We stumbled across these great tips from Australian nutritionist Leanne Cooper about getting started on solids. We know it is a big transition for little ones, but we think these tips will make it a bit easier on you too!
1. All babies are different. They eat different amounts, and progress at different rates. Just to make parents' lives more exciting!
2. Stick to a routine, creating eating habits.
3. Initially, offer breastmilk or formula first to ensure they get all nutrients each day.
4. Don't push them to eat too much to avoid upset tummies.
5. Make and store the purees thicker than you need to so you can thin them down and warm them up with boiling water, breastmilk or formula.
6. Select quality organic ingredients with a variety of nutrients and colors. When buying baby food, read labels carefully. Stay away from additives, sweeteners, fillers and thickeners such as starches.
7. Use clean utensils.
8. Never place solids in your baby's bottle.
9. Most babies prefer food at room temperature. Be careful with microwaved food. Temperature may be uneven.
10. Expect a mess!
Check out our Homemade Baby Food Recipes page, developed by experienced moms! Delicious recipes with great nutritional values.
What’s common between actresses Halle Berry, Sharone Stone and Vanessa Williams, singers Nick Jonas, Johnny Cash and Elliot Yamin, Nobel laureate Mikhail Gorbachev, jazz composer Miles Davis and rocker Tommy Lee?
They all suffer from type 1 diabetes. Behind their glamorous lives lie painful insulin injections and numerous health problems.
But you can avoid joining the juvenile diabetes club. Just be born to a mother who likes overdosing on vegetables.
Because the higher your mother’s intake of greens when she was pregnant with you, the lower your chances of developing the disease, says a Swedish study.
Researchers from Sahlgrenska Academy and Linköping University in Sweden studied the blood samples of around 6,000 five-year-olds to check for antibodies that kill insulin-producing beta cells in pancreas.
These beta cells, in children at risk of developing type 1 diabetes, become sluggish as time goes by.
About 3 per cent of the subjects were found to high levels of these antibodies or even fully-developed type 1 diabetes.
However, the researchers found that the antibody was twice more common in children whose mothers rarely ate veggies during pregnancy than kids whose mother did daily.
Hilde Brekke, the lead author of the study, said, “This is the first study to show a link between vegetable intake during pregnancy and the risk of the child subsequently developingtype 1 diabetes, but more studies of various kinds will be needed before we can say anything definitive.” The study’s findings have been published in the journal Pediatric Diabetes.
Type 1 diabetes is usually develops at younger ages, even childhood, up to the age of 35 years. Although the exact cause of the disease is not known, immunological factors, toxins in the environment and genetic mutations are believed to contribute to its development.
The other form of diabetes, type 2, which usually develops much later in life, is caused by sedentary lifestyle, excess body weight, unhealthy eating habits and stress.
Green is the colour of good health. Remind your mommy.
All Halloween candy is not created equal. That's why every kid knocks on a front-door hoping to get a Snickers or a Pixie Stick, or whatever their favorite treat might be. Some candy is more delicious, no doubt.
But also some candy is worse for children's teeth than others, according to Dr. Douglas Young, professor of dental practice at the University of the Pacific, Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry.
Dr. Young thinks that even around Halloween parents should consider what's going into their kids' mouths--especially since over 50 percent of children between the ages of 12 and 15 have at least one untreated cavity. To prevent cavities, Young advises parents to control the quantity and frequency of your kids' candy consumption as well as the actual types of treats.
Here's a rundown of what the latest research confirms is "really bad," "better," and "best" for little teeth.
1. REALLY BAD Chewy or sticky candy
Examples: caramel, taffy, gummy candy
"These types of candy can stick to the teeth long after kids are done eating them," says Dr. Young. "Bacteria in the mouth feed off the sugar in these candies and produce acid, which in turn can cause cavities and other mouth problems."
Hard candy
Examples: lollipops, suckers
"Similar to sticky candy, these types of candies take extended amounts of time to dissolve, thus the mouth is exposed to sugar for a long period of time," says Dr. Young.
Sour candies
Examples: lemon drops, sour straws
"Higher acid content in sour candy makes the mouth more acidic and breaks down the tooth enamel quickly," says Dr. Young. "This highly acidic environment leads to a much greater risk for tooth damage."
2. BETTER Chocolate
Example: chocolate bar
"Various studies have shown that chocolate is less harmful for teeth than other sugary foods because of a natural anti-bacterial compound in the cocoa bean which 'cancels out' some of the harmful effects of sugar in the mouth," Young says.
3. BEST Candy or gum containing xylitol
Example: Xclear candy, Trident gum
"Xylitol is a naturally-based sugar that actually helps prevent cavities," Dr. Young says. "Bacteria in your mouth are unable to ferment xylitol, thus harmful acids are not produced. Xylitol candy, mints and gum are available at most health food stores, online and through your dentist. But please note that Xylitol is not safe for pets."
One more piece of advice from Dr. Young: The best time to eat candy is after a meal because the mouth's saliva is already working to move food (and sugar) out of the mouth. Moms should try to make Halloween candy a dessert treat for kids, rather than a snack between meals.
My pile of mail upon returning from my two week vacation. Not bad at all! A while back, I blogged on ways to reduce your mail. So much of it is a waste of trees, of resources (even if it's recycled paper, its production is still having an impact), of money, and of our time.
Credit card offers received in the mail? Zero. After dialing an opt-out number: 1-888-5-OPTOUT (1-888-567-8688) that I found on New American Dream, I have not received a single solicitation. I have all the credit cards I need, and besides, I pay cash as much as possible.
Animal rights literature: minimal. I've taken a pro-active stand to e-mail the groups I contribute to and ask them to not share my address and when desired, ask they only contact me once a year for membership renewal. For new unwanted solicitations, I e-mail them to not share my name and remove me from their list. It's wonderful there are so many worthwhile groups to give to, but I cannot give to them all, and I don't want to waste their resources or my time.
