Sunday, November 16, 2008
My daughter’s 5th birthday anniversary celebration was held on 12th November 2008, at our home in Berakas. The followings are some of the selected photos that were taken:
The chicken which was cooked by my mother-in-law
The lasagna which was also cooked by my mother-in-law
Coca-Coa Zero: The whole family favourite, including my 5 years daughter and 3 years old son.
The salad
The rice
Pizza Hut: My daughter gives her “seal 0f approval”
Pizza: The whole family favourite
Pepsi Twist: The whole family favourite, including my daughter and my son
Time to eat
The cerries on the birthday cake
The birthday cake
Birthday cake: This is my part
(Photos: Abdul Rashid Haji Tahir. Taken on 12 November 2008)
I get my copy of News Photographer magazine Issue October 2008 in the first week of November 2008 through the mail directly from the USA. I think this is my last issue. May be I will renew my subscription in January 2009.
News Photographer magazine is an official publication of the National Press Photographers Association, Inc. (NPPA) (Website: www.nppa.org). The goal of the magazine is “the education of photojournalist and the public about photojournalism by reaching as wide audience as possible.” And the magazine is only available from the NPPA.
Photo of my copy of News Photographer October 2008
Photo shows the cover story of News Photographer October 2008
The cover story is “You are ALL under arrest”, which touches the topic about or issues on the right of photojournalists taking photos of riots during the Republican National Convention that was held in St.Paul, MN in summer this year.
It is also about the needs to define who is the ‘journalist’ or ‘photojournalist’, which then bring the issue that if independent bloggers or videomakers are to be included in the categories of ‘journalist’ i.e a question about what category of people who have the right to gather news as guaranteed by the First Amenment (in the USA’s Constitution).
In term of the tools of trade, I expect Nikon will introduce HD video capable DSLR when they replace the D300, D3 and D700 while Canon will introduce the video capability when they replace their 1D, 50D, and 450D; the latest is by the end of next year (2009). This is in line to the need that has been touched by Seth Gitner.
John G. Morris does a feature on the 20th anniversary of Visa pour l’Image that was held in Perpignan, French in September 2008. At that time, Perpignan become the capital of photojournalism of the world for one week.
COVER STORY
Photo shows the cover story of News Photographer October 2008
The cover story is “You are ALL under arrest”, which touches the topic about or issues on the right of photojournalists taking photos of riots during the Republican National Convention that was held in St.Paul, MN in summer this year.
It is also about the needs to define who is the ‘journalist’ or ‘photojournalist’, which then bring the issue that if independent bloggers or videomakers are to be included in the categories of ‘journalist’ i.e a question about what category of people who have the right to gather news as guaranteed by the First Amenment (in the USA’s Constitution).
During the riots, the rioters and the PHOTOJOURNALISTS were arrested and this issue is highlighted by the magazine.
ABOUT CHANGE
I am interested when Donald Winslow touches on the change in journalism, which I believe also apply to my current profession i.e education. He quoted what Charles Darwin have said, “It is not the strongest of the species that survive, nor the most intelligent, but the one most responsive to change.”
I believe that in order the SPN21 (Brunei’s 21st Century National Education System that will be implemented from 2009) to be sucessful, the teachers (including myself) must be able to adapt to the changes in the education senario, in which teachers’ commitment is greatly required. Otherwise, the ends of the SPN21 cannot be achieved.
VIDEO DSLR
Seth Gitner, in Multimedia Moments section, touches on the need of photojournalist must also be able to take an usable video for the online news (in addition to take still photos), and on the introduction of video capable DSLR such as Nikon D90 and Canon EOS 5D Mark II.
In term of the tools of trade, I expect Nikon will introduce HD video capable DSLR when they replace the D300, D3 and D700 while Canon will introduce the video capability when they replace their 1D, 50D, and 450D; the latest is by the end of next year (2009). This is in line to the need that has been touched by Seth Gitner.
