GameCom Commander Gaming Headset

Hurry, hurry...before they're all gone...

The Plantronics GameCom Commander Limited Edition Tournament Gaming Headset (try saying it three times fast, and with one breath) is the best gaming headset I've used.  And, most "versatile"...

The first thing I noticed was the "travel case".  It's sturdy...it reminds me of that heavy-duty, rip-stop, foul-weather, military-like, shell-formed nylon.  Attached is a thick carabiner that has a key-lock nose and a screw-lock sleeve.

"...closed-ear design...noise isolation...the GameCom Commander shuts out distractions..."

And with 40mm drivers, I noticed that the audio was of high-quality.  I would consider using them in a studio environment.

"...noise-canceling, ruggedized microphone..."

It's designed for understandable communication, while trying to keep out noise from the surrounding environment.  Which are the types of areas I find myself in constantly.

"Super-durable, lightweight components keep you comfortable for the long-haul..."

I was never distracted by the headset...when I was wearing them, I never considered that I was.

There is a QuickDisconnect adapter on the headset that allows for changing connectors for a computer, or a smartphone or tablet.  The two 3.5mm plugs (one for the headphones and the other for the microphone) on one adapter also have an inline volume and mute control.  The adapter for phones and tablets is a 4-conductor (TRRS) connector.

A USB sound card for 7.1 surround audio is also included.

If you want to get a great gift for your gamer, this is it.

A sling for your tech

I like to be able to carry stuff on me...like gadgets and tools, and have a collection of bags and pouches to do so.

A TechSling was sent for me to try.  It's a holster for iPads, phones, and "stuff".

The pockets are 10.75 by 6.5 inches.
The left pocket is for an iPad (9.5 by 7.31 inches).
{I found the case for my 5 by 8 inch notepad fits into it very well.}
The right side has a pocket at the top for a phone.  Under it is a zippered compartment with two loops inside for pens.

"All TechSling syles are constructed with a versatile, lightweight Nylon/Polyester, Mini-Diamond Ripstop fabric and finished with a polyurethane and water repellent coating...400 X 300 Denier nylon fabric is specially constructed to prevent rips and tears and is a popular choice for luggage, bags, medical aprons and custom cases."  It can be cleaned in a washing machine...after, just hang to dry.

The "Diamond Ripstop" version is available in:
Cinnamon
Light Gray (Regular, Neon Orange, or Neon Yellow Interior)
Tan
Blue (Regular, Neon Orange, or Neon Yellow Interior)
Black (Regular, Neon Orange, or Neon Yellow Interior).

A tougher version is available, made from medium-weight 600 Denier Polyester that's similar to some luggage and duffel bags:  the Magnatuff is only available in Navy and Black, though.  There's also a fire-retardant option, the Magnatuff FR, and custom coloring and embroidery options.

http://www.techslinger.com

Wrong...again...and again...

Again I say to my brethren in broadcasting:  it's more important to be factual...than first.

As I watched news reports on television, I cringed as speculation was made and theories were discussed (to my disgust).  And what I perceive to be pure weakness and laziness was delivered in news scripts...

On MSNBC, during a top of hour summary...following them broadcasting Jay Carney, the White House Press Secretary addressing reporters...the script referred to a statement from "a White House official".  Minutes before, that official was Carney!  It was as if the writer either had immediately forgotten who Carney is, or had pre-written the script ahead of time and didn't identify Carney before handing the script to the anchor...thereby, in my view, making the anchor sound like a simpleton.

I have no intention on picking on MSNBC.  I noticed mistakes from various news organizations.

-----------------------------------------------------

{CNN reported...}

[Updated at 2:11 p.m. ET] CNN's Susan Candiotti has just reported that a law enforcement official tells her the suspect is named Ryan Lanza and he is in his 20s.

[Updated at 3:09 p.m. ET] The suspect's mother was shot and killed at the school, according to source close to the investigation. She was a teacher there.

And we now know that Ryan Lanza, the suspected gunman, was 24.

{Then...}

[Updated at 6:43 p.m. ET] CNN’s Susan Candiotti is talking to investigators at the scene as they piece together exactly what happened and when. She says she’s learned that the mother of the suspected shooter, Nancy Lanza, was found dead in the suspect’s home in Newtown.

“Earlier we had information that she was found in the classroom. However, now I’m being told that in fact her body was found at the suspect's residence," Candiotti said. "We don't know whether she also lived there. We also don't know the timeline – when was she killed? Was she killed before the shooting began at the school? These are the things that authorities are still trying to piece together.”