Donating this holiday season to an animal rights or other charitable organization? This is one of my favorite gift ideas, but don't give your recipient the gift of junk mail. When you contribute, ask that they not share the address of the person you are contributing on behalf of. Once a person's information is out there, it takes a lot of effort to reclaim one's privacy.
Bills? Go online. Save postage, even though minimal, around $5 a year per each monthly bill, but just as important: save time not having to deal with all those paper statements.
Catalogs: zero. I long ago called companies I was receiving catalogues from to remove me from their list.
Magazines: I get one, VegNews. After my subscription runs out, I'm not renewing it. I think purchasing a subscription for a local library is a better option. Libraries are a fun and frugal source for most of your magazine and newspaper needs.
Arrived: the Yellowbook. I saw multiple copies go straight to the recycling bin. To be removed from delivery, click here.
Tired of all those 20% off Bed, Bath & Beyond coupons turning up? Me too. Remove yourself from their list here.
With a little effort, my war on my incoming mail is succeeding. While I'll never be at zero percent, I feel a ting of satisfaction when I arrive home and see no mail. Incidentally, I have little use for all those address labels I've received in the past from charitable organizations. I have enough labels to last until I'm 90.
Diaper bags can be bulky and cumbersome, and sometimes very impractical. How many times have you reached for a fresh diaper and changer pad with just one available hand, and got frustrated? Well, we came across Patemm, a practical solution to the problem. A high-quality cotton pad with a round design that accommodates squirmy infants and toddlers, and also serves as a diaper bag. It comes with pockets for diapers, wipes and a change of clothes. The version we tested was fabulous! Made of waterproof, laminated cotton, it is free of BPA, lead, PVC and latex. And very stylish. Clearly designed by an experienced mom.
Congrats to International Playthings for the Gold Award from the Parents' Choice. The Flow'N'Fill Spout is the big winner! Its spout attaches to the tub and creates different activities with water, turning a bath into a science experiment!
We found this gorgeous cup at Boon Inc. It has an ergonomic, two-handed grip that is perfect for toddlers' small hands. It is BPA-free, and comes in beautiful colors. What a piece of art!
This post made it just under the Halloween wire. Deliberately. I wasn't going to post these recipes at all, but I couldn't resist suggesting two more gooey treats to an already laden holiday. Forgive me. I love being witchy.
The first treat is an old recipe.... we used to make it all the time. Very kid friendly. Made with a bunch of gooey, chewy things that most everyone likes, all mixed together. With the added attraction of....wait for it.... sweetened condensed milk. I made it at the last minute so I could take photos and immediately remove it from my reach by giving it to friends with kids (or even some without) just as long as I don't have it around here to nibble on like M & M's or something. Kids love to make it, love to eat it and you can serve the bars (or take them) to any party you're giving or going to this weekend. Doesn't need to be for Halloween either- make it for any holiday- just use appropriate candies on the top and change the title to something like Rocky Road Independence Day Bars. Stick a bunch of flags in it. Very adaptable, this recipe.
The second treat to avoid tricks is from Smitten Kitchen's cauldron. And she's right to comment that it's seriously sweet and to cut it into small pieces and serve it in those miniature cupcake liners. Again, it has sweetened condensed milk. (Are you noticing a pattern here?) This one takes some baking but Oh. My. So good. I don't want these in the house either! From an adult standpoint, I think treat #2 has a slight edge over treat #1. Oh well, the devil made me post these.
Method: Mix the first three ingredients together on the stove, in a microwave or in a double boiler until melted. Put peanuts and marshmallows in a large bowl- mix carefully. Pour the melted chocolate over the peanuts and marshmallows and mix thoroughly. Pour mixture into 9"x 13" buttered pan. Top with orange and yellow M & M's and/or candy corn. Refrigerate 2 hours until set. Cut into squares.
Hello Dolly Bars (Adapted from Smitten Kitchen, October 2007 post)
Ingredients:
1/2 cup salted butter
1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs 1 1/2 cups chocolate chips 1 cup butterscotch chips 1 cup shredded coconut 1 cup pecans, coarsely chopped 1/3 cup (about 1/2 can) sweetened condensed milk
Method: Preheat oven to 350°. Line the bottom of an 8" by 8" baking pan with parchment paper; butter the paper.
Melt butter and add to the graham crackers. Mix. Pour mixture into the prepared pan. Press down evenly. Layer coconut, pecans, butterscotch and chocolate chips on top of the graham cracker mixture. Pour the condensed milk over everything evenly. (I had some coconut left over and sprinkled it all over the top.) Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until light brown. Cool. Refrigerate before cutting.
A few years ago, I asked my close friends if would be okay if we stopped exchanging Christmas presents, and instead of birthday gifts, just going out for dinner (as we usually would do anyway) instead.
What a relief they all embraced this idea. After years of friendship, what can one continue to buy just for the sake of giving something? There's no stress on the table of spending money for a gift who knows if we'll like. Just good food, good conversation and quality time. What more could one ask for, really?
When a dear friend's birthday celebration dinner rolled around, she choose P.F. Chang's, a chain with a location in the Riverside Square Mall in Hackensack, NJ.
As a beverage, I often just order tap water with a slice of lemon. It's healthy, and cutting out a beverage cost does save some money (it all adds up!) When I told the waitress I didn't need a straw for my water, she asked, "Did you have dental work done recently?" That was a first! When I told her I'm just trying to reduce waste, she said, "That's cool. I can respect the green." Why thank you.
An appetizer to share: vegetarian lettuce wraps with tofu. Four iceberg lettuce leaves arrive with a platter, and you build your own, $7.95. My entree: mixed veggies, crispy tofu and peanuts in a coconut curry sauce, with a side of brown rice, $7.95.
