Essentials for Educators: High Functioning Autism & Asperger Syndrome

Essentials for Educators: Presented by Utah parents, teachers, professionals in the field of autism spectrum disorders (ASD), this video explains underlying differences in individuals with ASD and suggest strategies for increasing their success in the school setting.

A rather informative video on Youtube from UPDC–http://www.updc.org/autism/

A review of the Xshot 2.0 Camera Extender By David Berkowitz with Technewszone.com

I had the fine opportunity to meet Xshot at CES 2013. I was impressed by their products, which are simple but effective.

Here is link to a bit more information on XSHOT–>http://xshot.com/products/xshot-2

A bio on the Company–>

During a trip to France, Michael Daoud, the co-founder of XShot, found it difficult to take pictures of him and his wife while sightseeing. Michael would hold the camera and extend his arm as far as possible to take a picture of he and his wife but the result was always disappointing, especially if they were trying to capture the background in the picture.

The idea for the XShot came to Michael when he was at a park in front of the famous Louvre Museum in Paris. Michael tried to capture a photo of him and his wife with the Louvre in the background but because the camera was only at arm’s length and so close to their faces, only a small part of the Louvre Museum was in the picture. Michael realized that if his arm was a little longer he could take much better pictures. As a result he came up with the idea of having a telescopic arm that could hold the camera and be extended to take a full picture of the subjects and the background.

Michael enlisted the help of his friend John Stump, an inventor and mechanical engineer, and XShot was born. With XShot, taking a self-portrait looks like someone else took the picture, especially because of the extended 37 inches of reach it provides. It’s just amazing! Every time Michael and John tested XShot with their families they were amazed at the great results.

They knew that other travelers such as themselves would love having an XShot along with them whether traveling around the world, hiking, out on a boat, or simply at home with the family. No more close-up mug shots, hello XShot!

Since 2008 Michael and John kept thinking about new ways to get people in their shots and came up with new products: a 2.0 version of the original camera extender, a compact version with the Pocket XShot, XShot iPhone cases with tripod adapters for smartphone photo and video and a kayak mount.

I had recent opportunity to test the Xshot 2.0

Here are some videos with regards to the Xshot 2.0 with the Help of Youtube:

Intro video # 1 about Xshot’s Products–>

A second video with regards to Xshot’s products–>

Finally A video that I did with regards to the Xshot 2.0–>

In regards to the Xshot 2.0 I found it to quite an effective product. It would come in handy for taking small group pictures while on vacation or at a trade show. It could also be used by an individual and an object such as the Statue of Liberty, or with a celebrity or a product or object that you want to photograph yourself near. In addition the Xshot 2.0 works great with video such as for a video blog or interviewing someone or talking about something that you want to share the shot with.

I like the solid design, the ability to shrink it down to around 9″ in length its’ durability as well.

I did the demo with the Xshot 2.0 and a Samsung NX100 which was a wee bit heavy. I would recommend a lighter camera like the ReplayXD or a GoPro or a blogger cam or flip type camera, camcorder or a small point and shoot. I would not suggest using it with a Canon Rebel t2i though it is a superb camera it would be heavy. I would definitely recommend the Xshot 2.0 highly, and will try using mine and telling people about it as much as I can.

It could, it seem be used with a tripod to mount a remotely operated flash of for 2 camera angles as long as you have remote control of the shutter on your camera.

I appreciate the opportunity to have demoed the product.

Here are some product photos:

The fine Xshot 2.0
The fine Xshot 2.0

and another–>

PocketXShot-XShot2-0

and a shot of the product packaging for those retailers out there–>

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And a final shot from My Samsung NX100 and the Xshot 2.0–>

The fine Xshot 2.0
The fine Xshot 2.0

A video overview of the Phazzer Scorpion at The Las Vegas Sportsman’s Expo 3-3-13.

While at the Las Vegas Sportsman’s expo, I had the opportunity to meet John Smith with Phazzer. They are:

PhaZZer® Electronics, Inc. manufactures and distributes Conductive Energy Weapons (CEWs), High Voltage Multi-Function Drive Stun Devices, and Mini-DVR Recording Devices. PhaZZer Conductive Energy Weapons (CEWs) are an industry standard in Global Government Law Enforcement Agencies, Military Divisions, and Operator End Users.

