I recently saw this nice video on Youtube in regards to heart attacks that is really informative.
We all have to be careful and aware.
Please share it with the people you know and love.
Here is a link to their site—>link
Super Bowl Sunday 2012, and an article from Autisable
Though I would have liked a west coast team like the 49’ers to be in the game, in the end it is what it is. I am rooting for the underdog, can relate being a person on the autism spectrum. Go Giants. My kids and I will eat snacks and watch the game. My more autistic son will probably watch a few minutes, get bored and play video games.
Here is a nice article that I found on the amazing autisable.com site–>
http://www.autisable.com/758836588/superbowl-sunday-poems-dsm-5-and-autism-speaks/
Time for one of my favorite days of the year…Superbowl Sunday! Obviously I am rooting for the Giants! On Friday I went to the Autism Speaks Awards Reception in Princeton, it was such a fun night! They honored the top teams, individual fundraisers and shared some new studies with us. I am honored and thrilled to be the 2012 Publicity Chair for Autism Speaks (Central NJ) and hope this year’s walk is the biggest yet! I will be blogging a lot about Autism Speaks, since I have been volunteering with them for a few years now, and I think they are wonderful. I wanted to talk about a few things that some of you have asked me to blog about! Feel free to send me ideas
An interesting article from Autisable–>What does the future hold for my autistic child?
When you mention that your child has Aspergers Syndrome, most that have some understanding of the syndrome, just think the characteristics are a lacking in social interaction skills, literal understanding, or an intense special interest. There is so much more to Aspergers then this! One of the main difficulties for Little man is learning independence skills, the most basic everyday things that a “typical” child masters in the early years of life, such as tying their own shoe laces, Little man is only just beginning to do at the age of 11 years.
The article comes from http://aboywithaspergers.autisable.com
For the rest of the story click here–>link
Do you reside somewhere on the autism spectrum? In the near future, you may not.(Theautismnewswire) and The New York Times
http://www.theautismnewswire.com/NewsITems.aspx?newsID=954
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- Mary Meyer, right, of Ramsey, N.J., said that a diagnosis of Asperger syndrome was crucial for her daughter, Susan, 37.
I found this interesting and troubling article recently from Theautismnewswire–>
One of the mental conditions facing major emendations in its D.S.M. definition is autism. If the changes go through, a recent analysis suggests that the rate of official diagnosis for autism, and related disorders like Asperger syndrome, could plummet. And that, some people worry, could be bad news for those marginalized by the new diagnostic criteria.
The revision of the D.S.M. puts the APA in the unenviable position of having to draw what the New York Times calls “the line between unusual and abnormal” in relation to mental disorders; in the case of autism, the fact that symptoms are widely believed to manifest themselves along a “spectrum” of class and severity makes the situation even more difficult to navigate. According to the Times:
At least a million children and adults have a diagnosis of autism or a related disorder, like Asperger syndrome or “pervasive developmental disorder, not otherwise specified,” also known as P.D.D.-N.O.S. People with Asperger’s or P.D.D.-N.O.S. endure some of the same social struggles as those with autism but do not meet the definition for the full-blown version. The proposed change would consolidate all three diagnoses under one category, autism spectrum disorder, eliminating Asperger syndrome and P.D.D.-N.O.S. from the manual. Under the current criteria, a person can qualify for the diagnosis by exhibiting 6 or more of 12 behaviors; under the proposed definition, the person would have to exhibit 3 deficits in social interaction and communication and at least 2 repetitive behaviors, a much narrower menu.
If the proposed changes come into effect, an analysis conducted by Yale researchers Fred Volkmar, Brian Reichow and James McPartland indicates they could have a dramatic impact on everything from diagnosis rates (some estimates indicate that autism diagnoses have mushroomed to one child in 100 in recent years), to the ability for many people — people who presently reside somewhere on the autism spectrum of disorders — to access health, educational and social services.
“Our fear is that we are going to take a big step backward,” said Lori Shery, president of the Asperger Syndrome Education Network. “If clinicians say, ‘These kids don’t fit the criteria for an autism spectrum diagnosis,’ they are not going to get the supports and services they need, and they’re going to experience failure.”
For more information on this article click here for the original story from The New York Times By BENEDICT CAREY
Published: January 19, 2012
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http://www.nytimes.com/2012/01/20/health/research/new-autism-definition-would-exclude-many-study-suggests.html?_r=3&src=tp
Our week long review of Lethal Audio’s High Performance Earsubs with Microphone
While I was at CES 2012, I was given a set of Lethal Audio’s “High Performance Earsubs with Microphone.” They are edgy, interestingly designed, sort of appealing to the young rocker crowd. To put it mildy I am very impressed by them.
