13 Side Effects Of Acai Berry You Should Be Aware Of

13 Side Effects Of Acai Berry You Should Be Aware Of
13 Side Effects Of Acai Berry You Should Be Aware Of (via Style Craze)

Image: Getty You must have heard a lot about Acai berries and their health benefits. But have you ever thought about the side effects of Acai berries? Yes, there are few side effects that we will discuss in this post. But before getting into the Acai…

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Tablet Shopping Guide: 8 Tips

Tablet Shopping Guide: 8 Tips
Tablet Shopping Guide: 8 Tips (via InformationWeek)

Michael Endler The tablet market is more crowded than ever. Use our eight tips to avoid buyers’ remorse this holiday season. The holiday season’s annual gift-buying bonanza is now in full swing, and whether consumers turn to Black Friday, Cyber Monday…

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How Vaccine Policy & Law Threatens Parental Rights In America

How Vaccine Policy & Law Threatens Parental Rights In America
How Vaccine Policy & Law Threatens Parental Rights In America (via Honey Colony)

By Dr. Mercola “THE GREATER GOOD looks behind the fear, hype and politics that have polarized the vaccine debate in America today. The film re-frames the emotionally charged issue and offers, for the first time, the opportunity for a rational and…

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Amazon Drone Video | Watch Amazon’s Vision of Unmanned Drone Deliveries

Amazon Drone Video | Watch Amazon’s Vision of Unmanned Drone Deliveries (via Wall Street Journal Digital Network)

Amazon released a video on Sunday demonstrating their vision for a delivery system that uses unmanned drones. Chief Executive Jeff Bezos said it was possible Amazon could introduce the drones within four to five years, depending in part on Federal Aviation…

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IK Multimedia adds SampleMoog™ Mobile Edition to Sample Tank!

MEDIA ALERT

IK Multimedia adds SampleMoog™ Mobile Edition
and Inter-App Audio in SampleTank
for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch


New version of SampleTank for iOS adds availability of the SampleMoog™
collection of instruments – the most sought after vintage
and modern Moog synthesizers of all time

November 26, 2013 – IK Multimedia, the leader in mobile music-creation apps and accessories for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch, is pleased to announce a new version of SampleTank, the premium virtual instrument and sound module for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch that gives mobile musicians access to the SampleMoog™ – Mobile Edition collection of instrument sounds, plus adds Inter-App Audio features allowing SampleTank to run as an instrument app for Inter-App Audio compatible recording apps like GarageBand for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch.

The SampleMoog™ Mobile Edition for SampleTank mobile is available as an in-app purchase and is derived from the SampleMoog™ standalone app and DAW plug-in for Mac/PC used in studios around the world. These sounds, pads, textures and effects have been heard on countless GRAMMY-winning albums and millions of recordings since the 1970s. SampleMoog™ Mobile Edition features instruments that were painstakingly sampled for precise and faithful sound reproduction of the world’s most popular Moog vintage and modern synthesizers.  These sounds have a texture, warmth, and beauty that is considered “the anthology of Moog synths” and unrivalled in the virtual instrument world.

The SampleMoog™ – Mobile Edition for SampleTank includes over 130 analog synth lead, pad, bass, sequence and effect sounds from classic Moog Music® instruments including the Minimoog® Model D, Memorymoog, Polymoog, Taurus®, Source, Rogue, Prodigy, Vocoder, Minimoog Voyager®, Little Phatty® and Etherwave® Theremin.  These sounds are taken from the desktop version of SampleMoog™, IK Multimedia’s leading Moog® virtual instrument.

SampleTank 1.7 for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch is a complete professional quality virtual instrument and sound workstation that allows musicians to use a portable keyboard/MIDI controller like iRig KEYS, or any MIDI keyboard controller with a MIDI interface like iRig MIDI or iRig PRO, to create and perform with studio quality instruments and sounds on the go. Musicians can even add more performance control with iRig BlueBoard, wireless MIDI pedalboard controller. SampleTank is both Inter-App Audio (new in iOS 7) and AudioBus compatible so it can be used as an instrument app with other compatible mobile recording and DAW applications like GarageBand, AmpliTube and VocaLive for creating music on the go, anytime and everywhere. SampleTank is compatible with iPhone 3GS or later, iPod touch 4G or later, and any iPad model.

Pricing & Availability:
SampleTank 1.7 for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch is available now as a free update on the App StoreSM (www.itunes.com/appstore). The SampleMoog™ Mobile Edition is available as an in-app purchase for $19.99/€17.99. Additional instrument collections, like the symphonic sounds of Miroslav Philharmonik Mobile Edition, are also available via in-app purchase.

