Yep, I finally broke down and purchased a new camera. I've been impressed with the Panasonic Lumix line of cameras, which for the most part get pretty good reviews. I'm told the Leica lens on these cameras provide the best optics for this price range of digital cameras.
I purchased the new DMC-TZ1 5 Mega pixel with 10X optical zoom. I also purchased a 1 Gbyte SD memory card for it. So far it works just great. I've read about a few issues, but nothing that a novice like me needs to worry about.
The only thing it lacks for me is a view finder, but I've decided I can get by without one. I did see where one person purchased and attach it to a rifle sight and was able to take some great pictures. I also need to purchase an extra battery (it comes with a rechargable).
Here are a couple of pictures I took using the Macro mode.
Well, hell didn't freeze over, but we do have a new ISU Extension web site - www.extension.iastate.edu. Ironically, one of the projects that I feel most important since joining ISU Extension, I didn't play a very strong role, except for my support for the work of the implementation team. They did a great job. They implementated a new client-oriented navigation, great presentation, a CMS implemenation for sustaining content, an expandable model, promotion...
Jeanne, Matt, Brian and Priyanka - as well as our communications staff - thanks.