Screen an Eye-Popping Show at Home
Planar Systems, a company well-known as a provider of valued-added display hardware and software, is moving into the Specialty Home Theater Projector market. Planar’s new line includes six best-in-class models, ranging from native high-definition 1080p through native 480p resolution, all built on Emmy award-winning DLP technology and boasting contrast ratios up to 8000:1.
Top of the line will be the Planar PD8110, delivering 1920x1080 native full HD resolution. The addition of horizontal and vertical lens shift, short throw lens, 1200 lumens and 8000:1 contrast ratio, prices this projector at $9,999. At the lower end, the Planar PD4010 combines DLP .55 DC2 technology with 900 lumens brightness to bring 480p resolution with a 2500:1 contrast ratio at a price of $1,299. For more information, see www.PlanarHomeTheater.com.
Free Maternal Lineage Database
Sorenson Molecular Genealogy Foundation (SMGF), a nonprofit foundation building the world’s largest collection of integrated genetic and family history information, is making available free maternal lineage searches through a new mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) database on its interactive website, www.smgf.org.
mtDNA is a powerful tool for tracing maternal ancestry for both men and women because it is inherited by children exclusively from their mothers. The foundation’s existing Y-chromosome DNA database is the world’s largest searchable repository of genetic profiles linked with family history information. On the new mtDNA database, women can research their ancestry directly using their own genetic test results, rather than needing to use a male relative’s Y-chromosome DNA profile.
For more than five years, SMGF has collected genetic samples and their correlated genealogies from around the world to build its databases. The databases include samples from participants representing 3.3 million ancestors from more than 450 nationalities. The database expands as the foundation continues to collect DNA samples and genealogies from around the world.
Participating in the foundation’s mitochondrial DNA and Y-chromosome DNA databases is free, convenient and private. Simply request a kit on the SMGF website and then submit a DNA sample and an accompanying family history chart with at least four generations. Any individual can search the SMGF database for genetic-genealogy information for free by obtaining his or her DNA profile from a commercial genomics laboratory and entering the results into the website’s database search menu.
Online Site for Hairstyles and Beauty
MyStyleBook.com is an online Personal Imaging Community, where women can find and share the latest hair and beauty ideas, and then try them out on themselves. MyStylebook.com features leading edge content from beauty professionals — hairstylists, estheticians, photographers, models and health and beauty experts. This content comes alive with software that anyone can use to see themselves in thousands of salon and celebrity hairstyles and make-up palettes in infinite variations.
In addition to the free services and styles, MyStylebook.com also offers imaging software. MyStylebook members can image hair, make-up and more with the world’s leading professional program. There is even a Magic Brush to diminish wrinkles or blemishes or whatever you don’t want in your photo. Join the MyStylebook online community at http://www.mystylebook.com.
Use Your Laptop More Comfortably
Using a laptop computer on your lap can be uncomfortable due to bad wrist posture and hot laptop bottom surfaces. Belkin’s CushTop helps solve this problem, making it more convenient and comfortable to use your laptop anywhere in your home.
Made of high-quality, furniture-like upholstery, the CushTop provides increased padded comfort for laptop users. A convenient storage pocket keeps the laptop’s power adapter and mouse tucked away. By flipping its platform over, the CushTop can accommodate small or large laptops. Available from November, the CushTop will come in three colors: Silver, orange and green, and retail at $39.99.