It is hard to believe that it is already May. Everyone is gearing up for spring at least in this part of the world.
Our newsletter staff has been working diligently to find articles that will be of interest to the members of our site.
Our game and event hosts continue to introduce new games and events.
We hope that you will enjoy this May issue as much as those in the past.
And as always, if you want to see anything else included in this type of format, write an email to:We have traveled 1496.2 miles from Riverside, CA to Houston, TX to shine the spotlight upon Bob Bartlett. Yes Bob, also known as Bobcat is the one I had the pleasure of interviewing for this months article. Bob was formerly known as Sparky, and still is on All in Play. Then one day while chatting in the Sport’s Bar on NVN, Victor came up with the name Bobcat. Bob liked it, and it has stuck ever since…that was about four years ago.
Bob grew up in Colorado. He received a Bachelor’s degree in Science from Colorado State University in Fort Collins. On March 15, 1966 he received a Master’s degree from CSU as well. Go Rams!!! But that was not enough excitement for Bob. So 4 days later he married his sweetheart, Victoria. To keep up the excitement, he and Victoria packed up and moved to Texas shortly afterward.
It was a job offer he could not refuse that brought him and Victoria to Houston. Bob accepted a job at ARMCo Steel (American Rolling Mill Co.), the nations fifth largest steelmaker, with 5,000 employees. Dont they say everything is big in Texas? It certainly seems that way! He worked in the systems department on large IBM computers. He ran batch systems written primarily in colbal, and performed accounting and payroll duties. Bob also enjoyed taking things apart and putting them back together. He worked there for 18 years, until the plant shut down in 1984. At that time, Bob decided to retire.
Bob and Victoria have two children, Paul and Elizabeth, both whom live in Texas as well. Paul is married to Barbara and has a son, Rowan. Elizabeth is married to John and has two children, Abby and Aiden. Bob says that he and Victoria love spending time with their grandchildren, and spoiling them too! He added that they are the spring in their step and the song in their hearts. Ok and I cannot forget Gizmo the cat, (cool name) who sits with bob in the lazyboy and watches sports. By the way, Gizmo is the one who lets Bob know which team to pick in the football pool.
Bob and Victoria just celebrated their 48th wedding anniversary last month. Congrats on that achievement! Bob did confess that he is surprised that Victoria has not killed him yet, even though she has had plenty of opportunities. All kidding aside, bob says that they have managed to stay together for this long because although they both do their own thing, they always communicate with each other, and they truly love one another.
Bob absolutely loves to read. In fact, he says that the victor stream is Gods gift to blind people. He also love sports, especially football; college more so than professional. He and Victoria have been running an online football pic em game for about 25 years now. Trust me it is a lot of fun, as I have been playing for a couple of years.
I have learned some new sayings while interviewing Bob. For example, he told me that the best gifts to receive for Christmas are either a Dicky Stick or Tommy the Tube. Yep, that is what he said, a stick or the cardboard tube from toilet paper. Now that is something to get excited about! I know, you are scratching and shaking your head, but its true. Go figure! He also broke out in song; singing, hard to be humble when you are perfect in so many ways.
It was 1981 that Bob was declared legally blind. He stayed in retirement and set out to volunteer in the community and with blindness organizations. Bob served three years as the president for, Sight into Sound radio, the radio reading service for the Houston area. He was the first blind person to be so honored. He is a member of American Council for the Blind of Texas. Bob was the first blind president for a local Credit Union. He also served as chairman on the Houston Commission of Disabilities for the city of Houston. Bob received several awards for his outstanding community service. Such awards include:
At one of these award ceremonies Bob had the pleasure to meet Sir Lord Wedgewood. Who is He? Well he is only from the famous china family. And, Bob said he was really a cool guy.
Bob has been, and is, involved with many different blind chat/game sites. He was on the board of In the Blind spot and a former member of For the People. He enjoys playing poker on All in Play and chatting about sports in the Sport’s Bar on NVN. Somehow, I don’t think that is all they talk about in there. Bob has been a member on Out-Of-Sight for about four years. His favorite game to attend is Password, and, he is a clue giver from time to time as well. He also enjoys Wheel of Words, WWW.huh, Bet Your Booty, 5 Category Trivia, and Family Feud. However, you might see him pop into other games as well. He loves to engage in friendly smack talk along with the rest of them. He is good at taking it and dishing it out. Bob says he likes OOS because the people are friendly, enjoyable, entertaining, and not so full of themselves.
I just want to add that prior to conducting this interview Bob told me he was quote, duller than dirt,end quote, which I did not believe then, and certainly do not believe now. Finally, to conclude with yet another one of Bobs sayings: Greasy side down shiny side up. He explained that it means all is well, so greasy side down, and shiny side up to all.
The 2014 convention of the National Federation of the Blind will take place in Orlando, Florida, July 1 through 6, at the Rosen Centre Hotel at, 9840 International Drive, Orlando, Florida 32819. Make your room reservation as soon as possible with the Rosen Centre staff only. Call, 800 204 7234. The 2014 room rates are singles, doubles, and twins, $82; and triples and quads, $88. In addition to the room rates there will be a tax, which at present is 13.5 percent. No charge will be made for children under seventeen in the room with parents as long as no extra bed is requested. The hotel is accepting reservations now. A $95 per room deposit is required to make a reservation. Fifty percent of the deposit will be refunded if notice is given to the hotel of a reservation cancellation before May 28, 2014. The other 50 percent is not refundable.
Rooms will be available on a first come, first served basis until our block is filled, or until May 28, whichever comes first. After our block is filled and/or after May 28, the hotel has no obligation to accept any further reservations, but may do so if it has rooms available. In other words, you should get your reservation in soon.
