The Lost Symbol

So I started reading Dan Brown's The Lost Symbol on the Kindle 2 and I really enjoy the book so far (chapter 38). The only disappointment is the publisher disabled the text to speech function, so I am unable to listen to the book.

The text-to-speech function is not like an audio book, it's a computer synthesized voice. I don't believe people who normally buy audio books would suddenly switch to text-to-speech. I think it's a shame that the publishers are disabling this feature, so many individuals with disabilities can't benefit from this feature.

Using the Kindle 2 is a very easy way for me to turn the pages, in an actual book it's frustrating and time-consuming. Turning the pages on the Kindle is very easy, just hitting a button. The screen looks like an actual page and there is no computer glare.

Thanks for all the comments and suggestions on future books! It's good to get back to reading again. And for those of you who asked, my birthday is on Monday.

Kindle 2

I was surprised yesterday with an early birthday present, a new Kindle 2. I'm really quite impressed with this e-book reader. The first book I downloaded was Dan Brown's The Lost Symbol, for $9.99.

The Kindle 2 is surprisingly quadriplegic friendly and very thin, I am able to use my pencil in my brace to complete all of the navigation. The text to speech function is a little choppy but works out well... the speakers are loud and clear.

I plan on spending the day switching between actually reading and the text-to-speech function. I'm looking forward to learning all about my new toy...

Update: the text to speech was only on the trial version of the book, when I bought it the text to speech went away....

My Football Teams

It was painful to watch football this weekend, most of my favorite teams lost. It didn't start out that way, in fact, the teams were all winning until the fourth quarter.

The University of Pittsburgh, Penn State University and the Pittsburgh Steelers all disappointed me. How can the Steelers lose to Cincinnati? Iowa beats Penn State again this year? North Carolina State over Pitt, come on give me a break. Not to mention that the Pittsburgh Penguins lost their final preseason game to the Detroit Red Wings.... thank God regular hockey starts on Friday. I could not buy a victory this weekend.

Hopefully the teams I follow start picking up their game before next weekend. Championship teams always find a way to win, it still remains to be seen if these teams are championship caliber.

Telling Their Stories

I have always been a fan of history and found out about a really good project called Telling Their Stories from ABC world news.

Here you can read and listen to Holocaust survivors, World War II liberators and Japanese internment camp individuals tell their own stories.

It's really quite fascinating and I urge you to check it out. As this population ages, we may only have a limited amount of time left to get their stories in their own words.

G 20 Police Scanner Online

If you're curious and would like to listen to some of the police communications online, check out this website for an online police scanner. It's pretty interesting to listen to and gives you a much better understanding of what's really happening in the city.

I thought it was really terrible yesterday seeing all the protesters practically begging the police to arrest them. Seeing tear gas and rubber bullets used in the city was awful. Individuals with their faces covered with mask, set on causing destruction was something I could live a lifetime without ever seeing in Pittsburgh. It looked like Beirut or Palestine, definitely not Pittsburgh Pennsylvania.

Except for the one individual running around with a giant plastic Stanley Cup, screaming let's go pens! That's one protester that I could get behind. Here he is:



You have to love a true Pittsburgher, especially when they are carrying the Stanley Cup and wearing a black and gold Penguins jersey.

Guinness Turns 250

Raise your glass high today with one of my favorite beers, Guinness turns 250 years old today ! Whats your beer of choice ?

Today's Thought

“The longer I live, the more I realize the impact of attitude on life. Attitude, to me, is more important than facts. It is more important than the past, the education, the money, than circumstances, than failure, than successes, than what other people think or say or do. It is more important than appearance, giftedness or skill. It will make or break a company... a church... a home.

The remarkable thing is we have a choice everyday regarding the attitude we will embrace for that day. We cannot change our past... we cannot change the fact that people will act in a certain way. We cannot change the inevitable. The only thing we can do is play on the one string we have, and that is our attitude. I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me and 90% of how I react to it. And so it is with you... we are in charge of our Attitudes.”

Charles R. Swindoll quotes (American Writer and Clergyman, b.1934)

I think that is the best quotation I have ever read. It's how we react to life that defines us. I'm always looking for new quotations for my bulletin board, I think this one will make the cut. What are some of your inspirational quotations?

Dragon NaturallySpeaking Professional

I decided to give Dragon NaturallySpeaking professional another try. I had been using Microsoft speech recognition software this year, its free and built into the ease of access features on Windows Vista. Using Dragon naturally speaking is working out a lot better than using Microsoft's speech recognition.

