emPower eyeglasses available in more locations

ANATEE -- Eyeglass wearers will be able to get prescriptions for the world’s first electronic glasses at five locations in Manatee County. The manufacturer hasn’t announced the exact release date, but the lenses may be available in mid- to late June.

The prescription glasses, called emPower, are like progressive lenses with one huge difference. Tap the arm piece and a pair of emPowers will change from near-vision to distance-vision, or vice-versa. Or turn on the “accelerometer” and the glasses will switch automatically, according to whether you’re looking down or straight ahead.

Once emPower lenses are released, look for them at these Bradenton locations:

n Eye Center Inc., 2003 Cortez Road and 5106C Manatee Ave. W.

n Eye Associates, 6002 Pointe West Blvd.

n Jolly and Chlebina, 2020 Manatee Ave. W.

n Lakewood Family Eye Care, 10940 E. State Road 70, Suite 103

Alzheimer’s seminar to be held at USF

SARASOTA -- A free seminar on the Pathways to Memory program for people with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease will take place from 9 a.m. to noon May 28 at the University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee Selby Auditorium, 8350 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota.

Information about resources from the Alzheimer’s Association also will be available.

The Pathways to Memory program was created by Homewatch CareGivers, an in-home care service company.

Clients with dementia are matched with a trained caregiver for memory-enhancing activities. The exercises are designed to help skills affected by dementia, such as face and name recognition.

Memory-care specialist Ann Doetterl, who designed Pathways to Memory, will be at the event. For more information, call Homewatch CareGivers of Sarasota at (941) 484-3700.

Gluten-free event at Vertoris Pizza House

BRADENTON -- It’s time for the “Gluten-Free Extravaganza from Start to Finish” at Vertoris Pizza House, 6830 14th St. W., Bradenton. The buffet dinner will be served from 4 to 7 p.m. May 25 and the $25 ticket price includes one glass of wine or gluten-free beer.

Eating out can be a problem for people with wheat allergies. Depending on the severity, gluten allergies can range from stomach upsets after eating wheat to life-threatening illness.

But not even the pasta will contain wheat at the Gluten-Free Extravaganza. Vertoris Pizza House owner Christine Harman and her staff will be preparing gluten-free courses from appetizers to desserts made with non-gluten substitutes such as rice flour.

Just a sampling to be offered on the buffet table: Italian wedding soup, cheese ravioli, chicken penne pasta, chipotle flourless chocolate cake and tiramisu.

Harman suggests making reservations. Call 751-0333.

Blood bank hosts open house, blood drive marathon

BRADENTON -- Want to be on the radio? All you have to do is donate blood during the third annual Pints for Play blood drive marathon May 26.

The blood drive is from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., when 107.9 WSRZ radio will be putting donors on the air. Say hi to mom, play your own song, promote your business or cause. Or you can request your favorite tune.

This year’s goal is to have 526 people give blood.

The Suncoast Communities Blood Bank is teaming up with the radio station for the event. The blood bank also will have the grand opening of its second donor center in Manatee County on May 26 at Bayshore Gardens Shopping Center, 6026 14th St. W., Bradenton.

In Manatee County, the new center will be the main location for Pints for Play blood donations. A second Manatee location for the event will be the Lakewood Ranch Donor Center, 1731 Lakewood Ranch Blvd.

Susan Hemmingway, Herald health correspondent, can be contacted at shemmingway@hotmail.com.

Success of eyeglass recycling project in sight for local teen

JANESVILLE — Laura and Lisa Prentice have been seeing eye-to-eye on a 4-H leadership project since last winter.

The vision for the project came into focus over winter break while the daughter and mother were brainstorming about what to do for a project.

When Lisa came across a pair of old eyeglasses, “a light bulb went off,’’ said Laura, 14, an eight-year member of La Prairie 4-H Club that Lisa helps lead.

Laura was familiar with recycling projects because she had participated in one the year before. She knew recycling eyeglasses would help people but wouldn’t require a big budget or too much time.

