a new feature that turns off the LCD monitor screen automatically when the viewfinder is in use.
The D60 utilizes Nikon’s exclusive EXPEED technology to maximize image quality and processing speed. The camera also offers creative features that are designed to allow the optimisation and adjustment of images without the need for a computer. Image optimisation is achieved through functions like Active D-Lighting (which compensates for strong shadows), and the automatic correction of false eye colour when using the built-in flash. Creative features include the automated creation of stop-motion animation files from a sequence of images, and effects that simulate the use of optical filters to produce colour shading and sparkling highlights.
To combat the dust that can be introduced into the camera body when changing lenses, , the D60 includes an integrated dust reduction system. Nikon’s exclusive Airflow Control System channels dust out of the image path and a vibrating, self-cleaning sensor unit shakes off any remaining dust from the camera’s optics.
The Nikon D60 standard kit comes with a high-performance VR-NIKKOR lens, the AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR. Compact and lightweight, the lens offers 3x zoom with a versatile focal length range of 27mm to 82.5mm (35mm-format equivalent). Nikon’s advanced Vibration Reduction technology combats the effect of camera shake, allowing the use of shutter speeds that are up to three times slower than is practical with non-VR lenses. And with its sophisticated, leather-toned design, the lens looks as good as the pictures it takes. “The D60 is intended to put high quality photography within the reach of ordinary consumers.” said Toru Uematsu, Manager Prosumer Products at Nikon Europe B.V “The combination of precision technology and carefree convenience places the D60 in a unique position of offering compact camera users the chance to move up to digital SLR with ease and security.”
Press Release Specifications Additional images Press Release:
Nikon Europe Debuts D60 Digital Single Lens Reflex Camera
User-friendly Nikon D60 offers 10-megapixel resolution, in-camera editing
Amsterdam, the Netherlands, 29 January 2008 - Nikon Europe today announced the debut of the Nikon D60, a digital SLR designed for the consumer who wants to combine top technology with user-friendliness and creative features. The D60 provides a resolution of 10.2 effective megapixels, Nikon’s exclusive EXPEED image-processing concept, in-camera editing functions and a 3-area auto focus system. The camera offers continuous shooting at 3.0 fps, near instant power-up in just 0.19 seconds and high ISO sensitivity, all in a compact, lightweight body with a user-friendly ergonomic design.
The Nikon D60 is designed to simplify camera operation and allow the photographer to concentrate on taking pictures. The camera’s simple, user-friendly design includes a reduced number of buttons and a combined monitor and information display. A 2.5-inch LCD screen presents information using an easy to understand graphic user interface, with three types of presentation style to suit all users. The symbols and numbers in the display rotate through 90 degrees, presenting information in the correct orientation according to how the camera is being held. The D60 also includes a new feature that turns off the LCD monitor screen automatically when the viewfinder is in use.
The D60 utilizes Nikon’s exclusive EXPEED technology to maximize image quality and processing speed. The camera also offers creative features that are designed to allow the optimisation and adjustment of images without the need for a computer. Image optimisation is achieved through functions like Active D-Lighting (which compensates for strong shadows), and the automatic correction of false eye colour when using the built-in flash. Creative features include the automated creation of stop-motion animation files from a sequence of images, and effects that simulate the use of optical filters to produce colour shading and sparkling highlights.
To combat the dust that can be introduced into the camera body when changing lenses, , the D60 includes an integrated dust reduction system. Nikon’s exclusive Airflow Control System channels dust out of the image path and a vibrating, self-cleaning sensor unit shakes off any remaining dust from the camera’s optics.
The Nikon D60 standard kit comes with a high-performance VR-NIKKOR lens, the AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR. Compact and lightweight, the lens offers 3x zoom with a versatile focal length range of 27mm to 82.5mm (35mm-format equivalent). Nikon’s advanced Vibration Reduction technology combats the effect of camera shake, allowing the use of shutter speeds that are up to three times slower than is practical with non-VR lenses. And with its sophisticated, leather-toned design, the lens looks as good as the pictures it takes. “The D60 is intended to put high quality photography within the reach of ordinary consumers.” said Toru Uematsu, Manager Prosumer Products at Nikon Europe B.V “The combination of precision technology and carefree convenience places the D60 in a unique position of offering compact camera users the chance to move up to digital SLR with ease and security.”
