Braydens Blog

Olympus PEN E-PL1 12.3MP Live MOS Micro Four Thirds Interchangeable Lens Digital Camera with 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 Zuiko Digital Zoom Lens Slate Blue Product: Amazon’s Olympus PEN E-PL1 12.3MP Live MOS Micro Four Thirds Interchangeable Lens Digital Camera with 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 Zuiko Digital Zoom Lens Slate Blue Reviewed. List Price: $599.99 Amazon Price: $589.95 Click Here To See Amazon Sale Price Add to cart to see low price@ Availability: In Stock Usually ships in 24 Hours Free Shipping Available

Compare Prices on Olympus PEN E-PL1 12.3MP Live MOS Micro Four Thirds Interchangeable Lens Digital Camera with 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 Zuiko Digital Zoom Lens Slate Blue

OLYMPUS 262861 12.3 Megapixel E-PL1 Pen Camera (Blue with M. Zuiko 14-42mm lens)

• Amazon Sales Rank: #1666 in Camera & Photo
• Color: Slate Blue
• Brand: Olympus
• Model: E-PL1 Slate Blue Kit
• Dimensions: 1.63″ h x 4.51″ w x 2.84″ l, 2.95 pounds
• Display size: 2.7

Features

• 12.3-megapixel interchangeable lens digital camera; Micro Four Thirds format
• Includes 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 digital zoom lens; features built-in flash
• 2.7-inch HyperCrystal LCD with Live View function; Continuous Autofocus (C-AF) tracking system
• Capture HD video with high-quality audio; new “Direct Button” for easy recording
• New Live Guide interface simplifies great photography; capture images to SD/SDHC cards (not included)

Excellent Portable DSLR Alternative
I bought this as an option to my Canon Rebel DSLR which I didn’t use much due to its size. I’ve had the Pen E-PL1 for a couple of weeks now and am very pleased.

My first purchase was the Panasonic 20mm f/1.7 lens and it is a wonderful combination with the E-PL1. I can definitely see myself carrying this around much more than the DSLR its replacing. That’s where the value will be for me.

My biggest complaint right now is the inability to find a VF-2 viewfinder. This would be extremely useful for me shooting with legacy manual focus lenses.

I highly recommend this for people who don’t need to carry around a big camera to feel like they are pros. If you are a pro this would probably work as a secondary camera to take when you don’t want to lug your big gear around.

Step up from point and shoot
I fit the market that this product is targeted at; owner of higher end point and shoots (Canon G series), and until now using mostly the automatic or scene modes. I was attracted by the better image quality, high definition video, and interchangeable lenses.

POSITIVES:
The camera has exceeded my expectations. I’ve found that using different lenses has changed the way I think about photography, and opened the door to a whole new world. This camera is easy adapted to use hundreds of old lenses with manual focus. Initially, I was intimidated by this, but soon found that manual focusing is easy with the help of the digital zoom mode, accessible with a single button press. One can purchase an adapter for about $40, and really nice lenses begin around at $50 used at your local camera shop, or on e-bay. For someone stepping up from point and shoot, this is very exciting.

Image quality is excellent, and the large sensor allows much, much better low light photography; basically allowing you to do things you wouldn’t think of with a point and shoot, and leave the color draining flash off. You also get a smaller depth of field, and photos will have that professional looking blurred background. A personal preference, but I like the way Olympus cameras handle color, and think the photos look really good in that regard. I do not shoot RAW, but like that the camera allows me to do that if I want.

The camera is responsive. I know that this is probably only true for someone that has only used point and shoots in the past, and this camera is considered sluggish compared to DSLR cameras in terms of auto focus. But, it’s really not a problem for me, and I consider some of the discussion about that issue to be misleading. It is plenty fast, and even faster if you get a Panasonic lens, like the excellent 20mm f1.7. Qualitatively, to me, it seems about twice as fast with Panasonic lenses.

NEGATIVES:
I wish it were a little smaller. While, smaller than any DSLR, it is still big compared to many P and S cameras. Mine quit working after about 20 days, but Amazon’s customer service is great, and I think I’m back on track. Not sure what happened, may a little rain got to where it shouldn’t? I agree with others, this camera would be much better if it had a dial, like the EP-1 and EP-2. Using the four way button controller is a little awkward as you start customizing settings. These are the things that prevent me from giving it 5/5 stars. Overall, a great camera.