Guest room amenities include cable television, in room safe, coffeemaker, hairdryer, and, for a fee, high speed Internet access. Guests can also enjoy a swimming pool, fitness center, and onsite spa. The Rosen Centre Hotel offers fine dining at Executive Chef Michael Rumpliks award winning Everglades Restaurant. In addition, there is an array of dining options from sushi to tapas to a 24 hour deli. The hotel has first rate amenities and shuttle service to the Orlando airport.
The schedule for the 2014 convention is:
Tuesday, July 1 Seminar DayWhile blind people can browse the Internet through a variety of means, there is often one thing that stops them cold - a security feature known as a CAPTCHA that\'s designed to distinguish human users from robots.
CAPTCHAs, in which a user must identify the letters in a distorted image, are commonly used to block automated bots from grabbing up all the tickets for an event, signing up for thousands of email addresses in a short period of time or unfairly swaying the results of an online poll.
They have drawn criticism from advocacy organizations for the blind for being too difficult to use, but last month, Towson University secured a U.S. patent for a new kind of CAPTCHA that\'s intended to be easier for those with limited or no eyesight.
With Towson\'s SoundsRight CAPTCHA, users listen to a series of 10 random sounds and are asked to press the computer\'s space bar each time they hear a certain noise - a dog barking, a horse neighing - among the other sounds.
The developers say it is superior to Google\'s current audio alternative CAPTCHA, citing studies showing that version\'s failure rate of 50 percent for blind users.
Quote, Blind people are capable of doing everything that a visual person can on the Internet, end quote, said Jonathan Lazar, a Towson professor who has led a group of graduate and outside researchers on the project. Quote, We just try to come up with some equivalent features that make it easier, end quote. Quote, Some people are unaware that blind people can use the Internet, end quote. Lazar added.
The SoundsRight CAPTCHA is still in a \"beta\" version, Lazar said, and the developers are hoping a real-world rollout will help identify any necessary tweaks.
The Towson researchers worked closely on testing with the National Federation of the Blind, which is headquartered in the Riverside neighborhood of Baltimore. Anne Taylor, the federation\'s director of access technology, said there are several types of software available for blind users to read the text on a Web page aloud.
Taylor, who is blind, said not being able to use visual CAPTCHAs could impede a blind person\'s ability to enjoy the benefits of the Internet and hurt their ability to hold a job.
A sighted person could help a blind user with the visual CAPTCHAs, she said, but the blind want to be independent on the Internet. Further, since many CAPTCHAs are on web pages that ask for personal financial information, she has concerns about privacy.
Quote, The Internet is such an important and integral part of our daily lives now, end quote, Taylor said. Quote, Just think of how many hours you spend on the web as a sighted individual. Would you really want to have someone with you all that time? end quote.
CAPTCHA, which stands for Completely Automated Public Turing test to tell Computers and Humans Apart, was introduced as a concept by computer scientist Alan Turing in 1950.
The term was coined in 2000 by researchers at Carnegie Mellon University who developed an early Web page test program for Yahoo.
The CAPTCHAs protect from automated hacking programs that can also leave spam comments on blogs, attack protected passwords and send junk email.
Tim Brooks, the chief software developer on the SoundsRight project since 2010, said the audio CAPTCHA can be embedded into any Web page and customized by the webmaster.
Brooks said its script could be tweaked to be used in any number of different languages or have users identify any number of sounds. An organization for train enthusiasts, he said, could potentially have users identify the sounds of different types of trains.
The SoundsRight CAPTCHA is just as secure as the traditional visual CAPTCHAs, he said. Sighted users can use the audio CAPTCHA as well, or a Webpage could give the option of either a visual CAPTCHA or the SoundsRight CAPTCHA, he said. The only potential downside to the technology is that it takes about 30 to 40 seconds to complete, versus less than 10 seconds for a visual CAPTCHA, Brooks said.
Quote, A lot of people don\'t have that kind of patience, end quote, he said. The Towson CAPTCHA project was the brainchild of then-undergraduate student Jon Holman in 2007 as a class project, Lazar said. In a 2007 focus group, blind users identified visual CAPTCHAs as the biggest impediment to their using the Internet independently. Several other students, faculty members and outside researchers have assisted in developing the technology since the project began.
Quote, We\'ve always done the evaluation with blind users at every step, end quote, Lazar said. Quote, This was research that was done because blind users were telling us this was important, end quote.
The project was partially supported with a $50,000 grant from the Maryland Technology Development Corp., Lazar said. The researchers went through several different prototypes, rejecting those that weren\'t found to be secure enough.
The SoundsRight CAPTCHA is in use on the National Federation of the Blinds website, and the organization is working to encourage various groups and businesses to adopt it.
Quote, We are all one step away from a sudden disability, so why not make the Internet an inclusive place for everybody? end quote, Taylor said.
Think about the last time you were home alone and you heard a loud, unexpected noise. Chances are, your eyes widened as you listened for more information. In a new paper, researchers have detailed why this happens, as well as why our eyes narrow when something disgusts us.
The researchers, led by Prof. Adam Anderson of Cornell Universitys College of Human Ecology, published their paper in the journal Psychological Science, where they suggest these opposite facial expressions are based on emotional responses that use the way our eyes gather and focus light to detect unidentified threats.
When our eyes open wider - as they do in fear - the researchers say this increases sensitivity and expands our field of vision to identify surrounding danger. Alternatively, when our eyes narrow in disgust, this blocks light and sharpens focus to determine the source of our displeasure.
