Friday, March 27, 2009

Free Capture NX 2 (Ver. 2.2) update coming in April 2009

About freakin time!

via NikonRumors

Two days ago Nikon nicely informed the world about an upcoming free update of Capture NX 2:

Tokyo — Nikon Corporation is pleased to announce that from the beginning of April 2009, they will offer a free download of image-editing software Capture NX 2, Ver. 2.2 to current users of Versions 2.0 and 2.1.1. In addition to providing the features of earlier versions, which allow quick-and-easy on-image photo editing to optimize photographer workflow, this latest version includes more powerful and refined tools to greatly improve image-processing efficiency. Newly added functions include improved speed in batch processing, Intel-approved logo permitted for Core 2 Duo/Core 2 Quad support, NRW (COOLPIX P6000’s RAW data) support, vignette control function utilizing lens information, and axial color aberration correction.

This part is interesting:

NRW, a form of RAW data taken with the COOLPIX P6000, is newly supported.

Was this done just for the P6000? A little bit too late, or maybe Nikon had something else in mind.

Source

Posted by NikonRumors.com

Thursday, March 26, 2009

Newton Running Shoes

$175 running shoes

I learned a lot from this. Would love to buy these. Don't think I'd go faster...

But I could.




CHOOSE THE RIGHT SHOE MODEL
All models of Newton running shoes offer the forefoot cushioning benefits of our patented Newton Action/Reaction Technology™. Newton offers both Stability and Neutral models; your foot type will identify which model is right for you.

Stability: protection from midfoot to late-stage pronation — the tendency for your foot to collapse inward at the midfoot or forefoot when striking or leaving the ground
Neutral: neutral support for normal to high-arched foot types
DETERMINE YOUR RUNNING GAIT

To determine which model is right for you stand in front of a mirror with bare feet, shoulder width apart and bend your knees. Watch your medial ankle bones as you bend and straighten your knees.

If your ankle bones stay in a neutral position and do not drop to the inside,or if your ankle rolls slightly to the outside you have under-pronation or supination. If your ankle drops to the inside, or if you have a low arch (flat feet) you have over-pronation.

You can also determine your running gait from the wear on an old pair of running shoes (not walking shoes, which show your walking gait.) To determine your running gait:

Place the shoes side by side on an elevated surface like a table, with the toes pointing towards you.
Look at the shoes from eye level.
If either or both lean noticeably to one side, or are obviously worn, then you have either:
Over-pronation if they lean inward. (The Stability models are best for you.)
Under-pronation if they lean outward. (The Neutral models are best for you.)
Typically you will have an under or overpronation on at least one foot. This is completely normal and is exhibited by about 80% of all runners. If you are one of the fortunate 20% then you have a neutral running gait.

MODELS FOR UNDER-PRONATION OR SUPINATION

The following models offer maximum cushioning and a neutral ride for those with under-pronation or supination:

Men's Shoes
Gravity - Neutral Trainer
Distance - Neutral Racer
Motion AW - Universal All-Weather Trainer
Women's Shoes
Gravity - Neutral Trainer
Distance - Neutral Racer
Motion AW - Universal All-Weather Trainer
MODELS FOR OVER-PRONATION

The following models offer more medial stability for those with over-pronation or flat feet.

Men's Shoes
Motion - Stability Trainer
Distance S - Stability Racer
Motion AW - Universal All-Weather Trainer
Women's Shoes
Motion - Stability Trainer
Distance S - Stability Racer
Motion AW - Universal All-Weather Trainer
If you are still not certain about your running gait, call us at (877) 860-7695 to talk to a running specialist.

Omni Group introduces OmniGraphSketcher 1.0

I own everything Omni has made. I use it all.

Omnifocus is amazing if you're a GTD follower or an organization problem child like me
It has take the place of FC's PlanPlus and runs projects up until you need Omniplan which is much easier than MS Project. And Omnigraffle is so much easier than MS Visio


...
Omni Group introduces OmniGraphSketcher 1.0
Produce graphs on the fly for reports, presentations
via Jim Dalrymple Macworld.com

Long time Mac developers, the Omni Group, on Wednesday introduced the newest in its line of productivity applications, OmniGraphSketcher 1.0 beta 1.

According to the company, OmniGraphSketcher 1.0 is a tool that combines the data plotting power of charting applications with the ease of a basic drawing program.


The application is designed for reports, presentations and problem sets where graphs need to be produced on the fly.

OmniGraphSketcher was previously known as Graph Sketcher, an application developed by Robin Stewart. The application was acquired by The Omni Group when Stewart joined the company as a software developer.

