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Author Donna Jodhan Publications - Tuesday, July 1, 2014 - Issue 10

An Author Donna Jodhan Publication
https://www.donnajodhan.com/

Greetings,

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Section: From Flying Blind, LLC:
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Compliments of our good friends over at Flying Blind, LLC we bring you the latest Volume of Top Tech Tidbits for Thursday, The Week's News in Adaptive Technology. If you'd like to subscribe to this free weekly publication directly, head on over to www.flying-blind.com, or send an email to enews@flying-blind.com with "Subscribe" in the subject line.

Top Tech Tidbits for Thursday, June 26, 2014 - Volume 463
The Week's News in Adaptive Technology

A Flying Blind, LLC Publication
http://www.flying-blind.com/

You are receiving this email from Flying Blind, LLC because you subscribed to receive Flying Blind, LLC Publications. To ensure that you continue to receive Flying Blind, LLC Publications please add enews@flying-blind.com to your address book today.

Read this Volume of Top Tech Tidbits on the web at: http://www.flying-blind.com/tidbits2014/06262014/index.html

Photo of the Focus 40 Blue 1st Generation Braille Terminal for $1,745.00 USD - Flying Blind, LLC Online Store

This Week's Featured Advertisement: One Gently Used Focus 40 Blue 1st Generation Braille Terminal for $1,745.00 USD!!!

And the Braille Display deals just keep on coming as we heat up things for the summer! Flying Blind, LLC is pleased to offer one lucky recipient a Focus 40-Cell Bluetooth Braille Terminal for a price approximately 40% off of its suggested retail price! This Braille Display is a perfect fit for the individual who prefers the globally acclaimed JAWS for Windows screenreading software for their desktop needs and Voiceover for their iOS devices. Offering ergonomic input / output capabilities bundled with both USB and Bluetooth connectivity options, this unit has been responsibly used, and is aching for a new home! This is an unbeatable price for a Braille display that can do it all! Price includes shipping within the 48 Continental United States, and will be sold on a first come, first serve basis. To be the first to secure this unit please use the Buy Now link included below. For more information, or to order this product offline, email featured@flying-blind.com or call +1 (216) 381-8107 today.

Buy Now - One Gently Used Focus 40 Blue 1st Generation Braille Terminal for $1,745.00 USD - Flying Blind, LLC Online Store
http://bit.ly/1pkCtqy

1) Lichess claims to be the first chess site accessible to visually impaired people.They have implemented several changes that enable announcing moves in text format, showing textual representation of board diagrams and eliminating CAPTCHA's, among other changes:
http://en.lichess.org/blog/U5AX_DcAADkAz-L5/accessibility-for-blind-players

2A) The Accessible Gadgets Mailing List has been formed. Subscribe by sending a blank message to:
accessiblegadgets-subscribe@lists.mysticaccess.com

2B) Or visit:
http://lists.mysticaccess.com/listinfo.cgi/accessiblegadgets-mysticaccess.com

3) BAUM USA has introduced a new Braille device called VarioUltra, which functions as both a Braille display and a Braille notetaker. Offered with 20-Cells ($2,395.00) or 40-Cells ($3,395.00), VarioUltra features excellent cells, lightweight, versatile connectivity and long battery life. Devices should ship in July:
http://www.varioultra.com

4) Freedom Scientific has released the JAWS Training Bundle, for users needing thorough beginning or refresher training on JAWS and Windows. The 50+ hour comprehensive training package costs $995.00 if purchased with a Victor Reader Stream or Plextalk Pocket, and $750 if purchased for use with your own DAISY player:
http://www.freedomscientific.com/training/JAWSTrainingBundle.asp

5) Doug Lee continues to make free JAWS scripts available for Skype, Virtual Audio Cable, Weather Watcher Live, and other programs:
http://dlee.org/

6) American Foundation for the Blind has released a free iOS CareerConnect App:
http://www.afb.org/blog/afb-blog/afb-launches-an-app-for-afb-careerconnect-and-its-free/12

7) If you are a user of NVDA, an NVDA code contributor, add-on developer or other user or developer interested in NVDA screen reader, you are invited to NVDACon, to take place via TeamTalk through the GMT day of 12 July:
http://www.nvda-kr.org/en/nvdacon.php

8) AfterShokz Blues, Bluetooth headsets that transmit through bone conduction rather than the ear, leaving ears free to hear traffic and other useful external sounds, have been upgraded to version 2. Here is a blog post about the new features:
http://www.aftershokz.com/2014/05/30/meet-bluez-2-transcending-wireless-bone-conduction-headphones/

9) As we reach the five-year anniversary of the implementation of VoiceOver into the iDevices, here is an article and discussion of the retrospective:
http://www.applevis.com/blog/advocacy-apple-assistive-technology-ios-iphone-news/5-years-voiceover-look-how-far-weve-come

10) This article addresses the accessibility features said to be built into the Amazon Fire mobile phone:
http://www.mediaaccess.org.au/latest_news/digital-technology/amazon-touts-accessibility-of-fire-smartphone