The D60 is capable of use in a range of lighting conditions due to a wide sensitivity range of ISO 100 to ISO 1600 and offers vivid colour reproduction with clear, sharp results.. For convenient use in places where flash photography is not allowed, the camera will set the sensitivity automatically for the best results . The camera’s built-in Speedlight produces excellent balanced results thanks to Nikon’s sophisticated i-TTL flash system, and also allows the use of additional remote-controlled Speedlights.
Storing images on highly-compact SD memory cards (compatible with SDHC), the D60 body measures approximately 126 (W) x 94 (H) x 64 (D) mm and weighs 495 grams. Supplied accessories include a rechargeable Li-ion battery, quick charger, USB cable, rubber eyecup, camera strap, body cap, eyepiece cap and accessory shoe cap. The provided software includes the Nikon Software Suite on CD-ROM. Software for photofinishing and camera remote control may be purchased separately as an option. Suggested retail pricing for the D60 Kit with AF-S DX Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR is €699. Other kits are available.
Kit price € 749 (With 18-55 mm VR lens in Germany)£ 449.99 Body Only£ 529.99 With 18-55mm VR£ 499.99 With 18-55mm II Body color Black Sensor • 23.6 x 15.8 mm CCD sensor • Nikon DX format (1.5x FOV crop) • 10.2 million effective pixels• 10.8 million total pixels • RGB Color Filter Array• 12-bit A/D converter Anti-dust measures • Image sensor cleaning system*• Airflow control system*• Image dust off from reference frame (using optional Capture NX software) Image sizes • 3872 x 2592 (Large, 10.0 MP)• 2896 x 1944 (Medium, 5.6 MP) • 1936 x 1296 (Small, 2.5 MP) Image quality • NEF (12-bit compressed RAW)• JPEG fine (1:4)• JPEG normal (1:8)• JPEG basic (1:16)• NEF (RAW) + JPEG basic Color space • IIIa (sRGB - more green for colourful landscapes) default • Ia (sRGB)• II (Adobe RGB) Lens mount Nikon F mount (with AF contacts) Lens compatibility • AF-S, AF-I• Other Type G or D AF Nikkor• Other AF Nikkor/AI-P Nikkor
• Type D PC Nikkor
• Non-CPU
• IX Nikkor/AF Nikkor for F3AF
-All functions supported- All functions supported except autofocus- All functions supported except autofocus and 3D Color Matrix Metering II- All functions supported except some shooting modes- Can be used in mode M, but exposure meter does not function; electronic range finder can be used if maximum aperture is f/5.6 or faster- Can not be used
Autofocus • Three area TTL phase detection• Nikon Multi-CAM530 autofocus module• Only with AF-S or AF-I lenses • Detection range: EV -1 to +19 (ISO 100 equivalent, at normal temperature) Lens servo • Single-servo AF (AF-S)• Continuous-servo AF (AF-C)• Automatic AF-S/AF-C (AF-A)• Manual focus (M) AF Area mode • Single Area AF• Dynamic Area AF• Closest Subject Priority Dynamic Area AF Focus tracking Predictive focus tracking automatically activated according to subject status in continuous-servo AF Focus area One of three areas can be selected Focus lock Focus can be locked by pressing shutter-release button halfway (single-servo AF) or by pressing AE-L/AF-L button AF Assist White light lamp Exposure mode • Digital Vari-program - Auto - Flash off - Portrait - Landscape - Child - Sports - Close up - Night portrait•
Programmed auto (P) with flexible program• Shutter-priority auto (S)• Aperture priority auto (A)• Manual (M) Metering TTL full-aperture exposure metering system• 3D color matrix metering II • 420 segment RGB sensor • Center-weighted: Weight of 75% given to a 8mm circle in center of frame • Spot: Meters 3.5 mm circle (about 2.5% of frame) centered on active focus area Metering range • EV 0 to 20 (3D color matrix or center-weighted metering)• EV 2 to 20 (spot metering) (ISO 100 equivalent, f/1.4 lens, 20 °C) Meter coupling CPU coupling Exposure compen. • +/- 5.0 EV• 1/3 EV steps AE Lock Exposure locked at detected value with AE-L/AF-L button AE Bracketing None Sensitivity •
Auto• ISO 100• ISO 200• ISO 400• ISO 800• ISO 1600• ISO 3200 equiv. (HI 1) Auto ISO options • On/Off• Maximum ISO (200, 400, 800 or 1600)• Minimum shutter speed (1 to 1/125 sec) Shutter • Combined mechanical and CCD electronic shutter• 30 to 1/4000 sec (1/3 EV steps) • Flash X-Sync: up to 1/200 sec• Bulb White balance • Auto (TTL white-balance with 420 pixels RGB sensor)• Six manual modes with fine-tuning o Incandescent o Fluorescent o Direct sunlight o Flash o Cloudy o Shade• Preset white balance (immediate or from photo) WB fine tuning Yes Image parameters • Preset modes: Normal, Softer, Vivid, More Vivid, Portrait, B&W • Sharpening: Auto, 6 levels • Tone: Auto, 5 levels, Custom curve • Color mode: Ia (sRGB), II (Adobe RGB), IIIa (sRGB) • Saturation: Auto, 3 levels• Hue: -9° to +9° Viewfinder • Optical fixed eye-level• Penta-mirror type •