As the two began researching eyeglasses recycling, they discovered the Janesville Noon Lions Club and its ongoing eyeglass collection and recycling program led by Dave Wagner.

The club recently delivered to the Camp Rosholt Recycling Center near Stevens Point more than 6,000 pairs of eyeglasses they had collected during the past year. The center will clean and prepare the glasses for distribution in developing countries, where eye care often is unaffordable and inaccessible, according to the club’s website.

When Laura, an eighth-grader at Edison Middle School, learned about the Lions program, she decided to move forward with an eyeglasses recycling project.

“This program helps others see better and also helps keep these much-needed eyeglasses from going to the landfill,’’ she wrote in her project brochure: “Change a Life: Donate Your Old Eyeglasses.”

Dave Warren of Dave’s Ace Hardware stores let her put collection containers in his Milton and Evansville stores. So did Mercy Hospital. Laura’s phone number and e-mail address are listed in her brochure to give others opportunities to donate.

She’s already collected 149 pairs of eyeglasses, surpassing her goal of 100 pairs by July 1.

“It’s a learning experience that got me outside of my comfort zone and to think outside the box while helping others and not just thinking about myself,’’ Laura said. “It’s making me more well-rounded and more diverse.’’

Trendy Ray Ban Wayfarer Sunglasses,Obama Also Interested In

Nobody who likes wearing ray ban does not know the Ray-ban Sunglasses. Ray Ban was founded in 1930, at that time, Ray Ban sunglasses pilot were the special supplies of U.S. Air Force pilots. It has been the world’s best-selling sunglasses brand, whose position in the sunglasses industry is really like the Mercedes-Benz and BMW in the car industry. Relying on the powerful research and development ability of the Bausch & Lomb company who promotes the innovative optical technology, high-quality lenses have become one of the best selling points of Ray Ban Wayfarer Sunglasses. Ray-ban’s dymnamic logo has also become the favorite of numerous sunglass-lovers. ray ban uk lens are mainly glass sheet, with strong shading effects, all lenses can 100% block harmful ultraviolet rays, and harmful rays such as infrared rays in the mean time. How, to become a favorite always needs a reason, and this is where Ray-ban has its great strength.

Nowadays, Ray-ban polarized sunglasses use the technique of polarizing film, which reduces damages to human eyes caused by light. The design of its frame is also excellent. It is full of characteristics, not only giving people comfort when they are wearing it but also greatly increasing the value of this brand. As the 44th US president and the first one with mixed black and white ancestry, Obama is the coolest American leader, and the most attractive US president with striking personal styles. Of course, the president’s apparel has become the focus of countless fans. It is said that his favorite is the sport Ray-Ban 3217 sunglasses.

Usually make their appearance during the outgoing time of the President. This 3217 ray ban sunglasses has a very smooth rounded edge and low-key black plastic nose frame, so this low-key and lightAviator Ray Ban Sunglass is suitable for many occasions. Last month in Asheville, North Carolina, President Obama in sunglasses, casual clothes, and a polo shirt, came to hotel in Asheville after several hours’ trekking through the Blue Ridge Mountains for his weekends. His wife Michelle Obama wore casual dress, together with a black hat and Ray-ban sunglasses Wayfarer for women. The president and his wife took about half an hour to visit the Blue Ridge sight and spent some time chatting with the ranger, getting some local information when they were out. Then, the Obamas were out of sight of reporters. Like ordinary people, they began to enjoy their weekend life.

Next time in newspapers or on Web sites if you encounter Obama’s pictures in which he is wearing sunglasses, you might as well make a careful indentification to see wether they are the classic type of Ray-ban—Ray-ban 3217 sunglasses.

Ray-Ban Aviator and Ray-Ban Wayfarer Review

Bausch & Lomb manufactured the famous Ray-Ban sunglasses in 1937. They were manufactured for the United States Army Air Corps. Subsequently, Italian Luxottica Group bought the brand from Bausch & Lomb in 1999 for $1.2 billion.