I have used them to watch Netflix videos, listen to music, and do conference calls for my full time job with Pitney Bowes.
The sound quality is very good, they are lounder than other head sets with microphone that I have used, and the microphone works well.
I like that the cords that go to the earphones are wrapped in a nice solid covering. The covering also helps to stop them from tangling as well.
I like their fit and finish, as well as the cool little bag that they come with to store them in your pocket with.
If you are looking for nice quality ear buds with a microphone for music, conference calls or gaming these are an excellent choice.
They have nice sound, great bass response, and a nice design and image.
Here is a link to their site as well–>http://lethalaudioheadphones.com/earsubs/5554/5554.htmls
A thanks to http://www.theautismnewswire.com/ for an article on us!!
I appreciate that The Autism News Wire did a recent article on us.
We are trying to make a difference for autism and can not do it alone.
Please check them out, their nice content.
Here is a summary:–>
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 launched https://technewszone.com, on January 11, 2011 .
We are a tech-focused state nonprofit. As we get funded we intend to help those on the autism spectrum by using technology-tablets and related computer technology plus the gift of music and the arts, to make the lives of people with autism better, and to support their families and the educational facilities that serve them.
We have a unique approach, view point and ideas.
Our Plan:
Our intent is to give the gift of technology through donated tablets and along with proper training to children and young adults with autism, their families, and the educational programs and schools that could make use of them. We also plan to fund applications to use with the technology.
Tablets are a very kinesthetic device which seems to make learning easier for many people with autism. Tablets like Apple iPads aid in education and improve the level of involvement in many aspects of their lives. However, a decent tablet runs $400-$800 which is very expensive for most families of people with autism.
Our second intent is to give the gift of music and the arts. Schools are very short on funding especially for the arts and music. Most parents of kids with autism cannot afford instruments, band trips, choir events and other arts materials. We want to help.
We will donate musical instruments to people with autism and education to improve quality of life. In addition, we will give the resources to provide help to theatre programs in both private and in public schools, as well as other arts that accept people with autism in their programs. We strive to promote inclusion and acceptance.
In order to further the quality of life for people with autism we want to expose them to cultural events. We will donate tickets, to musical events, theater, and other arts to enrich their lives.
I feel that many people with autism are talented in the arts and music. Even if not talented in the arts, I feel they can definitely benefit from the exposure to arts, music and technology.
A version of this article was originally published on The Autism Spot, an excellent resource for autism related topics.
http://www.autismspot.com/blog/Guest-Piece-%E2%80%93-Autism-Advocacy-and-Technology-News-Zone
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- It is in our genes, Autism..
Video: Autism from a child’s point of view–> A nice article from our friends at Autisable about Carly Fleischmann
I found this nice article and video on Autisable that is worth looking at and is quite nice.I am on the spectrum and have 3 kids on the spectrum as well, that is why it caught my eye.
http://www.autisable.com/758437387/video-autism-from-a-childs-point-of-view/
Some of you who know me, know a little about me. Most of you know, although I don’t talk much on here anymore, that I have a 3 year old son on the spectrum. As we work for a sound diagnosis, I often find myself weeding through books, blogs, articles, videos, and everything else I can possible get my hands on just so that I can understand my son’s quirks, behaviors, and his own frustrations he experiences every day.
The video is about Carly Fleischmann from a Canada and her amazing story
I came across a video that a friend of mine posted on face book about the world of Autism much from the Autistic child’s point of view. It was different than anything I have ever seen, and I was amazed with the clarity, the intelligence (no I don’t doubt an autistic child’s intelligence, I simply mean the fluency,) and the emotion (both from the child and family, and emotion that arose in myself.)
Please take a look. I promise you will enjoy. 🙂
I watched the video and it is very thought provoking, and compelling.
CES 2012 Mitsubishi MIEV New 4 door electric car!!
While at CES 2012, I had the opportunity to take a look at, film a video of and examine the new Mitsubishi MIEV verhicle. I was reasonably impressed. I am 6 feet 2 inches tall, 225 lbs, and I sat in the car and fit fairly comfortably. It would be a great vehicle for college age folks, commuters, or the elderly since it requires no gas whatsoever. I was impressed by the design, the interior design, the seating and the room. Compared to the Smart cars by Mercedes they MIEV seemed to offer much more for the money. The other nice thing is that you get a tax credit for owning one as well as saving on not having to buy gasoline at nearly $ 4.00 per gallon.
I would definitely recommend the car as a nice around town vehicle.
No tailpipe. How literally refreshing.