A Nice Camera But A Bit of A Mixed Bag
What do you get when you take Olympus PEN and mix it with a stripper (Of course I mean someone who strips features from a camera). You get the E-PL1 camera which is a little bit of a mixed bag. On the one hand you have one of the best versions of the m4/3 sensor to date. From what I have read it is better than both the E-P1 and E-P2 sensors. It is hard to tell the difference at normal screen and printing resolutions and I take a picture at its whole and don’t pixel peep so I cannot verify that. What I can say is this camera is capable of producing world class images. Additionally, this camera has the Olympus JPEG engine which is regarded in the business as one of the best. This camera is also relatively small and light and includes a fill flash. Additionally, it has image stabilization (IS) built into the camera. It is not pocketable and the size of this camera has more to do with the lens that it is wearing then the actual camera itself.

On the other hand, you have a camera that is slow to focus. It appears to me that it zooms to infinity (and beyond) and then catches the focus on its way back in. If you are taking pictures of forever-in-motion kids you can be sure you will miss quite a few decisive moments. Additionally, this camera lacks the most important camera control there is. This is the control wheel used to change exposure, aperture, and shutter settings in a quick efficient manner. Instead this camera uses buttons which is an unwieldy way of making these changes. Most higher end Point and Shoot (P+S) cameras have some version of this control wheel. I think anyone transitioning to this camera from a DSLR or high end P+S will be frustrated by this. I’ve seen this billed as a good thing as there are less controls to get confused over. That may be so but all m4/3 cameras can be used as point and shoot by just keeping in the intelligent Auto(iA) mode. This simplifies the menu options and takes great pictures a majority of the time.

I think for anyone who wants to step up from a P+S to take better Image Quality pictures but plans to stay in the iA mode 90% of the time, then this camera will serve you well and will take some amazing images. Just remember P+S type focusing speed.

Anyone, who has a E-P1or E-P2 who want a sensors with a weaker Anti-Aliasing filter (i.e. less detail lost to the AA filter) and a fill flash will enjoy this camera for the IQ but will probably be frustrated with the loss of the control wheel

Anyone either stepping up from a high end P+S such as the LX3, S90, or G11 will be impressed with the images, but not blown away by the difference, unimpressed with the P+S focus performance, and frustrated in the P, A, S or M shooting modes. Additionally, you will be unimpressed with the bigger size of the camera but will enjoy the flexibility if your budget includes other lenses.

Anyone, getting this as a second carry around camera to a DSLR, will be happy with the smaller size and weight but unhappy with the slower performance. And frustrated by the clumsy controls but happy with the video capabilities.

If you don’t need or want the video, don’t mind IS in the lens instead of the camera, and can put up with a slight decrease in you IQ, ISO, and JPEG performance, then the Panasonic Lumix DMC-G1 12.1MP Digital Camera with Lumix G Vario 14-45 mm f/3.5-5.6 ASPH Mega OIS Lens (Red) offers many upgrades at the same price (Integrated 1.4mp EVF, Swivel Screen, 460k screen, Grip for bigger lenses, faster focus performance, etc)

For the same price, the newly announced G10 matches the E-PL1 with video, and new processing engine (cross your fingers for a JPEG improvement). Additionally, it has a 2kp EVF (I’m not sure how useful that will be), a grip, a control wheel, a 1/4000 shutter speed and faster focus performance. It does not have in-camera IS.

For those planning on getting the EVF at some point or with an ~$200 greater budget, check out the newly announced G2. Take the G1, add 720P 60/50fps video, an improved processing engine, a new dial to change focusing modes, touch screen controls that look to work as slick as an iPhone, and touch screen focus, and you have a really really nice full featured camera.

Finally, if you don’t need interchangeable lenses or don’t plan on buying any more lenses and you don’t mind a degradation of IQ, then the Canon S90, Canon G11, and Panasonic LX3(Leica D-Lux 4) are easier to carry around everywhere (especially the S90) and are cheaper(the gap will close when the price of this camera falls).

Here is a quick list of pros and cons of the E-PL1

Pros
The best Olympus implementation of the m4/3 sensor
One of the best JPEG engines in the business
Relatively small and light
Built in flash
In camera Image Stabilization(IS)
Price (The cheapest m4/3 yet)
Optional EVF (A very nice 1.4mp unit but very pricy at $279)
Its available
Nice build quality

Cons
Slow Autofocus (Panasonic has this figured out. Olympus, not so much)
Missing Control Wheel slows down aperture, shutter, and exposure changes
Only 230k screen?!
1/2000 shutter speed?! A lot of P+S go to 1/4000
Locking lens is annoying to deploy and stow

Overall
A competent and nice camera that will take stunning images. Slow autofocus and clunky controls will make this camera frustrating to many people.