The team says their findings suggest that human facial expressions came about from adaptive reactions to stimuli in our environment, not as social communication signals, which supports Charles Darwins theories on the evolution of emotion from the 19th century.
Commenting on the findings, Prof. Anderson says Quote. \"These opposing functions of eye widening and narrowing, which mirror that of pupil dilation and constriction, might be the primitive origins for the expressive capacity of the face. And these actions are not likely restricted to disgust and fear, as we know that these movements play a large part in how perhaps all expressions differ, including surprise, anger and even happiness. End Quote.
Emotions trigger facial expressions that harness useful light properties. Emotions filter our reality, says the team, and they shape what we see before any light actually reaches the inner eye.
Researchers say our eyes widen when we are fearful to allow more light and a wider visual field so that we can identify the cause of our fear. Prof. Anderson says though we think of perception as a process that happens after the brain receives an image, Quote, in fact emotions influence vision at the very earliest moments of visual encoding. End Quote.
The narrowing of the eye in disgust results in the greatest visual acuity, they note, which involves less light and better focus, whereas wide-eyed fearful expressions create the most sensitivity, allowing more light and a wider visual field.
Quote. These emotions trigger facial expressions that are very far apart structurally, one with eyes wide open and the other with eyes pinched, End Quote, Prof. Anderson says, noting that Quote. this allows the eye \"to harness the properties of light that are most useful in these situations. End Quote.
He and his team are currently studying how such contrasting eye movements could explain how facial expressions in humans have evolved to support nonverbal communication across different cultures.
Quote. We know that the eyes can be a powerful basis for reading what people are thinking and feeling, End Quote, he says, Quote, and we might have a partial answer to why that is. End Quote.
Speaking with Medical News Today, Prof. Anderson said Quote. We are now examining how the optical origins of eye widening and narrowing in emotional expressions may now be used to communicate scrutiny or acceptance of ideas or people. For instance, we might narrow our eyes when scrutinizing an idea, as if to bring it into focus, or show wide-eyed acceptance of it. End Quote.
In 2013, we reported on a study that suggested oxytocin - \"the love hormone\" - has a self-perpetuating effect, whereby the hormone can make us fearful during future stressful situations if a social encounter is negative.
As you may have read in my post earlier this week about the end of days for Windows XP, Microsoft will cease providing security updates for this operating system on April 8, 2014. If you cannot get away from Windows XP just yet, there are still a few things you can do to defend your XP machines:
1. The first thing is to make sure that you back up your computer’s files regularly, and periodically test your backup strategy by restoring backups, preferably on a different computer, a few times a year. This helps ensure that in the event of a catastrophe, you will still have access to the information on your computer. The time to worry about your backups is not when faced with a virus, fire, earthquake or other calamity.While these tips will help, your main goal should be figuring out how to move away from Windows XP. If it is simply a matter of replacing a critical application, work out the cost and build that into your operating budget, likewise for computer upgrades or even replacement computers. That may be a capital expense, and an unwanted one in this economy, however, it is still better than going out of business because outdated computers failed or critical data was stolen.
Having to replace working computers every few years is not fun, but, like other mechanical equipment, computers do wear out and need to be replaced. Software, too, gets updated periodically, not just with security patches, but new features and functionality as well, that can improve your bottom line. You might find my podcast on security for older systems to be helpful listening material.
For readers who are using ESET for their anti malware protection there is a helpful Knowledgebase article, Microsoft Windows XP end of support and ESET products. ESET is committed to supporting the Microsoft Windows XP operating system for 32 bit and 64 bit versions of ESET products at least until the end of April, 2017.
Spring is in the air, at least in the Northern Hemisphere. The temperatures have warmed; the snow has melted; flowers are blooming; and the smell of beef sizzling outdoors is once again teasing our noses. For many enthusiasts, grilling is as much a relaxing pastime as it is a household chore, but for those that might view it more as the latter, one grill manufacturer is planning an easier future. The voice-activated design of the Lynx Smart Grill lets you do more grilling from the comfort of your deck chair.
The Lynx Smart Grill prototype has illuminated knobs.The Smart Grill concept includes what Lynx calls the Quote. MyChef, End Quote, voice recognition interface.
Lynx Smart Grill conceptThe proud grill master would like you to think that every single piece of animal or plant matter ever heated to proper eating temperature on his or her outdoor range was a guide book-ready example of delectably flavored and charred gourmet perfection. The truth is, even the most seasoned grill expert has spent some time practicing and experimenting. The fruits of that experimentation undoubtedly fell well south of perfection and some may have even earned a quick spot in the local landfill.
The Smart Grill, which Lynx previewed at this years Consumer Electronics Show, uses modern technology to cut the learning curve out of grilling. One of the latest members of the Internet of Things, the connected grill taps into an online database of grilling information. Its MyChef voice-activated interface asks the grill handler a couple of questions about what will be cooked, then pulls detailed instructions from the database, right down to the optimal part of the grill to place the food.
The voice-controlled, fly-by-wire system automates key processes like firing up the burners. All the human griller has to do is tell the Smart Grill the information and perform physical aspects of grilling, like seasoning the meat, putting it on the heated grill and turning it. The grill provides timing prompts via audio, visual and/or text message cues, so the griller can invest time and attention into doing something else, say, enjoying a pre-meal cocktail, without worrying about overcooking the meal. A smartphone app keeps him or her connected to the grilling process, and the grill includes an automatic safety shut-off.
Of course, the masterful grill expert does not want to rely on some online database filled with other grillers recipes. He has invested far too much time perfecting his craft to go back to square one. The Smart Grill includes a Quote. learning module, End Quote, for these types, allowing its data to be updated to reflect the owners preferences.
