Scientists are predicting an increase in sunspot activity this winter and continuing into 2013, and this means more active, colorful aurora during the normal viewing season. Some sources are forecasting that 2012 could see the most vibrant display in 50 years. Alaska’s peak aurora season extends from late August to late April, but sightings can occur all year. Many hotels in Alaska offer aurora wake-up calls.
Details: www.gi.alaska.edu/AuroraForecast.
Scanon’s ScanStik looks like a big long pen. What it is is the smallest full-page scanner. Though it’s loaded with useful features, it’s surprisingly user-friendly. Just press the “on” button and roll it down the page you want to scan (or multiple pages), then connect to a computer with the included USB cable, which also recharges the scanner’s battery. A directory will open. Click on file transfer or view the files with your default viewer, and you’ve got it. The scanner’s LCD display shows battery level and free memory and lets you choose between 300 and 600 dpi resolution and jpegs in 24-bit color or black and white. The ScanStik is 8.9 inches long (just right for standard paper widths) and about .5 inches in diameter. It has a built-in micro SD slot (but you must supply an SD card) and comes with an installation CD. You get free firmware upgrades, but, alas it only works with Windows platforms. Hopefully Mac access will follow.
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