Samantha the Christmas Angel

<black and white christmas cardsp>Thursday, December 26 th, 2013
Issue 52, Volume 17.

After working late one Friday night a couple of weeks ago, I decided to stop at Oink and Moo for take-out. I walked in and noticed a young woman off to my left having dinner. What caught my eye was the slab of ribs in front of her. Not only did they look delicious, but all I could think of was that the slab was almost bigger than she was.

The hostess was ringing me up; I went for my ATM card and realized I didn't have it. I don't carry my credit cards and almost never have cash which was the case this night. Out loud I said, "Oh no, I don't have my ATM card!" The hostess said not to worry about it, Advertisement

[ Berry-Bell and Hall Mortuary ] to call them with the numbers or drop the cash off later.

Suddenly, there was a young lady standing next to me, she said, "I'm paying for her dinner." She said she wanted to do something nice for someone at the holidays. I was so taken back; I thanked her over and over and asked her for a hug. I realized I had put my credit cards in my purse, Christmas shopping and all, so I ended up paying for my dinner.

That Friday night began the Christmas feeling for me. Thank you Samantha Fender for showing me your kindness and generosity, I went home with a warm heart and a smile on my face. You showed me the true meaning of Christmas. Merry Christmas!

Teddie Borges

'Scandal' Recap: Olivia Learns The Truth About Her Mother

scandal season 1-season-3-pics/#ref=/2013/12/13/scandal-jake-command-b613-season-3-episode-10-recap/pos=">

This flawless hour of television couldn't have come at a better time. People, this is why Kerry Washington is swimming in nominations.

If last week's episode of was considered 'intense,' the Dec. 12 conclusion of the midseason finale was a non-stop barrage of heart attacks from which we shall never recover. Not only did we learn the truth about Olivia's (Kerry Washington) mom, but the fall-out from Daniel's murder was insane, and some major shifts in power completely changed the way this game is going to be played form now on.

'Scandal': 7 Craziest Midseason Finale Moments

1. Cyrus helps Sally get away with murder. I never thought I'd see Cyrus Been and Sally Langston working on the same side - but then again, I never thought I'd see Sally knifing her gay husband in the back, then blaming it on the devil, either. Kate Burton was at her absolute best this week, flipping the switch from self-righteous monster to full-blown psychopath. ("He's in hell! Daniel Douglas is in hell!") I love her.

Take Our Poll

2. Quinn pulls out her tracking device. Quinn (Katie Lowes) is many things, but a dentist is not one of them. So watching her extract a tracking device from her own damn tooth was among the most unsettling moments of this two-parter. I assume she also removed part of her brain, because she's totally dating Charlie now, and science has proven that he's the worst.

3. Fitz lands Rowan behind bars. The seemingly unstoppable Papa Pope was finally taken down by the POTUS with the Mostest, a confrontation which went from zero to absolutely insane in no time flat. I'm honestly not sure which part I enjoyed more - when Fitz (Tony Goldwyn) bragged about all the ways he's had sex with Olivia, or when Rowan tore the "boy" to pieces with his angry words of truth.

4. Mama Pope's history is revealed. It turns out "Maya" (Khandi Alexander) was a gun for hire who sold government secrets to the highest bidder, and she lied to Rowan about there being a bomb on the plane Fitz was ordered to take down. Sure, it's a crazy story, but it ties up this whole B613 storyline in a neat and surprising way. I like that. (Oh, and Mama Pope is officially back on the loose. So watch out, D.C.!)

5. Cyrus & James remain terrible. In a desperate attempt to keep James ( Dan Bucatinsky) at home - but definitely not earning back his love - Cyrus ( Jeff Perry) agreed to make his husband the new White House Press Secretary. (That's right, James. Sleep your way to the top. That will fix your sham of a marriage.)

6. Jake drops the L-bomb... then becomes freakin' Command. I was sad to see Jake (Scott Foley) walk out of Olivia's life, telling her, "Whatever happens next ... I loved you." And by that, he really meant, "I'm taking your father's job as Command of B613, but I can't tell you. Sowwy!"

7. David catches onto Sally. Just when you thought Queen Langston had committed the perfect crime, David Rosen ( Joshua Malina) got his sexy little hands on a recording of her phone-confession to Cyrus! Is Sally about to join her husband in hell? Dun, dun dun!

HollywoodLifers, what was your favorite part of this insane midseason finale? Drop a comment with your review of the episode below!

More 'Scandal':

'Scandal' Season 3 Cut Short Due To Kerry Washington's Pregnancy

'Scandal' Stars Talk Midseason Finale Reveals & Huck's Future With Quinn

'Scandal' Recap: Olivia Pope Reunites With Her Mom After 23 Years

Sigma Issues D5300 Compatibility Fix for Five Lenses

<Nikon D5300 Couponsimg src="http://www.photographyblog.com/images/sized/images/uploads_ee2/news_images/sigma_usb_dock-550x356.jpg">

Sigma has issued an update to Sigma Optimisation Pro, the dedicated software for the Sigma USB Dock (pictured), providing a fix for a couple of compatibility issues with five of its lenses and the new Nikon D5300. Owners of the Nikon-mount versions of the Sigma 35mm F1.4 DG HSM, 17-70mm F2.8-4 DC Macro OS HSM, 30mm F1.4 DC HSM, 18-35mm F1.8 DC HSM and 120-300mm F2.8 DG OS HSM optics are advised to update their lens firmware via Sigma Optimisation Pro if they plan on using their lenses on a Nikon D5300 body.

Website: Sigma Optimisation Pro

Sigma Press Release Dear SIGMA USB DOCK Users,

Thank you for purchasing and using our products.

We would like to announce that we have updated the firmware of the SIGMA Optimization Pro, the dedicated software for the SIGMA USB DOCK.

The latest firmware enables our Nikon fitting interchangeable lenses fully functional with the Nikon D5300 camera. For those customers who own following products, please update the firmware of the lens via the SIGMA Optimization Pro.

・35mm F1.4 DG HSM A012 NIKON
・17-70mm F2.8-4 DC MACRO OS HSM C013 NIKON
・30mm F1.4 DC HSM A013 NIKON
・18-35mm F1.8 DC HSM A013 NIKON
・120-300mm F2.8 DG OS HSM S013 NIKON

Should the version of SIGMA Optimization Pro is not updated to Ver. 1.1 yet, please be sure to do it before operating any lens firmware update.
You can download the latest version of the software from the following page;
http://www.sigma-global.com/download/

We appreciate your consistent support for our company and products.

Source: Photographyblog

New And Exclusive Micro-Site Content

ePHOTOzine's Micro-Site Roundup - Find out what's been happening on our five Micro-Sites.