The anti-glare technology was developed after a suggestion from Lieutenant Mc Cready, who had difficulty during flying a balloon. His eyes were hurt because of the glares caused by the sunlight. During the World War II when General Douglas MacArthur landed on the beach, the photographers clicked numerous snaps of him wearing Ray-Ban Aviators and since that day the Ray-Ban Aviator sunglasses came into focus and style.

Ray-Ban sunglasses have made several appearances in Hollywood movies such as Breakfast at Tiffany’s, Blues Brothers, Risky Business, Top Gun & Men In Black. President of US Barack Obama has also been spotted many times wearing Ray-Ban eyeglass. Even Michael Jackson played an important role in promoting the popularity of Ray-Ban sunglasses in 1990′s. The two most famous and popular designs made by Ray-Ban brand are the Ray-Ban Aviator and Ray-Ban Wayfarer.

The RB 2113 Wayfarer and the RB3293 Aviator are one of the most popular and iconic sunglasses that are made in Italy. These, even come with an attractive packaging, which improves the style and look, can be regarded as a favorable gift item. The nose-bridge of these sunglasses is very accurately placed which fits quite warmly on the nose of the user. The lenses are polarized and scratchproof with UVA and UVB protection. The frame is made up of durable plastic, which are quite comfortable, and with adjustable temples. The wayfarer brand of Ray-ban is accurately designed which is made of sturdy plastic material and are equally comfortable and convenient to be used regularly.

The important factor of this sunglass is it bears the signature logo of Ray Ban. The aviator design is made of a durable metal frame and incidentally has an impact resistance lens. The model is available for both men and women. The metal frame does not suit to many people, as their skin is sensitive to metal. Various models of this model are available with a discount also.

Ray-Ban shades are manufactured for both men and women. You can use it while driving, playing sports or just as a fashion accessory. They come in various models for men, women and kids. Ray-Ban sunglasses are pretty cheap compared to other big brands like Oakley, Gucci, Chanel and Prada. They are very conveniently available in any shop or in the Internet. You can even get a good discount and still get a good pair of sunglasses Ray-Ban from on-line shops around the world.

Owning a Ray-Ban sunglass also requires maintaining it. Therefore one should be careful to clean and restore it back to the case, when not in use. If you take the necessary precautionary measures for your sunglasses then it will last you a lifetime. In case you break or scratch your nosepiece, lens or your frame you can repair it, as Ray-Ban offers a warranty against the damages done to the sunglasses. If your warranty period is over Ray-Ban charges a nominal fee for repairing items. Each and every part of your ray ban sunglasses is made up of very durable materials, which are also very easily available.

See savings with glasses from Web

So there I was at the optician, about to hand over my debit card for a new pair of eyeglasses, when my palms started to sweat.

The total, with tax, had crept above $200. In the past, I had turned down the scratch-resistant and anti-reflective coatings — cynically assuming they were just upsells — and ended up with a gouge in my lens and migraines from glare. So this time I bit the bullet and decided to pay a little extra for both.

It’s not like I went crazy buying designer frames. I didn’t even like the pair I’d picked. I had tried on three cheap pairs, snapped photos, texted them to my friends and let them pick the winner. The frames weren’t dipped in gold or studded in diamonds. Still, my eyes were costing me an arm and a leg.

For my last pair of glasses, I had searched every optical store trying to find the best-looking frame and the best value. (You don’t have to buy your glasses from the same place you get your eye exam, even though the store staff sometimes implies that you do.) It took days, yet I ended up back at the first place I tried, and the pair I got wasn’t exactly a steal.

So this time, just as I was about to hand over my card, I snatched it back in a panic and said I was having second thoughts. I felt like an idiot. But whatever.

I went home and dove into the online eyeglass retailers I had read so much about. I ended up at ZenniOptical.com.

