my dream in the year of the Tiger

ROOOOAAARRRRRR.....

Believe or not, this coming Chinese New Year in 2010 with its zodiac-TIGER. "Born leader" is the keyword for the Tigers. They are always in the lead, noble and fearless. So, am hoping that in this very TIGER year, ME, a snake... Can be led by this very "BORN LEADER" year to be somehow SUCCESSFUL in........ *witch laughing*

Well, well, well.... My dream in the year of the Tiger is extremely simple. As a animal and veterinary field student, of course am dreaming (definitely want it to come true lah) the new university life in Australia will be a stunning beginning with a NEW MICROSCOPE-my own one!!! I've been dying for wanna get a microscope two years ago since I've first enter Canada University. I hate that I can only communicate with the microscope every twice a week in laboratory. Each time 3 hours, sometimes none, what the...... I'd say life's miserable without one microscope for me in the Tiger year!!!!!!

Purchasing a microscope there are three factors that should be considered. Using the one at the university laboratory is easy because basically what you've needed to do were taken it out and use and kept it back into the cupboard underneath the lab table. Have you ever think of once you wanna have one of your own, it'd be all a total different story. So, let's see:

1. How should the microscope be constructed?

• Sturdiness is an important quality when considering a microscope. The microscope you purchase should be solidly constructed and composed of a sturdy metal alloy. It's best to avoid plastic microscopes due to it couldn't be last long.

2. What type of lighting is best?

• Most microscopes that have a built-in light source use either a tungsten, fluorescent or halogen bulb. HINT: Fluorescent bulb systems are more expensive than tungsten systems, but the quality of light is brighter and they produce much less heat than either tungsten or halogen systems. Based on the lighting would have caused the cost differently of the microscope. What's next might help you out with the lighting, I guess...

3. What kind of specimens are you interested in viewing with the microscope? 

• This is all depending on you. Like me, I am focusing more on dissecting/animals cell and sometimes plants'. Getting STEINDORFF Stereo Zoom Basic Series is appropriate! Its stereo zoom from 7.5 to 35X variable zoom magnification. Steindorff Zoom Stereo microscopes represent the latest in zoom technology. They are ideal for studying all aspects of biology including living organisms, dissections, geology, small parts and industrial inspection. The binocular head is inclined at a 45° angle for ease of operation and comfort. A heavy duty slip clutch system assures long life of the rack & pinion system. Dual diopter controls are standard on both viewing tubes. The interpupilary distance range is from 55mm to 75mm. The three ways of  its built-in-illumination-system allows transmitted, incident or dual lighting. Top light is 12v 20w halogen with variable intensity control and the bottom is cool white fluorescent 110v 5w, that allows for extended examination of live specimens. Even though it is a little costly, but for a better understanding of each and every function of different cells, its bloody WORTH it!!!

Seeing other professionals microscope user/photographer are making me full of enviness!

 Fluorescent actin protein filament by Dennis Breitsprecher.

mouse embryo

Arabidopsis thaliana anther confocal by Heiti Paves

Now you can see it... It is darn important for me to view and study ahead with all bazillion cells and living-things by needing only ONE MICROSCOPE!!! In this very Chinese New Year of 2010, as you can read above, my wish is simple and pure! I want a microscope for a better study in my field of courses.

Puh-leeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeease!!! Grant my wish!!!! *giggles*

Until next time. xxoo