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Kenwood DNX7140 6.95-Inch Wide Double-DIN In-Dash Nagivation with Built-in Bluetooth USB/iPod Direct Control/DVD Receiver Described:

6.95″ Wide Double-DIN Indash Nagivation with USB/iPOD Direct Control / DVD Receiver, built-in Bluetooth, USB input

• Amazon Sales Rank: #8059 in Car Audio or Theater
• Brand: Kenwood
• Model: DNX7140
• Dimensions: 8.50″ h x 10.50″ w x 15.20″ l, 9.60 pounds

Features

• AM/FM radio, DVD, DVD-R/RW, DVD+R/RW, CD, CD-R/RW, VCD, MP3/WMA/AAC, MPEG1/MPEG2
• Maximum power with three 2V pre-amp outputs 4 x 50 Watts
• TFT LCD touchscreen with 480 x 234 pixel resolution and reverse tilt mechanism
• Includes built-in Garmin navigation, Bluetooth by Parrot, direct iPod connection,
• One-year limited warranty

What Customers are Saying:

Among the Elite Car Stereo
The Kenwood DNX7140 is the second most satisfying consumer electronics product I have purchased recently. (The first is the LG BD 390 Network Blu-Ray Player). Both are, feature laden products, that–unlike many such complex gadgets–get more things right than wrong.

The Kenwood manages to pack an extraordinary number of features into a relatively compact package, enabling vehicle owners to eliminate a whole host of separate, discreet components. It has GPS, a bluetooth receiver for handling cell phone calls, AM/FM radio, DVD, player, iPod/USB music and video inputs and is HD/satellite radio-ready.

The Kenwood’s sound is very good and, for me, the interface was fairly logical and user friendly and did not require a huge learning curve.

There are a few nitpicks:
* The cooling fan in the unit can be heard at low sound levels when the engine is off but was not audible to me while driving.
* The USB input is at the end of a cable that cannot be conveniently mounted on the dash without the use of some sort of custom adaptor. This means most people will hide it in the glove compartment, adding to clutter.
* The radio display is the least intuitive part of the GUI and makes it somewhat difficult to switch from station to station without the remote control or taking your eyes off the road for long periods of time. Kenwood could solve this problem by having a row of soft buttons at the bottom of the display when a particular station is displayed rather than requiring a user to press the “list” button first to list all of the stations. That way the Kenwood could emulate station presets on current push button head units.
* Similarly, the hard buttons on the radio for volume and input selection are way too small. At least for volume control and mute, I’d recommend and addon kit so that you can control those critical functions from the steering wheel with bigger buttons.
* The smallish remote control is really terrible not really useful for navigating the unit.

There is a Youtube video here […] that demonstrates the Kenwood but really doesn’t give a good feel for the interface.

GREAT UNIT
I JUST PURCHASED THE DNX7140 AND HAD IT INSTALLED IN A CHEVROLET 2500HD SILVERADO. THE SILVERADO HAD THE BOSE SOUND SYSTEM WITH ALL STEERING WHEEL CONTROLS, XM RADIO, AND ON-STAR. SINCE I WANTED ALL OF THESE ITEMS TO WORK AFTER THE INSTALLATION, I HAD THE GEEK SQUAD AT BEST BUY INSTALL THE UNIT. AFTER THE INSTALLATION, ALL PREVIOUS FUNCTIONS WORK VERY WELL.

THE NAVAGATION UNIT IS TREMENDOUS. I HAVE PREVIOUSLY HAD VARIOUS GARMIN PORTABLE NAV UNITS SO I WAS FAMILIAR WITH THE NAVIGATION PART OF THE DNX7140. THE NAVIGATION IS QUICK AND ACCURATE AND THE DISPLAY IS “SECOND TO NONE”.

THE SOUND QUALITY IS FANTASTIC. THE CD’S SOUND GREAT. THE PICTURE AND SOUND QUALITY OF THE DVD ARE LIKE THE 5.1 SURROUND SOUND OF MY BOSE UNIT AT HOME. I HAVE A DROID CELL PHONE INTO WHICH I HAVE DOWNLOADED NUMEROUS MP3 SONGS. AFTER CONNECTING THE BLUETOOTH ON MY PHONE TO THE UNIT, I CAN LISTEN TO ALL THE MP3 SONGS ON THE DROID THROUGH THE SOUND SYSTEM. THERE IS NO LOSS OF SOUND QUALITY PLAYING THROUGH THE SYSTEM. IT ONLY TOOK ABOUT A MINUTE TO SYNCH THE BLUETOOTH WITH THE PHONE AND THE KENWOOD.

