Watts Witit

Serious photographers can pull distant subjects closer with a powerful new 500mm (equivalent to 750mm with APS-C camera) super-telephoto lens from Sony.

The SAL500F40G is ideal for sports, wildlife and demanding imaging applications that require extreme magnification with uncompromised optical performance.

The SAL500F40G is the longest fixed focal length G Lens from Sony to date. Whether youre shooting detail-packed stills or Full HD video, youll enjoy frame-filling close-ups with flawless resolution. With a bright F4.0 maximum aperture, its excellent light gathering power allows the use of faster shutter speeds to broaden shooting opportunities.

The ruggedly-engineered SAL500F40G copes effortlessly with tough photo assignments. Focusing ring and front/rear joints are protected by interlocking seals that shrug off dust and moisture, even when youre shooting outdoors in driving rain or arid desert conditions. This weather-resistant design makes the SAL500F40G a perfect partner for the SLT-A77 (alpha;77) Translucent Mirror camera that offers serious photographers similarly ruggedized performance.

Like all other A-mount lenses, the SAL500F40G is compatible with the SteadyShot INSIDE image stabilisation system thats featured in every alpha; Translucent Mirror and DSLR camera from Sony. Depending on shooting conditions, camera model and settings, youll enjoy camera-shake blur compensation thats equivalent to approximately 4.5 stops (max.) in shutter speed.

Inside, the advanced optical design of the SAL500F40G includes 11 elements in 10 groups, including three ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass elements. Its also the first G Lens from Sony to feature advanced new coating process that ensures crisper, clearer images. Exclusive to Sony, the ground-breaking Nano AR Coating process cuts internal reflections by up to 80% compared with previous models. Resulting images are brilliantly crisp and clear, with dramatically reduced lens flare and ghosting. Flare is reduced still further by the carbon fibre lens hood thats lined with black velvet fibres to absorb incident light.

Razor-sharp autofocus performance makes the SAL500F40G ideal for capturing an athletes explosive movements or the unpredictable flutter of wild birds. The high-torque SSM (Super Sonic wave Motor) features a new drive circuit, ensures rapid, responsive AF with up to 4x faster object tracking than conventional Sony lenses.

Serious enthusiasts will also welcome a strong emphasis on enhanced handling and ergonomics. Four focus hold buttons are spaced around the lens barrel for easy operation in any position. Theyre complemented by a two-way DMF (Direct Manual Focus) mode button and focus range switch for positive, fumble-free operation when youre shooting under pressure.

Built to order, the SAL500F40G super-telephoto lens from Sony is available in Europe from late March 2012.

Olivia has also participated in track and cross country, but indicated her preference for basketball.

“Though running is a big part of my life, basketball is definitely number one in sports. I’m not really a competition runner, but I did it because I had the ability. I like to go out and just run five miles on my own sometimes while listening to music,” Olivia said.

Her track and cross country coach, Keith Metheny, said Prichard is a natural athlete.

“I’ve coached her since seventh grade. She’s been all-conference four years. She just has a natural God given ability. She is so competitive and such a hard worker that she intimidates other runners.”

Prichard has other interests outside of high school sports. She likes to hit the slopes, as well.

“I enjoy snowboarding, too,” she said. “On spring break in the past, we have gone to the mountains in Colorado and stayed for the week. My cousins are really good at it and they taught me how,” Prichard said of her other athletic interest.

Away from competitive sports, she has remained focused on academics.

“I have been working really hard and have kept a 4.0 GPA through high school,” Prichard said. “My favorite subject in school is science.”

Prichard plans to pursue a degree in sports medicine at her parents’ alma mater, Arkansas State University.

“She’s ranked number five in her graduating class and will graduate with honors,” Metheny said. “She’s always had a challenging course load and made sure to keep her grades up. You can’t do anything but commend her. Whatever she’s taken on she has been good at it. We are all confident in her and know she has a bright future ahead of her.”

Olivia said her No. 1 highlight of basketball season took place in the Mountain Home game.

“My favorite memory of basketball,” she said, “would be a game against Mountain Home. We were down by two with just a few seconds on the clock. We had a play set to let one of my teammates shoot a three-pointer but their defense was double-teaming her. I dribbled down the court and shot a half-court shot to win the game. That was definitely the most memorable moment.”

Harding described Prichard as a true role model for the younger and aspiring basketball players.

“She brings leadership and hard work ethic. It’s starting to pay off here in her senior year. All of the extra hours after practice she spends shooting is a great example to these younger kids. She shows them how hard work and extra time really pays off,” Harding said.

The Lady Eagles will host the state tournament this year in their new arena and Prichard said it would be the perfect way to cap her career at GCT.

“It’s my senior year and we’re excited about hosting and playing in the state tournament. What more could you ask for in your last year playing?” she said.

