Fred's Head Companion - American Printing House for the Blind

U.S. Paralympics, in conjunction with U.S. Association of Blind Athletes, has created the video resource Basics of Guide Running for Track & Field and Trail.

This is a user-friendly video for runners interested in becoming guides for visually-impaired athletes. The video’s focus includes how to guide a visually-impaired athlete in the long and triple jumps, sprinting events and trail running. The instructors (Jerome Avery, Wesley Williams and Donald Cooper) are guide runners for U.S. Paralympic medalists, both current and retired, and provide concise and insightful tips for guide runners. Paralympic medalists featured in the video are Elexis Gillette and Josiah Jamison (silver and gold medalists, respectively, 2008 Beijing Paralympic Games) and Tim Willis (winner of five Paralympic medals).

To view the video on-line, click here.

To request a copy of the Basics of Guide Running for Track & Field and Trail or to find out more information about where and how to compete for U.S. Paralympics, please email : paralympicinfo@usoc.org or visit: http://usparalympics.org/pages/570.

For more information about sports programs for visually impaired athletes, visit the U.S. Association of Blind Athletes website: http://www.usaba.org. Creating An Inexpensive Running Track

Many years ago, a co-worker took a vacation trip to Hawaii. When she returned she had lots of stories to tell about her experiences and observations. One of these stories concerned a home-made "exercise track" used by a blind fellow on one of the beaches.

A friend guided the man to the beach, drove a pole deep into the sand, dropped a ring attached to a rope over the pole and left. The blind fellow took the far end of the rope in his hand and walked out to its full length--about 20 feet. He walked once around the circumference of this circle to make certain his path was clear. (He used the sound of the ocean as a marker to tell him when he had gone once around the circle. Then, he ran full speed around and around the circle. After a number of rounds, he reversed his direction, taking the rope in his other hand and running counterclockwise instead of his original clockwise direction. He continued this pattern of operation throughout his time on the beach.

My friend watched and, after about an hour of vigorous running, he slowed down, stopped, did a few "cool down" exercises and blew a police whistle. In a few minutes, the fellow who had guided him to the beach came. They coiled the rope, took up the pole and left.

Since full and free running opportunities are not easy for a blind person to find, this might be one way of helping some individuals under the right circumstances. An echo from a nearby house instead of the ocean might serve as a place marker. Rope length might vary depending on availability of space, etc.

Walk/Run for Fitness Kit

APH's Walk/Run for Fitness Kit includes:

• A personal guidewire system
• Two talking pedometers
• A guidebook in both large print and braille
• Shoulder sling carrying pack

The guidebook explains the five major components of fitness: cardiovascular endurance, muscular endurance, muscular strength, flexibility, and body mass index. The personal guidewire system can be set up in your backyard, a school, or a park. The two pedometers encourage family and peer participation. If running or walking with a human guide, you can use the kit's adjustable tether, which is long enough to accommodate wheelchair users. The kit includes a convenient shoulder sling pack for storage and travel.

Complete Kit:
Catalog Number: 1-07520-00

Replacement Guidebooks:

Print Edition:
Catalog Number: 7-07520-00

Braille Edition:
Catalog Number: 5-07520-00
Click this link to purchase APH's Walk/Run for Fitness Kit.

American Printing House for the Blind, Inc.
1839 Frankfort Avenue
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 6085
Louisville, Kentucky 40206-0085
Toll Free: 800-223-1839
Phone: 502-895-2405
Fax: 502-899-2274
E-mail: info@aph.org
Web site: http://www.aph.org
APH Shopping Home: http://shop.aph.org

I've mentioned before that I love game shows! I am the guy who watches the Game Show Network all the time. I like the classic shows better than all these new drama-based programs, but I'm open minded to new things and a game show through podcasting is certainly different. What a cool way to bring accessibility to the game show!

From the website:

"If you’re over 18 and from any English speaking country, you can play.  It’s a different kind of quiz show.  It doesn’t just involve your knowledge.  If you can convince people that a wrong answer is actually correct, you may end up winning the game.  We’re giving away cash and prizes to winners.  It’s comparable to the prizes on GSN Radio.  It’s a once-a-week show that we’ll do over Skype (or some phone if absolutely necessary), so it takes no time out of your day.