BASICALLY, THE UNIT IS QUITE EASY TO PROGRAM TO YOUR INDIVIDUAL PREFERENCES. ALTHOUGH THE SPECIFIC CONTROLS ON THE UNIT ARE RELATIVELY SMALL, I DO NOT HAVE ANY PROBLEMS WITH VOLUME OR FUNCTION CONTROL SINCE ALL THE STEERING WHEEL CONTROLS ARE FUNCTIONAL. WITHOUT THE STEERING WHEEL CONTROLS, THE BUTTONS ON THE UNIT ARE A LITTLE SMALL.

NEGATIVES: 1) THE UNIT WORKS GREAT; HOWEVER, KENWOOD HAS NOT LOADED THE MOST RECENT FIRMWARE INTO THE UNIT. FOR THE UNIT TO WORK ABSOLUTELY CORRECT, YOU MUST GO TO THE KENWOOD SITE AND DOWNLOAD AN UPDATE FOR THE FIRMWARE. YOU THEN BURN A CD WITH THIS INFORMATION AND UPGRADE THE FIRMWARE IN THE UNIT. ADDITIONALLY, THE GARMIN SOFTWARE THAT IS LOADED IN THE UNIT MUST ALSO BE UPDATED TO A MORE RECENT RELEASE. HERE AGAIN, YOU MUST DOWNLOAD THE SOFTWARE, BURN IT TO A CD AND INSTALL IT IN THE UNIT. YOU CAN FIND THE FIRMWARE UPDATE AND THE GARMIN UPDATE AT THE KENWOOD WEBSITE AT […] 2) THE UNIT COMES WITH A REMOTE CONTROL; HOWEVER, I HAVE NOT FOUND THE REMOTE TO BE VERY HELPFUL.

I ONLY HAVE ONE REGRET - I WISH I HAD PURCHASED THE UNIT SOONER.

DNX-7140 is excellent but Bluetooth needed firmware upgrade
I Received My DNX-7140 a week ago. I had no trouble installing it. It is extremely packed with value and even sounds good without an external amplifier.
Kenwood DNX7140 6.95-Inch Wide Double-DIN In-Dash Nagivation with Built-in Bluetooth USB/iPod Direct Control/DVD Receiver
Pros: Garmin Navigation, DVD, IPOD Connectivity(however you need the Kenwood adapter $30 to have full functionality), Back up camera (separately about $200), Excellent Sound

CONS: My Bluetooth Microphone didn’t work at first. The System needed a firmware upgrade for the bluetooth and after resetting the factory settings it worked perfectly.

Bottom Line: It really is an impressive unit, Picture quality is good with DVD’s and IPOD Videos. Touch Screen is responsive and GPS is Amazing!!!
The GPS is super accurate, shows the speed limit, your speed, arrival time, sets the clock automatically,and even changes time zones the second you cross the border!!
It is amazing, even changes speed limits exactly at the sign.

Overall I Recommend this product it is pretty awesome

Amazon.com Product Description
The DNX7140 is an extraordinary all-in-one in-dash system with cutting-edge audio, video, and navigation technologies. Featuring onboard Bluetooth powered by Parrot, an advanced navigation system by Garmin, a brilliant 6.95-inch touchscreen, and a wealth of expansion options, it’s sure to assist as much as it entertains.

An all-in-one in-dash system with cutting-edge audio, video, and navigation technologies. Click to enlarge.

6.95-Inch Touchscreen with Variable Illumination
The DNX7140 puts intuitive control right at your fingertips with its 6.95-inch QVGA TFT Active Matrix Display and powerful, easy-to-use graphical user interface. Customize the unit’s front panel illumination with the new variable illumination palette of colors–match your interior tones, dash lighting, or whatever tickles your fancy. Selectable wallpapers and customizable backgrounds offer further personalization.

Reverse Tilt Mechanism
Depending on the vehicle, in-car monitors are installed in a variety of heights and angles, and this sometimes results in reduced visibility due to reflected glare from sunlight. Kenwood’s solution is the exclusive Reverse Tilt mechanism: In addition to the traditional tilt mechanism that allows the bottom of the monitor to be tilted forward over five positions, Reverse Tilt also allows the top of the monitor to tilt forward to eliminate reflected glare.