Speaking on her final season, Prichard said, “You know, playing since first grade you’d think I would get burned out on it.

“This year has really opened my eyes because I know it’s my last season. With coach Harding coming in and knowing he loves the game just as much as we do, this is by far my favorite season I have ever played.”

The Detroit Red Wings announced Friday that goaltender Jimmy Howard will miss the teams next two games because of a broken finger.

Howard appeared to injure the finger on his blocker hand on a shot during a scramble sequence in front of the Detroit goal just four minutes into the third period of Thursday nights game in Vancouver. He was grimacing after, and shook out the hand repeatedly before having the index finger taped up on the bench and returning to play the rest of the period, overtime and the shootout, stopping both attempts in a 4-3 Red Wings victory.

Howard, an All-Star this year who leads the NHL with 32 victories, will be re-evaluated Tuesday when the team returns to Detroit following its four-game road trip.

Backup Ty Conklin has struggled in his limited appearances this season. In 10 games, he is 3-5-0 with a 3.20 goals-against average and .886 save percentage.

The Red Wings recalled goaltender Joey MacDonald from the American Hockey League. Detroits next game is Saturday night in Edmonton.

StockMarketWire.com – Sound Oil has been advised by the Citarum Operator of continuing difficulties on the Cataka-1 exploration well.

Progress in drilling the upper section has continued to be difficult due to the unstable nature of the rock formations. Attempts to drill ahead from the 13 3/8 casing were not successful, necessitating a second side-track of the well which was established by milling a window in the casing.

Similar difficulties to the first side-track have been encountered in this new section. Consequently the Operator has today recommended to the Joint Venture partnership to abandon the well at the present depth of 1413 ft.

The Operator intends to undertake a detailed post drilling evaluation of the operation with a view of returning to the prospect within or at the end of the current drilling campaign. The rig will now be demobilised and moved to the Jatayu-1 location, approximately 20 km to the southeast.

Gerry Orbell, Sound Oils Chairman and Chief Executive, commented:

It is disappointing that we have had drilling difficulties at Cataka and that the well has had to be abandoned before reaching the target. The well was a wildcat located in an unknown geological terrain and we are sure that the experienced Operator did everything to try to get through the unstable formation. Following the Operators evaluation the partnership will consider returning to the Cataka site.

As soon as operations at Cataka are completed, we are moving straight away to Jatayu which is the next well in the three well program on the Citarum PSC. The Jatayu exploration well will target prospective resources of 290 Bscf (P50).

In contrast, it is encouraging that the rig for the Bangkanai campaign will shortly be on the move after its re-fit for high pressure/high temperature operations. This rig is scheduled to drill 5 to 6 wells which will allow the Kerendan Gas Field to be put on stream and explore the very large prospect at depth below Kerendan.

At 10:02am: (LON:SOU) share price was -0.15p at 1.43p

Story provided by StockMarketWire.com

SINGAPORE – It is an ambitious objective: To make sports a part of the Singaporean lifestyle.

And in unveiling its raft of recommendations at a press conference yesterday, the Vision 2030 steering committee – chaired by Acting Minister for Community Development, Youth and Sports Chan Chun Sing – was under no illusion of the task ahead.

We think it takes a generation to be able to appreciate a mental frame that Vision 2030 espouses – that sports is a part of your life, not an adjunct to your life, said Singapore Sports Council CEO Lim Teck Yin, who is part of the 23-strong committee that included members from the Government, the sports fraternity as well as the private sector.

The committee was set up in July last year to chart the path for Singapore sports over the next two decades.

After seven months of public consultation, the committee has drawn up 19 recommendations aimed at creating more opportunities for Singaporeans young and old to take part in competitive or recreational sports, improving access to facilities and enhancing sports expertise.

From working with schools to increase parents involvement in their childrens sporting activities and a more integrated academic and sporting curriculum for student athletes, to the setting up of a competitive sports league for companies and the creation of a fitness ecosystem for seniors, the committee hopes to provide opportunities for all, not just for a small group of people who may already be in the sporting circle – as Mr Chan put it.

Mr Chan added: The ecosystem comprises not just sportsmen and athletes … We wanted to address all these issues because we believe that, once we get the fundamentals right, then the results will be delivered accordingly.

Speaking to Today, Fencing Singapore president Nicholas Fang noted that, even with the availability of good sports facilities, the challenge is in getting people to use them.

It is about creating a real sporting culture where people are sports fanatics and would rather watch sports instead of the movies, said the Nominated Member of Parliament-designate.

Bringing in more sports events with high entertainment value would help, he suggested.

Netball Singapore executive director Cyrus Medora reiterated that the movement needs to start in schools. For starters, schools need to change the mindset of getting students to play sports just for the sake of winning, he said.