PhaZZer® Enforcer and Dragon CEWs are similar in effectiveness to the Taser X26®, Taser M26®, and Taser M18®, Electronic Control Devices (ECDs). PhaZZer® Ammunition is compatible with all Taser X26®, Taser M26® & Taser M18® ECDs. PhaZZer offers six variations of ammunition cartridges including: Dart Pro 15 foot; Dart Pro 21 foot; PepperBall® 30 foot; Rubber Bullet 30 foot; Paint Ball Mark 30 foot; Multi-Target Pepper Powder 8 foot and Training Cartridge 21 foot.

PhaZZer CEWs use replaceable cartridges containing compressed nitrogen to deploy two small dart probes attached to insulated conductive wires that extend from 15 feet for civilians (4.5 meter) and up to 21 feet (6.4 meter) for LAW ENFORCEMENT ONLY. High voltage carries low amperage through the wires into the dart probes. The pulsed electro shock can penetrate up to two cumulative inches of clothing, giving you a safe, convenient, and effective self-defense weapon you can carry with confidence as a less lethal option. The charge transmits between the two probes into the body, interrupting sensory and motor functions to inhibit muscular control. This Neural Muscular Incapacitation (NMI) effect continues in 5 second cycles. Each time you pull the trigger, the cycle begins again, ultimately shutting down after the third trigger application. This new safety feature complies with numerous medical studies from the American Academy of Emergency Medicine advising physicians to consider additional treatment for individuals experiencing a CEW application of 15 seconds or more.

PhaZZer established a CEW Training Facility in Fort Myers, Florida, with the goal of ensuring our end user operators are thoroughly trained according to standard suggested usage. The Operator’s Training Program has been developed in order to instruct the user on proper CEW deployment. Our program features CEW characteristics, capabilities, operational safety principles and procedures. We also provide an Operator’s Training and Certification Manual that covers important information such as health effects, precautions, and equipment maintenance.

Phazzer Brand products are not only on the cutting edge, but are also made of only the highest quality components. Not only have we built in (mA) milli amperes into all our stun products for superior takedown capability, but also top quality Grade A Batteries for better performance. Our handheld stun guns all share an upgraded Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH) battery which provides a substantial advantage over our competitors still using the Nickel Cadmium systems. Our Dragon air stun gun is fitted with a Grade A, Lithium Ion Battery which is the best money can buy. Our Phazzer Dragon out lasts even our toughest competitors.

Each product comes with the ability to be re-charged in the comfort of your own home. We also utilize “circuit disconnect ripcord technology” in most of our products as a STANDARD safety feature. This feature allows added peace of mind knowing that if your Phazzer product is ever taken from you in the event of an attack by an assailant, the unit is deactivated and rendered useless. These are just a few of the reasons Phazzer is the name being sought after by more people each day. Because we know our products are developed with the highest quality components we offer a full one year warranty. If any of our products fail to fulfill your expectations we will replace it with a brand new unit no questions asked.

Phazzer Electronics, Inc

sales@phazzer.com
4089 S. 84th St. #179
Omaha, NE US

 

 

I did a youtube video of the Phazzer Scorpion, a very nice, easy to use personal protection product that they make.–>

For more information on Phazzer and their products go to:–>

http://www.phazzerstore.com

We do product news and reviews, please keep us in mind for testing, and reviews of new high technology or new products. We also beta test products.

We are also trying to help people with autism, and are seeking supporters and sponsors.

Check us out on youtube–>http://www.youtube.com/technewszone and technewszone–> http://www.technewszone.com

Tech Revew 2.23.2013 of the Ballistic Hard Case for the Samsung Galaxy S3

I ran into Ballistic at CES 2013, and now had the opportunity to test out their Hard Case for Samsung Galaxy S3. The cases are great for outdoor enthusiasts and those into extreme sports.

Here are 2 overview videos from their website–>

I did 2 video reviews of the products as well–>

Part one a product hands on review–>

Part 2 with a brief comparison to the Trident AMS Kraken case.

