On Test: Webmail services
With the impending release of the free Gmail service, we ask whether it's worth paying for webmail services
Paul Grant, Computeractive 25 Nov 2004
You are probably familiar with the concept of webmail, the (mostly) free services that allow you to send and receive email from any computer in the world, providing you have your email address and password to hand.
It's a handy service, particularly if you travel a lot and don't carry a notebook or handheld computer, but there are some drawbacks. Some accounts expire if not accessed for a set period of time. All have limited storage for emails and attachments and many won't let you send or receive large file attachments, a problem in today's world of broadband connections, when large video or audio files are becoming commonplace.
But on April Fool's Day the market was revolutionised by a new upstart. Although still in the testing phase, Gmail, from the makers of the world's most popular search engine, Google, offers an enormous 1Gb of storage for emails and attachments, much more than other services.
This prompted its competitors to up their games by increasing the range of services and features on offer. So let's look at the benefits you can gain and see if they are worth paying extra for.
A free lunch?
Most 'free' services are actually paid for by advertisers, and many companies now base the advertising shown to each user on the subject headings of emails sent to them or terms they have entered into a search engine, matching them with products or services offered by their advertising partners.
Under UK law it's perfectly legal providing the company explains this in its terms and conditions and gives you the chance to decline the service. Gmail took this a stage further, saying it would scan emails to find potential advertising matches. This raised eyebrows, as users became concerned that Gmail staff would be reading private emails.
The company said that its automated tools would simply scan for key words, so people who mention the word 'summer' in an email might see adverts for holiday companies. Not all the services here use this technique and some remove adverts altogether for premium members.
FastMail
www.fastmail.co.uk
FastMail is an Australia-based service, although strangely it displays the time as if you were on the west coast of the US. It claims to be the fastest email service on the planet and prides itself on its reliability.
It offers a range of standard features free of charge, including the ability to access other email accounts, such as those on IMAP and other webmail services, from FastMail. It also integrates well with other email software such as Microsoft Outlook and Eudora, making it much easier to access your communications on the go.
There are a range of different paid-for services available through FastMail, with more facilities and greater storage space as the price goes up. For just over £20 a year you can get up to 2Gb of storage. However, instead of a maximum file size, like most other similar services, it instead has a bandwidth limit, in this case 750Mb per month, much like the usage limits on some of the cheaper broadband services currently on offer.
It is only when you start paying that a good virus scanner and advanced spam filter are offered, otherwise you are not as well protected from hackers and junk mailers as you might like to be. Advertising also then disappears and you can receive up to five different email aliases on the same account and the ability to host your own website.
Gmail
gmail.google.com
Although it hasn't yet been officially launched, it has already made quite a splash. Initially people have been staggered by its size, with 1Gb of storage space available.
It also employ's the technology used by the Google search engine to search through your own email account, helping you find things much more easily in what they expect to be a sizeable account. It is this feature that sets Gmail apart from other services and users of Google should be able to get to grips with the way it works quickly.
The service also has a few other neat touches. As well as the standard contact books and spam filters, Gmail can group messages together into conversations to help you keep in better touch with contacts. It also has a star system which allows you to highlight those messages you wish to have a special status. You can then quickly view all starred items on their own page, a good way of keeping track of email receipts for online purchases, for example.
As mentioned earlier, there were concerns over privacy issues with Gmail, as the contents of your emails are examined in order to deliver specifically targeted advertising when you are using the account.
However, the company has promised that no human will read any of your emails and that personal information will not be sold or passed on to third parties without the express permission of the account holder.
Gmail is due for full release soon, but many people now have a beta account. You can register your interest in a Gmail account here.
Hotmail
www.hotmail.com
Most internet users will have come across Hotmail, Microsoft's free webmail service, before. It is one of the most recognised email addresses you will come across. Given that it is owned by Microsoft, you can expect that it integrates well with many of the other Microsoft products that you will find on your Desktop.
It shares its address book with MSN Messenger, Microsoft's instant messaging software, allowing you to choose whether to email or instant message a contact at any point. It also offers MSN Calendar, to help you schedule appointments and interacts well with its own Outlook software. It has free virus-scanning and cleaning software and an integrated spam filter.
Most of this you can get with your free account. If you're looking to upgrade, for just under £15 a year, you get extra storage. Hotmail Plus, the paid-for service, gives you 2Gb of storage space, a massive jump from the current 250Mb limit on the free account, and you can send or receive files of up to 20Mb in size.
The premium service also gives you 30Mb of extra space at MSN Groups, which you can use for sharing photos, documents and other files. If you are an infrequent email user but find having a webmail account vital, your money will also prevent your account, and your messages, from disappearing after 30 days of inactivity, one of the major drawbacks of free Hotmail accounts. For those of you who hate advertising banners, the upgraded account is also advert-free.
Hushmail
www.hushmail.com
Hushmail, as the name might suggest, has privacy and security at its heart. It is aimed at those who are worried about other email services being potentially vulnerable to attack from hackers or those looking to steal personal information. With Hushmail your mind will instantly be put at rest.
All messages and attachments sent from a Hushmail account are encrypted, so it is practically impossible for others to intercept and view the information. Hushmail also works with other systems that use PGP.
It offers an advanced spam filter, which includes a system that requires a sender to verify themselves interactively before allowing the mail to go through. This ensures that no mails sent out to every address under the sun get through. It also allows you to create a list of those you want to receive mails from and those you don't.
Hushmail offers a range of services at different prices above its free provision, depending on how much space you want. At the top end you can get up to 128Mb of secure storage for you messages and files for about £50 a year. The paid-for service also allows you to create an unlimited number of fake email addresses, which enables you to maintain your anonymity over the internet when filling out forms on the internet or posting to newsgroups.
All users can receive files of up to 25Mb. For an additional cost, Hushmail also gives you access to IMAP mail servers, so you can read messages in other accounts from your Hushmail account. If you want to send emails and be almost entirely sure they can't be read by anyone else, try Hushmail.
Lycos
www.lycos.co.uk
Lycos is another big name in webmail. While most users will only have experienced the free service, the provider actually has three different offerings available. The free service will allow you a maximum storage space of 15Mb, while you can send or receive emails with attachments of up to 5Mb in size.
The basic service also comes with an address book and calendar tool and allows you to access IMAP servers and other external email accounts. Spam filters and virus protection is provided but the tools are fairly basic.
The next level of service comes at a cost of £2 a month. This increases your storage limit to 100Mb while attachments can be up to 15Mb in size. You also have access to POP3 accounts and the ability to send 30 text messages via your email account. Helpdesk support is also available with the paid service, spam filters and virus software are improved, while banner advertising is banished.
The highest level of service, which starts at £3.50 a month, sees storage space increase to 1Gb while attachment sizes can reach an enormous 50Mb. You can also choose your own email domain name and have up to 50 email accounts on it. Spam filters and virus protection are also enhanced to their maximum.
Yahoo
uk.yahoo.com
A look at webmail would not be complete without Yahoo. Along with Hotmail, Yahoo is one of the top free email services in the world, and as such offers you a good range of features.
Following competition from the soon to be released Gmail, Yahoo has bumped up is storage size from 6Mb to 100Mb, increased the maximum individual mail size from 3Mb to 10Mb and improved the look and feel of your mailbox.
It offers the obligatory spam filters and antivirus protection, enables you to set up an address book and add your own personal touches to the look of your mailbox, but you are subjected to page adverts.
Another handy feature is the option to receive alerts of new messages to your Yahoo! Messenger service or direct to your mobile phone. You can also send text messages via the service, but you'll pay your phone company the usual fee for each.
With so much available free of charge, its hard to see how what could be added. For £12 a year, your storage space increases to 2Gb and the adverts fall away, but attachment sizes remain at 10Mb. Like Hotmail, your account will no longer disappear if you don't use it for a certain period of time. As a bonus you can currently receive a £20 wine voucher for Virgin Wines, effectively cancelling out your fees for nearly two years.
Security
One concern you may have about using webmail is the security of the contents of your email as they fly about the internet. Unfortunately most email systems, including the ones provided by your internet service provider, are inherently insecure. The emails you send are transmitted in clear text across the internet and anyone who is determined to get access to them and is technically gifted enough could probably do so.
What you have to remember is that it is highly unlikely that anyone will want to intercept your conversations with friends. If you're transmitting anything more sensitive than that, an encrypted service like Hushmail is probably for you.
If you are accessing your email account on a shared computer or in an internet cafe, ensure that you have logged out of your account properly before leaving it and don't tick the 'remember my login details' button found on most. Following these simple steps should ensure your email account remains open to just you.