The all-new Mitsubishi i is 100% electric. It will never burn a drop of gasoline or emit one single molecule of exhaust gas from its tailpipe. In fact, it doesn’t even have a tailpipe. Here, the internal combustion gasoline engine has been entirely replaced with a clean, efficient electric motor and a high-tech drive train that produce zero on-road emissions—and all kinds of good times. Welcome to a whole new era of transportation.
Every amp, watt and volt is accounted for.
The Mitsubishi i is a finely-tuned energy conservation machine. Here’s a quick look at some of the technology that combines to get the most out of every charge.
The stunning dashboard offers easy-to-read feedback, letting you know when your driving is most efficient.
Mitsubishi’s proprietary MiEV operating system constantly oversees the major components of the all-electric drivetrain to achieve the best possible eco-friendly performance.
Regenerative brakes convert the energy from deceleration into electricity and recharge the battery as you drive.
The shift selector offers a choice of three driving modes. Choose between maximum fun, maximum economy and maximum regenerative braking.
Strong yet lightweight materials help keep you safe and improve mileage dramatically.
CES 2012 The amazing new AR Drone 2.0 I could not be more impressed!!!
I had a chance to see the amazing Parrot AR Drone 2.0 and it is amazing. It flys, records video and is a truly amazing piece of technology. I would love one to experiment with and review it. I could not be more impressed by it.
1) Corporate video from Parrot
2) Another Corporate overview video
Press Release

Parrot ‘AR.Drone 2.0’:
High-Definition Excitement!
At CES Las Vegas 2012, Parrot, a global leader in wireless devices for mobile phones, reveals the AR.Drone 2.0, the new generation of its renowned high-tech quadricopter that can be controlled by Wi-Fi using a smartphone or tablet1.
With a new high-definition camera, video recording, flight data sharing, new piloting mode, increased stability and brand-new look, the AR.Drone 2.0 offers an experience like no other!
A flying HD camera
While in flight, the Parrot AR.Drone 2.0’s front camera transmits real-time what the quadricopter sees onto the pilot’s device screen.
For the first time the AR.Drone 2.0 camera, with a 1280×720 resolution, shows a view from the sky in high definition with smooth and unbelievable images.
The pilot enjoys an experience like never before, as if he was on board. For gaming purposes, this camera also can recognize specific shapes and colors to show augmented-reality elements on the smartphone’s screen.
Record and share flying experiences
Thanks to the new AR.FreeFlight 2.0 piloting application, players can record their own HD videos and watch them or share them with the AR.Drone community.
Additionally, with the “travelling” feature, the pilot can film HD video sequences like a professional! Simply select the direction of travel (forward, back, sideways) and the duration, and the AR.Drone 2.0 does the rest.
1 List of compatible smartphones and touchscreen tablets available at www.parrot.com
Press Release Las Vegas, 9 January 2012

AR.FreeFlight 2.0, a new piloting and sharing platform
In addition to flying the AR.Drone, new application AR.FreeFlight 2.0 – available to download for free from the AppStoreSM and AndroidTM Market – offers players a new interface and several options.
FreeFlight: Access to the piloting application. The pilot can record flights, take HD videos or photos and save them in the piloting device. All the flight data (altitude, speed, duration and place) can be saved, checked by the pilot and shared with the community.
Guest Space: Access an overview of the AR.Drone 2.0, the best flight videos and practical information.
Drone Update: Access the AR.Drone 2.0’s free software updates.
AR.Drone Academy: Get geolocation data of the best flight zones, watch other pilots’ videos and access their shared flight data.
AR.Games: Access applications/games available for the AR.Drone.
Photos/Videos: Directly access your own videos and photos. Watch or upload to YouTube
for the community to enjoy.
‘Absolute Flight’, a revolutionary ultra-intuitive flight mode
After the AR.FreeFlight 2.0 pilot application has been loaded onto an iOS or AndroidTM smartphone or tablet, the Parrot AR.Drone 2.0 connects to the device via Wi-Fi. After connection, all the on-board instruments appear on screen with a cockpit view.
Press the take off button briefly and the four brushless motors turn on. The AR.Drone 2.0 takes off.
Flying is very simple. With your thumbs placed on either side of the screen, a control button automatically forms beneath:
Press and hold the left button and the AR.Drone 2.0 follows the movement of the pilot’s device: it moves forward, backwards or sideways when you tilt the tablet forward, towards you or to the left or right.
Slide your finger over the right button, and the quadricopter rises, descends or rotates right or left.
Thanks to Parrot’s patented new ‘Absolute Control’ mode, the player accesses an even more intuitive piloting system.