For more information about SampleTank for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch, please visit:

www.sampletank.com

Business Technology Basics Week One CRM’s

We are starting a new feature each week on  aspect of technology related to an industry, this week it is CRM’s.

A CRM is a tool for companies, especially their sales people to keep track of activity with customers. When I first started in outside sales in 1993, it was a card box and 3 by 5 cards. Over the years it developed into software and technology. I find that using a CRM is valuable, especially as I have aged. A CRM helps a person to keep track of who they talked with which company, and what was talked about. The CRM also can remind you when to call them back, and what to talk about as wellsalesman_knocking_on_door_md_wm

 

Small businesses are adopting CRM strategies for much the same reason as are larger businesses: In an effort to make their sales efforts more efficient and ultimately more productive. In its essence, CRM technology broadens the act of selling, connecting the individual salesperson into a broad information-gathering mechanism within the company. That data then is used to build customer loyalty and increase customer value over time.

The CRM Solution can keep a sales person productive, and also helps a company keep track of what the sales people did with their day and it also keeps track of all the customers and potential customers that the sales person obtained for the company. It also allows marketing, other sales people and management have a database of potential customers to draw from and market too. There are a variety of solutions available for crm’s or customer relationship managers this one example.

 

An open letter to the world–>Help an aspie dad to make a difference for autism!

 

I am the aspie dad of 3 kids, 2 are almost adults with autism. I know what is like to be autistic. I am hyper functioning, hyper intuitive, do everything twice as fast as anyone I know. That is other than my athletic skills which are barely average. I have been bullied, treated differently was nick named rain man when I worked at Circuit City in the 1980’s the warehouse staff long before I figured out that I was Asperger’s. I was supposed to skip 3 grades in school but did not because I was considered not socially ready was told that I had an odd manner about me. I was once told that I had the personality of a door knob by a teacher in Middle School at Garside Junior High. I am lousy at eye contact and do not really get as to why people even care. I am ironically in corporate sales, and do an awesome job normally, but struggle to get jobs due to my different viewpoint on life, and lack of proper eye contact. I have really had no real close friends in 44 years besides my wife, who does not really get me either. I was spit on in 7th grade pe for being different by the first chair clarinetist who wound up being in the marine band. I was smart, motivatex and did well in school but others did not really know what to make of me. For that matter I did not really know what to make of them either. I have always been driven to make a difference and at one point considered being a military Jewish Chaplan, but the urge passed.

As an individual with high functioning Asperger syndrome, a kind of autism, and the father of three kids who are also on the spectrum for this disorder, I have always felt a need to make a difference for the people with autism. I dream of establishing a national organization like the American Heart Association or American Cancer Society to make living on the spectrum better for those with autism related disorders. Utilizing my knowledge and passion for technology with my personal experience and interest in autism, I am trying to make a difference. We are a state nonprofit seeking our 501c3. Our intent is to become a national Arts and Technology Foundation within the autism community.

Our mission if we ever get funded is:

Mission–>
1) We will give the gift of technology and musical instruments to autistic people and class rooms that need those items
2) We will give the gift of culture and entertainment and sports, by helping to provide free tickets to autistic people, their families and others that can not afford the tickets, more people need to enjoy their lives
3) We will give educational and vocational scholarships to those that need them preferably on the autism spectrum.
4) We will build awareness of autism and our desire to make a difference as much as possible so as to truly make a difference for autistic people, their families, friends, and educational facilities for autistic people.
T.E.A.C.H!!!
T–>Technology Donations
E–>Educational Assistance
A–>Arts and Musical Gifts to Individuals and Educational Institutions
C–>Care and Assistance for those with Autism
H–>Help those that need it, pay if forward for Autism.

Being an aspie it is logical and direct, but despite that we can not get any real help.

We reach out to shows like the Talk, the View, Ellen, local radio, tv, and others but never get help.

We then get sold a bill of goods over and over again. The ” we would love to help and will get back to you” line.

We truly want to make a difference, have an online campaign to do so, but no one does.

It seems like people talk about helping others, but few do.

I truly want to make a huge difference for autism, to give back, and improve the lives of people with autism. I am also planning on doing a documentary for autism, the arts and music and would most likely succeed if people would just believe in my efforts. It reminds me of  movie my daughter watched when she was young, you are fading because people do not believe in you. That is what we needs faith in our intent, our mission, and desire to change the quality of life for autistic people, their families and friends.

Does anyone have my back, and want to help.