Signed, sealed, delivered
Even if you only access email from home, free and premium webmail services offer benefits over your home ISP account, particularly in terms of online storage and attachment sizes. But if you want no more than the ability to send and receive messages and the occasional attachment from any PC, then we see no point in paying for premium services.
For those wanting a little more oomph, a paid-for service gives you much more storage space, you'll be able to send and receive large files in one go and you won't have to worry about your account disappearing if you don't use it for a while. It will be interesting to see how these premium services fare after the full release of Gmail.
Thursday, December 23, 2004
Tuesday, December 21, 2004
Study: European Scorchers To Get Worse
Dec. 2, 2004 — The temperatures that held most of Europe in a molten grip in summer 2003 will be considered typical seasonal weather by the middle of the 21st century — and, a hundred years from now, will be seen as cool.
That's the alarming prediction of British scientists who have carried out the first detailed research into Europe's June-August 2003 blaster.
Delving into climate records, the British team said 2003 was the hottest summer in southern, western and central Europe in at least five centuries.
From the eastern Atlantic to the Black Sea, the mercury was 2.3 Celsius (4.14 Fahrenheit) above the norm.
The event was such a statistical freak that, if carbon pollution in Earth's atmosphere remained at today's levels, it would take place only once every 250 years. But: the heat wave will no longer be an anomaly just a few decades from now if the machinery of global warming continues to build up speed, they estimated.
The world's six billion humans are disgorging so much greenhouse gas from fossil fuels that a red-hot summer will soon become commonplace in Europe, they said.
According to their projection, crunched through one of the world's top models for climate change, by the 2040s at least one European summer in two will be hotter than in 2003.
"By the end of this century, 2003 would be classed as an anomalously cold summer relative to the new climate," the scientists write in the British weekly journal Nature, published on Thursday. Summer in 2100 will, on average, be some 6 C (10.8 F) hotter than today.
Separately, scientists at the French meteorological agency Meteo France told AFP that they expect summer temperatures in France to rise by between 4 and 7 C (7.2-12.6 F) by 2100.
"By the end of the century, a summer with temperatures as we had in 2003 will be considered a cool summer," said researcher Michel Deque.
According to an international Red Cross report issued in October, the 2003 heat wave claimed up to 30,000 lives, many of them elderly people who died of dehydration and heat stress.
Estimates by the insurance industry say the drought conditions caused crop losses of $12.3 billion , in addition to losses of $1.6 billion from forest fires in Portugal alone.
The British findings are based on an updated computer model run by the Hadley Center of Britain's Met Office, while the French findings are derived from a European project, Prudence, which is based on 10 different European models, including the Hadley Center's.
Both are based on the so-called A2 scenario, in which atmospheric levels of carbon dioxide (CO2) will roughly triple compared to preindustrial levels. This is also called the "business as usual" scenario, in other words, if greenhouse gas emissions continue to increase at present rates.
It does not take into account efforts to curb pollution through international treaties, like the Kyoto Protocol, which is due to take effect from Feb. 16 but will, at best, simply stabilize emissions among industrialized signatories.
"If the greenhouse gas levels are reduced, there will be a corresponding impact on temperatures," lead author Peter Stott, of the Hadley Center for Climate Prediction and Research at Britain's Met Office, told AFP.
CO2 concentrations stand at 379 parts per million (ppm), according to measurements taken in March at a US observatory on Hawaii, which put the year-on-year increase at three ppm. This compares with the yardstick of 280 ppm of preindustrial times.
Greenhouse gases are so called because they hang in the atmosphere like an invisible blanket, trapping heat from the sun instead of letting it radiate out to space. This warms the atmosphere, the sea and the land, with potentially major effects on the delicate climate system.
That's the alarming prediction of British scientists who have carried out the first detailed research into Europe's June-August 2003 blaster.
Delving into climate records, the British team said 2003 was the hottest summer in southern, western and central Europe in at least five centuries.
From the eastern Atlantic to the Black Sea, the mercury was 2.3 Celsius (4.14 Fahrenheit) above the norm.
The event was such a statistical freak that, if carbon pollution in Earth's atmosphere remained at today's levels, it would take place only once every 250 years. But: the heat wave will no longer be an anomaly just a few decades from now if the machinery of global warming continues to build up speed, they estimated.
The world's six billion humans are disgorging so much greenhouse gas from fossil fuels that a red-hot summer will soon become commonplace in Europe, they said.
According to their projection, crunched through one of the world's top models for climate change, by the 2040s at least one European summer in two will be hotter than in 2003.
"By the end of this century, 2003 would be classed as an anomalously cold summer relative to the new climate," the scientists write in the British weekly journal Nature, published on Thursday. Summer in 2100 will, on average, be some 6 C (10.8 F) hotter than today.
Separately, scientists at the French meteorological agency Meteo France told AFP that they expect summer temperatures in France to rise by between 4 and 7 C (7.2-12.6 F) by 2100.
"By the end of the century, a summer with temperatures as we had in 2003 will be considered a cool summer," said researcher Michel Deque.
According to an international Red Cross report issued in October, the 2003 heat wave claimed up to 30,000 lives, many of them elderly people who died of dehydration and heat stress.
Estimates by the insurance industry say the drought conditions caused crop losses of $12.3 billion , in addition to losses of $1.6 billion from forest fires in Portugal alone.
The British findings are based on an updated computer model run by the Hadley Center of Britain's Met Office, while the French findings are derived from a European project, Prudence, which is based on 10 different European models, including the Hadley Center's.
Both are based on the so-called A2 scenario, in which atmospheric levels of carbon dioxide (CO2) will roughly triple compared to preindustrial levels. This is also called the "business as usual" scenario, in other words, if greenhouse gas emissions continue to increase at present rates.
It does not take into account efforts to curb pollution through international treaties, like the Kyoto Protocol, which is due to take effect from Feb. 16 but will, at best, simply stabilize emissions among industrialized signatories.
"If the greenhouse gas levels are reduced, there will be a corresponding impact on temperatures," lead author Peter Stott, of the Hadley Center for Climate Prediction and Research at Britain's Met Office, told AFP.
CO2 concentrations stand at 379 parts per million (ppm), according to measurements taken in March at a US observatory on Hawaii, which put the year-on-year increase at three ppm. This compares with the yardstick of 280 ppm of preindustrial times.
Greenhouse gases are so called because they hang in the atmosphere like an invisible blanket, trapping heat from the sun instead of letting it radiate out to space. This warms the atmosphere, the sea and the land, with potentially major effects on the delicate climate system.
The Night Before Christmas, Legally Speaking
Whereas, on or about the night prior to Christmas, there did occur at a certain improved piece of real property (hereinafter "the House") a general lack of stirring by all creatures therein, including, but not limited to, a mouse.
A variety of foot apparel, e.g. stocking, socks, etc., had been affixed by and around the chimney in said House in the hope and/or belief that St. Nick a.k.a. St. Nicholas a.k.a. Santa Claus (hereinafter "Claus") would arrive at sometime thereafter. The minor residents, i.e. the children, of the aforementioned House were located in their individual beds and were engaged in nocturnal hallucinations, i.e. dreams, wherein vision of confectionery treats, including, but not limited to, candies, nuts and/or sugar plums, did dance, cavort and otherwise appear in said dreams.
Whereupon the party of the first part (sometimes hereinafter referred to as "I"), being the joint owner in fee simple of the House with the parts of the second part (hereinafter "Mamma"), and said Mamma had retired for a sustained period of sleep. (At such time, the parties were clad in various forms of headgear, e.g. kerchief and cap.)
Suddenly, and without prior notice or warning, there did occur upon the unimproved real property adjacent and appurtenant to said House, i.e. the lawn, a certain disruption of unknown nature, cause and/or circumstance. The party of the first part did immediately rush to a window in the House to investigate the cause of such disturbance. At that time, the party of the first part did observe, with some degree of wonder and/or disbelief, a miniature sleigh (hereinafter "the Vehicle") being pulled and/or drawn very rapidly through the air by approximately eight (8) reindeer. The driver of the Vehicle appeared to be and in fact was, the previously referenced Claus. Said Claus was providing specific direction, instruction and guidance to the approximately eight (8) reindeer and specifically identified the animal co-conspirators by name: Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner, and Blitzen (hereinafter "the Deer"). (Upon information and belief, it is further asserted that an additional co-conspirator named "Rudolph" may have been involved.)
The party of the first part witnessed Claus, the Vehicle and the Deer intentionally and willfully trespass upon the roofs of several residences located adjacent to and in the vicinity of the House, and noted that the Vehicle was heavily laden with packages, toys and other items of unknown origin or nature. Suddenly, without prior invitation or permission, either express or implied, the Vehicle arrived at the House, and Claus entered said House via the chimney. Said Claus was clad in a red fur suit, which was partially covered with residue from the chimney, and he carried a large sack containing a portion of the aforementioned packages, toys and other unknown items. He was smoking what appeared to be tobacco in a small pipe in blatant violation of local ordinances and health regulations.