If you think you have what it takes to play, feel free to enter.  It costs nothing to play and we’ll work with everyone’s schedule.  And again, winners get some cash and prizes so we’re making this a competitive show.  I hope you’ll enter, and we can’t wait to showcase this project.  We’re still doing the news, I just wanted to add a new element and I really hope you enjoy it."

Click this link to enter BuzzerBlog's Podcast Game Show "Double Cross"

Studio Recorder

Originally created by APH to serve as an internal tool for creating direct-to-digital audio recordings, Studio Recorder PC software contains many features that make recording, editing, and proofreading audio books easy. It is a powerful digital recording and editing software package geared specifically for making recordings of the spoken word and includes features not found in similar programs primarily designed for music production. These features include:

• Accessible to blind and visually impaired users
  
• Speed up playback with no pitch distortion
  
• Index tone generation and removal
  
• Three levels of phrase detection
  
• Instant open on large files
  
• Instant cut, copy, paste, delete
  
• Intercom functionality
  
• Simple user interface
  
• Multiple user marks and notes
  
• External controller support

Other features aid production of CDs and analog cassette tapes from digital masters.

Minimum Requirements to Run Studio Recorder

• PC running Windows 95, 98, ME, 2000, XP
  
• 64MB RAM
  
• Pentium 166 MHz
  
• Windows compatible sound card and speakers
  
• 5MB hard disk space for program installation
  
• Twice as much free hard disk space as the total size of the files which are to be edited at one time

Studio Recorder:

CD Version:
Catalog Number: D-03600-00

Electronic Download:
Catalog Number: D-03600-ED

Download APH Software Demos: www.aph.org/tech
Click this link to purchase Studio Recorder.

American Printing House for the Blind, Inc.
1839 Frankfort Avenue
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 6085
Louisville, Kentucky 40206-0085
Toll Free: 800-223-1839
Phone: 502-895-2405
Fax: 502-899-2274
E-mail: info@aph.org
Web site: http://www.aph.org
APH Shopping Home: http://shop.aph.org WavePad

WavePad is a free sound editor program for Windows. This audio editing software lets you make and edit voice and other audio recordings. You can cut, copy and paste parts of recording and, if required, add effects like echo, amplification and noise reduction.

WavePad is designed to be a very easy and intuitive to use audio editing package. Within minutes you will be able to open or record a file and edit it. But if you take time to explore the other features you will find many powerful tools designed with the professional sound engineer in mind. Features include:

• Screen reader friendly.
  
• Supports a number of file formats including wav (multiple codecs), mp3, vox, gsm, realAudio, au, aif, flac, ogg and more.
  
• Edit functions include Cut, Copy, Paste, Delete, Insert, Silence, AutoTrim and others.
  
• Effects include, Amplify, Normalize, Equaliser, Envelope, Reverb, Echo, Reverse, Noise Reduction, Sample Rate Conversion and more.
  
• Supports sample rates from 6000 to 96000Hz, stereo or mono, 8, 16 or 32 bits.
  
• Ability to work with multiple files at the same time in seperate screens.
  
• Includes a CD ripper to load audio directly and quickly from CD.
  
• CD burner function allows you to burn your sound files to CD.
  
• Player includes Scrub/Cue control for precise editing.
  
• Recorder supports autotrim and voice activated recording.
  
• Tools include spectral analysis (FFT), tone generation and speech synthesis.
  
• Easy to use interface will get you up and running quickly.

For more information on Wave Pad, or to download this FREE program, click this link to visit NCH Swift Sound: http://nch.com.au/wavepad/index.html. Audacity

Audacity is another audio editing program that is screen reader friendly and packed with tons of features. It has so many features, it would be impossible to list them all here, but to give you a little taste, a few of the features include cutting and trimming audio files, reducing static and interference, recording custom MP3s, amplifying sounds and mixing audio tracks, among others. It's kind of like a mini recording studio! Be sure to download the add ons for Audacity. They add even more functionality to this awesome free program!

You can download Audacity and all of its add ons by clicking this URL: http://audacity.sourceforge.net/download/windows. Audacity Tutorials for Podcasters

The Audacity Tutorials for Podcasters Website is the definitive step-by-step guide on how to podcast. The video tutorials include: recording setup, editing tools, basic editing & trimming, adjusting levels, importing audio & adding music, saving & exporting the MP3.