We need tens of thousands of people to know what we are trying to do, to follow us on twitter, to go to our website in tens of thousands to engage, use our portals to buy things, to see our fundraising and take part in it, not just sit there idly by. That time has passed, now is the time, the time to seize the day, and say, yes, I want to help the aspie dad of 3 to become a house hold name, to help his organization to change the world for people like him.

Please share, and help us improve the quality of life for people with autism and related special needs as well.

You would think that after all this exposure and press, people would get it, and say yes, let’s help this guy out, help him to make a difference.

Sincerely,

David J. Berkowitz
President/Editor/Tech Blogger

 

Toymail.co a new and innovative product-check it out!!

 

I was recently contacted about a new and innovative product that might also be beneficial to special needs people as well.

According to Gauri Nanda Co-Founder of Toymail.co,

I’m writing today with some exciting news!
 
After years of selling Clocky® (remember the alarm clock that runs away?), I am proud to announce the launch of my new startup, Toymail Co. Toymail™ is like e-mail or voicemail, but way more fun because your messages are sent to toys to speak back.  Toymail is delivered by the Mailmen™, a new breed of smart toys that receive messages you send anytime, anywhere right from your phone.
 
I started Toymail Co with my best friend, Audry Hill. We want to change the world of toys.  We believe there’s a better way to approach technology for kids that doesn’t put them in front of a screen, and that’s by making toys social. Toymail helps you stay connected to the kids you love, whether you are a parent, a grandparent, a cousin, or a friend.  
 
To learn more about this toy revolution, visit us here toymailco.com.  
 
We’ll be running a kickstarter campaign on 11/7, and shipping the Mailmen by the end of the year. The Toymail app will be available to download the day we ship.  They are going to have a kickstarter campaign as well to help get the product launched.
I would definitely recommend taking a look, checking it out and helping them in their efforts!!
Your Editor,
David Berkowitz
A youngster with the device–>
Picture-Kid6-1600px
A shot of the ios user interface–>
                                                                                      and the founders–>Picture-Toymakers
ToymailApp-StartupScreen

Where Do You See Yourself…by S.R. Salas.

Where Do You See Yourself…

06OCT

Most hated question ever. E-V-E-R! So why is it the most often asked? And maybe it’s not, maybe it’s because I hate it so frickin’ much that I fixate on it when asked: Counselors in college forcing your hand to choose a major (seriously happened to me). Family worried you will never make a decision and leave the nest (my Mom was ecstatic that I married so young). Friends thinking you’re crazy because, not only have they chosen a career while you ‘just sat there,’ but they have already left home and are on their own. But the one that stands out most to me; that runs down my spine like a sharp, jagged fingernail? The one asked in job interviews again and again:

“So, where do you see yourself in 5 years?”  

(asked with a smile I’d personally like to wipe off my interviewer’s face)

I cannot possibly wrap my Autistic brain around that question. Truth be told, I don’t actually know what it means. I hear the words and know it’s one of those psychological questions HR(Human Resources) throws out there to discern a candidate’s aspirations, goals and job longevity. The question I’m suppose to answer making myself shine like a beacon screaming:“Pick me! I’m the one!!”

But I think it’s bogus. 

You’re trying to tell me there are people out there that know what they want? And that they have different goals at various stages throughout their lives? That they plan for these things, take the necessary steps and work directionally to attain these final goals? Seriously?

Fascinating… What must that be like?

There Is No Future

Hang on before you worry yourselves that this is going to be a bleak post of sadness and despair. It most certainly is not. I know my blogging has been scarce the last month (I’m remedying that as we speak)… but you guys know me better than that!

Moving along…

I was tweeting with my friend, Dave the other day and a subject came up that I have discussed with other Autistic friends as well. And it is this:

We see no future.

[Note:  This is not a figurative ‘cry for help.’ It is very literal in the sense that we actually cannotsee a fututre.]

Now, Dave is Autistic like I am, and we see eye-to-eye on quite a lot of things – which is a refreshing change of pace considering I’ve been misunderstood and been misunderstanding things my entire life. So when he tweeted me the other day:

“I’m a little lost in myself at the moment,  for the first time ever the future has started to worry me… I have a hard time picturing things…”

I stopped in my tracks. Dave was worried about a future he had a hard time picturing (it was like he was taking the thoughts right out of my head). I had been considering a post about my perceptions of the future and what it means – or  rather, doesn’t mean – to me. And then Dave happened to tweet the magical (and reassuring) message above.

“I’m quoting you!”

I told him. It was an obvious sign to write this post, so here we go…

 

What Are Your Thoughts?