I was quite impressed by the Ballistic Hard Case. It is solid, seemingly unbreakable and a great value as well.

I liked the cover over the screen, the rubber and solid feel as well. The only thing I would change might be to make the kick stand for media viewing metal and offer more colors like camouflage green.

Here are specifications of the case from Ballistic’s website–>

We know how much the GS3 lovers LOVE their phone, so it’s only right we keep if protected for you. Introducing the much anticipated, highly requested, Ballistic Hard Core Series Case for the Samsung Galaxy S III.
Advanced five layer protection
Layer 1 – Built in screen protector
Layer 2 – Ballistic shock absorbent polymer
Layer 3 – Tough impact resistant polycarbonate
Layer 4 – An additional layer of our Ballistic shock absorbent polymer
Layer 5 – Optional outer layer of silicone
Built-in videostand
Button and port covers are built right onto the case, not the silicone
Includes an durable holster with swivel clip
Equipped with water resistant mesh to cover all speakers

Here is a link to Ballistic’s website and the Samsung Galaxy S3 Hard Case–>

http://www.goballisticcase.com/products/samsung-galaxy-s-iii-ballistic-hard-core-series-case

I spent 6 years in the Army National Guard 1/221st Armor Company, and this type of case would have been great in a tank or in the field during military exercises.

Here are some product images:

 and 

and for the ladies or those who love pink–>

I would like green or blue personally.

Overall I am impressed by Ballistic’s Products and their quality of design.

Here is a photo of the parts to the case before it is assembled. Overall it is a great value for the money and quite a nice case for those wanting to protect their smart phones with style.

Samsung Galaxy S3 Ballistic Hard Case

Product Feature 1/17/2013 GIGAFLASH Unique and Custom USB Drives

According to GIGAFLASH–>

Do you want to enhance your corporate image and the popularity of your brand name?

At the digital era, information is flooding and we only can read the information selectively. How can
we attract our target to read your message specifically? It is our aims to provide the solution.

We always focus on developing custom made USB flash drive. All of our USB flash drive is custom made with specific shape or printing. When this USB flash drive is arrived your target hand, your target can get your company image or your message at the 1st sight. This 1st image will give a deep impression to your target and enhance your corporate image. Additionally, some information can be pre-stored inside the USB flash drive. It is a new way to distribute your advertising material to replace printed material. It is cost effectively and environmental friendly. If you think that it is not enough, we also can use power from mobile internet to level up your advertisement, the promotion power will be increase extraordinary.

Boost your company popularity, enhance corporate image and save the environment will be always our goal. Let’s “Image
extension”.

I recently ran into GIGAFLASH at CES 2013. They manufacture and design unique and interesting flash drives.

I found them to be quite intriguing and a great promotional product potentially.

I contacted them as was sent an 8gb spark plug thumb drive. I found it to be well crafted, and it attracted quite a bit of attention as well.

If you ever need a unique and interesting thumb drive for a gift or for marketing, these products are definitely worth considering for their fine and uniquely designed products.

They can be located at –> http://www.zida.com/ <--- Here are some images of the spark plug shaped product that I had the opportunity to test and evaluate. It would be a great product to sell in an auto parts store or a big box retailer. Product Image -->

giga spark plug

Packaging Image #1–>

Packaging Gigaflash

Packaging #2–>

SAM_0758

Packaging #3–>
SAM_0759

Spark Plug Thumb Opened to use as a thumb drive–>

Product  Unscrewed

Spark Plug Thumb Opened to use as a thumb drive another view–>
SAM_0768

They are new to the market but offer very nice products. I hope for the best for them and their excellent products.