Now, all Lynx has to do is add an automated food-rotating system so that the griller can throw the food on and forget about it until he receives that mouth-watering Quote. done, End Quote, text message.
Grillers will have to continue to be self reliant this spring and summer because the Smart Grill is still just a prototype. Lynx plans to get it to market in 2015. It has not estimated the price, but it does admit that the stainless steel Smart Grill will come at a Quote. slight premium. End Quote. Lynx already makes some of the more expensive products on the grill market, with freestanding grill prices starting at US$3,799, so the Smart Grill is likely to appeal only to a small segment of the grilling population.
A more affordable alternative can be found in one of many wireless grill thermometers and apps, like the CyberQ Wi-Fi or BBiQ. Those that like the idea of blending technology with cooking over hot coals and gas may also be interested in this seasons best BBQ gadgets.
The National Federation of the Blind (NFB), the oldest and largest organization of blind people in the United States, and four blind people residing in CaliforniaRick Boggs, Geraldine Croom, Rochelle Houston, and Tina Thomas filed suit today in the United States District Court for the Central District of California against RideCharge, Inc. and three entities that manage taxicab fleets in Southern California: Administrative Services Cooperative, Inc. LA Taxi Cooperative, Inc., and South Bay Yellow Cab Cooperative, Inc.
The taxicab cooperatives have deployed RideCharge self-service, touchscreen payment terminals, which are inaccessible to blind taxicab riders, in taxicabs throughout Southern California.
The complaint alleges violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the California Unruh Civil Rights Act, and the California Disabled Persons Act.
The self-service terminals utilize an entirely visual, touchscreen interface mounted on the back of the front passenger seat that allows sighted taxicab riders to access information and services privately and independently.
Among other features, sighted passengers are able to review trip and fare information, privately pay fares with a credit card, and select tip amounts without interacting with the driver. The exclusively visual interface lacks common accessibility features for blind riders.
Many other transportation service providers have installed text-to-speech output and tactile controls on their self-service terminals that allow blind riders to operate them independently. As a result of RideCharges failure to include these common alternative access features on its terminals, blind riders are unable to access the information and services offered on these devices.
Dr. Marc Maurer, President of the National Federation of the Blind, said: Quote. The ability to travel safely and independently is central to the ability of blind people to live independent, productive lives. Taxis are a valuable mode of transportation for blind people, particularly in places like Southern California where public transit is not always available. Our right to independent travel is unjustly jeopardized when we enter a taxi that has critical features that cannot be independently accessed by the blind. The laws of the United States and the state of California require, and blind Americans demand, that RideCharge and taxicab companies make all of their self-service terminals accessible to blind taxi riders. End Quote.
Larry Paradis, an attorney for the Plaintiffs, said: “Quote. Technology holds the promise of helping people with disabilities be full and independent participants in mainstream life, but only if that technology is designed to be accessible for all people. There is no reason why the technology at issue in this case the new payment devices being installed in taxis cannot be accessible to blind passengers. We ask only that the Blind be afforded the same rights and opportunities as everyone else. End Quote.
The National Federation of the Blind and the individual plaintiffs are represented in this matter by Laurence Paradis, Stuart Seaborn, Michael Nunez, and Haben Girma of the Berkeley firm Disability Rights Advocates; Scott LaBarre of the Denver firm LaBarre Law Offices; and Timothy Elder of the Fremont, California firm TRE Legal Practice.
People with visual, auditory, cognitive recognition, speech or physical special needs have difficulties accessing many popular banking websites due to the startling lack of support for assistive technology.
Recognizing this to be a barrier to consumer banking growth, the Bureau of Internet Accessibility (BoIA) has compiled a list of the banks most vulnerable to litigation risk based on the proposed update to Americans with Disabilities Act Title III. This update defines all consumer commercial websites as being places that must provide for Quote. public accommodation, End Quote, including those with special needs. Failure to comply can bring significant liability under the law.
Banking, widely considered to be an essential service to the general population, will most likely be put on notice by those who oversee these newly enforceable requirements. The most common areas of failure that prohibit users with disabilities access to banking website information include:
An online presence accessible to everyone makes good business sense and drastically reduces risk profile of a website accessibility lawsuit. Attorneys have seen a recent wave of ADA accessibility lawsuits against banks over the past two years related to both ATMs and general accessibility. That may just be the tip of the iceberg as the recognition of the special needs population continues to be a part of the awareness of the US Congress.
Incorporating the facilities for websites to accommodate for people with special needs is not difficult, but does require a focus. Once correctly implemented, banking websites can easily enable special needs customers to no longer require the assistance of a second person to conduct their online banking business.
Using an automated features-based testing and grading system that measures accessibility features within banks websites, BoIA has released its findings, identifying those banks most likely to be considered candidates for noncompliance website lawsuits under the proposed ADA title III requirements.
SK Telecom announced on April 17 that they have developed a smartphone-based digital image management service which will allow videos to be transmitted digitally to counselors, who will help the visually-impaired by telecommunications with the live video footages.
The image management service will be comprised of wearable cameras, smartphone applications, video management system, and client program (program which feeds video on to the consultants personal computer or mobile device).
The wearable camera, which can be conveniently hung around an ear to provide broadened range of vision, will act as eyes for the visually-impaired by recording high-definition video, which is transmitted to a smartphone and then to a personal computer or a mobile device of the counselor, who receives the live images on the video management software through SK Telecom’s LTE network.