With a 3D magnetometer, the AR.Drone 2.0 knows its precise orientation with respect to the smartphone, which becomes the reference point. The pilot no longer needs to care about the orientation of the AR.Drone 2.0’s front camera, which will accurately track the smartphone’s motion and tilt.
Experienced players will select ‘Relative Flight’ mode, the conventional flight mode. This disables Parrot AR.Drone 2.0’s magnetometer. The pilot manages the quadricopter’s orientation with no assistance.

Surprising stability at any altitude
The heart of the AR.Drone 2.0 contains MEMS (microelectromechanical systems). A 3-axis accelerometer, a 3-axis gyroscope, a 3-axis magnetometer and a pressure sensor give the Parrot AR.Drone 2.0 surprising stability, complete with:
2 ultrasound sensors, which analyze flight altitude up to 6 meters.
New! A pressure sensor completes the device and provides great vertical
stability.
4 blades, specially designed for the AR.Drone 2.0, make it possible to carry
out smooth flights.
A second camera, placed beneath the quadricopter and connected to the central inertial unit,
measures the craft’s speed using an image comparison system.
2 hulls made for both types of flight
The Parrot AR.Drone 2.0 has 2 hulls with specially designed contours. Made of EPP (a material used in designing car bumpers), they are light, highly resistant and protect the quadricopter.
For outdoor flight, the contoured hull, available in three colors (orange/yellow; orange/green; orange/blue), reduces wind resistance and preserves the AR.Drone 2.0’s handling and stability.
When indoor, a second hull protects the blades
from any impact. The black-and-white cockpit, underlined with a red stripe, reinforces the quadricopter’s mysterious,
thrilling appearance.
Finally, light-emitting diodes (green in front, red in rear), positioned on the landing gear, help the
pilot track the orientation of the AR.Drone 2.0 for easier flying.
An Open Development Platform
In order to expand the use of the Parrot AR.Drone 2.0 and its compatibility with other operating systems and to develop new flying games and applications, Parrot is providing developers and members of the Apple® and AndroidTM communities with a software development kit.
By logging in at https://projects.ardrone.org and accepting the terms of the license, developers can access the source code used to fly the AR.Drone 2.0. A wiki and a tutorial also are available. A forum is available to discuss new developments and share feedback with Parrot engineers.
***
The Parrot AR.Drone 2.0 runs on a rechargeable lithium-ion battery (included).
Parrot AR.Drone 2.0 will be available for purchase at selected retailers in Q2-2012 in the United States for $299 MSRP
For more information, visit www.parrot.com or contact: PARROT
Vanessa Loury / Fabien Laxague [email protected] / [email protected] Tel. +33 (0)1 48 03 60 58 / 89 83
Tel. +33 (0) 6 86 56 81 33 / +33 (0) 6 80 90 97 59
About PARROT
***
AGENCY for Parrot
Tim Wieland
[email protected]
Tel.248-304-1414
Parrot, a global leader in wireless devices for mobile phones, stands on the cutting edge of innovation. The company was founded in 1994 by Henri Seydoux as part of his determination to drive the inevitable breakthrough of mobile phones into everyday life by creating high-quality, user-friendly wireless devices for easy living.
Parrot has developed the most extensive range of hands-free systems on the market for cars. Its globally recognized expertise in the fields of mobile connectivity and multimedia around Smartphones has positioned Parrot as a key player of in-car infotainment.Additionally, Parrot designs and markets an exclusive ‘Parrot by’ range, consisting of a prestigious line of high-end wireless multimedia products in collaboration with some of the world’s most well-renowned artists; and the AR.Drone, the first quadricopter piloted via Wi-Fi and using augmented reality.
Parrot, headquartered in Paris, currently employs more than 650 people worldwide and generates the majority of its sales overseas. Parrot is listed on NYSE Euronext Paris since 2006. (FR0004038263 – PARRO)
More information: www.parrot.com / www.ardrone.com / www.parrotoem.com
CES 2012 Samsung Amazing new OLED and Plasma TV’s images and Press Release
I was quite impressed by the vendors showing oled televisions at CES 2012, especially exciting new offerings from Samsung.They had amazing image quality, offered very thing screens, and impressive design. We would love to review more of their products.
Here is an image from their press event as well as press release on their new products:–>
Press Release
Samsung Unveils the Super OLED TV – The Ultimate in Picture Quality
CES Best of Innovations Award Honoree features elegant design, dual-core processor and Smart Interaction technology
LAS VEGAS – January 9, 2012 – Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. today unveiled its 55-inch Super OLED TV, a masterpiece that will be acclaimed by home entertainment and design enthusiasts alike. The OLED TV will be produced from a single pane of glass and uses Samsung’s Super OLED technology to deliver the ultimate in picture quality and thinness.
