Monday, May 18, 2009

IAIA ‘09

After leaving Fargo, ND on May 12 we arrived in Accra, Ghana, Africa at about 9pm. The trip was quite uneventful but long. Too much time in the air.

We disembarked from the plane using steps to the tarmac and were embraced by a stifling, humid wave of heat. At least for me. I was wearing jeans and a polo shirt with a tee-shirt underneath. Too many clothes. We met one of IAIA’s members on the tarmac and waited with him through the customs check. Luggage pick up wasn’t too bad and our event planner delivered us to our hotel.

Day 2 we did some walking, quite a bit actually and worked up quite a sweat. We saw the ocean from Independence Center. The IC is a very nice outdoor stadium right on the beach. We learned later that every March 6th the Ghanaians celebrate there independence which was won in 1957. After some water at a hotel we made it to the conference center.

My colleague was immediately busy with conference details and I had an opportunity to wander around the AICC a bit. The Accra International Conference Center is a large facility with an amazing mural around the main meeting room entrances. It’s not possible to miss the painting as you walk in and after seeing it now for several days I’m still noticing new aspects of the artwork.

It is really quite a project for IAIA to organize this event. I was quite naive to the amount of work and the attention to detail that my colleagues put into these events.

Mornings come early so I’m going to summarize what will follow in the next few posts as a wrap up for this entry. I will do my best to describe the training courses in general as well as the course that I had the opportunity to take. I will also be documenting the opening plenary, theme forums and concurrent sessions that I will be attending and recording during this conference.

Tuesday, May 12, 2009

IAIA ‘09 Conference

I will blog as often as I can about the conference, the trip there and the trip back. The conference will be in Accra, Ghana, Africa from 17-22 May 2009.

Thursday, March 1, 2007

My review of Nikon D80 Digital SLR Camera Body, 10.2 Megapixel, Interchangeable Lens, USA Warranty

Originally submitted at Adorama

Nikon D80 Digital SLR Camera Body, 10.2 Megapixel, Interchangeable Lens, USA Warranty


Quite pleased with my D80
By jdt01fgo from Fargo, ND on 3/1/2007

 

4 out of 5

Pros: Nice Features and Settings, Accurate Colors, Great Resolution

Best Uses: Outdoors, Everyday

Describe Yourself: Hobbyist/Enthusiast

Bottom Line: Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

I was N50 user for several years, I tried other digital cameras before finding the Nikon D80. This is a very flexible camera, easy to learn and produces excellent pictures. I am quite happy indeed.

(legalese)

Coffee in Fargo, ND

I'm not so much addicted to coffee that the quality and taste can wane just so I can get my fix. Coffee is an important part of my daily routine. And even though budgets may occasionally get in the way, or a new house or job may change my daily route, there is always good coffee along the way. Fargo is well saturated with coffee establishments, both drive up huts and sit down houses.

I will begin writing about some of the coffee establishments in Fargo, ND soon.
My review of Sigma 30mm f/1.4 EX DC HSM AutoFocus Standard Lens for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras.

Originally submitted at Adorama


Sigma 30mm f/1.4 EX DC HSM AutoFocus Standard Lens for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras.



Compact and Fast
By jdt01fgo from Fargo, ND on 2/5/2007


4 out of 5

Pros: Lightweight, Strong Construction

Bottom Line: Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

I owned this product for several months before deciding to trade it for a Nikon 50mm 1.4. I really enjoyed this lens and was able to get some very nice shots with it. It worked very nice shooting landscapes, botany and candids of my twins in all lighting conditions. I used it on my Nikon D80. I would recommend this lens without a doubt.

My review of Nikon 50mm f/1.4D Auto Focus AF Nikkor Lens - with 5 Year U.S.A. Warranty

Originally submitted at Adorama

Nikon 50mm f/1.4D Auto Focus AF Nikkor Lens - with 5 Year U.S.A. Warranty


A small, fast lens
By jdt01fgo from Fargo, ND on 2/28/2007
4 out of 5

Pros: Lightweight

Describe Yourself: Hobbyist/Enthusiast

Best Uses: Travel, Fun

Bottom Line: Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

I've had good results shooting portraits and candids with this lens.

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