The camera is also built blind- friendly, meaning it will start automatically when powered. With the technology, the counselors at their desk will be able to help the disabled with crossing the street, or give heads-up on obstructions, bus arrivals and so on. Also, the high-resolution images will enable counselors to check expiration dates on a milk carton or receipts, or read mail for them.
The service is expected to create job opportunities as well, since the counselors will be able to work from their home, and even the ones who are physically-challenged can work as a counselor if he or she has the complete vision. SK Telecom will test the service for two months from now on, and provide the full-fledged service during the latter half of this year.
The Koreas No. 1 telecom carrier will also help the disabled by contributing Internet-of-things network lines to an emergency safety service, which has been administered by the Ministry of Health and Welfare to about 2,000 households with severely-disabled members. It offers various services such as rescuing and emergency medical treatments in critical situations using sensors and Internet-of-things infrastructure.
An official at SK Telecom said, Quote, We expect to help those with various disabilities and create job opportunities using information and communications technology. We truly believe that the technology that we have can contribute in building a better world, and look to expand the services to do so. End Quote.
Minimizing a persons sight may improve their hearing faculties, a new study suggests.
In a joint study from the University of Maryland and Johns Hopkins University, published in the peer-reviewed journal Neuron, researchers used adult mice to explore how neural connections in the brain managing vision and hearing work to support each other. By placing mice in a dark room for a week, similar to a photography room, researchers then found that their hearing improved.
Quote. What we see is that the cortex, the part of the brain that process auditory information, can separate frequencies better [in the dark], End Quote, said researcher Patrick Kanold in an interview. By stimulating blindness, researchers found a significant change within the primary auditory context, a part of the brain that processes sound such as pitch and loudness. This essentially altered the brain circuit, which is not easily done in adults.
Though the changes are significant, such as the ability to discriminate pitch and hear softer sounds, they are reversible, meaning the mice eventually reverted back to their normal hearing after a few weeks in a normally lit environment. In the next phase of their five-year study, researchers hope to find a way to make these improvements permanent.
In the meantime, these findings could lead to treatments to help humans who experience hearing loss, as the potential to develop cross-modal training from the mice exists, researchers say.
Quote. This could help when you have auditory processing disorders, when you do not understand speech as well, End Quote, Kanold said. Quote. Depriving you of vision temporarily might actually improve this kind of condition. End Quote.
To arrive at their outcome, researchers compared adult mice experiencing stimulated blindness to a second group of mice in a natural environment, monitoring both their responses to sounds. “Quote. e insert micro-electrodes into the brain and we present sounds to the animal, and we record electroactivity from the neurons, End Quote, Kanold said. Quote. We can present sounds of different frequencies and see how active the cells are, and then we can see how good they hear. End Quote.
Those born with a lack of sight are often known to develop enhanced hearing; blind musicians, such as Ray Charles or Stevie Wonder, are prime examples of this. But until now, scientists had only reported the ability of younger brains to rewire brain circuits to compensate for vision loss, leading to an improvement in hearing.
Now adults may be able to do the same by mimicking similar conditions.
Quote. The biggest problem with adults is our adult brain is not as flexible or changeable as a young brain, End Quote.said Kanold. “If you have a disorder, its very hard to fix, and somehow this cross-modal [temporary blindness] training seems to work better than what we would call uni-model training.
Hello everybody, just a few quick notes. Remember to start out slow and you may need someone to check out a video or two to show you how to use a Minnie trampoline. Keeping your feet on the surface at all times and start bouncing. You should be moving 4 to 8 inches up and down. Pump your arms like you are running. Place the trampoline next to a wall so you can reach out and catch your balance. There is quite a price range but as long as your bouncing then it is working. You should find a trampoline for about 30 to 40 dollars or even find one at a yard sale. Good luck and happy bouncing.
NaturalNews) Rebounding is a great exercise for the entire body, especially the lymphatic system. Rebounding involves jumping on a mini trampoline, this exercise for the entire body, especially the lymphatic system. Rebounding involves jumping on a mini trampoline, this promotes circulation. The body contains 5 to 6 quarts of blood, which is circulated by the heart. But without the lymphatic system, the body cannot effectively eliminate toxins. Exercising on a rebounder for 5 to 20 minutes at a time will promote the flow of lymph, thereby eliminating toxins.
Poor lymph flow is common in sedentary people, this is one reason why less active individuals are more susceptible to illness. Sedentary people who live on junk food are often unwell because the body sends all the toxins and waste to the lymphatic system. The lymph flow is poor due to a lack of exercise, so toxins accumulate in the body.
The lymphatic system is a major dumping ground for toxins and waste products. The lymphatic system can only be kept flowing by 3 means:
1. GravityWhen you use a rebounder, it promotes circulation through the bodys lymphatic system. As you begin to exercise, the toxins are moved to the lymph ducts, which transport the toxins to the kidney and liver. Rebounding serves as an insurance policy against many serious diseases. Rebounding is not only great exercise, but it is fun too.
Rebounding for Cancer:
According to Linda Brooks (www.wholelife.com), The practice of rebounding against cancer is done using the health bounce, where the feet are kept on the mat and a gentle bouncing motion is maintained for up to two minutes. A stabilizer bar is available for attachment to the rebounder to add security, safety, and balance when needed by those who are weak or unsteady. If endurance is low, start with less time than two minutes and work up to the optimal two minutes over a period of a few weeks.
Bouncing on a rebounder for two minutes every hour is good therapy for preventing or treating cancer. One hour after rebounding, white blood cell count normalizes. Rebounding every hour will keep your immune system in optimum running condition, as rebounding will flush the lymphatic system.