Good thing I brought a reusable container with me. I took half of this with me and had a second meal for lunch the next day. According to their nutritional menu, a serving is 8 ounces, and out of this you get three servings! The waitress felt so bad there weren't any vegan dessert options, she offered to make up a little fruit platter. No charge. That was nice of her. (Maybe because it was my friend's birthday). She suggested contacting the corporate site to suggest vegan dessert offerings, which I did. Financially stressed about the upcoming holidays? Consider a 'no gift' pact with some of your friends or family, or just do a 'one gift' rule with your direct family or sweetheart. No one's blood pressure should rise thinking about their January credit card statement.
The season of giving should be more for the children and to give to the less fortunate, in my opinion. Last year, my company collected donations for the Pajama Program, which provides warm pajamas and new books to underprivileged children in the United States. What a great cause, and what the true spirit of the holidays is for me. I donated pj's with ducks (too bad they didn't make a pair in my size!) and the book? I couldn't resist...on farm animals.
The Food and Drug Administration is warning parents to be careful with Halloween face painting. Here are a few tips from the FDA to keep your kids safe:
1. Follow all directions carefully. 2. Don't use paint not intended for skin. 3. Bad smell is a sign of contamination. Throw it away! 4. Don't use paint around kids' eyes. 5. If you're decorating your skin with something never used before, test it in advance for allergic reactions. Test it on the kids arms for a couple of days before putting it on the face.
According to the latest data released by the Nielsen Company, kids are watching TV at an 8-year high. Kids aged 2-5 now spend an average of 32 hours a week in front of a TV screen. The older segment of that group (ages 6-11) spend a little less time, about 28 hours per week, due to school longer hours. About 97% view live TV, however, younger kids spend more time than the older group watching it via DVR, DVD and VCR.
That is a shame! Kids need plenty of time playing with toys. Being active, rather than passive in front of a TV, help them build their cognitive skills, and develop executive functions such as self-control, patience and problem-solving.
For more details on the data released, logon to nielsen.com
Keeping a toddler's plate on the tabletop is an absolute struggle for parents. Eating is usually a bit boring for them, and plates can be a fun toy to play with. Well, not anymore. Thank goodness, Boon came up with this edgeless plate, designed to prevent the problem. Also, its slip-resistant base grips the tabletop to keep the plate in place. It is BPA and PVC-free. Have we mentioned it is beautiful too?
What does jewel tones, gold, leather, biker jackets, and the color red have in common? They are among the latest "must haves" for fall, according to various news clips I've seen. Even in hard economic times, women are still being told to keep spending hard-earned money on unneeded items. The fashion reporters will even say you don't have to spend a lot, only $100 (a lot in my book), since this will be "out" next year. To this, I'll borrow a line from Alicia Silverstone's Cher in Clueless: "as if!"
I've never bought into this bewildering notion of being "on trend." Why would you want to look like everyone else? I say embrace your sense of style and own it.
I'm a child of the 80s, and I even remember being baffled in school by everyone wearing Wigwam socks (remember those?) in rainbow colors, Keds and their jeans rolled up. How dull to be a carbon copy. My style icon of that decade: Molly Ringwald's Andie in Pretty in Pink, who looked completely amazing on a dime. She even rocked an eco-friendly prom dress, reinventing her friend's old dress into an entirely new look. I've almost forgiven her for not picking Duckie at the end. Almost. I still have a crush on Jon Cryer. But I digress.
Molly's Andie can still inspire us to look fabulous without spending a lot of (or any) money. Thrift store shopping and clothing swaps are great for this, and are my main source of "new" clothes.
At our latest swap, my two co-workers and I provided a few light refreshments, including Trader Joe's spiced cider (tasty cold or served heated), and maple cookies. Perfumes, bags and accessories are good to include, so all sizes can find something. The giver of the Victoria's Secret perfume set received it last Christmas and had barely touched it. The recipient, my co-worker who was giving it to her teenage daughter, was thrilled to get it. Some clothes still had tags on them, and two pairs of shoes were never worn. So many clothes! I donated a dress (not pictured) I spent $100 on at a high-end consignment shop, which my co-worker was happy to receive. No more fashion 'splurges' for me. I've also saved a small fortune cutting out manicures/pedicures, going back to my natural hair color instead of dying it, cancelling my gym membership and going from $55 cuts at a fancy salon to $15 cuts at Supercuts. Our leftovers went to the Salvation Army in Chelsea and the C.A.T.S. Resale Shop in Westwood, NJ. As you change your closet over to your fall/winter items, remember to keep season in mind if you donate them. If you're not shopping for tank tops and flip-flops at your local Salvation Army or other thrift shop, chances are someone else isn't either. Keep it in storage until the appropriate season arrives.
Andie, you are still an inspiration! And Duckie, you are still dreamy. I would have picked you! Blaine does sound like an appliance.
We've always believed that videos are not good for children under 2 years of age, debilitating their cognitive development.
Disney, owner of Baby Einstein, has been threatened a class-action lawsuit for unfair and deceptive practices as a result of its false "educational" claim. Disney agreed to refund the full purchase price to all who bought the DVDs since 2004. We love that!
When I married, I really hit the in-law jackpot. Nana and Buck were kind, loving, caring, generous and every other good thing you can think of. They set the standard for wonderful in-laws. I loved them dearly and in their eyes, I was another daughter. My two sisters-in-law welcomed me into the family the same way- with open arms. We laughed, enjoyed each other and spent many memorable holidays together. I look back on those years with a fond and grateful eye and miss them all so much- I'm sad to say they are all gone now. But two of their many precious gifts to me were confidence and laughter. Those are the most important things anyone can give you. Of course, love is a given.
Now Nana was not precisely the Julia Child of her generation but she had some wonderful old family recipes I still use. This fruit compote is one of my favorites. It's thick, rich and extremely sweet so you better keep the portions small. The cold sour cream on top is a necessity as it cuts the sweetness and besides, that cold thick spoonful on the warm dark fruit makes it irrestible.