SanDisk cards on sale (CF & SD)

SanDisk cards on sale (CF & SD)


SanDisk 2 GB Extreme III Compact Flash (CF) Memory Card - Pack of Five for $49.95 (free shipping).



Nikonrumors

New Lens?

Another new DX lens? AF-S Nikkor 10-24mm



Who said DX is dead? Maybe another photoshop job of the 12-24 DX lens? The current Nikon 12-24 DX is f4.

Looks to be real but we'll see

via nikonrumors



SERPA Holster


The SERPA is worth the cash. I had like three different configurations but the chest rig rocked...

There's a lot you can play with to figure out how you want it. There's a leg drop I used on occasion but it kept hitting the camera bag and annoyed the crap outta me
BLACKHAWK!® S.T.R.I.K.E.™ CQC™ Platform w/SERPA Holster
This kit includes a Beretta M-9/92F holster and CQC™ holster platform that is attachable to any of your S.T.R.I.K.E. or MOLLE gear.
item# 30076
Price: $47.99


The BLACKHAWK!® S.T.R.I.K.E.™ CQC™ Platform w/SERPA Holster includes a Beretta M-9/92F holster and CQC™ holster platform that is attachable to any of your S.T.R.I.K.E. or MOLLE gear.

Allows access to handgun while seated or as a secondary entry/assault weapon
Four mounting angles
Long screws included
Dimensions: 5” x 5”
Imported
Specify: Left or Right Hand

Colors: Coyote Tan, Foliage Green or Olive Drab

Weight: 1 lbs.

LEG DROP Price: $122.99

This is new though (Or at least new to me):

BLACKHAWK!® SERPA™ Quick Disconnect System Kit
Allows for rapid platform changes with no tools required. The variations are limited only by your imagination.
item# 33638

USCAV ALL SERPA

Trusty BFM

I Sold mine to a Brit in 'Stan after dragging it around for a couple years. The BFM never had one rip or tear no matter what I did or how poorly I treated it.

The extra water was always helpful too...

Comes in ACU too...

CamelBak® BFM™
You're on a long mission and always on the move. Choose a ruck that will support your extended operation. Choose CamelBak BFM™ Our largest system, the BFM™ has a versatile load configuration design that can carry it all. Comfortably.
Item#: 25013
Price: 193.99

US CAV

Not a bad idea

Not a bad idea...

Gerber® Strap Cutter
Mar 19, 3:01 PM


Gerber® Strap Cutter
Cuts through nylon straps and seat belts in seconds.
Item#: 33930
Price: 21.99

Bates Boots


Bates boots have been the best by far for my feets. These have medium reviews for long-lasting. I for one could care less if they last a year. I want my feet to be happy...


Bates® 9" M-9 Desert Assault Boot
Mar 19, 3:01 PM

USCAV

Mags that work

Magpul® 30RND Standard PMAG
Mar 19, 3:01 PM


Magpul® 30RND Standard PMAG
An incredibly strong and lightweight Polymer Magazine (PMAG™) for 5.56 NATO ammo. Design solves common problems associated with M-16 family magazines.
Item#: 32131
Price: 19.99

uscav

Organizer Geeks Unite


Look if you're a geardo you need to know that there is a gov discount for Franklin Covey. Use this link to get it

I'll avoid the GTD vs FC argument in that FC has cool acu stuff and GTD is actual work.

This Sucks: DO NOT BUY

Functional messenger securely holds everything you need for the day's work, including files, pens, PDA, phone, and binder. Canvas digital camouflage design with secure buckle closure and adjustable canvas shoulder strap.Key functional features:
Government-approved Army universal digital camouflage pattern
Durable, lightweight material
Interior and exterior pockets
Dimensions: 15" W x 12.5" H x 4.25" D




This is very good. BUY

THIS STARTER SYSTEM HAS EVERYTHING COVERED
Manage your life with this undated starter system in the Digital Camouflage design, which gives you the freedom to begin planning in any month. The system is protected by a digi camo SpaceMaker binder, which zips close to the Planner Pages for a slim profile.





BUY: Very good and freaking cheap $9.99
Fitted with a legion of multifunctional pockets, looped zipper-pulls, and a hand and shoulder strap, cellular phones, maps, notepads, pens, pencils, and much more.


Made of 600D Nylon, the Sport Bag is water-resistant and easily cleans with soap and water.