It is important to breathe deeply when using the rebounder, and you must exhale fully to allow for proper oxygenation of the blood. Practicing proper breathing techniques can help you to breathe effectively when you are exercising on a rebounder.
Rebounding for Candida:
Can exercise cure Candida? Many researchers say yes. Jumping on a rebounder for 5 minutes is comparable to walking for 2 miles. Rebounding eliminates pressure at the joints and it promotes faster weight loss. For best results, exercise for 5 minutes; then, as you build stamina, gradually increase the time, rebounding for up to twenty minutes at a time.
Rebounding also increases white blood cell count, thereby strengthening the immune system. By increasing immunity, the body is equipped to fight off Candida naturally.
Rebounding is great for the elderly too. Adding a stability bar to the rebounder will help avoid falls. It is a fun and relaxing way to become stronger and healthier.
Benefits of Using the Rebounder:
Rebounding can ease symptoms and it cures many diseases, including allergies, arthritis, Candida, cancer, fibromyalgia, depression and stress. By using a rebounder you will increase your energy, hasten metabolism, improve your balance, build bone mass, lower cholesterol, stabilize blood pressure and increase circulation, and you will enjoy improved function of the lymphatic system.
You can do a more strenuous workout by bouncing higher and having your feet leave the surface, like running on the spot and moving your arms more vigorously. Be careful with your balance and remember to start out slow. Remember, one healthy bounce at a time.
If you have any questions for Lawrence, or would like a certain topic covered, please write to:Trying to stay healthy can be a battle these days. There’s so much conflicting information out there, with the list of foods we should Quote. avoid, End Quote, seemingly growing longer each day.
Nutritionist and dietitian Susie Burrell has dished on some of the foods health nuts say we should stay far away from. They are not that bad after all, she says.
CoffeeCoffee has a reputation as being unhealthy, but it’s actually packed with antioxidants.
Quote. There is good evidence to show two to three cups reduces heart disease risk factors, End Quote, says Burrell.
But you should avoid sugary flavor syrups and having more than three cups a day. Quote. Plain black or small with a little milk is fine, but large servings of milk and sugar negate the health benefits, End Quote, she says.
PotatoesQuote. The humble potato has copped a bad rap as some varieties have a high glycemic index, End Quote, says Burrell.
Quote, With fewer carbs (just 20 grams per serve) than the average serve of pasta or rice, a single potato in the jacket is another nutrient-rich, extremely satiating food -- just watch the added butter! End Quote.
BaconYou can still indulge in a bacon and egg roll now and then ---just make sure you trim the fat off and keep it to once a week.
Quote. A small serving (one to two pieces) once a week is no issue especially if lean varieties are chosen. More important is how it is cooked and if excess fat is disposed of, End Quote, Burrell advises.
Sourdough breadQuote. Unlike regular white bread, the processing of sourdough means that it has a relatively low glycemic index, meaning it releases its glucose more slowly into the bloodstream, End Quote, says Burrell.
If you can pick up a multigrain or soy and linseed loaf, all the better.
EggsSome health nuts only use egg whites as a way to reduce their fat intake. But the yolk is where all the essential nutrients — including Vitamins A and D and essential fatty acids ---are packed in.
Quote. They are not the cholesterol nightmare they are often considered to be, End Quote, says Burrell. Quote. One to two each day is a nutrient-rich addition to any diet. End Quote.
Whole-milk yogurtFor years we’ve been trained to reach for the low-fat or skim options in the supermarket.
But lately there’s been a push to start buying full-fat products. Many low-fat dairy options contain loads of sugar to compensate for the loss of flavor.
Buying natural, full-fat, plain yogurt is the best option. Quote. All dairy foods have numerous health benefits including offering high-quality protein as well as calcium, magnesium and phosphorus, End Quote, according to Burrell. Quote. Plain yogurt in particular is a great choice and the total fat (8 to 10 grams) is relatively low overall, compared to other high-fat foods. End Quote.
Hot chocolateForget the sugar-laden powder packets. Try making hot chocolate with raw cacao or pure cocoa powder with a small amount of milk and water.
Quote. The addition of cocoa powder, which is rich in antioxidants, can make this a nutrient-rich, tasty drink, End Quote, says Burrell. Quote. The bitter nature of cacao also means you are less likely to overuse it. End Quote.
Last month we read about safety precautions in the event of being caught in a Earthquake. This month, we will talk about what to do if caught in a Tornado.
Spring has arrived and, here are some things, we that are not use to having tornados happen, may need to know in case you experience having one in your area. Pray not, but better to know things that could help protect you and your family .
There is no such thing as guaranteed safety inside a tornado. Freak accidents happen, and the most violent tornadoes can level and blow away almost any house and its occupants. Extremely violent EF5 tornadoes are very rare, though. Most tornadoes are actually much weaker and can be survived using these safety ideas.
Prevention and practice before the storm:At home, have a family tornado plan in place, based on the kind of dwelling you live in, and the safety tips below. Know where you can take shelter in a matter of seconds, and practice a family tornado drill at least once a year. Have a predetermined place to meet after a disaster. Flying debris is the greatest danger in tornadoes, so store protective coverings ( mattress, sleeping bags, thick blankets,transistor radio,flash lights, etc in or next to your shelter space, ready to use on a few seconds\' notice. When a tornado watch is issued, think about the drill, and check to make sure all your safety supplies are handy. Turn on local TV, radio or NOAA Weather Radio and stay alert for warnings. Forget about the old notion of opening windows to equalize pressure; the tornado will blast open the windows for you!
