I always liked the picture quality from my Ds more than the K20D .

A shame about the weather - I saw how much rain you got. It was supposed to come over us, but went south of us instead, so over you.

Enjoy Brussels in the sun. Tuck into some moules friets, waffles and some chocholate. Especially the chocolate .

i hope you had a good break even if it did rain.

An interesting article - thanks for posting it. I really like some of his photos too. Sounds like he uses a Pentax P&S for these.

Good to see he can sell prints and make some money rather than living from begging or stealing as so many homeless do - especially in the US where there is no social security to speak of.

Use the 2 sec delay as you don't have MLU.

You did read the Snopes link from ChrisA in that topic didn't you?

Most keyboards have a Windows key, which will bring up the start menu and then you can choose shut down computer with the arrow keys.

http://www.wacom.com/bamboo/ for a look at pads. You may find them easier to use.
I use one most of the time now instead of a mouse.

Thoramay, you can always use the keyboard to shut the computer down.

I think a finger stall or similar would be uncomfortable after a while. Maybe you could try a latex or plastic glove - just cut the fingers off and use those.

Have you thought of using a Bamboo (or similar make) pad with pen instead of a mouse? You may find that works well for you. The small ones don't cost a lot nowadays.

Be careful of pickpockets and muggers in Barcelona! The place is notorious for them.

If you can get to the Cathedral (not Sagrada Familia) you may be lucky enough to see the locals joining in the Sardana on the square in front of it on Saturday evening. It is one of my lasting memories of Barcelona.

They are currently taking down scaffolding a SF so the routes inside are constatly changing, but you may be able to get some good, scaffold free shots too.

There is a good bus service on the IOW and lots of good walking if you are up to it. The south and west are imho the best parts of the island, with the Old Battery ISO mentions, the Needles of course, dinosaur footprints, beaches, cliffs and some attractive villages.
Cowes is also good photographically speaking but unless you are a real boat person not worth it otherwise. Osborne House and Carribrooke Castle are maybe worth a trip but are a way from Sandown.
The centre of the island is also delightful.
I don't know Sandown so I can't comment on what there is there to do/photograph, but you are not far from the dinosaur footprints - have a look at the NT site for details.

Bus services: www.islandbuses.info/

Congratulations on your daughter's birthday Tony. I hope she has a very happy one, and enjoys the surprise. She doesn't read this forum does she?