BUY: $9.99

Another good bag that is cheeeep but good. Well made and pretty big. I use this for drill weekend stuff (i.e. pt & uniforms)

This Black Satchel Plus Bag features heavy-duty zippers with a steel framed opening for extra support.Pockets inside and out provide storage for all your extras.(18"w x 12"h x 12"d)

Charlie Brown!



www.dapperstache.com

Awesomeness

http://www.dapperstache.com/index.php?contenttype=ptoa

In the 300 B.C., years before the birth of black Jesus, Aristole postulated that all good things were made of "win." That was a pretty good guess, but he was drunk and probably also having an orgy. Modern day awesominers know there are actually 118 fundamental "awesoments" that compose all good things. The Periodic table of Awesoments can be a very useful tool. It's designed to show the relationships between awesoments, and often one can even predict how awesoments interact simply by their positions on the table.


via Giz i think

Hurm?

BattleLab Optics Bags with or with out laptop Insert

So this is an interesting bag from a company I've never seen before. Looks promising. Very promising indeed.


The optics bag looks good


BattleLab Optics Bags with or with out laptop Insert

BattleLab Optics Bags with or with out laptop Insert BattleLab is proud to introduce two new heavy duty optics bags to their extensive line of quality ballistic nylon pouches, packs and accessories. One is for optics only, the second for optics with the addition of a padded computer sleeve.

The heavily padded bags are constructed of 1000 denier nylon with heavy duty YKK zippers. The modular design allows the user to configure the bag to fit their gear whether it be night vision, telephoto surveillance equipment or optical recording devices. The lid features four zippered pockets including a utility pocket, a large mesh pocket for storing small objects and two clear plastic pouches for storing items that need extra protection. If the user needs access to a computer during an operation, the bag is also available with and external computer sleeve pocket on the lid.

Each bag is designed to fit into the BattleLab SOF Assault Pack or the BattleLab Jumpable Backpack. With its beefy, double box-stitched carry handle, it can also be used as a stand alone bag.
BattleLab Camera Optic Bag Sku:BLPF81-CCB
BattleLab Camera Optic Bag with Computer Insert Sku:BLPF81-3CB
Suggested Accessories:


BattleLab SOF Assault Pack
Sku:BLPF81


BattleLab Jumpable Backpack
Sku:BLPF81-J

http://www.diamondbacktactical.com

Urban Camo



http://www.urbancamouflage.de/

via giz i think

Video is pretty funny for about 2 min

Funnys



Shirt


Don't think I could geek out this much to wear it but you never know...

Gizmodo via
[redbubble via FashionablyGeek]

Great freakin photo


Want to be there shooting.

Wednesday, March 25, 2009

I wonder if it's good...

As a late-comer to the firefly series, I'm actually glad I didn't experience the horror of it's cancellation.

Just waiting for Joss to stop Dollhouse and get back to what really matters.

I keep waiting for the other characters on Castle to morph into firefly groupies or something.

ah well.

Wonder if this is worth the effort.

Serenity: Better Days #1 (of 3)
Creators: Joss Whedon
Writer: Joss Whedon, Brett Matthews
Artist: Will Conrad
Colorist: Michelle Madsen
Cover Artist: Adam Hughes
Genre: Science-Fiction, Action/Adventure
Features: Preview, Making of a Comic
Buy Now @ TFAW.com
Joss Whedon returns to the world of his blockbuster film Serenity with the three-issue comics series Better Days.

Better Days revisits everyone's favorite space cowboys in this thrilling, action-packed adventure, with Mal and his crew on a heist that promises a big payoff--what's surprising is that this heist just might make good on that promise.

Whedon reunites with Brett Matthews and Will Conrad, his collaborators on the best-selling 2005 series Those Left Behind. Adam Hughes joins the team for covers.

* Prequel series to the blockbuster film Serenity by Joss Whedon.

* Front covers by critically acclaimed Adam Hughes.

* Serenity: Those Left Behind has sold over 85, 000 copies!

Joss Whedon and Brett Matthews return to Serenity!
Publication Date: March 12, 2008
Format: FC, 40 pages
Price: $2.99
Serenity: Better Days #1 (of 3) is currently in stock at Things From Another World!

PRONE BABY!

I'm really gonna get this.
Here's why I really like this:
  1. It's cool
  2. when prone you could have an extremely stable shooting platform, which happens more than you'd think
  3. You could use any available surface (car, wall) to stabilize shooting
  4. Other Army geardos would appreciate it (i.e. geek envy)
  5. Okay, nothing else matters. It. Is. Cool.

This What I Print With

WHY I"M HAPPY EVERY FREAKIN DAY
We sell these:

Plus, you can print really cool stuff: Here




Why is this cool? Well I have some really cool, cool stickers to print!