The recipe is amazing, really. You just open a couple cans and one box, squeeze an orange and a lemon, add sugar and that's it. It roasts in the oven for a couple hours... you do some stirring and it caramelizes into a heavenly dark, thick mass of fruit. You aren't going to be able to stop eating it. Let's not discuss calories- you really don't want to know.
Nana's Fruit Compote
Ingredients:
1 box dried apricots 1 large can drained peaches 1 can black cherries with juice 1 orange, juice only 1 lemon, juice only 3/4 cup brown sugar 1 pint sour cream
Method:
Mix all the ingredients except the sour cream in a large bowl. Mix well.
Pour into a 9" by 9" baking dish and bake at 350° until caramelized. Stir well by turning over the fruit every 15 minutes or so. Takes close to 2 hours. When all the fruit is caramelized and thick, you'll know it's done. Serve warm with sour cream on top.
A turkey from Farm Sanctuary, what else would you have guessed?
One of the beauties I met when visiting their Watkins Glen, New York sanctuary. Flashback.
With my November birthday coming up, I asked my family to adopt a turkey in my name again this year. I still have Serendipity's cheerful face on my fridge from last year.
For a one-time adoption fee of $25, you too can sponsor a turkey for yourself or your loved ones as part of their annual Adopt-A-Turkey program. Learn more. This is a wonderful way to raise not only critical funds for the turkeys that live at their two sanctuaries, but also awareness about the 45 million turkeys that are needlessly slaughtered for Thanksgiving each year in the U.S.
Start a humane tradition of your own by cooking compassionate food for yourself and others. Corn soup, wine-glazed root vegetables, apple crisp, vegan pumpkin pie and more. Yes please! Find the cruelty-free recipes here.
Friends don't let friends eat turkeys at Thanksgiving!" declares Bubbles, a resident at Watkins Glen. Well-said, Bubbles!
1. Choose better body care products for kids: read the ingredients and avoid triclosan, BHA, fragrance and oxybenzone.
2. Eat fresh organic foods: choose organic when possible, and limit canned food and infant formula, as can linings contain BPA.
3. Pick plastics carefully: some plastics contain BPA, which is linked to cancer. Avoid clear, hard plastic bottles market with a "7" or "PC". Don't microwave plastic containers. Stay away from toys marked with a "3" or "PVC."
4. Filter your tap water: this will reduce your family's exposure to impurities in water, like chlorine and lead. Mix infant formula with fluoride-free water.
5. Wash your hands often: do we need to elaborate on that?
6. Skip non-stick cookware: when overheated, they can emit toxic fumes. Use cast iron or stainless steel instead.
7. Use a HEPA-filter vacuum: it captures the widest range of particles and get rid of allergens.
8. Get iodine: it buffers against chemicals like perchlorate, which can disrupt the thyroid system and affect brain development during pregnancy and infancy.
9. Use greener cleaners and avoid pesticides: household cleaners, bug killers, pet treatments, and air fresheners can irritate kids' lungs, especially if your kids have asthma. Investigate less toxic alternatives. Use vinegar in place of bleach, baking soda to scrub your tiles, and hydrogen peroxide to remove stains.
10. Eat good fats: omega-3 fatty acids can offset toxic effects of lead and mercury. They're in fish, eggs, nuts, oils, and produce. Choose low-mercury fish, especially if you're pregnant. Breast milk is the best source of good fats (and other benefits) for babies, and protects them from toxic chemicals.
We love this organic fruit tote for toddlers. The fruits are so lovely that we don't know what to pick! Not to mention they are made of 100% machine washable organic cotton. Source: tinybirdsorganics.com
We found these incredibly adorable organic rattles for babies. They are so cute that even toddlers may want to play with them! All made with organic cotton.
The Environmental Working Group released a guide to reduce our families' exposure to bisphenol-A (BPA). It includes a few simple steps that are very easy to follow.
Developing fetuses and babies are the most vulnerable to BPA's toxic effects. So, the very first step is replacing the old baby bottles and sippy cups to BPA-free ones. Also, be aware that BPA contaminates liquid baby formula sold in metal cans. Choosing powdered versions is a much safer option.
As a rule of thumb, avoid canned foods, and don't use polycarbonate plastics for warm food and drinks.
We found this great guide, created by a nutritionist from Organic Bubs, about introducing solid foods to the little ones. It is printable and very useful. Check it out!
Looks like Canon isn't skipping the number "four" after all. While initially unveiling what looked to be a half-complete website with two teaser videos, the company has now gone official with the EOS-1D Mark IV. So what's new to the table?
Looks like Canon isn't skipping the number "four" after all. While initially unveiling what looked to be a half-complete website with two teaser videos, the company has now gone official with the EOS-1D Mark IV. So what's new to the table? For starter's there's a 16.1 megapixel APS-H CMOS sensor, ISO range of100 to 12,800 native, up to 102,400 (hello, Nikon), 45-point area customizable autofocus with 39 high-precision cross-type focusing points, dual Digic 4 processors, 1080p HD video, and an option WFT-E2 IIA wireless file transmitter for connectivity over 802.11a/b/g and ethernet. Launch date is sometime in December, and body-only price is estimated at about $4,999 but subject to change. Press release after the break.
Update: Care to see what all the fuss is about, or want a better explanation of the new features? Canon's released a pair of first-look videos, found after the break.
Press release.........