If you shop frequently at certain stores, learn where there are bathrooms, storage rooms or other interior shelter areas away from windows, and the shortest ways to get there. All administrators of schools, shopping centers, nursing homes, hospitals, sports arenas, stadiums, mobile home communities and offices should have a tornado safety plan in place, with easy to read signs posted to direct everyone to a safe, close by shelter area. Schools and office building managers should regularly run well coordinated drills.
If you are planning to build a house, especially east of the Rockies, consider an underground tornado shelter or an interior safe room.
Know the signs of a tornado:Weather forecasting science is not perfect and some tornadoes do occur without a tornado warning. There is no substitute for staying alert to the sky. Besides an obviously visible tornado, here are some things to look and listen for.
Strong, persistent rotation in the cloud base. Whirling dust or debris on the ground under a cloud base tornadoes sometimes have no funnel!
Hail or heavy rain followed by either dead calm or a fast, intense wind shift. Many tornadoes are wrapped in heavy precipitation and cannot be seen.
Day or night Loud, continuous roar or rumble, which doesn\'t fade in a few seconds like thunder.
Night, Small, bright, blue-green to white flashes at ground level near a thunderstorm (as opposed to silvery lightning up in the clouds). These mean power lines are being snapped by very strong wind, maybe a tornado.
Night Persistent lowering from the cloud base, illuminated or silhouetted by lightning especially if it is on the ground or there is a blue green-white power flash underneath.
WHAT TO DOIn a house with a basement: Avoid windows. Get in the basement and under some kind of sturdy protection (heavy table or work bench, or cover yourself with a mattress or sleeping bag. Know where very heavy objects rest on the floor above (pianos, refrigerators, water beds, etc.) and do not go under them. They may fall down through a weakened floor and crush you. Head protection, such as a helmet, can offer some protection also.
In a house with no basement, a dorm, or an apartment Avoid windows. Go to the lowest floor, small center room (like a bathroom or closet, under a stairwell, or in an interior hallway with no windows. Crouch as low as possible to the floor, facing down, and cover your head with your hands. A bath tub may offer a shell of partial protection. Even in an interior room, you should cover yourself with some sort of thick padding (mattress, blankets, etc.), to protect against falling debris in case the roof and ceiling fail. A helmet can offer some protection against head injury.
In an office building, hospital, nursing home or skyscraper:Go directly to an enclosed, windowless area in the center of the building away from glass and on the lowest floor possible. Then, crouch down and cover your head. Interior stairwells are usually good places to take shelter, and if not crowded, allow you to get to a lower level quickly. Stay off the elevators, you could be trapped in them if the power is lost.
In a mobile home:Get out! Even if your home is tied down, it is not as safe as an underground shelter or permanent, sturdy building. Go to one of those shelters, or to a nearby permanent structure, using your tornado evacuation plan. Most tornadoes can destroy even tied down mobile homes; and it is best not to play the low odds that yours will make it. This mobile home safety video from the State of Missouri may be useful in developing your plan.
At school, Follow the drill! Go to the interior hall or room in an orderly way as you are told. Crouch low, head down, and protect the back of your head with your arms. Stay away from windows and large open rooms like gyms and auditoriums.
In a car or truck: Vehicles are extremely risky in a tornado. There is no safe option when caught in a tornado in a car, just slightly less dangerous ones. If the tornado is visible, far away, and the traffic is light, you may be able to drive out of its path by moving at right angles to the tornado. Seek shelter in a sturdy building, or underground if possible. If you are caught by extreme winds or flying debris, park the car as quickly and safely as possible out of the traffic lanes. Stay in the car with the seat belt on. Put your head down below the windows; cover your head with your hands and a blanket, coat, or other cushion if possible. If you can safely get noticeably lower than the level of the roadway,leave your car and lie in that area, covering your head with your hands. Avoid seeking shelter under bridges, which can create deadly traffic hazards while offering little protection against flying debris.
In the open outdoors: If possible, seek shelter in a sturdy building. If not, lie flat and face down on low ground, protecting the back of your head with your arms. Get as far away from trees and cars as you can; they may be blown onto you in a tornado.
In a shopping mall or large store: Do not panic. Watch for others. Move as quickly as possible to an interior bathroom, storage room or other small enclosed area, away from windows.
In a church or theater: Do not panic. If possible, move quickly but orderly to an interior bathroom or hallway, away from windows. Crouch face down and protect your head with your arms. If there is no time to do that, get under the seats or pews, protecting your head with your arms or hands.
AFTER THE TORNADO.Keep your family together and wait for emergency personnel to arrive. Carefully render aid to those who are injured. Stay away from power lines and puddles with wires in them; they may still be carrying electricity! Watch your step to avoid broken glass, nails, and other sharp objects. Stay out of any heavily damaged houses or buildings; they could collapse at any time. Do not use matches or lighters, in case of leaking natural gas pipes or fuel tanks nearby. Remain calm and alert, and listen for information and instructions from emergency crews or local officials.
An organization that serves as a support centre for blind Canadians is weighing in on Jack Mortimers story. Mortimer, a blind 82-year-old Sundre resident, was recently denied accommodations with his guide dog Rufus at the Mountain View Seniors Housing (MVSH) Foothills Lodge.
After Mortimer went public with his story, MVSH officials said they would allow both Mortimer and Rufus to reside at the lodge in two to three months time.
Quote. The real story here is that an Albertan has been denied his most fundamental rights – for the sole reason that he is blind and relies on a guide dog for assistance End Quote, reads a press release from CNIB Alberta and Northwest Territories.
Quote. CNIB Alberta and Northwest Territories is calling on Mountain View Seniors Housing to immediately reverse their position on accommodating qualified guide dogs and abide by provincial legislation that protects the rights of Albertans who are blind or partially sighted. End Quote.