Tuesday, March 24, 2009

Minor ooO!

The Gerber® eFECT Military Maintenance Tool was developed for the distinct purpose of maintaining a soldier or Marine's weapon. Built for the M16A4/M4, it incorporates components that make field maintenance of a weapon faster and more precise. It is compatible and interchangeable with Otis™ Breech-to-Muzzle™ components. It features all locking tools including a rotatable front sight adjustment tool, carbon scraper, pin punch and flat driver. Otis™ brush, curved pick and ACUPAT MOLLE sheath included.

via USCAV

No Sh!t? Really.

No wonder I can't freakin get an M4 anywhere. At. All.

Firearm Sales Remain Strong Throughout February
NASGW

Data derived from the FBI’s National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) shows background checks on firearms sales increased 23.3% in February to 1,259,078, compared to 1,021,130 in February 2008. The increase follows a 29% rise in January, a 24% increase in December and a 42% jump in November, when a record 1,529,635 background checks were conducted.

The increase in firearms sales has caused a major shortage of BATFE Form 4473 – the document required for purchase of a firearm from a licensed retailer — resulting in a BATFE announcement that retailers may photocopy the form for use in firearms sales until they receive a new supply of printed forms from the BATFE Distribution Center.

Both retailers and manufacturers have been enjoying brisk sales and have been reporting increased revenue. Despite one of the weakest holiday sales seasons on record, outdoor products retailer Cabela’s has posted robust fourth-quarter sales, mainly as a result of increased firearms and ammunition sales. Smith & Wesson reports its pistol sales are up 40%, while its tactical rifle sales have increased by a whopping 308%. Similarly, Sturm, Ruger & Company has seen an 81% increase in firearms revenue.

Tactical Life

Over-Armor Vest

OVER-ARMOR SPEC.-OPS. BRAND™ VEST
Rapid access storage for on-the-fly, shoot and move operations.

I took one but the places I went I could take off my vest as the rules inside were via NATO. I gave this to my buddy Tom. As I haven't gotten it back - I assume it is pretty spiffy for him.

Very easy to adjust. Guess I'll need to buy another.

Sigh.
Extender Panels $34.95
OAV $169.95

Think Tank Is the best. Period.

I have this: Digital Holster 40
Designed for pro-size SLRs, such as Nikon D2Xs or D2Hs, or the Canon EOS 1D Mark series.

It is freakin awesome. Seriously. Buy it.
Gonna get the straps:I carried a lowepro in 'Stan. It was okay. This will be so. much. better.

Mystery Ranch + Camelbak = ooO!


This is just sweet:


oo0! Big Bag!


Mystery Ranch

CBMR Manticore
The Manticore is part of our CBMR product line, providing Mystery Ranch quality at a lower price than our Bozeman built line. The Manticore is the largest pack we offer with the 3Zip design.

The 3Zip is an ingenious design that makes accessing your gear quick and easy by effectively working as a top-loader and panel-loader in one. Hooking a finger under the lid flap allows you to tear open the top for quick access to necessities, and a full-length front zipper opens the bag wide for complete access to all your gear.

A zippered panel allows you to cover the frame completely for traveling. NOTE: Foliage packs will come with a black NICE frame.

Hell Yeah!
Vol: 4200 cu-in (68.84 l)
Wt: 3 lbs 1 oz (1.43 kg)
Hauls: 180 lbs (81.64 kg)
Price: $400

ColorRight Color Balance Tool. Need?


WIRED: ColorRight Color Balance Tool

$90 • colorright.com 9 out of 10


Color Balance Out of Whack? Let ColorRight Take a Crack

One of the biggest complaints from photographers of every hardware allegiance is the color balance of their images. Skin tones are the biggest bugaboo because there are nearly seven billion variations — and for some odd reason — people get very fussy about how their pigment happens to look in print.

Tired of the nerve-fraying whine of "it's too red, too blue or too green," pro photographer Drew Strickland retreated to his Georgia tool shed and sometime later emerged with the ColorRight tool, a quick and easy way to get spot-on color balance better than 95 percent of the time. Just hold this 82mm filter in front of your lens, focus and shoot. Afterwards move your thumb directly to the custom white-balance tab in your camera's menu, set it using the frame you just shot and then forget about spending hours of post-production adjusting and matching color on your shots. Results in the field are fantastic; we had no issue with balancing various hues up perfectly. And though it may sound a bit complicated to work through, it's not — once you nail the process it takes mere seconds to dial the right color balance. That's right, seconds. Just so you can get back to important stuff, you know, like snapping pictures.