11) Here is the Top 10 Best Android Smartphones Buyers Guide: June 2014 Edition:
http://www.androidheadlines.com/2014/06/top-10-best-android-smartphones-buyers-guide-june-2014-edition.html

12) This is a guide on Installing Mac OS X from a USB Flash Drive:
http://www.applevis.com/guides/braille-mac-os-x-miscellaneous-voiceover/installing-mac-os-x-usb-flash-drive

13A) This week's audio roundup begins with the latest FSCast, where we learn about that new JAWS training bundle, among other things:
http://www.freedomscientific.com/FSCast/episodes/fscast091-june2014.asp

13B) Eyes on Success 1426 addresses navigation using echolocation:
http://www.eyesonsuccess.net/

13C) Listen to a Demo of the BEM Bluetooth Speaker Band with the iPhone using VoiceOver:
http://davidwoodbr.podbean.com/e/demo-of-the-bem-bluetooth-speaker-band-with-the-iphone-using-voiceover/

13D) The innovative iOS navigation app BlindSquare now allows keyboard navigation with Braille and Bluetooth keyboards. Here is a demonstration:
https://audioboo.fm/boos/2273669-keyboard-notetaker-and-braille-display-support-in-blindsquare-2-2

13E) The DropVox Aapp now offers MP3 recording. Here is a test of Dropvox 2 on the fly MP3 recording, HQ mono and stereo:
https://audioboo.fm/boos/2276345-a-test-of-dropvox-2-on-the-fly-mp3-recording-hq-mono-and-stereo-spliced-together-of-course

13F) And episode 29 of That Android Show appeared just before this newsletter wended its way to Flying Blind, LLC for distribution:
http://thatandroidshow.com/2014/06/25/that-android-show-episode-29-ye-skeptical-bodies

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Section: Practical Tips To Enhance Your Daily Life:
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Welcome to our varied collection of links for your reading pleasure. They are meant to help you keep up with improvements and enhancements to various products and services that are a part of your daily life. Enjoy!

1.) Are you having difficulty removing rust from chrome? Would you like some help? http://removeandreplace.com/2014/05/26/best-way-to-safely-remove-rust-from-chrome/

2.) If you are thinking of throwing out your favorite wooden table but are finding it hard to do so, here is the easiest way to refinish it: http://removeandreplace.com/2014/05/25/the-easiest-way-to-refurbish-and-refinish-a-wooden-table/

3.) If you are in search of some sort of accessible fitness tool then look no further. This website could be the answer to your questions and queries: http://www.myfitnesspal.com/

4.) Here are some very useful links for those of you interested in pursuing online training courses that help you to become more familiar with both Apple as well as other types of Internet-based products:

4A.) Windows: http://www.blindaccesstraining.com

4B.) Apple http://www.fedoraoutlier.com

4C.) And also: http://www.blindtraining.com

5.) Here is an interesting link for those of you who are job seeking. These are the three highest paying jobs that are being driven by the demands of baby boomers: http://www.fool.com/investing/general/2014/06/07/3-great-paying-jobs-experiencing-high-growth-thank.aspx

6.) Looking for tips to help you prepare for all kinds of security circumstances? http://www.entrepreneur.com/article/234517

7.) This next link is for those of you who are constantly striving to become more familiar with Siri. Remember now, Siri continues to improve our ability to communinate and access more effectively: http://fieldguide.gizmodo.com/7-uses-for-siri-you-might-not-know-about-1589307090/+whitsongordon

8.) And finally, how to get navigation directions even offline without having to buy a GPS device: http://www.howtogeek.com/182965/how-to-get-navigation-directions-even-offline-without-buying-a-gps/

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Section: News Flash From Author Donna Jodhan:
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On May 24 Detective DJ and her crime crushers team along with the Halifax chapter of the Alliance for Equality of Blind Canadians hosted a murder mystery evening at the Dartmouth Sports Complex in Halifax Nova Scotia.

This event was a resounding success as both cast members and audience participated in solving the mystery of the Cell Phone Call written by author Donna Jodhan. The evening was enriched by two games that were developed by Author Donna Jodhan which were meant to create public awareness and foster team building.

We thank Accessible Media Inc for having come out to film the events of this evening and we are pleased to tell you that in the fall Detective DJ and the Crime Crushers will be hoping to take their show to one of the schools in the area.

You can get a peep at some coverage for this event by visiting https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GFTbYrO81QM&feature=youtu.be

Stay tuned for more!

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Section: Mystery of the Month:
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This month, I'd like to whet your appetite with a brief description of one of my audio mysteries that I have chosen for you. This one is called "The Emerald Egg" and here is a brief description:

Barry Barenteau had denied all odds!
He lived a dangerous life and he knew it!
He was always one step ahead of his rivals and only his instincts saved him at the end.
 