Built-in diopter adjustment (-1.7 to +0.5 m-1)• Eyepoint: 18 mm (at -1.0 m-1)• Frame coverage 95% (approx.) • Viewfinder magnification approx. 0.8x with 50mm lens at infinity; -1.0 m-1• Focusing screen: Type B BriteView clear matte screen Mark V with superimposed focus brackets Viewfinder information Focus indications, AE/FV lock indicator, Shutter speed, Aperture value, Exposure/Exposure compensation indicator, Exposure mode, Flash output level compensation, Exposure compensation, Number of remaining exposures, Flash-ready indicator LCD monitor • 2.5" TFT LCD• 230,000 pixel• Features automatic defeat via Eye Sensor* Built-in flash • Auto pop-up in Auto, Vari-program modes• Manual pop-up in P, S, A or M modes• Guide number approx. 12 at ISO 100 Sync contact X-contact only; flash synchronization at shutter speeds of up to 1/200 sec Flash control •
TTL flash control by 420-segment RGB sensor. i-TTL balanced fill-flash for digital SLR and standard i-TTL fill-flash for digital SLR available when CPU lens is used with built-in flash, SB-400, SB-800, and SB-600• Auto aperture with SB-800 and CPU lenses• Non-TTL auto with SB-800, 80DX, 28DX, 28, 27 and 22s• Range-priority manual with SB-800 Flash mode • Auto, Portrait, Child, Close-up: Auto, auto with red-eye reduction; fill-flash and red-eye reduction available with optional Speedlight• Night portrait: Auto, auto slow sync, auto slow sync with red-eye reduction; slow sync and slow sync with red-eye reduction available with optional Speedlight• Landscape, Sports: Fill-flash and red-eye reduction available with optional Speedlight• P, A modes: Fill flash, rear-curtain with slow sync, slow sync, slow sync with red-eye reduction, red-eye reduction• S, M modes: Fill flash, rear-curtain sync, red-eye reduction Flash compensation • -3 to +1 EV• 1/3 steps Nikon Creative Lighting system Supported with built-in flash, SB-400, SB-800, and SB-600; Advanced Wireless Lighting supported with SB-800 or SU-800 as Commander. Shooting modes • Single frame shooting (S) mode• Continuous shooting (C) mode: approx. 3.0 frames per second (slower with NR) •
Self-timer/remote control mode. Continuous buffer • JPEG: Limited only by storage• RAW: Approx. 9 frames (shooting continues at a slower rate) Self-timer • 2, 5, 10 or 20 sec Remote control • Remote Control ML-L3 (optional, Infrared) • Camera Control Pro software (optional) Text input Up to 36 characters of alphanumeric text input is available with LCD monitor and multi-selector; stored in EXIF header Playback functions • Full frame• Thumbnail (4 or 9 segments)• Zoom (magnified) • Slideshow• Histogram indication• Shooting data• Highlight point display• Auto image rotation• Stop-motion movies created with D60* Orientation sensor Yes (Rotates user interface when using camera in portrait orientation)* Storage • Secure Digital / Secure Digital HC • FAT / FAT32• Supports firmware update via SD card Video output NTSC or PAL selectable Connectivity • USB 2.0 (Hi-Speed) •
Mass storage / PTP selectable• Video out• DC-IN (optional AC adapter and adapter connector) Languages Chinese (Simplified and Traditional), Dutch, English, Finnish, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Swedish Power Lithium-Ion battery pack EN-EL9 (7.4 V, 1000 mAh) Working environment • 0 to 40°C (32 to 104°F)• Less than 85% humidity Dimensions 126 x 94 x 64 mm (5.0 x 3.7 x 2.5 in) Weight (no batt) 471 g (1.0 lb) Weight (inc. batt) 522 g (1.2 lb) Supplied accessories Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL9, Quick Charger MH-23, USB Cable UC-E4, PictureProject, Rubber Eyecup DK-16, Camera Strap, Body Cap BF-1A, Eyepiece Cap DK-5, Accessory Shoe Cap BS-1 Optional accessories Wireless Remote Control ML-L3, Capture NX, Camera Control Pro, AC Adapter Connector EP-5, AC Adapter EH-5, Video Cable EG-D100, Semi Soft-Case CF-DC1, Speedlight SB-800/600/T041/R1C1
Friday 4 April 2008
Nan Lian Garden 南蓮池園
