Things to ponder:
Before the light bulb was invented, what appeared over peoples heads when
they had an idea?
Giant Sequoias in California's Sequoia National Park range from 2,000 to
2,100 years old and can measure 275 feet tall and 30 feet across.
There is a scale for measuring the spiciness of food. It is called the
Scoville Heat Index. The spiciest pepper has over 1,000,000 Scoville units.
Kleenex tissues were originally marketed as a cold cream remover, not a
disposable handkerchief.
Stephanie Kwolik's name might not ring a bell, but she's responsible for
saving thousands of lives. In 1965, she invented Kevlar, the material used
in bulletproof vests.
If you combine the electoral college results of the '80 and '84 elections,
Reagan won 1014-62.
Submitted by Liza Desmet - San Antonio, TX
The Eiffel Tower in Paris, France, leans slightly toward the shade on sunny
days!
Fathers Day Gifts for Dads Who Are Blind or Visually Impaired
<http://www.visionaware.org/community/announcements/fathers-day-gifts-for-da
ds-who-are-blind-or-visually-impaired/12>
http://www.visionaware.org/community/announcements/fathers-day-gifts-for-dad
s-who-are-blind-or-visually-impaired/12
(text of web addresses entered by Dan)
This year for Fathers Day,
<http://www.visionaware.org/info/get-connected/peer-advisors/maribel-steel/1
25> Maribel Steel, VisionAware peer advisor, writes, "It's that time of year
again, when we focus on thanking those wonderful men in our lives.
Personally, I plan ahead and keep eyes and hands on the look out for that
special something for my dad when we celebrate Father's Day together (which,
in Australia, is in September). "
Showing our love and appreciation can be done in so many creative ways. Here
are a few suggestions:
. A special lunch or dinner out as your treat
. An audio book of your dad's favorite author or genre
. A gift voucher to Amazon or iTunes
. A crafted leather item like a leather belt, coin wallet, or key
pouch
. Special water bottle for walks, complete with sunhat and sunscreen
. A novelty gift for the garden or packet of bulbs
. A tactile box or mini-chest to store keys and wallet for easy
reach
. A talking clock or watch. You may want to read VisionAware's
guides on
<http://www.visionaware.org/section.aspx?FolderID=8&SectionID=139&DocumentID
=6693> clocks and
<http://www.visionaware.org/section.aspx?FolderID=8&SectionID=139&DocumentID
=6603> watches to help you choose just the right one.
*
http://www.visionaware.org/info/everyday-living/helpful-products/selected-cl
ocks-available-from-chicago-lighthouse/125
.
. Solar lights for a garden path
. Decorative lamp to brighten up a dark corner of the house
Other Great Ideas
The Gift of Time
Your Dad can still enjoy ball games and sports of all kinds. Take him to a
game but be sure to bring a portable radio to tune in to hear the announcer
give a blow by blow description of the plays! Or how about a fishing
expedition or
<http://www.visionaware.org/section.aspx?FolderID=8&SectionID=119&TopicID=49
3&DocumentID=5862> bowling.
http://www.visionaware.org/info/everyday-living/recreation-and-leisure/sport
s-and-exercise/bowling-5862/1235
And be sure to read Gil Johnson's post on
<http://www.visionaware.org/blog/visually-impaired-now-what/a-fathers-day-gi
ft--to-your-children-or-grandchildren--quality-time-in-the-woodshop-not-the-
woodshed/12> A Father's Day Gift to Your Children-Quality Time in the
Woodshop
http://www.visionaware.org/blog/visually-impaired-now-what/a-fathers-day-gif
t--to-your-children-or-grandchildren--quality-time-in-the-woodshop-not-the-w
oodshed/12
and read his
<http://www.visionaware.org/section.aspx?FolderID=8&SectionID=128&TopicID=54
3> woodworking guide.
http://www.visionaware.org/info/everyday-living/home-repairs/gils-guide-to-w
oodworking/123
National Braille Press
National Braille Press has several
<http://www.nbp.org/ic/nbp/publications/fathersday.html> gift ideas to pick
from
http://www.nbp.org/ic/nbp/publications/fathersday.html
such as books, ties, magnets, and even subscriptions.