Claus did not speak, but immediately began to fill the stocking of the minor children, which hung adjacent to the chimney, with toys and other small gifts. (Said items did not, however, constitute "gifts" to said minor pursuant to the applicable provisions of the UK.. Tax Code.) Upon completion of such task, Claus touched the side of his nose and flew, rose and/or ascended up the chimney of the House to the roof where the Vehicle and Deer waited and/or served as "lookouts." Claus immediately departed for an unknown destination.
However, prior to the departure of the Vehicle, Deer and Claus from said House, the party of the first part did hear Claus state and/or exclaim: "Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!" Or words to that effect.
A variety of foot apparel, e.g. stocking, socks, etc., had been affixed by and around the chimney in said House in the hope and/or belief that St. Nick a.k.a. St. Nicholas a.k.a. Santa Claus (hereinafter "Claus") would arrive at sometime thereafter. The minor residents, i.e. the children, of the aforementioned House were located in their individual beds and were engaged in nocturnal hallucinations, i.e. dreams, wherein vision of confectionery treats, including, but not limited to, candies, nuts and/or sugar plums, did dance, cavort and otherwise appear in said dreams.
Whereupon the party of the first part (sometimes hereinafter referred to as "I"), being the joint owner in fee simple of the House with the parts of the second part (hereinafter "Mamma"), and said Mamma had retired for a sustained period of sleep. (At such time, the parties were clad in various forms of headgear, e.g. kerchief and cap.)
Suddenly, and without prior notice or warning, there did occur upon the unimproved real property adjacent and appurtenant to said House, i.e. the lawn, a certain disruption of unknown nature, cause and/or circumstance. The party of the first part did immediately rush to a window in the House to investigate the cause of such disturbance. At that time, the party of the first part did observe, with some degree of wonder and/or disbelief, a miniature sleigh (hereinafter "the Vehicle") being pulled and/or drawn very rapidly through the air by approximately eight (8) reindeer. The driver of the Vehicle appeared to be and in fact was, the previously referenced Claus. Said Claus was providing specific direction, instruction and guidance to the approximately eight (8) reindeer and specifically identified the animal co-conspirators by name: Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner, and Blitzen (hereinafter "the Deer"). (Upon information and belief, it is further asserted that an additional co-conspirator named "Rudolph" may have been involved.)
The party of the first part witnessed Claus, the Vehicle and the Deer intentionally and willfully trespass upon the roofs of several residences located adjacent to and in the vicinity of the House, and noted that the Vehicle was heavily laden with packages, toys and other items of unknown origin or nature. Suddenly, without prior invitation or permission, either express or implied, the Vehicle arrived at the House, and Claus entered said House via the chimney. Said Claus was clad in a red fur suit, which was partially covered with residue from the chimney, and he carried a large sack containing a portion of the aforementioned packages, toys and other unknown items. He was smoking what appeared to be tobacco in a small pipe in blatant violation of local ordinances and health regulations.
Claus did not speak, but immediately began to fill the stocking of the minor children, which hung adjacent to the chimney, with toys and other small gifts. (Said items did not, however, constitute "gifts" to said minor pursuant to the applicable provisions of the UK.. Tax Code.) Upon completion of such task, Claus touched the side of his nose and flew, rose and/or ascended up the chimney of the House to the roof where the Vehicle and Deer waited and/or served as "lookouts." Claus immediately departed for an unknown destination.
However, prior to the departure of the Vehicle, Deer and Claus from said House, the party of the first part did hear Claus state and/or exclaim: "Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!" Or words to that effect.
GOOD SPROUT NEWS
Yep you heard it correctly GOOD SPROUT NEWS is all about how GOOD the humble sprout is for you.
Sprouts – Are They Really A ‘Wonder Food’?
Expert Studies Validate Sprout Nutrition and Health Benfit i
Expert Studies Validate Sprout Nutrition and Health Benfit i
What we Still Don't Know
What we Still Don't Know
Astronomer Royal Sir Martin Rees investigates....
Are we alone?
Sir Martin explores the possibility that life exists on planets beyond our own. He unveils an unsettling scientific debate that has startling consequences for us Earthlings. Do you believe in aliens? If not, a quick glance through these pages might change your mind!
Why are we here?
Everything you thought you knew about the universe is wrong. It’s made of atoms, right? Wrong. Atoms only account for a measly 15% of everything that exists. The mass of the universe consists of something so mysterious and elusive that it has been dubbed ‘dark matter’.
Are we real?
There is a fundamental chasm in our understanding of ourselves, the universe, and everything. To solve this, Sir Martin takes us on a mind-boggling journey through multiple universes to post-biological life. On the way we learn of the disturbing possibility that we could be the product of someone else’s experiment.
Click the hyperlinks above the pictures to get to each section
Astronomer Royal Sir Martin Rees investigates....
Are we alone?
Sir Martin explores the possibility that life exists on planets beyond our own. He unveils an unsettling scientific debate that has startling consequences for us Earthlings. Do you believe in aliens? If not, a quick glance through these pages might change your mind!
Why are we here?
Everything you thought you knew about the universe is wrong. It’s made of atoms, right? Wrong. Atoms only account for a measly 15% of everything that exists. The mass of the universe consists of something so mysterious and elusive that it has been dubbed ‘dark matter’.
Are we real?
There is a fundamental chasm in our understanding of ourselves, the universe, and everything. To solve this, Sir Martin takes us on a mind-boggling journey through multiple universes to post-biological life. On the way we learn of the disturbing possibility that we could be the product of someone else’s experiment.
Click the hyperlinks above the pictures to get to each section
Monday, December 20, 2004
With all the sadness and trauma going on in the world today, it is worth reflecting on the death of a very important person, which almost went unnoticed last week. Larry La Prise, the man who wrote "The Hokey Pokey", died peacefully at age 93. The most traumatic part for his family was getting him into the coffin. They put his left leg in, and then the trouble started. --- Steve/Roger Lamm
Bill Gates' Speech TO: MT. WHITNEY HIGH SCHOOL in Visalia,CA.
Bill Gates' Speech TO: MT. WHITNEY HIGH SCHOOL in Visalia,CA.
Love him or hate him, he sure hits the nail on the head with this!
To anyone with kids of any age, (or no kids) here's some advice.
Bill Gates recently gave a speech at a High School about 11 things they did
not and will not learn in school. He talks about how feel-good,
politically correct teachings created a generation of kids with no concept of reality
and howthis concept set them up for failure in the real world.
Rule 1: Life is not fair -- get used to it!
Rule 2: The world won't care about your self-esteem. The world will expect
you to accomplish something BEFORE you feel good about yourself.
Rule 3: You will NOT make $60,000 a year right out of high school. You
won't be a vice-president with a car phone until you earn both.
Rule 4: If you think your teacher is tough, wait till you get a boss.
Rule 5: Flipping burgers is not beneath your dignity. Your Grandparents had
a different word for burger flipping -- they called it opportunity.
Rule 6: If you mess up, it's not your parents' fault, so don't whine about
your mistakes, learn from them.
Rule 7: Before you were born, your parents weren't as boring as they are
now. They got that way from paying your bills, cleaning your clothes and
listening to you talk about how cool you thought you were. So before you
save the rain forest from the parasites of your parent's generation, try
delousing the closet in your own room.
Rule 8: Your school may have done away with winners and losers,but life HAS
NOT. In some schools they have abolished failing grades and they'll give
you as MANY TIMES as you want to get the right answer. This doesn't bear
the slightest resemblance to ANYTHING in real life.
Rule 9: Life is not divided into semesters. You don't get summers off and
very few employers are interested in helping you FIND YOURSELF. Do that on
your own time.
Rule 10: Television is NOT real life. In real life people actually have to leave the coffee shop and go to jobs.
Rule 11: Be nice to nerds. Chances are you'll end up working for one.
Love him or hate him, he sure hits the nail on the head with this!
To anyone with kids of any age, (or no kids) here's some advice.
Bill Gates recently gave a speech at a High School about 11 things they did
not and will not learn in school. He talks about how feel-good,
politically correct teachings created a generation of kids with no concept of reality
and howthis concept set them up for failure in the real world.
Rule 1: Life is not fair -- get used to it!
Rule 2: The world won't care about your self-esteem. The world will expect
you to accomplish something BEFORE you feel good about yourself.
Rule 3: You will NOT make $60,000 a year right out of high school. You
won't be a vice-president with a car phone until you earn both.
