Technology User Group: Cooking Gadgets and Resources

  Technology User Group Meeting

Contributed by Jerry Price, Assistive Technology Specialist

On Saturday, May 8, the Technology User Group will conduct a presentation called Cooking Blind. Many visually impaired food aficionados will share their tips and tricks for food preparation as well as gadgets, recipe resources, and instructional sites to make that perfect dish. All are welcome to come and share their experiences with cooking as well as the lessons they have learned.

The presentation will be virtual and may be joined by calling 319-527-4994. You do not have to RSVP for this event. The presentation will begin at 10 AM and last about 90 minutes. 

We look forward to meeting with you virtually on Saturday, May 8th, and hope that you will join us for other exciting events we have planned for 2021.

If you would like to listen to previous TUG recordings, please click here:
https://www.marylandlibraries.org/Pages/Technology%20User%20Group.aspx

Upcoming TUG Programs:

• Saturday, June 12, 10 AM, Getting the most from Amazon Prime
• Saturday, July 10, 10 AM, Clubhouse, Facebook & Zoom.

Follow the Maryland State Library for the Blind and Print Disabled (LBPD) on:

• Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/MDLBPD/
• On Twitter at https://twitter.com/MDLBPD
• On our blog at https://mdlbpd.blogspot.com/
• And our website at www.lbph.maryland.gov

For more information about the Technology User Group, please contact Jerry Price at (410) 230-2446 or via email at jerry.price1@maryland.gov.

 

Book Review: The Stormcaller

 

Contributed by Christina Nixon, Contributor

Heir to Insanity

by A.J. Nadir

 

Heir to Insanity tells the story of Jasper and Ethan's quest to obtain the Everflame-an artifact needed to keep Ethan from dying.  The reader learns about the world along with Linna, discovering facts about the Everflame, Jasper and Ethan's history, and magic itself.  The main characters have strong wills.  Their belief in themselves shapes the world around them and keeps them going through enumerable hardships.  Though Jasper's treatment of others is often times harsh, we and Linna receive hints as to why he behaves this way.

The magic system is original and interesting.  A.J. Nadir provides us with clues to guess the characters' Visions along with Linna.

There are two elements I dislike about this story.  There are some campy moments such as the gremlin falling down a hill or an ally falling down the stairs.  The first demonstrates the verve with which Jasper throws himself into battle.  The second example makes me question the prowess of the faller.  This is a minor issue and did not detract too much from the story.  Secondly, I wish the book was longer to allow for even more character development.  I enjoyed the conversations that gave us glimpses into character motivations and vulnerabilities.  I look forward to reading more such moments in the next book.

This story contains several positive elements.  Heir to Insanity is a strong adventure with well-forged characters, realistic dialogue, interesting magic, and small, engaging mysteries to solve.  The combat is well-written and contains a nice mix of physical violence and magic.  Though the synopsis describes Linna as "a young pirate woman," I would not classify this story as Young Adult.  The main characters are well into adulthood.

My favorite aspect of this book is the theme of friendship.  Friendship motivates all of the characters, for good or ill.  It makes them stronger even as it results in heart-wrenching consequences.

Andrew Gibson brings life to the characters.  He has an engaging tone that keeps the listener's attention.

I give Heir to Insanity a solid four stars in Story and Narration. I cannot wait for the next book in the series.  I am excited to hear more about the tragedies and triumphs of this compelling band of friends.

I received this book free of charge in exchange for my honest review.

 

Guest Post: Everything Audio Description Offers

 Shared from the Metropolitan Washington Ear

Contributed by Terry Pacheco, President of Metropolitan Washington Ear

Everything Audio Description Offers April 8, 8:00 PM

What questions do you have about audio described live and recorded programs and performances? How do you get the service to work on your TV? Where do I find what’s available? What live performances are described? These and many more questions will be answered during this special collaborative session presented by The Metropolitan Washington Ear and the Audio Description Project hosted by Phyllis Burson and Terry Pacheco.  Special guests include: Sylvia Rosenthal, Listener Coordinator and Patti Wong, performance audio describer  at the Ear; Carl Richardson, Media sub-committee chair, ADP; and Fred Brack, ADP webmaster.  This is a wonderful learning opportunity for all.  

Join us April 8^th, at 8:00 Eastern.

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