Chicago Lighthouse Suggestions
You may be interested in some of the
<http://chicagolighthouse.3dcartstores.com/?AffID=1> Chicago Lighthouse
Specials,
http://chicagolighthouse.3dcartstores.com/?AffID=1
which include items such as a Victor Stream for reading, reading lamps, and
an ODIN accessible cell phone
<http://www.afb.org/afbpress/pub.asp?DocID=aw141008> (read a review).
http://www.afb.org/afbpress/pub.asp?DocID=aw141008
The Lighthouse also sells a
<http://chicagolighthouse.3dcartstores.com/Columbus-Talking-Compass_p_727.ht
ml> talking compass,
http://chicagolighthouse.3dcartstores.com/Columbus-Talking-Compass_p_727.htm
l
a
<http://chicagolighthouse.3dcartstores.com/Talking-IndoorOutdoor-Thermometer
-with-Dual-Display_p_895.html> talking indoor/outdoor thermometer,
http://chicagolighthouse.3dcartstores.com/Talking-IndoorOutdoor-Thermometer-
with-Dual-Display_p_895.html
and a
<http://chicagolighthouse.3dcartstores.com/Deluxe-Talking-Pedometer-Clock-an
d-Alarm_p_381.html> talking pedometer.
<http://chicagolighthouse.3dcartstores.com/Deluxe-Talking-Pedometer-Clock-an
d-Alarm_p_381.html>
http://chicagolighthouse.3dcartstores.com/Deluxe-Talking-Pedometer-Clock-and
-Alarm_p_381.html
iPhone and Smart Phones
If you give your Dad an iPhone or iPad, read up on some of accessible apps
that are available for carrying out all types of tasks. For example
<http://www.afb.org/afbpress/pub.asp?DocID=aw150407> money management apps;
http://www.afb.org/afbpress/pub.asp?DocID=aw150407
and lots of
<http://www.visionaware.org/info/everyday-living/helpful-products/using-apps
/123> other apps.
http://www.visionaware.org/info/everyday-living/helpful-products/using-apps/
123
Wine with Braille Labels
http://terlatowines.com/brands/france/m-chapoutier/braille-labels-worlds-bes
t
Braille has been present since 1996 on all
<http://terlatowines.com/brands/france/m-chapoutier/braille-labels-worlds-be
st> M. Chapoutier labels. The labels provide the following information in
braille: M. Chapoutier, the appellation and the name, vintage, and color of
the wine.
Guide For Family Members
http://www.visionaware.org/info/emotional-support/for-family-and-friends/12
VisionAware has developed a
<http://www.visionaware.org/section.aspx?FolderID=7&SectionID=144> Guide for
Family Members. This section is primarily for family and friends of people
with vision loss and is designed to provide advice and direction on how to
assist your loved one with adapting successfully to losing vision.
Getting Started Kit
Don't forget our popular Getting Started kit that you can
<http://www.visionaware.org/gettingstarted> download in English or Spanish
http://www.visionaware.org/info/emotional-support/handling-the-news/getting-
started-kit-for-people-new-to-vision-loss/123
or order for a
<https://www.visionaware.org/donate.aspx?action=fullform&type=VisionAware>
donation of $30 to VisionAware in honor of your Father!
To subscribe to Dan's tips or HotSpot with God Daily Devotional, send a
blank message to dthompson5@xxxxxxxxx and include "subscribe Dan's Tips" or
Subscribe HotSpot with God" in the subject line.
"I rejoice in following your statutes as one rejoices in grate
riches.
I meditate on your precepts and consider your ways.
I delight in your decrees;
I will not neglect your word."
Psalm 119:16:
Robert Acosta, President
Helping Hands for the Blind
(818) 998-0044
www.helpinghands4theblind.org