INTRODUCING THE ULTIMATE MULTIMEDIA IMAGING SOLUTION: THE NEW CANON EOS-1D MARK IV DIGITAL SLR CAMERA
The EOS-1D Mark IV Features a Completely Redesigned 45-Point Autofocus System, Fast 10 fps Continuous Shooting, 16-Megapixel Resolution, Outstanding ISO Sensitivity, and Full HD Video Recording at Selectable Frame Rates
LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y., October 20, 2009 – Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging, is proud to introduce the next evolution in the EOS 1D series of cameras: the Canon EOS-1D Mark IV Digital SLR camera. The EOS-1D Mark IV is a high-speed multimedia performance monster with a 16-megapixel Canon CMOS sensor, Dual DIGIC 4 Imaging Processors, and 14-bit A/D data conversion, all at 10 frames-per-second (fps), with the widest ISO range Canon has produced to date. This new camera also features 1080p Full High-Definition video capture at selectable frame rates packaged in Canon's most rugged and durable professional camera body.
The crowning achievement of Canon's 1D Mark IV Digital SLR is its new autofocus system that starts with 45 AF points including 39 high-precision cross-type focusing points capable of tracking fast moving athletes or wildlife accurately at speeds up to 10 frames per second. With greater subject detection capability than ever before plus a newly redesigned AI Servo II AF predictive focusing algorithm, the Canon EOS-1D Mark IV camera sets new standards for autofocus performance among professional digital SLRs. Whether shooting for the six o'clock news or the front page, the EOS-1D Mark IV Digital SLR is the quintessential camera to freeze fast-moving action with high-speed stills or capture stunning HD video with dynamic color and image quality. To accompany the new EOS-1D Mark IV Digital SLR camera, Canon is also announcing a new accessory, the WFT-E2 II A wireless file transmitter providing photographers with a wide range of professional digital connectivity options.
"Canon works hard to be the imaging leader in all our business endeavors. This goal has fueled our innovation and R&D efforts to engineer the most advanced autofocus system Canon has ever produced. We are proud to announce the camera that will deliver the ultimate in imaging quality to professionals working in all areas of multimedia imaging, whether it's action photography, photojournalism or HD video and cinematography," stated Yuichi Ishizuka, senior vice president and general manager, Consumer Imaging Group, Canon U.S.A.
The Canon EOS-1D Mark IV camera will intrigue professional photographers in virtually every category from photojournalism and sports through nature, wedding, portrait and fashion to commercial, industrial and law enforcement. What makes the EOS-1D Mark IV camera different from its predecessors, in addition to numerous focusing system and image quality improvements, is its exceptional Full HD video capture capability. With this new level of functionality, the 1D Mark IV Digital SLR is destined to appeal not only to professional still photographers but also to a diverse market of professional videographers and filmmakers who are looking for exceptional Full HD video quality, amazing low-light performance, outstanding portability and a level of durability unheard of in most HD video cameras in this price range.
New 45-Point Autofocus System The new EOS-1D Mark IV Digital SLR camera features Canon's most advanced Autofocus system to date. It is equipped with a newly developed 45-point AF sensor featuring 39 high-precision cross-type AF points, and an all new AI Servo II AF mode that gives still photographers the power and performance to track and focus a fast-moving subject at speeds up to 10 frames per second. With more than twice as many cross-type focusing points as the EOS-1D Mark III and a new AF sensor construction that improves performance in low light and with low contrast subjects, the EOS-1D Mark IV has greater subject detection capabilities than any previous EOS model. To complete the range of AF improvements, Canon has developed a new AI Servo II AF predictive focusing algorithm that significantly improves responsiveness and stability by making better decisions on focus tracking in a variety of shooting conditions.
Amazing High ISO Performance Wedding and event photographers shooting in low light without the benefit of a flash can take advantage of Canon's widest ISO range and highest performance ever. The EOS-1D Mark IV camera's ISO speed settings range from 100 up to 12,800 in 1/3 or 1/2 stop increments with ISO Expansion settings of L: 50 for bright light or H1: 25,600, H2: 51,200, and H3: 102,400 for even the most dimly lit situations. Photographers and documentary filmmakers working in available light will be impressed by the low-noise image quality of the 1D Mark IV, capturing amazing still images and video footage even at speed settings as high as ISO 12,800. High ISO, low light still images are further enhanced by Canon's adjustable High ISO Noise Reduction feature, now a default setting in the camera.
The EOS-1D Mark IV, EOS HD Video Powerhouse Over the past year, Canon's EOS HD Video technology has changed the way users capture 1080p HD video and opened new doors for multimedia journalists and Hollywood cinematographers alike with full manual exposure control, selectable frame rates, and interchangeable lenses on some of the largest and most sensitive image sensors on the market. Canon continues this innovation trend with the new EOS-1D Mark IV Digital SLR with Full HD capture and full manual exposure control, plus selectable frame rates on an all-new APS-H-sized image sensor that's similar in size to a Super 35mm motion picture film frame. The large sensor allows filmmakers to achieve shallow depth-of-field just as cinematographers have traditionally done using much higher-cost motion picture equipment.
The more than 50 Canon EF lenses compatible with the EOS-1D Mark IV give videographers incredible creative options, including an impressive selection of large-aperture professional L-series primes as well as zoom lenses, macro, Tilt-Shift and Fisheye optics. The Canon EOS-1D Mark IV allows for three video recording resolutions – 1080p Full HD and 720p HD in a 16:9 aspect ratio and Standard Definition (SD) in a 4:3 aspect ratio. The camera will record Full HD at 1920 x 1080 in selectable frame rates of 24p (23.976), 25p, or 30p (29.97); and 720p HD or SD video recording at either 50p or 60p (59.94). SD video can be recorded in either NTSC or PAL standards. Sound is recorded either through the internal monaural microphone or via optional external microphones connected to the stereo microphone input. The camera also provides an in-camera video editing function allowing users to remove the start or ending of a video clip directly in the camera to eliminate unwanted footage and speed up post-production.