Rule 4: If you think your teacher is tough, wait till you get a boss.
Rule 5: Flipping burgers is not beneath your dignity. Your Grandparents had
a different word for burger flipping -- they called it opportunity.
Rule 6: If you mess up, it's not your parents' fault, so don't whine about
your mistakes, learn from them.
Rule 7: Before you were born, your parents weren't as boring as they are
now. They got that way from paying your bills, cleaning your clothes and
listening to you talk about how cool you thought you were. So before you
save the rain forest from the parasites of your parent's generation, try
delousing the closet in your own room.
Rule 8: Your school may have done away with winners and losers,but life HAS
NOT. In some schools they have abolished failing grades and they'll give
you as MANY TIMES as you want to get the right answer. This doesn't bear
the slightest resemblance to ANYTHING in real life.
Rule 9: Life is not divided into semesters. You don't get summers off and
very few employers are interested in helping you FIND YOURSELF. Do that on
your own time.
Rule 10: Television is NOT real life. In real life people actually have to leave the coffee shop and go to jobs.
Rule 11: Be nice to nerds. Chances are you'll end up working for one.
To A Keeper
To A Keeper, (With thanks to Anita Henslee a good friend)
¸...__/ /\____
,·´º o`·,/__/ _/\_ //____/ ```)¨(´´´ | | | | | | | || |l±±±±
¸,.-·²°´ ¸,.-·~·~·-.,¸ `°²·-. :º°
One day someone's husband died,
and on that clear, cold morning,
in The warmth of their bedroom,
the wife was struck with the pain
of learning that sometimes there
isn't any more.
No more hugs, no more special moments
to celebrate together, no more phone calls
just to chat, no more "just one minute."
Sometimes, what we care about the most
gets all used up and goes away . . never to
return before we can say good-bye,
say "I love you."
¸...__/ /\____
,·´º o`·,/__/ _/\_ //____/ ```)¨(´´´ | | | | | | | || |l±±±±
¸,.-·²°´ ¸,.-·~·~·-.,¸ `°²·-. :º°
So while we have it . . . it's best we love it . . .
and care for it . and fix it when it's broken . . .
and heal it when it's sick. This is true for marriage . .
and old cars . . . and children with bad report cards
and dogs with bad hips and aging parents and grandparents.
We keep them because they are worth it,
because we are worth it.
¸...¸ __/ /\____
,·´º o`·,/__/ _/\_ //____/ ```)¨(´´´ | | | | | | | || |l±±±±
¸,.-·²°´ ¸,.-·~·~·-.,¸ `°²·-. :º°
Some things we keep -- like a best friend who moved away
or a classmate we grew up with. There are just some things
that make us happy, no matter what.
¸...¸ __/ /\____
,·´º o`·,/__/ _/\_ //____/ ```)¨(´´´ | | | | | | | || |l±±±±
¸,.-·²°´ ¸,.-·~·~·-.,¸ `°²·-. :º°
Life is important, like people we know who are special . . .
and so, We keep them close!
¸...¸ __/ /\____
,·´º o`·,/__/ _/\_ //____/ ```)¨(´´´ | | | | | | | || |l±±±±
¸,.-·²°´ ¸,.-·~·~·-.,¸ `°²·-. :º°
I received this from someone who thought
I was a 'keeper'! Then I sent It to the people
I think of in the same way.
Now it's your turn to send this to all those
people who are "keepers" in your life.
¸...¸ __/ /\____
,·´º o`·,/__/ _/\_ //____/ ```)¨(´´´ | | | | | | | || |l±±±±
¸,.-·²°´ ¸,.-·~·~·-.,¸ `°²·-. :º°
Thank you for being a special part of my life!
¸...__/ /\____
,·´º o`·,/__/ _/\_ //____/ ```)¨(´´´ | | | | | | | || |l±±±±
¸,.-·²°´ ¸,.-·~·~·-.,¸ `°²·-. :º°
One day someone's husband died,
and on that clear, cold morning,
in The warmth of their bedroom,
the wife was struck with the pain
of learning that sometimes there
isn't any more.
No more hugs, no more special moments
to celebrate together, no more phone calls
just to chat, no more "just one minute."
Sometimes, what we care about the most
gets all used up and goes away . . never to
return before we can say good-bye,
say "I love you."
¸...__/ /\____
,·´º o`·,/__/ _/\_ //____/ ```)¨(´´´ | | | | | | | || |l±±±±
¸,.-·²°´ ¸,.-·~·~·-.,¸ `°²·-. :º°
So while we have it . . . it's best we love it . . .
and care for it . and fix it when it's broken . . .
and heal it when it's sick. This is true for marriage . .
and old cars . . . and children with bad report cards
and dogs with bad hips and aging parents and grandparents.
We keep them because they are worth it,
because we are worth it.
¸...¸ __/ /\____
,·´º o`·,/__/ _/\_ //____/ ```)¨(´´´ | | | | | | | || |l±±±±
¸,.-·²°´ ¸,.-·~·~·-.,¸ `°²·-. :º°
Some things we keep -- like a best friend who moved away
or a classmate we grew up with. There are just some things
that make us happy, no matter what.
¸...¸ __/ /\____
,·´º o`·,/__/ _/\_ //____/ ```)¨(´´´ | | | | | | | || |l±±±±
¸,.-·²°´ ¸,.-·~·~·-.,¸ `°²·-. :º°
Life is important, like people we know who are special . . .
and so, We keep them close!
¸...¸ __/ /\____
,·´º o`·,/__/ _/\_ //____/ ```)¨(´´´ | | | | | | | || |l±±±±
¸,.-·²°´ ¸,.-·~·~·-.,¸ `°²·-. :º°
I received this from someone who thought
I was a 'keeper'! Then I sent It to the people
I think of in the same way.
Now it's your turn to send this to all those
people who are "keepers" in your life.
¸...¸ __/ /\____
,·´º o`·,/__/ _/\_ //____/ ```)¨(´´´ | | | | | | | || |l±±±±
¸,.-·²°´ ¸,.-·~·~·-.,¸ `°²·-. :º°
Thank you for being a special part of my life!
Tuesday, December 14, 2004
How to cook the perfect Christmas turkey
How to cook the perfect Christmas turkey
by Terry Farris
Before you do anything else to perfect your Christmas turkey, do this: buy the best one you can afford. Christmas is a time for overspending but a big bird is good value for money – not only on the day but also for all those sandwiches and leftovers that fill the following week. If buying from a butcher, get your order in early. This ensures you’ll get the variety and size you want. Fridge space is also a consideration but you can collect your fresh turkey a day or two before Christmas.
How to cook the perfect Christmas turkey
by Terry Farris
Before you do anything else to perfect your Christmas turkey, do this: buy the best one you can afford. Christmas is a time for overspending but a big bird is good value for money – not only on the day but also for all those sandwiches and leftovers that fill the following week. If buying from a butcher, get your order in early. This ensures you’ll get the variety and size you want. Fridge space is also a consideration but you can collect your fresh turkey a day or two before Christmas.
Monday, December 13, 2004
eBay - PC Selling Center - Welcome: "That old computer in your closet or office is worth real money on eBay. Turn your extra computer into cash, and get that upgrade or software you've always wanted."
Saturday, December 11, 2004
Happy Snails. ComFor all our Gaelic friends and me of course.
The snails are processed at a Catalonia, Spain plant where they are partially cooked and hand-extracted from the shell. The animal is sold whole (with the attractive spiral) rather than in pieces, as generally seen in canned snails. Thus, the escargot retain more nutrition and make a more spectacular presentation on the dish. The escargot are packed and sealed in FDA-approved glass bottles. Then the meat is sealed and sent out by air or ground. Shelf life is to Year 2003 & 2004 in the unopened bottle, when open the Shelf life is approximately 3 weeks in the refrigerator for the escargot, and several months if frozen.
Thursday, December 09, 2004
Wednesday, December 08, 2004
Roswell Report: Case Closed
Here it is. The report you have been waiting for. The OFFICIAL word from the US Air Force on the incident that started it all.
Roswell Report: Case Closed is the report that was supposed to end all the controversy about the aliens that supposedly landed in a remote New Mexico desert. Here you can see photos from the report, order a copy from the Government Printing Office, and view the famous Roswell video.
This is a site that will undoubtedly ask more questions than it will answer. But pay attention to what you see. After all, this is the last word on the subject... yeah, sure.
Have fun here.
Tuesday, December 07, 2004
Creating Cool Web Sites, includes html 4, xhtml, css, dhtml, and javascript. The official Web site for the book by author Dave Taylor: "' For anyone curious about creating a Web site, Creating Cool Web Sites is quite possibly the ultimate starter kit. The book offers clear guidance, preparing you to publish your first Web page within the first few hours of reading the book.'"