Click this link to visit the Audacity Tutorials for Podcasters Website.

by Donna J. Jodhan

A very interesting question for us to ponder this day but it should not come as either a shocker or shaker. With more and more aging baby boomers poised to exit the labor force, many are wondering if employers would be willing to drop their attitude barriers and look to the blind and sight impaired labor force for help. There still exists that in tangent barrier that smacks of an attitude problem when it comes to employers not being very willing or ready to hire blind and sight impaired persons.

With the present economic uncertainty, you may see that some pre-retirees are probably going to stay on a tad longer in the workplace, and you may find that more retirees would be seeking to find jobs to help supplement their incomes but this does not negate the fact that there is going to be a labor shortage sooner than later. As a matter of fact, many countries have already started to experience labor shortages due to employees taking early retirement. So, here is the question once again. Could blind and sight impaired workers benefit from the shrinking labor force? I for one will be watching very closely. Whatever the outcome, it will be very interesting to see how things play out.

I'm Donna J. Jodhan your friendly accessibility advocate wishing you a terrific day. If you'd like to learn more about me, then you can visit some of my blog spots at:
Donna Jodhan! Advocating accessibility for all: http://www.donnajodhan.blogspot.com
Weekly Saturday postings on issues of accessibility: http://www.sterlingcreations.ca/blog/blog.html
blogs on various issues and answers to consumers concerns: http://www.sterlingcreations.com/businessdesk.htm

by Donna J. Jodhan

This is one of the most difficult challenges of my life. What really happens when things fall? In the ordinary world, a mainstream person simply bends over and picks up the fallen object or if the object has managed to roll away to some out of sight location, the mainstream person simply uses their vision to find it.

For me, the process is quite different. If something falls out of my grasp I can usually locate it by using my sense of hearing to determine where it has fallen but it all depends on whether or not it makes noise as it clatters to the floor. If the object in question falls on to a hard surface, then the task is not too difficult but if it decides to roll away from me then I am in trouble. If the object falls on to a carpet, or if the object itself does not make any noise as it falls, then all hell breaks loose.

A funny thing happened to me a few days ago. A friend was over helping me with some computer related stuff and on his way out he noticed something small lying on my carpet. When he picked it up and put it in my hand I realized that it was an SD card. To my horror I realized that the card had been lying on my carpet for almost three weeks during which time I had vacuumed around that spot a few times. The card had slipped out of my Victor Stream player over three weeks ago and I never knew that it did because I had not had cause to use my player during that time.

O boy! What if my vacuum cleaner had swallowed up my SD card? I would never have known and would only have known when I went to use my MP3 player and even at that! I would never have known what happened to my poor SD card. Horrifying and terrifying! Ah yes! The joys of having to deal with falling objects that do not make sounds and noises.

I'm Donna J. Jodhan your friendly accessibility advocate wishing you a terrific day. If you'd like to learn more about me, then you can visit some of my blog spots at:
Donna Jodhan! Advocating accessibility for all: http://www.donnajodhan.blogspot.com
Weekly Saturday postings on issues of accessibility: http://www.sterlingcreations.ca/blog/blog.html
blogs on various issues and answers to consumers concerns: http://www.sterlingcreations.com/businessdesk.htm

by Laura Legendary

It took me quite awhile to become an Amazon shopper. It wasn't because I didn't like to save money, or have merchandise delivered to my door, or because I felt no desire to join the online shopping revolution. It was that I was intimidated by the Amazon website, which for someone who uses a screen reader, can seem overwhelming. In an effort to sell nearly everything on Earth, Amazon has made for a serious time commitment for those who are unfamiliar with the landscape. I've heard even sighted users complain about the mind-boggling number of choices, and that navigating the Amazon website can be as formidable as navigating the actual South American Amazon.

Amazon is serious about getting your business. I know that because I complained to them about a certain inaccessible feature that had prevented me from using their site. I was subsequently contacted by a very solicitous person from the executive customer relations department, who immediately set about the task of correcting the problem. Further, he asked me to advise him as to other areas of the site that could use similar improvements. He thanked me for my contribution, and left me feeling as though I had made a real difference for those who would follow in my screen reading footsteps.

He left me with a few tips, too. One of which has proved to be useful not only for shopping at Amazon, but other websites as well. He pointed out that the mobile version of the Amazon website was a more accessible version of the main site, and it could be used by both desktop and mobile users. He said it lacked the "bells and whistles" of the main site, which I interpreted to mean the graphics, flash animation and other visual debris that can interfere with efficiency.