Image Quality and Performance The heart of the EOS-1D Mark IV camera's outstanding image quality is a newly developed 16.1-Megapixel CMOS sensor featuring Canon's latest and most advanced proprietary technologies. These technologies include improved photodiode construction to enhance dynamic range and gapless microlenses that are positioned closer to the photodiodes for improved light gathering efficiency. The transmissive quality of the color filter array has been enhanced to improve sensitivity. Canon has also upgraded the sensor circuitry to improve noise reduction before the image data is exported from the CMOS sensor to the rest of the image processing chain.
With 60 percent more pixels than the EOS-1D Mark III, the EOS-1D Mark IV Digital SLR employs Dual DIGIC 4 Image Processors with approximately six times the processing power of DIGIC III for full 14-bit A/D conversion at 10 fps. High-speed continuous shooting up to 121 Large JPEGs is possible using a UDMA CF card. This camera also features three RAW shooting modes for versatility with Full RAW (approx. 16 million pixels), M-RAW (approx. nine million pixels), and S-RAW (approx. four million pixels). Three additional JPEG recording formats (M1, M2 and Small) are also available.
The 14-bit per channel conversion facilitated by the dual DIGIC 4 Processors provides smoother tonalities in final images capturing all 16,384 distinct tones in each channel (red, green and blue) at the full 10 fps frame rate. RAW images shot on the new Canon EOS-1D Mark IV use the entire 14-bit space when converted to 16-bit TIFF files in Canon Digital Photo Professional (DPP) software, which is supplied with the camera at no extra charge. The 14-bit A/D conversion is also the foundation for Canon's Highlight Tone Priority feature that takes maximum advantage of the camera's extensive dynamic range to preserve detail in highlight areas of the image. Canon's new EOS-1D Mark IV Digital SLR also features an improved white balance algorithm making colors more accurate when shooting under low color temperature light sources such as household tungsten lamps.
The EOS-1D Mark IV Digital SLR features Canon's Peripheral Illumination Correction function which corrects darkening that can occur in the corners of images with most lenses when used at their largest apertures. When activated, it is automatically applied to JPEG images and video clips as they are shot. For RAW images, it can be applied in DPP software.
Other new features include a large three-inch solid structure Clear View II LCD screen with 920,000 dot/VGA resolution and a wide 160-degree viewing angle for enhanced clarity and more precise color when reviewing images and shooting video. The new in-camera copyright information feature helps professionals secure control over images by setting copyright data directly into the camera and appending that information to each image file in the Exif metadata. Additional features include a fluorine coating on the Low Pass Filter to further repel dust and enhance the EOS Integrated Cleaning System.
Minimize Post-Production with Enhanced Canon Auto Lighting Optimizer Action photography truly is all about speed, capturing a fast subject with fast focusing and fast frame rates. However, all this speed might be wasted if it is slowed down by lengthy post-production procedures to adjust image quality. The EOS-1D Mark IV Digital SLR helps reduce post-production work with a powerful new Auto Lighting Optimizer (ALO) system. When enabled, Canon's ALO automatically adjusts the image for optimal brightness and contrast on the fly during in-camera image processing, reducing clipped highlights while keeping shadowed areas as clear and detailed as they actually appear. By optimizing brightness and contrast in-camera, Canon's ALO system significantly reduces the need for post-production image optimization, and gives photographers image quality they can take directly to press. Demanding professional photographers who tested ALO clearly stated that this one feature will reduce their post-production image optimization process by more than 75 percent. Canon's ALO works with both RAW[i] and JPEG images as well as video recording.
Rugged Reliability Canon has taken every measure to ensure that the EOS-1D Mark IV Digital SLR camera has the highest degree of weather resistance in the EOS line. The 1D Mark IV camera incorporates a wide range of design features that enhance its durability and reliability for professional assignments. For example, the 1D Mark IV's body, chassis and lens mount are completely weather-resistant and 76 gaskets and seals surround all buttons and seams. The body covers and internal chassis, including the mirror box, are constructed with magnesium-alloy, one of the strongest and rigid metals available for its weight. For added strength, the lens mount is constructed with stainless steel. In fact, when used with Canon's Speedlite 580EX II and/or most current L-series lenses, the entire camera system remains fully weather resistant, so professionals can concentrate on getting the shot instead of worrying about protecting their gear.
New Wireless Connectivity Canon is announcing the availability of the new WFT-E2 II A* wireless file transmitter exclusively for the EOS-1D Mark IV Digital SLR camera. The WFT-E2 II A wireless transmitter is an extremely small and versatile device that offers professional photographers a wide range of digital connectivity options including IEEE802.11a/b/g and Ethernet, ideal for commercial and studio work. In addition to adding the ability to connect to wireless networks over 802.11a, the new WFT-E2 II A adds a wealth of new professional features to the photographer's tool kit. The new Camera Linking feature allows a single photographer to simultaneously fire up to 10 cameras remotely; and the updated WFT Server mode lets you remotely use Live View, control settings, and fire the EOS-1D Mark IV over the internet from anywhere in the world using a standard Web browser or many Web-enabled smart phones. Additionally, geotagging is now possible via Bluetooth, using compatible GPS devices to append coordinate data to the images.
Pricing and Availability The Canon EOS-1D Mark IV Digital SLR camera is scheduled to be delivered to U.S. dealers in late December, and will be sold in a body-only configuration at an estimated retail price of $4,999.00[ii]. Final pricing and availability for the Canon WFT-E2 II A wireless file transmitter will be available later this year.