Posted:

Here's a roundup of the exclusive content we've got for you to have a read of on our five micro-sites this week:

On PENTAXPORTAL this week, you can take a look at some top tips for photographing seals with your Pentax camera, and check out some top Pentax sunset photos. Plus, the brand new K-3 DSLR has been reviewed on site this week, and there's news of new images from Ricoh Imaging brand ambassadors.

Over On EIZO ColorZone, you can learn how to perform a monitor viewing angle check and find out why ColorNavigator software is a great tool for aiding calibration. Plus, there's news of a new 3D CG colour management handbook that's now available.

Meanwhile, on Olympus Image Space this week, there are techniques on how to use blur creatively, and there's news on Olympus workshops taking place over the coming months with Damian McGillicuddy and Steve Gosling. Plus, news on the Olympus Impressions 'Fall' competition, and £100 accessory cashback when you buy an Olympus OM-D E-M1 camera have also gone live.

On Totally Tamron this week, you can learn some top tips for taking better photos of ice with your Tamron lens, plus there are some top Tamron portrait photos for you to take a look at. Don't forget to take a look at David Pritchard's blog the days zoom past, too, as he's been out-and-about with his newly acquired Tamron 24-70mm lens.

Last but not least, on Nikon Nation this week, you can check out some ideas and tips for on location portrait shoots, get creative with colour balance and lots more. Plus, don't miss the Nikon D5300 Black Friday Deal DSLR review and news of ono-to one training with Nikon School in December.

Make sure you check back to the Micro-Sites regularly, as new and exclusive content is posted weekly!

Source: Ephotozine

Nikon D5300 Digital SLR Wi-Fi Camera

Nikon D5300 Black Friday Deal.jpg">

Nikon just introduced the D5300 DSLR camera, which offers an enhanced 24.2-megapixel DX-format CMOS sensor, EXPEED 4 image processing, Vari-angle LCD, GPS and the convenience of built-in Wi-Fi. The mid-range SLR is compact and lightweight (16.9 oz.), and can easily be packed for a day trip or a planned getaway. The small body of the D5300 affords the photographer the freedom to travel while still being easy to handle and comfortable to use.

The D5300 is Nikon's first D-SLR to feature built-in Wi-Fi, allowing the user to share high quality photos instantly. The Nikon D5300 sends images to the user's smart device, allowing them to share their D-SLR quality photos through e-mail and social media. The Nikon D5300 also includes built-in GPS, another first for Nikon D-SLRs. Now the user can geotag images and allow others to see where life has taken them.

The enhanced 24.2-megapixel CMOS sensor delivers stunning images and HD videos with heightened clarity and detail due to the removal of the optical low pass filter (OLPF). Its 39-point high-density autofocus system with 9 cross-type sensors quickly locks onto your subject, and Nikon's unique 3D-tracking uses the 2,016-pixel RGB sensor to recognize and follow it across the frame.

Features:

• Amazing Low Light Performance - For clean, sharp details even in the most challenging lighting conditions including night games and dimly lit restaurants, the Nikon D5300 covers a wide ISO range of 100-12,800 and is expandable to ISO 25,600.
• EXPEED 4 Image Processing - Nikon's most recent image processing engine drives the rapid response and swift performance of the D5300, while maximizing energy efficiency, reducing image noise and delivering true-to-life colors.
• Scene Recognition System - To further help users capture the image they intend, the Nikon D5300 features Nikon's Scene Recognition System and 2,016-pixel RGB metering system to analyze and recognize the scene. Utilizing these systems results in adjustments to exposure, AF and white balance to deliver the best photo possible, whether it's a landscape or portrait.
• 39-Point AF System - Nikon's quick and precise 39-point AF system works with the Scene Recognition System to accurately acquire and track subjects throughout the frame, resulting in tack-sharp images. Kids too active to pose for a photo or pets chasing after a toy are easily captured in brilliant sharpness for memorable photos.
• 5 Frames-Per-Second - While using the optical viewfinder or in Live View, capture great moments that would have otherwise been missed with the D5300′s 5 frames-per-second (fps) rate.
• 3.2-inch Vari-Angle LCD monitor - Whether shooting above a crowd or getting low to capture the details of a flower, users can explore new shots from a dramatic point of view with the large 3.2-inch Vari-angle LCD monitor. This super sharp (1,037K-dot) screen allows photographers to easily make camera adjustments and read menus, while also allowing them to compose the photo they want clearly when shooting from high or low angles. The rotating LCD makes it easy to capture "selfies" at an arm's length away or frame creative perspectives when capturing still photos and HD video.
• Full HD 1080p Video Capture - Create movies fit for the big screen with Full HD 1080p video capture at 60p with built-in stereo, wide ISO range for high quality videos in any light and improved full-time AF to keep the subject in focus.
• NIKKOR Compatibility - The Nikon D5300 is compatible with Nikon's legendary NIKKOR lenses and powerful system accessories, further adding versatility and creativity.

Price and Availability
The Nikon D5300 kit with the AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-140mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR lens will be available in October 2013 for$1,399.95. Available colors include Black, Red and Gray.

Source: Ecoustics

Nikon D5300 First Look Preview

<Nikon D5300 Offersp>It's just under a year ago since we witnessed the arrival
of the D5200 and Nikon has announced the Nikon D5300. Slotting in above the D5200 in the Nikon line-up, the D5300 is designed to appeal to aspiring users looking to upgrade from a compact, as well as what Nikon terms 'networkers', which hints at its Wi-fi functionality, but more on that shortly.

While it shares a virtually identical resolution to the D5200, Nikon claims the 24.2MP APS-C CMOS sensor inside the D5300 is newly developed and like its big brother the D7100, the sensor does away for the need of an anti-aliasing filter for improved sharpness.

New EXPEED 4 image processor

The D5300 is the first Nikon DSLR to feature the EXPEED 4 image processor, improving the performance of the camera in a number of areas over its predecessor, including better Auto White Balance control and ISO performance at higher sensitivities - the D5300 sports a native ISO range up to ISO 12,800, but can be expanded to an ISO equivalent of ISO 25,600.

One of the strengths of the D5200 is its relatively sophisticated AF system, and it's no surprise to see the 39-point Multi-CAM 4800DX unit transfer across to the D5300. We've been impressed with its performance in the past, particularly the 3D tracking system that's linked to the D5300's Scene Recognition System to cleverly track your subject across the frame, so it shouldn't through up any nasty surprises on the D5300.

Interestingly though, where Canon has made efforts to improve the live view AF performance of the EOS 700D by adding phase-detect photosites onto the sensor, the D5300 continues to rely solely on contrast-detect AF during live view and video capture. We'd have welcomed some innovation here from Nikon or at least built-in phase-detect photosites on the sensor as this in the past where some Nikon DSLRs have struggled - not only against the likes of the 700D, but the growing range of system camera rivals too.