This was very good news.

As it turns out, the Amazon mobile site is the most wonderfully accessible, easy to use shopping interface imaginable. I can make a purchase at lightening speed, probably faster than a sighted person could. Fewer screens, fewer distractions, fewer "rabbit trails" that take you to a screen leading to nowhere.

To see this accessible alternative, go to http://www.amazon.com/access.

Facebook also has a mobile version of their site. Again, it's all text, no graphics, and lacks the ads and other happy hoopla that makes the site appealing to the light-dependent crowd.

Click this link to visit http://www.m.facebook.com.

More sites are now offering mobile versions of their main web properties, meant specifically for use with mobile phones. However, used with your desktop, these alternative versions also provide some great accessible options for anyone who is visually impaired, time-constrained, or who has anger-management issues and who detests the graphic flotsam and jetsam of most shopping or social media destinations.

Know of others? Send them my way!

Laura Legendary is a speaker, author and educator specializing in disability awareness, accessibility and assistive technology. Visit Eloquent Insights at http://www.eloquentinsights.com to request Laura for your next event. Find Laura's Accessible Insights blog at http://accessibleinsights.info/blog.

by Laura Legendary

If you have recently lost your eyesight, you may be wondering if you will ever use a pen to write again. Yes, you will. You may not be able to read what you're signing, but you will still need to sign that dinner check, write a sentiment at the bottom of a greeting card, or mail off some correspondence. You may be wondering how exactly that can be accomplished, other than by asking a sighted person to do it. Check out the variety of writing guides that can help you get the job done. Writing guides come in all sorts of sizes, are made of a variety of materials and have lots of uses.

Writing guides can really make your life much easier. It's time to stop struggling with trying to line up your writing to address an envelope without over-writing a line, or writing straight on the printed line of your checks, or signing on the dotted line of a credit card or other receipt. Try a sturdy aluminum guide to keep your writing legible and to be more independent. Carry a flexible plastic credit card sized signature guide in your wallet. Use cardboard guides if you need to cut one down to a custom size or fit.

Just lay the guides over the envelope, check or signature line of whatever it is you are writing, and you'll have no difficulty taking care of business on your own. You can even paper clip or tape down the guides so that you need not worry about slipping. If you have a loved one with vision loss, this is an inexpensive gift that will benefit them every day. It may be a little thing, but it can make a big difference for those who want to preserve their privacy and independence.

Laura Legendary is a speaker, author and educator specializing in disability awareness, accessibility and assistive technology. Visit Eloquent Insights at http://www.eloquentinsights.com to request Laura for your next event. Find Laura's Accessible Insights blog at http://accessibleinsights.info/blog. APH Signature Guide

Aids people who are visually impaired in writing their signatures. Small, pocket-size frame has an opening with an elastic band. The band provides a guide for writing and flexes to allow for the descenders of letters.

Revised guide is made of durable, flexible plastic with the same rubber backing as before to prevent sliding. Measures 4 1/2" x 2 1/4". Recommended ages: 8 years and up.

Catalog Number: 1-03530-01
Click this link to purchase the APH Signature Guide.

American Printing House for the Blind, Inc.
1839 Frankfort Avenue
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 6085
Louisville, Kentucky 40206-0085
Toll Free: 800-223-1839
Phone: 502-895-2405
Fax: 502-899-2274
E-mail: info@aph.org
Web site: http://www.aph.org
APH Shopping Home: http://shop.aph.org

Read Digital Talking Books, play digital audio, read computer files, and make superb recordings with Book Port Plus™!

Book Port Plus represents the latest generation of accessible media player/recorders. Its small size, quality recording, and unique capabilities make it an ideal replacement for older technology like cassette player/recorders, earlier Digital Talking Book (DTB) players, or inaccessible commercial digital recorders. Its specialized hardware and software makes Book Port Plus easier to use, more reliable, and more flexible than cell phones or PCs that might perform some of its functions.