I need to make very little corrections using Dragon naturally speaking as opposed to Microsoft speech recognition. When I was using Microsoft speech I was probably getting 80% recognition and now I am getting at least 95% accuracy in recognition if not higher.

I can tell you, that extra 15% makes a big difference in correcting text. The other speech to text software that I use is Word Q./Speak Q. That software also produces about 80% recognition and is much simpler to use than Dragon NaturallySpeaking.

Individuals who use speech to text software regularly have their favorites and preferences I'm sure. For me, it has to be Dragon NaturallySpeaking. It's not an easy software to learn and requires a lot of practice but I believe it is the most accurate speech to text software on the market today. At least that's my opinion after using several text to speech softwares the past 10 years.

G 20 Protest

Well it's early in the week and already the G 20 protesters are out in full force, and filling courtrooms with emergency petitions... The city is bracing for over 3000 arrest.

Downtown banks and businesses have boarded up their windows and been forced to take out terrorism insurance... Our parks have become tent cities for police and protesters alike. The 3 rivers are shutdown by the Coast Guard and there are only three ways to access the city.... Yes, Pittsburgh is so lucky to be hosting the G 20

Canned Pineapple Explosion

I just had the strangest thing take place in my kitchen cabinet. I was sitting at my computer when I heard a small explosion, like a really big firecracker go off in my cabinet. When I went to investigate it turned out to be a can of pineapples had exploded.

According to Google, this happens when gases build up inside the can, then kaboom! I can tell you it made quite a mess with pineapple juice going everywhere.

The Monday morning quarterback

I had a pretty good weekend although the insomnia is still there. Over the weekend I watched some football on television and seen other game highlights on ESPN.

Penn state university defeated Temple, the University of Pittsburgh defeated Navy and Notre Dame beat Michigan State. The only loss in college football locally was West Virginia.

My old friend Mark surprised me yesterday by riding his Harley Davidson motorcycle down to watch the Pittsburgh Steelers play the Chicago bears... The weather was great so we walked down to the local pizza parlor and had a few cold ones while enjoying some great pepperoni pizza.

The only downside was Pittsburgh lost the game 17 to 14. Jeff Reed the Steelers place kicker missed two field goal attempts and Chicago won in the last few seconds of the game. Pittsburgh's running game also left a lot to be desired again this week....

Monopoly city streets starting over

Monopoly City Streets.com just announced today that they are starting the game over very soon. Everyone will lose the streets they purchased so far... Damn it !

Starting over with three million dollars and who knows what property, or when the game will begin. It almost makes me want to say screw it. I better be able to purchase the property around the civic arena and the new Penguins arena or heads will roll! I m sure G 20 is to blame somehow...

Have any of you tried it? What are your thoughts?

G 20 Pittsburgh Pa

One week from today the G20 will be meeting in Pittsburgh, let the countdown to the craziness begin.

Many of the areas highways and bridges will be shut down, schools and businesses will be closed. The slogan for the event, Pittsburgh Welcomes The World will be posted everywhere in several different languages. I have to say, here is one Pittsburgher Who just wants the world to go away....

Maybe I'm close minded or just selfish, but I cannot see the benefit of hosting this event. If it was up to me, these world leaders would meet on a mountaintop in some obscure location. Or better yet some small island, like Wake Island for example. Check back next week for reports leading up to the G 20... it's sure to be interesting.

cool pittsburgh swag

Insomnia

The last two days I've had insomnia, I may have gotten a few hours sleep at the most. Hopefully this ends tonight and I can get a good night's rest.

The Pittsburgh penguins won their first preseason game yesterday in overtime, 5 to 4 against the Columbus blue jackets. I listened to the game on the radio, because it was not televised. It must be like what our ancestors did before television.... I prefer Tv!

I'm looking forward to getting a massage this afternoon, hopefully it relaxes the muscles in my neck and arms. This feeling like crap is getting really old quickly. Hopefully you all have a great day!

Sunday Night Football

Breaking sports news video. MLB, NFL, NBA, NHL highlights and more.

I used to be a big Hank Williams Jr. fan, but I could get used to watching Faith Hill startup Sunday night football. I was really glad to see the green bay packers beat Chicago last night... 21 to 15. At one point it was 3 to 2, wish that score would have held up.

