TECHIEGEMS (copyright by Carolyn Rhodes)

TECHIEGEMS

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RACING at CES VEGAS FORD

FORD MUSTANG
RACING SIMULATOR
2016 CES

BLACK WIDOW SPIDER ON A HOT SUMMER NIGHT THEY ARE BACK

Black Widow Spider in my yard

It's a dark summer night and we open the patio door. I switch on the night light.  It's the night before garbage pick up and my son ties the tie on our last trash bag for the weekly pick up.  Off to the left in the corner of the patio step is a web.  He inspects it.  

"It's a black widow. Holy Cow! I'm going to spray it and then carefully place it in a jar, very carefully." 

 He identifies it by the red hourglass shape on its abdomen. It packs a venom as strong as a rattlesnake bite.  And this one is a mature female about 1"long.  Now I'm listening because if he misses, this "spider woman" will become aggressive.

I don't fear spiders and most are good insect eaters. After this catch, I think I'd better take some of these creatures very seriously.  Easy to say they are nocturnal and not interested in biting humans for no reason -- but neither are rattlesnakes!  

Proceed with caution 

HABITS:

The black widow spider is timid and reclusive, preferring to make its home in dark, protected areas, such as in boxes, among firewood and under ledges. It is nocturnal, which means it only becomes active and does its hunting at night. *

The black widow spider's web is usually located within a foot of the ground. It is slightly erratic in appearance and made with stronger silk than most other spider webs. *

The web is used to catch prey and to hang the female's cocoon of eggs.Black widows are usually found in dark corners of the house or around the edges of your yard or garage where their webs will have a lesser chance of being disturbed.*

 They may also be found under vehicles, even those that are being driven periodically. Check for webs near the tires, or under/around the engine.Black Widows are territorial so you will often find their webs spaced about a foot apart.*

If bitten, go to the emergency room immediately.  You life will depend upon it.  Without urgent care, death may follow.   

Don't kill any spider. They are necessary in our ecosystem and most are quite harmless.  

ULTRASOUND PEST REPELLENTS
Bell and Howell makes an ultrasonic pest repeller  for indoors . I have placed one in each room. It is for rats, mice, spiders, ants and roaches.  So far, after 2 weeks, I have had complete success and it really works!  


* For more information on the elusive Black Widow, go to www.wiki.how and google your question. 

ENGADGET Guest Post News: Endangered Rhinos and wildlife. Let's help.

Thanks to Engadget for this article and raising awareness that there is hope through technology to catch these poachers. Please follow the link below for full story.  And, the organization we can support to protect our endangered species. Photos from wearprotect.org

http://www.engadget.com/2015/07/21/rhino-horn-camera/?ncid=rss_truncated

Please read above Engadget article.  Technology is here to save the day -- cameras and the lives our our dwindling Rhino population? Can we save them from poachers!

And, please support http://weareprotect.org/protectrapid.html   RAPID (anti poaching device)

FITBIT TRACKER HAS YOU COVERED with ALTA and BLAZE 2016

Here is my story about 2 years later .. 2016
 :
FITBIT  still rocks a great product.  OK, the band on my  "new" CHARGE, which replaced the one I sent back a year ago stretched out again recently, after a year.

I don't wear it in shower or get it wet or abuse it. So, I guess the bands are bound to stretch out and lose the shape.

However, this Charge is still working well and I'll deal with little stretching around the face of it .. . I rely on it for steps, call alerts, time, alarms, etc .. and it keeps me in shape .. wanting to do at least a mile a day .. I know -- I do more .. but let's say, there are days which if I am honest, I am writing and not doing over 6,000 steps ..
..
There is a CHARGE which measure HR (heart rate)  and I am sure it has the same band problem.  I haven't heard or read about any complaints .

The ALTA seems to a nice upgrade in that they must have noticed the bands were flimsy and went ahead and made inter changeable bands. So, you won't have to worry about that problem. The mechanism works without a hitch really.  

I got a good look at the BLAZE and it's probably going to be my next purchase when the price goes down .. It's around $189 .. already down from $229 .. It's got a nice sophisticated look in the form of a watch .. and it looks like my next purchase .. even though there are so many others out there competing ..

These days I count on Customer Service and the way corporate treats their customers.

FITBIT has filled that requirement.  And, after 2 years, I am still not tired of tracking my day.
                 ......................................................................................

2014-2015

My story below was and is still true. I will stick with Fitbit.

You can find similar version under "community news," on the Fitbit website.

Hello everyone . 

I love my Fitbit.  I have worn it "around the clock," since November, 2014 ....

t have followed most of the rules to keep my Charge in good working order.

--- keep it clean for one  and out of water. .  Learn how to optimize all the features. 