The quality components and innovative software make Book Port Plus an excellent music player and outstanding recorder. The reading controls let you read a wide variety of books in both audio (human speech) and text (synthetic speech) format. Its ability to create Digital Talking Book recordings is unique. Book Port Plus contains state-of-the-art hardware:

• High-speed USB lets you read NLS DTB cartridges, thumb drives, and USB CD-ROM drives
  
• High capacity SD™ card support -- up to 32GB
  
• Stereo microphone jack
  
• Stereo headphone jack
  
• Built-in speaker
  
• Built-in microphone

What Can I Read on Book Port Plus?

• Digital Talking Books from National Library Service (NLS). These books include both downloaded titles and titles sent in the mail on a cartridge.
  
• Digital Talking Books from Recording for the Blind and Dyslexic (RFB&D). You may download titles from their website and listen with the Book Port Plus, or you may order titles on CD. Note: An optional USB-powered CD-ROM drive, available from commercial vendors, is required to play the CD directly from the Book Port Plus.
  
• Digital Talking Books from www.bookshare.org
  
• Audio books from www.audible.com
  
• Text-based books from various sites on the internet, for example: www.gutenburg.org
  
• Books you scan using optical character recognition software

Note: The unit must be authorized through RFB&D or NLS to play recordings from these organizations. You also need to have an account to use www.bookshare.org Recording

Book Port Plus' recording capabilities are unmatched and perform better than many dedicated digital recorders.

The Book Port Plus recorder supports:

• Both auto gain control and manual level setting
  
• Ability to monitor recording
  
• Accessible peak meter guidance
  
• Append to recordings
  
• Edit recordings
  
• Turn a recording into a DTB
  
• Extremely high quality, quiet audio pre-amp

All shipments will incur actual UPS shipping rates based on the destination.

Book Port Plus:
Catalog Number: 1-07191-00
Click this link to purchase the Book Port Plus from APH.

American Printing House for the Blind, Inc.
1839 Frankfort Avenue
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 6085
Louisville, Kentucky 40206-0085
Toll Free: 800-223-1839
Phone: 502-895-2405
Fax: 502-899-2274
E-mail: info@aph.org
Web site: http://www.aph.org
APH Shopping Home: http://shop.aph.org A Week With the Book Port Plus: An In-Depth Review

Access4 Us spent some time with the Book Port Plus and created the following review.

Click this link to read the Access4 Us review of the Book Port Plus.

I've always been into radio. I don't remember a time when radio wasn't a part of my life. I went to college to be a DJ, obviously had a change of plans after graduating.

One thing I've always wanted to do is to run a neighborhood radio station. Nothing major, just something that could go for a few miles and entertain some of my friends.

MobileBlackBox.com has the answer to my dreams of finding a transmitter that can send a signal further than the length of a car.

The Mobile Black Box Eclipse-4000 FM Audio Transmitter can transmit any audio format - From virtually any source - up to 1,600 feet (500 meters) to any standard FM receiver within your home or office in full stereo It is compatible with : iPod, MP3 player, satellite radio, CD player, PDA, DVD player, PC/MAC, Desktop/Notebook computer TV and more! Uses include:

• Transmit your audio from your notebook computer or MP3 player to your car’s FM receiver or any FM radio.
  
• Transmit any audio format from your home computer, iPod or any MP3 player to all FM radios in your home, you pick the commercial-free play-list and PAY NO MONTHLY FEES.
  
• Listen to your MP3/MP4 player audio through any FM radio receiver throughout your home, office or car.
  
• Transmit your favorite audio or internet streaming audio throughout your office for you and your co-workers.
  
• Transmit any audio from your satellite radio receiver to all FM receivers within your home or office.
  
• Transmit any audio from your computer or DVD player to all FM receivers within range.
  
• Transmit live voice or prerecorded audio to all FM receivers within range. Perfect for indoor/outdoor tours, real estate promotions, business promotion, church translation services, live auction, etc.
  
• Transmit your favorite internet streaming radio station to your personal FM radio receiver or FM headset.
  
• Promote your home listing or business to potential clients who drive by. Use voice or any pre-recorded message when connected to standard audio player or MP3 player.
  
• Transmit your favorite audio from your computer or TV to any FM receiver headset without disturbing anyone.
  
• Transmit all audio from your car PC (carputer) to your car’s built-in FM receiver without complicated wiring.

One of the strongest points I can make about this website and the products is that the antennas are sold here and that you're not buying a kit to put together yourself. Everything you need is right there, no need to shop at an electronics store for parts.

Click this link to learn more about the Mobile Black Box Eclipse-4000 FM Audio Transmitter.