CNIB is a registered charity that aims to provide a national voice for blind Canadians to ensure they have the confidence, skills and opportunities to fully participate in life.
Quote. Guide dogs are not pets. They are highly-trained working animals that help provide mobility, safety and increased independence for people with vision loss, End Quote, said John McDonald, executive director and regional vice-president of CNIB Alberta and Northwest Territories.
Quote. They receive formal training that can cost tens of thousands of dollars and they become an extension of their handlers. End Quote.
Rufus is a certified Seeing Eye dog trained through the International Guide Dog Federation. Mortimer has owned him for 10 years.
Quote. Organizations like CNIB have worked tremendously hard to remove barriers for people with disabilities, End Quote, said McDonald.
Quote. Here in our province, the Blind Persons Rights Act protects the rights of Albertans who are blind or partially sighted, including those who use guide dogs. End Quote.
Mortimer applied for a unit at the lodge in January. About a week later, he received a letter from Michele Langmead, admissions counsellor at Foothills Lodge, stating that Mortimer was accepted, but not Rufus.
Quote. If you wish to make alternate living arrangements for the care of your dog then you would be able to move into the lodge when a suite becomes available. Your dog would be able to visit you at the lodge for short periods of time as long as you were able to manage his care during his visits, End Quote, the letter states.
According to Cheryl Chichak, public affairs officer with Alberta Human Services, as long as the guide dog is trained by a school that is certified by the International Guide Dog Federation, the dog should be able to reside anywhere. She said a person who violates the Alberta Blind Persons Rights Act could be fined up to $3,000.
Section 5 (2) of the act reads as follows:Quote. No person, directly or indirectly, alone or with another, by himself or herself or by the interposition of another, shall (a) deny to any person occupancy of any self-contained dwelling unit, or (b) discriminate against any person with respect to any term or condition of occupancy of any self-contained dwelling unit, for the reason that the person is a blind person keeping or customarily accompanied by a guide dog. End Quote.
Mortimer met personally with Sam Smalldon, MVSH chief administrative officer on Feb. 20, when Smalldon said both Mortimer and Rufus would be put on the waiting list for a unit at the lodge.
Smalldon said MVSH initially decided Rufus could not reside at the lodge because there is currently no policy in place to allow guide dogs to reside in any of their buildings. The only policy they have in place regarding animals is a pet policy, and no pets are allowed. He said the MVSH board of directors is currently working on putting a policy in place.
Quote. We have addressed the situation with him (Mortimer). He has been accommodated. But there is a process, End Quote, said Smalldon. Quote. He is currently on our wait-list for both himself and his guide dog. End Quote.
Hear we go folks, this is another first for our Out of Sight Community. We will be asking for your online vote to gage your opinion. In the past newsletter issues, I got you to e-mail me your thoughts, but now, you will just have to select either, yes, or, no. So, even a monkey could do it.
No need to sharpen any pencils, just get your clicker ready to vote. The results will be published in June\'s newsletter.
Here is this months survey question and you will go to the online form and vote:
In light of the Malaysian Flight 370 missing since March 8th, will you think twice about airline travel? Its disappearance launced the world\'s most thorough investigation, including teams from right around the world, and nothing yet has been discovered.
So, please vote, yes, or no, if you will think twice about airline travel.
Please copy and paste the link below on your internet browser.Hurry, I need your help. My husbands man card is in grave jeopardy. He takes bubble baths and uses a bunch of hohckiss pohckiss creams on his body to detoxify. This has become a ritual for him. Save my hubby and preserve his man card. Sending you a S O S!
Sincerely,What has gotten into you? Any woman who has their man silky smooth on a silver platter should be thanking the heavens. It is a dream come true! Would you prefer to be smelling his stinky farts and touching a sweaty body? Yuk! So, take a lesson from him and fix yourself up by waxing your mustache and detoxify your dumb thoughts. Grab a bottle of wine and plop yourself into his bubble bath and seize this romantic opportunity. Have fun under the bubbles and you can even play with his rubber ducky too!
Insincerely,I have been reading your column for a while now. You seem to trash guys a lot. You think we are real dorks that need to be wipped into shape. In a previous column, you said that guys need to be at their wives beck and call by always carrying a cell phone…well, I am one up on you because I do not even own one and I do not plan on getting one. So, what do you think about that little Miss snarky Blunt?
Sincerely,It is amazing how tough a guy can get when hiding behind writing a letter. Yet, in person, he does not even have the guts to face me. I will chew you up and spit you out in a half second. You need to be guided because you would be lost otherwise. Get a life! I will send you a cell phone because you are too cheap to buy one. Then you can text someone who cares, because it is not me. Go cry in your baklava, opa!
Insincerely,Thank you to everyone who submitted answers to last month’s brain teasers. Many of you were very close, but close only counts in horseshoes!
A big congratulations goes out to Brenda Green, Debbie Granger, Jaime Gutierrez, Joe Gallipeau, Lawrence MacLellan, and TJ Reid, for correctly answering both brainteasers!
Applause also goes out to Hala Cooper, Lee Smiley, and Nancy Martin for figuring out one answer! Way to go!
In case you missed them, here are the April brain teasers and their answers:
1. A boy was rushed to the hospital emergency room. The emergency room doctor saw the boy and said, quote, I cannot operate on this boy. He is my son, end quote. But, the doctor was not the boys father. How could that be?Now, for our super duper May brain teasers! Can you solve these? Let’s see who has their thinking cap on!
1. There is a man on an island prison. He cannot swim. One day he escapes using nothing but himself. There is no bridge. How did he do it?