WIRED Simple, quick and accurate white-balance calibrations on the fly. Available in neutral and warm versions.

TIRED Threaded plastic case is a bit cumbersome.

$129! Ouch!


Army Combat Shirt Features:
- Full flame-resistant construction
- No-seam shoulders to minimize rubbing against armor
- Zippered storage pockets
- Concealable IR tab
- New lightweight, flame-resistant resin zippers
- Performance elbow assembly with SuperFabric abrasion dots and lightweight flame-resistant foam elbow pads
- Double pen pocket
- No-seam side panel construction
- Hook and loop for attaching name, rank and flag*
- Hook and loop wrist closure

Via Massif

NOTICE THEY'RE PUSHING IT




First Rebuilt Humvee Rolls Out in Iraq
American Forces Press Service

TAJI, Iraq, March 11, 2009 – The first M1114 Humvee to be completely rebuilt at the Taji National Maintenance Depot here rolled out of the Main Wheel Assembly and Disassembly facility last week, marking a significant milestone for the facility dubbed the “Wheel Depot.” The vehicle, nicknamed “Project One,” was rebuilt by Iraqi army mechanics in their third month of a six-month, supervised, on-the-job-training program at the maintenance depot, said Air Force Lt. Col. William Donovan, Multinational Security Transition Command Iraq’s depot program manager.

“Today, the Wheel Depot displayed its capability to rebuild, to depot-level standards, an M1114 Humvee that will eventually patrol the highways of Iraq, thus placing the country under a blanket of security,” he said. “The M1114 rebuild capability has finally reached fruition.”

Weren't these the same folks? New?

New task force to focus on protective gear
Army News Service



WASHINGTON– A new Army task force is focused on ensuring continuity and synchronization across the procurement process for Soldier protective gear.

Task Force Soldier Protection, announced March 12 during a media roundtable at the Pentagon, falls under Program Executive Office Soldier — an Army agency responsible for developing, procuring, fielding and sustaining virtually all things carried and worn by Soldiers. Al Dassonville heads up the new task force.

“I look forward to the challenge of running this task force — synchronizing all of our resources across the Department of Defense — to make sure we maintain the highest standards for our Soldier protective equipment and to ensure we have got all the appropriate resources synchronized to bring the best world-class equipment to Soldiers,” Dassonville said.

The new task force will ensure that Army standards and policies for procurement of Soldier protective gear — including such things as body armor, helmets and eyewear — are followed across the entire chain of agencies and organizations involved in fielding such equipment.

“We are trying to ensure we maintain synchronized and well-communicated and well-integrated actions associated with Soldier protection items,” said Brig. Gen. Peter N. Fuller, Program Executive Officer Soldier. “We are stepping up the game.”

According to Dassonville, top priorities for the task force include ensuring that contracting, testing and quality control of protective gear are conducted appropriately and efficiently; and ensuring that quality control continues to follow Army standards across all agencies involved in procurement of protective gear.

“It is easy enough to write a standard,” Dassonville said. “It is one thing to write it — it is another thing to go back and make sure everybody involved in the process understands it and does it. That is the other part that this task force is going to do.”

Across the Department of Defense, there are multiple organizations involved with getting a new idea for Soldier protective gear into the hands of a Soldier, Fuller said. He explained that from the inception of a new piece of gear to the placing of that gear into a Soldier’s hands, there are agencies that develop items, write contracts, produce equipment and test it.

Not all of those organizations are strictly Army organizations. But the goal of Task Force Soldier Protection is to ensure they all know what their mission is, and that they all are following the same set of strict Army guidelines for Soldier protective gear, Fuller said.

“The point of TFSP is to synchronize and integrate all the stakeholders working on Soldier protection items,” said Fuller. “We want to make sure everybody is working on the same thing and understands what the left and right are doing in relation to what they are working on. The Army wants to ensure that the highest standards are consistently applied to all processes related to Soldiers’ survivability equipment.”

Task Force Soldier Protection is currently intended as a temporary organization. In June, the results of the task force will be reviewed, officials said. A decision to dissolve or continue the task force will be made at that time.

oo0!


It was only natural that the most renowned private security company develop its own rifle. Two factors stand behind this statement. Service and support to the United States in Iraq, Afghanistan, Africa, as well as other numerous hotspots, has given this organization a unique insight into what works in combat.

Military.com via Tactical Life

So what do you feel?

Motivation




I'm not one for wearing t-shirts but these I'd make an exception to:


Wish my Nikon could be in cool green

Nice Chair