Monday, December 06, 2004
Index of /bill
A butt load of bootleg shows of Bill Hicks. If you liked Bill Hicks then your gonna like this.If you been living in a box and dont know who he is then listen to him any ways your sure to be a fan.
Not safe for work.
A butt load of bootleg shows of Bill Hicks. If you liked Bill Hicks then your gonna like this.If you been living in a box and dont know who he is then listen to him any ways your sure to be a fan.
Not safe for work.
How-To: Podcasting (aka How to get Podcasts and also make your own) - Engadget - www.engadget.com: "How-To: Podcasting (aka How to get Podcasts and also make your own)"
MSNBC - Tivo for your iPod: "Tivo for your iPod
A new technology allows listeners to subscribe to homemade radio shows and listen to them on their digital music players"
A new technology allows listeners to subscribe to homemade radio shows and listen to them on their digital music players"
Sunday, December 05, 2004
Today on HotWired!One of the beautiful things about computers is that they allow you to express your creativity in ways that were previously unknown. With a little bit of knowledge, you can create your very own software, Web site, or animation clip. The joy of seeing your finished work on the screen is the feeling that makes it all worthwhile. We know people would like to use their computers to create content, but how are they going to do it? Where can they go to learn the basics? If you’re in the beginner boat, do yourself a favor and head on over to HotWired.
The site offers basic tutorials on the stuff you want to know about. If you’ve avoided technologies such as JavaScript because you were scared of the complexity, HotWired will break you in smoothly. Don’t worry about intense jargon discussions – everything is dissected so that you, the beginner, know what’s going on. Anyone interested in animation will hopefully gain some inspiration by viewing a few of the movies on the site. Those of you who have put off entering a computer related field will find HotWired to be a nice first step into a new direction.
L
The site offers basic tutorials on the stuff you want to know about. If you’ve avoided technologies such as JavaScript because you were scared of the complexity, HotWired will break you in smoothly. Don’t worry about intense jargon discussions – everything is dissected so that you, the beginner, know what’s going on. Anyone interested in animation will hopefully gain some inspiration by viewing a few of the movies on the site. Those of you who have put off entering a computer related field will find HotWired to be a nice first step into a new direction.
L
Thursday, December 02, 2004
Travel Directory - links & resources: "The Travel Directory brings together the best travel sites from around the world to form a comprehensive, user-friendly online information resource for all travellers. Whether you want to go scuba diving in Thailand, book a business flight to Boston or simply be inspired by other people's travel writings, the Travel Directory is here to point you in the right direction . Click on the section headings below to start your search."
Hotel reservations - Venere.com
Budget Hostels not your idea of holiday fun anymore? Find beautiful accommodation all over Europe. Online secure bookings with a wide and unique selection of hotels, B&B’s, apartments, country villas and spa and health resorts throughout Europe and the world for the more discerning traveller!
Budget Hostels not your idea of holiday fun anymore? Find beautiful accommodation all over Europe. Online secure bookings with a wide and unique selection of hotels, B&B’s, apartments, country villas and spa and health resorts throughout Europe and the world for the more discerning traveller!
Tuesday, November 30, 2004
SnapFolders: "The shortcuts you create with SnapFolders are automatically placed on the Start Menu or a side menu to the Start Menu. Like any shortcuts they can be copied or moved anywhere you want. Like any shortcuts they can be renamed or deleted as you wish.
Shortcuts to folders have been available in Windows since Windows 95 was released in 1995. In those days a 1 GB hard disk was considered a luxury. Today, a 200 GB hard disk is quite ordinary. The average home user is lost in a folder jungle that gets bigger and bigger every year. The average professional user has to cope with a network where the jungle is even bigger.
Arm yourself with a machete in the folder jungle!"
Shortcuts to folders have been available in Windows since Windows 95 was released in 1995. In those days a 1 GB hard disk was considered a luxury. Today, a 200 GB hard disk is quite ordinary. The average home user is lost in a folder jungle that gets bigger and bigger every year. The average professional user has to cope with a network where the jungle is even bigger.
Arm yourself with a machete in the folder jungle!"
PCWorld.com - Top 10 DVD Drives: "Top 10 DVD Drives"Internal drives have reached 16X for write-once discs, the fastest speed they can safely spin. more
Friday, November 19, 2004
This is Money article from Tony
THE CARD-TRICK KING
Richard Mason has turned playing his credit cards into an art form -
saving £300 a month on his mortgage
Full story:
From This Is Money, 17/11/2004
http://www.thisismoney.com/
Richard Mason has turned playing his credit cards into an art form -
saving £300 a month on his mortgage
Full story:
From This Is Money, 17/11/2004
http://www.thisismoney.com/
Pensions: "Ten ways to be better off"
Working is one obvious way to boost income in retirement for those who cannot, or do not, want to release equity from their home, but there are others.
Working is one obvious way to boost income in retirement for those who cannot, or do not, want to release equity from their home, but there are others.
Tuesday, November 16, 2004
SCIENCE HOBBYIST: Traffic Waves, physics for bored commuters
I include this for Tony in Cyprus as I am sure it will be of interest to him or at least make the night shift seem shorter.
I include this for Tony in Cyprus as I am sure it will be of interest to him or at least make the night shift seem shorter.
Monday, November 15, 2004
Yahoo! News -
Researcher Says Atlantis Found Off Cyprus: "Researcher Says Atlantis Found Off Cyprus
Mon Nov 15,11:28 AM ET
Add to My Yahoo! Oddly Enough - Reuters
By Michele Kambas
LIMASSOL, Cyprus (Reuters) - A U.S. researcher on Sunday claimed he had found the lost civilization of Atlantis in the watery deep off Cyprus -- adding his theory to a mistery which has baffled explorers for centuries"
Researcher Says Atlantis Found Off Cyprus: "Researcher Says Atlantis Found Off Cyprus
Mon Nov 15,11:28 AM ET
Add to My Yahoo! Oddly Enough - Reuters
By Michele Kambas
LIMASSOL, Cyprus (Reuters) - A U.S. researcher on Sunday claimed he had found the lost civilization of Atlantis in the watery deep off Cyprus -- adding his theory to a mistery which has baffled explorers for centuries"
Sunday, November 14, 2004
Atlantis Hunt Reveals Structures in Sea Off Cyprus
Sat Nov 13, 2004 07:11 AM ET
NICOSIA (Reuters) - An American researcher on the trail of the lost city of Atlantis has discovered evidence of man-made structures submerged in the sea between Cyprus and Syria, a member of his team said Saturday.
Robert Sarmast, who is convinced the fabled city lurks in the watery depths off Cyprus, will give details of his findings Sunday.
"Something has been found to indicate very strongly that there are man-made structures somewhere between Cyprus and Syria," a spokesperson for the mission told Reuters.
The mystery of Atlantis, both whether it existed and why it disappeared, has fired the imagination of explorers for decades.
Many believe the ancient civilization was destroyed in a massive flood, a cataclysm which many ancient cultures believe occurred around 9,000 BC.
Greek mythology says Atlantis was a powerful nation whose residents were so corrupted by greed and power that Zeus destroyed it.
Theories place Atlantis either somewhere in the Atlantic Ocean, or the Greek island of Santorini, or off the Celtic Ridge of Britain or even further afield in the South China Sea.
Sarmast's theory is that Cyprus is the pinnacle of Atlantis, with the rest of it about a mile below sea level.
His expedition took place some 70 miles off the eastern coast of Cyprus toward Syria.
Sat Nov 13, 2004 07:11 AM ET
NICOSIA (Reuters) - An American researcher on the trail of the lost city of Atlantis has discovered evidence of man-made structures submerged in the sea between Cyprus and Syria, a member of his team said Saturday.
Robert Sarmast, who is convinced the fabled city lurks in the watery depths off Cyprus, will give details of his findings Sunday.
"Something has been found to indicate very strongly that there are man-made structures somewhere between Cyprus and Syria," a spokesperson for the mission told Reuters.
The mystery of Atlantis, both whether it existed and why it disappeared, has fired the imagination of explorers for decades.
Many believe the ancient civilization was destroyed in a massive flood, a cataclysm which many ancient cultures believe occurred around 9,000 BC.
Greek mythology says Atlantis was a powerful nation whose residents were so corrupted by greed and power that Zeus destroyed it.
Theories place Atlantis either somewhere in the Atlantic Ocean, or the Greek island of Santorini, or off the Celtic Ridge of Britain or even further afield in the South China Sea.
Sarmast's theory is that Cyprus is the pinnacle of Atlantis, with the rest of it about a mile below sea level.