Built-In Advanced Navigation–Guidance by Garmin
This integrated advanced navi system guides you everywhere with ease and is beautifully displayed on a large 6.95-inch screen. All functions are intuitively controlled by touchscreen menus and voice guidance works over the vehicle’s speaker system. There is no need to swap map discs since it comes with a built-in full-memory Garmin Navigation board that features maps of continental USA, Canada, Hawaii and Alaska. New navigation functions include:

Seamless connection with iPod video/audio.

Built-in full-memory Garmin Navigation board that features maps of Canada, continental USA, Hawaii, and Alaska. Click to enlarge.

A wide palette of colors are available using Variable Color Illumination. Click to enlarge.

Add satellite radio or HD radio with Kenwood peripherals.

Add the MSN Direct Traffic/Data Receiver for real-time traffic updates integrated with your navigation.

• Roadside Assistance
• Phone Number Search / Call (Using BT)
• Brand Icon
• Mileage Tracker

Built-In Bluetooth–Powered by Parrot
The built-in Bluetooth hands-free system enables easy, safe cellular phone communications from the car. Features include (not all features work on all phones):

• High-quality noise-cancelling microphone
• Register up to five Bluetooth phones
• Holds up to 1,000 phone numbers per registered phone
• Supports Auto Phonebook Download
• Supports A2DP Wireless Music Streaming
• Supports voice-recognition dialing
• Supports incoming/outgoing short-message service (SMS)
• Bluetooth firmware upgradeable

MSN Direct Traffic/Data Receiver Ready
Don’t be late or waste your precious time and fuel stuck in traffic; use the Kenwood KNA-M100 featuring MSN Direct. Once you activate your subscription, the traffic receiver will begin to receive real-time traffic and other useful data right onto your Kenwood touchscreen, providing quick access to alternative routing using Garmin navigation.

Audio enhancement all the time
As part of the DSP for the all new Sound Excellence feature, the DNX7140 Entertainment/Navigation System includes a Space Enhancer and a new Bass Boost. Space Enhancer expands the sound field for the listener so that the audio signal can be heard clearly by the driver and front seat passenger. The new Bass Boost feature increases low-frequency output for each channel and listeners will be able to feel the more powerful sound.

Enjoy Your Favorite Media
The DNX7140 is a media powerhouse, letting you play your favorite CDs and DVDs, along with several digital audio and video formats. The unit accepts DVD, DVD+R/RW, DVD-R/RW, CD, CD-R/RW, VCD, and CD-DA discs. It plays back AAC-LC, MP3, and WMA audio files; MPEG1 and MPEG2 video files; and can display JPG images. Throw your files on a disc or a USB device and enjoy them in your vehicle wherever you are.

And, of course, you still can listen to the AM/FM radio. Use Auto Memory to automatically add stations with good reception to presets, or enter them manually. The DNX7140 displays FM radio text when available as well as traffic information, and it allows you to enter station names.

Seamless Connection with iPod Video/Audio
Connect an iPod using the optional KCA-iP301V cable to enable full video (for iPods with video capability) and/or audio control. You’ll supply power to your iPod as well as charge it while you enjoy your music.

USB Direct Control
You can enjoy your favorite music, video, or images from USB devices like flash drives or MP3 players. When connecting a USB device, playback starts automatically. When a battery-powered USB device like an MP3 player is connected to this unit, it also gets a charge, so it’s ready to go with you when you exit the vehicle.

Input and Output
In addition to the iPod and USB support, you can use the DNX7140’s front auxiliary A/V input to connect external audio/video sources like video game systems.

The unit also features an A/V output for sending content to an additional screen in the vehicle.

For audio output, the DNX7140 has three sets of 2V RCA pre-amp outputs for system expansion (in addition to the on-board 50W x 4 amplifier).

HD and Satellite Radio Ready
The DNX7140 allows you to enjoy SIRIUS (requires CA-SR20V cable + Sirius Tuner) or XM (requires KCA-XM100V + XM Mini Tuner) radio in your vehicle. Enjoy a multitude of channels featuring music, news, talk shows, sports, and traffic information with CD quality sound.

You also can add an HD Radio tuner. When you connect an HD radio tuner, features of the unit are disabled and changed to HD Radio tuner features.