I think the next selling point is HD video capability in DSLR because the megapixels war should be over by now. In addition, the DSLR manufacturer should concentrate more on the quality of images at high ISO, better live view, better image stabilisation, better dust control, weather shield camera, and dual card slot (for semi-pro and pro camera) i.e one for RAW/jpg and the other for HD video OR one for RAW and the other for jpg.
Regarding the LCD display, I hope Canon and Nikon will do something so that it can be swivelled and tilted. This will make the user easier to take video/photos at high and low angle.
I also looking forward high end compact point-and-shoot camera equipped with APS-C or full-frame sensor with minimum DVD or 720p HD quality video capability.
I also looking forward high end compact point-and-shoot camera equipped with APS-C or full-frame sensor with minimum DVD or 720p HD quality video capability.
In the end, then, I do not know what will happen to the video camera (especially the consumer one, and when the compact point-and-shoot or compact DSLR have equivalent or better image quality when compare to dedicated video camera).
Honestly speaking I like to take video using the DSLR video because I feel DSLR such as Nikon D90 (with battery grip, of course) is more comfortable on my hand when compare to the consumer video camera (which is too small for my hand. Unless, of course, if I want to use the small video camera to take video very discreetly).
20TH ANNIVERSARY OF VISA POUR L’IMAGE
20TH ANNIVERSARY OF VISA POUR L’IMAGE
John G. Morris does a feature on the 20th anniversary of Visa pour l’Image that was held in Perpignan, French in September 2008. At that time, Perpignan become the capital of photojournalism of the world for one week.
Visa pour l’Image is a festival of photography which concentrate on photojournalism, where big name in photojournalism is brought in.
EXTRA:
BARACK OBAMA BECOMES THE NEXT PRESIDENT OF THE USA
EXTRA:
BARACK OBAMA BECOMES THE NEXT PRESIDENT OF THE USA
I wish to congratulate Barack Obama for winning the USA Election 2008, and this make him the next President of United States of America from 2009 to 2013. I hope he will bring something better for the world, such as in terms of economy, security, financial, environment, etc.
During the Barack Obama’s presidential administration, I sincerely hope that USA will continously fight the terrorist and NOT the USA themselves become the terrorists, such as killing innocent life and brings chaos to the world (just like what happen in Iraq and Afganistan).
And I expect and hope the USA will continously become the most powerful (responsible) democratic nation in the world…A country called Palestine, please.
p/s: This article is written based on my understanding on the issues or topics and my reading on the magazine, and from somewhere else (including my experiences and the media).
(Photos: Abdul Rashid Haji Tahir. Taken on 7 November 2008)
During the Barack Obama’s presidential administration, I sincerely hope that USA will continously fight the terrorist and NOT the USA themselves become the terrorists, such as killing innocent life and brings chaos to the world (just like what happen in Iraq and Afganistan).
And I expect and hope the USA will continously become the most powerful (responsible) democratic nation in the world…A country called Palestine, please.
p/s: This article is written based on my understanding on the issues or topics and my reading on the magazine, and from somewhere else (including my experiences and the media).
(Photos: Abdul Rashid Haji Tahir. Taken on 7 November 2008)
The latest version of Nissan Murano 2009 is launched at Boustead showrom in Beribi on 7th November 2008, Friday. The new Nissan Murano costs about BND60,000 (on the road).
The Murano has a 3.498 litres DOHC 24-valve 6 cylinder engine, a VQ engine (Code: VQ35DE) . According to the brochure by Boustead Brunei, the VQ engine series are on the list of Ward’s 10 Best Engine every year since 1995 until 2008 i.e for 14 consecutive years.