When I ask you where you see yourself in 5 years you may say:

  • Graduating college
  • Married
  • Having children
  • Owning your own home
  • Running your own business
  • Running from the law
  • Writing a bestselling novel
  • Accepting the Nobel Peace Price
  • Retiring
  • Etc…

And if you can’t answer right away, you might think on it a bit. Consider your likes and dislikes, your wants and needs in regards to these things, and where you’d like to see yourself…

down the road.

 

Road? There’s A Road?

Where the hell’s the map?!  You see, when I tell you I don’t see a future, that’s exactly what I mean. Don’t get me wrong, routine-wise, I have each day planned down to a ‘T’ – but that’s not what this is about. We’re talking big time future. The next decade and, even more ambiguous…

T h e    R e s t    O f    Y o u r   L i f e

Well now there’s a scary thought. How on Earth am I suppose to sit here and guess what the rest of my life is going to look like. Aside from my routine, I don’t know what next week is going to look like. And you’re talking big time future! I’m not there. I’ve never been there. And yes I have certain likes and dislikes but what does that have to do with where I’ll be in say 5-10 years? And how do I know what I want now is what I’ll want…

down the road?

The Big Picture And How I Consistently Miss It

I’m a detail person. I will find the needle in the haystack. Every. Time. However, the Big Picture is a mythical beast I’ve never had the pleasure of encountering. Heard of it many times, though, and it sounded something like this…

“Renée, you’re missing the Big Picture.”

**sigh**

I cannot see past the day I am in. Unless it is a question of schedule or routine, I really can’t do it. Maybe that’s why it took me 39 years to find a career. And I’ll be honest, I did not choose to become a writer. Or an advocate. Or a blogger. Every single one of those things happenedthrough others’ suggestions. I was messing around and wrote a fiction book and J said: “Hey, why don’t you write a book about being Autistic.”

So I did.

I didn’t know anything about advocacy. I had been advocating, but I didn’t realize that’s what it was. My kids needed certain things, so I made sure they got them. Because that’s what parents do. And the VBPD PIP program for advocacy, that I gush about every so often? Didn’t know a thing about it. My friend Fran said: “You need to do this!”

So I did.

And blogging? I didn’t even know what it was exactly. Then J (of course) said to me: “You need to start a blog for your advocacy.”

So  I did.

So this is the part in our relationship where I show you my Achilles heel. This independent person that seemingly moves through life with purpose; that cannot fathom listening to or taking others’ advice; that will not ask for help; that will research a subject until she’s blue in the face because she can’t ask someone else for information and believe it’s not faulty in some way…

Cannot plan her own future.

(this fact evident in what I revealed to you above)

So Here I Am…

Smack dab in the middle of the Big Picture: My future. Yesssss! Well done me! Must have been all that planning and hard work. All that futuristic insight I nurtured from such a young age. The constant care and consideration of that fateful question:  “Where do you see yourself in 5 years?” Right?

Wrong

I couldn’t see the future when I was 10. Or 20. Or 30 or even now at 41. I will never see the future because the fact of the matter is, it is truly impossible for me to do. In 5 years I will end up where I end up. Simple as that. It’s all conjecture at this point because anything can happen. And that’s at the crux of it my dear friends, because if anything can happen then that means

Renée does not have control.

(And I think we all know how Renée feels about control because she told us about it here).

There is no way to control the future. Perhaps that’s the reason I’m unable to even tackle the idea of it, because there are too many unknown variables. Too many possibilities. Too many choices. We can choose a course or direction and it might work out the way we plan… kinda’ sorta.’ And most that I know fit in that category – they get where they’re going one way or another (but at the very least they know where they’re going). However, I’ve never met anyone that said to me:

“Wow! Life truly is perfect because everything I always wanted happened exactly the way I knew it would.”

And that thought gives me pause. Maybe it’s okay to admit that I can’t see the future. And maybe it’s okay for me to live ‘in the moment’ because I’ve (accidentally) surrounded myself with good people and I’m safe. And, yes I admit it’s impossible for me to see down the road. I own that. But maybe that doesn’t make me the slacker I always thought I was for not pre-planning my life and knowing exactly where I’d be like everyone else did.

Maybe I should have just played it up whenever asked, as if I knew what was what. Like in my last job interview (years ago), when the woman baited me with, where I saw myself in 5 years. Maybe just for the hell of it I should have said:

“In your position, and I’ll do it in two.”

Then maybe I wouldn’t have been the only one in the room fearing an unforeseeable future at a loaded question.

http://srsalas.com/?p=3477

 

 

This can explain why despite nearly an MBA, a BS in Business, 8 years in the army, I have interviewed for many good jobs, but never get them, and typically wind up with so, so jobs. I stink at interviewing, am great at the job, but it is the interview that kills me as well.