Mr Medora also cited National Service as a possible hurdle to sportsmen. Still, referring to national footballer Hariss Harun, Mr Medora pointed out that it is not impossible to balance NS obligations and sporting pursuits. To that end, Mr Chan – a former Chief of Army – revealed at the press conference that very positive discussions are taking place with the Ministry of Defence to help male national athletes better juggle their various commitments.

For the average Singaporean, a lack of time for sporting pursuits is a common refrain.

Public relations practitioner Shirley Wong, 32, told Today: Itd be helpful if the company creates time for its staff to indulge in sports – for example, have an activity day where employees go off on time or take two hours off to exercise together.

But Courts Singapore chief executive Terry OConnor reiterated the challenges that companies face in this regard. We have operational realities, for instance. Having said that, we are seeing how we can bring this into our staff engagement activities, he said.

The recommendations will undergo another round of public consultation over the next few months. From May, implementation of the final recommendations will begin.

Bored of simply lying by the pool and sipping a San Miguel on holiday? Then why not swap the traditional lsquo;fly and flop sunshine break and embark on a real adventure? Encounters Travel offer small group adventure tours that head off-the-beaten-track and combine comfortable hotel accommodation with the odd night somewhere simple yet unique, such as a desert camp or jungle tree house, for a true once-in-a-lifetime experience. And there are plenty of options to travel within a traditional week, 10-night or two-week time period, including:

1 week: Moroccan Mosaics

Morocco may only be a bit further than southern Spain, but its a world away culturally and offers a complete sensory overload. This seven-night Morocco tour begins with three days in Marrakech before embarking on an exciting 4WD desert safari through the Atlas Mountains, visiting local Berber villages and impressive gorges and canyons. Along the way, guests get to watch the sunset over the Sahara before sleeping under the stars in a traditional Berber camp.

Prices start from pound;599 per person, to include airport transfers from/to Marrakech, varied accommodation in hotels and a traditional Berber camp on a mixed-board basis, all entrance fees, as well as an expert local guide throughout.

10 nights: Jungles amp; Beaches (Thailand)

The perfect mix of sunshine, activity and culture, this alternative Thailand tour goes off the typical tourist trail to explore the rainforests in search of elephants and leopards. It begins in the bustling capital Bangkok, then heads south to explore Khao Sok National Park to experience river canoeing and jungle walks while staying in novel tree houses and raft houses. It then ends with four nights relaxing on the beautiful island of Ko Samui with its white-sand beaches.

Prices start from pound;725 per person, to include airport transfers from/to Bangkok, varied accommodation in hotels, tree houses, raft houses and an overnight train on a mixed-board basis, travel by train, plane, bus and ferry, all entrance fees as well as a local tour guide during sightseeing and activities.

2 weeks: Bolivian Encounters

Of all of South America, Bolivia is the most extreme. Its the highest, most isolated and most rugged nation, perfect therefore, for those seeking adventure. This all-encompassing Bolivia tour begins in the bustling capital, La Paz, then embarks on a four-night 4WD tour of the dramatic Salt Flats before visiting one of the highest cities in the world, Potosi. It then heads to the beautiful colonial town of Sucre and ends with five days in the jungle and rainforest.

Prices start from pound;1,295 per person, to include airport transfers from/to La Paz, internal transfers by plane, train and bus, accommodation on a mixed-board basis and experienced local guides throughout.

Prices do not include international flights. Contact Encounters Travel (www.encounterstravel.com / 0800 088 6002). Facebook: www.facebook.com/encounterstravel/ Twitter: @encounterstravl

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Keeping kids out of harms way and away from gangs. Thats the mission of the Kern County Sheriffs Activities League. SAL said thanks to the citizens and businesses who have bought into that mission at their 2011 Appreciation and Awards Dinner.

SAL is a non-profit. Itdepends on volunteers and donations to keep the program going. At the special dinner, those whohelp got to meet many of the kids who are benefiting from their efforts.

Photographs of the kids at events and doing community services filled the banquet hall. It was for the many who have given their time and money to see how they are helping.

Most of our kids are at-risk kids, explained John Money, former director of the Lamont SAL. They come from bad neighborhoods so they are trying to do good so they enjoy the fact that they can get out and get to do stuff. And, we do fun stuff too.

Or on this night, take home an award, like 11-year-old Mercedes Flores did, for Outstanding Girl of the Year in the Lamont SAL program.

It does many things because it makes me look from a different point of view, and it also helps me learn like what not to do and why its wrong, saidFlores about the SAL program.

Oh, its phenomenal, said Wendy Dohner, owner of B amp; B Barbecue in Kernville. The kids are amazing. My niece alone, when she does something in school her concern is now not that daddy knows, its does Deputy Levick know? Is Deputy Garcia going to find out?