Whoa. Complete sets of eyeglasses there start at $6.95! For what I had been about to pay at the optician, I could buy glasses for everyone on my block.

I picked out a middle-of-the-road pair, with sturdy polycarbonate lenses, anti-reflective and anti-scratch coatings and ultraviolet protection. I even splurged on clip-on sunshades.

The grand total with shipping? $24.95! At that price, it was easy to take the plunge on the trendy, Al Franken-type tortoise shells I wasn’t sure I could pull off. (You can see a photo of me trying to look smart in them).

The doc will usually hand you your prescription after your eye exam, or you can ask for it before you leave. I’ve never had a problem having it faxed, either.

The folks at the optician’s office wouldn’t tell me my pupillary distance (the distance between the centers of the pupils), so I had to measure it myself. The Web site gives instructions.

A few days later I got a bubblewrap envelope in the mailbox with my glasses, eyeglass case and a microfiber cloth. I tried them on and could see perfectly. I love them!

For those of you who aren’t Web savvy, it’s worth finding a trusted friend or family member who can help you order online. There are a bunch of sites to choose from. And even if you just want an extra pair for around the house, you can get a complete set for the price of a fast-food value meal.

Marcophiles: Lions continue to roar for the visually, hearing impaired

Most Marco Islanders don’t see what the local Lions Club members do for the blind and visually impaired in our area, but we all should thank them for it and help them when we can.

For example, last month, four club members used portable equipment to screen 30 pre-school children in Immokalee for sight and hearing problems. Of those children, seven had sight or hearing problems that will need professional care.

Marco Lions Club member Dave Gardner says catching such problems at an early age can be critical. “Early diagnosis and treatment can mean a quick recovery, and in may cases, can bring these children up to normal sight and hearing levels.”

The Marco Lions also is the group that distributes all those “Recycle for Sight” eyeglass collection boxes you see around town, providing free eyeglasses for those who need them.

The Lions Club raises money through its “White Cane” drives and annual pancake breakfasts to benefit area organizations geared to helping the blind. Members have added identifying diabetics and helping them get help for the condition.

The Lions members invite all islanders to join them. For more information, phone President Bruce Miles at 394-1020.

Blind, visually impaired kids can have fun this summer

Do you know a child who is blind or visually impaired and wants to have fun this summer? What kid doesn’t! So please let the child’s family know they can sign up for a free camp given by Lighthouse of Collier this summer.

The Second Annual Summer Camp will be held in July every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at The Naples Beach Hotel. And there will be field trips too.

Campers will enjoy horseback riding, tennis lessons, music, picnics in the park, crafts, large print cards and board games and making new friends. They also will learn to use magnifiers, closed circuit TVs, talking computers and other equipment that assists the blind and visually impaired.

“One of the things we tried to do in camp last year,” says Arts and Crafts Coordinator Sheila Miles, “was to show that even though these children have special needs, they still are children who love to do children’s things. We want people to remember that they are kids who want to have fun.”

Because of privacy laws, it’s difficult to locate blind and visually impaired children, but the Lighthouse of Collier estimates that there are more than 50 children in Collier County who have acute sight problems.

The Lighthouse PR director, Kathleen Peck, says that when parents of visually impaired children get details on what the camp offers, chances are they’ll be enthused about it. Besides engaging the children and letting them participate and have some fun, it’s also an opportunity for the parents to get together.”

The camp is made possible by the generous donations of Mr. and Mrs. Scribner, Elaine Cline Cleaning, Inc., and The Naples Beach Hotel.

Lighthouse of Collier is the only Center for Blindness and Vision Loss in Collier County. There are an estimated 14,000 blind/visually impaired people in Collier County.

Contact Lighthouse of Collier at lighthouseofcollier.org or call 239-430-EYE4 (3934).

Chris Curle is a former news anchor for CNN and for ABC-TV stations in Washington, D.C., Atlanta and Houston. E-mail chris@chriscurle.com.