Initially looked the construction and the botanical garden style liked extremely Japan to construct, afterwards saw was the Tang Dynasty and south sends the botanical garden building about the inside explanation, the Tang Dynasty opening trade and the prosperous times, Japan receives Chinese at that time the influence very large, the construction and the culture have studied the Tang Dynasty, and some valuable constructions retain today, China's Tang Dynasty building few also were instead few South the lotus pond garden and the will lotus park are connected, again the secondary load near the will lotus park, felt still very much liked, because could be intimate with to the Buddha
Several hundred million money have spend, a pavilion Linyuen pond, four sides the cement forest, the Buddhist pure is must dissolve with the nature is a body idea for is slightly different. South the lotus garden pond repays a kindness suitably is a mood which 彷 Tang constructs, as soon as looked actually feels has a strong Japanese construction flavor, takes others the America not to be bad, but does not seize 用神, this place is short of Japanese 禪味. If you have gone to Kyoto, Nara's temple speech, that has a temple is not is in a situation in the nature, the Japanese visits a park pays respect, leisurely and carefree mood, in the garden often has a shop to sell hot Tang Lamien, the green tea cakes and pastries, the price justice, the warm warm belly enjoys at present the scenery for the tourist. Hey, looked south this any the lotus garden pond, in the pond alone city teahouse unexpectedly exhibits a 150 Yuan pot the hot tea, but also must mark the time limit, two hours ask Mr. to leave a seat, possibly are Hong Kong's rich men donate money too many, this teahouse also is specially uses for to greet them. Taibei's nine, the excellent 悲情 city teahouse also has by puts down to the expensive tea drink, takes a rest while appreciates, no matter what you sit to go to the sunset.
South the lotus garden pond imitates the Tang Dynasty scenery migration type garden construction, occupies the garden pond take Tang Chiangchuan as the main source. The garden pond although is located the urban district, but nearby environment quite works calmly. Inside has the many kinds of big fossils, three Jiang Shih, the painted pottery stone, north Kwangtung is blue 花石 and so on the many kinds of stone material. The entire environment by 羅漢松, the black pine, the cypress, purple micro and so on several thousand precious trees is covered the lid. In addition, the garden by by all kinds of pavilion, ancient architecture and so on the building, Chinese style pavilion, pavilion, porch, room, bridge, gate 迼 became the different botanical garden view, was sure need to mold loftily, grave, the quiet and beautiful clear condition garden pond.
Nan Lian Garden) is located Hong Kong Kowloon yellow immortal Diamond Mountain phoenix Germany to say 60, peace and happiness and cultural business bureau govern the park, by every year 1 Yuan elephant typical form expense request will lotus only park management, transport business and care park. In addition, remembers the lotus only park also to be responsible for the park the design, the surveillance construction and the daily maintenance work. The park approximately 35,000 square meters, as construct the main source take the Tang Dynasty garden pond, in 2003 constructs, on 2006 November 14 the association presided over the opening ceremony by Hong Kong chief executive Zeng Yinch'uan with the Hong Kong Buddhism association synapsis association president releasing sense light elder, on November 15 the official foreign opening.Hong Kong Museum of Coastal Defence
The Hong Kong Museum of Coastal Defence, located at Shau Kei Wan with a total area of 34,200 square meters, is converted from the hundred years' old Lei Yue Mun Fort.
Lei Yue Mun occupies a strategic position guarding the eastern approach to the Victoria Harbour. As early as 1844, barracks were built by the British at Saiwan to the south of the channel. However, with numerous deaths of soldiers caused by severe epidemics in the area, the barracks were abandoned shortly afterwards. Although there had been many suggestions to build batteries at Lei Yue Mun in the next forty years, none was ever realized.
By 1885, in face of possible attacks from France and Russia, the British decided to construct batteries on the headland to the south of the Lei Yue Mun Channel. Designed and built by the Royal Engineers, the Redoubt was the core of the Lei Yue Mun fortifications. An area of 7,000 square meters was first dug up from the summit of the Lei Yue Mun Headland. Eighteen casemates were then constructed to function as barrack rooms, magazines, shell store and coal store. The structures were then concealed by earth. The construction was largely completed by 1887.