Wi-fi Connectivity

With the trend for built-in Wi-fi connectivity increasing on new cameras, it's nice to finally see a Nikon DSLR offering this built-in functionality, rather than as a optional accessory as we've seen with both the D3200 and D5200 for example. Expect easy transfer of images from the camera to your iOS or Android device via the dedicated free Nikon App to share in social networking sites, as well as offering the ability to remotely shoot, with feed from the D5300 transmitted to your smart-device.

At the rear of the camera, the vari-angle screen remains, but increases in size to 3.2in with an aspect ratio of 3:2 and a boosted resolution of 1037k-dots. Curiously, while touchscreen functionality is becoming more wide-spread on cameras in this sector, the D5300 goes without.

There's also a dedicated HDR (High Dynamic Range) mode that captures two images in quick succession at different exposures before merging them together in a single image with a much broad range of shadow and highlight detail compared to a single exposure. The Active D-Lighting mode has also been tinkered with, now with a specific Portrait mode to balance the exposure.

As the D5300 is likely to be used as a dual-role camera for both stills and movies, you'll find Full HD 1080p video capture at either 60/50p, while there's a built-in stereo microphone too.

Nikon revealed that the D5300 is based around a new monocoque construction that does away with the need for a separate chassis and is formed from a new material that Nikon remained tight-lipped on on what it actually was. That said, if you've handled a D5200, you'd be hard-pushed to differentiate the look and feel of the D5300 once in the hand.

First Thoughts

While we've seen a fair bit of innovation recently across the market, Nikon plays it much safer with the D5300. Looking at the specification and at first glance at least, appears to be a suitable upgrade of the D5200,though there are still some areas that we feel need attention if it wants to be the best there is for the aspiring photographer. We can't make any real judgements though until we've gott our hands on a final production sample to find out how it really performs.

The Nikon D5300 is expected to be available mid-November
with a body-only price of £729, and a kit price of £829 with the 18-55mm VR lens.

Watch our First Look video preview:

Source: Whatdigitalcamera

Nikon D5300 DSLR Unveiled, 24.2MP Successor to the D5200

Posted on 18. Oct, 2013 by Steve in Digital Cameras

Nikon D5300 Deals-with-18-140mm-Nikkor-lens.jpg">Nikon has unveiled the successor to the popular Nikon D5200 digital SLR, which the company launched almost one year ago, the new model is named Nikon D5300. The new Nikon D5300 will start to ship early next month with a retail price that is just under $800 for the camera body. The D5300 and the D5200 both share a similar body design, but there are minor differences or improvements that the D5300 has to offer buyers.

The improvements list is short and consists of features that enhance the photographic abilities of the camera and a feature that brings the camera up-to-date with a new digital camera market trend.

Improvements that will help the overall performance of the new Nikon D5300 over the now-old D5200 include a newly designed and higher resolution CMOS image sensor along with a brand new image processor.

Between the Nikon D5200 and the new Nikon D5300, the 24.2 megapixel D5300 has just 0.1 megapixels more resolution than the 24.1 megapixel D5200, however the D5300′s sensor has no built-in OLPF (optical low pass filter) and Nikon say's that will help with image clarity, both the old D5200 and new D5300 use similarly sized DX-format CMOS image sensors.

Nikon D5300 digital SLR gallery:

The new image processor that you will be getting with the upcoming Nikon D5300 is Nikon's newly developed EXPEED 4 image processor. According to Nikon, the new EXPEED 4 offers fast performance while 'maximizing energy efficiency, reducing image noise and delivering true-to-life colors'. The D5200 digital SLR features the EXPEED 3 image processing engine.

After the new image sensor and processor the only other major new feature included with the new Nikon D5300 digital SLR is Wi-Fi. The camera will be shipped with Wi-Fi capabilities built-in that don't need any external accessories like the Nikon WU-1a. The built-in Wi-Fi will let you pair your D5300 to your mobile devices iOS or Android after you install the Nikon Wireless Mobile Utility free app. Also the Wi-Fi working with the cameras built-in GPS can geo-tag files all without external accessories.

However, with the Nikon Wireless Mobile Utility app you will be able to complete functions like remote shooting where you can use your mobile device as a live view enabled wireless remote for snapping photos, wireless transferring of photo and video files, manual file upload for sending files to your mobile device even when you're not paired to the device (the image just downloads later when you are paired).

After you consider all of those differences the Nikon D5300 isn't really a radically new camera compared to the out-going Nikon D5200. However nobody should have expected a totally different camera given the very short gap between the two cameras launches, the D5200 was launched November of last year.

Some big similarities include Full HD 1080p Video Recording at 60 fps, continuous Shooting up to 5 fps, expandable ISO from 100-25600, 39-Point auto-focusing system, active D-Lighting and built-in HDR, Nikon F mount support, and an at eye-level pentamirror optical viewfinder.

From an exterior design perspective you can really see the lack of a re-design in the D5300 compared to the D5200. The only difference in looks is the vari-angle LCD is now 3.2-inches with the D5300 instead of 3.1-inches. Even with the color options the new Nikon D5300 is much like the D5200, the new camera will be offered in Black, Red or Grey colors.

Camera seller B&H Photo Video is offering pre-orders for the Nikon D5300 body at $796.95 (same price for each color) and they are offering a body+14-140mm telephoto zoom lens kit (pictured first above) for $1,396.95. With this particular retailer you can expect your pre-ordered D5300 camera to ship on November 14, 2013 according to notice put on each listing.

Tags: 1080p, 3.2-inch Vari-Angle LCD, 720p hd, active D-Lighting, auto-focus system, cmos sensor, digital camera, dslr, DX-format DSLR, full hd, FullHD, gps, hd, hdmi, hdr, image stabilization system, interchangeable lens, memory card, Nikon, Nikon D5300, Nikon dslr, Nikon Expeed 4, Nikon F mount, Nikon Wireless Mobile Utility, optical low pass filter, optical viewfinder, pentamirror optical viewfinder, sd memory card, sdhc memory card, sdxc memory card, tilt LCD, Video, wi-fi

Source: Digital-cameras-planet

gdgt's best deals for October 21st: MakerBot Replicator 2, Nikon D800

Nikon D5300 DealsReady to save some cash on your tech buys? Then you've come to the right place. Our friends at sister site gdgt track price drops on thousands of products every day, and twice a week they feature some of the best deals they've found right here. But act fast! Many of these are limited-time offers, and won't last long.