Rear Camera Input
The DNX7140 is ready for a rear camera, allowing you to monitor behind your vehicle as you back up.

What’s in the Box
Kenwood DNX7140, sleeve, trim ring, wiring harness, installation tools, installation manual, operation manual, warranty card.

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Teva Women’s Ventura Cork 2 Wedge Sandal Details:

Iconic for its cork wrapped midsole, the women’s Ventura Cork 2 Wedge erases the boundary between the campground and downtown. With its rich leather straps and fashionable wedge construction, the Teva Ventura Cork 2 Wedge will seamlessly fit into any situation you find yourself in.

• Amazon Sales Rank: #146 in Sports & Outdoors
• Size: 7 B(M) US
• Color: Black
• Brand: Teva
• Fabric type: Leather or textile
• Dimensions: 2.00 pounds

Features

• Cork-wrapped compression molded EVA midsole cushions your steps.
• Durabrasion Rubber outsole provides durability while keeping you steady.
• Patented Universal Strapping System holds the foot in place through four points of connectivity.
• Nubuck leather upper, leather upper lining and sockliner, compression molded EVA midsole with cork.
• Durabrasion Rubber outsole. Care: Lightly brush with a soft to medium brush. Heel Height: 2″.

Happy Customers Say:

Comfortable and cute!
I bought the Teva Women’s Ventura Cork 2 Wedge Sandal in Ebony for $39.90 when it was offered during a Friday Sale. The sandal looks exactly like the pictures and is true to size. The cork sole provides good cushioning and keeps my feet comfortable walking on concrete all day. I also like the adjustability of the velcro strap closure.

My only complaint is that the heel bed is a little long for my foot so the slope downward didn’t hit my arch in the right spot (I have high arches). To solve this problem, I put in a pair of Dr. Scholl’s For Her Comfort Insoles with clear massaging gel, which stay in place and provide some arch support as well as extra cushioning and, because they’re clear, they can’t be seen when I’m wearing the sandals. I read on another site that the stitching near the toes bothered a couple of people so I also put in a pair of ball-of-foot cushions which cover the stitching and provide extra cushioning.

I probably wouldn’t have paid full price for these sandals, but at $40 they’re a real bargain if you’re looking for a cute, sturdy, and comfortable pair of wedge sandals. If they came in red or beige like the lower heeled version, I would buy them in an instant.

great looking and very comfy
My wife chose it in a shoe warehouse, but they did not have her size, so I ordered online. She loves them! They are light, very comfortable and great looking.

Comfortable!!!!!
The only shoe with a heel that I’ve ever been able to wear. Cute with any kind of clothes. Super cushy heel. I’ve walked miles of pavement in hot weather without getting sore feet. Which color should I get next?

Amazon.com Product Description
Total cushioning and sporty style go hand-in-hand in Teva’s Ventura sandal. The easy-to-wear upper feels and looks great, while the cork-flecked EVA midsole is topped with a padded footbed for even more comfort.

From the Manufacturer
Teva is an authentic icon in the outdoor industry. Founded in the early 1980’s by a Colorado River guide, Teva pioneered the sport-sandal category. For more than 20 years on rivers, in canyons, and across the trails of the great outdoors, athletes and enthusiasts have traveled the globe comfortably and confidently in Teva footwear. Providing positive contributions to the world in which we play is at the core of everything Teva stands for. The Teva name itself is a Hebrew word meaning “nature” and the hand logo is the Hopi symbol for “friendship” and “water.” Teva supports the outdoor athletic lifestyle and remains committed to innovation in outdoor performance footwear, the platforms which carry enthusiasts beyond the offices of the day-to-day and onto the rivers, trails, and canyons of the next adventure.

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Pluto: Urasawa x Tezuka, Vol. 1 Product: Get Your Pluto: Urasawa x Tezuka, Vol. 1 Amazon Discount! List Price: $12.99 Amazon Price: $9.35 Click Here To See Amazon Sale Price Add to cart to see low price@ Availability: In Stock Usually ships in 24 Hours Free Shipping Available

Compare Prices on Pluto: Urasawa x Tezuka, Vol. 1

R to L (Japanese Style)

In a distant future where sentient humanoid robots pass for human, someone or some thing is out to destroy the seven great robots of the world. Europol’s top detective Gesicht is assigned to investigate these mysterious robot serial murders—the only catch is that he himself is one of the seven targets.

In a distant future where sentient humanoid robots pass for human, someone or some thing is out to destroy the seven great robots of the world. Europol’s top detective Gesicht is assigned to investigate these mysterious robot serial murders—the only catch is that he himself is one of the seven targets.