Our mothers probably used miles of it in their kitchens, but today, wax paper seems to have been pushed to the back of the kitchen cabinet.

But when it comes to versatility, wax paper is on a roll. Here are a few ideas.

• To keep a bottle of pancake syrup from dripping, rub the rim with a piece of wax paper.
  
• Wax paper can be used to keep wooden salad bowls in good condition. Rub the bowl inside and out with a piece of crumpled wax paper. It will seal in moisture and help prevent strong flavors from permeating the wood. Use the same technique to treat wooden salad utensils.
  
• To help shower curtain rings slide more smoothly, buff the rod with a piece of wax paper. This works on both metal and plastic rods.
  
• Give a crisp finish to ribbon, linen cloths, collars and cuffs by ironing between two sheets of wax paper. Place a sheet of clean paper underneath to protect the ironing board and one on top to protect the iron.
  
• Use wax paper to apply a temporary non-stick coating to your waffle iron. Heat up the appliance and then turn it off. Lay a double thickness of wax paper on the grid and close the iron. Remove the paper once the waffle iron is cool.
  
• Rub the barrel of a cool curling iron with wax paper to keep it slick and smooth.
  
• To keep foods from getting soggy in the microwave, cover them with wax paper instead of plastic wrap. Because it doesn't cling, wax paper will allow more steam to escape.

The Hall of Fame for Leaders and Legends of the Blindness Field is accepting nominations for 2010 induction consideration through Friday, April 2.

If you are interested in learning more about the qualifications for nominees or the process for submitting a nominee to join the 44 inductees, please visit: www.aph.org/hall_fame/nominate.html. The nomination process closes Friday, April 2.

"The Hall of Fame for Leaders and Legends of the Blindness Field is dedicated to preserving, honoring, and promoting the tradition of excellence manifested by the specific individuals inducted into the Hall of Fame and through the history of outstanding services provided to people who are blind or visually impaired."

Photo: Arnall Patz Plaque - Plaque sponsored by the Wilmer Eye Institute of Johns Hopkins

After a busy day, the only thing worse than cooking a big dinner is cleaning up a pile of dishes afterward. The Home Ec 101 blog offers a tasty meal idea that uses only one baking sheet.

Although this meal comes together quickly, it's no slouch in the delicious department.

Preheat the oven to 425F.  Toss some diced potatoes into some olive oil and sprinkle with garlic powder and salt. Spray 1/3rd of the baking sheet with cooking spray. These need to bake for 45 minutes, unless they were parboiled. The potatoes should be in a single layer and take up only the sprayed portion of the baking sheet. Wait 20 minutes to start the rest of the meal. While they're cooking, put together the main course: salmon with lemon and rosemary! Here's what you'll need:

• salmon
  
• olive oil
  
• salt
  
• lemon, sliced thinly
  
• two sprigs of rosemary

Here's what to do.

1. Place the salmon in the center of a large square of aluminum foil.
   
2. Drizzle with a scant amount of olive oil, then sprinkle lightly with kosher salt.
   
3. Place the lemon slices on top of the salmon, and the rosemary sprigs on top of the lemon.
   
4. Fold the sides of the aluminum foil over the salmon and pinch closed.
   
5. Place the foil packet in the center of the cooking sheet after 30 minutes have elapsed.  Reduce the heat to 400F. The salmon, provided it is 1.5″ thick will be done in 15 minutes. If it is 2″ thick cook for 20. The potatoes won’t burn with 5 extra minutes.
   
6. The remaining 1/3d of the baking sheet is for the broccoli. Coat broccoli with olive oil, garlic, and parmesan cheese. place on the sheet to roast, five or ten minutes after the salmon is added to the baking sheet.

Cover the baking sheet in aluminum foil before you start cooking, and clean up will be even quicker.

You gotta love the internet for its wealth of knowledge. Now, if you're a science geek, I have a site that you're going to love!

What could be better than mixing science with podcasts? Audio lessons for the blind on subjects like biology and astronomy, to physics and engineering. Teachers watch out, you could get hooked and never want to put your MP3 player down.

Here is a list of 100 such science podcasts. Enjoy and remember to get some sleep! The Smithsonian Channel

The Smithsonian Channel is a great collection of interesting and educational videos on a variety of topics. The collection is divided into seven primary categories including topics like History, America's War Stories, Pop Culture, Air and Space, and Nature.

