The new EOS 50D offers 15.1 Megapixel Resolution, Expanded ISO Range and Enhanced Noise Reduction

With the demand for digital SLR cameras reaching unprecedented levels, Canon is answering the call with the announcement of the next evolution in advanced amateur digital SLR photography, the EOS 50D Digital SLR Camera with 15.1 megapixel resolution and Canon's new DIGIC 4 image processor. Designed to offer superb quality and image control for the advanced photographer, the Canon EOS 50D includes an expanded ISO range, improved noise reduction, and new in-camera photo editing features. Canon has loaded the EOS 50D camera with a number of enhancements and some trickle-down technology from Canon's professional EOS-1 digital SLR cameras, as well as a new Creative Auto Mode (CA) that gives users more creative flexibility to make image setting adjustments conveniently without the need to be a photo expert.

Canon has built upon the success of the popular EOS 40D model – which will remain in Canon's line – with the EOS 50D Digital SLR camera. Expected to be the camera body of choice for advanced amateur photographers this holiday season, the 50D carries over the 40D's 14-bit Analog-to-Digital conversion process for smooth tones, and also includes enhanced noise reduction, especially at higher ISO ranges which will help bring those nighttime shots into greater focus and clarity. Capable of shooting 6.3 frames per second, the 50D is ideal for shooting in almost any environment.  read more »

By Jeff Zbar 
www.homeofficehighway.com

Are you a power broker? You have your laptop and broadband wireless card that provide access to the connected world. You may even have a back-up laptop battery in case your first does during the middle of a major project or especially thoughtful missive.

But what about the power that empowers you? Whether you’re in an RV or a hotel room, the stuff we use — our laptops, portable printers, iPods and cell phones — invariably require more power than some measly little two-plug wall outlet will provide.

So, power up.  read more »

The Political Machine 2008, recently released by Stardock Entertainment, capitalizes on election year excitement and frenzy to put you behind the wheel in a campaign for the presidency. By allowing the player to utilize numerous political tools and undertake a wide variety of activities available to candidates, Stardock successfully imitates one of the most realistic aspects of a campaign: an excess of things to do contrasted with a dearth of time and money. Inundated with information and decisions, you must make crucial choices within your resource budget to maximize the probability of winning the White House. Though this may be unappealing to some, the task is far from unachievable and rewards those meticulous enough to use to their advantage the wide array of campaigning possibilities.

As you probably have already discerned from the game’s title, The Political Machine 2008 focuses on the United States 2008 presidential campaign, though that is not all it offers. Furthermore, the game is not so linear as to force you to play as McCain or Obama versus the other; historical accuracy is flexed here for the purpose of increased variability. Players can choose to control Republicans such as John McCain, Mitt Romney, Rudy Giuliani, George W. Bush and Dick Cheney. Representing the Democratic Party are Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton, John Kerry, John Edwards, Al Gore, Bill Clinton and Bill Richardson. In addition to these characters, extra politicians on both sides of the aisle are unlockable through the course of the game. If that is not enough to satisfy your appetite for variety, you can choose to create custom characters and alter them to your liking!  read more »

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With families preparing for back-to-school activities and only a few weeks left to make holiday vacation plans, many Americans are looking for last-minute vacations to take the edge off before the winter season begins.

According to a new survey conducted by the Travel Industry Association, one out of five adults planning to take a home-based vacation during the next six months fully expects to stay in a local hotel, motel or resort at least one night during their “staycation.”

This suggests that many Americans still plan to “get away” even if their destination is local. Fortunately, a number of ARAMARK Parks & Destinations’ national park lodges and tours are offering travelers the perfect end-of-season packages to entice them to take advantage of an array of cultural and adventurous activities nationwide.  read more »