Super OLED technology eliminates the need for a color filter as the OLED pixel unit comprises self-emitting RGB sub-pixels laid directly on the display panel, each emitting its own light. The technology is also able to differentiate varying degrees of blacks and shadows, so that users can enjoy unparalleled detail even in the darkest of scenes for the ultimate TV experience.
“Samsung has had a long and successful history of creating innovative OLED products, including mobile phones, digital cameras and tablet PCs. Today, we are proud to extend our OLED leadership to the TV category with this spectacular 55-inch Super OLED,” said Hyunsuk Kim, executive vice president, Visual Display Business at Samsung Electronics. “By incorporating true-to-life picture quality with ultimate speed and vividness, Smart Interaction, Smart Content and ultimate thinness, Samsung is delivering the ultimate TV today.”
The Samsung Super OLED TV, a Best of Innovations Award Honoree at 2012 CES, will be on display at the 2012 International CES, booth #12004, in the Central Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC) from January 10-13, 2012. It will be available commercially worldwide this year.
The Ultimate in Picture Quality and Design
Samsung’s Super OLED TV represents the culmination of Samsung’s latest engineering technologies, and marks a new era of minimalistic design.
It features unmatched vivid and true-to-life picture quality in both 2D and 3D, with significantly improved color accuracy compared to conventional LED TVs. Since light output on the Super OLED is controlled on a pixel-to-pixel basis, the truest blacks and purest whites can be achieved.
Further, the Samsung Super OLED offers faster response times than LED, virtually eliminating motion blur even in the fastest-moving scenes.
Because Super OLED technology features self-emitting RGB sub-pixels which do not require a backlight, the TV weighs significantly less than a standard LED TV.
The design of the Samsung Super OLED is an engineering feat that provides a breathtaking form factor that blends into any environment. The Super OLED was also recognized by the Industrial Designers Society of America (IDSA) for its flawless design.
When powered on, a bright, vibrant picture illuminates the screen from edge to edge. When turned off, the TV appears like a framed piece of luxurious floating glass; when hung on the wall, it more closely resembles a work of art than an electronic device.

Intuitive Controls and a Camera with Smart Interaction Technology
Consumers can use Samsung’s new Smart Interaction technology to easily manage their TV experience. By using Voice Control, Motion Control and Face Recognition features to complement the remote control, users can turn the TV on or off, adjust the volume or activate selected apps through speech. They can also use voice to activate the search function in the web browser and “tell” the TV what they are searching for.
The Super OLED’s built-in camera recognizes movement in the foreground to enable intuitive control, and two unidirectional array microphones recognize voice at an incredibly accurate rate. Noise cancellation technology helps to separate any background noise from the users’ commands.
Richer Content for Outstanding Entertainment
The Samsung Super OLED TV is equipped with Samsung’s new dual core processor, which allows users to run multiple apps simultaneously for a faster, uninterrupted experience, as well as a smoother web browsing experience.
The Super OLED TV also offers the latest improvements to Smart Hub, Samsung’s integrated destination for access to all types of content from a single screen. The interface has been updated for easier navigation and faster performance. With a new tabbed web browser, users can conveniently open multiple pages at a time for an improved web experience.
Additional first-of-its-kind signature services such as Family Story, Fitness and Kids will allow users to get more out of their TV experience, and help foster closer connections between friends and family members.
Samsung’s AllShare Play offers a seamless way for users to access, manage and share content through cloud storage and access that content on supported smartphones, tablets, cameras, computers or TVs, regardless of their location.
Please visit our booth to experience this future technology firsthand. Samsung’s product line will be displayed January 10-13 at booth #12004 in the Central Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center. Full details, video content and product images are available at the Samsung microsite at: www.samsungces.com. The press conference will also be streamed live from : www.samsungces.com, www.global.samsungtomorrow.com.
About Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. is a global leader in semiconductor, telecommunication, digital media and digital convergence technologies with 2010 consolidated sales of US$135.8 billion. Employing approximately 190,500 people in 206 offices across 68 countries, the company operates two separate organizations to coordinate its nine independent business units: Digital Media & Communications, comprising Visual Display, Mobile Communications, Telecommunication Systems, Digital Appliances, IT Solutions, and Digital Imaging; and Device Solutions, consisting of Memory, System LSI and LCD. Recognized for its industry-leading performance across a range of economic, environmental and social criteria, Samsung Electronics was named the world’s most sustainable technology company in the 2011 Dow Jones Sustainability Index. For more information, please visit www.samsung.com
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