Review: Tubus Bluetooth Speaker by Omicron International

Our first review of the day is of the Tubus Bluetooth speaker system by Omicron International whose website can be accessed from the link below. I ran into the company at CES 2013 and was quite impressed immediately with their products.

http://www.omicroninternational.com

omicron International
omicron International

To begin here is a product video from youtube with regards to the Tubus Bluetooth Speaker system:

Here are the specifications of the product as well as the included accessories–>

Tubus Portable Bluetooth Speaker and Handsfree Device
Description:
The Tubus multifunction speaker is a unique and powerful speaker system for your iPod product. Providing 5.2W
of power, the speaker gives rich sound quality. It is perfect for home, office and travel use. It charges your iPod
while it’s docked and plugged into the AC adapter; and 4 AAA batteries give you freedom from power outlets for hours
at a time!
The full function remote allows you to operate your Tubus Speaker from up to 10 feet without ever having to leave your
seat!
• Unique space saving shape, built-in digital amplifier, and optimized equalization settings enhance your
listening experience.
• Charging and playing capabilities for any device with bluetooth capability
• Finer bass quality than other portable speakers 5.2W
• Loud and Clear sound
• Volume Control
• Power On/Off switch
• Interchangeable faceplates for all iPod models
Technical Specs:
Frequency Response 100Hz-20kHz
Power Output: 5.2W (2X2.6W)
Line In Sensitivity: 600mv
Power Adapter: A/C 110v-240v (50Hz-60Hz)
S/N: 55dB
Channel Balance- + 1dB
Dimensions: 7 3/8in (L) x 1 7/8in (W) x 1 7/8in(H)
Power Supply: 9 VDC or 4 AAA batteries,
Remote Control Distance: 10 ft
Certificate: FCC, CE
Patent No.: US D570,847S

What’s in the Box?
Tubus Speaker System
AC adapter
User Manual
Remote Control

Our overview–>

If you are a retailer who are considering products for inclusion in your store or online site, the packaging is quite nice as see by the photos below:

Packaging view #1

Tubus by Omicron packaging 2

Packaging View #2

Packaging #3
Packaging #3

I was very impressed with the initial experience of opening the box, and setting up the product.

The Tubus blue tooth speaker is very nicely designed and it has great sound quality. It is also very easy to use and set up.

It includes a remote control to adjust the functions of the device as well. The speaker can be plugged into the wall or it also can be operated on Triple A Batteries.

It also includes a line in cable to directly connect the device to a mp3 player or any other device with a headphone jack.

Pictures of the product:–>

Product View # 1–>

SAM_0726

Product View # 2–>

SAM_0727

Product View # 3–>

Tubus Bluetooth speaker #3
Tubus Bluetooth speaker #3

Product videos:–>
Video #1–>

Video #2–>

 

Wrap up and Conclusion:

I would like to thank Omicron International for the opportunity to review this fine product.

I am impressed by it overall. The Tubus Bluetooth portable speaker offers nice sound quality and design, plus it is quite easy to operate. I played a variety of media through it and was quite impressed overall. The design is quite nice as well.

One thing that would be a nice add on in the future to the product would be a mini subwoofer or rechargeable batteries.

I would definitely recommend use of the product with a tablet, ipad, iphone, Blackberry or Android device for use in the office for a presentation or in the class room for the educational user.

If you or anyone you know wants to purchase on of the fine devices here is a link from Amazon–>

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Delectronics&field-keywords=tubus%20by%20omicron

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Your faithful aspie editor, David J. Berkowitz 2-15-2013

If you would like us to review your products please contact me.

We also need sponsors and donors to help us to help autism.

The first Autism Light post of 2013 about Joel Manzer From Autisable!!

 

I am a huge fan of Autisable. I saw a nice article on Autisable and Joel Manzer on Newsle today.

Here is a highlight and summary that is quite nice.

Joel Manzer writes this about the mission and origins of Autisable.

When my son was diagnosed with autism, we searched online for an open source blogging community that we would show daily life with autism.  By open source, I mean one where someone didn’t have to sign up to join to read information.   I’ve been blogging on Xanga.com for many years, and one day I was in a discussion with the people at Xanga.com and through that was birthed Autisable.com. Our mission is rather basic, to promote discussion of autism. We don’t take a stance on a specific viewpoint or concept about it, but want to provide an environment where people can share their ideas and journey. Like our tag line says, “Real blogs from people tackling the puzzle of autism” (Source).