Thursday 3 April 2008
BEIJING 2008 Olympia Flame ~ Snooker
The object of the game is to score more points than the opponent by potting balls in a predefined order. At the start of a frame the balls are positioned as shown and the players take it in turns to hit a shot, their aim being to pot one of the red balls and score a point. If they do pot at least one red, then it remains in the pocket and they are allowed another shot - this time the aim being to pot one of the colours (points value, 2 points for the yellow, 3 for the green, 4 for the brown, 5 for the blue, 6 for the pink and 7 for the black). If successful, then they gain the value of the colour potted.
It is returned to its correct position on the table and they must try to pot another red again. This process continues until they fail to pot the desired ball, at which point their opponent comes back to the table to play the next shot. The game continues in this manner until all the reds are potted and only the 6 colours are left on the table; at that point the aim is then to pot the colours in the above order. When a colour is potted in this phase of a frame, it remains off the table. When the final ball is potted, the frame is over and the player with the most points wins it.[1]. A match where five frames would be the winner is called a 'best of nine', because that would be the maximum number frames that could be played.
Wednesday 2 April 2008
BEIJING 2008 Olympia Flame ~ Gym
The Greek word gymnasium means "place to be naked" and was used in ancient Greece to designate a locality for the education of young men, including physical education (gymnastics, i.e. exercise) which was customarily performed naked, as well as bathing, and studies. For the Greeks, physical education was considered as important as cognitive learning. Most Greek gymnasia had libraries that could be utilized after relaxing in the baths.
BEIJING 2008 Olympia Flame ~ BASKETBALL
BEIJING 2008 Olympia Flame
香港海防博物館Hong Kong Museum of Coastal Defence
Lei Yue Mun occupies a strategic position guarding the eastern approach to the Victoria Harbour. As early as 1844, barracks were built by the British at Saiwan to the south of the channel. However, with numerous deaths of soldiers caused by severe epidemics in the area, the barracks were abandoned shortly afterwards. Although there had been many suggestions to build batteries at Lei Yue Mun in the next forty years, none was ever realized.
By 1885, in face of possible attacks from France and Russia, the British decided to construct batteries on the headland to the south of the Lei Yue Mun Channel. Designed and built by the Royal Engineers, the Redoubt was the core of the Lei Yue Mun fortifications. An area of 7,000 square meters was first dug up from the summit of the Lei Yue Mun Headland. Eighteen casemates were then constructed to function as barrack rooms, magazines, shell store and coal store. The structures were then concealed by earth. The construction was largely completed by 1887.
There was an open courtyard in the centre of the Redoubt for assembly purposes. The Redoubt was armed with two 6 inch breech loading disappearing guns and was surrounded by a ditch. Meanwhile, a group of batteries were built which ran along the ridge of the Headland from east to west, including the Reverse, Central, West and Pass Batteries. The guns installed at Lei Yue Mun could be fired at different ranges to completely cover the approach to the Lei Yue Mun Channel. In 1890, the Brennan Torpedo station was installed at the shoreline of the Lei Yue Mun Headland, which was believed at that time to be the world's most powerful underwater weapon.
However, the next three decades saw no hostile actions from Britain's enemies, and the Lei Yue Mun installations were never put to any real test. By the 1930s, the strategic importance of Lei Yue Mun declined considerably as a result of technological advances and the construction of new defence positions in the territory.
On 8 December 1941, the Japanese launched their attacks on Hong Kong. After the fall of the New Territories and Kowloon, the British Forces immediately strengthened the defences at Lei Yue Mun to prevent the Japanese from crossing the Lei Yue Mun Channel from Devil's Peak. Although the defence forces managed to repulse several raids by the Japanese, they were eventually overwhelmed and the Fort finally fell into enemy hands on 19 December. The Fort no longer bore any defence significance in the post-war period, and became a training ground for the British Forces until 1987 when it was finally vacated.
In view of its historical significance and unique architectural features, the former Urban Council decided in 1993 to conserve and develop the Lei Yue Mun Fort into a museum of coastal defence. With a budget of HK$300 million, the Architectural Services Department (ASD) completed the architectural design and construction works. With such splendid architectural design, the ASD was awarded the Hong Kong Institute of Architects Annual Awards – Silver Medal as well as Green Project Awards – Silver Award (Greening Effect) in 2000. The Museum was open to the public on 25 July 2000 which brought a new page to the history of the Lei Yue Mun Fort.