Whether you're taking snapshots, making films or designing the next big whatchamacallit, these deals will help you on your way. Making all that magic happen will definitely burn some calories, and Garmin's Forerunner 610 fitness tracker can tell you if earned that extra cookie. And 3D printing? The sky's the limit. We won't try to box in your imagination, but we will point you in the direction of a sale when we see one. Join gdgt and add the gadgets you're shopping for to your "Want" list -- every time there's a price cut, you'll get an email alert!

It's not too late to join the 3D printing revolution, and whether you plan to do some rapid prototyping for your new Kickstarter project or just replace a few doorknobs around the house, you'll have the tools for the job. Not only will you save $150 off the regular price, but for all you CAD fans out there, this version also comes with a custom AutoDesk 123D face and build plate.

All for living the quantified life, but not really interested in tracking your sleep patterns? Garmin's Forerunner 610 may be just the thing to help monitor your workouts and save some cash. It's not the newest gadget in town, but its rain and sweat-resistant touchscreen interface can display distance, time, laps, history and more, while allowing you to leave the smartphone at home. If your workout takes you to the treadmill instead of the park, it also works with ANT+ compatible fitness machines. This deal is for a manufacturer-refurbished model, but it comes with a heart rate monitor and a one-year warranty. Plus, it earned a pretty decent 82 rating at gdgt, so it's still a solid buy.

Yep, that's right: 36.3 megapixels. Even though this shooter was released back in 2012, it's still a more than capable DSLR for professional snaps and even HD video. Image quality is one of the major benefits here, and while there may be slight delays when writing these huge RAW files to a memory card, the final results are worth the wait. Both users and critics have weighed in, resulting in a respectable gdgt Score of 88. It's still a pricey bit of kit, but this is a significant price drop, and that extra savings can be used toward a lens for this body-only offering. Don't worry, there's no shortage of Nikon lenses that are compatible with this shooter.

Hands-free interfaces like the Leap Motion controller aren't quite ready for primetime, and most people can only take so much touchpadding. So unless you're looking for Logitech's freshest offering, the Performance MX will suit your needs with aplomb. The ratings are solid and we're told this mouse will even track well on glass surfaces, reducing those annoying cursor jumps in case your office work surface was ill-planned.

Source: Engadget

Nikon D5300 DSLR Unveiled, 24.2MP Successor to the D5200

Posted on 18. Oct, 2013 by Steve in Digital Cameras

Nikon D5300 Black Friday Deal-with-18-140mm-Nikkor-lens.jpg">Nikon has unveiled the successor to the popular Nikon D5200 digital SLR, which the company launched almost one year ago, the new model is named Nikon D5300. The new Nikon D5300 will start to ship early next month with a retail price that is just under $800 for the camera body. The D5300 and the D5200 both share a similar body design, but there are minor differences or improvements that the D5300 has to offer buyers.

The improvements list is short and consists of features that enhance the photographic abilities of the camera and a feature that brings the camera up-to-date with a new digital camera market trend.

Improvements that will help the overall performance of the new Nikon D5300 over the now-old D5200 include a newly designed and higher resolution CMOS image sensor along with a brand new image processor.

Between the Nikon D5200 and the new Nikon D5300, the 24.2 megapixel D5300 has just 0.1 megapixels more resolution than the 24.1 megapixel D5200, however the D5300′s sensor has no built-in OLPF (optical low pass filter) and Nikon say's that will help with image clarity, both the old D5200 and new D5300 use similarly sized DX-format CMOS image sensors.

Nikon D5300 digital SLR gallery:

The new image processor that you will be getting with the upcoming Nikon D5300 is Nikon's newly developed EXPEED 4 image processor. According to Nikon, the new EXPEED 4 offers fast performance while 'maximizing energy efficiency, reducing image noise and delivering true-to-life colors'. The D5200 digital SLR features the EXPEED 3 image processing engine.

After the new image sensor and processor the only other major new feature included with the new Nikon D5300 digital SLR is Wi-Fi. The camera will be shipped with Wi-Fi capabilities built-in that don't need any external accessories like the Nikon WU-1a. The built-in Wi-Fi will let you pair your D5300 to your mobile devices iOS or Android after you install the Nikon Wireless Mobile Utility free app. Also the Wi-Fi working with the cameras built-in GPS can geo-tag files all without external accessories.

However, with the Nikon Wireless Mobile Utility app you will be able to complete functions like remote shooting where you can use your mobile device as a live view enabled wireless remote for snapping photos, wireless transferring of photo and video files, manual file upload for sending files to your mobile device even when you're not paired to the device (the image just downloads later when you are paired).

After you consider all of those differences the Nikon D5300 isn't really a radically new camera compared to the out-going Nikon D5200. However nobody should have expected a totally different camera given the very short gap between the two cameras launches, the D5200 was launched November of last year.

Some big similarities include Full HD 1080p Video Recording at 60 fps, continuous Shooting up to 5 fps, expandable ISO from 100-25600, 39-Point auto-focusing system, active D-Lighting and built-in HDR, Nikon F mount support, and an at eye-level pentamirror optical viewfinder.

From an exterior design perspective you can really see the lack of a re-design in the D5300 compared to the D5200. The only difference in looks is the vari-angle LCD is now 3.2-inches with the D5300 instead of 3.1-inches. Even with the color options the new Nikon D5300 is much like the D5200, the new camera will be offered in Black, Red or Grey colors.

Camera seller B&H Photo Video is offering pre-orders for the Nikon D5300 body at $796.95 (same price for each color) and they are offering a body+14-140mm telephoto zoom lens kit (pictured first above) for $1,396.95. With this particular retailer you can expect your pre-ordered D5300 camera to ship on November 14, 2013 according to notice put on each listing.

Tags: 1080p, 3.2-inch Vari-Angle LCD, 720p hd, active D-Lighting, auto-focus system, cmos sensor, digital camera, dslr, DX-format DSLR, full hd, FullHD, gps, hd, hdmi, hdr, image stabilization system, interchangeable lens, memory card, Nikon, Nikon D5300, Nikon dslr, Nikon Expeed 4, Nikon F mount, Nikon Wireless Mobile Utility, optical low pass filter, optical viewfinder, pentamirror optical viewfinder, sd memory card, sdhc memory card, sdxc memory card, tilt LCD, Video, wi-fi

Source: Digital-cameras-planet

Halloween costumes stick to traditional themes in 2013

Witches, superheroes and princesses will fill neighborhoods on Halloween night, hearkening back to traditional costume trends, according to a survey by the National Retail Federation.

More than 5 million adults plan to dress as a witch this year and 2.9 million will dress as a Batman character, the survey says. Princesses, animals and superheroes top the list for tiny costumed characters.

Americans are expected to spend $2.6 billion on Halloween costumes stores, the survey says. The average person will spend $75.03 on the total Halloween celebration. That number is slightly lower than last year's average of $79.82.