A link to the original article–>

https://newsle.com/article/0/54894845/

 

A Video by Mr. Manzer from Youtube–>

autisable another fine blog
autisable another fine blog

http://www.autisable.com

CES 2013 The Best in relation to potential benefit for autism Education!!

KIDZ GEAR WINS 2013 LEARNING® MAGAZINE TEACHERS’ CHOICE AWARD

 

Wins for Excellence in Classroom Products

 

January 16, 2013, El Dorado Hills, CA — Kidz Gear www.GearForKidz.com, the award-winning Grown-up Performance, Built for Kids! brand, announced today that KidzControl™ Volume Limited Headphones for Kids has won the 2013 Learning Magazine’s  Teachers’ Choice Award  for Excellence in Classroom Products.    

Kidz Gear Wired Headphones - Colors

Learning Magazine recognized the Kidz Gear KidzControl™ Volume Limited Headphones for Kids as one of the most outstanding classroom recommended products of 2013 in the “School Supplies Category.”  Kidz Gear won the award because it is a perfect tool for helping teachers in the multimedia educational process of all children.  Compatible with audio devices that use a 3.5mm (1/8”) audio jack, the Kidz Gear headphones work with MP3 players, iPads, iPods and even standard DVD and CD players – all of which are playing a larger role in classrooms today.

 

The Choice for Teachers Nationwide with Kidz Gear Gear Up For Education! Purchase Program

 

“We are honored to win the Teachers’ Choice Award for our KidzControl Volume Limited Headphones,” said Jack Peterson, VP Sales and Marketing, Kidz Gear.  “Combined with our Gear Up For Education! Purchase Program, we have certainly become a new choice for teachers nationwide.  Along with excellent teachers, children need good equipment and Kidz Gear is here with the goods!”

 

KidzControl Volume Limit Technology

 

All Kidz Gear headphones feature the proprietary KidzControl Volume Limit Technology.  The technology works by “limiting” the volume to approximately 80% of the maximum volume output capable from the audio devices in the market today.  KidzControl Volume Limit Technology delivers a safe volume limited listening experience for children of all ages.  Ergonomically designed with soft padded child-sized ear-cups and high-quality audio components, the KidzControl™ Volume Limited Headphones for Kids are value priced at only $19.99.

 

Kidz Gear is the Brand Adults Want and Kids Love


Kidz Gear headphones are not “toys,” but adult products built for kids.  Manufactured with the same high-quality, high-performance consumer electronics components found in adult headphones, Kidz Gear headphones are designed to solve the never-ending battle between a child’s desire for his or her parent’s things and the parent’s fear of them destroying an expensive item.   KidzControl™ Volume Limited Headphones for Kids are available immediately, priced at $19.99, from U.S. retailers, such as Target and InMotion Airport Stores.  They are also available directly at www.GearForKidz.com, Amazon.com and other fine online retailers.

 

About Learning Magazine Teachers’ Choice Awards

 

For 19 years, the Learning Magazine Teachers’ Choice Awards have heralded the very best in classroom-tested, teacher-recommended products.  Each year, a nationwide panel of teacher-judges names the standouts in books, classroom supplies, educational games, websites, and more—everything you need for your classroom.  For more information, see: http://www.theeducationcenter.com/tec/afc/learning/lrn_tca_class_home/go.do

 

About Kidz Gear

 

Incorporated in 2001, San Ramon, California Supply and Beyond, LLC is the exclusive manufacturer of the Kidz Gear brand of products and accessories.  The Kidz Gear brand was created by founder and mother Laurie Peterson with the purpose of developing a line of products and accessories with adult features, performance and quality but with ergonomic and economic sizes, styles and prices for children.  The Kidz Gear product line has received rave reviews and awards from various Mother’s Group Organizations and industry publications.  The company is continually focused on bringing more products to market that support the company’s mission – Grown-Up Performance, Built for Kids! 

For more information visit www.GearForKidz.com, email: greatproducts@gearforkidz.com or phone: (877) Kidz-Gear.

An anthem for Autism from Youtube by BJ McKelvie and he talks about autism as well.

This one sums it up, even though I am high functioning it speaks to the feeling of being lost, confused that many feel!!

This one is nice too from BJ McKelvie!!