His expedition took place some 70 miles off the eastern coast of Cyprus toward Syria.
Friday, November 12, 2004
learning to drive in cyprus is mad
EARNING TO DRIVE IN CYPRUS?........YOU MUST BE MAD! is a site created by a good friend of mine who "Strangly enough" lives and works in Cyprus. (yes you guessed correctly.-------He IS a Driving Instructor) After reading the main page. Please click on the traffic symbols to take you to more interesting links and also The A,B,C`s of Cyprus driving VERY FUNNY
EARNING TO DRIVE IN CYPRUS?........YOU MUST BE MAD! is a site created by a good friend of mine who "Strangly enough" lives and works in Cyprus. (yes you guessed correctly.-------He IS a Driving Instructor) After reading the main page. Please click on the traffic symbols to take you to more interesting links and also The A,B,C`s of Cyprus driving VERY FUNNY
Secure online payments: In safe hands - PCW: "Secure online payments: In safe hands
If you don't feel safe flashing your plastic online, there's a range of secure payment services you can use to pay for goods instead. We investigate
Rory Reid, Computeractive 11 Nov 2004"
If you don't feel safe flashing your plastic online, there's a range of secure payment services you can use to pay for goods instead. We investigate
Rory Reid, Computeractive 11 Nov 2004"
Thursday, November 11, 2004
MyDoom
The newest version of MyDoom does not even have a file attached to it, making it look even less suspect, and less worm- or virus-like.
Instead, it exploits one of the more recently discovered holes in Internet Explorer, through which clicking on a URL can cause a file to be downloaded to the unsuspecting user’s computer. Once downloaded to the user’s machine, the file executes, harvests email addresses, and starts spewing spam from the user’s computer.
The newest version of MyDoom does not even have a file attached to it, making it look even less suspect, and less worm- or virus-like.
Instead, it exploits one of the more recently discovered holes in Internet Explorer, through which clicking on a URL can cause a file to be downloaded to the unsuspecting user’s computer. Once downloaded to the user’s machine, the file executes, harvests email addresses, and starts spewing spam from the user’s computer.
Wednesday, November 10, 2004
The Dr. Spock Company: Expert parenting and children's health advice and information.
One of the best-selling books of the 1950s was one that my mother read (along with millions of other mothers and mothers-to-be). It was by a certain doctor, and it was about raising children. Well, here it is, over forty years later, and this fine gentleman is still around, sharing his knowledge with yet another generation of mothers.
The site is called DrSpock.com and is the online site of Dr. Benjamin Spock. Here you can find out just about anything relating to raising children, from being pregnant to raising a preschooler and beyond. This educationally-based site has topical news and information, message boards, advice sections, and a place where you can ask questions of a panel of pediatricians.
One of the best-selling books of the 1950s was one that my mother read (along with millions of other mothers and mothers-to-be). It was by a certain doctor, and it was about raising children. Well, here it is, over forty years later, and this fine gentleman is still around, sharing his knowledge with yet another generation of mothers.
The site is called DrSpock.com and is the online site of Dr. Benjamin Spock. Here you can find out just about anything relating to raising children, from being pregnant to raising a preschooler and beyond. This educationally-based site has topical news and information, message boards, advice sections, and a place where you can ask questions of a panel of pediatricians.
BeenThere-DoneThat - An illustrated travel guide to Great Britain: "An illustrated travel guide to Great Britain, based on personal experience of the locations, with pictures of mountains, moorlands, quaint villages, pastoral landscapes, historic buildings over 1000 years old, the coast, steam railways, wild flowers, fossils and much more.
Select a coloured county on the map by clicking on it or on the appropriate button. London is shown in black but is not included in the guide (see explanation below)."
Select a coloured county on the map by clicking on it or on the appropriate button. London is shown in black but is not included in the guide (see explanation below)."
Tuesday, November 09, 2004
Cyprus Weekly
EU Enlargement Commissioner Gunter Verheugen has ignored an appeal by the Cyprus Association for the Protection of Human Rights to do something in connection with the continuing gross violations by Turkey in Cyprus.
A VERY good article setting out why the Annan Proposal was unacceptable to the MAJORITY of Cypriot people and showing the double standards of EU.
EU Enlargement Commissioner Gunter Verheugen has ignored an appeal by the Cyprus Association for the Protection of Human Rights to do something in connection with the continuing gross violations by Turkey in Cyprus.
A VERY good article setting out why the Annan Proposal was unacceptable to the MAJORITY of Cypriot people and showing the double standards of EU.
Monday, November 08, 2004
israelinsider: diplomacy: Suspicions grow that Arafat is dying of AIDS: "Suspicions grow that Arafat is dying of AIDS
By israelinsider staff November 6, 2004
Former White House speechwriter David Frum has joined the growing chorus of pundits, medical experts, and intelligence operatives who claim Yasser Arafat is likely suffering from AIDS. "
By israelinsider staff November 6, 2004
Former White House speechwriter David Frum has joined the growing chorus of pundits, medical experts, and intelligence operatives who claim Yasser Arafat is likely suffering from AIDS. "
Sunday, November 07, 2004
Dolphin Synergy: THE DANCE OF THE DOLPHINS: "The perpetual & ecstatic dance of the Dolphins has captivated Humanity since the beginning of recorded history & probably through pre-historic times. The Dolphins live in a state of sheer exuberant joy of being alive, our inherently natural state of being, so yearned for by everybody yet so painfully inaccessible to most of Humanity.
Without exception, whether in the wild or in the brutal enslavement & debilitating conditions of marine parks, Dolphins always bring people back to such a deep experience of their own joy, their own essence, to a place of Love."
I have for my whole life had a certain affinity for dolphins. After reading this site i can understand why. T'is but a pity that human nature is not as sweet and pure.
Without exception, whether in the wild or in the brutal enslavement & debilitating conditions of marine parks, Dolphins always bring people back to such a deep experience of their own joy, their own essence, to a place of Love."
I have for my whole life had a certain affinity for dolphins. After reading this site i can understand why. T'is but a pity that human nature is not as sweet and pure.
Tuesday, November 02, 2004
Helping Seniors Become Computer Literate
Taken from Lockergnome. I will add the later items as they become available
Lockergnome has featured some fine articles on how to get a job, but for those of you older than about 50, be aware that ageism is alive and well - particularly in the high-tech environment, where it is generally assumed geeks stop learning at about age 24 and become hopelessly obsolete shortly thereafter. The only answer I have found is to create a position, since precious few jobs will be given to older people. That is just the fact, not a call to social revolution.
Sometimes we get lucky and stumble on an interesting niche. The best jobs are ones where you can make money and do something worthwhile at the same time. I help seniors become computer-literate.
Many seniors entered the computer/Internet/e-mail age because their children and grandchildren communicate via e-mail. That, plus the general social pressure forces them to go to Costco or a similar store and buy an entry-level HP or equivalent and then sign up for free AOL on a dial-up connection (with one line to the house). Many have never used a word processor, and none have a good mental model of exactly what the Internet is or where e-mail comes from (in reality, this probably applies to most users regardless of age).
Then they get in trouble. One client said her machine was slower than when she bought it. A quick run of Spybot S&D followed by Ad-aware routed over 600 pests. Then I looked at her inbox and found several hundred letters. We discussed filing and special folders, none of which had occurred to her.
Another client had opened an attachment and wondered why her IE worked differently now.
Several clients had infections, which I surreptitiously traced back to visiting questionable sites - hey, I don't make value judgments. Even seniors like to be titillated. My job is to help protect them.
In future articles, I will explore methods that have worked to help people become comfortable to the extent that I have clients who now do day trading over the Internet, book reservations, bank, and all the things that Gnomies take for granted.
PART TWO
Almost immediately one faces certain moral dilemmas when helping seniors become computer-literate. The first is which operating system to use, and the second is which office software to use. In fact, there is no real choice. Windows is ubiquitous, and even though I personally dislike Word, I gently urge them to practice using it. The reason is simple: Everyone else they know uses Windows and Word.
The situation becomes a bit stickier when getting them on the Internet and a mail client. IE is okay if they are otherwise protected (We all use Firefox, right?), and has the tremendous advantage of universality. Similar comments go for Outlook Express. However, by the time I get to them, most are hooked on AOL and do not want to give up their address. That simplifies my options. I have reluctantly learned how to navigate through AOL stuff.
Since many seniors are on fixed incomes, they are reluctant to sign up for broadband service or even put in a dedicated line for their modem. This doesn't necessarily mean they can't afford the better service, it just means they are oriented toward not spending money until they perceive a distinct reason for doing it. One demonstration that has mixed benefits is for me to fire up my laptop and sniff around for an unencrypted wireless network in the neighborhood. Then I go to Google image search for something like "trees" on their dial-up system and wait. When the page has loaded, I do the same on my laptop. That dramatically demonstrates the difference, but still doesn't demonstrate why they should spend money for it. That's okay. They get the idea and eventually as they progress, broadband will entice them.