Don is a former ABC News correspondent and bureau chief and a former news anchor for CNN and ABC-TV, in Atlanta. His Farmer File column appears Fridays in the Naples Daily News. E-mail: don@donfarmer.com.

Tips for Buying Wholesale Ray Ban Sunglasses Online

Since Ray Ban sunglasses are world’s leading brand sunglasses and are so  popular that they are quiet hot sell everyday.If you are one of those looking for Ray Ban sunglasses, buying online is one good option. Here’s how you can buy wholesale Ray Ban sunglasses online:

1. First thing you need to do is to go to online shopping store. Try to seek for more stores as possible and compare their wholesale sunglasses pricing. This way you can determine who’s selling the lowest price for wholesale Ray Ban sunglasses.
2. Once you are already on the site, you can find order from where you can input your contact details along with the model of sunglasses you wish to order.
3. Since you are ordering for wholesale Ray Ban sunglasses you can negotiate directly with the seller with regards to the mode of payment. You can suggest some terms.
4. Obtaining the goods would highly depend upon your negotiations. But usually it is being shipped to your place. However, you can suggest meet-ups if you are not comfortable with shipping.

Some Reminders for Buying Ray Ban Sunglasses Online

Buying wholesale sunglasses online from Ray Ban sunglasses online store is not that hard. However, there are few reminders and apprehensions that you must consider before closing the deal with the seller. These reminders include the following:

1. Verify the authenticity of the store and the sunglasses first. This is an important reminder that you should always consider as there are many fly by night companies and distributers online. You must be vigilant enough to know if you are dealing with scammers and the like. The best thing you can do is to look for some feedbacks from other customers.

In addition, Ray Ban sunglasses have official distributors that you can look into. If you can’t find your seller’s name on this list, then you better stop dealing with this seller.

2. In buying wholesale sunglasses from Ray Ban sunglasses online you can certainly throw some of your haggling techniques. This definitely would work since you are buying in bulk. This is one great advantage of buying online. You can haggle as much as you want as online stores are known to give special discounts for bulk orders like wholesale sunglasses.

You can definitely save more if you buy wholesale sunglasses from OX Sunglass Mall. Just be sure that you won’t be scammed. Buying wholesale sunglasses online entails many advantages that you cannot disregard. Some people find it more convenient to buy online than personally visiting boutiques and stores in the malls. Not only that you can save more but you can also forget all the hassles of going to crowded establishments.

Fresh, Hot Fashion- Replica Oakley Sunglasses

People are so much into replica sunglasses most particularly withreplica Oakley sunglasses. Replica sunglasses are one of the most famous accessories people are known to. Here are some of the main reasons why people favor replica sunglasses among other accessories available to the market:

Replica sunglasses can definitely give a stronger appeal for both men and women. Whenever people wear replica sunglasses, you cannot help but stare. Replica sunglasses can truly make you a different person in a more positive way in terms of looks.

Replica sunglasses can protect your eyes from the harmful rays of the sun. Most people today are much conscious of health and wellness. That is why they often choose to wear replica Oakley sunglasses not only that it helps them look greater but it also helps them in keeping a clearer vision.

Replica sunglasses can help you hide any scar or mark around your eyes that can look unpleasant. By wearing sunglasses, you can get rid of that flaw without having to exert too much effort

There are many kinds of replica sunglasses that are available today. One of the most popular among them is replica Oakley sunglasseswhich can definitely make you look more classy and stylish.

Unabomber's stuff sold for $232G

A hoodie, aviator sunglasses, manifesto and other items that once belonged to the unabomber raised more than $230,000 at an auction to benefit victims.

Ted Kaczynski's journals alone sold for more than $40,000.

Shyam Reddy, spokesman for GSA Auctions in the U.S.,  said about 720 bids were received from around the world.

The hoodie and aviator sunglasses that appeared in an infamous FBI sketch fetched about $20,000.