Pittsburgh plays Chicago on Sunday

Duraflame log

I spent yesterday late afternoon and early evening on the deck enjoying a cold Guinness while watching the duraflame log slowly burn down.

This was the first time I used a duraflame log and I have to say I was pretty impressed. The log burned for 3 1/2 hours. It started easily, produced very little smoke and burned completely. For less than $3.00, I thought it was a pretty good bargain.

As I sat on the deck enjoying the flames, the air conditioning kicked on inside the house and I thought only in America can a guy sit on his deck enjoying a cold beer, watching his campfire while the house maintains a constant 74°.. Yes I know I have some serious lapses in mental capacity.

Saturday morning at the DMV

I spent yesterday morning at the Department Of Motor Vehicles... That's an hour I will never get back in this lifetime. I swear it was like night of the living dead only it was 11:00 AM on a Saturday morning.

One thing did surprise me, I seen an individual in the same power chair that I use, a Permobil C500. You don't see too many high end power chairs at the DMV....

Today proves to be a much better morning already, the sun is shining and I plan on spending a little time on the deck. I also have the Pittsburgh Penguins Stanley cup championship DVD, which I plan on watching for the first time today. It's time to gear up for the hockey season! Let's Go Pens!

Maxim 1 year $5

I just signed up for a one year subscription to maxim magazine over at deal news.com for only $5.00. I started reading this magazine when it first came out when I was traveling to Canada every month. Strictly for the articles of course...

Babelfish

If you're not familiar with the translator babelfish, I thought I would talk about it today. It's been around for quite awhile through yahoo. I added the gadget to the right side of my blog, to translate PittRehab into several languages easily....

I really wish this technology was available when I was in Europe in the 80s. It would have made ordering food so much simpler among other things.... It's amazing what the Internet brings to our fingertips and how many things the Internet has made obsolete.

Let's start a list of what the Internet has killed off:

1 Maps
2 phone books
3 dictionaries
4 letter writing
5 playboy
6 newspapers
7 watching Tv on the network schedule (Hulu)
8 photo albums
9 buying music

What else.......

Monopoly City Streets . Com

If you are lucky enough to get on this site, you can buy streets using google maps. It's a lot of fun but the server is very slow. You start out with 3 million dollars, which let me buy 5 streets. I bought 2 in Cape Cod and 3 in Pittsburgh... goodluck getting online.

Property

Foreside Pl M 173,000 pittsburgh pa

Main Street M 1,000,000 chatham ma

Panther Hollow Bridge M 194,000 pittsburgh pa

Reed St M 541,000 pittsburgh pa

Sandwich Street M 1,075,000 plymouth ma

9 / 11

(Shanksville Pa Flight 93 crash site)

We Will Never Forget the tragedy of September 11th or the heroes who gave their lives so that others may live.

Essential Accessibility

The web site www.essentialaccessibility.com has a free software download for accessibility. The software includes an onscreen keyboard, screen reader, and a Camera operated mouse. It only takes minutes to download and I found it to work extremely well. If you're looking for free accessibility software you may want to give this link a try.

The Microphone Is Always On

Have you heard about California's assemblyman Mike Duvall ? He was overheard bragging about his infidelity on an open microphone in a capitol hearing room. He talked about an affair with a younger woman, whom he apparently enjoys spanking....

He was not only having an affair with one woman, but was bragging about a third woman who is apparently a lobbyist. It's another example of a corrupt politician. The country deserves better representation than who we are sending....

Of the numerous political affairs to come out recently, I can't remember ever hearing one involving a female legislator... Is it a coincidence or do they have more integrity?

Stanley Cup Champions

Tomorrow night the Pittsburgh Penguins will be visiting the White House with President Obama at 6pm to celebrate winning the Stanley cup championship.

Tomorrow night at 8pm the NFL will be kicking off the regular season with the world champion Pittsburgh Steelers at home against Tennessee. Knowing that the President is a Steelers fan, I bet he watches the game with the Penguins and the Cup. I even bet they eat pretzels out of the Cup, while watching the Steelers destroy the titans.... I will have to ask Crosby when I see him next. Pens tickets go on sale Sat. hope I can see at least one this year.

Sons Of Anarchy

Tonight starts the second season of Sons Of Anarchy, one of my favorite television shows. I'm really looking forward to tonight's episode, picking up the story line from last year's final episode... wow.

I can understand the attraction to the outlaw motorcycle lifestyle, but I would rather be the guy Putting on the handcuffs then wearing them. The show sure makes the sons of anarchy lifestyle look exciting. If you have not seen the show, imagine the Sopranos on motorcycles. It's on FX tonight at 10 pm.