Karen Grizzard, owner of Party Station in Newport News, says she is seeing similar trends toward the traditional in her store.

"They're going more conservative again," she says. "Thank goodness, we're kind of getting away from the sexy look. They had gone way too far with the sexy thing. They had pre-teen costumes that were sexy."

Superheroes, witches and vampires are big sellers at Party Station, along with men searching for Duck Dynasty costumes.

"The men like costumes that are easy, and they like to be manly," Grizzard says.

Zombies continue to be a huge hit among customers, too, she says.

"Another trend this year is that our customers are telling us that they want to shop local," she says. "We have heard that so much. Shoppers are really starting to shop where they know their money will stay in the community, which, to me, is really good."

And, like the National Retail Federation survey indicates, shoppers are being a bit more careful with their money this Halloween.

"I think people are shopping wiser," Grizzard said. "They're thinking about what they're buying. They're being a bit more conservative with their dollar. With what is going on in the economy, what would you expect?"

Go homemade

Thrift stores are still a big hit for Halloween shoppers.

Amanda Bartley, of Newport News, is going with the "Star Wars" theme this year, and she found all of the pieces to make her costumes at a local thrift store.

"I found a brown hoodie to turn my 2-year-old into a Jedi knight, a lion costume to turn my 8-month-old into an Ewok, and a graduation gown for me to be Leia," she said.

Even if you don't want to piece together a costume from scrap materials, thrift stores are a great place to find used Halloween costumes in their complete form.

Children's consignment stores, such as Twice Upon A Time in York County, are advertising large stocks of gently used Halloween costumes, as well.

Tricks for cheap treats

Regina Novickis, an employee with the website promotionalcodes.com, is organizing an office-wide costume-swap with a co-worker.

"Get with friends to trade kid and adult costumes or coordinate a swap within your neighborhood or at your office," she recommends. "Not only will others appreciate the money-saving idea, but you'll likely score a great costume for free."

Source: Dailypress

Hoboken Harvest Festival promises farmyard fun for all the family

<cool pumpkin facesbr>

HOBOKEN -- Ponies, pumpkins, and bales of hay will be found in Pier A Park Saturday when the waterfront green space becomes a family fun farm.
The City of Hoboken will be holding the Hoboken Fall Festival from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Pier A Park near First Street and Sinatra Drive.

Activities include hay rides, a hay maze, pony rides, petting zoo, pumpkin painting, face painting, moonwalk, music, dancing, trackless train, puffy the dragon, Boo the Clown, balloon art, and craft activities.

Additional activities will be provided by the Hoboken Fire Department, My Gym Hoboken, Super Soccer Stars, A Brighter Mile, Mad Science, Monroe Movement Space, Studio L. Dance Co., Mimi Kids Yoga, Hudson Dance & Movement, and Hoboken Hip Hop.

The event is being sponsored by Hoboken Grace Church, The New York Times, Hoboken University Medical Center, The Hoboken Family Alliance and Garden Street School of Performing Arts.

Volunteers can help with the event by calling (201) 420-2207

Source: Nj

Halloween events for the family throughout October

<creepy halloween candyimg src="http://boston.com/community/moms/blogs/parent_buzz/assets_c/2013/10/spectacular-thumb-590x395-116147.jpg">

Looking for new ways to celebrate the spooky season (or just want to get more use out of your little ghoul's pricey getup)? Here's a roundup of fun-filled Halloween happenings in Boston and beyond:

Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular, Roger Williams Park Zoo, 1000 Elmwood Ave., Providence, RI. Through Nov. 3, 6-11 p.m. Mon. - Thurs.: adults $12; seniors, $10 seniors; ages 3-12, $9; under 3, free. Fri. - Sun.: adults, $15; seniors, $13; ages 3-12, $12; under 3, free. Thousands of illuminated pumpkins on display in a woodland setting, hundreds of which are carved with amazing artistry. www.rwpzoo.org

Great Pumpkin Fest, Ecotarium, 222 Harrington Way, Worcester. Sat., Oct 19, noon-9 p.m. $15; members, $12; under 2, free. Halloween fun, as well as a display of 1,500 carved jack-o'-lanterns, which are lit after dark. The museum and grounds will be open for exploring exhibits, visiting animals, taking in a free digital planetarium show, and enjoying free hayrides and train rides, as well as face painting, pumpkin-carving demonstration, crafts, animal encounters, and much more. Family-friendly costumes are encouraged. www.ecotarium.org ( Photo: Scott Erb)

19th Annual Children's Haunted Playground, Martin's Pond, 61 Burroughs Rd., North Reading. Sat., Oct. 19, 5:30-9 p.m. Free. Haunted tour tickets $5 (3 and under free). Family-friendly Halloween festival that includes a kid's costume parade, games, a free scavenger hunt, magic shows, haunted tour, and food.
Martin's Pond, 61 Burroughs Road, North Reading. www.martinspond.org

Source: Boston

medwireNews - Psychiatry - Bipolar risk markers identified in depressed ADHD children

<crystalp>medwireNews: Researchers have identified risk markers for bipolar I disorder conversion in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and major depressive disorder (MDD).

The team found that children with subthreshold bipolar I disorder symptoms and impaired emotional regulation were at the highest risk for converting to bipolar I disorder during an average follow-up of 11.4 years.

Joseph Biederman (Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, USA) and colleagues say that previous studies have pinpointed ADHD itself as a risk marker for bipolar conversion in children with MDD. But they say that their work "expands on the extant literature by identifying additional, compounding risk factors that may more precisely predict switching in this population."

There were 24 children who converted to bipolar I disorder during follow-up and 79 who did not. Only seven children had subthreshold bipolar disorder symptoms at baseline, but 57% of these converted to a full diagnosis, compared with 21% of those without such symptoms. This gave a 9.57-fold increased risk for conversion, after accounting for age, gender, and emotional dysregulation.

"Taken together, past and current findings emphasize the critical importance of attending to subsyndromal manifestations of [bipolar I] disorder in children with MDD when making therapeutic decisions, especially given the potential risk for manic activations when treated with antidepressants," write Biederman et al in the Journal of Affective Disorders.

Emotional dysregulation, as ascertained using the Child Behavior Checklist, was itself associated with a 2.66-fold increased conversion risk, after adjustment for age, gender, and subthreshold bipolar symptoms. Both deficient emotional self-regulation and severe emotional dysregulation increased the risk for bipolar I disorder conversion, although only the former, less severe subtype was significant. The team attributes this to the sample size; just 22 children had severe emotional dysregulation at baseline.

