Friday Mail

Dave from Japan sent me this info on a new spherical camera.

I don't know if you've heard about this camera, but it sounds pretty cool. One of my students was involved with the team responsible for its creation
 and is bummed it's not available until later in Japan. No more missing a shot. I was surprised when he told me the price. I think it will take a while for 
 it to catch on, but for security cameras. sporting events, nature photography and the future video applications, it could definitely expand the possibilities of the playing field.
 Take care - Dave

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R sent a picture of cousin Terry's house on Long Island. Speaking of which, Buzzy says that it is like minus 32 with chill in Toronto today.

 Bill L sent this over. Don't blink.

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Jonathan forwards the interesting story of the Oculus Rift.

What the Oculus Rift is going to bring to the masses is the ability to do things because we can. "Impossible", "unsafe" or "ridiculous" will be the bywords of the lazy or the boring. There's no reason not to jump off a cliff, so we'll jump off cliffs. Gravity and physics say you can't ride an ant, Honey, I Shrunk the Kids-style, but who is going to listen to gravity and physics when you can ride an ant, preferably while wearing a loincloth and carrying an axe, with heavy-metal music in the background? How many times have you watched a nature documentary and wanted to kick a lion's jerk face while he's attacking a poor little dik-dik? Well, try it, and see what happens.

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WildBill who just had a birthday, recommends this movie.

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Shawn sends over a couple beauts from Thailand. Here and here. Somewhat predictable and shop until you drop. Been there.

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Thai raptor site from Ricardo.

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Kalaheo Ted sends these lovely shots over:

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

As the sun has set in 2013 for the last time... this pair of ducks coming in for a landing on the pond, were so tranquil and relaxed when they landed. To them it's just another day in paradise. 

The white cattle egrets and the rare Moore Hen zipped away from me as I snapped this quick shot of them fleeing in surprise. Made me jump! ha,ha... The Moore Hen makes a lot of noise like a New Year's horn.

And thanks to Patrick Cheung who took this photo of Hong Kong celebrating the new year with fireworks on the harbor crossing. This is a view from the hills of Kowloon, looking towards Hong Kong island. Awesome!

All the best to you and family for 2014.

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Jerry:

Christmas Eve afternoon at Swamis with Jason visiting
from the Big Eye.

Bob DeGoff sent this one over:

The guys at the barber shop asked me what actress I would like to be stuck in an elevator with.
I told them the one who knows how to fix elevators.
I'm old, tired, and pee a lot.

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Jasmine forwarded this, Peyote on the Brain, Is the Secret to Alcoholism and Other Addictions Locked Up in the Hallucinogenic Drugs?

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Keep those cards and letters coming folks!