Canon Digital Learning Center Online visitors and Web surfers are encouraged to browse the Canon Digital Learning Center and take advantage of the various educational resources that Canon has to offer for novices and advanced photographers alike. The Canon Digital Learning Center provides a schedule for a wide variety of Live Learning classes across the country with renowned photographers as well as online resources and tips. The site also features online tutorials for beginners and professionals to learn their way around a digital SLR camera and inkjet printer and unlock the full creative control of digital photography. To learn more about each program and register, please visit: www.usa.canon.com/canonlivelearning
About Canon U.S.A., Inc. Canon U.S.A., Inc., is a leading provider of consumer, business-to-business, and industrial digital imaging solutions. Its parent company, Canon Inc. (NYSE:CAJ), a top patent holder of technology, ranked third overall in the U.S. in 2008†, with global revenues of US $45 billion, is listed as number four in the computer industry on Fortune Magazine's World's Most Admired Companies 2009 list, and is on the 2009 BusinessWeek list of "100 Best Global Brands." Canon U.S.A. is committed to the highest levels of customer satisfaction and loyalty, providing 100 percent U.S.-based consumer service and support for all of the products it distributes. At Canon, we care because caring is essential to living together in harmony. Founded upon a corporate philosophy of Kyosei – "all people, regardless of race, religion or culture, harmoniously living and working together into the future" – Canon U.S.A. supports a number of social, youth, educational and other programs, including environmental and recycling initiatives. Additional information about these programs can be found at www.usa.canon.com/kyosei. To keep apprised of the latest news from Canon U.S.A., sign up for the Company's RSS news feed by visiting www.usa.canon.com/rss.
†Based on weekly patent counts issued by United States Patent and Trademark Office.
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* This device has not been authorized as required by the rules of the Federal Communications Commission. This device is not, and may not be offered for sale or lease, or sold or leased, until authorization is obtained.
Specifications and availability are subject to change without notice. All referenced product names, and other marks, are trademarks of their respective owners.
[i] When processed in Canon Digital Photo Professional software. [ii] Pricing subject to change at any time. Actual prices are determined by individual dealers and may vary.
Just a week's internet training can boost brain function in middle-aged and older adults, according to UCLA scientists.
They were able to trigger key centers in the brain that control decision-making and complex reasoning after just one week of surfing the web, suggesting that internet training can stimulate neural activation patterns and could potentially enhance brain function and cognition in older adults.
"We found that for older people with minimal experience, performing internet searches for even a relatively short period of time can change brain activity patterns and enhance function," said study author Dr Gary Small.
The team worked with 24 volunteers between the ages of 55 and 78. Prior to the study, half the participants used the internet daily, while the other half had very little experience.
Study participants performed web searches while undergoing functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) scans, which track brain activity by measuring cerebral blood flow.
After the initial scan, participants went home and conducted internet searches for one hour a day for a total of seven days over a two-week period. They then received a second brain scan using the same task but with different topics.
The first scan of participants with little internet experience demonstrated brain activity in regions controlling language, reading, memory and visual abilities.
The second scan, conducted after the practice searches at home, demonstrated activation of these same regions and also triggered areas of the brain known to be important in working memory and decision-making.
Thus, after internet training at home, participants with minimal online experience displayed brain activation patterns very similar to those seen in the group of savvy internet users.
"The results suggest that searching online may be a simple form of brain exercise that might be employed to enhance cognition in older adults," said Teena D Moody, the study's first author and a senior research associate at the Semel Institute at UCLA.
The results were presented yesterday at the meeting of the Society for Neuroscience.
Sub-standard food, just like all the other passengers on Continental Airlines. But at least no animal had to suffer for a meal most have to suffer to eat. I'm endlessly intrigued by what vegans get served compared to everyone else.
Team carnivore: chicken or mystery meatballs, a salad, a roll and a Pepperidge Farm Milano cookie. Team vegan: Some mystery Indian dish, really bad tabouleh salad, a roll, Smart Balance, Mrs. Dash, and a vegan health chocolate chip cookie that tasted like, well, a vegan health chocolate chip cookie. The other passengers? A small croissant with fresh fruit cup. Vegans: a bagel, tropical fruit cup, Smart Balance and...Mrs. Dash again?
Another perk to veganism? We get our meals served first! Yet one more reason to be on team veggie!
Well, we are not! Vaccinating children for H1N1 is still a dilemma for many parents. Every day we are bombarded with articles about its safety. While official reports are very convincing about the benefits, there are still a few questions unanswered.
We found this article on the New York Times providing very detailed information, and answering key questions from parents and pregnant women. Check it out!
Avoiding unnecessary risks during pregnancy is a no-brainer. The Green Guide came up with a list of 10 kinds of toxins capable of crossing the placenta. Here is a summary of the list, and how to avoid them:
1. Trim consumption of animal fats: Some toxins linked to prenatal nervous systems and hormonal damage are stored in fatty tissue.
2. Put a stop to insecticides in your home and office: Organophosphates are a family of insecticides that attack the nervous system. Pesticides also release inhalable volatile organic compounds.
5. Let Old Paint Lie: If your old house has lead paint in good condition, cover it with fresh paint rather than removing it, which releases lead dust into the air. To test paint for lead, see www.epa.gov/lead or call the EPA's lead hot line at 800-426-4791.
6. Make sure your water is safe to drink: Your local utility must by law provide you with an annual "Right to Know" report listing the EPA-recognized pollutants that exist in your water at potentially unsafe levels.
7. Avoid the VOCs that offgas from paints, glues, air fresheners: Exposure to air fresheners during pregnancy and within the first six months of life was associated with diarrhea and earache in infants and headaches, according to a study published in the October 2003 Archives of Environmental Health.
8. Steer clear of vehicular and smokestack emissions: Research conducted by Columbia University links "combustion-related" chemicals called polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) with shorter gestation periods for pregnant women, resulting in smaller babies.
9. Stay away from phthalates in vinyl, personal-care and cleaning products: Chemicals called phthalates, known hormone-system disruptors that have caused birth defects in lab animals, are widely used as plasticizers in nail polishes and vinyl and as solvents in synthetic fragrances. Avoid soft vinyl products and cosmetics containing "Fragrance."
10. Get rid of those crumbling foam cushions: The latest chemicals found to be approaching possibly unsafe levels in American women's breast milk, as well as umbilical-cord blood, are fire retardants known as polybrominated diphenyl ethers, or PBDEs. Furniture foam tends to release PBDEs into house dust when it breaks down.