A typewriter used to write his manifesto sold for $22,000.

Other items that hit the auction block include driver's licences; academic transcripts; photos; more than 20,000 pages of written documents, such as the original handwritten manifesto; and even an empty Tide detergent box.

"We will use the technology that Kaczynski railed against in his various manifestos to sell artifacts of his life. The proceeds will go to his victims and, in a very small way, offset some of the hardships they have suffered," U.S. Marshal Albert Nájera said in a statement.

Last year, land owned by Kaczynski in Lincoln, Mont., went on the market for $69,500, under the slogan "own a piece of U.S. history."

The former mathematician is serving a life sentence in Colorado. He killed three people and injured 23 others during a U.S.-wide bombing spree between 1978 and 1995.

Fatheadz - Not A Nickname

Almost two decades ago I met a man who we affectionately nicknamed "Pumpkin head".  Why?  Because he had a big head.  Admittedly, he stood six feet four inches tall and weighed 300 pounds, but even for his large stature, he has a big head.  One day he asked me if I was aware of any sunglasses manufacturers who catered to those folks in the world with larger than average heads.  I had to say, "No."  At that point in time I did not.  Today I can offer him an option: sunglasses from Fatheadz.

Now, back in the 1950s it wasn't uncommon to know people who went by their nicknames.  Nicknames like "Mutt", "Muscles", "Jughead" (remember the comic strip character?), "Bucket head", "Zip", etc. were simply what people went by.  I had never met anyone nicknamed, nor heard of anyone nicknamed, "Fat head"; at least not in any complimentary way.  "Pumpkin head" is the closest I've gotten in my three decades of uniformed service.  While Pumpkinhead has always found sunglasses to wear, they've always squeezed his head at the temples and above his cheeks.  Standard size sunglasses simply haven't fit him.

Fatheadz Eyewear makes sunglasses specifically for people with those larger than average heads.  Their sunglasses are available with polarized lenses, impact resistant lenses, in metal frames, and in plastic frames with three different frame width sizes: wide, wider and widest.  You can even get prescription eyewear from Fatheadz.

Some folks might wonder where the idea of "Fatheadz" came from.  Quite literally it came from the founder's need for sunglasses to fit his "plump noggin'" (as he puts it).  Rico Elmore, founder and CEO of Fatheadz, was on a trip to Las Vegas and couldn't find any sunglasses to fit his head. When he returned home he designed an appropriately sized pair and founded Fatheadz.  He was his own first customer.  That was in 2004 and the company is now going strong with credits for being the official sunglasses of the United States Auto Club, the Hooters Pro Cup Series, the CRA Super Series and more.  Recently the mega-chain, Wal-Mart, has started carrying the brand line.

Now, you all know me: I don't write up anything about anything unless I get to test a pair.  Fatheadz sent me a pair of their sunglasses to test out and I found myself at an immediate disadvantage: my head wasn't big enough to fit them comfortably.  Thankfully I have more than a few friends in law enforcement who are bigger than normal sized people.  One of them kindly accepted my gift of the Fatheadz sunglasses and agreed, in turn, to give me feedback on fit, function and comfort.

The feedback was 100% positive.  Given his larger-than-normal-sized "plump noggin'", he reported that the Fatheadz were more comfortable than "normal" sized sunglasses and that they provided good coverage to his eyes.  They were light and didn't easily fall off when he was running (he regularly wears them jogging) and haven't come off yet when he's out on his boat.  As he's a fairly critical kind of person, I felt comfortable in reporting on his assessment.

Pricing on Fatheadz is not high. You can get a pair for as low as $34.99.  For those folks who have larger-than-average-sized heads, I can only imagine that it's a fair price to pay for the comfort of not having your sunglasses constantly squeezing your head.

Remember as we enter the summer season, that your eyes need protection too.  As you work the streets, remember that your eyes need time to adjust from outside to inside so that you don't put yourself at a disadvantage in low light situations.  As always, BE SAFE!