The bulk of the videos are under five minutes making them good resources for supplementing course lectures.

Click this link to visit The Smithsonian Channel: http://www.smithsonianchannel.com/site/smithsonian/video/.

Lighthouse International has launched a new website that features the first customizable, low-vision simulator that shows how a person with an eye disease sees the world. Visitors can choose a video from YouTube and select a filter that simulates retinitis pigmentosa, macular degeneration, glaucoma or diabetic retinopathy. While no simulation can accurately reflect what a person with an eye disease actually sees, this simulator suggests some of the visual problems that a person with these eye conditions experience every day.”

Other highlights of the website include:

• An Interactive Lifestyles Feature Called “Let’s Go!” The start of a searchable database of museums, theaters, and sporting venues offering options for people with a visual impairment, such as touch-tours, audio descriptions and reserved seating. Visitors are asked to add venues and ideas to expand the offerings.
  
• Proven Accessibility Standards: Carefully tested, the website is designed to maximize accessibility for people who are visually impaired.
  
• Help Near You: A special feature that enables visitors to find an optometrist, ophthalmologist and vision rehabilitation service by city or zip code throughout the United States.
  
• Up-To-Date Medical Information On Eye Diseases: Information on the symptoms, causes and treatments for 19 eye diseases -- from macular degeneration to cataracts, dry eye and amblyopia.
  
• Up-To-Date Prevention Information On Vision Loss: Tips on preventing computer eye strain and other vision health suggestions for web users and the general public.
  
• Spanish Language: Information on key Lighthouse services such as “How to Get Low Vision Services” and “Professional Education” is translated into Spanish.
  
• Integration of Social Media: Visitors are encouraged to connect, share, and exchange ideas and experiences about vision loss through Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and discussion forums.

Click this link to visit the Vision Simulator: http://lighthouse.org/donate-volunteer/vision-simulator.

Founded in 1905, Lighthouse International is a non-profit organization dedicated to fighting vision loss through prevention, treatment and empowerment. It achieves this through clinical and rehabilitation services, education, research and advocacy.

For more information about vision loss and its causes, contact:

Lighthouse International
111 East 59th Street
New York, NY 10022
Phone: 212-821-9551
Fax: 212-821-9702
Web: http://www.lighthouse.org

Want to have a voice speak your last tweet on Twitter? You can with Parrotweet.

To use Parrotweet, visit the site and click the Login button. You will be sent to Twitter to varify and connect the Parrotweet service to your Twitter account.

Once you click "allow access" on Twitter, you are sent back to Parrotweet to post an item.

The post page is very similar to Twitter's page, you have an edit box for the tweet, a Parrotweet button to post the tweet and a logout button to use when you're finished.

Type what you want to have read and Parrotweet will present you with a page including the text of your tweet and it should speak the tweet as well.

You will notice that a tweet with a URL has been posted to your Twitter account. Followers may click the link to have that tweet read aloud.

Click this link to give http://parrotweet.com a try!

This instrument might look like a top-notch electric guitar featuring a maple neck, solid body, single-coil pickups with 5-way switching, chrome machine heads and a vintage whammy bar - and that's because it is. But it's also an ingenious USB-friendly axe that allows you to transform your computer into an amp, effects rack and recording system without any additional hardware.

This Strat-style guitar comes with software that lets you jam along with your favourite music files. You can even slow tracks down or speed them up for learning and practising - ideal if you're into shredding metal or plodding pop. There's also a multi-track recording/editing function, so you can record your wicked riffing, two-handed tap-offs and sweeping arpeggios (or something like that) on the spot. NOTE: This software has not been tested with screen reading technology and may not be compatible with all screen readers.

The included software can recreate countless combo sounds, from tube to transistor, soft to distorted, warm to edgy. No wall of speakers or mile-long pedal deck required. And if you're worried about the neighbours (how very un-rock 'n' roll) you can listen to your plucking genius via headphones. Can also be used with any traditional guitar amplifier.

Click this link to purchase the iAxe USB Guitar from Firebox.com. Guitar4Blind.com

OK, now that you have the USB Guitar, how are you going to learn to play it? Through the internet, naturally!