• Amazon Sales Rank: #80145 in Books
• Published on: 2009-02-17
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 200 pages

Features

• ISBN13: 9781421519180
• Condition: NEW
• Notes: Brand New from Publisher. No Remainder Mark.

A wonderful reimagining of Atom Boy and an Urasawa series that is captivating! Can’t wait for volume 2!
In a world where robots and humans work together and robots are treated (by most) like sentient beings comes a world where the planet has robotic heroes and even police squadrons of human and robot partners.

Of course, it’s not an all perfect world as there are humans who rather not co-exist with the robots. And someone makes their agenda known when someone has decided to disrupt that peaceful coexistence by destroying the great robots and possibly murdering those who protect the rights for robots.

With only several of the great robots left, one of the great robots from Interpol must protect the other living great robots from destruction from a mysterious murderer/destroyer who may be human or robot.

This is the basis of the story “PLUTO”, a reimagining of “Astro Boy - The Greatest Robot on Earth” written by manga great Naoki Urasawa (”Yawara”, “Monster”, “20th Century Boys” and many more titles) and co-authored by Takashi Nagasaki. The Astro Boy or Tetsuwan Atom stories are based on the popular works of Osamu Tezuka and with cooperation from Tezuka Productions, this manga project is managed by Makoto Tezuka.

The ongoing award winning manga series debuted in Japan back in 2003 and has captivated readers but now the popular manga arrives in the US courtesy of VIZ Media.

The first volume of “PLUTO: Urasawa x Tezuka” features the first seven acts and ends with a several-page discussion between Naoki Urasawa and Makoto Tezuka plus a postscript by Takayuki Matsutani, Presiden of Tezuka Productions, Inc.

“PLUTO: Urasawa x Tezuka” vol. 01 was definitely an enjoyable first volume. One of the biggest differences from Osamu Tezuka’s artwork and Urasawa’s is the fact that Urasawa tends to go for a more realistic approach and also adding quite a bit of detail from surrounding objects or shadows.

There is a side of darkness that Urasawa has with his work. From “Monster” to “20th Century Boys”, you get a good balance of innocence and purity but also a side of darkness which makes his works so appealing.

In this case, for “PLUTO”, the storyline is so unique. Sure, we have seen robots become problems for humanity in anime and manga series such as “AD Police” but to find a storyline where robots are revered for helping humanity and living lives like humans and almost be treated like equals was quite intriguing.

So, far the pacing of the series in the first seven acts were well done and captivating.

With great storytelling by Urasawa and Nagasaki, it makes you wonder what will happen with the remaining five great robots. I’m definitely hooked and I know you will be hooked once you finish the first volume. “PLUTO: Urasawa x Tezuka” is highly recommended!

Reminds me of the books “iRobot” and “Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?”
This manga heavily reminds me of the books “iRobot” and “Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?” but in a good way. I love tales where technology has advanced to the point where there is a fine line between between cyborgs and humans in terms of their abilities to feel emotions. This manga has a few interesting small stories in just the first volume and I LOVE manga series that string along a lot of relevant smaller stories to make one grand story. I have no idea if this series will continue at this pace but I’m already hooked, volumes 2 and 3 arrived on my doorstep yesterday and I plan on reading them as soon as I can!

excellent!
Pluto is one of the best sci-fi comics produced in a long time, good enough qualitywise to be adapted into live action. It’d certainly make a great TV series for Syfy. Who’d imagine Tezuka’s material, including an appearance by Astroboy at the end of volume 1, could be reimagined and drawn with such seriousness?

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This Is What Democracy Looks Like Details:

• Amazon Sales Rank: #64052 in DVD
• Released on: 2005-05-03
• Rating: NR (Not Rated)
• Number of discs: 1
• Formats: Color, DVD, NTSC
• Original language: English
• Number of discs: 1
• Running time: 72 minutes

Happy Customers Say:

A peaceful protest in the name of Democracy turns ugly
+++++

In order to understand this frightening and powerful documentary, you have to understand the meaning of two terms:

(1) Democracy: government in which the common people hold the ruling power either directly or more usually, through elected (by a majority) representatives; the principle of equality of rights, opportunity, and treatment.

(2) World Trade Organization (WTO): from the film itself, it “is the latest in a series of transnational bodies and agreements to regulate the global economy. It can use sanctions and fines to override the labor, safety, and environmental standards of individual nations.”