 Nothing wrong with the mechanism, however, my band warped before the warranty was up after about 9 months.

 I was pleased that when I called and asked for instructions on how to "fix" the band, they said they would just send me a new Fitbit Charge.   I thought that perhaps the extreme heat while on vacation in Florida may have done it, but, whatever it was.. I may have gotten it wet at some point at the beach ... no explanations needed as they honored the one year warranty. 

 .. I'm glad the customer service team was helpful and sent me the new one.   I'm not worried about sleeping wth it or exercising with it... it's a baby bear. ..   Honestly, it really keeps its promises .. tracks sleep pattern with good accuracy. Occasionally I have to sync it again, and, or, get notifications back on, but, it's a small price to pay for working on fitness goals.

 By using all the features -- tracking your daily activities, you'll appreciate all you really do (or don't do) every day.  

 Follow how to learn to get the most out of it .. on the site for one  and the instructions, of course. 

Fitbit Charge -- Burgundy has pink OLED  (organic light emitting Diode) .

Go to:
write your own experiences

https://community.fitbit.com/t5/Share-Your-Story/Around-the-clock/m-p/859015#M17384

Uncharted 4 Intro, By, Casey Rhodes

SHAREFACTORY

The Maverick .. only $94,000 ..Come fly with me -- to the next town.

 

 Take a look at your latest dreamboat/car.  Sure it can fit in your garage -- no problem!  I think the only downer is that it can only fly for about 400 miles.  But heck it's enough to fly me from Tuscaloosa to Panama City,both small airports .. I think!


, 

GUEST BLOG: KIDMIX APP -- Kids Social Network and Playdate Planner LAUNCHES:

McKendall Communications
Lisa@Mckendall.com 

KIDMIX

New Kids Social Network & Playdate Planner Launches Go to link www.kidmixapp.com for features.  (Safe, Secure and Free.)

Rockville, MD (June 16, 2016) – The first social network designed by parents for kids ages 5-12, KidMix, launched today.  KidMix provides a new way for kids to connect with friends and to plan their own playdates all within a private, secure, monitored environment.  KidMix is COPPA compliant and membership is free.   

“We created KidMix because we were looking for a way for our children to schedule their own playdates online and to be able to communicate with their friends in a safe, kid-friendly way,” said Clay Goldberg, Co-Founder of KidMix along with his wife, Lisa.  “KidMix is a first step in helping kids become more independent and for parents to become comfortable with kids’ online communication.”

Children can use KidMix to connect with their classmates, sports teams, neighbors, camp friends, relatives and many more.  KidMix allows kids to share their thoughts and photos, and message friends while parents monitor all activity using the integrated parent dashboard.  Children will learn how to use social media in a safe positive way and will gain independence by planning some of their own activities while parents are able to simply accept, deny, or change them.  By using KidMix, parents are no longer burdened with the task of coordinating a playdate for their kids, they just have to approve the request!

Since KidMix is kidSAFE COPPA + Certified, all members are verified according to the FTC’s compliancy law for child online privacy protection.  The robust parental ID verification process requires parents to verify their ID before they are allowed to create an account. KidMix is able to ensure that all members are not only who they say they are, but are using the platform with both parental awareness and permission.  The registration process is simple, quick, and free.  The KidMix App is available on iOS, Android, and Amazon.

KidMix includes a proprietary Parent Dashboard that enables parents to oversee all activity and allows them to set parameters of how they want their children to use the network. As a social network, KidMix not only enables younger children to communicate and socialize with each other but they can also learn about a variety of subjects in KidMix’s SmartZone.  The SmartZone includes thousands of curated videos kids can view and share with friends.

KidMix membership is free and parents oversee all communication from friends, groups, photos, and invitations allowing for appropriate communication at all times. KidMix can be found at www.kidmixapp.com.

Book Review: THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO DRONES - Build - Choose - Fly - Photograph

The Complete Guide to Drones: Whatever Your Budget
     by Adam Juniper

 $19.95 US/$23.95 Canada
Publisher: Quattro Publishing Group, USA Inc.
Produced in London, England

Softcover

144 pages
ISBN-13: 978-1-57715-132-6
2016 Produced in London, England

Book Reviewed by
 Carolyn Rhodes

 CES Reporter  

Adam Juniper’s The Complete Guide to Drones:  Whatever Your Budget answered many questions I would never have thought to ask.   Whether you are a beginner, a professional photographer,  a seasoned aficionado, even a curious consumer, you won’t be disappointed.

 Juniper, a skilled pilot from the United Kingdom demonstrates the “how-to” on drones with expert instructions and diagrams throughout the chapters. His talents don’t fall short of “worldly” as author and an expert on anything drone related.  Adam is a photographer and videographer as well as a descriptive writer on the subject of flight.  In an ever changing 21^st century technology of things – this Guide will help you reach a wise decision before purchasing.     