The downside of this demonstration came when one client looked at my laptop in awe and asked where he could buy a scanner like mine. That's not the point!
------------------------------
Yesterday I addressed some issues of ageism. Today’s topic is the tradeoff between volunteering and charging to help seniors (and any others) become more computer-literate.
First off, I strongly encourage anyone with skills and time to volunteer and help spread computer literacy. Do it through civic centers, social clubs, or church groups. The rewards go beyond money. However, there is a big difference between what you can do as a volunteer and in a hour with the client paying. Volunteering takes many forms, but space is limited, so please don’t think me dull for overlooking your favorite. A common way is to offer introductory classes at a senior center or retirement community. These can be good, but unsatisfactory, unless enough computers are available for all participants to practice during the session. You didn’t learn how to log onto Lockergnome and read this article by listening to a lecture. They won’t, either. Your students need to do it themselves with your guidance. They need the positive reinforcement of punching a key and getting a reward. Listening to you describe computer usage doesn’t cut it.
A challenge in running a class is quickly ascertaining the existing skills and knowledge of the students. Any such class is bound to have a range of backgrounds. The wise teacher quickly identifies students who can, in effect, become classroom helpers and those who are going to need extra hand-holding.
Volunteering to tutor on a one-to-one basis has other challenges. First, it is a less efficient use of volunteer time since only one person benefits. Then you have the problem of a facility. Do you use your own computer or go the client's house? A good alternative is a computer center if one is available to the client. Often, retirement communities and other senior centers have such dedicated rooms, often with broadband connections.
What about charging for services? Teaching is a noble endeavor, and one need never feel bad about charging to provide a service someone wants. I emphasize this because some people express the feeling that sharing what they know, and what to them is simple and basic, should be given gratis. I reply that singing comes easily and is fun for the Rolling Stones (after how many years? Remember, this is about seniors); do they still charge?
While one could organize formal classes and charge for attendance (I would like to hear from anyone who has done that), I find providing individual tutoring often in conjunction with fixing some hardware or software problem is my preferred way. Cleaning out spies can be combined with a quick lesson on how to download and install software and how to protect against pests. Helping set up personal stationery can be combined with a lesson on the various formats and why you can have an animated gif in HTML, but not in plain text.
Anyone who wants to get into this game has to find a personal equilibrium point trading off volunteering and charging. The right point depends on your clientele, your skills and needs, and resources available. For me, both are important.
Taken from Lockergnome. I will add the later items as they become available
Lockergnome has featured some fine articles on how to get a job, but for those of you older than about 50, be aware that ageism is alive and well - particularly in the high-tech environment, where it is generally assumed geeks stop learning at about age 24 and become hopelessly obsolete shortly thereafter. The only answer I have found is to create a position, since precious few jobs will be given to older people. That is just the fact, not a call to social revolution.
Sometimes we get lucky and stumble on an interesting niche. The best jobs are ones where you can make money and do something worthwhile at the same time. I help seniors become computer-literate.
Many seniors entered the computer/Internet/e-mail age because their children and grandchildren communicate via e-mail. That, plus the general social pressure forces them to go to Costco or a similar store and buy an entry-level HP or equivalent and then sign up for free AOL on a dial-up connection (with one line to the house). Many have never used a word processor, and none have a good mental model of exactly what the Internet is or where e-mail comes from (in reality, this probably applies to most users regardless of age).
Then they get in trouble. One client said her machine was slower than when she bought it. A quick run of Spybot S&D followed by Ad-aware routed over 600 pests. Then I looked at her inbox and found several hundred letters. We discussed filing and special folders, none of which had occurred to her.
Another client had opened an attachment and wondered why her IE worked differently now.
Several clients had infections, which I surreptitiously traced back to visiting questionable sites - hey, I don't make value judgments. Even seniors like to be titillated. My job is to help protect them.
In future articles, I will explore methods that have worked to help people become comfortable to the extent that I have clients who now do day trading over the Internet, book reservations, bank, and all the things that Gnomies take for granted.
PART TWO
Almost immediately one faces certain moral dilemmas when helping seniors become computer-literate. The first is which operating system to use, and the second is which office software to use. In fact, there is no real choice. Windows is ubiquitous, and even though I personally dislike Word, I gently urge them to practice using it. The reason is simple: Everyone else they know uses Windows and Word.
The situation becomes a bit stickier when getting them on the Internet and a mail client. IE is okay if they are otherwise protected (We all use Firefox, right?), and has the tremendous advantage of universality. Similar comments go for Outlook Express. However, by the time I get to them, most are hooked on AOL and do not want to give up their address. That simplifies my options. I have reluctantly learned how to navigate through AOL stuff.
Since many seniors are on fixed incomes, they are reluctant to sign up for broadband service or even put in a dedicated line for their modem. This doesn't necessarily mean they can't afford the better service, it just means they are oriented toward not spending money until they perceive a distinct reason for doing it. One demonstration that has mixed benefits is for me to fire up my laptop and sniff around for an unencrypted wireless network in the neighborhood. Then I go to Google image search for something like "trees" on their dial-up system and wait. When the page has loaded, I do the same on my laptop. That dramatically demonstrates the difference, but still doesn't demonstrate why they should spend money for it. That's okay. They get the idea and eventually as they progress, broadband will entice them.
The downside of this demonstration came when one client looked at my laptop in awe and asked where he could buy a scanner like mine. That's not the point!
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Yesterday I addressed some issues of ageism. Today’s topic is the tradeoff between volunteering and charging to help seniors (and any others) become more computer-literate.
First off, I strongly encourage anyone with skills and time to volunteer and help spread computer literacy. Do it through civic centers, social clubs, or church groups. The rewards go beyond money. However, there is a big difference between what you can do as a volunteer and in a hour with the client paying. Volunteering takes many forms, but space is limited, so please don’t think me dull for overlooking your favorite. A common way is to offer introductory classes at a senior center or retirement community. These can be good, but unsatisfactory, unless enough computers are available for all participants to practice during the session. You didn’t learn how to log onto Lockergnome and read this article by listening to a lecture. They won’t, either. Your students need to do it themselves with your guidance. They need the positive reinforcement of punching a key and getting a reward. Listening to you describe computer usage doesn’t cut it.
A challenge in running a class is quickly ascertaining the existing skills and knowledge of the students. Any such class is bound to have a range of backgrounds. The wise teacher quickly identifies students who can, in effect, become classroom helpers and those who are going to need extra hand-holding.
Volunteering to tutor on a one-to-one basis has other challenges. First, it is a less efficient use of volunteer time since only one person benefits. Then you have the problem of a facility. Do you use your own computer or go the client's house? A good alternative is a computer center if one is available to the client. Often, retirement communities and other senior centers have such dedicated rooms, often with broadband connections.
What about charging for services? Teaching is a noble endeavor, and one need never feel bad about charging to provide a service someone wants. I emphasize this because some people express the feeling that sharing what they know, and what to them is simple and basic, should be given gratis. I reply that singing comes easily and is fun for the Rolling Stones (after how many years? Remember, this is about seniors); do they still charge?
While one could organize formal classes and charge for attendance (I would like to hear from anyone who has done that), I find providing individual tutoring often in conjunction with fixing some hardware or software problem is my preferred way. Cleaning out spies can be combined with a quick lesson on how to download and install software and how to protect against pests. Helping set up personal stationery can be combined with a lesson on the various formats and why you can have an animated gif in HTML, but not in plain text.
Anyone who wants to get into this game has to find a personal equilibrium point trading off volunteering and charging. The right point depends on your clientele, your skills and needs, and resources available. For me, both are important.
Monday, November 01, 2004
The community is spreading the word about Firefox. Millions of people are already using Firefox and helping us chip away at Internet Explorer's marketshare. More than 80,000 websites already link to the Firefox page, with an additional 200,000 linking to mozilla.org. The buzz about Firefox was too hot for the blogosphere and has consumed the mainstream press: this month alone, Firefox has been declared officially "Wired" (IE? "Expired"), USA Today is recommending that its readers use Firefox, and Walt Mossberg, perhaps the most influential tech writer in the US, is telling Wall Street Journal readers that, if you're worried about security, Firefox is a good way to go.