What is this film about? In Nov. 1999, the WTO was scheduled to hold its last meeting of the millennium at the convention center (behind closed doors) in downtown Seattle, Washington. Activists (from all over the world) prepared to blockade the streets to prevent the meeting from taking place since they perceive the actions of the WTO to be unfair favoring corporate greed over the working guy/gal. Over thirty thousand protesters converged on downtown Seattle.

The viewer is told that “by the end of the week, demonstrations were being held around the world in solidarity with the protests in Seattle.”

The viewer is presented with powerful images of the protest “that was shot by over one hundred media activists.” Also there is printed information that appears (for example, the definition of WTO above) and footage of protesters and protest leaders saying what’s on their mind. Parts of this documentary are narrated. (Susan Sarandon is one of the narrators.)

Besides learning a lot, I felt I was actually at the protest. Thank goodness I was not physically there since the police force monitoring this event started getting brutal with the protesters. (Many were arrested and beaten by police.)

The only problem I had is that for the printed material that appeared, abbreviations that I was unfamiliar with were used for the names of various labor and other organizations. It would have been helpful and more instructive to me if the full names were used instead.

Finally the DVD (the one released in 2005) is perfect in picture and sound quality. However, I did notice that after the film finishes, the program does not revert back to the main menu. There are several interesting extras including video excerpts from the WTO 2003 protests in Cancun, Mexico.

In conclusion, this is a powerful film showing actual footage of how a relatively small group of protesters tried to take back the rightful democratic power that the political and corporate elite of the world is determined to take from the little people.

(2000; 70 min; full screen)

+++++

A very concise title for a brilliant documentary!
I love the title, even for someone who does not believe democracy can exist. It could be used in two ways: (1) This is what democracy looks like; police brutality and authority’s ruthlessness. One sentence from one of the interviewees leapt off the screen for me, which really summed up the living conditions in the US (and elsewhere). “You are all slaves, go back to your … (couldn’t really hear it but i took it as cages, as it made sense)”. As long as people do not interfere with policymaking, or basically the decisions that outline their whole lives, they are considered no threat and thus “free”, but voice your opinion, and the true nature of your existence vis-a-vis the state will be revealed, “you are all slaves” and have no right meddling with your own affairs. Quite ironic. The mother of all hypocrisies. (2) This is what democracy looks like, when people take it to the streets and get their voices heard across the great divide. Spectacular!
The events in Seattle, and those that happen elsewhere on Earth are considered “anti-globalization” protests, but really, they are the epitome of globalization, for what we have today is a perverse version of true globalization (Check Chomsky’s writings for that).
By the way, I have no idea why Chomsky is included as a contributor for this documentary, not once does he appear. As far as I know, he was never even present at the protests. I thought maybe he might have something to say retrospectically about the Seattle protests, but nothing. I don’t even think I saw his name in the credits. So it’s a bit misleading to include his name.
For a more explicit documentary about the Seattle protests, check “Breaking the Spell”. It can be found on […] to download as a torrent file.

Documentary at its Best
This was a great film on the events that led to the protests at the WTO. I thought it did a great job of demonstrating the fragile nature of our presumed right to free speech and freedom of assembly. Great for classroom use!!!

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The Idea of Human Rights Details:

The international doctrine of human rights is one of the most ambitious parts of the settlement of World War II. Since then, the language of human rights has become the common language of social criticism in global political life. This book is a theoretical examination of the central idea of that language, the idea of a human right. In contrast to more conventional philosophical studies, the author takes a practical approach, looking at the history and political practice of human rights for guidance in understanding the central idea. The author presents a model of human rights as matters of international concern whose violation by governments can justify international protective and restorative action ranging from intervention to assistance. He proposes a schema for justifying human rights and applies it to several controversial cases–rights against poverty, rights to democracy, and the human rights of women. Throughout, the book attends to some main reasons why people are skeptical about human rights, including the fear that human rights will be used by strong powers to advance their national interests. The book concludes by observing that contemporary human rights practice is vulnerable to several pathologies and argues the need for international collaboration to avoid them.

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About the Author

Charles R. Beitz is Edwards S. Sanford Professor of Politics at Princeton University and the Editor of Philosophy & Public Affairs. He has written books and articles in global political theory (Political Theory and International Relations) and democratic theory (Political Equality) and is co-editor, with Robert Goodin, of Global Basic Rights (OUP 2009). He has been a Guggenheim Fellow and is a member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.

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