The engine is run by petrol. A full fuel tank capacity is 82 litres. Therefore, you must ready to spend about BND43.46 (82 x BND0.53) from EMPTY to FULL or about BND20.00 from HALF-FULL to FULL. A lot amount of money for my current standard in terms of fuel spending. However, the brochure do not mention the fuel consumption. However, due to it has 6 speed transmission, it should be more fuel economy when compare to the one that has 4-speed of the same engine capacity.
The new Murano has 6-speed X-tronic Continously Variable Transmission (CVT), with Manual mode. I guess the 6-speed transmission will contribute to fuel-saving when compare to the 4-speed. But, if I have one, I do not know when I should use the manual mode.
It has 18x7.5J alloy wheels with 235/65R18 tyres. Quite big tyres and wheels.
According to the brochure, there are 7 colours are available: grayish bronze, dark blue, blade silver, white pearl, brilliant silver, super black, and bordeaux red. I like super black, but I may choose white or dark blue. There is only one type of seat material i.e black leather.
One of the features of the new Nissan Murano is that it has a BOSE sound system which included that CD player that can play mp3 and wma audio format and 11 speakers. Too bad, for a BND60k car, there is no DVD player and TV tuner. I prefer if GPS Navigation System is installed.
The new Murano is equipped with ALL MODE 4x4-I, VDC (Vehicle Dynamic Control) which include the TCS (Traction Control System) and brake LSD (Limited Slip Differential) functions, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System, BA (Brake Assist), EBD (Electronic Brake force Distribution), as well as front, side, and curtain SRS airbags for performance and/or safety.
Will I buy one?
I am not so sure. I am not much like a big SUV (for now), because it will cost more in terms of fuel consumption, engine oil, tyre, as well as to wash and wax (which need me more time and energy). And, I still have the phobia of driving high gravity car such as the SUV since I have an accident driving a Suzuki Jimny since nearly a decade ago.
My present preference is sport and hatchback car. Not all sport car. I like the Suzuki Swift Sport, Mazda 3, Volkswagen Golf GTI, Mini Cooper S, and Lexus IS/GS series.
I have driven a few SUVs before, such as two version of Pajero i.e the my father’s 1990+ low specs 2.5l petrol engine and my father-in-law’s high specs intercooler turbo diesel engine ( a few times), and also my wife’s cousin’s Lexus RX300 (once). The one that I like most, in terms of ride and handling, is the Lexus RX300.
If I have the opportunity to have one i.e if I have BND80K, I may choose Lexus RX300 OR Volkswagen Toureg over the new Nissan Murano. But if I only have only BND60k to spend, I may choose Toyota Fortuner due to its diesel engine. Diesel engine car consumes less amount of fuel when compare with the petrol one at the same engine capacity. And, in Brunei Darussalam, diesel fuel costs 20 cents less per litre than that the RON97 petrol fuel.
However, you need to test drive the vehicle first to see whether you like the ride or not. And you have to decide what the SUV will be used for. So far, I only have an experience of driving the latest Lexus RX300. Not sufficient information to make decision.
Conclusion
Because the new Nissan Murano does not have the diesel engine version, I MAY go for Toyota Fortuner (if I have BND60k to spend) or Volkswagen Toureg (if I have BND80k plus to spend). OR, if I really want the Nissan Murano, I need to wait its diesel version.
Because the new Nissan Murano does not have the diesel engine version, I MAY go for Toyota Fortuner (if I have BND60k to spend) or Volkswagen Toureg (if I have BND80k plus to spend). OR, if I really want the Nissan Murano, I need to wait its diesel version.
(Photos: Abdul Rashid Haji Tahir. Taken on 7th November 2008)
Note:
The review is based on my current opinion, taste, needs, wants, and preferences, which may change from time to time. There is something you like, but you cannot get it. And, I think by taking photos of something that I like should be enough.
Saturday, November 08, 2008
The dog’s footprint
My father-in-law's mangoes
The Moon: This photo is taken on 5.35pm.
The dog’s footprint
(Photos: Abdul Rashid Haji Tahir. Taken on 7 November 2008)
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