PLEASE NOTE--I have been using this browser now for many months and it does everything AND more that you will ever need in your browser.ITS FANTASTIC
Tony
Friday, October 29, 2004
Thursday, September 16, 2004
Ignorance about Nuclear Power is Killing Us
Nuclear power is by far the safest, cleanest, and most economical form of large scale energy production available today, yet it has been foolishly rejected in the United States due to abysmal ignorance. Dr. Bernard L. Cohen has devoted a good portion of his illustrious career to fighting this ignorance. With his permission, I have reproduced a few of his articles below. Check back for more in the future.
Nuclear power is by far the safest, cleanest, and most economical form of large scale energy production available today, yet it has been foolishly rejected in the United States due to abysmal ignorance. Dr. Bernard L. Cohen has devoted a good portion of his illustrious career to fighting this ignorance. With his permission, I have reproduced a few of his articles below. Check back for more in the future.
Tuesday, September 07, 2004
Saturday, September 04, 2004
ApeChild.com Gallery - Audio/Video ClipsHere are some great video clips we've received over time. You've probably seen a lot of these before, but if you have any clips you'd like to submit to us, feel free to send them in! Some of the video clips here have been generously provided by Eatmail.
Friday, June 04, 2004
Saturday, April 24, 2004
Monday, March 01, 2004
CBC News Indepth: Space
Sometimes breakthrough science can happen during a simple coffee break, at least it can at the U.S. Los Alamos National Laboratory in New Mexico where it's possible to eavesdrop on some big brains hatching a bold scheme that will transform the planet.
Sometimes breakthrough science can happen during a simple coffee break, at least it can at the U.S. Los Alamos National Laboratory in New Mexico where it's possible to eavesdrop on some big brains hatching a bold scheme that will transform the planet.
Saturday, February 28, 2004
Einstein�s gravediggers Caspar Henderson - openDemocracy
Is it really true? The Pentagon, no less, is saying that climate change could be a really big deal: blood, sweat and tears on the grand scale, wholesale collapse of giant countries, the war of each against each, and all within twenty years (see box on the Pentagon report’s key findings).
Details of an unclassified report, completed late last year, made it into the media in January 2004 by way of an article for Fortune by David Stipp. They story appeared again in a piece in the (UK) Observer a month later.
Is it really true? The Pentagon, no less, is saying that climate change could be a really big deal: blood, sweat and tears on the grand scale, wholesale collapse of giant countries, the war of each against each, and all within twenty years (see box on the Pentagon report’s key findings).
Details of an unclassified report, completed late last year, made it into the media in January 2004 by way of an article for Fortune by David Stipp. They story appeared again in a piece in the (UK) Observer a month later.
Monday, February 23, 2004
Yahoo! News - Leaked Pentagon report warns climate change may bring famine, war: report: "LONDON (AFP) - A secret report prepared by the Pentagon (news - web sites) warns that climate change may lead to global catastrophe costing millions of lives and is a far greater threat than terrorism.
Pentagon Photo
The report was ordered by an influential US Pentagon advisor but was covered up by 'US defense chiefs' for four months, until it was 'obtained' by the British weekly The Observer. "
Pentagon Photo
The report was ordered by an influential US Pentagon advisor but was covered up by 'US defense chiefs' for four months, until it was 'obtained' by the British weekly The Observer. "
Guardian Unlimited | Special reports | Now the Pentagon tells Bush: climate change will destroy us
Climate change over the next 20 years could result in a global catastrophe costing millions of lives in wars and natural disasters..
A secret report, suppressed by US defence chiefs and obtained by The Observer, warns that major European cities will be sunk beneath rising seas as Britain is plunged into a 'Siberian' climate by 2020. Nuclear conflict, mega-droughts, famine and widespread rioting will erupt across the world.
Climate change over the next 20 years could result in a global catastrophe costing millions of lives in wars and natural disasters..
A secret report, suppressed by US defence chiefs and obtained by The Observer, warns that major European cities will be sunk beneath rising seas as Britain is plunged into a 'Siberian' climate by 2020. Nuclear conflict, mega-droughts, famine and widespread rioting will erupt across the world.
The Observer | International | Key findings of the Pentagon
Future wars will be fought over the issue of survival rather than religion, ideology or national honour.
· By 2007 violent storms smash coastal barriers rendering large parts of the Netherlands inhabitable. Cities like The Hague are abandoned. In California the delta island levees in the Sacramento river area are breached, disrupting the aqueduct system transporting water from north to south.
Future wars will be fought over the issue of survival rather than religion, ideology or national honour.
· By 2007 violent storms smash coastal barriers rendering large parts of the Netherlands inhabitable. Cities like The Hague are abandoned. In California the delta island levees in the Sacramento river area are breached, disrupting the aqueduct system transporting water from north to south.
Friday, February 13, 2004
vnunet.com The best free software on the web
Kitting out your PC with software can be an expensive business, especially if you've built your own system and are starting from scratch.
Often the total cost of the software you will need to get a PC up and running will outweigh the actual cost of building the system itself.
Maybe you already have a wealth of software on your PC but want to try your hand at something new, such as image or audio editing, or maybe you just feel that there are better applications out there and want to explore the alternatives.
Kitting out your PC with software can be an expensive business, especially if you've built your own system and are starting from scratch.
Often the total cost of the software you will need to get a PC up and running will outweigh the actual cost of building the system itself.
Maybe you already have a wealth of software on your PC but want to try your hand at something new, such as image or audio editing, or maybe you just feel that there are better applications out there and want to explore the alternatives.
Thursday, February 12, 2004
Adult acquired flatfoot and tibialis posterior tendonopathy
In 1969 Kettlekamp and Alexander drew attention to the association between failure of the tibialis posterior tendon and progressive flatfoot deformity in adults. Three of Kettlekamp and Alexander’s patients had lacerations to the posterior tibial tendon and trauma was a common feature of many of the early patient reports. Several series over the next 12 years reported numerous further cases and in 1989 Johnson and Strom classified the condition of "tibialis posterior tendon dysfunction" and proposed a system of treatment. Tibialis posterior tendon dysfunction came to be seen as " the commonest cause of the adult acquired flatfoot". Physical signs, as discussed later, were viewed as evidence of tibialis posterior insufficiency. Johnson and Strom discussed staging as though there were an established progression from tenosynovitis without foot deformity, through partial to complete rupture of the tendon with increasing but flexible deformity to fixed deformity without tendon function. Johnson and Strom’s treatment recommendations for most patients concentrated on replacing the function of the absent tendon.
In 1969 Kettlekamp and Alexander drew attention to the association between failure of the tibialis posterior tendon and progressive flatfoot deformity in adults. Three of Kettlekamp and Alexander’s patients had lacerations to the posterior tibial tendon and trauma was a common feature of many of the early patient reports. Several series over the next 12 years reported numerous further cases and in 1989 Johnson and Strom classified the condition of "tibialis posterior tendon dysfunction" and proposed a system of treatment. Tibialis posterior tendon dysfunction came to be seen as " the commonest cause of the adult acquired flatfoot". Physical signs, as discussed later, were viewed as evidence of tibialis posterior insufficiency. Johnson and Strom discussed staging as though there were an established progression from tenosynovitis without foot deformity, through partial to complete rupture of the tendon with increasing but flexible deformity to fixed deformity without tendon function. Johnson and Strom’s treatment recommendations for most patients concentrated on replacing the function of the absent tendon.
Wednesday, February 11, 2004
Stewardess ID'd Hijackers Early, Transcripts Show: "Stewardess ID'd Hijackers Early, Transcripts Show"
Hearing the taped voice of a courageous flight attendant as she calmly narrated the doomed course of American Airlines Flight 11 brought it all back. The frozen horror of that September morning two and a half years ago. The unanswered questions. Betty Ong narrated that first hijacking right up to the moment that Mohamed Atta drove the Boeing 767 into the north tower of the World Trade Center.
Twenty-three minutes
Hearing the taped voice of a courageous flight attendant as she calmly narrated the doomed course of American Airlines Flight 11 brought it all back. The frozen horror of that September morning two and a half years ago. The unanswered questions. Betty Ong narrated that first hijacking right up to the moment that Mohamed Atta drove the Boeing 767 into the north tower of the World Trade Center.
Twenty-three minutes
Monday, February 09, 2004
PCWorld.com - Best of the Web 2004 Favorites
The Best of the Web 2004 Favorites file contains Favorites files that link to all the sites we referenced in our February, 2004 feature article, Web Stars. Simply unzip the file to the location on the hard drive where Internet Explorer stores its Favorites files; This location varies depending on which version of Windows you
The Best of the Web 2004 Favorites file contains Favorites files that link to all the sites we referenced in our February, 2004 feature article, Web Stars. Simply unzip the file to the location on the hard drive where Internet Explorer stores its Favorites files; This location varies depending on which version of Windows you
Friday, February 06, 2004
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