We keep hearing about high mercury levels in fish, but always wondered which ones are safe to consume. The Environmental Working Group released a useful list of what to eat, and when.
According to EWG, pregnant women should avoid the following types of fish: Shark Swordfish King mackerel Tilefish Tuna steaks Canned tuna Sea bass Gulf Coast Oysters Marlin Halibut Pike Walleye White croaker Largemouth bass
Recommended no more than one serving per month: Blue mussel Shark Eastern oyster Cod Pollock Great Lakes salmon Gulf Coast blue crab Channel catfish (wild) Lake whitefish
Lowest in mercury: Blue crab (mid-Atlantic) Croaker Fish Sticks Flounder (summer) Haddock Trout (farmed) Salmon (wild Pacific)
Shrimp *
* Shrimp fishing and farming practices have raised serious environmental concerns. ** Farmed catfish have low mercury levels but may contain PCBs in amounts of concern for pregnant women.
How I loved Rome, the Eternal City. A piazza, dreamy fountain, and traces from the past are everywhere you turn.
The Colosseum. Being inside was eerie when pondering the human and animal life that perished inside its wall. During just the inauguration games alone in 81AD, some 9,000 wild animals were slaughtered over 100 days. Learn more. The Forum. Consider how little we use our voice for a better world. Become an activist for what matters to you: animals, the environment, human rights. Anything. With my Rick Steves guidebook in hand, I took an informative tour of the Forum, and later, a simply magical one of the city by night. The famed Trevi fountain. None of my pictures do it justice. Check out The New York Times' "Rome Illuminated." The Swiss Guard at the Vatican. This is the one place I did a guided tour because it was so immense. My tour guide left me hungering to learn more about Michelangelo. After a visit to the Catacombs, I stumbled upon this unexpected group. The Trastevere section of Rome. Note the laundry peaceably co-existing. Even the statues seem stylish! Breakfast at the Alice in Wonderland Bed & Breakfast. A double room (shared bath) with breakfast was just 60 euros. A roll with jam, peach tea, and blood orange juice from Sicily (so good!) Do take a few moments each morning to eat at a nicely set table. It does wonders for the soul. A half a liter of red wine: 3.50 euros, at La Scuderia, a few minutes from the hotel. I don't drink much wine at home and it often gives me a headache, but here it never did. Very few places give you tap water, so I stopped asking for it. Given my loathing of bottled water, I didn't drink it at all. For a Coca-Cola, expect to pay 2.50 to up to 4 euros.
Mushroom risotto, 8.50 euros. Almost no English spoken here, and no tourists. An espresso at the coffee bar next to Alice in Wonderland, just 0.70 euro. Money saving tip: drinking at the bar, instead of having a seat at a table, is almost always cheaper in Italy. There was a huge line outside of Pizzeria Baffetto, but it was worth the wait. A zucchini-topped marina pizza. At last!!! I got to partake in the gelato enjoyment at Gelato Passione. I tried both the chocolate and cappuccino flavors. A small serving is 2 euros. Dining in an alleyway at La Zucca Gialla. My half of an artichoke bruschettta appetizer, 2.50 euros. Perfect for a fall night: pumpkin risotto, 8.50 euros. No cover charges were at any of the places I went to in Rome. Snack time! I loved the little fruit and vegetable markets around the city. "It is the time of the olives and the wine," Luigi's son at Casa Mazzola said.
"Drink wine. This is life eternal. This is all that youth will give you. It is the season for wine, roses and drunken friends. Be happy for this moment. This moment is your life." — Omar Khayyám (Rubaiyat) Pizza can be found by the gram all over Rome. Who knew potatoes and pizza were such a heavenly combination? Just thinly sliced potatoes, rosemary, olive oil and salt. Pizza Bianca next to it. The cost? Around 2 euros. I did try one vegetarian place, The Beehive Cafe, which is part of the Beehive Hotel. The cafe has "suggested" prices on its menu, and you leave what you think is fair in a bowl on the counter.
Organic plum juice, suggested price 2.50 euros. Vegan leek and fennel soup, with crusty bread drizzled with agave syrup, 6-7 euros suggested. Unfortunately, the Beehive Cafe has few vegan options. You can find amazing vegan food everywhere, so I would skip it. If you stay at the hotel, which is mentioned in both Fodor's and Rick Steve's guidebooks so is quite popular, breakfast is not included.
The food was so good at La Scuderia, I went back for my last meal.
Lost in translation: I tried to order a spinach calzone with no cheese, which the waitress said wasn't possible, so I asked for penne arrabbiata instead. I ended up with this!
A side of spinach, 3 euro. No complaints! Sauteed in oil and just the right amount of garlic. Penne arrabbiata, 6.5 euro. A perfect last meal!
Loved the smaller portions. No need for your reusable take-out containers here. The Italians, like many of their neighboring countries, simply eat less, eat better (less processed food) and walk and bicycle more. No magical diet secret.
I stayed within my budget. This is my major purchase of the year. In relationships, I don't do big gifts for birthdays, Christmas or Valentine's Day. Diamonds are not my best friend: thrift store finds and hand-me-downs from my grandmother are. If I want something, I can buy it myself. My friends and I don't even exchange gifts anymore for birthdays. We just go out for a meal and spend what's most important: time.
Chef Max Bugnard once told Julia Child about a great meal that even after you eat it, "it stays with you - always." This can also be said of traveling. "Wind at my hair, I feel part of everywhere," Eddie Vedder reflects in "Guaranteed." Every place I've visited, the people and animals I've met, and food I've eaten are now a part of what Tori Amos would call my "body map."
We stumbled across these great tips from Australian nutritionist Leanne Cooper about getting started on solids. We know it is a big transition for little ones, but we think these tips will make it a bit easier on you too!