"Clinicians should consider subthreshold bipolar disorder and emotional dysregulation in conjunction with previously identified risk factors of switching when evaluating, treating, and monitoring youth with ADHD and comorbid MDD," conclude the researchers.

medwireNews (www.medwirenews.com) is an independent clinical news service provided by Springer Healthcare Limited. © Springer Healthcare Ltd; 2013

Source: Medwirenews

Some iPhone 5s users sing the blues over iWork bug

Some iPhone 5s iphone cases otterbox black\/pink defender case iphone iphone 5s & 5s users have discovered a rather unwelcome Easter egg on their new phones: a "blue screen of death."

Several 5s users on Apple's support forums say the bug crops up in iOS 7 when they double-tap the iPhone's Home button to switch from an iWork app. As this YouTube video shows, the phone's screen briefly flashes to blue, and the phone then restarts.

True to Apple form, it is a rather clean and simple blue screen, a far cry from the cluttered Windows error messages of yesteryear.

Fortunately, a couple of possible workarounds have been discovered: Users can either exit back to their documents list before opening the app switcher, or they can disable iCloud syncing of iWork data.

iOS 7 is a major overhaul of Apple's mobile operating system, so a few bugs are to be expected. In addition to the blue screen of death, some users are having trouble with iMessage -a problem that Apple has already promised to fix.

The revamped operating system is causing some headaches for app developers as well. Citing performance-tracking firm Crittercism, All Things D reports that apps are crashing twice as often on the iPhone 5s compared to other models.

On the bright side for iPhone users, Apple is being aggressive about fixing these errors, and has already pushed out two updates to iOS 7 since launch. Those who have a perverse love of the blue screen of death should enjoy it on the iPhone while it lasts.

Source: Macworld

App roundup: Best fitness apps that use the iPhone 5s' M7 motion co-processor

The M7 motion co-processor Apple packed into the iPhone 5s iphone ipad waterproof cases otterbox uk is already seeing use from a number of fitness app developers anxious to maximize its potential, changing the handset into a new platform.

Apple didn't exactly hype the M7 when it introduced the chip last month in announcing the iPhone 5s, but among the handset's many new features, the co-processor may turn out to be the most impactful for app developers and consumers alike.

Using very little power, the M7 constantly measures and tracks motion data, keeping the information accessible to any apps that may need it. That means fitness and lifestyle apps no longer need to be active or running in the background to track user movements throughout the day, a benefit that could allow developers to harvest and utilize information on their users' daily habits in much greater detail than previously possible.

Developers on the iOS platform are already taking advantage of the M7's capabilities, with the first wave of enabled apps coming to the App Store just days after the iPhone 5s' release.

Strava Run

Strava was first out of the gate to take advantage of the M7, releasing version 3.5.3 of Strava Run just four days after the iPhone 5s was released. The new version adds an Auto-Pause feature for runners, giving them highly accurate activity level data without having to directly interact with the app. It also takes advantage of the M7's low-power constant monitoring, as the app gathers information from the chip for those times when Strava is not running.

Strava allows users to track their runs with GPS, displaying maps of their route alongside stats such as distance, pace, elevation, and calories burned. It also allows users to compete on interactive score boards, find and follow friends, and explore new places to run.

Strava Run is a free download in the App Store. The 53.7MB app requires an iPhone, iPad, or iPod running iOS 5.0 or higher.

WeatherRun

GammaPoint, too, has taken advantage of the M7 with version 2.2.1 of WeatherRun. The new version adds a step counter that draws data from the motion co-processor. Step data is logged and organized in both daily and monthly measures.

WeatherRun provides users with up-to-date weather information while they are outside being active. The app also tracks activity and compares it against weather, altitude, humidity, and temperature. It interfaces with the Pebble Smartwatch, as well as other Bluetooth 4.0 devices such as the TI SensorTag.

The latest update also includes a fix for a bug that affected deleting and sharing functions on devices running iOS 7.

Version 2.2.1 of WeatherRun costs $2 in the App Store. It is a 12.2MB download that requires an iPad, iPhone, or iPod running iOS 6.0 or higher.

Argus

Also joining in on leveraging the M7 was Azumio, which recently released version 2.4 of its Argus app. The latest iteration uses the M7 for passive step-counting when not running, meaning the app automatically pulls data from the chip once the reactivated. The update also includes a streamlined honeycomb user interface and improved visual design, including a step counter that shows up as an app badge.

Argus monitors not only user activities, but food intake, workouts, sleep, hydration, weight, and vital signs. The app is engineered to consume very little power and is designed to run in the background at all times. Users can create food diaries, observe trends over time, and track and share data with friends. Also included is interaction with a number of third-party wellness devices, like the Withings Smart Body Analyzer.

The new version of Argus is available as a free download in the App Store for iOS devices running iOS 6.0 or higher.

Pedometer

The most recent addition to the line of M7-supporting apps comes from Cross Forward Consulting, which debuted its Pedometer++ app on Tuesday. The new app functions as a simple step counter that relies on the M7's passive monitoring to log steps taken throughout the day. Pedometer++ allows users to compile their data on both a weekly and a daily basis. Like Argus, Pedometer++ can be set to display the current step count as the app's notification badge. The figure displayed in the badge will dynamically update throughout the day.

Pedometer++ version 1.1 is available now in the App Store as a free 0.3MB download only for the iPhone 5s.

Maximizing the M7

The coming months will almost certainly see more developers adding new features relying on the M7. Nike, maker of the popular Nike+ app, has already promised a Nike+ Move based on the M7's capabilities.

Apple's motion co-processor will also likely figure into apps outside of the fitness category. In addition to user motion tracking, the M7 can, even in sleep mode, tell when a user is walking or even driving. For example, navigation apps may leverage the data to switch from driving to walking directions dynamically depending on a user's speed.

Source: Appleinsider

Thief River Falls fugitive still on the loose: Klade last seen in Steele, Traill counties

FINLEY, N.D. - The hunt continues for a fugitive who was last seen running into a cornfield near here, though law enforcement officials say he may have later escaped in a stolen car.

Dylan Klade, 21, Thief River Falls, has been on the run since 11 a.m. Tuesday.

Traill County officials say the car he's accused of stealing was last seen about 7:30 a.m. Wednesday near Clifford, N.D., about 30 miles by road from Finley. It reportedly had just half a tank of gas.

Klade was with another man, Corey Roper, 22, a Level 3 registered sex offender from Thief River Falls. Roper surrendered to Tuesday after a few hours in the cornfield.

Stolen vehicles

Law enforcement officials say the manhunt began after they checked on a recreational vehicle parked on North Dakota Highway 200 and discovered it was stolen from the Thief River Falls area.

A short time later, officers spotted two men walking down Steele County Road 10. When officers approached, they took off running and ended in a cornfield. The manhunt went on until late at night.