{Maybe that's the fault of the "law enforcement official".  Now, I want to know who that "official" was that gave the incorrect information.  Later...}

[Updated at 6:44 p.m. ET] Three U.S. law enforcement officials, from different agencies, separately tonight identified the suspected shooter as Adam Lanza, contrary to what investigators had said previously. It is not clear what caused the confusion among investigators.

His older brother, Ryan, was taken into custody for general questioning from a home in Hoboken, New Jersey. Officials did not label Ryan Lanza as a suspect. It is unclear when he may be released.

One of the officials say Adam’s father was also taken in for similar questioning. There is no indication that the father will be charged. The official noted the father has remarried and lives with his new wife in a residence in the general area of Connecticut not too far from where his ex-wife lived.

{Again, I want to know who the investigators were that were wrong.  Because I expect they may make other mistakes.  Other news agencies has reported that the father had been killed.}

(6:44 p.m. ET update – (Three U.S. law enforcement officials say the suspected gunman was Adam Lanza, not his brother Ryan Lanza as officials had previously said. It is not clear what caused the confusion among investigators. Ryan Lanza was picked up from a home in Hoboken, New Jersey, on Friday and has been questioned but has not been labeled as a suspect, officials now say. Also, CNN’s Susan Candiotti is talking to investigators and has now learned that the mother of the suspected shooter was found dead in the suspect’s home in Newtown)

{So the mother was killed in a home, and not the school...}

http://news.blogs.cnn.com/2012/12/14/shooting-reported-at-connecticut-elementary-school/

After a while, I quit following the story.  Too many news agencies had too much information wrong...

The "knife" that should be in EVERYONE'S pocket

Looking for a neat gift to give?  I suggest a type of knife that almost everyone needs...

See...they were within reach, and my abdomen was growling with hunger.  Cans of tuna.  Ready to be opened and eaten.  But...not a working can opener to be found.  I have two P-38s but, as I have been couch-surfing for many years, couldn't find them in my belongings.  In desperation, I thought I might be able to use my pocketknife to open the can...and found I can do so:  and I had forgotten it's not just "any old pocketknife"!

After doing some research, I've found that the model I own was probably the "Soldier Knife model 1961" that has a blade, a combined bottle-opener/screwdriver/wire-stripper (I never knew about the wire-stripper), a combined can-opener and small screwdriver, and a reamer.

It seems that the new product descriptions for this model are:

the Pioneer (Item Number:  53960, http://www.swissarmy.com/us/product/Swiss-Army-Knives/Category/Everyday-Use/Pioneer/53960 and http://www.victorinox.com/us/product/Swiss-Army-Knives/Category/Everyday-Use/Pioneer/53960)

and the Standard Issue (Item No:  16520, http://www.wengerna.com/standard-issue-16520).

I must tell you about the Giant Knife (Item No:  16999) that has 87 Implements, and 141 Functions.

Dear Swiss Army people,

I want one just so I can record videos of me using every tool on in it.

Love,

ME

The Daily is dead. Good...

{Commentary}

"The Daily launched in February 2011 with the mission to provide the best news experience by combining world-class storytelling with the unique interactive capabilities of the iPad."

I never had a chance to read it...because it was a publication initially only available on an iPad.  Strike one.  I've recently learned it's available on other devices.  Well...too late now.

After learning it will stop publication, I found it was not free.  Strike two.  Not just for needing to be paid for...I understand and support things that are not free.  Though having regularly not had much "disposable income", my preferences to paying for services have been greatly towards things that I find worth the value of what I pay.  I was never aware of an opportunity to see the content without needing to pay for it.  I'm not paying for content that I have no idea I might be interested in and/or enjoy.

"Try it for free without any commitment."

Oh.  Well...too late now.  The people at The Daily, should have promoted it much better and often.

(As a member of media, I am offered free subscriptions to some periodicals...and I greatly appreciate it.  Professionally, because they supply me with information I need to support my position.  Personally, I'm a self-described "readaholic".  I try to show my gratitude for these subscriptions by promoting articles and information, and the publication, when possible.)

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On their blog:

It is with heavy hearts that we share the news that we will be ceasing publication of The Daily on December 15th. 

...we would love to hear your thoughts about The Daily...Send your thoughts to thanks@thedaily.com...