Who could have wanted Barry dead?
Was it the Russians and they had sent their man Vladimir to finish off Barry?
Or was it the Chinese and they had sent their man Yang Tai to complete the mission?
 
Get this audio mystery by becoming an All Access Pass Member at http://bit.ly/1om4vyi of the Author Donna Jodhan Subscription Library for the extremely affordable price of just $4.99 / month.

Your All Access Pass at http://bit.ly/1om4vyi will allow you to browse all episodes at your convenience and download each as many times as you like. As a subscriber you will also receive automatic notifications whenever additions are made to the Author Donna Jodhan Subscription Library.

The All Access Pass at http://bit.ly/1om4vyi is the very best way to enjoy all that the Author Donna Jodhan Subscription Library has to offer, and we hope that you'll take advantage of it. No commitment required. Cancel anytime. All major credit cards, debit cards, and PayPal accepted.

You can also purchase this individual audio mystery on the Author Donna Jodhan Online Store at https://www.donnajodhan.com/store.html for just $0.99 USD, or an entire season of 13 mysteries for the very low price of just $9.99 USD.

Visit the Author Donna Jodhan Online Store at https://www.donnajodhan.com/store.html today to purchase your very own copies.

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Section: From the Desk of Author Donna Jodhan:
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If you would like to gain perspective as to how blind persons go about their daily activities, and how they interact with others, please go to:
http://www.donnajodhan.blogspot.com

If you're looking for ways to make your products, services, and/or physical locations more accessible to those who are blind and/or partially sighted, please go to:
http://www.sterlingcreations.ca/sightimpaired.html

If you would like to learn more about Author Donna Jodhan through her editorials and more please visit:
http://www.sterlingcreations.ca/blog

To learn more about what Donna does through the activities of her company please visit:
http://www.sterlingcreations.ca/newsletter.html

Donna also produces various other useful posts every Saturday such as:

Helpful monthly tips.
Where to find your best American cities.
How to make your products and services more accessible.
Editorials on creating an accessible workplace.
Technology related articles each Wednesday and Thursday.
http://www.sterlingcreations.com/businessdesk.htm

You can follow Author Donna Jodhan on Twitter @author_jodhan or @accessibleworld. You can also chat with her on Skype @habsfan0526.

With very best wishes,
Donna J. Jodhan AKA Detective DJ

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Section: Some Friendly Advice From Author Donna Jodhan:
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July 2014
Using images to Transform

For this month, I'd like to introduce you to yet another neat way of transforming and creating. It all has to do with using images to help you do just that. As someone who is blind, I find this strategy to be very affective.

You are probably wondering how I do this and I'll tell you. I dip into my memory bank to retrieve images of all kinds, sizes, and shapes and I can do this because up until 2004, I had enough vision to see images. I can still remember them all and whenever I wish to use an image to help me create then I simply go to my memory bank.

Conjuring up images can help you to imagine and explore. It can certainly help you to improve and expand your imagination and you would be very surprised to see how you can allow yourself to drift from scene to scene without too much difficulty.

Just sit back and enjoy it all! Happy transforming through imaging.

Donna J. Jodhan, AKA Detective DJ

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Section: Please Join My Campaign Against Bullying (CAB):
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This is a personal message from author Donna Jodhan: "Each time we raise our voice at someone else we are engaging in bullying! Each time we raise our hands to slap or punch someone else we are also engaging in bullying and each time we engage in actions to either manipulate or force someone else to do what we want we are also engaging in bullying!

There is no room in this world for bullying and each day we fail to take action against bullying it is another day that we allow others to bully us and our kids. Our heros and role models are the ones who have made us proud; those brave young men and women who gave their lives for us in past wars and those who continue to do so. They are not the ones who choose to be racists and those who believe that their bad behaviour in public is acceptable.

I write and record audio mysteries that are being used at such events as murder mystery evenings as well as at public awareness and team building events. I promote understanding, tolerance, and problem solving and my audio mysteries continue to be broadcasted around the world and you can listen to them anywhere! On the plane or train! In the car or right there in your home! On your i-device or computer!

Please join my Campaign Against Bullying (CAB) by supporting my efforts to keep on writing and recording! "If you truly care then you will certainly dare!"

You can follow Author Donna Jodhan on Twitter @author_jodhan or @accessibleworld. You can also chat with her on Skype @habsfan0526.

Be sure to like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/authordonnajodhan.

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Section: From Head Star Communications:
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Compliments of our good friends over at Headstar Communications we give you the latest Volume of the E-Access Bulletin, Access To Technology For All, Regardless Of Ability, at: www.headstar.com/eablive. If you'd like to subscribe to this free monthly text-only publication directly, send an email to eab-subs@headstar.com with "Subscribe" in the subject line.

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Section: Closing:
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With very best wishes for a joyful month of July,
Donna J. Jodhan AKA Detective DJ

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Section: Author Donna Jodhan Publications Subscription and Contact Information:
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CONTACT: You may contact Author Donna Jodhan via email at: donnajodhan@donnajodhan.com.

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