The next morning, a homeowner reported his car had been stolen from a farmstead near Portland, down the road from Finley. Left at the farmstead was a lawnmower believed stolen from an unoccupied farmstead.

Not dangerous

Klade is described as being 5-foot-11-inches and 150 pounds with short black hair. He was last seen wearing a white tank top, blue jeans and no shoes, law enforcement officials said.

Klade is not believed to be dangerous or have a weapon.

According to Minnesota court documents, Klade was sentenced Aug. 12 in Polk County to 90 days for misdemeanor marijuana convictions to be served on work release. He has a string of previous charges going back to 2009 in northwest Minnesota involving mostly drug and driving violations.

The missing car is a four-door 2006 red Pontiac G6 with license plate JKB-184.

"We have no indication of where he might be going. We just ask the public to be alert if they see this vehicle with that license plate number to give their local law enforcement a call," said Traill County Sheriff's Deputy Conrad Steinhaus.

To contact the sheriff's department, call (701) 636-4510.

Forum News Service staff writer Stephen J. Lee contributed to this report.

Source: Grandforksherald

Reggie Bush not playing for Detroit Lions vs. Redskins

<div>

The Detroit Lions suffered another loss in D.C. This time, it was before the kickoff of Sunday's game against the Washington Redskins.

Reggie Bush is inactive Sunday after injuring his knee in Week 2, the team announced. Bush wanted to play, NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport reported earlier Sunday, but the Lions felt being cautious with their starting running back was the prudent move.

It's a huge loss for the Lions, who lack playmakers without Bush on the field.

The Lions earned less than 90 yards of offense in the second half of last week's loss to the Arizona Cardinals, when Bush was sidelined after banging his knee on a helmet.

Bush added an important dimension as a pass-catcher out of the backfield, taking advantage of teams loading up on wide receiver Calvin Johnson.

With Bush out, backup Joique Bell will start and earn the majority of the carries for the Lions. Rookie running back Theo Riddick most likely will be No. 2. Riddick has displayed some ability taking over Bush's role in the pass game and on wide runs. Former second-round draft pick Mikel Leshoure is active for the first time this season and probably will spell Bell for stretches as the third back.

The Redskins have been susceptible to the run in the first two weeks, but without Bush it will be interesting to see if offensive coordinator Scott Linehan sticks with the ground game.

The latest "Around The League Podcast" details what to watch for in every Week 3 matchup. Click here to listen and subscribe.

iPhone 5S' fingerprint security can be easily broken, hackers show

Apple says that the new iPhone 5S' fingerprint sensor is "a convenient and highly secure way to access your phone." The former is true. The latter, not so much. The fingerprint security can be easily broken. Jealous spouses and industrial spies, rejoice!

While the usual Apple sycophants bought into the company's claims without even questioning them, the hackers from the Chaos Computer Club in Germany have demonstrated that you can steal the fingerprint from any drinking glass and access anyone's iPhone 5S without any difficulty.

The biometrics hacking team of the Chaos Computer Club (CCC) has successfully bypassed the biometric security of Apple's TouchID using easy everyday means. A fingerprint of the phone user, photographed from a glass surface, was enough to create a fake finger that could unlock an iPhone 5s secured with TouchID.

[...]

First, the fingerprint of the enroled user is photographed with 2400 dpi resolution. The resulting image is then cleaned up, inverted and laser printed with 1200 dpi onto transparent sheet with a thick toner setting. Finally, pink latex milk or white woodglue is smeared into the pattern created by the toner onto the transparent sheet. After it cures, the thin latex sheet is lifted from the sheet, breathed on to make it a tiny bit moist and then placed onto the sensor to unlock the phone. This process has been used with minor refinements and variations against the vast majority of fingerprint sensors on the market.

The video above demonstrates that the hack works perfectly. So no, contrary to Apple's corpospeak and all the echoes from the Cupertino chorus line, your iPhone's fingerprint security can be broken with a camera, a laser printer, and some wood glue. Just like every other fingerprint sensor in the world.

So yes, the fingerprint sensor is convenient but don't depend on it to protect any sensitive information in your iPhone. If you think someone may be interested in accessing it for whatever reason, they will be able to do it easily.

Source: Gizmodo

With their downtown playpens located a little more than a mile apart, the Indians and Browns, at this moment in time, offer a jarring juxtaposition of everything that is right-minded and appealing and everything that is wrong-headed and off-putting about professional sports franchises.
The baseball team is fun, entertaining and successful to the point it is on the verge of reaching the playoffs.
The football team is a brooding, secretive, multi-decade failure.
The baseball team, which has been to the playoffs seven times in the last 18 years — and perhaps a week away from making it eight times in 19 years — is desperate for fan support.
The football team, which has been to the playoffs once in the last 18 years — soon to be once in the last 19 years — is blindly worshipped by its adoring fans, no matter how bleak the season or how gruesome the games.
The baseball team's ownership and front office are held to impossibly high standards by its fan base.
The football team's fan base continues to give whatever current regime spins into town through the revolving door in a given year a free pass, refusing to hold any feet to the fire for poor decision making and mismanagement.
The baseball team said, "We're all in," by pushing the payroll envelope this year in signing some big-ticket free agents in hopes of winning back more fans by winning more games.
The football team said, "We're all out," by effectively throwing in the towel on the season by trading their best player just two games into the season, arrogantly, but rightfully unconcerned about any fan backlash. The fans will keep buying tickets. Why? Because they always do. No matter what.
The baseball team hired a high-profile, high-priced, highly experienced manager with two World Series rings and tons of credibility, then upgraded the roster significantly to give him a fighting chance.
The football team hired a rookie coach, then immediately undercut him by trading away the team's best player, turning the remaining 14 games into glorified scrimmages and giving the coach no chance at all.
The baseball team's manager, given his credentials, and the major roster upgrade orchestrated by the front office, was put by management in the enviable position of being allowed to do what he does best — be the leader of an energized, rejuvenated clubhouse of talented, hungry players.
The football team's first-year coach, obviously absent any head-coaching experience, lost some credibility among the players, through no fault of his own, when his bosses apparently decided the No. 3 quarterback should start ahead of the coach's designated No. 2 quarterback when the No. 1 quarterback got hurt. Not to mention putting the rookie coach in the untenable position of trying to lead a demoralized locker room filled with either veterans who can't be happy about management's decision to pull the plug on the season or young players wondering who the next ones out the door will be.
The baseball team is trying to win now.
The football team, after 13 virtually uninterrupted years of abject failure, has all but officially declared, "We're not taking this seriously until next year."
The baseball team's general manager, in good times and bad, is always readily available to the media, willing to be the face of the franchise — which is a major responsibility of the job — to speak publicly and answer any and all questions, whether there's news that day or not.
The football team almost never allows its general manager to speak in public.
The baseball team is owned by a local family, one of admittedly limited means — as judged on the scale of many owners of professional sports teams.
The football team is owned by an outsider, who paid $1 billion for the team, and whose other company is being investigated by the FBI.
It's never a good sign when a chapter in a book on the history of a sports team could be titled "The FBI Years".
-- How would you like to be Joe Thomas? In the last five years, his team's record is 23-57. He's been in the NFL six years, been to the Pro Bowl all six years, and now, two games into his seventh year, his team makes it known they don't intend to go all out to win until next year.
Way to waste the career of a Pro Bowl player at one of the hardest positions to find a Pro Bowl player.
-- That raises the question of why not trade Thomas? If you're bagging the season, then bag the season big time. The same principle that led to the decision to trade Trent Richardson absolutely applies to Joe Thomas.
Probably even more so.
Thomas is a Pro Bowl left tackle in the prime of his career. Trading him would give the Browns three first-round draft picks, all of which, you know, just to be safe, the Browns could use on quarterbacks.
-- The Browns clearly made the Richardson trade to acquire more ammunition with which to acquire their franchise quarterback next year. The only problem with that strategy is it's one thing to go looking for a franchise quarterback. It's another thing to actually find him — especially when those doing the looking will be the same group that in the last draft couldn't find a single player good enough to start on a 5-11 team.
-- I'm confused. Is Jason Campbell the backup quarterback or the backup backup quarterback?
-- Is it even possible to go back to square one when for more than 10 years you've been living in a condo on square one?
-- The Browns aren't the only team in Cleveland adept at striking out. In their 7-1 loss at Kansas City on Wednesday, the Indians struck out 17 times, equaling the club record for most strikeouts in a nine-inning game.
In that game the top four hitters in the Indians' lineup, Michael Bourn, Nick Swisher, Jason Kipnis and Carlos Santana combined to strike out 10 times in 15 at-bats.
Weak of the week
We have a tie between Astros infielder Jake Elmore, who pinch-ran in the 10th inning of a tie game Thursday against the Indians, and 10 seconds after entering the game got picked off second base.
That's tied with the play in Saturday's ohio State game in which Ohio State was at the Florida A&M 3-yard-line when a Florida A&M player intercepted a pass in the end zone, ran it out of the end zone, fumbled, and it was recovered by Ohio State at the 3-yard-line, right where the play began.
Weak. Very weak.
And weak, very weak.