Wendy Dohner won Sponsor of the Year for the Kern Valley SAL program. She and her business raisedmore than$5,000 for the program in 2011.

Oh, I definitely think these kids would be doing who knows what, you know, in the nighttime or whatever, but theyve got something to look forward to, said Dohner.

The kids give back through community service, like picking up litter and removing graffiti. They learn respect, something volunteers and sponsors consider priceless.

Its rewarding to see what they can accomplish with a little bit of help, said Money.

Wendy Dohner says this was her first year as a sponsor. Shes already planning a car wash to raise money for this year.

ShareEncounters (Wakefield)
Date Reviewed: 12 February 2012
WOS Rating:

As a site-specific work Encounters, written and directed by Sarah Osborne for Yew Tree Arts, is an almost total success. As well as being an emotionally truthful love story, it guides audience members through The Hepworth, and even to an extent moderates their reaction to the art works, plus involving the gallery itself in the characters ? life choices.

The back story of Encounters is a touch unlikely ? how Maisie aged 18 and her family suddenly disappeared from Wakefield without trace, leaving young Jed feeling bereft ? but the relationship between the two five years later is wholly convincing, especially as played by two extremely natural and personable young actors in Joanna Nicks and Danny Bell. Maisie has suddenly got in touch, Jed suggests a meeting in the Hepworth and, as they walk round the galleries, they discuss their lives along with the sculptures and gradually frame a new future for Maisie.

It?s not easy to stage a promenade production in the middle of ordinary gallery goers (by the end fairly numerous for a Sunday morning), but Encounters achieves it by not compromising the basic principle of total naturalism. Obviously Nicks and Bell pitch their voices a little louder than most visitors, but not to excess (with great regard to a potentially boomy acoustic), and they are splendidly unfazed by unplanned vocal competition from the next gallery! As they wander through the galleries, they merge with members of the public, some of whom drop in for the odd scene.

Sarah Osborne manages the dual purpose of her play very skilfully. Jed, as it happens, has found a purpose in life in the five years after 18, Maisie has lost hers. As a teacher in Wakefield, he is familiar with the Hepworth and an enthusiast for Barbara Hepworth?s work. Maisie, returning for the first time, knows the gallery only by reputation. What more natural than that he should tell her about some of the sculptures? As gallery guides go, he is one of the few I?ve found bearable! A satisfying piece of theatre is also the most painless commercial for The Hepworth ? and you don?t have to be fully convinced by the conclusion about the inspiring qualities of art to find that Encounters works perfectly!

Further daytime performances are scheduled for February 16th (also a solitary evening performance), 19th and 26th and it?s also available on www.youtube.com /user/EncountersYewTree.

- by Ron Simpson

That may sound like a cautionary tale, but for Noel Biderman and others who have founded dating websites for married people, its a lucrative business.

The day after Valentines Day is one of our biggest days of the year, says Biderman, founder and CEO of Ashley Madison, a 10-year-old site that unapologetically caters to discreet encounters for the married or otherwise attached. People are disappointed by their spouses lack of effort, and they feel especially undervalued when there is a societal expectation of romance. Certain days of the year act as litmus tests for many people in relationships.

• MORE: Social media can both help and hurt real-life relationships

Websites designed to facilitate cheating appear to be thriving; some earn tens of millions of dollars a year, and competition is growing. In addition to Toronto-based Ashley Madison, theres a growing crop of copycats that equate affairs with romance, passion and adventure.

Whether these sites promote cheating or just facilitate it is up for debate.

A married family doctor from Shropshire who was secretly recorded having sexual encounters with a patient was this afternoon found guilty of a 16-month affair.

Dr Simon Robinson looked exchanged stunned looks with his wife Catherine as the General Medical Council disciplinary panel delivered its verdict after a week-long hearing.

The 44-year-old father of two had denied having the affair and the panel was still today deciding whether he should be struck off.
Robinson, who was based at the Cae Glas Surgery in Oswestry at the time, would call the woman his ‘Number One Patient’ while she kept a secret diary of their meetings, the hearing was told.

But the panel heard the GP was reported after the woman, who cannot be named for legal reasons but is in her 40s, used her mobile phone to make two recordings of them.

The hearing had been told their encounters, during an affair from July 2009 to November 2010, always stopped short of full sexual intercourse.

This afternoon the panel, sitting in Manchester, rejected Robinson’s claims the two tapes had been tampered with. Panel chairman Professor Denis McDevitt said despite reservations about Patient A’s evidence, they accepted Robinson had engaged in a sexual relationship with her.

See also:

• Oswestry affair claim patient sold previous story
• Oswestry doctor: Friendship with patient was foolish
• Sex tapes fabricated, Oswestry doctor hearing told
• You have kissable mouth, Oswestry doctor told
• Oswestry GP denies sex session claim