This site is designed to teach visually impaired people guitar. It is optimized to be accessed with the assistance of the JAWS for Windows Screen Reading program and other screen readers. The site was developed by Bob Craypoe in the US and tested by Terry Hopwood-Jackson in the UK.

Click this link to learn to play guitar: http://www.craypoe.com/guitar/index.html. Learn to Play Guitar with Books in Braille with Tactile Diagrams

These books have been designed specifically to help teach those with a visual impairment how to learn and play the guitar.

• A Beginners Guide to Playing the Guitar covers everything needed to get started, and is accompanied by a 26 track audio CD and a 27 track MP3 CD-ROM.
  
• A concise Chord Book, accompanied by a 75 track CD, covering every chord described in the book, allowing the student to progress at their own pace and with the type of music that they prefer.

Both books are printed in Grade 1 Braille, are in a spiral bound A4 landscape sized format and also contain tactile diagrams for ease of learning. There is no need for students to learn, know or use Braille Music Notation. Diagrams replicate the strings and frets that the student will feel, and clearly demonstrate the correct finger positions.

These books are designed for use by all ages and all levels of ability. It is hoped they will allow students to open up a whole new world for themselves, and a whole new experience.

Further details and other information, including ordering options, are available at http://www.huntersbraillemusic.com.

Hunter's Guitar Braille Books
52 Valley Park Drive
Clanfield
Waterlooville
Hampshire
PO8 0PL
United Kingdom
Phone: 07900 060195

Here's a recipe you're sure to love because you're not left with a messy stovetop to clean and the eggs are delicious!

Ingredients:

• Large eggs (12)
  
• 3/4 cup milk
  
• 1 TBS butter
  
• salt & pepper

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
   
2. Grease a 9×13 casserole dish well with butter (including sides).
   
3. Whisk eggs together in a large bowl until yolks are broken.
   
4. Add milk, whisk until well blended.
   
5. Pour egg mixture into casserole dish, sprinkle with salt and pepper, then set on middle rack in preheated oven.
   
6. When eggs begin to set (after cooking for about 10 minutes), take a spatula and push the eggs from side to side to scramble them (you’ll notice the edges are where the eggs first start cooking), make sure to scrape the bottom and sides well.
   
7. Continue cooking for another 15 minutes or so, stirring every 5 minutes or so to scramble as the eggs really start setting up.
   
8. Once eggs are fully cooked, remove from the oven and serve.

Yield: 4 to 6 servings

Optional: Add thinly sliced green onions or chives with raw egg mixture before putting in the oven, top with shredded cheddar cheese when nearly done. Add Some Bacon to Complete the Meal

If you want to cook bacon and eggs together, follow these steps.

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
   
2. Cook bacon for 10 minutes.
   
3. Reduce heat to 350°.
   
4. Move sheet of bacon to lower rack and place eggs on the middle oven rack.

No one wants to fall on the ice and snow. Now you can add extra traction to your shoes with the spray of this nifty product.

Be better prepared in icy, slippery conditions, and simply spray on some extra traction to the outsoles of your shoes. You'll instantly feel the sure-footed difference as you move out and about, plus this anti-slip spray wont do damage to floors or carpets, so you’re safe to keep your shoes on indoors too.

Click this link to purchase the Shoe Grip Anti-slip Spray from the SkyMall website.

BookRenter lets you rent a book for as long as one hundred twenty-five days, the average semester length, or as little as thirty. A semester rental is usually about fifty percent or less of the retail price with the price falling as the length of rental decreases. They give you an option to purchase the book brand new but that's where the deal finding at BookRenter ends, their business model is definitely geared towards you renting and not buying, the purchase price is full retail.

Most of us only need a print book long enough to scan it into a format we can use, so renting might work fine for someone who needs to convert it into braille.

Click this link to visit http://www.bookrenter.com.

Have you ever sent a letter and tried to explain to a sighted person where you live? Maybe you have family coming in for the holidays or maybe you need to explain to a service person where your house is located. In either case, it can be difficult for some who are blind or visually impaired to give directions to our exact location. I have to say that I know some blind folks who can give better directions than the sighted, but this tool is for those who are not as gifted with directions.

MapEnvelope allows you to print out a custom DIY envelope that's adorned on the inside with a map of your location (or anywhere Google Maps can go), along with a message to your recipient. Just cut it out, glue, and you're ready to stuff with a letter to the person.

Click this link to visit http://MapEnvelope.com.