Source: News-herald

MANATEE -- A contractor working in Manatee County near a protected bald eagle's nest had a valid permit, but started work before he actually had a hard copy of the permit, a state investigator has concluded.

"The only violation we could determine is they had started work before they had the permit in hand," said Gary Morse, a spokesman for the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

The construction company, Blackrock Development Holdings, will be issued a warning in connection with the incident last week at a work site near State Road 70 and Lena Road, said Morse.

Blackrock officials could not be reached for comment late Monday.

Last week, volunteers taking pictures at the site saw construction activity going on, and wondered whether the nest was being disturbed, the Herald reported.

Investigator Scott Kirsch checked out the situation for the wildlife commission, Morse said.

"They did not violate any

conditions of the permit," Morse said. "The permit contains a significant number of conditions, beyond what normally would be expected. The company has been a willing partner."

Bald eagles are state- and federally protected birds.

The permit governs proximity of construction equipment to the nest, and any type of disturbance or noise in the area, Morse said.

Barb Walker of Pinellas County, a volunteer for a statewide Audubon Eagle Watch, said: "It is our hope that, permit or no permit, it is up to us to be respectful of bald eagles and to adhere to the bald eagle management plan."

Sara Kennedy, Herald reporter, can be reached at 941-745-7031. Follow her on Twitter @sarawrites.

Source: Bradenton

Fernando Alonso admitted Ferrari's underwhelming qualifying result simply reflected the pace the F138 displayed throughout practice in singapore, leaving the Spaniard banking on his usual strong Sunday recovery.

The Spaniard had gone into Saturday night's qualifying session under the lights at Marina Bay having lapped a second or more lower than the respective pacesetter in each of the three practice sessions.

While Alonso claimed successive second-place finishes at Spa and Monza, Ferrari had admitted that the acid test of their recent development work would come in Singapore given the higher-downforce conditions demanded by the circuit are more indicative of the rest of the calendar.

However, after setting only the seventh-fastest Q3 time - which was compounded by outgoing team-mate Felipe Massa outqualifing him for the third time in the last five events - Alonso adopted his usual Saturday night mantra after the session.

"We were not competitive in any of the sessions this weekend unfortunately and we were struggling a little bit with the pace compared with our main competitors," he told Sky Sports F1.

Coming up on Singapore GP race day

"But in a way it's nothing new from some other weekends - qualifying struggling a little bit, Sunday improving things, and in the end getting close to the podium or on the podium.

"So tomorrow we will try to do our good Sunday again, try to score many points and see where our main competitors finish the race."

Although his runner-up finishes at the last two events had seen him re-emerge as Sebastian Vettel's closest challenger in the championship, the German's victories at both events means the Spaniard heads into Sunday's race 53 points back on his perennial rival, and after the Red Bull man's latest pole, facing the prospect of that gap only increasing.

The Spaniard nonetheless traditionally comes to the fore over the longer race distance and suggested there should be opportunities to work himself towards the podium during Sunday's gruelling 61-lap grand prix.

"It's not so clear yesterday after the long runs which tyre is the best for the race, how many stops are coming into the race," Alonso replied when asked about strategy permutations.

"So I think strategy is very open at the moment. We need to concentrate step-by-step, the first is the start, the first corner, the first lap. After that making the tyres stay alive for a little bit longer than our rivals and then we'll see [where they are].

"It's a tricky circuit in a mechanical point of view, in the physical point of view, so we must finish the race, score as many points as possible and then check what the others did."

Live on Sky Sports

• Live Formula One
• 2013 Singapore Grand Prix
• September 22, 2013 11:30am
• 

While history - and championship position - suggests Alonso will emerge as Ferrari's strongest challenger in the race despite being outqualified by Massa again, the Brazilian's performance in beating his team leader o the third row was nonetheless timely as he strives to save his F1 career after being told by his long-time employers last week that his services won't be required for 2014.

Massa had appeared to be particularly all at sea during practice with the handling of his F138 so was delighted to turn things around.

"We changed completely the car from yesterday to today. Free Practice Three was still not perfect, we changed the car again for qualifying and actually managed to put together a great lap in Q3," he told Sky Sports F1.

"I'm very happy for how I started the weekend and for the qualifying I did. Put a great lap together in Q3 and I hope we can have a great race tomorrow."

Source: Skysports