Wasabi Peanuts

I had some Wasabi peanuts over the long labor day weekend for the first time. I think I may need a 12 step program to stop eating them. If you like hot spicy snacks, give these a try, but remember I warned you how addictive they are.

Puppy Shower

I received a few emails from friends and family about my blog post regarding applying for a new service dog. Some people wanted to know how they could help. If you're interested you can make a donation to Susquehanna Service Dog's virtual puppy shower.

Thanks in advance for all your kind words and help through this process ! I will keep you all informed, but remember it takes time.

I Heard A Ruckus

Just to start your labor day weekend off right, I have a true story to tell you. It happened this morning and you cannot make this type of thing up.

I was in my bedroom this morning minding my own business, when I heard a ruckus on the roof. I looked up at my skylight and saw two squirrels having sex ! In the middle of my skylight they were going at it. I wanted to look away, but I could not.... Yes I'm not proud of myself.

I'm not sure how long squirrel sex is supposed to last, but if that time is longer than 7 seconds, this squirrel is definitely premature...

How many of you remember the movie The Breakfast Club? Did you get the reference, I heard a ruckus. I really like that movie, what's one of your favorite 1980s movies? Or are you still watching squirrel sex on you tube ?

Giant Eagle to offer free generic antibiotics | AP | 09/03/2009

Giant Eagle to offer free generic antibiotics | AP | 09/03/2009
I think this is a great example and should be followed by other companies. In addition to their $4.00 prescription drug program, they are now offering free antibiotics!

Gorgeous day..big decision

It's a beautiful day here in Pittsburgh, the sun is shining with high temperatures in the mid seventies today. Perfect weather as far as I'm concerned.

I'm listening to some music and drinking earl grey tea. Nala is lying beside my chair snoring.... but the wheels of my mind are turning.

I contacted Susquehanna Service Dogs last week to start the process of getting another service dog. Nala turned 11 this year and as difficult as it is, I have to think about retiring her... and the process takes time.

Last year I made the decision to stop taking her with me in public, it was just too hard on her. She continues to open my doors at home, but retrieving objects and putting them on my tabletop is difficult for her. She certainly earned her retirement. It's just very difficult on me. She is the perfect dog.

Don't feel too badly for her, she goes for a walk every day and has a basketful of stuffed animals to play with.... She's not going anywhere, I just wonder how she will feel about another Dog in the house doing her job.

The Business Of Football, 2009 - Forbes.com

The Business Of Football, 2009 - Forbes.com I do not know where Forbes gets its information, but they have the Pittsburgh Steelers as 16th in NFL value. This same list has the Cleveland browns at number 13 !

It's hard to believe that the most winning team in football is number 16. Not to mention the fact that they sell more merchandise than any other franchise in the NFL. I'm not saying that the Pittsburgh Steelers are the number one valuable team in the NFL, but they're certainly not number 16 !

Wheelchair Humor

Having a good sense of humor is important to everyone, not just individuals with disabilities. You have to check out the blog wheelchair diffusion, for some very funny wheelchair intakes.... I liked this one the best :

Me: Well Cynthia, what do you think of trying a scooter out?
Cynthia: I’m not sure I can handle it.
Me: That won’t be a problem. We’ll have a therapist work with you until you are comfortable with it.
Cynthia: There’s something I didn’t tell you that I should have.
Me: What’s that?
Cynthia: I don’t have a driver’s license.
Me: That’s OK, you don’t need one.
Cynthia: But what will I tell the police officer if I get pulled over?

Who says therapy can't be fun?

Jason Eady "Waiting To Shine"

Flogging Molly - Seven Deadly Sins lyrics

my afternoon plan...

Tuesday's Thoughts

It hit me yesterday that my recent blog post regarding adventure, my Swiss army knife and dive watch are all related to the upcoming fall season.... Even after the spinal cord injury my brain continues to get excited this time of year.

Fall is my favorite season and when I would become the most active outdoors. I did not consciously put these things together until yesterday. You would think with a master's degree in counseling I would have more self awareness....

August is the time of year to look through catalogs and purchase camouflage, the latest camping equipment and new arrows. Get out the compass and map and plot new adventures in the back country.

Just like summer is time to buy new Ray Bans and dream about new ford mustang gt's.... I'm really not that complicated, in fact I'm downright predictable once you know me.