 I gave it a chapter-by-chapter, page-by-page perusal.  I don’t own a drone but I found this Guide easy to understand and educationally entertaining with fun trivia in the mix. 

     

For example, the Introduction of Marilyn Monroe, a movie star beauty from the 1940s, helped assemble drones during World War II.  She was first spotted at a munitions factory in California and she models in the photo. That caught my attention – drones from the 1940s.  Who knew?
 .

In the chock full of history chapter, Adam makes reference to the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) and attendees’ favorite exhibition in the 2010 show in Vegas.   Parrot, then a little known company from Paris, attracted crowds to their “dancing drones.” I attended as a reporter and it is one of the favorite crowd pleasers.    Year after year, Parrot brings drones to life with even more precise and complex moves. However, while Parrot remains on top of the world,   others have joined the competition. You will be able to read about the many choices – some drone companies are ones you may have already heard of.

  From the exhibition floors to marketing into the homes of millions, drones are flying all around us.  According to CES 2016 Daily Magazine -- sales reached over $105 Million in 2015.  One year later, Vegas CES 2016 Unmanned Systems Marketplace featured 29 exhibitors with sales up 208% from CES 2015 stats.  Drones are now in the homes of hobbyists and in the hands of professionals.

 Juniper has hit the market with impeccable timing. Buy or build a drone or just figure out what they are all about.  There’s one for every budget and lots to consider. Juniper opens up the wide eye view lens so a consumer can see the whole picture from charts to community drone groups for all levels of drone enthusiasts.

From Chapter 1: Drone Basics, you’ll get a detailed history lesson from military to prosumer drones to toy drones and more.  The history section details information with visuals to connect to  explanations . This format is consistent in every section.  You can go back in time or into real time  “what to expect”.  It’s an eye catching layout too throughout all chapters.

 In Chapter 2: Powertrain explains, again in detail, each and every component from motor to the landing gear. Even a professional can learn something new.   Chapter 3:  Ace Pilot takes to the skies. Once take-off is mastered, the reader can enjoy the scenery.   Chapter 4: Videos and Photos, will take you to spectacular views and by the time you reach Chapter 5 – Build Your Own, you can take a look at precision diagrams and instructions on just how one can build a model, even in addition to your store bought drone.     

This Guide can be referenced as needed. You’ll want to get familiar with choices in cameras, like Go-Pro and other accessories such as Oculus Rift’s 360 virtual reality glasses. Options are endless.  When it comes to a decision on budget, buying and or even building your own, Adam Juniper has a well written and much needed Guide which I intend to keep on my bookshelf.

Last but not least, the world may be your oyster, but, the skies are governed by laws for the safety of all.  This author gives you all the details and few other international laws in a sideline.  You will learn regulations before flying in foreign countries and in the USA.   Know the laws before your flight into the wild blue yonder.  You might pay a hefty fine if ignored.

Adam Juniper (and his team)  have laid out all the tips and trips you’ll ever need to become a well-informed pilot and drone owner.  He has a channel on YouTube and maintains a website, so you’re never too far from the latest additions.   I recommend this book without reservation to anyone and just about everyone. It’s a keeper.

www.TameSky.com  (Drone website)  

Purchase from Amazon. com 

     

GIBSON TENT SHOWCASED from traditional to high tech

GIBSON does not disappoint. Every year I stop in for some relaxing time off from the hustle and bustle of CES at Las Vegas  Convention Center. Follow the path to the big white tent outside.

 This year I was escorted into the VIP room where Gibson staffers gave me a seat and served me some lunch and coffee.  A few short conversations with others and time to check out what's new for 2016 as I reminisce the traditional.

 Looking around at the showcase guitars directly across from my comfy little corner of the tent, i learned that the lineup (to the left)  displayed guitars from the traditional Les Paul to the latest technologically advanced ones.    Nothing is ever less than high quality workmanship.

Music lovers know and appreciate the greatest sounds . Some are listeners while others are entertainers.

Several guests did just that by hamming it up for a fun interactive video, while others made a record to take home. All done in rock star star style.   Pick up a titanium fret too. I had no idea but it's got to be the best.

I am told that GIBSON headphones are completely wireless  -- not a hint of a wire anyplace.  Now, that's all new.

Performance Stage and guests

I enjoyed reminising along with a local Vegas artist who got my attention with "Chances Are," a voice qute like that of Johnny Mathis from old school ..    He  looked like Jesus and  had a sweet disposition.   Follow the link for a little nostalgia and to hear this fabulous artist sing and strum. . 

You Belong to Me 

Go to:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZX90mko24wI